Sparring with Chen Xin

The next day! 

Chen Yuan woke up early as usual, not letting the fact that he had absorbed his first soul ring and become a true soul master make him complacent. 

After washing up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast, he arrived at his training ground. On the ground, seven iron swords were planted in order of size. Chen Yuan pulled out the first sword he currently used for training, his expression shifting slightly as he murmured softly. 

"After absorbing my first soul ring, my physique has greatly improved. Combined with my previous hard training and the medicinal baths for recovery, I should now be able to meet the requirements while still having some stamina left, right?" 

With that, Chen Yuan couldn't wait to test himself. He immediately assumed his stance, and his aura instantly changed. 

Sharp, and razor-sharp, like a sword gradually being honed to its edge. 

"Kill!" 

Chen Yuan shouted, simultaneously swinging the sword with all his might. His entire body's strength was concentrated into one point—his skin, bones, muscles, and blood all slightly heated up, as if burning. 

Then came the mechanical repetition of swinging the sword. Although Chen Yuan was soon drenched in sweat, his breathing remained steady, further proving that he still had energy to spare. 

Time passed bit by bit, and the sun rose high in the sky. Under the blazing sun, Chen Yuan continued to swing his sword, sweat pouring down his face. 

He silently counted in his heart. 

'…297…298…299…300!' 

Finally reaching the goal, Chen Yuan felt a sense of relief. He sheathed his sword and stood upright, feeling great. Being able to clearly see himself growing stronger naturally filled him with joy. 

"Not bad!" 

At this moment, Chen Xin's voice of praise came through, followed by more words. 

"It seems absorbing your first soul ring has greatly improved you. Now, you've finally made it through the warm-up!" 

Hearing this, Chen Yuan's heart stirred. He immediately turned to face Chen Xin, bowed respectfully, and asked the question on his mind. 

"Master, you're here. And when you say the warm-up is over, does that mean I have more training to do?" 

Chen Xin looked at his disciple and chuckled lightly as he explained. "Yes, practicing sword swings and concentrating all your strength into one strike is to make your attacks more powerful and to prepare you for practicing the 'Kill' technique in the future. But this alone isn't enough to make you a true powerhouse. Hand me your sword." 

Hearing this, Chen Yuan respectfully handed his sword to Chen Xin with both hands. Chen Xin gripped the hilt with one hand, and his sharp aura instantly surged. Even Chen Yuan couldn't help but take a few steps back. 

At this moment, Chen Xin spoke in a serious tone. "Yuan'er, summon your Seven Kill Sword. I'll allow you to attack me with all your strength. You can use your first soul skill." 

Chen Yuan's eyes widened. This was a practical training session with a Titled Douluo. Although his stamina was mostly depleted, his muscles and bones were fully warmed up. This was undoubtedly intentional on his master's part. 

Without hesitation, Chen Yuan summoned his Seven Kill Sword. A yellow soul ring rose from his feet as he gripped the sword tightly, his expression turning serious. 

"Master, I'm coming at you!" 

With that, Chen Yuan charged forward, swinging his sword with both hands in a powerful slash aimed directly at Chen Xin. 

Chen Xin remained expressionless, even nodding in satisfaction. The unyielding determination in Chen Yuan's demeanor allowed him to unleash 100% of his strength. 

Only when Chen Yuan was within striking distance did Chen Xin raise his sword to block. A flash of cold light, swift as lightning, intercepted the attack. 

*Clang!* 

The two swords collided. Chen Xin didn't budge, while Chen Yuan was forced back several steps. Chen Yuan felt as if he had struck an immovable mountain. Even the ordinary iron sword in Chen Xin's hand, bolstered by his soul power, had become an indestructible divine blade. 

Chen Yuan's arms went numb, and this was without Chen Xin exerting any force—it was merely the recoil from his own attack. 

After retreating more than a dozen steps, Chen Yuan steadied himself and charged forward again. He knew he couldn't defeat Chen Xin, nor did he need to. All he had to do was give it his all in this battle. 

Through this fight, Chen Yuan clearly realized just how weak he was. Every one of his attacks was effortlessly blocked by Chen Xin, who remained completely unmoved. 

Only Chen Yuan himself was repeatedly forced back by the recoil of his own strikes, his body growing increasingly sore and numb, making his attacks slower and more sluggish. 

At this point, he decided to make one final effort. Chen Yuan activated his first soul skill, The Sword Emerges. Streams of air coiled around the blade, making it gleam with a cold, sharp light. 

Chen Yuan swung his sword with all his might, but Chen Xin easily blocked it. The tremendous recoil sent the Seven Kill Sword flying out of Chen Yuan's hand. Exhausted, he collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath, unable to speak. 

If Chen Yuan were still a soul master apprentice, he might have fainted by now. But after absorbing a soul ring and becoming a true soul master, his physique was stronger. 

At this moment, Chen Xin casually tossed the iron sword back into its place and walked over to Chen Yuan. "Good. You're bold and fearless. With the power of the Seven Kill Sword and your unyielding spirit, few of your peers will be a match for you. But as my disciple, this isn't enough!" 

Chen Xin had no intention of holding back in training his disciple, though his methods might seem overly harsh for someone as young as Chen Yuan. He spoke solemnly. 

"From now on, after completing your warm-up, you'll also learn sword techniques from me. I'll teach you everything I know and help you master it through practical combat. Inheriting my legacy won't be easy. It will be hard and exhausting. But as I've said before, you can cry, but after crying, you must grit your teeth and keep going!" 

Chen Yuan's eyes sparkled with determination. He knew all too well that he didn't have much time to grow stronger. The stricter Chen Xin was, the better—it would allow him to improve faster. 

He got up from the ground, his body still weak, but he bowed respectfully nonetheless. No matter what, being willing to pass on one's life's work was an immense kindness. Chen Yuan spoke earnestly. "Master, I will persevere. I won't let you down!" 

Chen Yuan's attitude surprised Chen Xin. He had expected his strictness to intimidate Chen Yuan, but instead, Chen Yuan seemed excited, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. 

Chen Xin thought with some amazement. 

'Yuan'er's determination and willpower are unlike anything I've seen in a six-year-old. But perhaps only someone like this can truly inherit my legacy!' 

At this moment, Chen Yuan spoke again with seriousness. "Master, do you know about whale glue?" 

Hmm?! 

Chen Xin was momentarily stunned, then his expression turned extremely serious. He looked directly into Chen Yuan's eyes and asked. "Yuan'er, why are you asking about this?" 

(End of Chapter) 

Word Count : 1,223

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