The impact of the Pope's grand wedding was immense—particularly for the younger generation.
Especially after witnessing the battle between Tang Hao and Gu Han, those who once flaunted their supposed genius fell silent. Arrogance gave way to solemn dedication, and all thoughts turned toward training. No more empty boasting.
Of course, where there are those who rise with ambition, there are also those who falter after a crushing blow. Reactions varied across the spectrum.
Yet the aftershocks of this wedding sent waves of change throughout the continent's youth.
Major sects and academies, too, intensified the training regimens for their disciples and students.
A cultivation frenzy swept across the land.
At this time, Gu Han himself was undergoing rigorous training under the watchful eye—and heavy hand—of Sword Douluo, Chen Xin. If he wasn't in the middle of a beatdown, he was on the way to one.
Chen Xin was a strict master, no doubt. His demands of Gu Han were harsh, which only proved one thing: he truly intended to pass down his life's swordsmanship to this boy.
The process wasn't pleasant by any means, but when has the path of cultivation ever been a gentle one? It is forged through struggle, not comfort.
Under Chen Xin's relentless tutelage—equal parts instruction and beatings—Gu Han's swordsmanship and combat prowess advanced at a steady pace.
"Slash!!"
On the sparring grounds, Gu Han swung his sword in a wide arc, sending forth a wave of sword qi infused with potent ice attributes. It tore through every wooden target in front of him, grinding them all to dust.
"Junior Brother, you're amazing!!"
Bibi Dong couldn't help but speak up, asserting her presence with a cheerful shout.
Throughout the past six months of Chen Xin's instruction, she had often watched from the sidelines. Occasionally, she too received guidance from Chen Xin .
But compared to Gu Han's tragic ordeal, Chen Xin's treatment of Bibi Dong was far more gentle.
Gu Han had just turned thirteen, and with the intensity of his recent training, the latent energy within him had been awakened. His soul power now stood at Rank 48—matching Bibi Dong's.
Thirteen years old, Rank 48. Compared to the same-age Shrek Seven Devils from the original story, Gu Han's advancement already exceeded theirs.
In terms of actual combat, likely only the cheat-code-like Tang San could contend with him. The rest would be cut down in a matter of sword strikes.
"As for the Seven Kill Domain," Chen Xin began, "that is a trait innately tied to my martial soul. I cannot pass it on to you. However, I can share with you my understanding of domains."
The Seven Kill Sword was, in terms of quality alone, already a top-tier Tool Spirit. But the fact that it came with its own domain made it far superior to the Clear Sky Hammer.
If not for Tang Chen's existence and the sheer number of people in the Clear Sky Clan, the title of "strongest Tool Spirit under heaven" would have rightfully belonged to the Seven Kill Sword.
Chen Xin stood with his hands behind his back, looking upon Gu Han with satisfaction. In just half a year, the boy had brought the Seven Kill Sword Technique and its accompanying sword energy to a truly refined level. This kind of talent far surpassed even that of his father.
If only this child's martial soul had been the Seven Kill Sword… what a sight that would be. If he had, once fully grown, the title of strongest Tool Spirit wouldn't even be a question.
"Domains are an extremely rare power," Chen Xin continued.
"They are closely tied to a soul master's martial soul and represent a form of evolution or ascension for that spirit."
"Once a soul master awakens a domain, their combat strength increases exponentially."
"Within their domain, a soul master gains full attribute boosts—while enemies within suffer total attribute suppression."
"My own domain emerged when my spirit evolved at the seventieth rank. It was born naturally."
"There are three known ways to obtain a domain."
"First, a martial soul's quality reaches a certain threshold. After reaching rank 70 or rank 90, there is a chance for a domain to manifest naturally."
"Second, one can obtain a domain through external forces. For example, anyone who survives the Hell Road in the Slaughter City will gain the powerful Deathgod Domain—though the chances of dying there are extremely high."
