"Yulin, your swordsmanship has improved once again. I never expected you to wield such a heavy sword without relying on broad, forceful swings. Instead, you make it seem effortless, your techniques becoming even more refined," Chenxin praised.
"Haha, not at all! You're not bad yourself. The offensive power of your Seven Kill Swordsmanship is truly astonishing. If you hadn't suppressed your cultivation to match mine, I wouldn't be your match," Yulin laughed heartily.
In truth, his good relationship with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was largely due to Chenxin. Chenxin had long sought a kindred spirit with whom he could exchange swordsmanship insights. Unfortunately, since his father's passing, he had found no such companion.
The legendary Grand Worship of the Spirit Hall, Qian Daoliu, could indeed be considered a master of the sword. However, his lofty status made it impossible for him to spar with Chenxin. Moreover, Chenxin's father, Chen Jianjun, had perished at Qian Daoliu's hands, making them sworn enemies. Lastly, despite Qian Daoliu's formidable sword skills, he was not a pure swordsman. His martial soul, the Six-Winged Angel, centered on divine power rather than swordsmanship, making him an unsuitable opponent for Chenxin.
That all changed with Yulin's sudden emergence. For the first time, Sword Douluo felt that he was not alone on his path. Here was someone else whose martial soul was a sword and who had even reached the rank of Titled Douluo.
Overjoyed, Chenxin immediately sought out Yulin and invited him to a sparring match.
In terms of cultivation, the nearly century-old Sword Douluo, who was fifty years Yulin's senior, was naturally stronger. To ensure a fair fight, he suppressed his spirit power to match Yulin's level.
To his surprise, however, he lost in their duel of swordsmanship.
It was only natural—Yulin's sword techniques originated from Tianlu City, a lineage that traced back to the greatest swordmaster of ancient times, Jinyun. Yulin had further integrated Jinyun's techniques with his own heavy sword, forging a unique sword path of his own. He had spent a lifetime slaying demons, honing his skills in countless battles.
With their cultivation levels equalized, Chenxin held no advantage in technique or combat experience.
Rather than feeling frustrated, Sword Douluo greatly admired Yulin and even befriended him. He once invited Yulin to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but Yulin, valuing his freedom, politely declined.
Chenxin never liked to force others, so he simply said, "Whenever you have time, feel free to visit the sect and spar with me."
Yulin, ever the social butterfly, took this to heart. Since the invitation was open, he frequently visited the sect, taking full advantage of its wealth to enjoy good food and drink.
As the wealthiest clan in the Douluo Continent, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had no shortage of resources, and Yulin had no qualms about indulging himself.
At that moment, a voice interrupted their conversation.
"It seems your duel has concluded. A distinguished guest has arrived, yet I failed to welcome you properly. I hope Your Eminence, the Doomsday Demon, will forgive my negligence," said Ning Fengzhi, stepping forward. Though he was the sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he was merely a Soul Sage. Before a Titled Douluo, he naturally set aside his usual authority.
"There's no need for formalities, Sect Master Ning, Bone Douluo. I came uninvited—I hope you won't hold it against me," Yulin said, approaching them. Then, he turned to another figure. "Ah, and there's Rongrong. I didn't bring you a gift this time, but I'll make it up to you next time."
Yulin's voice was bold and hearty, making it impossible to dislike him.
"Your Eminence, you speak too humbly. It is an honor for our sect to receive you as a guest—how could we possibly blame you? Rongrong, greet the Doomsday Demon," Ning Fengzhi instructed.
Yulin crouched down and ruffled Ning Rongrong's hair. "A greeting is fine, but don't call me 'Your Eminence' like your father does. Just call me Uncle Yulin."
Ning Rongrong nodded, wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, and said, "Hello, Uncle Yulin."
Her actions immediately caught Sword Douluo's attention.
"What's wrong, Rongrong? Why are you crying? Who upset you? Tell Grandpa!"
"It was Daddy and Grandpa Bone!" Ning Rongrong ran over and hugged Chenxin's leg, looking utterly aggrieved.
Sword Douluo's expression darkened. "Fengzhi, Old Bone, what's going on? You took Rongrong out for fun, yet she came back crying? If you don't explain yourselves, I'll hold you accountable!"
"It wasn't me, it was Fengzhi!" Bone Douluo shamelessly deflected all responsibility onto Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi immediately felt a chill down his spine. Internally, he screamed, Uncle Bone, how could you do this? Your thick skin might withstand Sword Uncle's wrath, but I, a mere support-type soul master, cannot endure his slaps!
"Fengzhi!" Chenxin's gaze locked onto him sharply.
"Wait, Sword Uncle, let me explain!" Ning Fengzhi hurriedly recounted the events. He hadn't meant to upset Ning Rongrong—he had simply told the truth.
After listening, Chenxin understood the situation. He couldn't blame Ning Fengzhi—his honesty was simply too blunt. Sometimes, the truth was more hurtful than a lie.
"Hmph! Even if it was the truth, couldn't you have comforted her? Rongrong is still young—it's normal for her to have dreams and fantasies," Chenxin said, picking up Ning Rongrong and gently wiping away her lingering tears.
Sniffling, Ning Rongrong asked, "Sword Grandpa, is it true? Is there really no such thing as Lord Beiluo and Sister Yun Wuyue?"
Of course not!
Chenxin wanted to say it outright, but he hesitated. He didn't want to hurt his precious granddaughter, yet he also didn't want to lie to her. If he comforted her with a falsehood now, she would be even more devastated when she eventually learned the truth.
Just as he struggled to find the right words, Yulin, who had been silently observing, suddenly sat up straight.
Had he heard correctly?
Beiluo and Yun Wuyue—weren't those the names of the King and the Night Devourer Queen?
Why were their names being mentioned in this world?
"Rongrong, tell Uncle, did you really just say Beiluo and Yun Wuyue? Where did you hear those names?" Yulin asked urgently, stepping forward. His intense expression startled Ning Rongrong, causing her to shrink back into Sword Douluo's embrace, too frightened to respond.
Yulin's reaction also caught Ning Fengzhi's attention.
"Could it be…"
A thought flashed through Ning Fengzhi's mind. Stepping forward, he explained, "Your Eminence, this story was told by a storyteller in Heaven Dou City. Apparently, he heard it from a traveling merchant."
"Thank you, Sect Master Ning. I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave now." Without hesitation, Yulin summoned his Doomsday Demon Iron and prepared to depart. Just before taking off, he paused, turned back, and said, "Oh, and Rongrong—Uncle was too impatient just now and scared you. I'm sorry. As an apology, let me tell you something: Beiluo and Yun Wuyue… are real."
Wit h that, Yulin soared into the sky, disappearing beyond the horizon.