"You're quite sharp. Not bad."
Jun Ting's gaze snapped toward the source of the voice. Before him stood an old man, his white hair flowing like silver threads, his presence commanding yet eerily quiet. There had been no footsteps, no rustling—only the sound of his voice and the sudden attack.
This man was a master.
But… why would someone of this caliber target him?
Two thoughts flashed through Jun Ting's mind in an instant. Without hesitation, he withdrew the Seven Killing Sword and cupped his fists, bowing deeply.
"Senior, I greet you."
The old man's eyes lingered on the sword, his gaze filled with nostalgia. "The Seven Killing Sword… It truly is the Seven Killing Sword." His voice carried a hint of reverence, as though he were looking at a legendary artifact.
Finally, his eyes met Jun Ting's. "You must be Jun Ting."
Jun Ting's mind raced. The fact that this powerhouse sought him out meant there was no hostility—at least, not yet. Steeling himself, he responded, "Yes, Senior. Do you have any instructions for me?"
The old man chuckled. "Instructions? No, no… I have a question for you." His aura suddenly changed, an invisible pressure spreading outward. The wind stirred, the surrounding blue silver grass bending under the force. And yet, Jun Ting remained unaffected, as if he stood within the eye of a storm.
"Would you like to be my disciple?"
Jun Ting's breath hitched.
Then, before he could even react, the old man raised his right hand.
Brilliant starlight coalesced, forming a magnificent sword in his grasp. Nine soul rings appeared in perfect sequence, glowing with overwhelming power.
Two yellow. Two purple. Four black. One red.
A hundred-thousand-year soul ring!
A Titled Douluo!
Jun Ting felt as though he'd been struck by lightning. Not only was this an elite powerhouse, but the old man had come specifically for him. It felt unreal, like a dream. But he didn't hesitate.
Dropping to his knees, he bowed deeply, knocking his forehead against the ground three times. His voice was firm, steady.
"Disciple Jun Ting greets Master."
A hearty laugh echoed through the clearing. "Good, good!" Ye Xuanji's eyes gleamed with approval as he lifted Jun Ting effortlessly with a wave of soul power. "But tell me, why did you call me 'Master' so readily?"
Jun Ting's voice was solemn. "A teacher for a day, a father for life."
Ye Xuanji stroked his beard, clearly pleased. "Wise words. I did not choose the wrong disciple." His expression softened before turning serious once more. "Since you are now my disciple, you should know who I am."
He straightened his posture, his presence towering like an immovable mountain.
"I am Ye Xuanji, chief supreme elder of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, a level 97 Super Douluo, titled Star Sword. My martial soul is the Star Saint Sword."
Jun Ting's mind reeled.
Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect! A Super Douluo at level 97!
No wonder this man was so powerful.
It all made sense now—his Seven Killing Sword, his innate full soul power… These were rare enough to attract the attention of someone like Ye Xuanji.
Just as Jun Ting was digesting the revelation, Ye Xuanji reached into his robes and produced a ring embedded with a gemstone that shimmered like the night sky.
"Take this." He tossed it lightly.
Jun Ting caught it, feeling the cool metal in his palm. His breath hitched.
A storage soul guide! And not just any soul guide—one inlaid with a Starlight Sapphire, with a space of fifty cubic meters!
His hands trembled slightly as he looked at the ring. "Master… this is too precious."
Ye Xuanji scoffed. "Nonsense. What kind of master would I be if I couldn't even prepare a proper gift for my disciple?"
Jun Ting grinned and slipped the ring onto his finger. "Then I won't be polite, Master!"
Ye Xuanji chuckled. "That's more like it."
Jun Ting's eyes sparkled. "Master, where are we headed next?"
Ye Xuanji turned his gaze toward the mountains. "Since you have innate full soul power, we'll get your first soul ring before returning to the sect. What kind of soul beast were you planning to hunt?"
Jun Ting's excitement flared. A powerful master meant no need to worry about getting a soul ring! Still, he wanted to hear his master's opinion.
"I originally planned to obtain a Sword Bamboo Beast soul ring. What do you think, Master?"
Ye Xuanji's expression darkened. "Terrible choice."
Jun Ting flinched. "Eh?"
Ye Xuanji shook his head. "Sword Bamboo Beasts are popular among sword martial soul users because they grant the ability to release sword energy. But that's a basic technique that any true sword master can cultivate later. Those who choose a Sword Bamboo Beast for their first soul ring limit their martial soul's potential. Most of them never progress beyond the Spirit King level."
He looked at Jun Ting with unwavering seriousness.
"But your Seven Killing Sword is different."
Jun Ting held his breath.
Ye Xuanji continued, "I will follow the soul ring configuration used by the legendary Sword Douluo of our sect from ten thousand years ago. His path has been refined and perfected for generations. It will suit you best."
Jun Ting nodded without hesitation. "I trust Master's judgment!"
Ye Xuanji smiled. "Good. Tomorrow, you will return to the village and bid farewell. After that, we leave for the Star Dou Great Forest. Once you join the sect, you won't have many opportunities to return."
Jun Ting inhaled deeply. "Understood."
—
The next day, outside Shanyang Village.
Jun Ting turned back, gazing at the place he had called home for six years.
The villagers stood at a distance, waving, some with tear-filled eyes.
A sense of sorrow welled up in his chest, but he quickly buried it beneath his resolve.
"Master, let's go."
Ye Xuanji nodded.
With a flick of his hand, his Star Saint Sword expanded in size, floating just above the ground.
"Ever tried flying with a sword?"
Jun Ting's eyes widened. "Flying?! On a sword?!"
Ye Xuanji smirked. "Why else would I be called Star Sword Douluo?"
Before Jun Ting could even react, his master lifted him onto the glowing sword. A burst of soul power enveloped them, shielding him from the harsh wind.
Then—whoosh!
The sword shot into the sky, soaring high above the land.
Jun Ting clutched the hilt, his heart pounding. The village shrank beneath them, fading into the distance. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within him—excitement, sadness, anticipation.
He took a deep breath. "Master, can I ask for a favor?"
Ye Xuanji glanced at him. "With you and me, is there a need for formalities? Speak."
Jun Ting clenched his fists. "I want the sect to hold a free martial soul awakening ceremony for the villagers of Shanyang Village every year. Is that possible?"
Ye Xuanji was silent for a moment before he sighed.
"Not forgetting your roots… Rare, indeed." A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Consider it done."
(End of Chapter)
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This is the fourth one
Imagine having a flying sword as a vehicle, that's would very convenient,no gas,no tax,no traffic, just you and your sword.