Within Xiao Tian's spiritual space, Daming's voice rumbled with calm advice.
"Xiao Tian, your sword talent is unrivaled, but sometimes even monsters need shelter. A sect like the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect behind you—it would be equivalent to having three Titled Douluo guarding your future!"
But Xiao Tian merely chuckled and shook his head.
"Daming, Erming… you two are already no longer restricted by my cultivation, thanks to the advanced equal-contract. With you at my side—both beasts whose strength stands at level ninety-five, even ninety-six equivalent—why would I need someone else's protection?"
His gaze sharpened, a faint smile on his lips. "Even if Tang Hao appeared before me now, would he hold even half a chance? I hardly think so."
The Titan Ape and Azure Python exchanged a look, then both broke into hearty laughter. His words were not arrogance—they were fact.
"If you let yourself be bound as someone's disciple, you'd actually be taking on invisible shackles," Daming finally said. "That would be no different from hiding beneath another sect's shadow. It would limit all of us later on. Better you stay independent."
Er Ming nodded vigorously. "Exactly, Big Brother is right. You'll start a force of your own eventually. Working with Qibao Liuli is fine—but being adopted by them? That'd lock you down. Not worth it."
With the Xuanyuan Sword Sutra in his hand, Xiao Tian's comprehension was already broader than Chen Xin's. In contemplation of Dao and sword, Chen Xin might even be able to learn from him.
If I called him 'master', Xiao Tian thought bitterly amused, wouldn't that make it seem like Sword Douluo should, in truth, be bowing to me instead?
…
So, after careful thought, Xiao Tian raised his eyes, showing an awkward but polite expression.
"I'm sorry, Grandpa Jian. But I cannot become your disciple. If I do, in the eyes of outsiders, that would be no different than declaring I've joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. And you know I prefer free rein in my life."
Chen Xin sighed faintly. Disappointment swept across his chest, but he did not press further. Instead, he smiled lightly and said, "In that case, we'll just remain friends. No ties, only sword."
Xiao Tian quickly replied, "No, no—that would mess up our generations. Better I continue calling you Grandpa Jian, like Rongrong."
The tension softened. But Xiao Tian's refusal had stunned everyone present.
For most, this was wealth falling from heaven. Why refuse?
If Xiao Tian accepted Chen Xin as his master, then behind him would be not one—but two Titled Douluo, Sword and Bone. Along with Sect Master Ning Fengzhi, he'd be nearly untouchable.
Yet Xiao Tian tossed that golden shield aside like scrap iron.
The Shrek students—especially Tang San and Dai Mubai—subconsciously sighed in relief. They didn't want to admit it, but had Xiao Tian gained Sword Douluo's full patronage, the disparity between them would have reached despairing levels.
Tang San's fingers twitched faintly. No… I cannot stay invisible any longer. Chen Xin may call Xiao Tian friend, but if I do nothing, I'll vanish completely in his shadow.
His relationship with Ning Rongrong was far weaker than Xiao Tian's—flimsy at best. But there was another way. Something only he could provide.
His Tang Sect hidden weapons.
At last, Tang San stepped out. A calm smile played at his lips.
"Senior Jian Douluo, I have something here you may find useful. These are called hidden weapons. Would Senior be interested in examining them?"
From his soul guide he produced a gleaming pair—the Silent Sleeve Arrow and Innuendo.
"…Hidden weapons?" Chen Xin repeated, momentarily confused. In this world, weapons outside of martial spirits were almost laughably weak.
From the corner, Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed. So he can't even wait? He's already rushing to sell his tricks to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect? How impatient, Tang San.
As if anticipating mockery, Tang San continued smoothly. "Senior, as far as I know, the Seven Treasures Glazed martial spirits are peerless in support… but they lack the ability to defend themselves. My hidden weapons may change that."
"Oh?" Chen Xin's voice deepened, his brows furrowing. "A boast. Boy, you speak as if you could rewrite the balance of sect power. But remember—blacksmithing holds the lowest prestige in this world. For soul masters, true might is our own bodies, our own spirits. You'd place toys above cultivation?"
