บท 55: Chapter 55

**Chapter 55: Second Brother, Have You Had Enough of the Trouble?**

Zhao Ling held Ah Yin in his arms, his gaze fixed on the ring with great interest as the upcoming match was about to begin.

With a slight smile, he asked in a playful tone, "Ah Yin, who do you think will win this match—the Spirit Hall team or the Dark Knight team?"

Ah Yin pondered for a moment before replying confidently, "In terms of level, the Dark Knight team has the advantage. But I think the Spirit Hall team will win."

She tilted her head and asked curiously, "What about you, Brother Ling?"

Zhao Ling nodded in agreement. "The Spirit Hall team is composed of the newest elites cultivated by the Spirit Hall. Their strength isn't to be underestimated.

"Especially Miss Dong'er. She's the youngest in the team, yet her combat power is unmatched. With her in the lead, the Spirit Hall team shouldn't lose easily."

Ah Yin raised an eyebrow, her tone turning playful. "Oh? You seem to have a lot of confidence in Sister Dong'er, Brother Ling.

"Could it be that you have… other thoughts about her? Are you perhaps greedy for her beauty? After all, Sister Dong'er is stunning. And every time she displays her heroic spirit in the ring, your eyes practically pop out of your head."

Ah Yin's teasing words caught Yue Guan's attention, his gaze shifting toward Zhao Ling with a hint of scrutiny.

"Ahem..." Zhao Ling coughed awkwardly, his face slightly flushed. 'What's going on? Was my expression that obvious? Did Ah Yin really notice?'

He quickly laughed it off and tried to explain. "Ah Yin, don't talk nonsense. I admire Miss Dong'er purely for her strength and talent.

"She's an exceptional fighter, and her abilities are among the best at her level. My admiration is completely pure, without any ulterior motives!"

Zhao Ling then glanced at Yue Guan, who was seated nearby, and offered a polite smile.

"Ju Douluo, the Spirit Hall has truly raised a gem. If I'm not mistaken, Miss Dong'er has the potential to become a Titled Douluo by her thirties. Quite remarkable!"

Hearing Zhao Ling's words, Yue Guan's feminine face lit up with pride.

"You flatter us, Demon Suppression Douluo. But it's true, our young lady is exceptionally talented. She has earned the Pope's favor and is already being groomed as the next Saint of the Spirit Hall.

"In the future, when she ascends to the rank of Titled Douluo, she may even become the first female Pope in the history of the Spirit Hall."

"Hiss…" Ah Yin gasped softly. Although she already knew from Zhao Ling's diary that Bibi Dong would become the Saint and eventually the Pope of the Spirit Hall, hearing it confirmed by a Spirit Hall elder still surprised her.

"Then I must congratulate Miss Dong'er in advance," Zhao Ling said with a sincere tone. "It seems I'm truly fortunate to have met Ju Douluo—and the future Pope of the Spirit Hall as well."

Zhao Ling's face was filled with admiration as he looked at Bibi Dong. Ah Yin, however, rolled her eyes repeatedly.

What a hypocrite! she thought. He already knows she'll become the Pope, yet he's acting all surprised.

"Demon Suppression Douluo is too modest," Yue Guan replied with a slight nod. "Miss Dong'er is indeed lucky to meet you. Judging by your appearance, you're not yet fifty years old, yet you've already reached the rank of Titled Douluo. Such talent is rare on the continent."

Zhao Ling simply smiled at the compliment, saying nothing.

Meanwhile, Ah Yin tugged at the corner of her mouth, suppressing a chuckle. 'Fifty? Brother Ling told me he's only 31. Why is Ju Douluo trying to age him by two decades? Is he afraid of admitting how unfair life is?'

---

As their conversation continued, the referee's signal rang out, and the match began. The soul rings of both teams lit up simultaneously.

Without hesitation, Bibi Dong activated her third soul skill, Death Spider Web. She launched the sticky web toward the opposing team's healing and auxiliary soul masters, aiming to disable them early in the fight.

Meanwhile, Qian Hu, another member of the Spirit Hall team, unleashed his fourth soul skill, Demon Wolf Howling Moon. His wolf martial soul gave him enhanced attack power, agility, and reaction speed. He darted toward the opposing team's agile attack soul king, and the two clashed fiercely.

---

At the same time, at the entrance of the Great Fighting Soul Arena, a young woman stepped inside. She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen, with delicate features, a curvaceous figure, and a green dress that complemented her picturesque eyebrows and bright eyes.

It was Liu Erlong.

After rushing from Tian Dou Imperial City to Soto City in three days, she had finally arrived, determined to meet the diary writer, Zhao Ling, and reunite with her cousin.

After purchasing a ticket, Liu Erlong eagerly made her way into the arena. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces, but no one resembled Zhao Ling or her cousin.

After circling the ring area without success, Liu Erlong gave up her search for now. Instead, she turned her attention to the ring, where a fierce battle was underway.

---

Meanwhile, in a private room of the Great Fighting Soul Arena, Yu Xiaogang lay on a sofa, his injuries still causing him discomfort. Sitting beside him was a man who bore a striking resemblance to him—though more imposing and authoritative.

It was Yu Xiaolong, his elder brother.

"Second brother," Yu Xiaolong said in a deep voice, his dark expression mirroring his frustration. "Have you had enough trouble? You've been out here for so long. Don't you think it's time to go home? Just look at the state you're in!"

Before Yu Xiaolong could continue, Yu Xiaogang interrupted with a resolute refusal.

"I already said I'm not going back, brother. You know my temper. Miss Dong'er is still here in the Great Fighting Soul Arena. I can't leave her—I won't!"

Yu Xiaolong's lips curled into a bitter smile as his anger reached its peak. "Miss Dong'er, Miss Dong'er... Don't you realize she's from the Spirit Hall?!"

His laughter was tinged with mockery as he stared at his younger brother. 'How could my second brother be so delusional?'

….

*End of Chapter*