Chapter 29: Innate Sword Bone
Divine Sword Elder felt somewhat unwilling.
He had originally accepted the fact that he was inferior to Dragon Mountain Daoist and was prepared to regain some face through his disciples, but unexpectedly, he was still at a disadvantage.
Although it was just a casual spar now, with neither side going all out, ending it like this still left him feeling very displeased.
Dragon Mountain Daoist said helplessly:
“According to Divine Sword Brother’s words, have the True Disciples continue?”
Divine Sword Elder shook his head, however. He pointed at Zhuang Chen, a trace of indulgence on his face as he said:
“Old Man took in a last disciple a few years ago named Zhuang Chen. He is now eight years old and has just been practicing martial arts for two years.”
“Ten years from now, most True Disciples will already be over thirty, so it won’t be their turn to fight. From now on, these juniors will be the main force for the next decade’s agreement. Why not let them get familiar first?”
“Old Man won’t take advantage of you. Any True Martial Sect disciple under ten years old may fight Zhuang Chen. Whoever wins, this Dragon Owl Sword will be gifted to him!”
With that.
He drew the wide and long greatsword from his back and thrust it into the Training Ground.
The blade was dull, yet it possessed a soul-stirring sharpness.
Undoubtedly a top famous sword!
This was without a doubt the highest-level reward to appear this time. Clearly, Divine Sword Elder had lost some face and directly offered his own sword as the prize. Of course, to some extent, it also demonstrated his confidence.
In an instant.
The eyes of numerous True Martial Sect disciples lit up.
Then, they couldn’t help but feel regret in their hearts, only hating that they weren’t under ten years old; otherwise, they might have had a chance to obtain this famous sword.
But some also noticed the hidden meaning in Divine Sword Elder’s words.
“This child is eight years old and has already practiced martial arts for two years. Doesn’t that mean his bone structure formed at six?” Qin Yun’s eyes narrowed slightly, his emotions fluctuating.
Back then, his bone structure had formed at seven, and Zhuang Chen was a full year faster than him.
Although whether bone structure formed early or not wasn’t entirely related to talent, he still couldn’t help but feel a tightness in his heart.
Ning Qi looked at Zhuang Chen with slight surprise and received a honest smile in response from the other.
He hadn’t expected this seemingly not-too-bright little fatty to have such high talent.
Seeing Divine Sword Elder even offer his own sword, Dragon Mountain Daoist couldn’t help but smile bitterly:
“Divine Sword Brother, there’s no need for this…”
Divine Sword Elder waved his hand grandly, full of heroic spirit:
“No harm. If True Martial Sect has such a prodigy, feel free to take this Dragon Owl Sword!”
Ye Qinghe’s gaze was peculiar.
Wasn’t this just eagerly offering up a famous sword?
She knew exactly how fierce her little junior brother was. A year ago, when they encountered the White Ape, he had already reached Bone Refining. Now, he might even be at Organ Refining or Marrow Refining!
She didn’t believe that silly little fatty could be such a monster after just two years of cultivation.
While everyone’s thoughts varied.
Divine Sword Sect’s Senior Disciple Brother Dong He whispered a few words in Zhuang Chen’s ear. Zhuang Chen’s eyes lit up, seemingly bargaining with Dong He, until Dong He showed a bitter smile. Only then did Zhuang Chen swagger to the center of the Training Ground.
His voice was a bit honest:
“I am Divine Sword Sect’s True Disciple Zhuang Chen. Who among you will bring me a chicken leg? Oh, no, wrong—who among you will come fight me?”
Seeing the little fatty vigorously sniffling, low laughter came from True Martial Sect, while everyone from Divine Sword Sect facepalmed. Divine Sword Elder fell slightly silent and turned his head away.
“I, Zhao Changhe, will come meet you!”
Before Ning Qi could stand, a ten-year-old youth from True Martial Sect had already rushed out first.
This youth had developed early, appearing more than two heads taller than Zhuang Chen. He was outstanding among his peers, having started martial arts at eight and now also two years in. Just two days ago, he had broken through to Muscle Refining Realm, his talent second only to the True Disciples.
“You’re not my opponent.” The little fatty shook his head.
Zhao Changhe snorted coldly:
“We’ll know only after fighting.”
He practiced a Rock-Solid Spear Technique, defensive yet offensive. At this moment, he thrust his spear forward, bolstered by the increased strength from entering Muscle Refining, displaying considerable aura.
