Chapter 21:  A sword Cultivator 

Chapter 21: A Sword Cultivator 

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The next morning, Nima pouted unhappily, sitting by the window as Kent prepared to leave for school.

She sighed. "You're leaving again…"

Kent ruffled her hair. "I'll buy you a new TV soon. Just give me a few more days."

She nodded slowly, still sulking.

Kent smiled. "Alright, be good at home. Study a little, okay?"

Nima watched him walk away from the window—leaning her head on the sill.

"BYE!" she called out.

Kent yawned as he walked, still frustrated from last night.

Even after trying multiple times, he had failed to absorb the spiritual stones. He refused to give them to Nima—she was already progressing at a monstrous speed, far faster than anyone else.

Suddenly, his spiritual sense tingled.

!!!!!!~~~?????

He turned his head sharply.

In the courtyard, the old man Xian Yu, was practising his sword techniques.

Swish!

Whoosh!

The air hummed with energy as Xian Yu's sword aura sliced through the wind, leaving streaks of golden light behind.

Kent paused, he was mesmerized by the sword moves.

The old man moved like a phantom, each stroke of his blade flowing seamlessly into the next. His long silver hair billowed in the air, his left hand resting behind his back while his right wielded the sword with deadly precision.

Then—

FWOOSH!

Leaves fell from a nearby tree.

With a single swing—

SLASH!

SLASH!

SLASH!

Every single leaf was sliced in half mid-air before they even touched the ground.

Sizzle… Sizzle… 🌿

The sheer spiritual energy in the cuts burned the edges of the leaves.

Behind Xian Yu, an enormous spiritual sword manifested—a towering 8 to 10 meters tall, hovering majestically in the air.

The sword in his hand was equally imposing—with a blue hilt, silver borders, and mysterious ancient runes inscribed along the blade.

Anyone could tell—this was no ordinary sword.

Kent's eyes widened in awe. Damn, this old man is strong.

Then—

Clank!

Xian Yu sheathed his sword with a crisp sound, turning to Kent with a satisfied smile.

"Good morning, Kent."

Before Kent could reply, Aunt Zhou stepped into the courtyard.

"Oh, Kent! You're up early."

Kent nodded. "Good Morning, Aunt Zhou." Then he turned to Xian Yu. "Practicing so early, old man? What type of sword technique is this?"

The old man grinned. "It's my family's sword technique. "

Kent raised an eyebrow. Obviously, I can see that, old man. I meant—what's the name of the technique?

I can't tell you the name unless you want learn it. "Do you want to learn it?"

No thanks, he just nodded politely. "I see. Well, I should get going—I'm already late for school."

He turned to leave, but—

"Wait a second, Kent." Xian Yu's voice stopped him mid-step.

Aunt Zhou looked concerned. "Yu…" she started but stopped herself.

Kent adjusted his school bag strap and turned back. "Yeah?"

Xian Yu smiled and lifted his sword.

"What do you feel when you look at this sword?"

Kent glanced at the blade.

"It's long. It's old. It's sharp. Why?"

+499 SP Copied from Xian Yu (Frustration).

The old man's eye twitched. He jabbed his finger against Kent's chest. "I'm serious! Answer properly!"

Kent sighed, then he looked at the sword again, this time thoughtfully.

"It's a tool that can alter someone's fate. A blade that can cut through mountains and rivers—if wielded by the right person."

He met the old man's gaze.

"In the hands of the wrong person, it becomes a tool of war and destruction. In the hands of an ordinary person, it's just a piece of steel."

Xian Yu stared at him, eyes widening slightly.

So young, yet so insightful…

Then, the old man grinned and lifted the sword high into the air, striking a dramatic pose.

"What do you think, young man?" he said, his voice grand and theatrical. "Want to learn? Want to become my disciple?"

Kent's face lit up like an excited child.

"Wel… Well… I…. I DON'T."

SPLURT!

The old man froze. Kentsy words stabbed him into his heart like a thousand invisible blades.

He stumbled back, clutching his chest.

PUH!

He spat out a mouthful of imaginary blood.

+999 SP Copied from Xian Yu (Heart Bleeding).

Kent turned on his heels. "Excuse me, old man. I gotta go."

Xian Yu reached out weakly.

"Wait—!"

WHOOSH!

But Kent was already gone.

+999 SP Copied from Xian Yu (Anger).

