The more Shen An fought, the more exhilarated he became. With each sword strike, his sword intent surged higher—this was the first time he could unleash his full strength so freely.
Guided by his Three-Aperture Heart Control, Shen An wielded his longsword while simultaneously manipulating two flying swords, attacking Chen Xin from three angles at once.
Yet Chen Xin intercepted every strike with nothing but his Seven Kill Sword in hand. The clashing blades sent dazzling sparks flying in all directions.
The watching Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan disciples were utterly mesmerized. Never had they imagined that the young man on stage could hold his own against the Sword Douluo without showing any signs of defeat.
Though Chen Xin wasn't using any soul power or soul skills—not even summoning his soul rings—this was still astonishing.
The massive combat platform was filled with the afterimages of Shen An and Chen Xin, the ringing of steel never ceasing as razor-sharp sword energy filled the air.
Gu Rong had arrived at some point, clicking his tongue in amazement. "Though that old sword freak isn't using soul power, it's still impressive that Shen An can last this long."
As he spoke, Gu Rong casually deflected the scattered sword energy with a wave of his hand—each strand was powerful enough to seriously injure even a Soul Elder.
Ning Fengzhi watched Shen An with admiration. "What a monstrous talent. If only he were a disciple of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. With him, I believe that within thirty years, our clan could become the number one sect on the continent."
Gu Rong smirked. "This kid doesn't seem like the type to submit to others. Unless you marry Rongrong off to him—then he'd technically be part of our clan."
"Ah! Grandpa Bone, what nonsense are you saying? I don't want to get married yet!" Ning Rongrong covered her blushing face with her hands—though her wide eyes peeking through her fingers betrayed her anticipation as she glanced at Ning Fengzhi.
Gu Rong: "..." I was just joking, but this girl actually took it seriously?
Ning Fengzhi: "..."
After a prolonged battle, even Shen An's exceptionally deep soul power reserves were running low.
He discreetly used a soul power experience pack while asking, "Senior Chen Xin, I've never had a clear grasp of my own strength. Could you enlighten me?"
Chen Xin's appreciation was evident as he solemnly replied, "Invincible among Soul Ancestors, capable of slaying Soul Kings. Even the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation at your age couldn't compare."
Shen An felt a weight lift off his shoulders—so this was his current level.
"Senior Chen Xin, I know I'm still far from matching your strength. But recently, I created a technique of my own. Please critique it."
"A self-created soul skill? Interesting. Show me."
Chen Xin's curiosity was piqued. Shen An's swordsmanship and power were already shocking—what kind of move could he have developed?
Shen An had long realized that with his system, simply cultivating soul power was a waste of time. Instead, he focused on refining his soul power application and sword techniques.
While the system could enhance his cultivation and build an unparalleled foundation, maximizing that potential was Shen An's true challenge.
Gripping the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass tightly, Shen An merged the two flying swords back into it. His aura erupted—a pure, unadulterated sharpness radiating from him.
After witnessing that world-cleaving sword intent in his mind, Shen An had pondered how to replicate even a fraction of its majesty.
After much contemplation, he concluded it was impossible—not just due to insufficient power, but because that strike embodied absolute, unrivaled confidence. Something he, who couldn't even defeat the black ape in Star Dou Forest, couldn't yet comprehend.
Still weak? Then keep training.
Yet he had captured a spark of inspiration, creating a sword technique uniquely his own.
If I cannot sever the sun, moon, and stars, then let me start with the clouds.
His cyan sword eyes turned utterly detached, pupils transforming into blade shapes as the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass gleamed coldly. Then—he struck.
'Sword Art: Cloud Sever.'
Everything froze in Shen An's vision—the wind stilled, the clouds halted. Only one figure remained: the Sword Douluo before him.
A single slash scattered the clouds overhead, a fluctuating sword light emerging—first a glimmer, then expanding into a cyan crescent streaking toward Chen Xin.
This strike was soundless.
And incomparably sharp.
Chen Xin's eyelids twitched. The sword intent contained within made even his heart tremble. More importantly, his Seven Kill Sword trembled with excitement—the thrill of meeting a worthy rival.
Regardless of Shen An's current level, this single move deserved respect—a swordsman's respect.
A faint smile appeared on Chen Xin's typically impassive face as he swung the Seven Kill Sword without hesitation.
First Soul Skill: Sharpened Blade.
Silently activated by a ninety-seventh-ranked Titled Douluo.
Seven Kill Sword energy surged forth, clashing with the Cloud Sever technique midair. The sky itself seemed to groan under the collision.
A violent explosion of energy sent sword energy scattering in all directions. Gu Rong immediately intervened, bone spikes materializing to block the aftermath.
This strike was Shen An's all—every ounce of soul power, every shred of sword intent, combining all three of his soul skills into one glorious moment.
But the gap in soul power was insurmountable.
Even with Chen Xin using only his first soul skill, the Cloud Sever was shattered after a brief struggle.
The remaining Seven Kill Sword energy continued toward Shen An. Though he instantly used another soul power experience pack to replenish his reserves, his exhausted body couldn't evade in time.
He barely managed to raise the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass in defense—
BAM!
Shen An went flying—for the first time experiencing what so many of his opponents had felt.
Ning Rongrong's face paled. "Grandpa Bone, catch him!"
Gu Rong teleported, intercepting Shen An midair—but not before the sword energy left deep, bone-exposing wounds across his body.
Chen Xin also looked over worriedly. That strike had been so magnificent that he'd forgotten Shen An's actual cultivation level in his excitement.
This obsession with the sword was part of why Chen Xin had reached such heights.
Tom reacted faster than anyone, darting to Shen An's side. Seeing his master severely injured and unconscious, the cat's tears fell like rain.
Then—Tom's entire body darkened with ominous energy as he slowly approached Chen Xin.
Chen Xin saw the incoming "Kitty Fist" but, filled with guilt, chose not to dodge.
How much damage could a cute little cat punch do?
"HOLY—!"
The Titled Douluo was sent flying helplessly, embedding himself deep into a distant mountainside.
"Who... where... how did a cat just...?"