His tone wasn't disrespectful—but it carried doubt. The so-called 'weapons' in this world were, after all, lumps of steel, unable to withstand the power of soul emperors or higher.
Xiao Tian suddenly cut in, his lips curving into a light smile.
"Grandpa Jian, perhaps you should let him show it. It may give a… small surprise."
Tang San blinked, surprised. Xiao Tian actually supporting me? What does he mean by this? Surely he has some hidden agenda…
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong glanced at Xiao Tian slyly, instincts sharp enough to see his intent. Here he goes again. Sinister Xiao Tian—setting the stage for something bigger.
Chen Xin gave a moderate nod. "Very well. I'll take a look."
Tang San demonstrated. The sleeve arrow shot out with a sharp swish, embedding itself firmly into a distant wood post with a heavy thunk.
Chen Xin raised a brow. "Hmm?"
Tests continued. The Innuendo spun through the air, its sharp arcs snapping with strange precision.
Finally, Chen Xin crossed his arms, expression easing slightly.
"…Not bad. Indeed, a novelty. The craftsmanship is clever. Against low-level opponents, this could be fatal. However…" His eyes grew sharp again. "…their power is limited. Above the level of a Soul Master, these toys lose most of their fangs."
Tang San's chest squeezed tight, but he quickly steadied himself.
"Senior, what I've shown you today are only introductory crafts. My true piece… is something called the Zhuge Divine Crossbow. Mass-producible, compact, and powerful enough to slay Soul Sects. If you're willing, please give me two days. I'll present it before you."
Chen Xin's brows rose faintly at the claim. Against Soul Sects? That was no longer just a trinket for self-defense. If true, it was worth testing.
"Very well." He nodded. "I'll wait. If your claim holds true, the sect may commission a batch. Such weapons could indeed bolster our disciples' survival in desperate moments."
Tang San concealed his satisfaction, only bowing deeply. "Yes, Senior. I will ensure you see it."
But in his heart, joy surged. At last… the chance. My Tang Sect's hidden weapons will take root on this continent!
Without wasting time, he slipped away, already planning to head to Soto City to hire blacksmiths. Parts must be forged. Zhuge Divine Crossbows must be built—fast.
On the sidelines, Yu Xiaogang's chest swelled with pride, watching his disciple. Finally… Xiao San has achieved contact with the Seven Treasures. Not bad… not bad at all.
…
Later, in Xiao Tian's quarters.
Chen Xin's brows knit as he asked solemnly, "Xiao Tian, you know Tang San better than I. What do you truly think of his hidden weapons? He is your companion—you must have observed more than we did."
The question was heavy; it involved his sect's future.
Xiao Tian exhaled calmly.
"Grandpa Jian—what Tang San showed today were the Silent Sleeve Arrow, Stomping Crossbow, Shoe Blade, Innuendo, and the rumored Zhuge Divine Crossbow. Among these, only three are truly practical: Silent Sleeve Arrow, Innuendo, and Zhuge Crossbow. The others? Almost useless."
Chen Xin's eyes sharpened. "Why?"
Xiao Tian's voice was steady.
"Because close-combat hidden weapons demand quick reflexes. No matter how diligently your auxiliary disciples train, their responses can't equal the physical cultivators. Once an enemy closes the distance, their fates are sealed. Trusting close-range hidden gadgets won't save them.
And more realistically—this sect is one of the Three Great Sects. If an enemy dares attack, they won't send Great Soul Masters or mere Soul Masters. They'll send Soul Sects. Hidden weapons incapable of breaking those defenses… are dead weight."
He paused, fixing Chen Xin with clear eyes.
"Grandpa Jian, when the day comes that Spirit Hall strikes, what do you imagine they'll send? Crowds of cannon fodder? No. Their core assault will be Soul Sects and above. Any tool that fails against them… is a false sense of safety. Remember this carefully."
Chen Xin's hand tightened slowly around his sword token, his gaze trembling with respect and weight.
This boy—at twelve—was already thinking at this level?
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