"It's nothing, nothing at all. You must have misheard."
Zhao Ling quickly shook his head like a rattle drum, then cautiously asked, "Teacher, why did you summon me today?"
Qian Xunji's expression turned serious immediately upon hearing the question.
"It's like this. The Grand Worshipper and I have agreed that in one week, we'll hold an engagement ceremony for you and Dong'er. I'll have Chrysanthemum Douluo prepare everything.
Also, I intend to make your existence public tomorrow and grant you the title of Demon-Suppressing Douluo as well as the honorary elder status in Spirit Hall."
As he spoke, Qian Xunji pulled out a Pope's Token from his chest and tossed it to Zhao Ling, who caught it steadily with one hand.
"Zhao Ling, this is the highest-level Pope's Token of Spirit Hall. You should know what it represents."
Zhao Ling glanced at the intricately patterned token in his hand. Recalling its uses from the original story, he didn't refuse and directly stored it in his spatial storage.
This Pope's Token wasn't something just anyone could possess. In the original work, there were only six of them. Only three had ever been given out, and those were to the leaders of the three Upper Clans.
Later, the token held by the Clear Sky Clan ended up with Tang Hao, who passed it on to Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang then used it to resolve several thorny issues that troubled Shrek Academy.
Now that this old guy Qian Xunji was actually giving him one, Zhao Ling wasn't foolish enough to refuse. A fool would turn down a free advantage.
"Teacher, I'll gladly accept this Pope's Token. Thank you."
He smiled warmly, going along with the flow.
As for being granted the title of Demon-Suppressing Douluo and the honorary elder position in Spirit Hall, Zhao Ling didn't reject those either.
Once his title was officially recognized, his Spirit Master log level would definitely be updated, and his monthly stipend would increase.
The honorary elder title was also quite useful. Since it didn't require him to actually work for Spirit Hall, he could just carry the title around—it wouldn't hinder him from going out whenever he pleased.
"Well then, that's all for now. You may leave," Qian Xunji waved his hand, signaling Zhao Ling to go.
Zhao Ling nodded and walked out of the Pope's Palace. Watching him leave, Qian Xunji furrowed his brows.
"Huh? Earlier, he muttered something about me eventually becoming his father-in-law. What did that mean? I don't even have a daughter, and I've never considered adopting Dong'er as one. Has he lost his mind?"
Meanwhile, outside, Zhao Ling called up his personal attribute panel and examined it:
[Name: Zhao Ling]Age: 31Appearance: 89 (Max: 100)Charm: ??? (Title: Lady Killer Lv.1)Strength: Level 93 Titled Douluo (Power Attack Type)Physique: Beginner Wild Barbarian War Body
Cultivation Technique: Canglan Sword ArtMovement Technique: Thousand Shadow StepsMartial Spirits: Nether Demon-Suppressing Tower, Reaper's Scythe
Spirit Ring Configuration (First Martial Spirit):Purple, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red, Red
Spirit Ring Configuration (Second Martial Spirit):Black, Black, Black
Soul Bones:
Left Arm: Iron Arm Demon Ape
Right Arm: Thousand Ton Ant King
Torso: Armored Rhino
Right Leg: Mighty Gorilla
Left Leg: Thousand Ton Ant King
Head: Phantom Nightmare
External Spirit Bone: Amethyst Behemoth
Spirit Abilities (First Martial Spirit):
Tower Wall
Reinforced Defense
Strength to Subdue Armies
Beast in Cage
Tower to Suppress Mountains and Rivers
Xingtian Subdues Demons
True Form of Demon-Suppressing Tower
Tower's Protection
Nether God Suppression
Spirit Abilities (Second Martial Spirit):
Death's Shadow
Death's Soul Slash
Infernal Demon Flame
After reviewing his attributes, Zhao Ling turned to look at the explanation for the "Lady Killer Lv.1" title.
[Lady Killer Lv.1 (Passive)]Triggered when charm value reaches 200%.
Gain +20% favorability upon first meeting a stranger woman.
Reduce negative impression by 20%.
Easier to gain affection over long-term interaction with women.
After reading this, Zhao Ling fell silent.
This system claimed to be serious and proper, but this reward didn't feel very "proper" at all.
With this passive alone, he'd get an extra 20% favorability just by meeting a woman for the first time, and be less likely to leave a bad impression. Plus, it made it easier to win them over over time.
Wasn't this just encouraging him to go flirt with women?
Still, Zhao Ling was very pleased with the reward. He even couldn't wait to test it out. With that thought, he hurried toward the side hall where Bibi Dong had arranged for Ah Yin to rest.
At that moment, Ah Yin was reviewing the latest updates in Zhao Ling's diary and was utterly speechless.
The Pope raised Sister Dong'er and even personally arranged the engagement with her husband. Wasn't that a good thing? What was so wrong about calling the Pope "Teacher"?
Why was her husband so unhappy about it? That was already odd enough, but now he was eyeing the Pope's future daughter, Qian Renxue?
Come on! No one even knows whose belly that girl is in yet, and he's already making plans? That's just… beastly.
Ah Yin silently rolled her eyes.
Just then, a knock came at the door. She immediately knew it was her husband returning, so she got up to open it.
As soon as the door opened and she saw Zhao Ling, for some reason, he suddenly seemed incredibly warm and charming. She felt an intense urge to throw herself into his arms, act cute, and then… do things with him.
Her cheeks flushed bright red. Her face felt like it was on fire.
She didn't understand why. It wasn't like this was the first or second time they'd been together—why was she suddenly acting shy?
As Zhao Ling came closer, her heart pounded faster, and her mind began to fill with inappropriate scenarios.
Am I going crazy? she thought. That had to be the only explanation.
No! I need to get away from him, or I'm going to act even weirder!
She thought that in her mind, but her body had other ideas—it threw itself into Zhao Ling's arms and even kissed him on tiptoe.
Her whole head buzzed. What's going on? Why can't I control my body?
Wait—why are my hands misbehaving too? What are you two doing on him?!
Seeing Ah Yin throw herself at him and her hands wandering all over, Zhao Ling grinned mischievously.
"Yin'er, since you've thrown yourself into my arms, don't blame your husband for being a little naughty."
He scooped her up bridal-style, kicked the door shut behind him, locked it, and carried her straight to the bed.
Ah Yin wanted to cry.
What's wrong with me?! Why can't I control my own body anymore?!