Chapter 4: Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills - Arrival of Sword Douluo - Douluo's spirit bead sword
**Chapter 4: Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills - Arrival of Sword Douluo** Tian Lin meticulously examined his two martial souls, discovering they were far more formidable than he had imagined. Although he lacked a system or a ghostly mentor, his advantages were nothing short of immense. First was the Demon Sword, which fully inherited the formidable abilities from "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3," intrinsically possessing an innate spirit skill, Shadow Sword. This skill could transform into myriad swords for attack; the higher the level, the greater the number of swords, and the more powerful the strikes. Moreover, the sword could absorb various attributes to gain corresponding magic sword skills. To Tian Lin, who had mastered "The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3," the connection between attributes and skills was second nature. In this world of Douluo Dalu, absorbing spirit rings of corresponding attributes would gradually enhance the power of his Demon Sword. Additionally, with the awakening of his martial soul, the books in his mind finally allowed him to turn the pages. The Shushan Records, containing the Shushan Celestial Sword Technique, along with techniques for phantasmic transformations and swift footwork like Celestial Wind Cloud Technique and Drunken Immortal's Moon-Step. The Holy Spirit Pearl was extraordinary as well, with its innate skill, Holy Breath Barrier. This barrier could be used in combat and training, accelerating spirit power recovery for allies within, while suppressing that of adversaries. When used during training, it increased cultivation speed, functioning almost like a cheat. Correspondingly, this martial soul also came with a cultivation method, another tome containing the Nuwa Meditation Technique. Clearly, techniques like the Shushan Celestial Sword Technique were for combat, while this meditation method was for cultivation. The two complemented each other seamlessly. Furthermore, it was evident that these techniques hadn't fully shown themselves yet. What was present in Tian Lin's mind was only a fragment; perhaps the rest would unveil as he reached higher levels. Elated, Tian Lin realized his advantages far surpassed those of Tang San. It was known that meditation techniques varied in levels. Could the basic techniques taught in commoner academies compare to those honed over generations by large clans, ultimately perfected by Title Douluo-level experts? For example, the meditation of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was one of the strongest for beast-type martial souls, yielding spirit power that was both profound and overwhelmingly domineering. Tang San’s Profound Heaven Method was a superior Taoist practice, not as domineering as that of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but it excelled in regeneration, with spirit power recovery at an exceptional pace, perfectly complementing the Blue Silver Emperor's attribute of regeneration. Tian Lin was confident that his Nuwa Meditation Technique would undoubtedly surpass these in level. Eager to begin, he found himself at a loss—unable to comprehend it. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary person. Although he recognized the words, he had no idea how to circulate spirit power along the meridians, nourish the body, or gather it in the dantian. Where were the meridians? The internal organs? The locations of various acupoints? He was utterly clueless. Tian Lin realized what he lacked—a good teacher to guide him in cultivation. Even with the Shushan Sword Technique, one needed a certain proficiency in sword mastery to begin learning. As of now, even wielding the Demon Sword, his capacity was limited to merely swinging it to strike, with no ability to employ any exquisite swordsmanship. “Who should I find? The Grandmaster?” A name flitted across Tian Lin’s mind before he dismissed it. The Grandmaster, though a theoretical expert, didn’t suit his needs at all. Moreover, there were aspects of the Grandmaster's theories he disagreed with, particularly the famed notion that "there are no worthless martial souls, only worthless spirit masters," a belief Tian Lin found deeply flawed. Everything depended on talent, especially in the world of spirit masters. The Grandmaster himself was living proof. If things were as he claimed, why hadn’t he himself achieved the rank of Title Douluo instead of remaining confined as a grandmaster for life? Moreover, the Grandmaster's dictum was an insult to his father. His father had taken on the job of a storeroom manager purely to continue cultivating. On the Douluo Continent, a world rife with danger, each village had a store of weapons for self-defense in dire situations. His father guarded this storeroom, where, with his sword martial soul, it was more conducive to spirit power growth. Even so, breaking through level thirty in this lifetime was unlikely for him. Such a diligent person being labeled due to a single statement from the Grandmaster was something Tian Lin couldn’t accept. “Xiao Tian, come out quickly! Two spirit masters have come looking for you!” At that moment, his father’s voice rang out from outside, sounding a bit anxious for some reason. As Tian Lin stepped out of his room and saw the two outside, he understood the reason for his father’s nerves. One of them he’d met a few times before—Spirit Douluo Yin Yang. After reaching the rank of Spirit Douluo, he hadn’t forgotten his hometown, frequently returning with gifts of gold soul coins or food for the villagers, helping in the village’s development. A figure of such prominence coming for him – it was no wonder his father was tense. The other man, with a middle-aged appearance and quite handsome, yet white-haired, walked ahead of Yin Yang, indicating his status was even higher. Having awakened a sword martial soul, Tian Lin perceived the man as not so much a person as a sword. A divine sword capable of cleaving all things in the world. With such prowess and stature, his identity was undeniable—Sword Douluo Chen Xin. Tian Lin’s eyes lit up instantly. Here was the most suitable teacher for him. “You are Tian Lin, the child who awakened a sword martial soul with innate full spirit power!” Chen Xin’s gaze seemed to emit sword energy, making Tian Lin feel a slight sting all over. Tian Lin respectfully greeted, “Yes, I am Tian Lin. Greetings to Elder Yin and Your Holiness, Sword Douluo!” “Oh, you actually recognize me?” Chen Xin responded with mild surprise. “It was just a guess. You walk ahead of Elder Yin, indicating a status at least equal to his. And since I awakened a sword martial soul, I can sense the sharp sword intent from your person. Considering all these factors, if I couldn’t deduce your identity, I’d indeed be a fool,” Tian Lin replied confidently. To secure mentorship, it was crucial to first demonstrate his merits. At that moment, Chen Xin’s interest was piqued. “Haha, intriguing, only six years old yet not only exceptionally talented but also wise. Excellent. Would you be willing to follow me back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?” While Chen Xin hadn’t explicitly extended an offer to mentor Tian Lin, his appreciation for the child was evident. Tian Lin, without pretension, replied directly, “I am willing. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan has protected our village for many years. All my fellow villagers are grateful. I am eager to join, to repay the great kindness!” “Haha, wonderful! Little Tian, I am your Uncle Yin Yang; I believe you’ve heard of me. Should you need anything within the clan, feel free to seek me!” Yin Yang, observing Tian Lin warmly, noted that the hometown had finally produced another genius after him—one poised to surpass him, potentially reaching the pinnacle as a Title Douluo. He was determined to foster this talent well. “Thank you, Uncle Yin Yang!” Tian Lin expressed his gratitude. “Alright, Old Eagle, we’ll come back for him early tomorrow. Let him properly bid farewell to his parents tonight. It’s the duty of a child, and he’ll need to focus on training for a long period, with few chances to meet again,” Chen Xin considerately suggested, raising Tian Lin’s esteem for him considerably.