Chapter 9: Sword Theory, A Life of Hard Training

Ye Xuanji's courtyard, as befitting the chief supreme elder, was tucked away in a serene corner of the sect—far from the bustle of the outside world.

When he arrived with Chen Junting, he led him straight to the Sword Room.

The moment they stepped inside, Junting's eyes were drawn to the dazzling display of swords hanging along the walls. Their variety was one thing, but the intricate gemstones embedded in their scabbards shimmered under the dim light, radiating a luxurious allure.

Clearly, these swords weren't meant for battle.

"Envious?"

Ye Xuanji's voice broke through his thoughts as he gently patted Junting's shoulder.

For the first time, Junting detected something unserious in his master's tone. That immortal-like, untouchable aura he'd displayed when they first met? All an act, it seemed.

Junting rolled his eyes.

"Master, what exactly is this place?" he asked, already forming his own guesses.

"This is my personal mimicry training ground."

Without paying any mind to his disciple's reaction, Ye Xuanji stepped forward, casually drawing a sword from the wall.

The moment it left its sheath, the engraved patterns on the blade shimmered like distant stars, exuding an air of regality.

"No need to be jealous," Ye Xuanji said, glancing at Junting. "Your own training ground is already in the works. The sect has been gathering materials for it since you joined yesterday."

Then, he suddenly shifted the topic.

"Do you know the difference between your martial soul and mine?"

Junting thought for a moment before replying, "The Seven Killing Sword is filled with murderous intent, while the Star Saint Sword shines with starlight?"

But as he recalled the moment of his awakening—when he first absorbed his spirit ring—he hesitated and added, "Maybe... my martial soul also carries an inherent momentum?"

Ye Xuanji's lips curled into a pleased smile. "Exactly."

"That's why, even after ten thousand years, despite the emergence of countless new sword-type martial souls, the Seven Killing Sword remains the strongest."

As he spoke, Ye Xuanji twirled the Star Saint Sword in his hand, and in that instant, an overwhelming pressure crashed down on Junting like an invisible tidal wave.

His knees buckled.

Junting dropped to one knee as the Seven Killing Sword martial soul instinctively materialized in his right hand. A similar pressure surged from it, fighting back against Ye Xuanji's force.

Junting gritted his teeth and slowly pushed himself back to his feet—only for the pressure to suddenly disappear, leaving his body light as air.

Ye Xuanji's voice rang in his ears.

"Did you feel it? That is sword momentum."

Junting stared at the Seven Killing Sword in his grasp. The air around it crackled with a suffocating killing intent.

"Master, my sword's momentum is innate, while other swords must cultivate theirs?"

"Precisely." Ye Xuanji's eyes gleamed with approval. "That's the greatest advantage of the Seven Killing Sword. If a swordsman masters sword momentum, they can refine it into a domain—just like how your ancestor, Chen Xin, transformed his sword momentum into the Seven Killing Domain when he reached the Titled Douluo stage."

"Domain..."

Junting's eyes lit up.

In the world of Douluo, domain meant absolute power. Among soul masters of the same level, those who wielded a domain had an overwhelming advantage.

Eagerly, he asked, "Then Master, are we going to start training sword momentum now?"

But instead of a nod, Junting was met with a splash of cold water.

"Do you think domains can be achieved just by training?" Ye Xuanji snorted.

Junting hesitated. "Then…?"

Ye Xuanji didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "You must understand—there are five realms in the way of the sword."

"The first is swordsmanship—the fundamental techniques and moves.

The second is sword momentum—the force and pressure of the sword, which later evolves into a domain.

The third is sword intent—where the user's personal understanding and will fuse with the sword.

The fourth is sword soul—where the swordsman and the blade become one. You are the sword, and the sword is you.

And the final level… is the legendary Sword God."

Ye Xuanji's voice grew solemn. "Since the founding of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect—and even its predecessor, the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect—no one has ever reached this stage. Perhaps only the gods themselves have attained it."

He suddenly threw a wooden practice sword toward Junting, who caught it instinctively.

"From today onward, you will carry a sword at all times during training. A true swordsman must communicate with his martial soul, understand it, control it."

His master's gaze sharpened.

"Swordsmanship is the foundation. If you cannot master even the basics, what hope do you have of reaching the domain stage?"

And with that, the lessons began.

For the rest of the afternoon, Ye Xuanji drilled Junting in proper sword grip.

"You hold a sword like a fool," he critiqued bluntly. "Your posture is an insult to the Seven Killing Sword."(TLN:Damn!,no hesitation)

With exaggerated patience, he demonstrated the correct way to grip the hilt, explaining how finger placement affected control. Junting observed carefully, mimicking his movements until he got it right.

Then came breath control.

Ye Xuanji explained how breathing determined balance and stability. He demonstrated deep breaths—relaxing on the inhale, tensing on the exhale—emphasizing that mastery over breath was key to executing techniques smoothly.

The days that followed were grueling.

Morning: A thousand repetitions of basic sword movements, followed by a medicinal bath to soothe sore muscles.

After breakfast: Training in the Seven Killing Sword Technique and the 'Kill' Character Technique, followed by another medicinal bath.

Afternoon: Studying soul masters, soul beasts, and battle strategies, followed by intense sparring sessions under Ye Xuanji's watchful eye.

Evening: Meditation with the Seven Killing Sword resting across his lap—to familiarize himself with its presence, to feel its momentum.

As time passed, Junting gradually began to interact with other disciples of the sect, including Wu Feng.

Their first meeting? Awkward. Wu Feng was openly hostile, seemingly convinced that Junting was trying to steal Ning Tian's attention.

It took a lot of explanations—and some mediation from Ning Tian—before things smoothed over. Eventually, they reached an understanding.

Junting even helped Wu Feng obtain her first spirit ring.

And so, with each passing day, his ties to the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect deepened.

It wasn't just the resources the sect invested in him—his exclusive mimicry training ground, expensive medicinal baths, and premium food—it was also the companionship. His friends, his master... his home.

Junting finally realized—deep in his heart—he belonged here.

(End of Chapter)

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One more and then done