In the back mountains of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the valley was quiet and lush. Tender green moss crawled over the stones, and the air carried the fresh scent of vegetation.
A massive waterfall, over two hundred meters high, cascaded down with a thunderous, deafening roar.
Chen Chen stood beneath the waterfall, his Seven Kills Sword Martial Soul shining brightly, sword shadows flickering. Wherever the wind from his sword passed, it splashed up countless crystal-clear water droplets.
The large round stone Chen Chen used for sword practice was as smooth as a mirror from the constant scouring of the waterfall, gleaming with a cold luster.
An ordinary person couldn't even dream of practicing the sword under this waterfall, let alone climb up to it.
However, Chen Chen remained unmoved. He stood tall with his eyes tightly closed, letting the surging waterfall crash onto his body like a colossal hammer.
What exactly is the 'Heart Sword'?
In an instant, a sharp sword qi slashed out, actually cutting the rushing waterfall in half. Abundant soul power spilled out, forcibly obstructing the water flow and causing the waterfall to stagnate for a full second.
But a moment later, Chen Chen's figure suddenly faltered.
His mind was in disarray.
He once again recalled his battle with Lu Feng.
My soul power is clearly deeper, my sword skills exquisite, and my Martial Soul quality is top-tier. Why did I lose to Lu Feng?
At this thought, the sword technique in Chen Chen's hands became increasingly chaotic, yet each strike was stronger than the last.
Under his strenuous effort, the sword light flickered, forming a sword barrier that deflected the water's impact.
However, the rushing water continuously battered Chen Chen's shield. Gradually, he began to feel the strain. His breathing became rapid, and his face turned slightly pale.
Damn it, am I at my limit again? I can only last for half an hour every time. He gritted his teeth, his heart filled with unwillingness.
No, I must surpass my limits!
Chen Chen's eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead. He strained to swing his sword one more time.
However, the waterfall's current crashed down, unstoppable.
"Bang!"
With a dull thud, Chen Chen's body was smashed into the pool below like a kite with a broken string, sending up a huge splash.
"Damn it, I failed again."
Chen Chen surfaced, his fists clenched as he slammed the water's surface, his face full of vexation and resentment.
Chen Xin had been standing on a distant mountaintop, quietly watching all this.
Seeing this scene, he sighed softly, a trace of pity in his eyes. "Chen Chen's heart is in chaos. Ai, it is easy to defeat an opponent, but difficult to defeat oneself."
With that, Chen Xin's robes fluttered, and he slowly departed.
Unwittingly, Lu Feng had stayed at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for nearly a month. During this time, he truly witnessed what was meant by: the wealthiest clan in the world.
Putting aside everything else, the dishes on the dining table every day were not only delicious and beautifully presented, but they were never the same. Lu Feng felt he had even put on some weight.
During these days, Ning Ya came to find him almost every day. In her words, she intentionally or unintentionally revealed her desire for him to join the clan.
Lu Feng's attitude was always vague, neither refusing nor agreeing.
Of course, his transaction with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan proceeded as planned.
Lu Feng provided the clan with over ten types of weapons, covering various categories from combat weapons to daily utensils. These weapons were mostly based on the Tang Sect's hidden weapons, with some modifications made by Lu Feng.
Although the Tang Sect's hidden weapons were ingenious, Lu Feng, considering their practical use, removed many unnecessary mechanisms.
These mechanisms were mostly for anti-counterfeiting, preventing others from easily reassembling them after disassembly.
Lu Feng couldn't care less about that.
He had no intention of reforging the Tang Sect's glory. He only served his own 'nouveau riche'!
On this day, the morning sun was just rising.
Outside the mountain gate, Lu Feng stood with his hands behind his back. Chen Chen and Ning Ya accompanied him on either side.
"Young Master Lu, are you really not staying a while longer?" Ning Ya said softly, her eyes full of reluctance.
Initially, Ning Fengzhi had her try to win Lu Feng over, his words vaguely hinting at matchmaking them. Ning Ya knew this was the destiny of a clan disciple and had calmly accepted the task.
But after this month of getting along, she found that Lu Feng was not only exceptionally talented but also humorous, witty, and very kind.
Especially those weapons of his, which made Ning Ya gasp in admiration.
Ning Ya had also equipped herself with some weapons. With their enhancement, her combat power was actually not inferior to that of an average Soul Elder.
In her eyes, Lu Feng was already a hero of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.
Since ancient times, beauties have always loved heroes. How could she be an exception?
A faint smile appeared on Lu Feng's face. "I have to get back to work at the Spirit Arena. I've missed twenty-nine days of work this month. I wonder if they'll dock my perfect attendance bonus."
Hearing this, Chen Chen burst into hearty laughter. "Brother Lu Feng, why don't you just join my Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan? Your salary, I'll give you a hundred times more!"
During this period, Chen Chen had sought Lu Feng out for spars many times.
In their spars, they had both wins and losses. However, once Lu Feng used his fourth soul skill, Chen Chen stood no chance.
Gradually, he calmly accepted the fact that he was inferior to the other.
