LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Chapter 26: Secret Competition
Bibi Dong was furious. Zhao Ling clearly favored her, so why was this woman named Ah Yin vying for his attention?
Unacceptable!
She was about to march over and confront Ah Yin for Zhao Ling when Ju Douluo intervened.
"Miss, where are you going? You're about to go on stage. Don't act rashly."
Bibi Dong froze mid-step. Her anger simmered down as she realized her impulsiveness. Thankfully, she hadn't caused a scene in front of the Spirit Hall elites. If Elder Ju and the others saw her openly competing for Zhao Ling, the news would undoubtedly reach her beastly teacher.
That man would surely misunderstand her intentions, and it could accelerate the events described in the diary—a scenario she wanted to avoid at all costs.
Patience, she told herself. She had to endure this indignity. Unlike Ah Yin, she was the Pope's sole disciple, the future saint, and heir to the Spirit Hall. She couldn't act impulsively until she gained absolute power.
However, when Ah Yin turned her head and flashed a provocative smile, Bibi Dong nearly lost control.
'This woman! Is she trying to provoke me on purpose? How dare she?'
Bibi Dong gritted her teeth in frustration. 'Just wait. This isn't over. Zhao Ling will be mine—Bibi Dong's. Hmph!'
Suppressing her rage, Bibi Dong returned to her seat, sulking. Meanwhile, Ah Yin covered her mouth and giggled at her rival's reaction.
"Even if you're prettier than me, so what? I'm the one by Zhao Ling's side now. If you're so bold, come and take him from me. If not, stop glaring at me like that."
Zhao Ling noticed Ah Yin's good mood and asked curiously, "What's going on? Did something exciting happen? You seem really happy."
Forcing herself to stifle her laughter, Ah Yin replied with a sweet smile, "No, I just think meeting you has been the happiest moment of my life. Brother Ling, don't you feel the same way?"
Hearing her call him "Brother Ling" melted Zhao Ling's heart. Meeting Ah Yin early on was a dream come true—he could now claim this gentle, beautiful lady before Tang Hao had the chance.
"Of course. Meeting you is the greatest blessing of my life. It almost feels like a dream," Zhao Ling said, his eyes brimming with warmth as he gazed at her.
"Then…" Ah Yin tilted her head slightly, pointing to her smooth, fair brow. She blinked mischievously.
"Then you wouldn't mind kissing me, right?"
What?
Zhao Ling was stunned. 'Ah Yin wants me to kiss her?' He looked at her delicate features, her eyes sparkling with playfulness, and smiled. 'Mind? Are you kidding me?'
Without hesitation, he lowered his head and gently kissed her brow.
From a distance, Bibi Dong witnessed the tender moment. In a fit of rage, she overturned the table in front of her, sending tea cups and pots crashing to the floor.
Unforgivable! Zhao Ling had kissed Ah Yin but hadn't even spared a glance for her.
"Aren't I more beautiful and desirable than Ah Yin? Didn't he say he favored me more? And yet, he kisses that woman—in public! This is outrageous!"
The Spirit Hall elites turned to Bibi Dong in shock. Ju Douluo, in particular, was baffled.
"Miss, are you alright?"
When he followed her gaze toward Zhao Ling and Ah Yin, a thought crossed his mind. Could it be… that the young lady has fallen for that Zhao Ling fellow?
Ju Douluo quickly dismissed the notion. Impossible. The young lady is far too proud. While Zhao Ling is strong, his appearance is only above average at best. During her time at the Spirit Advanced Soul Master Academy, countless suitors more handsome than Zhao Ling failed to catch her eye.
Perhaps she's just upset after being single for so long and witnessing such blatant affection. That must be it.
Ju Douluo briefly considered suggesting that the Pope find a boyfriend for the young lady, but the idea was absurd. She was destined to become the Spirit Hall's saint and future Pope—there was no room for romance in her life.
---
When it was finally Bibi Dong's turn to compete, she stepped onto the stage radiating undisguised killing intent. Ju Douluo had a foreboding feeling. Her opponents are in for a nightmare today.
Zhao Ling, noticing Bibi Dong heading to the arena, suddenly grew interested. Finally, it's her turn.
Remembering the gambling booth at the Great Fighting Soul Arena, Zhao Ling grabbed Ah Yin's hand and hurried to place a bet. They managed to reach the booth just before it closed, betting their entire 300 gold soul coins on Bibi Dong.
"Bet it all on her," Zhao Ling declared confidently. "She's definitely going to win."
Perhaps due to Bibi Dong's inexperience or because she was a girl, the crowd overwhelmingly bet on her opponent. This created a staggering 8:1 odds ratio in favor of her opponent.
If Bibi Dong won, Zhao Ling stood to gain 2,400 gold soul coins. While it wasn't a fortune, it was a significant upgrade from his current situation.
As he pocketed the betting slip, Zhao Ling sighed. 'If only I had more money to bet.'
---
Back in the arena, Bibi Dong stood on the stage, her killing intent palpable. For her, this was no longer just a competition—it was an outlet for her simmering rage.
Watching from the stands, Zhao Ling grinned. 'Show them what you've got, Bibi Dong.'
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(End of this chapter)