The Seven Kill Sword's deliberate suppression of its edge was tantamount to self-castration.
The one involved, Chen Xin, seemed utterly unaware of his own problem.
Ning Tianchen could only hope that he would unleash the true power of the Seven Kill Sword and decisively win this duel.
Yang Wudi also noticed the issue with Chen Xin and remarked, "Sword Douluo doesn't seem to realize how much Spirit Phoenix Douluo fears him, which is why he lost his composure right from the start."
"This should have been a match in his favor, yet Sword Douluo hesitates at every turn—this isn't a good sign!"
Ning Tianchen gave a bitter smile.
In his view, for someone wielding the Seven Kill Sword martial soul, it was better to focus solely on offense rather than overthink things.
Even adopting Yang Wudi's extreme offensive approach would be preferable to the current situation.
This was the first time Ning Tianchen had witnessed Chen Xin going all out, so he couldn't have known about the situation beforehand.
Moreover, with the match ongoing, there was no way he could remind Chen Xin to confront his own issues.
---
On the Aerial Battlefield
Tian Ruyang quickly regained his composure and, through subsequent probing, figured out Chen Xin's attack patterns.
From that point onward, his actions became bolder, and he even managed to suppress Chen Xin for a time.
---
Ning Fengzhi was extremely tense.
Logically speaking, Chen Xin had been at the ninety-seven-level for quite some time. How could he possibly be suppressed by Tian Ruyang, who had just reached the same level?
Not to mention, the Seven Kill Sword was known as the continent's strongest offensive weapon martial soul. Moreover, weapon-type soul masters at the Title Douluo level were inherently stronger than beast-type soul masters at the same level.
With Ning Fengzhi's insight, he couldn't discern the underlying mechanics of the battle and could only worry helplessly.
At the same time, Chen Xin himself was growing anxious.
Back when he had been at the ninety-sixth level, despite having a significant early lead, he had still ended up in a draw against Yu Yuanzhen, who was at the ninety-fifth level.
This had left a thorn in his heart that he had never been able to remove.
Now, facing an opponent of the same level, he had initially taken the lead, but the advantage hadn't lasted long before he once again found himself at a disadvantage.
Chen Xin couldn't help but fall into self-doubt—was the Seven Kill Sword martial soul not as powerful as he thought?
Amid his anxiety, his thoughts drifted back more than forty years.
At that time, the Chen family had declined to the point where only he and his father remained.
That year, Chen Xin had just broken through to become a Title Douluo, while his father, Chen Jianjun, was already a ninety-seven-level Super Douluo.
The Seven Kill Sword lineage was passed down through single inheritance. Anyone who awakened the Seven Kill Sword martial soul had an Innate soul power level no lower than eight.
This had led to the frequent emergence of Super Douluos in the Chen family's history.
Freshly promoted to Title Douluo, Chen Xin was filled with ambition, determined to train hard and add another Super Douluo to the Chen family. He had even entertained thoughts of breaking through to the ninety-ninth level and becoming the Chen family's first Limit Douluo.
One day, unexpectedly, Chen Jianjun approached him and said, "I'm going to challenge Qian Daoliu, one of the continent's Limit Douluos!"
At that time, Chen Xin already had a deep understanding of the differences in strength between various levels of Title Douluos.
A ninety-seven-level Super Douluo stood no chance against a ninety-nine-level Limit Douluo.
Moreover, Qian Daoliu was infamous across the continent during those days. Everyone who challenged him perished without exception.
Chen Xin didn't think his father would be an exception and tried his best to dissuade him.
But Chen Jianjun grabbed his arms, his face serious, and said, "Your sword techniques and mine both come from your grandfather (Chen Xun). Your grandfather reaching the ninety-eighth level was already the limit of this path."
"I haven't fully grasped my father's swordsmanship, which is why I've been stuck at the ninety-seven level. And what I've taught you, you also can't fully comprehend."
Such a legacy—one generation weaker than the last.
Chen Jianjun believed that Chen Xin would, at most, break through to the ninety-sixth level, after which further progress would be nearly impossible.
As it turned out, his words proved prophetic. After breaking through to the ninety-sixth level, Chen Xin's cultivation stagnated for a long time.
It wasn't until Ning Tianchen provided him with immortal herbs, using their medicinal properties, that he finally crossed the threshold to the ninety-seventh level.
On that day, Chen Jianjun went to challenge Qian Daoliu because he realized there were flaws in the swordsmanship he practiced. He wanted to fight Qian Daoliu, a master swordsman, to forge his own path and reach higher realms.
Unfortunately, ideals are often lofty, but reality is harsh.
Defeated by Qian Daoliu, Chen Jianjun clung to his last breath to see Chen Xin one final time.
With his dying words, he instructed, "There's nothing left of the Chen family's honor to lose. Chen Xin, take the last seed of our family and live well. If our family has descendants in the future, make sure they walk their own path of swordsmanship. No matter how difficult the road ahead, they must persevere."
