Chapter 17: Official Apprenticeship and the Seven Kill Sword Technique - Douluo's spirit bead sword

Chapter 17: Official Apprenticeship and the Seven Kill Sword Technique Time flies unnoticed in the world of cultivation. Before he realized it, another nine months had passed. Considering the month spent hunting for spirit rings and the month spent teaching Ning Rongrong, Tian Lin had already spent nearly a year with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan. During these nine months, Tian Lin devoted most of his energy to honing his sword skills. Consequently, his spirit power only improved by three levels, and he was currently at level eighteen. Of course, from his perspective, this was not a significant increase. However, his seventh birthday had recently passed, and at seven years old, reaching level eighteen was considered extraordinary outside the clan. Even compared to the novel's protagonist, Tang San, who at this point would only be around level fifteen, Tian Lin was ahead. Despite this, Tian Lin's heightened sense of urgency never allowed him to be complacent. Yet, he did not waste time either. At the very least, his mastery in fundamental sword techniques made Chen Xin highly satisfied. Three months ago, Chen Xin had formally accepted Tian Lin as his apprentice. From that moment on, Tian Lin began addressing him as 'master.' It seemed that in the world of Douluo, there wasn't a clear distinction between 'teacher' and 'master,' but to Tian Lin, they were entirely different. The saying "once a teacher, forever a father" resonated deeply with him. To the present Tian Lin, Chen Xin was like a father figure. In the training grounds, Tian Lin continued practicing the basic sword techniques from Mount Shu. Now, his sword moves seemed to flow as naturally as his thoughts, making his swordplay elusive and difficult to track. "Alright, Xiao Tian, come over here!" Chen Xin called out to Tian Lin, halting the session, and had him come to his side. "Three months ago, you had already mastered the basic sword techniques to perfection. However, I still insisted that you continue training for three more months. Do you know why?" "I don't, but I know it's for my own good. I feel that my understanding of the fundamentals far surpasses what it was three months ago," Tian Lin replied. "That's correct. It's because your mastery of the basics has reached the third level." "The third level?" Tian Lin didn't quite understand what Chen Xin meant. "This is my perspective on learning swordsmanship—or learning anything, really—divided into five levels: learning, proficiency, mastery, inspiration, and transformation," explained Chen Xin. "Nowadays, many people are overly eager and prideful even at the first level. Since you are my disciple, you must not be like them. For every sword technique I teach you, you must reach the third level of mastery before I allow you to delve deeper into the way of the sword." "I understand, Master," Tian Lin immediately agreed. Little did he know that by adhering to Chen Xin's advice today, he would eventually reach the pinnacle of swordsmanship and gain the favor of an influential figure. "Very well, then today, I shall begin teaching you my life's ultimate technique, the Seven Kill Sword Technique!" What Tian Lin had awaited for so long had finally arrived. The Seven Kill Sword Technique was the hallmark skill that made Chen Xin renowned in the world of swordsmanship, standing on par with the Disorder Wind Hammer Technique of the Clear Sky Clan and the Dragon Transformation Secret Technique of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon family. The difference lies in that the Disorder Wind Hammer Technique requires a lengthy buildup for its final earth-shattering blow. In contrast, the Seven Kill Sword Technique is designed for swift combat. Although no single strike from this technique matches the final hammer blow in power, each strike is powerful enough and removes the need for lengthy preparation. Hence, each technique has its own strengths. Chen Xin began explaining the moves of the Seven Kill Sword Technique, which consisted of seven stances: Killing Aura Spread, Heaven and Earth Ruthless, Blood Over Mountains and Rivers, Heaven Shattering and Earth Crumbling, Inescapable Catastrophe, Annihilation of All, and Three Realms Destruction. Each move was a potent offensive technique, closely tied to why Sword Douluo was considered the strongest attacking Title Douluo. Chen Xin instructed Tian Lin to start with the first stance, Killing Aura Spread. He emphasized that until Tian Lin mastered it to the third level, he should not proceed to the next stance. Although this was merely the opening move of the Seven Kill Sword Technique—a simple strike—it was crucial because it accumulated killing aura, enabling the execution of subsequent moves more effectively. Tian Lin understood well the principle of a solid foundation, not rushing his progress. After morning practice, Tian Lin returned to his courtyard, discovering Ning Rongrong sitting alone on a swing he had made for her, idly swinging her little feet. Seeing Tian Lin approach, she joyfully ran over to him. "Sword Brother, you're finally back! I've been waiting for you for so long." Ning Rongrong was quite different from before. Although still somewhat spoiled, it was harmless. As the little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, a bit of whimsy was understandable. Most importantly, Ning Rongrong had learned to respect others. Even when encountering outer sect disciples of lower status, she did not put on airs, leading to her gaining acceptance from those who were initially wary of her little witch reputation. More and more people were willing to befriend her, not because of her background, but genuinely. Also, she was making great strides in her cultivation. With Tian Lin's enhancement barrier, she had reached the peak of level fourteen, matching the cultivation speed of innate full spirit power Battle Spirit Masters, which was remarkable for an auxiliary spirit master. Tian Lin had also taught her a footwork technique called the Dancing Flower Butterfly Steps, which significantly improved her battlefield safety. Once she mastered it completely, Tian Lin could impart to her an even more advanced technique, the Drunken Immortal Gaze Step, making her an agile auxiliary soul master. "Rongrong, how's your training in split-mind control coming along?" The only area lacking progress for Ning Rongrong was the core technique of their Seven Treasures Clan, crucial to her future supporting abilities, and Tian Lin was particularly concerned. When asked, Ning Rongrong visibly deflated and embarrassedly replied, "I'm still at the level of controlling three apertures. It's not my fault! I've been working hard, but split-mind control is really tough and tedious to practice." Tian Lin gently patted her head and smiled, "It's okay. The method for training split-mind control is indeed boring. You're still so young, so it's normal to struggle with persistence. At worst, in the future, you just need to support me alone. I can protect you without needing help from anyone else!" "Mm!" What Ning Rongrong liked most about Tian Lin was this—unless she made a serious mistake, he would tolerate her complaints or whims. "Master Tian Lin, Miss Rongrong, the Sect Master has summoned you both to the Seven Treasures Main Hall," a maid came over to inform them. "Got it, you may go," Tian Lin nodded, then turned to Ning Rongrong. "Uncle Ning calling us now must mean something important. Let's head over quickly." "Alright, but Dad's so annoying—just when I wanted to go out and play with you," Ning Rongrong complained. Her words made Tian Lin smile as he playfully tapped her cute nose. It seemed Ning Fengzhi's place in Ning Rongrong's heart had indeed dropped. With her two grandfathers and her Sword Brother ahead, he could at best rank fourth. Poor Ning Fengzhi, the ultimate doting father—a fatherly love misplaced!