An Uninvited Guest!

"I... I need to think about it!"

Xiao Wu still didn't agree in the end, but Lin Fan smiled.

In his previous life, he'd dated plenty of girls. He knew that when a girl didn't reject him outright, it meant she'd said yes.

Besides, Er Ming had already agreed. Getting Xiao Wu to come around would be easy.

"Um... are Er Ming and Da Ming... doing okay?"

Xiao Wu asked hesitantly, her eyes full of hope.

"Once you've made up your mind, I'll make sure you get to see Er Ming the next time we meet."

Lin Fan smiled, then turned and walked away, leaving Xiao Wu behind to wrestle with her decision.

Having won Xiao Wu over and subdued the Titan Giant Ape, Lin Fan was quite satisfied with what he'd gained. He returned to Suotuo City, went back to his shop, and lounged in his chair, waiting for customers to come buy Martial Souls and Soul Rings.

Though plans never kept pace with change, and having a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast as a henchman had greatly boosted Lin Fan's strength, he still preferred this leisurely life.

Before long, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling, and Gu Chen returned, with Qin Ming, Yu Tianheng, and the others following behind them.

Yu Tianheng had been grinning from ear to ear, but the moment he saw Lin Fan, his smile froze. Seeing Dugu Yan rush straight to Lin Fan as soon as she returned and playfully cling to him made Yu Tianheng's eyes turn red.

His fragile young heart was shattered just like that!

Fortunately, Yu Tianheng wasn't the sort to act without thinking. Otherwise, he would definitely have jumped in, only to be humiliated by Lin Fan.

"As long as you're all safe."

Qin Ming sighed. "I have no idea what happened in Star Dou Forest. A Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast suddenly appeared there and triggered a stampede. It even alarmed Spirit Hall and the two great empires."

"When I first heard the news, I was worried about your safety. Now that I can see you're all safe and sound, I'm relieved."

Qin Ming knew that Lin Fan was already the academy's director of studies, so of course he was worried about his safety.

"Hm? Are Spirit Hall and the two great empires joining forces to deal with that Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast?"

Lin Fan raised an eyebrow. He'd been thinking of capturing the Sky Azure Bull Python once he could make Super Balls next month. If Bibi Dong and the others learned about the Sky Azure Bull Python and snatched it from him, that would leave a bad taste in his mouth.

"Yeah."

Qin Ming nodded. "I heard from the instructors that they're all going in person to prevent an even greater disaster. I imagine a few powerful Titled Douluo will be going, too!"

"..."

Hearing that, Lin Fan felt reassured. As long as Bibi Dong and the others didn't go right away, the Sky Azure Bull Python was strong enough to face ordinary Titled Douluo without any trouble.

Still, it put some pressure on Lin Fan.

Should he find a way to use a special ball to capture another Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast? Then, with some backup, he could go to Star Dou Forest and negotiate with the Sky Azure Bull Python.

If the negotiations went well and it was willing, Lin Fan could subdue it even without a Super Ball!

"I have to make time to visit Sunset Forest! I hope my elder brother tells me about the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well without making me ask."

With the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, along with his ability to help Spirit Beasts advance, Lin Fan could strengthen the Titan Giant Ape until it reached the equivalent of a two-hundred-thousand-year or even three-hundred-thousand-year cultivation.

By then, with Sky Dream Ice Silkworm on his side, perhaps he could even go and scheme against the Ice Empress, bringing her into his fold as well.

After all, Sky Dream Ice Silkworm had been in love with the Ice Empress for ages. If Lin Fan tried to capture her, Sky Dream Ice Silkworm would surely fight with everything he had!

"Enough about that. Since you're all safe, we'll start special training tomorrow!"

Qin Ming said solemnly, "I want you to go to the Soul Fighting Arena in Suotuo City and rack up a winning streak!"

"Director Lin Fan, would you like to come and watch, too?"

"Huh?"

"Director?"

Several academy students froze at Qin Ming's words. Even Dugu Yan looked startled, then wore a resentful expression.

Outside the academy, you're my second grandpa. Inside the academy, you're the director. Doesn't that leave me with a rather low status?

"Sure. I don't mind watching."

Lin Fan didn't refuse. He knew this group would run into the Shrek Seven Devils. Then he could steal Xiao Wu away right in front of Tang San and see how he reacted.

Would Tang San be so furious that he challenged Lin Fan on the spot?

Besides, Star Dou Forest was off-limits for now, with everything in chaos. Lin Fan also needed to fight other Soul Masters and use the Soul Power he gained from battles to raise his level.

That way, whether he went to Sunset Forest or some other gathering place for Spirit Beasts, he'd be safer and better prepared to capture another Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast.

"Good. Get a good night's rest, then. I'll come get you tomorrow."

"Oh, right."

Qin Ming suddenly said, "Teacher Lin Fan, I'd like to introduce you to some friends. Would you be willing to meet them?"

At that, Lin Fan immediately understood. By "friends," Qin Ming meant the people from Shrek Academy.

Lin Fan's eyes shifted as he considered it. He didn't refuse. As the saying went, if you didn't return home in glory, it was like wearing fine clothes at night.

Put simply, if you had strength but didn't show off, then what was the point of having it?

Besides, Yu Xiaogang could get in touch with Bibi Dong. If Lin Fan wanted to get his hands on things from Spirit Hall later, Yu Xiaogang might make a useful stepping-stone.

And let's not forget, Bibi Dong really was a hopeless romantic!

She loved Yu Xiaogang until the day she died!

Lin Fan wasn't afraid of Bibi Dong, but he wouldn't turn down a chance to get something out of her by other means.

He'd always been a man who cared about the ending, not the journey!

"Since they're friends of Teacher Qin, I'd be happy to meet them."

Lin Fan smiled and agreed, making Qin Ming beam.

There was no denying that Qin Ming was a good man. He was talented, loyal, and honorable. Lin Fan even wanted to take him on as a subordinate.

With a subordinate like him, Lin Fan could trust him to handle things!

Maybe he should find a way to become the headmaster of Shrek Academy himself?

Then he could watch Tang San seethe while his elders and teachers followed Lin Fan's orders. That had its own special appeal!

He could even have Tang San help out while Lin Fan and Xiao Wu discussed life!

And with Lin Fan in charge, there would be no Shrek Seven Devils.

Instead, they'd be Lin Fan and his six sidekicks!

Meanwhile, at the entrance to the Lin Clan in Starry Sky City, an uninvited guest had arrived.

A pretty little girl, looking travel-worn, stared at the Lin Clan's plaque and burst into excited tears. "Lin Fan, I finally found your home!"

(PS: This is a transitional arc. The protagonist will grow up physically soon, then get into the main characters' business faster. Of course, the plot won't be the same as the original, since the timeline has changed!!!

Brothers, feel free to share any suggestions. You're also welcome to join the group and hang out!!!)