Bai He looked at the children playing nearby, a gentle smile softening his usually stern features. Behind him, Chen Xin walked calmly, observing the little girls laughing and running about. Ning Rongrong's laughter rang out like bells, bright and unrestrained.
"I haven't seen Rongrong laugh like this in ages," Bai He sighed quietly. "Within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Rongrong's aura is far too strong. He doesn't have anyone to play with. Only my two grandfathers, Old Bone, and I can keep him company."
Suddenly, Bai He felt a presence at his back. Someone had approached silently—so quietly that even at Soul Saint level, Bai He hadn't sensed them. Turning, he saw Chen Xin, his white hair catching the sunlight, a heroic face calm and dignified. Respectfully, Bai He greeted:
"Bai He, Patriarch of the Min Clan of the Longmen Sect, pays his respects to His Majesty Sword Douluo. May I inquire about your purpose in Notting City? Do you require my assistance?"
Chen Xin waved off the formalities with a warm smile. "No need for that. Today, we're both here simply to take our granddaughters out for a bit of fun. Besides, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Longmen Sect share a close bond. I'm older than you, so just call me Chen Xin! It's been a long time since Rongrong's had this much fun. By the way, is that little girl your granddaughter?"
Bai He noted Chen Xin's approachable demeanor, but he quickly reminded himself of the immense power behind his sect's leader. A Titled Douluo wouldn't be so casual without strong backing. Straightening his back, he gestured toward the children.
"The one with white and purple hair is my granddaughter, Bai Chenxiang. The one with golden hair is Yu Linglong, daughter of our Longmen Sect leader, Yu Xiaogang. And… the one with short blue-and-golden hair is my nephew Tang Hao's son, Tang San, also a direct disciple of our Longmen Sect leader."
Chen Xin's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. They all looked like little girls, but one of them was actually a boy!
Ning Rongrong, delighted to have someone her own age who wasn't intimidated by her, gravitated toward Tang San, the beautiful "older sister" who had just assisted her. Perhaps drawn to the fresh, calming aura of Tang San's Blue Silver Grass bloodline, she took his hand without hesitation.
Upon realizing Tang San was a boy, Chen Xin's cheerful expression immediately soured. This overly daughter-focused culture had long isolated Ning Rongrong within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—a fault for which he and Gu Rong bore partial responsibility. Seeing Ning Rongrong so close to Tang San only stoked Chen Xin's frustration. He had assumed Tang San was a girl; Bai He's revelation made him feel deceived.
Though Ning Rongrong saw Tang San as a friendly older sister, Chen Xin saw potential peril. Since Ning Rongrong was about to become Yu Xiaogang's disciple, he had expected tests of skill, not these complicated interactions. Tang San approaching his precious granddaughter, even disguised as a girl, was simply unacceptable.
Yet Chen Xin could not take it out on a child. Tang San was Yu Xiaogang's direct disciple, after all. Old grudges mixed with new concerns, and Chen Xin's pride as a master swordsman, wielding the formidable Seven Killing Sword, urged him toward a challenge. If he could not best the younger, he would measure himself against the older—Yu Xiaogang himself. Tang Hao might just have to wait before testing his strength against Yu Xiaogang.
After some time, Chen Xin and Bai He watched over the children as they laughed and ran through the bustling shopping streets, attracting adoring glances from passersby. When the little ones tired, Bai He led everyone to the Longmen Sect, while Chen Xin used a communication spirit guide to inform Ning Fengzhi at the Qibao Hotel before personally escorting Ning Rongrong to the sect.
Ning Fengzhi rubbed his forehead upon receiving the message. "Uncle Jian is still so impulsive… Hopefully, no clashes with Yu Xiaogang. After all, he's Rongrong's teacher."
At the Longmen Sect, Yu Xiaogang reviewed Yun Lan's message. His keen mind deduced that Chen Xin might be coming to test him—an intriguing prospect. It had been a long while since Yu Xiaogang last fought seriously, and the appearance of Chen Xin presented a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the Seven Killing Sword's devastating might.
Soon, Yu Xiaogang received Chen Xin and the group in the sect's main hall. Yu Linglong spotted her father and, excitedly jumping into his arms, chirped,
"Dad! Look who I met in Notting City! Grandpa Jian and Sister Ning Rongrong from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect! Dad, am I getting a little junior sister soon?"
Yu Xiaogang smiled, patting her head. "Alright, Linglong, be good. We have guests today. You'll be a senior sister in the future, so behave."
He set Linglong down gently, then turned to Chen Xin and Ning Rongrong, who gazed at him with wide, curious eyes. "Chen Xin, I apologize if Linglong's liveliness caused trouble. Ning Rongrong, your father often speaks of your talents, and it seems he spoke truly. You will now be my disciple. Linglong, go familiarize yourself with your new little sister."
Chen Xin's eyes narrowed. "Master Yu Xiaogang, a moment. I've heard you can slay a Soul Douluo with a single glance. I am Chen Xin, swordsman of the Seven Killing Sword, spirit power at level ninety-six. Since Rongrong wishes to become your disciple, I, as her grandfather, challenge you."
Yu Xiaogang's smile remained calm, as though he had expected this. "Elder Bai He, take the children aside and observe. They should witness the might of Douluo Continent's elite warriors."
Then, turning to Chen Xin, Yu Xiaogang continued, "Let us move to the sect square. A perfect chance for the children to see a Titled Douluo in action."
Chen Xin's usual calm dissolved into focused intensity, sword at the ready. "As you will!"
The children—Ning Rongrong, Tang San, Yu Linglong, and the still-bewildered Bai Chenxiang—chattered excitedly as Bai He guided them to the sect square. Tang San's eyes burned with anticipation; this was a duel between powerhouses, and he, as a warrior, could hardly contain his excitement.
At the center of the square, Yu Xiaogang and Chen Xin faced each other. Word of the duel had spread, and the disciples of Longmen Sect, along with Ning Fengzhi, gathered at the edges. Eighteen metal pillars rose from the square's perimeter, inscribed with shimmering soul-guiding runes. Soon, a vast, transparent barrier of countless hexagonal energy shields formed.
Yu Xiaogang's smile widened. "This is a city-level defensive soul-guiding device I've been developing. It can withstand attacks from Titled Douluo. Now, Chen Xin, please introduce yourself."
"I am Yu Xiaogang, Sect Master of Longmen Sect, second in history to possess a twin spirit on Douluo Continent, Level 95 Titled Douluo." He unleashed his spirit, the Golden Light Holy Dragon Luo, three times. Soul rings pulsed beneath his feet, a terrifying, oppressive aura radiating outward.
Black! Black! Black! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red!
Yu Xiaogang met Chen Xin's astonished gaze confidently. "I will begin with my first martial spirit, the Golden Light Holy Dragon. Let's begin."
With a mighty roar, Luo Sanpao appeared behind Yu Xiaogang, eyes blazing as he lunged toward Chen Xin.
"Roar!!!"
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