The old man gritted his teeth. "That brat… What a troublesome child. Doesn't he realize the honour of becoming my disciple?"

Aunt Zhou patted his back reassuringly.

"He's still young, Yu. He just doesn't want to learn it right now."

Xian Yu sighed deeply.

"I don't have much time left. I can't let my skills fade away. The spiritual energy has returned—I need to pass on my legacy."

His gaze hardened.

"I need to find a successor."

Kent walked down the streets, passing tall buildings. He shook his head, muttering. "That old man keeps trying to trick me into becoming his disciple."

He checked his SP notifications.

+11, +99, +17 SP Copied from Xian Yu (Frustration).

Kent grinned. "Why am I still getting SP from him? Damn, he must be thinking about me. What a Grumpy old man."

A bus rumbled past him as he reached the school gates.

Kent entered his class. The classroom was already filled with students, chatting amongst themselves.

Kent settled into his seat, eager to see what today's lessons would bring. Few hours later Lunchtime arrived.

Students gathered in groups, chatting and eating.

Kent, however, sat alone under a tree, lost in thought. "I still can't see how much SP i have collected. The system is down. But I need to earn more SP—that's for sure."

"Today, I didn't get a chance in class to earn SP. I have to do something… But what? Should I beat someone up? That'll definitely get me SP… but I'll also get punished."

Suddenly—

VROOT! VROOT! His phone vibrated. Kent looked down at the screen. His eyes narrowed.

Oh, a group SMS from Ryan. Let me see what he's sent.

✉️ Massage: Let me show you all something.

This is a video of some cultivators. Watch it. I'm hiring people. It's a great opportunity for you all.

Kent opened the video. ▶️

It was a recording of several individuals playing baseball, using spiritual power. Oh, isn't this just like the anime 'Dragon Ball Super' —baseball match?

Ryan sent another message to the group. "I want to build a team. Many organizations are planning to hold a baseball match featuring cultivators."

I'll pay you all a good amount of money. This is a great business opportunity.

Several students replied:

One: Great idea. I'll join.

Two: How much money?

Three: I want to be a shareholder.

Four: This is a good opportunity to earn some money.

Kent: Has anyone asked Miss Elena? She said not to share that we're in a special class. Ryan, are you planning to declare that we're all cultivators?

...Silence.

+889 SP copied from Ryan. (Frustration)

+999+999+999… SP from Xxx xxx xxx.

Oh, I've earned a lot of SP. Thanks, classmates, for that. But this is only good if we have permission, Kent thought, holding a spoon in his mouth.

Another SMS arrived in the group. ✉️

One: Oh, Ryan. The young master of the Hale family. You can't handle Kent.

He!! He!! He!!

Ryan: Kent, I'll beat you. I challenge you.

Two: Come on, don't act so seriously.

Ethan: Don't be a loser, Ryan.

After school, Kent returned home. Nima was waiting for him at the door.

"What took you so long? I'm bored to death."

I am sorry. "School ended late today. What do you want to eat for dinner? Carrot soup?" Kent asked.

+199 SP from Nima. 💢

"Kent thought—Nima doesn't want carrots, huh?" Fine, noodles it is.

Kent prepared the noodles.

Nima, with a mischievous grin, said, "Let's see who can finish faster. The loser does the dishes." They ate in a rush. Kent almost choked.

Damn it, I lost. You win, Nima.

Cough!! Cough!!

Kent was coughing. I'll wash the dishes.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar sound.

Ding!

System upgrade complete.

The reward for level-up is given.

Kent felt something stir inside his body. What's happening?

A massive surge of spiritual energy gathered around his heart, creating an empty space. His spiritual scene was pulled into space.

Within the blank space, a swirling silver and black mist formed. From it, a white dagger emerged.

Kent stared in shock. What is this dagger? Is this my reward? But why is it inside my heart?

He tried to reach out with his spiritual form, but the dagger resisted, flying away just beyond his grasp.

Damn it, system. What kind of reward is this? Why can't I touch it?

Another notification popped up.

Ding! Adjusting the dagger's power to match the host's level.

Reducing power: 90%

Current power: 10%

Finally, Kent was able to touch the dagger. He tried to pull it out, but it refuse to come out showing resistance.

He gathered all his power into his hand.

Ahhhhhh!!!!

With all his might, he yanked the dagger free from the blank space within his heart.

When he finally succeeded, he was back in his original body, holding the dagger in his hand.