---
Chen Jianjun's instructions from years ago were now being tested through Ning Tianchen.
Most of the sword techniques Chen Xin taught Ning Tianchen were basic swordsmanship and the inherited sword techniques of the Seven Kill Sword.
Ning Tianchen's success was entirely due to his own talent.
As for Chen Xin himself, he had become trapped within the confines of tradition.
After Chen Jianjun's death, Chen Xin quickly joined the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
The reason was simple—he was the last member of the Chen family. To ensure the continuation of the family lineage, he needed a stable environment.
It was precisely because of joining the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect that he enjoyed decades of peace. During this time, he continuously attempted to improve his strength but rarely engaged in battles.
"Intoxicated" by the comfort of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Chen Xin's sharp edges had been smoothed, and along with them, his fighting spirit had gradually faded away.
Born in adversity, perish in ease!
At this moment, Chen Xin seemed to finally understand his own problem.
In the past, he had walked the path of his grandfather's (Chen Xun) swordsmanship, and he had already reached its limit.
He had tried to change but feared losing the strength he currently possessed.
Under the influence of these factors, he had become rigid in battle, never delivering standout performances.
Back then, Yu Yuanzhen had figured out his attack patterns, leading to a stalemate.
Now, at the same soul power level as Tian Ruyang, his patterns were once again deciphered.
If this continued, he wouldn't even be able to achieve a draw!
Change was imperative!
"Seven Kill Domain, activate!"
Chen Xin's gaze grew resolute and piercing. An overwhelming aura of killing intent radiated outward from his body.
"Evolution Skill of the Seven Kill Domain, Myriad Ranges, Countless Peaks!"
The soul skill he unleashed was identical to the one Ning Tianchen had used earlier.
Below the stage, Dugu Bo couldn't help but chuckle. "Kid, I didn't expect you to learn Sword Douluo's secret technique so quickly."
Ning Rongrong, aware of the situation, looked at Chen Xin in the air with astonishment.
There was no doubt about it—this move wasn't Chen Xin's technique but one Ning Tianchen had devised. She had once heard Gu Rong say that Chen Xin hadn't used his domain in nearly thirty years.
In fact, if Chen Xin had used his domain back then, he wouldn't have ended in a draw with Yu Yuanzhen.
Ning Tianchen was also aware of these facts.
The essence of the Seven Kill Domain lay in the word "kill," making it difficult to control.
Ning Tianchen, possessing the Killing God Domain and mastering the manipulation of killing intent, naturally faced no issues using the Seven Kill Domain.
On the other hand, Chen Xin had lost his bloodlust and grown "weak." His state of mind had changed, and the immense killing intent he had accumulated would undoubtedly consume him if he recklessly activated the Killing Domain.
Now, Chen Xin was able to confront himself, and by observing Ning Tianchen's soul skills earlier, he had imitated them, demonstrating his determination to change.
Changing wasn't just a matter of words—it required immense courage.
Ning Tianchen smiled and said, "The Seven Kill Sword lineage is passed down without division. However, the fact that Grandpa recognized his own problems and made changes in such a short time means this match is already without suspense."
On the other side, Gu Rong looked at his old friend with a face full of satisfaction.
Chen Xin's issues were something he had noticed long ago.
But this wasn't something that could be resolved through mere verbal persuasion—the key lay in whether Chen Xin could shift his mindset.
Now that Chen Xin had resolved to change, as his longtime rival, Gu Rong naturally felt glad.
---
With the activation of the Seven Kill Domain, Tian Ruyang's advantage vanished completely, and he was firmly suppressed by Chen Xin's attacks.
Tian Ruyang's soul bone skill included a domain-type soul skill.
However, his Ice and Snow Domain couldn't break through the Seven Kill Domain, let alone compete with it on equal footing.
The Ice and Snow Domain was enveloped by the Seven Kill Domain, and Tian Ruyang's soul power burned rapidly just to barely avoid defeat.
At the same time, he understood the change in Chen Xin.
While suppressing his opponent, Chen Xin unconsciously glanced at the Seven Kill Sword.
This was the power he once possessed but had lost.
In this moment, it was as if he had become decades younger. His moves were no longer "steady" but instead brimming with killing intent.
He swung the Seven Kill Sword, leaving deep sword marks in the space before him. A massive "kill" character gradually formed and condensed.
Nine consecutive "kill" characters surged toward Tian Ruyang. The latter dared not be careless, and the ninth soul ring beneath his feet suddenly lit up.
"Ninth Soul Skill, Scorching Cold, Phoenix Flame!"
The cold energy merged with the Ice and Snow Domain, seemingly on the verge of breaking through the Seven Kill Domain.
A scorching airflow spontaneously generated, quickly condensing into phoenix flames.
The instant the ice and fire forces collided, a blinding light and a violent explosion erupted, swiftly consuming several of the "kill" characters.
Though the two forces of ice and fire were incompatible, Tian Ruyang could manipulate them to explode at their limit, unleashing destructive power capable of devastating heaven and earth.
