NOVEL NEXT Chapter 97: Chapter 97
**Chapter 97: Unable to Control Myself**
"Nothing, nothing. You must have misheard," Zhao Ling said quickly, shaking his head like a drum. Changing the topic, he asked tentatively, "Teacher, why did you call me here today?"
Hearing this, Qian Xunji's expression turned serious.
"It's like this," he began. "I've discussed matters with the chief priest. You and Dong'er will be engaged in a week, and I've already instructed Ju Douluo to make the preparations.
"Also, tomorrow, I intend to officially announce your presence. You will be granted the title of "Demon Suppresing Douluo" and the status of "Honorary Elder" of the Spirit Hall."
With that, Qian Xunji pulled out a "Pope's Order" from his robes and tossed it to Zhao Ling, who caught it gracefully with one hand.
"Zhao Ling, this is the highest-ranking "Pope's Order" in the Spirit Hall. I assume you know what it's used for?"
Zhao Ling examined the intricately patterned artifact in his hand and recalled its functions from the original story. Without hesitation, he slipped it into his storage space.
The "Pope's Order" was no ordinary item—only six existed, and just three had ever been issued outside. In the original story, one fell into the hands of Tang Hao, who later gave it to Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang, in turn, used it to solve countless problems for Shrek Academy.
Now that Qian Xunji was offering him one, Zhao Ling wasn't foolish enough to refuse such a valuable asset.
"Teacher, I'll humbly accept this "Pope's Order". Thank you," Zhao Ling said warmly, a small smile gracing his lips.
As for the titles of "Demon Suppressing Douluo" and "Honorary Elder", Zhao Ling had no objections. Recognition as a title Douluo would update his Soul Master Notebook ranking, likely boosting his monthly salary. Additionally, the honorary elder status came with significant perks and no real obligations. He could still roam freely without being tethered to the Spirit Hall.
"Very well," Qian Xunji said with a wave of his hand. "You're dismissed."
Zhao Ling nodded and left the Pope's Palace, his figure disappearing beyond the door. Watching him go, Qian Xunji furrowed his brows, a nagging thought in his mind.
"Just now… he muttered that I'd become his father-in-law sooner or later. What did he mean by that? I don't have a daughter, nor do I plan to recognize Dong'er as my goddaughter. Is he possessed by a demon?"
Outside, Zhao Ling called up his personal attribute panel, reviewing his stats with interest.
---
[Personal Attribute Panel
Name: Zhao Ling
Age: 31
Appearance: 89 (out of 100)
Charm: ??? (Title: Female Killer Lv.1)
Strength: Level 93 Titled Douluo (Strong Attack System)
Physique: Primary Wild Battle Body
Kung Fu: Canglan Sword Art
Movement Technique: Thousand Shadow Art
Martial Souls: Netherworld Demon Suppression Tower, Death God Scythe
Soul Ring Configuration (First Martial Soul): Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red, Red
Soul Ring Configuration (Second Martial Soul): Black, Black, Black
Soul Bones:
- Iron Arm Demon Ape (Left Arm Bone)
- Qianjun Ant Emperor (Right Arm Bone)
- Plate Rhinoceros (Torso Bone)
- Power Gorilla (Right Leg Bone)
- Thousand-Pound Ant King (Left Leg Bone)
- Phantom Nightmare (Skull)
- Purple Crystal Behemoth (External Soul Bone)
Soul Skills (First Martial Soul):
Iron Tower Copper Wall, Hardened Defense, Force to Suppress Thousands of Troops, Trapped Beast Fight, Pagoda to Suppress Mountains and Rivers, Xingtian to Subdue Demons, True Body of the Demon Suppression Tower, Pagoda to Protect True Body, Netherworld to Suppress Gods and Demons
Soul Skills (Second Martial Soul):
Darkness of the God of Death, Soul-Suppressing Slash of the God of Death, Hell Demon Flame
---
Zhao Ling's attention then shifted to the description of his new title, "Female Killer Lv.1".
*[Female Killer Lv.1 (Passive): Triggered when charm reaches 200%. Upon first meeting a woman, favorability increases by 20%, and negative impressions decrease by 20%. Prolonged interaction makes it easier to gain their favor.]
Zhao Ling was momentarily speechless. Wasn't this system supposed to be serious? Yet, the rewards felt anything but. This passive skill was blatantly encouraging him to charm women!
Still, Zhao Ling couldn't deny that the perk was convenient. Grinning mischievously, he decided to test its effects right away.
---
Back in the side hall, Ah Yin was perusing the latest updates in the diary. Her lips twitched as she read.
"The Pope raised Sister Dong'er, and now he's arranging for my husband to marry her. There's nothing strange about calling him 'Teacher,' right? So why does my husband seem so upset?"
She sighed, scrolling further.
"Wait... My husband's already thinking about hitting on the Pope's unborn daughter, Qian Renxue? Really? The girl isn't even out of the womb yet! My husband, you're such a beast…"
Ah Yin couldn't help but roll her eyes, silently chastising Zhao Ling's shamelessness. At that moment, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. She rose to open it, already guessing who it was.
Sure enough, Zhao Ling stood there, a kind and warm smile on his face. Ah Yin felt her cheeks flush inexplicably.
For reasons she couldn't explain, she suddenly wanted to throw herself into his arms, act coquettishly, and…
Her blush deepened. 'What's happening to me? We've done this before—why am I acting so shy now?'
As Zhao Ling stepped closer, Ah Yin's heart raced. Strange thoughts flooded her mind, none of them appropriate.
'I must be going mad. Why else would I think this way?' she thought, resolving to keep her distance. But her body betrayed her. Instead of stepping back, she instinctively threw herself into his arms, even standing on tiptoe to kiss him.
Her mind buzzed with confusion. 'Why can't I control myself? Why are my hands acting on their own?'
Zhao Ling smirked as Ah Yin clung to him, her soft hands wandering mischievously.
"Yin'er," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, "since you've thrown yourself at me, don't blame me for being unkind."
Before she could protest, Zhao Ling scooped her up, kicked the door shut with his foot, and carried her toward the bed.
Ah Yin's thoughts were a flurry of panic. 'What's happening? Why can't I control my body?'
Yet, even as she wrestled with her thoughts, her actions told another story entirely.
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(End of this chapter)