Chapter 143: First Battle Against the Sword Douluo

As expected, the moment Chen Xin spotted Tom, his eyes lit up with excitement, even ignoring his beloved Ning Rongrong for the moment.

It wasn't that Chen Xin was overly eager—it was simply that at his level of cultivation, every step forward was incredibly difficult, with no clear path ahead.

As the pinnacle of swordsmanship on the continent, no one could guide him. Perhaps there was someone who could—but that person happened to be his father's killer. Why would they ever offer him advice?

Yet, Tom's appearance had revealed to him what seemed like an endless zenith of swordsmanship.

"Tom, I've had some new insights recently. How about we spar a bit?" Chen Xin said eagerly.

"Meow~"

Tom immediately hid behind Shen An, his face full of refusal. No way!

"Shen An, just let Tom fight me once. He listens to you the most," Chen Xin turned to Shen An instead.

Tom gave Shen An a look of utter despair, tugging at his sleeve as if begging him not to agree.

Shen An patted Tom's head reassuringly. Ever since comprehending the "One Blade of Grass Sword Intent," he had been itching to test his skills against someone.

At first, he had been interested in the Five Great Academies Tournament—not just for fame points, but also to find someone who could push him to his limits and reignite the thrill of battle.

After all, Xue Qinghe had said it was a gathering of the most elite geniuses from the empire's top academies.

But in the end, he discovered that so-called "geniuses" were merely the bare minimum to meet him.

So now, Shen An had set his sights on the Sword Douluo—one of the continent's top powerhouses.

I've been fighting my own cat for so long. Is it too much to ask for a proper spar with him?

"Senior Chen Xin, I've recently gained some insights of my own. I hope you can give me some guidance," Shen An said with a smile.

"Oh? Alright then. I won't use soul skills or soul power—just pure swordsmanship," Chen Xin replied, slightly surprised but agreeing nonetheless.

Normally, getting guidance from a Titled Douluo wouldn't be so easy. But Chen Xin recognized Shen An's monstrous talent and, more importantly, owed Tom for his recent breakthroughs.

"Since Sword Uncle wants to stretch his limbs, we're in for a treat today. Let's head to the clan's combat arena—it'll be more convenient there," Ning Fengzhi suggested.

Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan Combat Arena

Knowing Shen An loved the spotlight, Ning Fengzhi didn't dismiss the clan's disciples. On the contrary, he hoped they could learn something from this match.

Of course, they wouldn't be learning from Chen Xin—his level was too high for most to comprehend.

But Shen An was different. His cultivation wasn't overwhelmingly high, yet his strength was extraordinary—perfect for giving the complacent younger generation a wake-up call.

On the vast combat stage, Shen An and Chen Xin stood facing each other. Despite their age difference, both exuded an indescribable aura—one unique to true swordsmen.

"Shen An, you may make the first move. Let me see the brilliance of the genius who single-handedly defeated the combined forces of the five great academies," Chen Xin said.

Shen An's eyes flickered with surprise but quickly calmed. It wasn't strange that Chen Xin knew—after all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan was a top-tier force that kept tabs on all rising talents.

"Then, Senior Chen Xin, please be careful," Shen An said, gripping the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass with a smile.

Chen Xin chuckled. Careful? Against a mere Soul Elder?

This was supposed to be a teaching match. Even without using soul power or skills, not even a Soul Emperor could defeat him, let alone Shen An.

Shen An's sword gleamed brilliantly, three soul rings—one yellow and two purple—circling him as waves of soul power pulsed outward.

Chen Xin's eyebrows rose slightly. This soul power fluctuation... it's comparable to a Soul Ancestor! What kind of monstrous foundation does this kid have?

"Come!"

Chen Xin reached out, and the Seven Kill Sword materialized in his hand. A razor-sharp aura erupted from him, like an unsheathed divine blade, its overwhelming sword intent bearing down on Shen An.

A mischievous glint flashed in Chen Xin's eyes. I said I wouldn't use soul power or skills, but I never said anything about suppressing you with sword intent and pressure.

Shen An, don't disappoint me. If you can't even withstand my sword intent, then challenging me was nothing but a joke.

Compared to simple soul power pressure, Chen Xin's sword intent was on an entirely different level. Even Meng Shenji's suppression was child's play in comparison.

Facing this overwhelming force, Shen An's breathing quickened, his body trembling slightly—not from fear, but excitement.

The thrill of being able to go all out. The exhilaration of facing a supreme expert.

Sword intent and pressure? Unfortunately, these are the last things that can suppress me now.

Shen An's eyes blazed with fighting spirit as his own "One Blade of Grass Sword Intent" erupted, tearing through Chen Xin's oppressive aura like a hot knife through butter.

A single blade of grass can sever the sun, moon, and stars—let alone your sword intent! So what if you're a Titled Douluo? I'll fight regardless!

The sheer intensity of this sword intent didn't just shock Chen Xin—even the spectators felt it.

Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but exclaim, "Sword intent?! How is that possible?"

As the clan leader, he knew better than anyone what this meant. Sword intent was a skill only the most elite swordsmen could comprehend. Those who possessed it could amplify their techniques to terrifying degrees, with effects comparable to domains.

Chen Xin had once mentioned that he hadn't grasped sword intent until after reaching the seventieth rank, and only with the help of his Martial Soul True Body.

Yet here was Shen An—a mere Soul Elder—already wielding it. It was nothing short of unbelievable.

Chen Xin, standing directly opposite Shen An, was even more astonished. For years, he had believed that sword intent only varied in strength, not quality.

But now, he sensed something different in Shen An's sword intent. Though still in its infancy, its very essence seemed to transcend all other sword intents, as if standing above them all.

Clang!

Like a flash of lightning, Shen An's sword shot forward—slashing, thrusting, sweeping—each move lacking rigid form yet brimming with natural fluidity.

Chen Xin remained rooted, defending without attacking, effortlessly parrying every strike. The crisp clang of steel against steel filled the air like a mesmerizing melody.

Though Shen An was a prodigy in swordsmanship, facing Chen Xin—a man who had devoted decades to the blade and had recently made leaps in progress thanks to Tom—he still seemed somewhat inexperienced.

As expected, relying solely on my physical prowess and pure swordplay isn't enough against the Sword Douluo. In that case...

Time to use soul skills. Let's see just how far I can push myself.

In the next instant, Shen An's eyes turned a pale cyan as "Wind Chaser" activated silently. His swordplay became a relentless storm, countless sword energies filling the air.

Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword met each strike head-on, his expression now tinged with solemnity. I really underestimated this kid.

For the first time in a long while, a spark of excitement ignited in his heart.

He had always been on the receiving end when sparring with Tom—improving happily but undeniably frustrated.

He had thought this would be a simple teaching match, yet Shen An's swordsmanship was shockingly refined.

Though unorthodox, it carried an innate brilliance. Combined with his overwhelming sword intent and soul skills, Shen An was actually applying slight pressure.

Chen Xin had no doubt that in this state, Shen An could kill a Soul King—perhaps even hold his own against an average Soul Emperor.