"The third method… involves a soul master achieving such deep understanding of their own spirit, and possessing such formidable spiritual power, that they are able to forge a domain through sheer will. I've never known a soul master to succeed on that path."
"Since awakening the Seven Kill Domain, I've fully fused it with my sword."
As he spoke, the Seven Kill Sword materialized behind Chen Xin. A domain centered around swords and killing intent unfurled, enveloping the area.
Though the domain was not aimed at Gu Han, he could clearly feel its oppressive power. It wasn't just about weakening enemies and strengthening oneself—it also exerted immense pressure on the mind.
It was indeed a terrifying soul ability.
Moreover, Chen Xin had integrated his entire sword path into this domain. He had reached the state of unity between man and sword, where the domain became an extension of his being. Every strike carried a spiritual shockwave, turning each blow into a deadly force. This was a unique way to develop a domain—something only someone of his caliber could accomplish.
Everyone's path is different, and few things can be conveyed through words alone. Chen Xin formed his fingers into a sword and tapped Gu Han between the brows, transferring his own insights directly into the boy's mind.
"This is the culmination of my lifetime of sword cultivation and domain comprehension. Whether or not you can awaken your own domain… depends on you."
A master can only open the door. The disciple must walk the path himself.
There are some things that cannot be taught. They must be understood. A master's job is merely to steer the student in the right direction and provide guidance at critical moments.
As Chen Xin's insights flowed into him, Gu Han felt them inscribe themselves within the nameless technique manual in his soul—a single word appeared: "Sword," radiating boundless killing intent.
By meditating on that single character, Gu Han could glimpse Sword Douluo's lifetime of sword cultivation. The path to comprehension would be much clearer now.
Gu Han opened his eyes and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Master."
This insight was no less valuable than any Immortal Herb.
With it, Gu Han could draw inferences from related principles and advance toward the awakening of a domain truly his own.
And the sword path comprehension was even more crucial for him.
Now that the nameless manual had fully inscribed this information, all he needed was time to understand it and fuse it with his own sword path. That would allow him to take a huge step forward on his journey.
The Seven Kill Sword Technique and Sword Path were powerful—but they were not his sword path.
Gu Han's task was not to become a carbon copy of Chen Xin, but to stand on his master's shoulders and illuminate the road ahead with his own light.
"Mhm, what I can teach you ends here," Chen Xin nodded. "The rest is up to you. If you're ever confused in the future, bring the token that Fengzhi gave you to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and find me."
Chen Xin had already been away for over six months. As the Clan's Guardian Elder, he couldn't remain outside indefinitely.
Now that he had passed on all he could, there was little more he could offer Gu Han—except perhaps guidance in moments of doubt.
"Master… you're leaving?" Gu Han asked, hearing the farewell in his tone. Truthfully, even after just half a year—and even with the many beatings—he had grown deeply attached to this strict yet kind master. The idea of parting was painful.
"Uncle Sword, you're going already?" Bibi Dong asked as well, clearly reluctant to see him go. Chen Xin hadn't only taught Gu Han; he had guided her as well. He was a genuinely good person, and she hated to say goodbye.
"Haha! There's no feast under heaven that doesn't come to an end."
Chen Xin chuckled heartily at their reluctance, then reassured them, "Besides, I'm only returning to the clan—not leaving this world. If you miss me, just come visit at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan anytime."
Gu Han and Bibi Dong exchanged a glance. Despite their reluctance, they nodded earnestly.
"Master, let Senior Sister and me walk you out," Gu Han offered.
"No need for that," Chen Xin waved them off with a smile.
He rose into the air atop his Seven Kill Sword, looking down at the two young disciples with pride.
"Xiao Han, Dong'er… farewell!"
With that, Chen Xin flew skyward in a streak of light, quickly vanishing from their sight.
Gu Han and Bibi Dong bowed deeply toward the direction of his departure, silently seeing him off.
~~~
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