Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
By the time Chen Feng returned from his morning training, the sky was just beginning to brighten.
Suddenly, a towering figure appeared around the corner—Bone Douluo. In the faint pre-dawn light, coupled with his raspy voice, the scene could've startled anyone like they'd just seen a ghost.
Chen Feng, however, remained calm. After spending several days in the sect, he had developed a good relationship with the two Guardian Douluo. Both were kind-hearted and treated him well, without putting on any airs.
Seeing Chen Feng return, Bone Douluo grinned and walked up.
"Chen Feng, you're already outstanding. Why push yourself so hard with training? Wouldn't it be better to rest a bit more?"
"Good morning, Grandpa Bone," Chen Feng replied with a smile, wiping sweat from his brow. "It's a habit I've built over the years. I wake up at this time no matter what—I can't sleep in. Besides, as the saying goes: 'Learning is like rowing upstream—if you're not advancing, you're falling behind.' I haven't reached the rank of Title Douluo yet. How can I afford to slack off?"
After a brief exchange, Chen Feng bowed politely and returned to wash up.
Bone Douluo watched him walk away, sighing with admiration.
"What a fine young man. Even more precious is his attitude—not arrogant or impatient, but steady and diligent. A true prodigy of his generation."
He strolled into Sword Douluo's courtyard with his hands behind his back.
"You damned old bone bag!" Sword Douluo's annoyed voice drifted out from inside the house. "It's not even light out yet! Just because you can't sleep doesn't mean the rest of us can't! I'm warning you—don't come over here just to spout nonsense!"
Bone Douluo chuckled as he stepped inside without invitation.
"Why the temper so early in the morning? I only talk to you 'cause we're close—who else would I shoot the breeze with?"
Sword Douluo emerged from his room, scowling. He sat down across from Bone Douluo and barked, "Tea!"
"Hah! We're at your place. You should be serving me!"
"Who the hell told you to come disturb my sleep?!"
"Fine, fine—I'll brew it myself." Bone Douluo sighed. After all, he was the one who came knocking uninvited.
Soon, two cups of hot tea were ready.
Taking a sip, Bone Douluo asked, "So tell me, old Sword—what generation is that kid from your family?"
By now, Chen Feng had been living in the sect for nearly a week. Sword Douluo had spent the most time with him. Naturally, they'd grown close, and Sword Douluo was also his senior by blood.
"Can't let anyone else take care of him," Bone Douluo muttered. "He's your kin, after all."
Sword Douluo took a slow sip of tea and began recounting:
"Everyone says the Seven Kill Sword is passed down in a single line, but that's not exactly true. Back in my grandfather's day, he had a younger brother—my grand-uncle, in other words."
Bone Douluo raised an eyebrow.
"So Chen Feng's descended from your grand-uncle, huh? Why've I never heard this story before? Go on, don't stop now…"
Sword Douluo sighed.
"It's a family matter—you wouldn't have heard about it. My grand-uncle awakened a defective martial soul. His innate soul power was only level 2. Even with my great-grandfather and grandfather doing everything to help him, he only reached Soul Elder by adulthood."
"Eventually, he grew disheartened, left the clan, and settled in some obscure town. Over time, we lost all contact…"
He took another bitter sip of tea.
"People only know how powerful the Seven Kill Sword is. They don't know the painful history behind it."
"I looked for him. Sent people to inquire. But nothing ever came back. I never thought I'd see someone from his line again—let alone one who awakened the Seven Kill Sword. It's like heaven gave their branch a second chance."
"No matter what, I'll protect him. That kid's already far more impressive than I was at his age."
Sword Douluo smiled, a rare warmth softening his sharp features.
"Cut the crap," Bone Douluo snorted. "That boy didn't just surpass your younger self. He left you in the dust! Admit it!"
"So what if he did?" Sword Douluo replied casually. "He's my grandson. If my grandson's better than me, I'm happy. Can you say the same for your grandkids?"
"I—" Bone Douluo was momentarily speechless.
After a pause, Bone Douluo changed the topic.
"Listen, Sword... Let's talk man to man. Our little Rongrong is growing up fast. With her status, we have to be careful picking her future husband."
Sword Douluo gave him a side glance.
"Don't tell me... you're trying to match her with Chen Feng?"
Bone Douluo grinned.
"Of course! He's outstanding, and he's family. Who better? You think it's a bad match?"
Sword Douluo replied,
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda may be the strongest support-type martial soul, but its biggest weakness is a lack of combat power. Having a Seven Kill Sword heir as a husband would be ideal."
"I brought it up subtly with Chen Feng. That kid's sharp. He caught on right away."
"And?" Bone Douluo leaned forward eagerly. "What did he say?"
Sword Douluo's expression turned strange.
"You want to know?"
"Quit stalling! Spit it out!"
Sword Douluo shook his head.
"He turned it down. Said his focus right now is entirely on cultivation. No time for relationships. Claimed romance would only slow down his sword."
"This brat..."
"He also said…" Sword Douluo hesitated.
"He said what?!" Bone Douluo demanded, practically sticking his head over the table.
Sword Douluo's face darkened.
"He said… there's already a talented food-type soul master pursuing Rongrong. That the guy loves her, and she seems to like him too."
"WHAT? Not!"
Bone Douluo jumped to his feet.
"The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda needs a battle-type soul master for protection. How the hell is a food-type soul master going to keep Rongrong safe?!"
Sword Douluo snorted.
"Of course I know that. So even without Fengzhi's input, I've already ruled it out."
Bone Douluo muttered,
"No. We need to talk to Rongrong ourselves. Can't let her fall for some food type. If danger comes, who'll protect her?"
He turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Sword Douluo called after him.
Bone Douluo paused, slapped his forehead like he just remembered something, and said:
"Oh! I forgot to tell you. Rongrong came back to the sect last night. Said she brought some kind of secret weapon. I'm going to talk some sense into her right now!"
"WHAT?! She's back and you didn't tell me?! Good thing I asked. Wait up—I'm coming too!"
Bone Douluo rolled his eyes.
"What, got your hands full with your new favorite grandson, but still clinging to my Rongrong?"
Sword Douluo was already throwing on clothes as he nodded furiously.
"Damn right I am. Why can't I have both?"