Zhuang Chen drew his sword, as if suddenly becoming a different person.
His eyes sharpened, even the dripping snot seeming to turn into two ‘green swords.’ His chubby body moved with unbelievable agility, lightly stepping like a gentle breeze brushing willow, effortlessly dodging Zhao Changhe’s spear thrust.
Qin Yun’s pupils contracted slightly.
“Tendon Refining? This guy has reached Tendon Refining Realm after just two years of martial arts?”
This cultivation speed was a step faster than his own.
Dragon Mountain Daoist also glanced sideways slightly.
Divine Sword Elder’s mouth curved up.
On the field, Zhuang Chen counterattacked. The sword he held was actually a wooden sword. With one thrust, it carried the intent of dragon roar and tiger howl, heavy as a green mountain pressing down.
Sweat beaded on Zhao Changhe’s forehead. His spear was like a rock—very steady and solid.
But he couldn’t block it.
The power and martial arts realm were not on the same level.
With a bang, Zhao Changhe’s figure flew back and fell to the ground.
Some True Martial Sect disciples hurried over to check if he was injured, only to see Zhao Changhe climb up on his own. There was some incredulity in his eyes. That wooden sword had felt like a green mountain pressing down, as if it would crush his bones and body, but at the critical moment, the force vanished without a trace. He was just a bit disheveled from the fall, not injured at all.
“Sorry about that. I didn’t know you were so weak; I almost couldn’t hold back.”
Zhuang Chen’s words made his teeth itch with anger.
But the other’s eyes were so sincere.
Dragon Mountain Daoist stared at Zhuang Chen, somewhat uncertainly saying:
“Lifting Lightly? At such a young age, his Sword Dao is already at this realm. Does this child possess Innate Sword Bone?”
Divine Sword Elder finally couldn’t hold back his proud laughter:
“You’re not wrong, ox nose—you have some knowledge. Otherwise, did you think Old Man took this last disciple for fun? Your eighth disciple has impressive talent, but if Dust was the same age as him, he might not be Dust’s opponent.”
Qin Yun lowered his head and clenched his fist, saying nothing.
Dragon Mountain Daoist nodded slightly with admiration in his eyes:
“Innate Sword Bone, and with a Pure Heart. Divine Sword Brother, you’ve taken a good disciple.”
Divine Sword Elder felt utterly satisfied.
He chuckled and turned his head, wanting to see the change in Dragon Mountain Daoist’s expression, but to his astonishment, though Dragon Mountain Daoist was admiring, there wasn’t the envy he had imagined.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled inwardly.
If it were before, he would indeed have felt some envy.
But ever since taking Ning Qi, no genius disciple in the world could make him envious anymore.
He looked over.
And saw that Ning Qi had already stood up and was walking toward Zhuang Chen.
Dragon Mountain Daoist hurriedly used telepathic communication:
“Little Nine, hold back some strength.”
He feared his disciple might accidentally damage Divine Sword Elder’s precious darling.
Probably on the entire True Martial Mountain, he understood Ning Qi’s realm the most.
Ning Qi nodded slightly.
He stopped a disciple about to step forward and said indifferently:
“I’ll go.”
He saw clearly: the little fatty had just entered Tendon Refining Realm and had a decent sword technique. No True Martial Sect disciple under ten was his match.
Except him.
Ning Qi had no intention of shrinking back. As a True Martial Sect True Disciple, he couldn’t just watch the little fatty sweep unchecked. It was merely showcasing a bit of superficial strength— no big deal.
He also didn’t have the bad habit of waiting until the disciples were all defeated before stepping out as the savior.
He wanted to resolve it quickly and return to Seeker’s Courtyard to read.
Everyone was stunned.
After all, Ning Qi appeared less and less nowadays, and in the eyes of many True Martial Sect disciples, Ning Qi seemed somewhat mysterious.
But there was no time to think more.
Ning Qi was already standing opposite Zhuang Chen.
“Little fatty, make your move.”
Zhuang Chen didn’t mind Ning Qi’s form of address. He said seriously:
“Ning Qi, I don’t want to fight you. Go back down.”
He had originally wanted to say, ‘Ning Qi, you’re not too smart; I don’t have the heart to hit you,’ but felt that might be impolite, so he changed it in the end.
But Ning Qi clearly read his intention from Zhuang Chen’s eyes.
Ning Qi was helpless.
He slowly exhaled, deciding to teach this silly little fatty a lesson.
