Chapter 101: Sword Dao Chen Xin
Spring passed and autumn came. In the blink of an eye, Zu Zong had already stayed at the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well for nearly two months.
During this time, aside from preparing medicinal primers for the old poison daily, Zu Zong spent all his time cultivating beside the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.
It had to be said, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well truly lived up to its name as a land blessed by heaven and earth, a place where spiritual energy gathered. Zu Zong's martial soul was the Blue Silver Emperor, a plant-type martial soul. Here, a single day of cultivation was equivalent to ten days of cultivation elsewhere.
As for the immortal herbs, any that had reached immortal grade were collected and stored in Zu Zong's system storage space. He also did not let go of many other precious treasures of heaven and earth.
[Ding, congratulations to the host for reaching the age of thirteen. The one-year limit has expired, granting one additional chance to steal.]
Hearing the system's prompt in his mind, Zu Zong slowly opened his eyes and halted his cultivation.
Zu Zong sighed. "Has it really been thirteen years in this world already? Although this place accelerates my cultivation, I should almost leave. Otherwise, Xiao Wu will worry, and Zhu Qing should also be arriving in Heaven Dou City soon."
Suddenly, the sound of battle came from afar, loud enough that even Zu Zong, over ten miles away, could feel it.
He was stunned, then released the Blue Silver Domain to investigate. His expression turned puzzled. "It seems someone is fighting the old poison, and he's at a disadvantage.
Who could it be? Could it be someone here to rescue me? Aside from Tang Ri Tian, I don't know of any other Titled Douluo. Forget it, I'll go take a look! If things turn bad, I can always run."
Speaking thus, Zu Zong released the Eight Spider Spears, soul power surging beneath his feet, and shot forward swiftly toward the battlefield.
In the Sunset Forest, ten miles outside of Dugu Bo's cave.
At this moment, Dugu Bo was in a miserable state. Over the past two months, following Zu Zong's method, he had driven part of the poison in his body into his soul bone while consuming medicinal primers crafted from treasures of heaven and earth provided by Zu Zong.
Not only did this resolve the issue of poison backlash, but his strength had also improved, rising from level ninety-one to ninety-two. Today was the day he had promised Zu Zong to fulfill his word.
Yet suddenly, a formidable figure burst in and, without a word, began thrashing him.
This person was Sword Dao Chen Xin, the Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, honorary elder of the Martial Soul Hall, a level ninety-six assault-type Super Douluo, Titled "Sword."
His martial soul was the Seven Killing Sword, famed as the strongest offensive Titled Douluo, and his name was engraved upon the Pope's decree as the representative of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
Chen Xin stood with an air of absolute dominance, his voice sharp as a blade. "Will you speak or not?"
Dugu Bo wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, cursing inwardly. "Speak? What do you want me to say? You should at least ask first! To rush in and thrash me without a word—just because your level is higher, you think you can do as you please? Is this not outright bullying?"
He cupped his fists. "I do not know what Sword Douluo seeks from me?"
Chen Xin let out a cold snort. "Stop pretending, old poison. Where is the boy you seized? He shares a connection with my Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. If you know what's good for you, hand him over at once."
Dugu Bo froze, utterly puzzled. Wasn't that brat supposed to have no background, just a child from a small village?
Since when did he become connected to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Could it be that Ning Fengzhi had set his sights on him, perhaps wanting him as a son-in-law? Hm! That might indeed be possible.
He said, "Sword Douluo, that boy Zu Zong has been cultivating in my cave during this time. I have only been discussing poisons with him, and have done him no harm. I will fetch him immediately."
With that, Dugu Bo swiftly flew toward the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. This time, the domineering one had run into someone even more domineering.
Not long after, he encountered Zu Zong hurrying over.
Upon seeing him, Dugu Bo wasted no words, grabbed Zu Zong, and—no, not fled—flew, carrying him directly to face Sword Douluo Chen Xin, leaving Zu Zong utterly bewildered.
When his feet touched the ground, Zu Zong saw an old man before him, dressed in a spotless white robe. His hair and beard were silver, combed neatly down his back.
His features were simple, his face as smooth as a child's, his expression detached, his eyes seeming not to perceive the world around him. He simply stood there silently, yet his very presence radiated the sense of heaven and earth, of all creation bending before him.
"What a natural air of unyielding pride," Zu Zong murmured.
As Zu Zong studied him, Sword Douluo also scrutinized Zu Zong. Even with his composure, a trace of surprise flickered in his heart.
"His age is about the same as Rong Rong's, yet his soul power has already reached the fortieth rank. His aura is deep, it seems he has broken through some time ago. And… he carries a faint sword intent? Could he be a swordsman as well? Remarkable. His talent is extraordinary, and his looks are worthy of Rong Rong too."
The more he looked, the more Sword Douluo was satisfied, his expression turning into that of a grandfather appraising a future grandson-in-law.
At the side, Dugu Bo noticed his gaze and muttered inwardly, "This look of Chen Xin's is exactly the same as mine not long ago! If not for Yan Yan almost being ruined by Yu Tianheng, today I would never let this boy go so easily."
Zu Zong cupped his fists. "I do not know why senior has sought me out?"
Chen Xin's expression remained indifferent, his voice cold. "I am Chen Xin, Guardian Douluo of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Rong Rong said you were captured by the old poison, so I came to rescue you."
Zu Zong nodded slightly, thinking to himself, "So Zhu Qing and the others have already arrived in Heaven Dou City. I didn't expect that young miss Ning would actually return to her sect and ask Ning Fengzhi for help on my behalf. That was beyond my expectations. Regardless of Ning Fengzhi's intentions, it seems I owe Ning Rongrong a favor now."
He glanced at the battered and miserable Dugu Bo, clearly beaten up by Sword Douluo, then said seriously, "Senior Dugu saw my talent and decided to teach me some knowledge about poison-type martial souls.
Because of the timing, perhaps Rongrong misunderstood. I must trouble you this time, Senior Sword Douluo. In the future, I will personally visit the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to express my thanks."
Look at that—just for the sake of that old poison, Zu Zong shamelessly addressed young miss Ning as Rongrong.
Hearing his words, Dugu Bo cast Zu Zong a grateful look, which naturally did not escape Chen Xin's eyes.
Chen Xin could not be bothered to expose him. Since this boy truly knew his sect's little princess, he had no interest in meddling further. Matters of the younger generation could be left for them to resolve themselves.
"In that case, take care of yourself."
With those words, Sword Douluo stepped onto the Seven Killing Sword, his body transforming into a streak of light that vanished into the distance in an instant.
"Boy, why did you cover for me?" Dugu Bo asked, looking at Zu Zong.
Zu Zong shook his head. "There's no deep enmity between us. It's a matter of mutual benefit. I helped you resolve your poison backlash, and you agreed to assist me with three matters. Besides, I don't want to get entangled in the power struggles of the sects right now."
Dugu Bo laughed heartily. "I think it's more likely you've gathered too many peach blossom debts! Yan Yan told me you already have one in Soto City, another in Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, and now even the young miss of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Quite the blessing with women, huh!"
Zu Zong shot him a glare. "What nonsense! Enough about that. It's time for you to help me with the second matter."
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