Time flies quickly during cultivation. Without noticing, another nine months had passed. Including the month spent hunting soul rings and the month teaching Ning Rongrong, Tian Lin had already been at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for nearly a year.
During these nine months, most of Tian Lin's energy was focused on practicing sword techniques. As a result, his soul power only increased by three levels, now reaching level 18.
Of course, while this might seem slow to him, for a seven-year-old to reach level 18 was already enough to cause a sensation in the outside world. Even Tang San, the protagonist of the original story, would likely only be at level 15 at this point.
However, for Tian Lin, who was always aware of potential danger, he was never satisfied with his progress.
That said, his time wasn't wasted. At the very least, his mastery of basic swordsmanship had thoroughly impressed Chen Xix. Three months ago, Chen Xin officially accepted Tian Lin as his personal disciple.
Since then, Tian Lin has started calling him "Master." On the Douluo Continent, the terms "teacher" and "master" were not clearly distinguished, but to Tian Lin, there was a significant difference. A master was akin to a father figure. For Tian Lin, Chen Xin had become as close as a parent.
...
At the Training Ground.
Tian Lin was still practicing the basic sword techniques of Shu Mountain Treasure Record. His sword movements were now fluid and natural, making his strikes unpredictable and ethereal.
"Alright, Xiao Tian, come here," Chen Xin called out, stopping Tian Lin's practice. "Three months ago, your basic swordsmanship had already reached the pinnacle of perfection. Yet, I still made you practice for another three months. Do you know why?"
"I don't know," Tian Lin replied honestly, "but I believe it's for my good. I can feel that my understanding of basic swordsmanship has improved greatly compared to three months ago."
"Exactly. That's because your basic swordsmanship has reached the third stage of mastery."
"The third stage?" Tian Lin was puzzled, not fully grasping Chen Xin's meaning.
"This is how I, as your master, view the process of learning swordsmanship—or learning anything, for that matter. It can be divided into five stages: learning, proficiency, mastery, transcendence, and perfection," Chen Xin explained. "Many people these days are impatient and become complacent after just reaching the first stage. Since you've become my disciple, you must never fall into that trap. For any sword technique, I teach you, you must reach the third stage of mastery before I allow you to delve deeper into the path of swordsmanship."
"I understand, Master," Tian Lin replied seriously.
Little did he know that by following Chen Xin's advice, he would one day reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship and even catch the attention of a powerful figure.
"Good. Then today, I will begin teaching you my life's ultimate skill—the Seven Kill Sword Technique!"
The moment Tian Lin had been waiting for had finally arrived. The Seven Kill Sword Technique was the ultimate technique that made Chen Xin, the Sword Douluo, famous across the land. It was as renowned as the Clear Sky Clan's Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique or the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Dragon Transformation Secret Technique.
The difference, however, lay in their styles. The Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer Technique was a hammer technique that built up power over time, with the final strike unleashing unimaginable force.
In contrast, the Seven Kill Sword Technique was a fast and decisive sword style. While none of its strikes matched the power of the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer's final blow, each strike in the Seven Kill Sword Technique was devastating in its own right, without requiring a lengthy buildup.
In this way, the two techniques had their strengths and weaknesses.
Chen Xin began explaining the sword moves of the Seven Kill Sword Technique. It consisted of seven forms: Killing Intent Spreads, Heaven and Earth Ruthless, Blood Drenches the Rivers, Heaven Collapses, Earth Shatters, Endless Tribulation, Slaughter All Beings, and Annihilate the Three Realms.
Each form was a deadly offensive technique. The Seven Kill Sword Technique was a key reason why Chen Xin was considered the strongest offensive Title Douluo.
Chen Xin instructed Tian Lin to begin with the first form, Killing Intent Spreads. He was not allowed to move on to the next form until he mastered the third stage of mastery for the current one. Although this move was just the opening of the Seven Kill Sword Technique and featured simple slashing attacks, it was crucial. This form allowed the user to accumulate killing intent, which enhanced the effectiveness of the subsequent moves.
Tian Lin understood the importance of a solid foundation and didn't rush his progress.
...
After finishing his morning sword practice, Tian Lin returned to his courtyard and found Ning Rongrong sitting on the swing he had made for her, idly kicking her small feet.
When she saw Tian Lin, she immediately brightened up and ran toward him joyfully. "Sword Brother, you're finally back! I've been waiting for so long."
Ning Rongrong was no longer the same person she used to be. Though she still had some spoiled tendencies, they were minor. As the little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, being a bit willful was understandable—she had the privilege to be so.
Most importantly, Ning Rongrong had learned to respect others. Even when interacting with lower-ranking disciples, she no longer displayed arrogance. This change earned her the respect and friendship of many, who now willingly befriended her rather than simply obeying her due to her status.
Additionally, Ning Rongrong had been working hard on her cultivation. With the enhanced environment provided by Tian Lin's domain, she had reached the peak of level 14—a cultivation speed comparable to some innate full soul power battle soul masters.
It was worth noting that auxiliary soul masters typically cultivated more slowly than battle soul masters.
Tian Lin had also taught her a footwork technique called the Fluttering Butterfly Dance. This greatly improved her safety on the battlefield. Once she fully mastered it, Tian Lin planned to teach her an even more advanced technique, Drunken Immortal Moonstep. By then, she could practically be considered an agility-type auxiliary soul master.
"Rongrong, how's your practice with Heart Separation Control going?" Tian Lin asked. This was the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's core technique and essential for enhancing her future auxiliary abilities, so Tian Lin paid close attention to her progress.
At the mention of this, Ning Rongrong's enthusiasm waned. Embarrassed, she replied, "I'm still stuck on the Three Aperature Governing. It's not my fault! I've been trying hard, but Heart Separation Control is so difficult and boring to practice."
Tian Lin patted her head with a smile. "It's okay. The training method for Heart Separation Control is indeed tedious, and you're still so young. It's normal to struggle with it. Worst case, you can just focus on supporting me in the future. You don't need to assist anyone else—I'll protect you."
"Mm!" Ning Rongrong beamed. This was what she loved most about Tian Lin. As long as she didn't make any serious mistakes, he would always tolerate her complaints and tantrums.
Just then, a maid approached and informed them, "Young Master Tian Lin, Young Lady Rongrong, the sect master has requested your presence in the Seven Treasure Hall immediately."
"Understood. You may leave," Tian Lin replied. After the maid left, he turned to Ning Rongrong and said, "Uncle Ning must have something important to discuss. Let's go quickly."
"Fine," Ning Rongrong pouted. "Father is so annoying. I wanted to go out and play with you."
Tian Lin chuckled and playfully tapped her cute little nose. It seemed that Ning Fengzhi's position in her heart had dropped again. With her two grandfathers and her Sword Brother above him, he could only rank fourth at best.
Poor Ning Fengzhi—his deep fatherly love had been misplaced!