Lu Feng merely smiled at Chen Chen's words and said slowly, "Brother Chen, I don't go to work just for the salary. It's because I enjoy it, so I do it."
Who doesn't love colorful fragments?
"Brother Lu Feng, you are indeed broad-minded," Chen Chen couldn't help but sigh.
Lu Feng nodded slightly and smiled faintly. "Brother Chen, sometimes people create their own troubles just by overthinking. Life is short, so naturally, one should do as one pleases."
Chen Chen cupped his fists. "Sometimes I also envy Brother Lu Feng's freedom. Unlike us clan disciples, we inevitably have many ties."
Lu Feng said candidly, "Everyone has their own unique life, just as there are no two identical leaves in this world. They may seem similar, but in reality, each is different."
"Alright, farewell for now." With that, Lu Feng turned coolly and strode away.
Chen Chen and Ning Ya stood quietly, watching Lu Feng's receding back, their hearts filled with countless thoughts.
Ning Ya's heart was naturally filled with reluctance.
She found that she seemed to have grown to like this young man.
Chen Chen's mood was slightly downcast, his brows furrowed slightly.
He kept replaying the words Lu Feng had just said in his mind. The words were very direct and simple, but Chen Chen felt somewhat inspired.
From the moment he stepped onto the path of cultivation, he had always been imitating his grandfather's way.
Chen Xin had experienced countless battles in his life. Every confrontation was a chance for growth, absorbing experience from actual combat. His grandfather was like a towering mountain, soaring into the clouds, inspiring reverence.
Walking along, Chen Chen couldn't help but slow his pace.
"Brother Lu Feng's mindset is somewhat similar to the 'Heart Sword' Grandfather spoke of."
Chen Chen's mind recalled the time he spent with Lu Feng.
Lu Feng was carefree and unrestrained, like a white cloud in the sky, drifting leisurely. Or perhaps like a gust of wind, moving as he pleased, only doing what he wanted to do.
In comparison, his own cultivation path seemed too conventional, lacking... something.
Gradually, a straightforward thought welled up from the bottom of Chen Chen's heart.
The 'Heart Sword'... perhaps it's just following one's own heart.
"Then why am I cultivating so desperately?" He mulled over this question.
"Senior Brother Chen Chen." A clear call interrupted his thoughts.
Chen Chen returned to his senses. He looked up and saw a young disciple walking toward him respectfully, a smile on his face.
Chen Chen nodded slightly, a gentle smile on his face.
"Senior Brother."
"Good morning, Senior Brother!"
Along the way, disciples continuously saw Chen Chen and greeted him enthusiastically. Those bright smiles were like the warm spring sun, dispelling some of the haze in Chen Chen's heart.
At this moment, a little girl, dressed up like a porcelain doll, came running over, hopping and skipping. Her cheeks were flushed red, her eyes sparkled, full of innocence and joy.
"Senior Brother Chen, I've awakened my Martial Soul! It's the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda!" the little girl announced excitedly, her voice full of pride.
"Hahaha!" Chen Chen immediately burst into hearty laughter, his eyes full of adoration.
He bent down, scooped up the little girl, and bounced her lightly, smiling as he asked, "Little Yue is so amazing. What level soul power?"
"Little Yue has level six soul power!" Little Yue blinked her big eyes and replied with a giggle, her little face clearly waiting for praise.
"Hahaha," Chen Chen laughed even more heartily.
This little girl was from the Ning family. In terms of seniority, she was a generation below Chen Chen. But she always liked to call him 'Senior Brother' like the other disciples.
Just then, a woman with a lovely face hurried over and said apologetically, "Little Yue, come back. That's so impolite. You should call him 'Uncle Chen'."
Little Yue, however, mischievously planted a kiss on Chen Chen's cheek, then hugged his neck tightly, whining, "I won't! I'm going to call him Senior Brother Chen."
Chen Chen smiled adoringly and gently set her down.
Watching the mother and daughter's receding backs, for some reason, Chen Chen suddenly felt a warm current surge in his heart. His originally somewhat restless heart now became incomparably calm.
He slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the familiar buildings, the sounds of laughter ringing in his ears. These familiar, everyday scenes now seemed like a beam of light, shining into the depths of his heart.
In that instant, he seemed to have found what he was practicing the sword for.
His sword was not just for pursuing power and victory.
It was a sword of protection.
To protect the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, the land that nurtured him. To protect the people he loved within the clan, so they could always laugh and grow in this peace.
In an instant, as if his heart had sensed something, the soul power within Chen Chen's body, like a long-dormant beast, suddenly awakened and began to surge violently.
Chen Chen only felt a majestic power rushing through his body. He had no time for surprise and quickly sat down cross-legged, closing his eyes and focusing his mind to guide this power.
The surrounding air seemed to tremble from the surging soul power within him. A breeze blew past, lifting his hair, but it couldn't disturb him in the slightest.
After a long time, the rampaging soul power gradually subsided.
Chen Chen slowly opened his eyes, which shone with a joyous light.
His soul power had broken through!
Level 54!
He had advanced two levels at once!