Within the Consecration District, at Sword Douluo's personal residence.
On the second floor, in the Simulation Training Ground: the Sword Pool.
"Practicing with your martial soul again, Jian'er?"
Sword Douluo stood at the doorway, a hint of surprise in his voice. "You're not telling Rongrong stories?"
Clang, clang, clang…
At the center of the Sword Pool, countless sword shadows merged into Qin Jian's body, then radiated outward in a continuous cycle, forming a mysterious rhythm.
Hearing the voice at the door, he slightly opened his eyes, and a flicker of sword light seemed to flash through them.
"Teacher, Rongrong's still young, and this is the most crucial time for her to build her foundation. I can't let her waste most of her time listening to stories."
He smiled and added, "So I sent her off to train."
"Rongrong actually listened to you?" Sword Douluo raised an eyebrow.
Qin Jian shrugged. "If she doesn't listen, I just won't tell her any stories at night."
Sword Douluo was torn between amusement and exasperation but ended up giving him a thumbs-up. "You really have a knack for this, kid. Neither I, the Sect Master, nor Old Bones can do anything about her."
That's because you've all spoiled her rotten…
Qin Jian pursed his lips but chose not to comment further on that. Instead, he asked, "Teacher, what exactly is this one-year training program to build rapport?"
"Oh, that…"
Sword Douluo, still leaning against the doorway, didn't enter. "It's the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's most advanced Simulation Training Ground. Over the course of a year, all 32 pairs of participants will be completely isolated, each placed in a different part of the training ground. The weather and environment will change every month."
"What kind of weather and environment?" Qin Jian asked, his curiosity piqued.
Sword Douluo raised an eyebrow. "The weather will range from torrential rain and violent winds to thunder and lightning, heavy snow, and extreme heat and cold."
Qin Jian's face twitched. "That sounds brutal…"
"That's not all."
Sword Douluo raised his other eyebrow. "The terrain will also change—forests, oceans, mountains, deserts…"
Qin Jian covered his face. "You're trying to torment us to death. Anything else?"
Sword Douluo nodded, unsurprised. "Of course. After six months, there will also be natural disasters—flash floods, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, earthquakes…"
Before he could finish, Qin Jian interrupted with a sincere tone, "Teacher, I think the Sword Pool is much better for honing my martial soul. I'd rather skip this rapport training."
"You're abandoning Rongrong?"
Sword Douluo glanced at him sideways.
"Teacher, I think Gu Yue is more suited for this training. He's got thick skin and can take it." Qin Jian's tone was earnest.
"Don't you want to increase your Soul Power?"
Sword Douluo continued to give him a sidelong glance.
"It's just one year. It won't make much of a difference." Qin Jian replied.
Sword Douluo sighed, pulling out two exquisitely crafted bracers. "I even prepared all the necessary equipment for you, including these two soul tools with over ten cubic meters of storage space. I guess it's all going to waste. I'll just give them to Rongrong instead."
He turned to leave, as if genuinely planning to hand them over to Ning Rongrong.
But in the next moment, Qin Jian appeared at the doorway, firmly grabbing the metal bracers with both hands. "Wait, Teacher! I won't let your hard work go to waste. I'll go for the one-year rapport training!"
Sword Douluo turned back and knocked lightly on his forehead. "You're always putting on an act."
"Hehe, thank you, Teacher." Qin Jian grinned.
Sword Douluo patted his head gently. "This year is not just about building rapport between you two. It's also meant to temper that little devil, Rongrong.
"She's the daughter of the Sect Master, after all. She can't remain so spoiled forever. We hope this training will help her grow up a bit."
Sword Douluo looked down at Qin Jian and added, "So, don't protect her too much. Let her experience the trials she needs. The Sect Master and I will be watching over you both to make sure nothing truly dangerous happens."
Qin Jian nodded.
A few days passed quickly.
The day of entering the Simulation Training Ground arrived, with pleasant sunlight and a gentle breeze.
At the entrance, many had already gathered, each accompanied by an elder offering endless reminders.
Ning Rongrong's situation was no exception. Ning Fengzhi held her small hand tightly, reluctant to let go for even a moment.
"Daddy, it's fine. I'll just be living inside for a while. If you miss me, you can come visit!" Ning Rongrong said cheerfully.
A trace of pain and reluctance flashed across Ning Fengzhi's warm face, but he nodded along with her. "Alright, if Daddy misses you, I'll come visit."
"Mm-hmm!"
Ning Rongrong nodded repeatedly.
Nearby, Qin Jian observed the scene and asked Sword Douluo softly, "Teacher, does Rongrong not know what's in store for her over the next year?"
"She doesn't…"
Sword Douluo looked a bit heartbroken. "If we told her, she'd refuse to go. She'd throw a tantrum, and none of us could do anything about it."
Qin Jian's lips twitched. "It's easy for you to trick her into going, but once she's inside, I'll be the one dealing with her tantrums."
"Quiet down. They're coming over. Don't let anything slip." Sword Douluo whispered.
Qin Jian looked up and saw Ning Fengzhi leading Ning Rongrong over.
"Qin Jian, for the next year, I'm entrusting Rongrong to you. Take good care of her."
Ning Fengzhi leaned forward slightly, placing Ning Rongrong's small hand into Qin Jian's.
"Ah…"
Caught off guard, Ning Rongrong blushed as Qin Jian took her hand. She didn't notice the exchanged glances between Ning Fengzhi and Qin Jian.
"Sect Master, rest assured. With me around, nothing will happen to her."
With a subtle exchange of looks, the handover between the two men—one young, one older—was complete.
Boom!
A thunderous sound signaled the opening of the Simulation Training Ground.
Pairs of youths entered in turn, their figures gradually disappearing.
"Rongrong, let's go in too." Qin Jian tightened his grip on her small hand.
"Alright!"
Ning Rongrong responded cheerfully. Turning back, she waved goodbye. "I'm going now! Goodbye, Daddy! Goodbye, Sword Grandpa!"
Sword Douluo and Ning Fengzhi stood side by side, raising their hands in perfect unison. "Goodbye, Rongrong!"
With a soft hum, Qin Jian led Ning Rongrong into the training ground, their figures vanishing into its depths.
"Phew…"
Ning Fengzhi let out a breath of relief. "We finally managed to send that little girl in."
"I wonder how she'll react once she learns the truth," Sword Douluo remarked.
"We'll be able to watch from outside."
Ning Fengzhi said, "Let's just hope this year tempers her personality. If she comes out more sensible, I'll be satisfied."
Sword Douluo nodded. "It won't be easy to leave once they're inside. Let's wait and see..."
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