NOVEL NEXT Chapter 88: Chapter 88
Chapter 88: Personal Engagement for You
"What's wrong, Dong'er? Why are you looking at the teacher so strangely?"
Qianxunji couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Bibi Dong. Ever since her return from Soto City, she seemed unusually tense, her expressions veering between guarded and uneasy.
Bibi Dong forced a smile, doing her best to appear composed. "No, nothing's wrong, Teacher."
But no matter how hard she tried, the thought of what the diary had predicted her teacher might do to her made her expression involuntarily stiffen.
Qianxunji, though puzzled by her demeanor, didn't press the issue. Instead, he asked in a probing tone, "Dong'er, how much do you know about this man, Zhao Ling? Do you know which sect he belongs to?"
At the mention of Zhao Ling, Bibi Dong's mind conjured the image of his somewhat mischievous face, and a faint smile played on her lips.
"Brother Ling doesn't seem to belong to any sect. At least, he's never mentioned one. He's 31 years old now, and the reason he wasn't well-known before is that he spent years training in the mountains. Only after reaching the rank of Titled Douluo did he finally emerge."
"Wait." Qianxunji frowned, his disbelief evident. He stared at Bibi Dong as if trying to confirm he hadn't misheard. "Did you just say he's 31 years old? Are you certain?"
"Yes, 31," Bibi Dong replied confidently. "I asked him several times during our carriage ride back to Spirit City, and he always said 31. Why? Is there a problem, Teacher?"
Tilting her head, she feigned curiosity, though inwardly she was brimming with satisfaction. She knew she had just delivered a bombshell.
Reaching the rank of Titled Douluo by 50 was already considered extraordinary. The fact that Zhao Ling achieved it at 31 would undoubtedly leave her teacher stunned.
Bibi Dong had learned this information from Zhao Ling's diary but couldn't disclose its source directly. To make it believable, she had tactfully questioned Zhao Ling during their journey. She had asked about his age and the milestones of his cultivation journey—how old he was when he reached the ranks of Soul Master, Soul Venerable, and so on.
Zhao Ling, having no reason to hide the details from his future wives, answered openly, even boasting about how he'd started cultivating at 16 and reached Titled Douluo in just 15 years. It was a feat he took great pride in.
Bibi Dong's revelation left Ju Douluo utterly stunned. He had assumed Zhao Ling was in his fifties at the very least. Learning that Zhao Ling was only 31 was almost beyond comprehension.
"Such talent…" Ju Douluo murmured, his disbelief giving way to awe. "This isn't just rare—it's unprecedented."
Ghost Douluo, though hidden in the shadows, also seemed taken aback. His silence carried an air of deep contemplation.
Qianxunji, on the other hand, was visibly excited. His initial shock quickly transformed into enthusiasm.
"A 31-year-old Titled Douluo? This Zhao Ling's talent is terrifying! I dare say he surpasses even my father. If we can bring him into the Spirit Hall, our future would be boundless!"
Bibi Dong felt a wave of relief wash over her. Her teacher's undisguised admiration for Zhao Ling gave her some peace of mind.
However, she wasn't done yet. A sly smile formed on her lips as she added, "Teacher, if you think becoming a Titled Douluo at 31 is impressive, what if I told you that Brother Ling only awakened his martial soul at 16?
In other words, it took him just 15 years to reach the rank of Titled Douluo from nothing. If he had awakened his martial soul at 6, as most do, imagine how young he would've been when he reached this level."
Her words landed like a thunderclap. Qianxunji, Ju Douluo, and Ghost Douluo felt as though their minds had been struck by lightning.
"Fifteen years…" Qianxunji muttered, his voice trembling. "From a beginner to Titled Douluo in just fifteen years? This… this is monstrous talent!"
Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo exchanged uneasy glances. If Zhao Ling's martial soul had awakened earlier, he could have reached the Titled Douluo rank at just 21. It was an achievement so incredible it bordered on the impossible.
Qianxunji's excitement grew. He shared a determined look with Ju Douluo and Ghost Douluo. There was no question—Zhao Ling must be won over. Whether as an ally or a member of the Spirit Hall, his power was too great to ignore.
As for the idea of eliminating him if they couldn't recruit him, that thought was quickly dismissed. A man capable of reaching Titled Douluo in such a short time could one day rival even gods.
Offending such a person would be courting disaster. If they failed to kill him, the revenge he could unleash would be unimaginable.
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Qianxunji turned his gaze back to Bibi Dong.
"Dong'er," he said, his tone warm and approving, "you've done well. Tomorrow, you will personally bring Zhao Ling to the Pope's Palace.
If he is as extraordinary as you've described, I will personally select an auspicious date for your engagement. As for the wedding, I'll leave the timing to you and Zhao Ling. I won't rush you into marriage."
"Engagement?" Bibi Dong's mind reeled. Her expression shifted to shock.
How had the conversation turned to engagement?
The diary had painted a very different picture. When she'd fallen in love with Yu Xiaogang, her teacher had done everything to stop her—even going so far as to lock her in a secret chamber and ruin her innocence.
Yet here he was, not only approving of her relationship with Zhao Ling but actively supporting it. He was even willing to arrange their engagement himself!
Why? How could the same teacher treat two men so differently?
The disparity left Bibi Dong utterly baffled.
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(End of chapter)