Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

"Sorry, Tom is my partner and my family. He's not for sale," Shen An politely declined.

Chen Xin wasn't angry. He had only mentioned it because Tom seemed so extraordinary, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had no shortage of wealth. But since Shen An refused, he wouldn't force the issue.

As for Tom, upon hearing Chen Xin's offer to buy him, he immediately bared his teeth and hissed. Hmph, anyone who tries to take me away is a bad guy! 

Shen An watched Tom nervously, fearing that the cat might leap forward and deliver a set of "kitty punches" to Chen Xin.

A level 96 Super Douluo! Just the aura Flender had unleashed earlier had nearly overwhelmed Shen An, and this man had effortlessly suppressed Flender with his presence alone.

Fortunately, Tom was a cowardly cat at heart. At most, he would hide behind someone and bare his teeth, but he wouldn't attack. Chen Xin didn't seem to mind, and Shen An couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

However, the atmosphere in the room had become somewhat tense. After all, having a superpowerhouse like Chen Xin sitting right beside you would make anyone nervous. Well, except for Tom—Tom was a cat, not a human.

Chen Xin, of course, noticed that his presence was making Ning Rongrong's friends uneasy. He decided to break the ice. What should I use as a conversation starter? Ah, I've got it. 

"Rongrong, I heard from the clan that you were bullied in Soto City. Tell Grandpa who it was, and I'll help you get revenge."

As soon as Chen Xin spoke, the temperature in the room seemed to drop by several degrees. The memory of Flender's miserable state was still fresh in everyone's minds, and he hadn't even laid a hand on Ning Rongrong—he had only threatened her verbally. But the moment he tried to act, Chen Xin had shut him down.

Shen An, on the other hand, had genuinely frightened Ning Rongrong to tears. Although they had gotten along well these past few days, there was no guarantee that the little devil wouldn't bite back to vent her frustration.

Shen An's Adam's apple bobbed nervously. Zhu Zhuqing glanced at him with a hint of sympathy before subtly stepping away, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire.

Shen An anxiously looked at Ning Rongrong, silently pleading with his eyes. Please, for the sake of our good relationship these past few days and for Tom's sake, don't say anything. 

Since his transmigration, Shen An had always been the one dishing out beatings. If possible, he didn't want to experience being on the receiving end. He hadn't gone through it before, but he was sure it wouldn't be a pleasant experience.

Ning Rongrong smirked mischievously, extending a delicate finger and drawing a number in the air behind her back. Her exquisite little face turned slightly toward Shen An, who immediately nodded in agreement.

Ning Rongrong instantly felt like she had asked for too little. What a loss! It seems Shen An still has a lot of goodies stashed away. How annoying! 

She had gestured the number eight, meaning she wanted eight boxes of cola. To her surprise, Shen An had agreed without hesitation.

But the little devil was a woman of her word. Since the deal was struck, she decided not to tell Grandpa Sword about how Shen An had bullied her—for now. If Shen Annoyed her in the future, she could always bring it up then.

Ning Rongrong thought to herself, Although I love telling the truth, a little white lie now and then shouldn't hurt. 

"Oh, Grandpa Sword, it's nothing. The person who bullied me was just a petty thief."

"Once my soul power improves, I'll smash his head with my Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda. If he dares to fight back, I'll come to you for help."

Ning Rongrong clung to Chen Xin's arm, acting spoiled in a way that Shen An and the others had never seen before.

However, Chen Xin was no ordinary person. He had noticed the subtle exchange between Shen An and Ning Rongrong.

Outwardly, Chen Xin remained expressionless, but inwardly, he was already taking mental notes about Shen An.

This kid doesn't seem particularly special—just average. How did he manage to win over Rongrong and even get her to cover for him? 

Chen Xin couldn't shake the feeling that the precious cabbage he had carefully nurtured for so many years was about to be devoured by a pig. Although to be fair, this pig was rather handsome.

"Alright, alright. If my little princess says so, then it must be handled properly. My Rongrong has grown up during this trip," Chen Xin said with a smile, playing along with Ning Rongrong.

No matter. I'll go along with Rongrong for now. After all, she did ask me to give this kid some pointers. It's only natural if I happen to be a little too heavy-handed during the process. 

Chen Xin was never one to procrastinate. Without further ado, he casually remarked,

"Rongrong, it seems your friends have taken good care of you during your time away. Grandpa should thank them. Since we have some free time today, how about we stretch our legs a bit?"

"Young man, would you care to spar with this old man for a bit?" Chen Xin said with a kind smile.

Huh? This old man is so nice! He wants to give me pointers right after meeting me. Shen An thought that Sword Douluo Chen Xin was truly a generous mentor who cared about nurturing the younger generation.

To be honest, Shen An had only been fighting in low-level matches so far. His opponents' skills and tactics were mediocre at best.

Now that a Title Douluo, hailed as the number one swordsman in the Douluo Continent, was offering to guide him, Shen An was more than willing.

"Hehe, I told you, didn't I? I said my Grandpa Sword would give you pointers, and here we are."

"Haha, yes, yes. Miss Ning Rongrong always keeps her word. It's truly my fortune to be friends with you," Shen An flattered, causing Ning Rongrong to giggle happily.

Chen Xin, watching his precious cabbage being charmed by Shen An's sweet talk, felt a twinge of displeasure. Hmph, just wait. You'll be crying soon enough. 

"Then what are we waiting for? This place is too small. It would be inconvenient to fight here—ahem, I mean, it would be hard to fully demonstrate our skills. Let's head outside the city," Chen Xin said nonchalantly.

Chen Xin immediately led Shen An and the others out of the city, seeming almost impatient. He even offered to use his martial soul to fly them there immediately.

Shen An couldn't help but marvel. Sword Douluo is truly a venerable elder, so eager to nurture talent and guide the younger generation. But I haven't even shown my potential yet. 

When Chen Xin suggested flying on his sword, Ning Rongrong was the first to agree. She had already spent the entire day walking around Suotuo City with Tom and didn't feel like walking anymore.

The Seven Kill Sword materialized instantly, growing to an enormous size after Chen Xin infused it with soul power. The massive sword floated parallel to the ground, looking incredibly cool.

"Hop on, kids."

Ning Rongrong was the first to step onto the sword. Zhu Zhuqing and Shen An hesitated. With four people and a cat, it would be a tight fit, and there would inevitably be some physical contact.

Shen An spoke up, "I can manage to fly on my sword, though I might be a bit slower. Elder Chen Xin, you can take the others."

Shen An's sword-flying soul skill had a lot of potential for development, so he had been practicing it whenever he had free time. He had made decent progress and could now control his sword with some flexibility, using soul power to stabilize himself. Of course, his movements couldn't be too exaggerated, or he would lose his balance.

Chen Xin looked at Shen An in surprise. Unless one's soul skill specifically allowed sword flight, it was extremely difficult to achieve through sheer skill and soul power alone.

But Chen Xin didn't say anything more. Even if Shen An failed to fly properly, making a fool of himself in front of Ning Rongrong would be a bonus in Chen Xin's eyes.

And then, if I accidentally use a bit too much force during our sparring, it would be a double win for me. 

A moment later, a massive sword shot through the sky like a streak of light, heading toward the outskirts of Soto City. Following closely behind was a smaller, green streak of light, moving cautiously like a novice driver.

Zhu Zhuqing, high in the air, felt a thrill of excitement. Tom, on the other hand, seemed unimpressed. After all, he had been to the skies many times before—both voluntarily and involuntarily.