With Su Ming's remarkable talent, strength, and appearance, his bold declaration was irresistible, especially to a girl who already admired him.
Su Ming asked, "Uncle Ning, what else would you like to ask?"
Ning Fengzhi replied, "I heard from Uncle Gu that you have a very powerful defensive spirit ability, the one you used when you were attacked by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
"I've been told that this defensive ability is extraordinary and can block attacks even below the level of a Title Douluo. Is that true?"
Su Ming was a bit surprised but nodded. "Yes, that's true. Would you like me to demonstrate it, Uncle Ning?"
This gave Chen Xin the opportunity he had been waiting for. He interjected, "Kid, if you can withstand a single strike from me, a Title Douluo, then I'll believe your bold claims. After all, anyone can talk big. You need to show us that you have the strength to back it up!"
Before Ning Rongrong could say anything, Su Ming spoke up. "Sword Grandpa, if I manage to withstand your attack, does that mean you'll accept me?"
Chen Xin was taken aback by Su Ming's confidence. After all, Chen Xin was a Level 96 Title Douluo. Even a first or second spirit ability from him carried the power of a Title Douluo. Was Su Ming really that confident? However, Chen Xin liked his attitude. He admired someone who wasn't afraid, so he agreed. "Yes! If you can block my attack, I'll accept you!"
Chen Xin added, "Let me be clear—this isn't personal. First, I'm genuinely interested in your defensive ability, and second, I'm Rongrong's grandfather. Seeing that you have more than just her in your life annoys me, and I need to vent a little."
Su Ming smiled and nodded, showing that he understood. This was exactly why he wasn't angry. Chen Xin wasn't acting out of malice but simply wanted to protect his granddaughter and assert some authority. However, Su Ming had no intention of backing down.
"Alright, Sword Grandpa, I accept your challenge! But remember, you promised to stand by your word if I succeed."
Turning to Ning Rongrong, Su Ming spoke gently, "Rongrong, don't worry. You know me well—I never do anything unless I'm sure I can handle it. This is just a friendly spar."
Although she was still worried, Ning Rongrong stepped aside, knowing that Su Ming wouldn't have agreed if he didn't think he could handle it.
Su Ming was confident that he could block Chen Xin's attack, as long as the latter didn't use his most powerful techniques. Even if he did, Su Ming believed he could still manage, thanks to the spiritual power boost he had received from the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and Infernal Delicate Apricot. He was only a step away from reaching the vast realm of spiritual power—or so he thought.
In the center of the grand hall, Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong, and Chen Xin stood aside, giving Su Ming and Chen Xin enough space for their confrontation.
Facing Chen Xin, Su Ming didn't hold back. His eyes snapped open, revealing the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. The sudden transformation shocked both Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin—Su Ming's eyes had changed, and they radiated an unusual and intimidating power.
Chen Xin, standing directly across from Su Ming, felt an intense pressure emanating from those eerie red eyes. Despite Su Ming only being a Spirit Elder, Chen Xin, a Title Douluo, could clearly feel the pressure.
Then, before their eyes, a massive blue figure appeared around Su Ming, forming a giant humanoid shape wielding twin swords.
The twin blades were part of Su Ming's Susanoo, which he preferred to the more awkward hand-held shuriken. After all, it was easier to defend with swords than with shuriken.
As the towering figure of Susanoo materialized, the pressure it exerted became palpable. Even Gu Rong, who had seen Susanoo before, was taken aback by the sheer size and power of it. Last time, Susanoo didn't have the twin swords, nor was it this massive.
"Come on, Sword Grandpa! Let me show you the defensive power of my Susanoo!" Su Ming declared confidently.
Chen Xin nodded, silently impressed. So, this giant blue figure was called Susanoo, he mused. Not wanting to be too harsh, especially with Rongrong watching, he decided to hold back a bit.
Summoning his Seven Kill Sword, Chen Xin's first spirit ring began to glow. "First spirit ability: Sword Edge Strike!"
This was Chen Xin's weakest spirit ability, enhancing his sword's attack power by 30% and infusing it with sword energy.
Even though he held back, the sword energy was still at the level of a Title Douluo. Su Ming watched as the energy surged toward him. He crossed Susanoo's twin blades in front of him and braced for impact.
The sword energy collided with Susanoo, but Su Ming easily blocked the attack. Susanoo stood firm, its twin blades holding the sword energy at bay without any sign of strain.
Chen Xin stared in disbelief. His attack had been effortlessly deflected. This massive blue figure, this Susanoo, had taken the blow without the slightest damage. It was almost incomprehensible.
At that moment, Su Ming's voice broke the silence. "Thank you, Sword Grandpa, for holding back."
As the junior, Su Ming's words were meant to be respectful, acknowledging Chen Xin's restraint and allowing him to save face.
Chen Xin shook his head, knowing that Su Ming was being polite. Although he had indeed held back, he was still a Title Douluo. Attacking Su Ming with even a fraction of his strength was already a bit unfair. Had he gone all out, it would have been overkill. With a sigh, Chen Xin admitted, "That ability of yours is truly something remarkable. Now I understand where your confidence comes from. As promised, I won't oppose you and Rongrong being together."
With that, Chen Xin withdrew his spirit, feeling relieved. Though the outcome was different from what he had expected, seeing Su Ming's true strength had dispelled any lingering doubts. He now felt assured that Ning Rongrong wouldn't suffer if she stayed by Su Ming's side.
As soon as the spar ended, Ning Rongrong rushed over to Su Ming, checking him over anxiously. "Su Ming-gege, are you hurt? Sword Grandpa really used a Title Douluo-level attack. What if…"
Su Ming chuckled and patted her head. "I'm fine, Rongrong. See? Not a scratch. I knew I could handle it. And now, your family has given us their blessing!"