Chapter 11: Tian Lin's Journey in the Way of the Sword - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 11: Tian Lin's Journey in the Way of the Sword After leaving the Soul Hunting Forest, Chen Xin walked slowly back to the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect with Tian Lin. Their pace was leisurely because Chen Xin was teaching Tian Lin swordsmanship along the way. "Xiao Tian, all sword techniques are fundamentally based on seven core actions: hooking, hanging, pointing, thrusting, stabbing, flicking, and chopping. No matter how intricate a sword technique may be, it cannot deviate from these seven actions. These are the essence of my Seven Kill Sword Technique. If you wish to inherit my sword style in the future, these moves must be mastered to perfection." Chen Xin was not imparting any advanced techniques to Tian Lin for the moment, but was instead focusing on a foundational sword art. Every day, he urged Tian Lin to practice diligently during the day, traveled at dusk, and replaced sleep with meditation at night. In truth, Tian Lin had no time for rest. Yet, he did not complain. Under Chen Xin's guidance, if Tian Lin faced the person he was three days prior, he could easily take on three of his former self. Tian Lin's diligence pleased Chen Xin immensely. On the first day, Tian Lin's crude swordsmanship could barely earn a 0.1 out of 100 points. Now, it was at least a ten — a hundred times stronger. One morning, as Tian Lin awoke from meditation, he began practicing the foundational sword techniques as instructed by his teacher. This time, however, his mind instinctively recalled the foundational sword moves of the Shu Shan Sect. As his heart moved, his movements gradually deviated from what Chen Xin had taught him, subconsciously beginning to practice the entry-level sword techniques of the Shu Shan Sect. This deviation was evidence that his foundational swordsmanship had reached a certain maturity, indicating that he could begin learning the Shu Shan Sect's sword techniques. The Shu Shan Sect's basic sword techniques emphasize a graceful style, free and easy footwork, and smooth, unhurried releases resembling that of deities. "Hmm, Xiao Tian's swordplay?" Upon witnessing this scene, Chen Xin immediately noted the lively path of the sword. With his keen eye, he could naturally discern that this was also a beginner's sword art, but far more sophisticated than what he had been teaching. "Hold on, Xiao Tian, can you tell me who taught you that sword technique you just displayed?" At these words, Tian Lin stopped his sword dance, clasped his hands, and replied, "Teacher, this inspiration came while I was practicing; no one else taught it to me." The Shu Shan techniques and the Wa Emperor lineage's skills were Tian Lin's deepest secrets, hidden even more deeply than his twin martial souls. The basic sword art was harmless enough to show, but the advanced techniques were different. Bringing them out now would raise unanswerable questions, like claiming creation of the mysterious Sword God Technique or Heavenly Sword at his young stage — who would believe such a feat? Perhaps when he is stronger, he could offer parts of these techniques to Chen Xin as a gift. "No one taught him, and yet he came up with it himself? I didn't expect this child to have such outstanding talent not only in spiritual power cultivation but also in swordsmanship." Chen Xin was truly astounded this time. Had the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect taken in a prodigy? Seeing Chen Xin silent, Tian Lin timidly asked, "Teacher, did my unauthorized modification of the sword technique upset you? I promise I won't do it again." Chen Xin shook his head with a smile and said, "No, teacher isn't angry; I'm actually very pleased. Remember, if anyone ever tells you that learning swordsmanship only requires sticking to the rules and no adaptation is necessary, you needn't say a word. Just strike them down with a sword, for they surely mean you harm." "There are no identical people in this world, just as there are no identical swords. Even though my Seven Kill Sword Technique was taught by my father, it's already quite different in my hands. I hope for the same with you. What I can pass on is the technique, but your unique sword intent and heart are for you to discover!" "My own sword intent and heart... I understand, teacher. I will walk my own path." Though Tian Lin understood only partially, he was certain Chen Xin had his best interests at heart — truly a worthy teacher. "Teacher, what score would you give that sword technique I just demonstrated?" Tian Lin eagerly asked. "Heh, sixty points!" The score of sixty wasn't particularly high, yet it held great significance, indicating that it was roughly passing in Chen Xin's eyes. Twenty days later, the two finally returned to the city of Seven Treasures. A journey that should have taken only a few days had stretched to over half a month due to the training. Upon returning to the sect, Chen Xin remarked, "Xiao Tian, you've been exhausted from the journey. You're allowed to take a day off today. Go and rest in your room, while I report our progress to Feng Zhi." "Understood, disciple takes his leave!" Tian Lin said as he dashed back to his quarters. In his room, there was a crystal ball for testing spiritual power. Eager to know his current level, Tian Lin couldn't wait to find out. The room was kept spotless, thanks to daily cleaning, even during his absence of over half a month. Tian Lin casually tossed his luggage onto the bed, picked up the crystal ball, and began channeling his spiritual power into it. The sphere instantly glowed brightly. "My spiritual power has reached level fifteen!" Even Tian Lin was shocked. He had speculated that after absorbing the 600-year-old spirit ring, his spiritual power would exceed level thirteen. But it seemed he had reached at least level fourteen and a half at that time, and over the past half month, he had progressed to level fifteen. "Fantastic! If I can maintain this training pace, perhaps I can face the crisis in the future." Since joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect, Tian Lin had been most concerned about the crisis threatening the sect's survival — the soul hunting campaign by the Spirit Hall. According to the original timeline, the hunting campaign would occur in approximately fourteen to fifteen years. By then, Tian Lin would be around twenty years old. Though time seemed scarce, Tian Lin had confidence in his cultivation speed, not only due to his innate talent but also because of the Saint Spirit Pearl's assistance, which he tested on their return journey. Under the Sanctuary Aura, Chen Xin's cultivation speed increased by ten percent, while for Tian Lin, it surged by thirty percent. Moreover, he had another advantage: the Earth Mother Meditation Technique, which he dared not cultivate under Chen Xin's watchful eye, instead using the method Chen Xin imparted. Today, in his own room, was the perfect opportunity to switch to this meditation technique. Tian Lin sat cross-legged, quickly entering a state of deep meditation. As for the rest Chen Xin mentioned — there simply wasn't time for that. Only after overcoming the impending crisis could he rest easy. Meanwhile, Chen Xin had already returned to the grand hall and taken his seat, recounting the events of their journey to Ning Feng Zhi. "A 600-year soul ring. Tian Lin actually managed to absorb a 600-year soul ring; it's truly a miracle that he narrowly escaped death from such a risk." Ning Feng Zhi was both ecstatic and somewhat fearful, realizing he nearly lost the future titled Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect. But then, as if recalling something, his eyes gleamed with anticipation.