NOVEL NEXT Chapter 36: Chapter 36
**Chapter 36: Self-Proclaimed Demon Suppression Douluo**
The next day, as Zhao Ling predicted, the odds for Bibi Dong's first match plummeted to 1:4.6, compared to the 8:1 odds from the day before.
Despite the drop, Zhao Ling confidently placed all his money on Bibi Dong. The reason was simple: at the Iron Fighting Soul Badge level, she had no real opponents—not at this stage, at least.
Even if the Great Fighting Soul Arena tried to challenge her by arranging stronger competitors, as long as they didn't pit her against someone with a soul power exceeding level 60, Bibi Dong's chances of losing were slim.
Bibi Dong's undefeated streak from the previous day had inspired most of the audience to follow Zhao Ling's lead, betting on her in nine out of ten matches. The odds might have been low, but her strength was undeniable.
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In the first five matches, Bibi Dong dominated easily. Her opponents were typical Iron Badge fighters—over-reliant on levels but lacking true combat prowess. She crushed them effortlessly.
However, the next five matches were far more challenging. With each match, her opponents grew stronger, culminating in a final battle against a level 58 Soul King—five levels higher than her.
By this point, Bibi Dong had already fought ten grueling matches, depleting a significant portion of her soul power. Many spectators believed she would lose, leading to a shift in betting. Over half the audience placed their bets on her opponent, raising the odds for her victory to 3:1.14.
Unfazed, Zhao Ling once again placed all his winnings on Bibi Dong.
As the match began, tension filled the arena. Bibi Dong's opponent fought fiercely, exploiting his level advantage. But with calculated precision and unyielding resilience, Bibi Dong countered every move, slowly turning the tide.
Against all odds, she emerged victorious, maintaining her undefeated streak.
The crowd erupted in shock and disbelief. No one had expected her to defeat an opponent five levels higher, especially after exhausting so much soul power.
Bibi Dong's performance didn't just win the match; it earned her recognition from the higher-tier combatants of the Great Fighting Soul Arena.
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For Zhao Ling, the victory was doubly sweet. His initial 40,000 gold soul coins had now ballooned to 120,000. While the 1:4.6 odds for the earlier matches had limited his winnings, the last match's raised odds had made up for it.
The audience, particularly those who bet against Bibi Dong, were filled with regret and envy. Watching Zhao Ling pocket a fortune only made their losses sting more.
"How does he always win?" one onlooker muttered bitterly.
"Must be sheer luck," another grumbled.
Zhao Ling, basking in his success, turned to Bibi Dong and the Spirit Hall staff with a broad smile. "Tonight's dinner is on me! Let's celebrate. Leave all the expenses to Young Master Zhao!"
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Bibi Dong, now more familiar with Zhao Ling, didn't hesitate to accept his offer. She casually followed him out, deciding to take advantage of his generosity.
The Spirit Hall staff, however, were taken aback by her behavior.
The young lady actually agreed? They exchanged puzzled glances.
Ju Douluo, similarly confused, scratched his head. Normally, Bibi Dong wouldn't bother with such invitations, especially from someone she barely knew. Even her classmates at the Advanced Soul Master Academy couldn't get her to join them for dinner unless she felt like it.
"What's going on?" whispered one of the staff.
Ju Douluo sighed. "Let's just go. We can't leave the young lady alone."
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The dinner was lively, filled with toasts and laughter. Zhao Ling, Ah Yin, and the Spirit Hall members bonded over shared stories and drinks. By the end of the evening, the atmosphere had grown considerably more amicable.
Amid the celebrations, Ju Douluo, visibly tipsy, raised his glass and turned to Zhao Ling.
"Brother Zhao, hiccup… tell me something. What's your title, eh?"
The question caught Zhao Ling off guard. He hadn't given much thought to his title since becoming a Titled Douluo.
Typically, a soul master who reaches level 90 and acquires their ninth soul ring is eligible for a title. However, official recognition requires registration with the Spirit Hall. For those unaffiliated—or even hostile—to the Spirit Hall, self-proclaimed titles are the only option.
Zhao Ling, having no particular ties or grudges with the Spirit Hall, realized he needed to decide for himself.
After a moment of contemplation, he replied, "You can call me… Demon Suppression Douluo."
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The room fell silent.
Ju Douluo's eyes widened, his drunken haze momentarily clearing. "D-Demon Suppression Douluo?" he stammered.
The boldness of the title left everyone stunned. In legend, demons were entities rivaling gods in power. To claim the ability to suppress such beings was nothing short of audacious.
Ju Douluo didn't know whether to admire Zhao Ling's confidence or criticize his arrogance.
"Suppressing demons… Demons, you say? That's a tall order, Brother Zhao," Ju Douluo muttered, trying to mask his disbelief.
Zhao Ling, however, remained unfazed. The name perfectly suited his first martial spirit, the Nether Demon Suppression Tower, and carried an air of majesty and authority.
For a brief moment, he considered alternatives like Tota Douluo or Nether Douluo, but they felt out of place. Demon Suppression Douluo had a commanding presence that he couldn't resist.
"Well," Zhao Ling said with a faint smile, "whether you think it's arrogant or fitting, that's the title I've chosen."
Ju Douluo sighed, raising his glass in reluctant approval. "Alright, Demon Suppression Douluo it is. Let's drink that!"
As the toasts continued, the Spirit Hall staff exchanged whispers.
"This guy… he's either fearless or just plain crazy."
"Crazy or not, he's strong enough to back it up. Maybe he can live up to the name."
Despite their reservations, none could deny the confidence and ambition behind Zhao Ling's self-proclaimed title.
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(End of Chapter)