However, Chen Xin remained calm and composed.
"A single verse on the strings within the cup, half a lifetime of wind and rain, all condensed into one sword."
---
Including Chrysanthemum Ghost Douluo, all of the Spirit Hall's powerful individuals simultaneously exerted their strength, forming a soul barrier above the venue.
The moment the two soul skills collided, the heavens and earth trembled.
The open ground near the venue was torn apart by countless cracks; nearby peaks were effortlessly flattened by the flying "kill" characters.
The sky changed, the sun and moon dimmed.
In an instant, this realm plunged into darkness.
The audience solemnly stood up, their eyes fixed on the mid-air battle, eager to see the outcome.
However, the powerful individuals present did not relax.
The battle was not yet over. After their full-force attacks, neither Chen Xin nor Tian Ruyang had emerged victorious. Both still seemed to have strength left, and the battle continued.
It wasn't until a pillar of light pierced through the clouds that Chen Xin's figure stood proudly within it.
"He broke through!"
Dugu Bo's eyebrows shot up in astonishment.
On the main platform, Bibi Dong stared gravely at Chen Xin's position.
The shift in mindset had freed Chen Xin from his shackles, and in the subsequent battle, he walked the path he had once feared to tread.
Now, his breakthrough in soul power level seemed inevitable.
The anomalies in the air gradually dissipated, and Tian Ruyang floated awkwardly in the air.
He clasped his fists toward Chen Xin and said, "Congratulations!"
With that, he returned to the Snow Mountain Sect's rest area, signaling his surrender.
He had thought that by figuring out Chen Xin's attack patterns, he could turn the tide and secure victory. He never expected Chen Xin to change his tactics mid-battle and break through to the ninety-eighth level.
This defeat was not unjust for him.
"Sect leader battle, Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect victorious. Next will be the elder battles. Both sides, please prepare."
Upon hearing the referee's announcement, Ning Fengzhi snapped out of his daze, grabbing Gu Rong's arm and confirming, "We won? Uncle Sword truly broke through?"
Gu Rong laughed heartily, "Master, Old Sword truly broke through. Haha, the continent's number one sect is ours!"
In the air, Chen Xin felt his newfound strength and was filled with emotion.
"So, I've misunderstood my father all along."
Challenging strong opponents had been Chen Jianjun's method of breaking through, but it wasn't suitable for him.
Only now did he understand the path that suited him.
After sharing the good news with Ning Fengzhi and Ning Tianchen, he promptly left the conference venue and found a secluded place to enter seclusion.
Next, he needed to use the insights he had gained to bring his swordsmanship to perfection.
---
"Grandpa has overcome his inner demons. Ninety-eight levels won't be his endpoint," Ning Tianchen said with excitement.
Ning Rongrong couldn't hide her joy, "If Grandpa Sword breaks through to the ninety-ninth level, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will become as legendary as the former Hao Tian Sect , the most legendary sect on the continent!"
Meanwhile, upon learning of Chen Xin's breakthrough, many in the audience began to cheer—declaring that the Seven Kill Sword had replaced the Hao Tian Hammer as the continent's number one weapon martial soul.
After all, the Hao Tian Sect had fallen. Even if there were surviving disciples, their strength couldn't match Chen Xin's current level.
Moreover, the Seven Kill Sword was also wielded by Ning Tianchen. The strength of this grandfather-grandson duo had already been acknowledged by the audience.
The Seven Kill Sword reclaiming the title of the continent's number one weapon martial soul seemed inevitable.
"We can't sit idle either."
Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong stood up simultaneously, facing Bibi Dong with smiles and saying, "Your Holiness Pope, the Hao Tian Sect has disappeared into the annals of history. Can we consider the Seven Kill Sword as the continent's number one weapon martial soul?"
In the past, rankings of martial souls on the continent were determined through the re-selection conference of the seven great sects.
Chen Xin had decisively defeated Tian Ruyang and broken through to the ninety-eighth level. By all accounts, the Seven Kill Sword deserved to be named the continent's number one weapon martial soul.
Bibi Dong's expression darkened, showing no intention to respond.
But the cheers from the audience grew louder, forcing the Spirit Hall to make a response.
With this in mind, Hu Liena once again spoke on behalf of the Spirit Hall: "What Master Ning and Bone Douluo say is correct. Based on the current situation, Sword Douluo's strength is indeed unmatched."
"However, according to the Spirit Hall's knowledge, Tang Chen of the Hao Tian Sect is not dead—he has merely disappeared."
Among the Spirit Hall's major elders, their martial souls were all beast-type, and Qian Daoliu's martial soul did not belong to the weapon category. Therefore, the Spirit Hall had no real grounds to refute the Seven Kill Sword becoming the number one weapon martial soul.
"If Tang Chen reappears on the continent, the Seven Kill Sword must directly defeat the Hao Tian Hammer. Otherwise, it will lose the honor of being the continent's number one weapon martial soul."
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