Chapter 7: The Journey Begins
Sword Douluo Chen Xin had been ready since dawn, standing outside the main gates of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan estate like a dignified statue, arms folded, silver hair fluttering in the morning breeze. Behind him, gleaming softly under the sunlight, floated his legendary weapon — the flying sword, sharp and silent as always.
Ning Zhen stood beside him, not nearly as calm. His eyes were wide as saucers.
"We're flying on that?" he asked, pointing.
"Of course," Chen Xin replied, as if it were the only option in the world. "You didn't think we'd take a carriage, did you?"
"I thought maybe something with walls... and snacks."
Sword Douluo almost smiled. "You'll get used to it."
Inside the estate, Lady Yanxi adjusted her robes around her now-visible pregnancy belly, looking slightly worried. Ning Fengzhi stood beside her, reassuring.
"He'll be fine," he murmured. "Chen Xin won't let him even stub a toe."
"I know," she said. "Still... he's six. And he has too many questions."
As if summoned by that thought, Zhen's voice echoed from outside.
"Grandpa! How do you make a sword fly? Is it pulling us or pushing us? And where does the wind go when we fly through it?"
Chen Xin calmly replied, "Yes. No. And that's a lesson for the trip."
---
The family had gathered for the sendoff.
Bone Douluo Gu Rong crossed his arms. "You better bring him back in one piece."
Chen Xin snorted. "You think he's going to battle a Titan Giant Ape on this trip?"
"With his luck?" Gu Rong muttered. "Yes."
Fengzhi chuckled. "Besides, I'm staying behind. Yanxi needs me, and clan policy says one Title Douluo must remain in the domain at all times."
Zhen, still strapping on his new belt, looked up. "Papa, are you sure I can't take the forge cart?"
"No forge carts," Fengzhi said gently. "That belt is a rare space artifact — ten compartments, each five meters across. Use it wisely."
Zhen looked at the beautiful silver-etched belt like it was a crown jewel. "Can I store snacks in it?"
Yanxi gave him a look. "Only if you store tools too."
---
A final hug, a few encouraging words, and it was time.
Chen Xin stepped onto his sword. Zhen hopped after him, wobbled, and grabbed his grandfather's sleeve.
"It's like standing on a really fast table," he muttered.
Chen Xin chuckled. "Hold tight."
With a low hum, the sword rose — and they were off.
The clan estate fell behind, rooftops shrinking beneath them. Zhen gasped as the trees became specks, the rivers like silver veins.
"THIS IS AMAZING!" he shouted, wind whipping his hair.
Chen Xin nodded, eyes calm, wind parting before them as if the skies themselves respected his path.
"So... how do we steer?" Zhen asked.
Chen Xin smirked. "With grace."
---
As they flew, Zhen peppered his grandfather with questions.
"What's the first spirit beast we'll see? Can I pet one? How do you know if it wants to eat you or be your friend?"
"You'll learn to tell," Chen Xin replied. "Usually by whether it's running toward you with teeth bared."
Zhen blinked. "That's not helpful."
"It's tradition."
They camped that night in a secluded clearing near the edge of Sunset Forest. Sword Douluo summoned a tent from his own storage ring — spartan but sturdy.
Zhen, by contrast, summoned a fluffy chair, a teapot, and four overly polished hammers.
"Emergency tools," he explained.
Chen Xin raised an eyebrow. "You brought those but forgot a blanket?"
Zhen pointed at a tiny hammer. "It is the blanket."
---
As the stars twinkled above and a fire crackled between them, Zhen asked a quieter question.
"Grandpa... do you think I'll find the right beast? The one that fits?"
Chen Xin looked at him thoughtfully. "I don't know. But I do know you'll recognize it when you do."
Zhen nodded, eyes reflecting firelight. "Good. Because I want my spirit ring to shine just like the BonkShield."
Chen Xin laughed — a soft, rare sound. "Just don't try forging it first."
And under that star-filled sky, with the forest ahead and adventure calling, the journey of Ning Zhen — heir of flame, forge, and future — truly beginning