Tang San's fists were clenched tight at his side, nails digging into his palms as he watched the clash between Xiao Tian and Chen Xin. His Purple Demon Eye strained desperately, but all it showed him was Xiao Tian's shifting afterimages.
If only my Purple Demon Eye was at the Mustard Seed Realm, he thought bitterly, then I'd be able to pierce through those illusions…
But now, before everyone's eyes, Xiao Tian's swordsmanship seemed untouchable.
"Wow…" Ning Rongrong's eyes sparkled with excitement as she tugged on Xiao Wu's hand. "Xiao Wu, look! Xiao Tian's new sword technique is amazing. He even blended in his old body techniques—you see how tricky his movements are? He's practically suppressing Grandpa Jian!"
Her tone carried nothing but admiration. In her vision, Xiao Tian was already winning against the invincible Sword Douluo.
Xiao Wu, though more composed, still nodded blankly. Her clear eyes wavered. "I don't even understand how my brother's brain works anymore… He really created such a powerful set of swordsmanship in just a few hours?"
Tang San could no longer hold in the sourness creeping through his chest. "Xiao Wu, do you believe everything he says? Maybe Xiao Tian already knew this sword art all along. How could anyone develop something like this in just a few hours? That excuse doesn't even make sense."
Oscar blinked and jumped in to echo, "Yeah! Rongrong, don't you think Xiao Tian's words were just to get Senior Jian Douluo's attention?"
Ning Rongrong turned on them instantly, brows arched with disdain. "Oh? Then explain this—if he already had such a powerful sword technique, why didn't he ever use it against the two forest overlords in the Star Dou Great Forest? Or did he go off and secretly practice it during our journey back?"
"…"
Tang San and Oscar both froze. The words caught in their throats, unable to refute. For once, silence was their only answer.
On the battlefield, Chen Xin raised his hand. His Seven Killing Sword swung with casual ease, bursting with a wave of sword energy so overwhelming it shattered Xiao Tian's phantoms one after another.
But Xiao Tian simply adjusted, his grip steady, sword tip trembling like a live serpent. His next strike slithered outward, swift and strange.
"Snake Entanglement!"
The blade moved like a spirit snake uncoiling, bypassing the defense lines of the Seven Killing Sword, lunging straight for Chen Xin's vital points.
Chen Xin's eyes grew sharp. His body blurred, flowing away with precise footwork, before his long sword retaliated with a neat backhand slash, aiming at Xiao Tian's shoulder.
Clang! Sparks flew as one sword met the other.
The duel raced into its peak, their pace quickening until the silver of their blades blurred, clashing in storm-like flurries. Sword intent whipped through the courtyard like a hurricane, every collision ringing like thunder. It was almost unbearable to continue staring.
The crowd was hushed, eyes wide.
So this is the art of true sword cultivators…?
Finally, after a dozen more fierce exchanges cut through the air, both swordsmen slowed. As if on mutual instinct, they dropped their blades at the same moment.
Metal rang softly as swords resheathed.
Then, both men smiled faintly, acknowledging the other.
For Xiao Tian, this battle had been priceless. His improved Exorcism Sword Technique was tested in real combat, and he understood now how its strange, ferocious combinations could blend seamlessly with his own spirit skills. If paired with his two ten-thousand-year ring abilities—the fusion from Daming and Er Ming—his strike would be fast, sharp, and devastating enough to end most clashes before the enemy knew what hit them.
Chen Xin's heart also trembled with appreciation. If this boy had tried to spar with him at Soul Emperor level, he might genuinely have been forced to defend seriously.
"Xiao Tian," Chen Xin finally spoke, his deep voice unwavering, "does this sword style of yours have a name? With it, I would say you are invincible among your rank. No—in truth, even against Soul Emperors, your sword art, intent, and spirit skills make you formidable beyond imagination!"
The praise was sincere, from one master sword-cultivator to another.
"No wonder Rongrong admires him so much," he thought.
For just a fleeting second, an idea blazed within Chen Xin's heart—an urge to take Xiao Tian as his disciple, to claim this monstrous seedling for the Seven Treasures. But a heavy twinge cut him down almost instantly.
At his age, I had not even touched the threshold of sword intent.
No. Xiao Tian's path already surpassed his footsteps. He couldn't tie such a genius down. What they could do, perhaps, was stand side by side one day as fellow swordsmen.
Xiao Tian lifted his head slightly, voice calm.
"This sword is called the Sword of Exorcism."
Chen Xin's eyes lit up in instant admiration. "A bold and domineering name! Worthy of the blade itself."
If he knew the original condition to practice it—self-castration—would he still be so impressed?
Still, as Chen Xin weighed the boy before him, a hearty laugh escaped him unrestrained.
"Haha! Xiao Tian, don't belittle yourself. I'm already over a hundred years old, a Titled Douluo at my peak. But when I compare to your age—even my soul power, my sword skills, my understanding—they were not even half of yours! What you have is heaven-defiant talent. If you live long enough, you will eclipse even me."
Chen Xin's hand reached into his sleeve… and pulled out a small, engraved token. He flicked it through the air, tossing it at Xiao Tian, who caught it easily.
The token gleamed faintly, heavy with power. It bore the carving of a single sword—sharp, solitary.
"This token is unique to me," Chen Xin said seriously. "With it, you may come and go within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect as you please. If one day you feel life in Shrek no longer suits you, bring this token to me. I long to discuss swordsmanship with you again. For both of us, it would be priceless insight."
Xiao Tian tucked the token into his ring carefully, bowing slightly. "My thanks, Senior Sword Douluo. In fact—I also hope you'll stay here a few more days. Rongrong doesn't wish you to leave so soon, and I, too, wish to learn more from your sword. If it is not troublesome… may we study further?"
Chen Xin's eyes softened with approval. He too wished the same. The Seven Treasures were safe—with Gu Rong still in the sect, nothing would happen in his absence. Here, however, was a once-in-a-lifetime genius whose sword could redefine the continent.
"Very well." He smiled warmly, then added teasingly, "And Xiao Tian—why not call me Grandpa Jian as Rongrong does? If not for your overwhelming comprehension, I might have wanted to take you formally as my disciple. A pity indeed."
The courtyard fell silent. Everyone's eyes widened.
Grandpa Jian?
Tang San's expression froze, twisting in disbelief. His heart roared furiously: Why him? Why not me?!
Ning Rongrong stomped on the silence, leaning forward eagerly. "Xiao Tian! Quickly agree! This is the first time I've ever heard Grandpa Jian say something like that. Do you understand how rare this is?"
Inside Xiao Tian's spiritual space, Da Ming's voice resonated thoughtfully.
"Xiao Tian… you're dazzling too early. Your spirit ring configuration will eventually be exposed, and that will draw attention from everywhere. Taking such a Super Douluo as a nominal backer is no loss. Having the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect at your side… that is an unimaginable shield."
Er Ming rumbled agreement from beside him. "He's right. We know you want freedom, but you need time to grow. Of all the sects, the Seven Treasures Glazed is the one we can trust most. Its reputation stands tallest. This would be your safest ally."
At their side, Ah Yin, who had been silent until now, finally stirred. Her translucent figure trembled as her voice whispered faintly.
"Moreover… when you one day stand against Tang Hao—and perhaps even the Haotian Sect—you will need strength. Legions of allies. With the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect at your back, Xiao Tian… you won't fight alone."
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