Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

A trace of annoyance flashed across Chen Xin's face. Does this kid even realize what he just said? 

To claim that a cat had taught him swordsmanship was nothing short of absurd!

Hmph, lying at such a young age. It's truly infuriating. Yet, Shen An's talent made Chen Xin reluctant to let him go.

Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, could tell that Chen Xin's question had been a prelude to offering Shen An the chance to become his disciple. To their surprise, Shen An hadn't immediately accepted. This left them both anxious.

For Ning Rongrong, if Chen Xin took Shen An as his disciple, Shen An would effectively become part of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Tom would naturally become her cat. It was a win-win situation.

For Zhu Zhuqing, Chen Xin was a Title Douluo renowned across the continent. Becoming his disciple would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon for Shen An. She genuinely hoped Shen An would seize this golden opportunity.

Unlike Ning Rongrong, who had grown up pampered and adored, Zhu Zhuqing, having experienced the cutthroat politics of the royal family, understood the importance of having a powerful protector.

In Zhu Zhuqing's eyes, Shen An was exceptionally talented, but his brilliance would inevitably attract envy and hostility. With Chen Xin's protection, Shen An would be safe from such threats.

"You say your cat taught you? In all my years traversing the continent, I've never seen a cat that knows swordsmanship, let alone one capable of nurturing a swordsman like you."

"Young man, your cat doesn't even have a trace of soul power. It's just an ordinary house cat."

"There's no need to lie in front of me, is there?"

Shen An, of course, understood Chen Xin's intentions. Asking if he had a master was just a way to pave the path for taking him as a disciple.

Leaving aside Shen An's swordsmanship talent, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass alone, as an ultimate martial soul, was enough to be irresistibly attractive to Chen Xin.

However, becoming Chen Xin's disciple would mean adding an invisible layer of restraint. Shen An valued relationships, and the bond of master and disciple would be a form of shackles.

Moreover, Shen An yearned for freedom. A life without constraints was what he truly desired. Just him and Tom, living as they pleased—wasn't that perfect?

Chen Xin was a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and the complexities of sect politics were not something Shen An wanted to entangle himself with. If he relied on the clan's resources for cultivation, he would inevitably owe them a debt.

And such debts always came with a price. Every gift from fate had its cost.

Thus, when Chen Xin asked if Shen An had a master, Shen An didn't hesitate to mention Tom.

Additionally, Shen An was curious. His response would undoubtedly provoke Chen Xin's skepticism and curiosity about Tom.

After all, in all his sparring sessions with Tom, Shen An had always been slightly outmatched. No matter how much he improved, Tom always stayed just a step ahead.

Shen An wanted to see how Tom's swordsmanship compared to Chen Xin's, the pinnacle of sword mastery.

"Meow!"

Tom, dressed in a swordsman's outfit, strode forward with his chest puffed out. He snatched the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass from Shen An's hand and looked at Chen Xin with eager eyes as if itching for a fight.

Everyone stared at Tom in astonishment. Why is this cat suddenly so bold? This isn't like him. 

Normally, Tom was a timid cat, only showing his bravado when someone was backing him up.

Although Tom was a true jack-of-all-trades with countless miraculous abilities, he always saw himself as nothing more than an ordinary house cat.

Shen An wondered if Chen Xin's earlier offer to buy Tom had angered him. After all, Tom was not only deeply attached to his home but also hated being treated like a commodity.

To suggest buying and selling Tom in front of him was undoubtedly touching a nerve.

And since Chen Xin was so close to Ning Rongrong, Tom saw him as part of their "in-group," making him fearless.

In the world of Tom and Jerry, Tom's specialties included being a bully at home, picking on the weak, and being two-faced.

The current situation had activated Tom's innate tendencies to bully and dominate within his own circle.

Tom sauntered up to Chen Xin, lifting his eyelids to give the old man a once-over. Just an old man. I'll go easy on him. 

Chen Xin looked at Tom in surprise. This cat actually looks quite serious while holding a sword. Is it really planning to spar with me? 

Chen Xin couldn't help but laugh. How absurd. Sparring with Shen An is one thing, but a cat? That would be beneath the dignity of the Sword Douluo. 

Ning Rongrong, seeing Tom's bold demeanor, was equally shocked. She whispered to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, does Tom know swordsmanship? Is he any good?"

Zhu Zhuqing replied softly, "He's better than both me and Shen An. Shen An did learn his swordsmanship from Tom."

Hearing this, Ning Rongrong immediately ran to Chen Xin and began acting spoiled:

"Grandpa Sword, please spar with Tom! I'm curious to see what Tom looks like when he uses a sword."

Chen Xin, swayed by Ning Rongrong's pleading, said indulgently, "Alright, alright. Grandpa will do as you say. It's just a spar, after all."

Chen Xin looked at Tom. From the cat's demeanor, he could tell Tom was highly intelligent, perhaps even on par with humans.

However, Chen Xin still didn't believe Tom could have taught Shen An. He leaned more toward the idea that Shen An was self-taught.

Chen Xin decided to humor Ning Rongrong by sparring with the cat. Afterward, he would ask Shen An one last time if he wanted to become his disciple.

If Shen An refused again, Chen Xin wouldn't bring it up anymore. After all, as the Sword Douluo, he had his pride. Some things could be asked once or twice, but not a third time.

Chen Xin looked at Tom, who was now holding a sword and found the scene rather amusing. "Alright, little cat, make your move."

Tom flashed a mischievous grin, raised his sword, and darted forward with feline grace.

"Old man, take this!"

Shen An quietly used a small soul power experience pack. Although his soul power was stuck at level 30 and couldn't increase, using the pack still restored his energy.

Tom was rarely this enthusiastic, so Shen An didn't want to spoil the fun. He simply supported Tom from the sidelines.

After all, maintaining the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass required his soul power. The earlier spar with Chen Xin had drained him, and he needed to replenish his energy.

Shen An stood side by side with the two girls, watching in awe as Tom and Chen Xin clashed.

At first, Chen Xin casually swung his sword a few times, but gradually, he realized something was off. The cat was not only blocking his attacks but also countering them.

Chen Xin's expression grew serious. He stopped holding back, and his swordplay became more structured, like a storm of blades raining down on Tom. Yet, Tom continued to parry every strike, always staying one step ahead.

Chen Xin frowned. The Seven Kill Sword was now fully displaying the essence of his swordsmanship. The clash of swords rang out crisply, but Tom still held the upper hand.

Chen Xin's face turned grave. He unleashed his lifelong mastery of the sword, showcasing the demeanor of a true sword master. Yet, Tom remained slightly superior.

The man and the cat moved across the clearing, their battle so intense that Shen An and the others had to retreat a hundred meters. The surrounding trees had been reduced to splinters.

Suddenly, Tom tripped over a stone. Chen Xin's eyes gleamed. I don't understand how he tripped, but this is my chance. 

Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword slashed toward Tom's neck, intending to stop just a millimeter away. Such precision was child's play for him. Did they think the title "Sword Douluo" was for show?

He had to win this spar, or he'd lose all face.

But then—

Tom's neck retracted into his body, leaving Chen Xin utterly dumbfounded.

???

Is anyone going to address this? I'm reporting this cat for cheating!