Chapter 16: The Bond Between Ning Rongrong and Tian Lin (Part 2) - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 16: The Bond Between Ning Rongrong and Tian Lin (Part 2) A month had passed since the last incident, and Ning Rongrong had almost fully adapted to her new lifestyle. For Tian Lin, who had gone through nine years of compulsory education, dealing with the young Ning Rongrong was quite a simple task. Initially, she would occasionally slack off, prompting Tian Lin to implement a penalty system. This involved shortening her leisure time to make up for her idleness, causing much dismay for Ning Rongrong. Her pouting could practically hang a bottle of oil. In an effort to preserve her limited playtime, she devoted herself to cultivation. Tian Lin then cleverly switched tactics and introduced a reward system. With diligent cultivation, she earned an extra dinner and the opportunity to go out in the evening. Impressive progress in her practice allowed her to end classes early in the afternoon. Several days of consistent effort could grant her an additional day off that week. Enticed by these various rewards, Ning Rongrong became highly motivated in her cultivation. Tian Lin changed the rewards frequently, keeping things interesting for her. Gradually, Ning Rongrong's way of addressing Tian Lin shifted from "annoying fellow" to "brother," albeit with "Sword" prefixed to it. Despite Tian Lin's objections, she insisted on this title. In her words, since Jian Douluo, who wielded a sword, was "Sword Grandpa," naturally Tian Lin, who used a sword, should be "Sword Brother." What was wrong with that? Tian Lin found himself unable to argue. In truth, Ning Rongrong did this intentionally. She knew Tian Lin didn't like the nickname, but that only encouraged her more. According to the "Little Witch's Rule Number One": the more someone dislikes something, the more you should do it. Did anyone really think a little witch like her wouldn't hold a grudge over minor issues? This was her way of getting back at him, Ning Rongrong style. Thanks to a month of unwavering meditation, Ning Rongrong successfully broke through the tenth level of soul power. After acquiring her soul ring, she reached nearly the twelfth level, and like in the original story, her first soul skill was a strength amplification. Ning Fengzhi secretly visited a few times and was pleased to find that not only did the two children stop arguing, but their relationship had also significantly improved. More importantly, Ning Rongrong, who previously neglected her cultivation, became diligent. He felt his earlier decision was indeed wise. One evening, after washing up, Tian Lin quickly entered a state of meditation. At that moment, Ning Rongrong excitedly burst into his room, skipping with joy. "Sword Brother, I've finally just mastered the first level of split-focus control, 'Three Apertures Governing Heart.' How will you reward me?" But Tian Lin remained unresponsive, fully engrossed in circulating his soul power. "What's this? He's already in deep meditation!" Ning Rongrong felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. Sitting beside Tian Lin, she chuckled at his face, "Sword Brother may be a pain, but he's quite good-looking!" "Alright, today, I'll just accompany you in cultivation!" With that, Ning Rongrong sat cross-legged next to Tian Lin and entered a meditative state as well. The next morning, as the first rays of the sun emerged, Ning Rongrong awoke from her meditation feeling the soul power within her. The gain in soul power from just one night far exceeded her usual progress. When Tian Lin opened his eyes, he found Ning Rongrong staring at him with a probing look. "Rongrong, why are you in my room so early today?" "I wasn't early; I stayed since last night. Sword Brother, are you hiding something from me? Why does my soul power cultivate so quickly when I'm near you?" Ning Rongrong fixed her gaze on Tian Lin, seemingly ready to see right through him. Tian Lin realized he'd been exposed. Ning Fengzhi had repeatedly instructed him not to reveal the secret of the Sacred Aura Barrier to anyone. Blame his own carelessness; trusting the safety within the sect, he hadn't been on guard, even missing Ning Rongrong coming to his side. Had they been outside, Tian Lin certainly wouldn't have entered such deep meditation. He scrambled to concoct an excuse, but Ning Rongrong, her wits sharpened by time with Tian Lin, cut him off, "Sword Brother, don't try to trick me. I can tell you're scrambling for an excuse." Tian Lin was taken aback by her insight. When did she get so smart? But he couldn't reveal the twin spirits; he dared not. Otherwise, given Ning Rongrong’s love for show, she'd parade around exclaiming, "My Sword Brother has twin spirits, a super genius who dotes on me. Who dares bully me? He'll beat you up!" In less than three days, all of Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would know, then the entire Heaven Dou Empire. Out of options, Tian Lin chose to disclose a small part of the truth. He lied, claiming he had a gemstone-like soul bone given by Ning Fengzhi, which, while lacking offensive power, could create a barrier to accelerate the cultivation of other gemstone-type spirit users. Ning Rongrong believed this without question because such a rare soul bone couldn't possibly be a fabrication. Tian Lin shared this story hoping she'd keep the secret; soul bones were highly coveted. Especially a soul bone that enhances others’ cultivation speed—people would go crazy for it. Ning Rongrong promptly assured she'd tell no one. In fact, keeping such a valuable advantage to herself was her intention. Telling others would only mean more flocking to Tian Lin’s side. Why not enjoy it alone? That very day, Ning Rongrong moved all her belongings into Tian Lin's room. From now on, it was her room as well. Such a boost in cultivation speed—she'd be foolish not to seize such a benefit. Tian Lin could only smile wryly. Tang San grew up sharing a bed with Xiao Wu and eventually won her over. Now, it was his turn. And unlike Tang San's case with a 100,000-year-old rabbit spirit, whose age would suffice for many in Tang San’s lineage, Tian Lin’s companion was undeniably a young girl. Would this scenario not land him with three years’ imprisonment at best, or a death sentence at worst? "Whoosh!" Watching Ning Rongrong cheerfully arrange her bedding, her adorable smile left Tian Lin feeling like even a death sentence might be worth it! Later, Tian Lin went to see Ning Fengzhi, updating him on the situation to prevent awkward questions later like, “Why didn’t you give me a soul bone if you gave one to Tian Lin?” He’d planned his excuse well: the soul bone can only enhance others, not oneself, thus Ning Fengzhi's choice to give it to Tian Lin, to assist Ning Rongrong in her cultivation—a testament to his love for her. A naive young girl was now skillfully orchestrated by these two. However, Ning Fengzhi saw the merit. With Ning Rongrong gaining the cultivation benefit of Tian Lin's barrier early on, despite being the clan's patriarch, he couldn't help but show favoritism towards his daughter.