Barely Becoming a Titled Douluo, and the Counterattack System Arrives

"Reporting to the Supreme Pontiff—we've discovered Lin Fan's whereabouts."

Ghost Douluo, clad entirely in black, strode into the Hall of the Supreme Pontiff and respectfully reported to Bibi Dong.

Bibi Dong, gripping her scepter, stood up at once, her tone tinged with excitement. "Where is he?"

"At Moon Pavilion," Ghost Douluo replied.

"Your Grace," Chrysanthemum Douluo, standing nearby with an even more graceful posture than Bibi Dong herself, explained, "Moon Pavilion is the Imperial Etiquette Academy of Heaven Dou Empire, founded by Tang Yuehua—the younger sister of the current Clear Sky Sect master."

"Moon Pavilion? That's just a place where nobles learn about so-called etiquette and manners. Why would Lin Fan be there?" Bibi Dong's impression of Lin Fan remained from twenty years ago.

"It seems he's been learning etiquette and music there. Also… his relationship with Tang Yuehua appears somewhat ambiguous," Ghost Douluo answered.

"He sure has plenty of free time on his hands. Hmph! Bring him back," Bibi Dong ordered coldly.

"Your Grace, it appears that Young Mistress has also become aware of Lin Fan's identity and has been intentionally approaching him recently," Ghost Douluo cautiously added, mentioning Qian Renxue.

"They've already made contact?" Bibi Dong's brows furrowed.

"Please rest assured, Your Grace," Chrysanthemum Douluo analyzed calmly. "If Lin Fan had truly seen through the Young Mistress's identity and revealed anything to Emperor Xue Ye, her mission would've already failed by now."

"No need for assumptions—he knows," Bibi Dong said coldly. "I will personally make the trip. I must bring him back. He cannot be allowed to interfere with our plans."

"Yes, Your Grace."

Knowing that Qian Renxue had interacted with Lin Fan for some time, Bibi Dong immediately changed her mind and decided to personally lead Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluo to Heaven Dou City.

The next morning, as usual, Qian Renxue arrived at Moon Pavilion—but was surprised to see Lin Fan waiting outside.

"Lin Fan, standing outside so early—are you waiting for someone? No class today?"

From addressing him as "Mister Lin" half a year ago, she now casually calls him by name.

Lin Fan, admiring the plum blossoms by the roadside, turned around upon hearing her voice.

"Of course I'm waiting for you, Your Highness the Crown Prince," Lin Fan smiled.

Qian Renxue was taken aback. This was the first time Lin Fan had proactively sought her out.

"What an honor. If there's anything I can help with, just say the word," Qian Renxue quickly offered, sensing Lin Fan might need her assistance.

"I passed Lady Yuehua's final assessment last night and have graduated. I no longer have any reason to stay at Moon Pavilion, so I'm planning to find a house nearby to settle down."

"Though I've been in Heaven Dou City for six months, I've barely explored it since I've been at Moon Pavilion the whole time."

"And Lady Yuehua is busy with classes and preparing for the upcoming graduation ceremony—she has no time to accompany me."

Lin Fan calmly explained his situation.

"Impressive—you completed what others take over a year to finish in just half a year. So, you want me to help you find a house? If you don't mind, my estate is quite large. You're welcome to stay there," Qian Renxue offered with a smile.

"There's no need for that. I prefer living alone. It's more convenient for me," Lin Fan declined politely.

"In that case, since it's your wish, I'll help you find a suitable house nearby as soon as possible," Qian Renxue agreed without pressing further.

"If possible, I'd like to look around personally. Your Highness only needs to assign me a guard familiar with the city to show me around. I don't have many requirements—just a quiet little courtyard in the East District."

The Sunset Forest was east of Heaven Dou City, and Lin Fan wanted to be near it for easier access to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in the future.

Moreover, most soul master academies were located near the East District.

"The East District? A small courtyard? There is such a place. It's a beautiful area, near Heaven Dou Imperial Academy and several advanced soul master academies. Most residents there are teachers or family members of students."

"It's not far—I'll take you there myself," Qian Renxue offered.

"Won't that be troublesome?" Lin Fan asked with a faint smile.

"Not at all."

Qian Renxue briefly informed Tang Yuehua inside Moon Pavilion before heading out again with Lin Fan to find his new home.

For the past six months, Qian Renxue had constantly tried to probe Lin Fan's identity and abilities, but Lin Fan had been fully focused on his mission, rarely engaging with her.

As they strolled through the streets, Qian Renxue casually asked, "Lin Fan, now that you've graduated from Moon Pavilion, what are your plans?"

"How about coming to work for me? I'll personally request my father to grant you the noble title of Earl. With your talents, my father would be overjoyed."

Lin Fan suddenly stopped in his tracks, gazing at Qian Renxue's back.

Qian Renxue turned around, puzzled.

Lin Fan resumed walking, calmly saying, "Your Highness, do you hope I'll accept this title?"

Qian Renxue immediately responded, "Of course! I'd be honored to have you."

Lin Fan shook his head with a helpless chuckle. "Alright, Young Mistress, there's no need to pretend anymore—there's no one else here."

"If I wanted to enter the political world, forget about an Earl—even the title of Duke would be well within reach."

Qian Renxue wasn't surprised in the slightest. "So you did know all along."

Lin Fan smiled faintly. "You've been testing me this entire time, haven't you? Publicly, you acted as the Crown Prince, drawing me into the imperial court—but in reality, you were recruiting me for your purposes."

Qian Renxue also smiled softly. "As expected of the Seer. Since you're being honest, I'll be honest too—will you assist me?"

Lin Fan halted once more, locking eyes with Qian Renxue as a faint blue-green glow flickered in his pupils.

"I've always been curious… what does the real Qian Renxue look like?"

Having recently obtained the wisdom-type head soul bone, Lin Fan wanted to see whether its Pierce Illusions ability could break through Qian Renxue's disguise, which was derived from her angelic spirit bone skill.

"Pierce Illusions!"

Silently, Lin Fan activated his soul bone skill.

Fortunately for him, Qian Renxue's power wasn't enough to sense the faint fluctuation of spirit power from Lin Fan's activation.

If Snake Spear or Porcupine Fish Douluo were nearby, they likely would have sensed it.

As Lin Fan's ability took effect, he first saw Qian Renxue wrapped in a sphere of golden light.

Gradually, the golden radiance faded away.

Then appeared long, flowing golden hair, adorned with a white feathered headpiece on her left side.

Soon, her true face was fully revealed—

Smooth, fair skin; an elegant, high nose bridge; delicate, slightly sharp phoenix eyes; and a stunning beauty with a touch of majestic sharpness—her face seemed like it had been meticulously carved by the gods themselves.

She wore a golden, form-fitting palace gown that perfectly accentuated her graceful, curvaceous figure, revealing her long legs encased in high, golden boots.

From head to toe, she radiated a divine, commanding aura—like a goddess descending upon the world.

Lin Fan stared in amazement. He hadn't expected Qian Renxue's true appearance to be even more breathtaking than he had imagined. Standing nearly 1.8 meters tall, her legs were incredibly long and slender.

Noticing Lin Fan stop again and stare fixedly at her, Qian Renxue suddenly felt as if she had been completely seen through.

Then Lin Fan remarked calmly, "You're calling this 'honesty' while speaking to me with someone else's face?"

Qian Renxue's heart skipped a beat, but she composed herself and replied, "Appearance isn't what matters here—what matters is that I genuinely wish for your assistance."