Chapter 5: Learning from Chen Yuan
After finishing dinner and taking a short rest, Chen Yuan began his meditation practice.
Whether it was due to the intense training or the miraculous effects of the medicinal bath, Chen Yuan felt that his cultivation efficiency had improved significantly. His perception and absorption of external soul power had increased noticeably compared to his previous session.
Seizing this opportunity, Chen Yuan focused entirely on his meditation. By the time exhaustion forced him to exit the meditative state, his soul power had made considerable progress.
With a smile in his eyes, Chen Yuan murmured softly. "If I keep this up, my level nine soul power should soon reach level ten. Once that happens, I can hunt a soul beast, absorb its soul ring, and become a true soul master!"
With this thought in mind, the exhausted Chen Yuan quickly fell into a deep sleep.
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The next day, without needing anyone to supervise him, Chen Yuan woke up early, feeling energetic and full of vitality. The intense training from the previous day seemed to have no lingering effects on his body.
After washing up, he ate breakfast and then began his training for the day. With the experience from yesterday, Chen Yuan's training became more efficient.
He didn't focus on speed but instead ensured that each swing of the sword was executed with his body in the best possible condition. He adjusted his stance, the way he exerted force, and even his breathing rhythm, repeatedly refining his technique.
This approach allowed him to achieve more stable training results. Chen Yuan felt as though his body was burning, with every muscle and bone growing stronger after each session.
This sensation motivated him to continue training with even greater determination.
All of this was observed by Chen Xin. As a Titled Douluo, nothing in his surroundings escaped his perception.
Chen Xin grew increasingly satisfied with Chen Yuan, a disciple who was highly self-disciplined. With such diligence, becoming stronger was only a matter of time.
In contrast, there was Ning Rongrong, who had been pampered since childhood. Although she was very intelligent, she was also playful and willful. It took a lot of coaxing to get her to focus on her cultivation.
Chen Xin shook his head and said with a bitter smile.
"If Rongrong were even half as diligent as Yuan'er, perhaps the sect leader wouldn't be so troubled."
On this day, Ning Fengzhi brought Ning Rongrong, accompanied by Gu Rong, to see how Chen Xin was training Chen Yuan.
Sensing their arrival, Chen Xin's figure flickered, and he soon appeared before them. He nodded and greeted them. "Sect Leader, you've come. And Rongrong is here too…"
Chen Xin greeted Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong but ignored Gu Rong. Although the two guardians of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect had a deep friendship, they often appeared at odds on the surface.
Ning Fengzhi smiled and said.
"Uncle Sword, how is Chen Yuan doing? His talent is exceptional, and we must not waste it. We came to see how he's training."
Speaking of Chen Yuan, Chen Xin immediately gave a positive evaluation. "The boy is extremely diligent. Yesterday, I explained the training requirements to him, and today he has already started training on his own without any prompting. He's following my instructions to the letter."
"Oh!"
Ning Fengzhi's eyes lit up. Chen Yuan continued to surprise him more and more. Glancing at his daughter, he said.
"Uncle Sword, take us to see him."
Chen Xin had no reason to refuse and nodded.
"He's inside. Let's go."
A moment later, the group arrived at the training ground where Chen Yuan was practicing.
The sight of Chen Yuan diligently swinging his sword immediately caught their attention. With their experience and insight, they could tell at a glance whether the training was serious or not.
In their eyes, Chen Yuan was training with utmost focus. Every swing of the sword utilized his full strength, as if he were facing a real enemy rather than empty air.
Ning Fengzhi nodded repeatedly and said with a smile. "Such dedication will surely lead to great achievements. Perhaps in a few decades, our Seven Treasure Glazed Sect will have another Titled Douluo."
Turning to Ning Rongrong, he spoke earnestly.
"Rongrong, look at how seriously he's training. You should learn from Chen Yuan and not waste your innate level nine soul power."
Listening to her father's lecture, Ning Rongrong pouted, feeling very uncovinced. Her eyes sparkled as she came up with an idea.
If she didn't want to be like Chen Yuan, then she would make Chen Yuan like her.
Ning Rongrong immediately said with a serious expression.
"Father, you're right. I will definitely learn from Brother Chen Yuan. He's been training for so long; he must be tired. I'll go and learn from him now."
After saying this, Ning Rongrong skipped over to Chen Yuan. She waved at him and said with a sweet smile.
"Brother Chen Yuan, aren't you tired? Take a break and come play with me."
In her heart, Ning Rongrong proudly raised her little head, thinking.
'No one can resist my charm. Not Sword Grandpa, not Bone Grandpa, not even Father. Chen Yuan, you won't be able to either!'
Chen Yuan had already noticed their arrival. Hearing Ning Rongrong's words, he slowly sheathed his sword and stood upright. He looked at the delicate, sweetly smiling Ning Rongrong before him.
With sweat covering his face, Chen Yuan smiled brightly and said in a loud, clear voice.
"Rongrong, I'm not tired. I haven't finished today's training yet. Only by training seriously can I become stronger. When I'm strong, I'll be able to protect you."
"I…"
Ning Rongrong was at a loss for words. She felt as if her heart had been struck by something, filled with guilt. Her initial mischievous intentions were completely replaced by remorse.
Ning Rongrong was clever, but at only six years old, how much malice could she truly have? Seeing Chen Yuan's earnest expression and hearing him say that he wanted to become stronger to protect her left her utterly flustered.
In the distance, Ning Fengzhi's eyes gleamed as he looked at Chen Yuan, finding him more and more pleasing. This was exactly what he wanted to see—a sharp sword forged to protect his daughter.
Beside Ning Fengzhi, Gu Rong's thin face showed a hint of suspicion. He muttered softly.
"Old Sword Man, did you teach him this too?"
Chen Xin glanced at him and replied with a matter-of-fact expression. "Old Bone, isn't this what my disciple should be like?"
What Chen Yuan displayed was exactly what they wanted to see. Even if something felt off, they wouldn't question it too much.
In reality, this was indeed Chen Yuan's deliberate act. He presented himself as someone with no sense of self, wholly devoted to protecting Ning Rongrong.
Chen Yuan resumed his training, with Ning Rongrong watching from the side. Her eyes were fixed on him, filled with curiosity and a desire to understand him better. She had never been so genuinely interested in someone before.
As for Chen Yuan, he showed noticeable improvement compared to the previous day. He managed to swing his sword 124 times before finally collapsing from exhaustion.
Chen Xin flashed forward, catching Chen Yuan and carrying him back to his room. Just like the day before, a medicinal bath was prepared to help him recover…
(End of Chapter)
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