Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 191: The Divine Challenge, Part One

The sky was crystal clear, and the full moon hung high above. Sword Douluo Chen Xin sat alone, immersed in cultivation in the small forest outside Shrek Academy.

Reaching the level of Super Douluo required more than just diligent training; it required deep understanding and resonance with one's martial spirit, often needing decades of insight for true advancement. Yet, long standing habits had instilled in Chen Xin the practice of quiet cultivation.

He had noticed everything Tang Hao did earlier to Zhao Wuji, watching from the shadows. If a Titled Douluo masked their aura, even another Titled Douluo would only notice if they concentrated hard with spiritual sense. Chen Xin couldn't be bothered to interfere, but he didn't think much of Tang Hao's actions either.

"No wonder he's been out of the spotlight for so many years. Such an audacious attack on a weaker soul master it's unworthy of someone bearing the Haotian title," Chen Xin muttered to himself. To his mind, Zhao Wuji's examination had indeed been an exercise of the strong against the weak, but he hadn't inflicted serious harm. Tang San's injuries were mainly due to his own choices.

Chen Xin, who had no children, had always felt an almost grandfatherly affection toward Ning Rongrong. He'd originally wanted to turn down this mission, but remembering the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's precarious situation, he ultimately decided to heed Ning Fengzhi's arrangements.

He sighed as he looked up at the moon.

"Such monotony. I wonder when I'll meet an opponent who'll be worthy of my blade."

But suddenly, Chen Xin's expression changed as he found himself in a completely different environment. He quickly stood, summoning his Seven Kill Sword.

Two yellow, two purple, and five black spirit rings shone around him, marking his status as a Titled Douluo. With his spiritual senses, Chen Xin quickly deduced that everything around him was real; someone had transported him through space.

"Who's there?" Chen Xin called out, scanning his surroundings with vigilance as he activated his innate Seven Kill Domain. Only a Titled Douluo could access this field, which amplified his killing aura, giving him additional power. Those with lower ranks would be severely weakened under this influence.

A slow, rhythmic clapping echoed through the night.

"Impressive the so called strongest attack type tool martial spirit in Douluo, indeed remarkable," said a voice.

Ye Wen emerged from the shadows, his tall form strikingly mysterious in the moonlight.

Chen Xin squinted, on guard, but refrained from attacking.

"Who are you, and why did you bring me here?" he asked.

Ye Wen shook his head, disappointed. "Sword Douluo, you've been stuck at Rank 96 for a long time now. Haven't you figured out why you can't break through?"

"That is none of your concern," Chen Xin retorted, his tone frosty. "I would suggest you state your purpose quickly before I take action."

Seeing Chen Xin's impatience, Ye Wen got straight to the point, summoning his spirit rings. Chen Xin's eyes widened every single one was at least a hundred thousand years old, glowing under the moon like beams of sunlight. Chen Xin immediately tried to analyze whether this was some kind of illusion, using his spiritual power to focus and discern any trick.

"It's useless to look further, Sword Douluo Chen Xin. Everything before you is real," Ye Wen said. "I have ascended to the position of Sea God. Today, I came to ask for your assistance with a task."

With that, Ye Wen released a wave of divine power, its pressure bearing down on Chen Xin. Instantly, Chen Xin felt himself buckling, sinking to one knee, unable to hold his Seven Kill Sword upright.

"This… this…" Chen Xin stammered. The crushing force was so real, reminding him of the helplessness he had felt as a child facing his father's overwhelming strength.

A bottomless abyss...

Chen Xin trembled. Even as a Super Douluo, he couldn't believe what he was feeling. Could this man truly be a god?

Ye Wen's expression was impassive, though he'd restrained his aura to less than half its full intensity. He wasn't here to humiliate Sword Douluo, but to offer an alliance. After a moment, Ye Wen withdrew his power.

"Do you believe me now?"

Chen Xin remained silent for a moment, then slowly sheathed his martial spirit. Bowing respectfully, he said, "I greet you, Sea God. May I ask what you need of me?"

Ye Wen studied this legendary figure the Seven Kill Sword was still sharp, but it seemed Chen Xin had lost his former edge.

"I want the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to submit to me," Ye Wen said.

Though he now believed Ye Wen was a god, the demand still made Chen Xin's face turn cold.

"This request is not within my authority to grant. I will need to consult with our sect master."

Ye Wen's disappointment grew.

"You've grown soft, Chen Xin. Do you really believe the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has any right to refuse the demand of a god? Instead of agreeing right away, you hesitated. It seems that life within the sect has not only dulled your ambition but also weakened your ability to judge what's best. With this attitude, you'll never break through to a higher realm."

Chen Xin's expression darkened. For a proud soul master, such words were a brutal blow to his honor. Even with years of cultivated composure, he couldn't help but feel enraged. Summoning his Seven Kill Sword, he activated his Seven Kill Domain, his eyes blazing with determination.

"Then I beg for a lesson!"

Finally, a spark of fire returned to Chen Xin's gaze, and Ye Wen felt a trace of satisfaction as he beckoned with one finger.

"Come then."

"First Soul Skill: Piercing Edge! Seventh Soul Skill: True Form of Seven Kills! Ninth Soul Skill: Gods and Demons Cleaved!"

In an instant, Chen Xin amplified his power to its peak. He merged with his Seven Kill Sword, which soared toward the clouds, Chen Xin looking down from high above.

Ye Wen noted Chen Xin's skill set with a hint of disappointment. His arsenal seemed limited to augmentative techniques, not the dazzling, varied attacks one might expect from the world's most powerful attack type tool martial spirit. A restrictive combination of soul rings had diminished the potential of the Seven Kill Sword.

Yet under the enhancement of the Seven Kill Domain, Chen Xin's sword aura was indeed impressive, even managing to excite someone of Ye Wen's level of cultivation.

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