Douluo Dalu: Starting With Tom Cat

The final result was... hard to describe.

Tom retracted his neck into his body, causing Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword to miss its mark. However, Tom's hat fell to the ground in the process.

So, Tom continued to duel Chen Xin with one hand while slowly backing up, using his other hand to pick up his hat—all without losing the upper hand.

But just as he was about to grab his hat, he spotted Shen An and the two girls enjoying the show on the sidelines.

The battle had reached its most intense and thrilling moment, so Shen An had pulled out some cola and popcorn he had drawn earlier, sharing it with the girls. They munched away, fully immersed in the spectacle.

Tom, instantly distracted by the popcorn, lost focus. His swordplay faltered, and Chen Xin seized the opportunity to break through. Tom, without hesitation, dropped his sword and surrendered, scampering over to grab some popcorn.

Chen Xin was left standing there, utterly bewildered. I was fighting so seriously, even staking my honor as a swordsman, and you just dropped your sword and ran off?! 

Chen Xin's usually calm face was now filled with confusion. He looked at Tom, happily munching on popcorn, and felt like the world had lost all sense of reality.

I, Chen Xin, the Sword Douluo, have devoted decades to mastering the sword. I am the pinnacle of swordsmanship on the Douluo Continent, unmatched in skill, and a level 96 powerhouse. I am the pillar of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. 

And yet, I just fought a cat to a standstill. How can I not question my life choices? Especially when this cat's behavior is so... bizarre. 

"Grandpa Sword, Grandpa Sword, what's wrong?"

Ning Rongrong waved her little hand in front of Chen Xin's face, snapping him out of his daze. He looked at Tom with a complicated expression.

Chen Xin thought to himself, A cat with no soul power, yet its skill rivals mine. But I can sense it lacks sword intent—it's all pure technique. 

Yet, by all logic, such skill should already be considered the pinnacle of swordsmanship. How can this cat not have comprehended sword intent? It's incomprehensible. 

"Alright, Grandpa Sword, stop overthinking it. I told you Tom is a magical cat. You've come all this way; you must be hungry. Let's head back."

Ning Rongrong tugged at Chen Xin's sleeve.

Chen Xin looked at his little princess and thought, Silly girl, a cat that can match me in swordplay is far beyond just 'magical.' 

Meanwhile, Shen An was also deep in thought, stroking his chin. He was shocked that Tom was so strong, matching Chen Xin in skill.

Moreover, Chen Xin's swordplay during the fight had been dazzlingly complex, yet Tom had countered it all with the most basic moves, striking at the perfect moment to dismantle Chen Xin's techniques.

Shen An realized that Tom's combat abilities were truly enigmatic. Sometimes, when Tom was confident, it would fearlessly attack even the strongest opponents.

But other times, if Tom encountered a foe that looked particularly menacing, it would lose its nerve and flee.

In short, for Tom, the mindset was everything. When it was scared, it wouldn't even chase a mouse. When it was fearless, it would take on even Spike.

Chen Xin simply hadn't grasped Tom's "user manual." By acting like a kindly old man, he had inadvertently emboldened Tom.

Of course, there were exceptions—like when Jerry was in danger. No matter how scared Tom was, it would always step up to protect its friend.

Thinking of this, Shen An couldn't help but hum, "If this isn't love~~"

Zhu Zhuqing, hearing Shen An's sudden and somewhat off-key singing, quietly covered her ears. This is unbearable. 

Shen An noticed Zhu Zhuqing's subtle retreat and leaned in, whispering in her ear,

"Zhuqing, why don't you go ask for some advice? This is a Title Douluo we're talking about."

"Ah, but I'm not familiar with Elder Chen Xin. Isn't that a bit inappropriate?" Zhu Zhuqing hesitated, though she was tempted.

Having grown up in the royal family, Zhu Zhuqing was naturally cautious. She felt it would be presumptuous to ask for guidance from someone she had just met, especially a renowned Title Douluo like Chen Xin.

"With Ning Rongrong here, what's there to worry about? Be bold, and you'll reap the rewards. Go ahead and ask."

Encouraged by Shen An, Zhu Zhuqing mustered her courage and approached Chen Xin. "Elder Chen Xin, I have some questions about soul power cultivation. May I ask for your guidance?"

Ning Rongrong, seeing this, immediately chimed in, acting spoiled:

"Grandpa Sword, Zhuqing and I have had such a hard time. We were both kicked out of Shrek Academy, and no one has been guiding us. Could you please give her some pointers?"

"Haha, since you're Rongrong's friend, there's no need to be so formal. Ask away, and I'll do my best to answer," Chen Xin said with a hearty laugh.

"See? A woman who knows how to act spoiled has it made," Shen An remarked, watching as Ning Rongrong effortlessly charmed Chen Xin into offering his guidance.

Tom, munching on popcorn, nodded in agreement. Back in the day, whenever a female cat acted spoiled around him, he couldn't resist and would go all out to please her.

Tom was eating the popcorn so quickly that crumbs got stuck on his whiskers. His serious nodding, combined with the messy whiskers, made Shen An burst out laughing.

On the way back, Zhu Zhuqing bombarded Chen Xin with all the questions she had accumulated. Chen Xin answered each one with the insight of a true master, leaving Zhu Zhuqing enlightened.

Shen An also took the opportunity to ask for advice. Chen Xin's wisdom was like a treasure trove for him.

While Tom's swordsmanship was exceptional, it was more of an innate talent. Chen Xin's teachings were far more systematic and reliable.

Ning Rongrong watched with pride as everyone sought guidance from her Grandpa Sword.

However, after his spar with Tom, Chen Xin couldn't help but steal glances at the cat throughout the journey.

And the words he had planned to say about taking Shen An as his disciple were swallowed back. He simply couldn't bring himself to say them.

Compared to his eagerness on the way here, Chen Xin was much more composed on the way back. Fortunately, the journey wasn't long, and they soon arrived.

"I'm so hungry! Tom, can you make something delicious for us? I want a full fish feast," Ning Rongrong said, looking at Tom with anticipation.

Since tasting Tom's cooking, she had been unable to forget it. After such a tiring day, she craved it even more.

Though it wasn't mealtime yet, Tom nodded. After all, the little rich girl had bought him so many good things today. Cooking a bit earlier was no big deal.

"Yay! Grandpa Sword, let me tell you, Tom's cooking is amazing, especially the full fish feast," Ning Rongrong excitedly told Chen Xin.

???

Wait, you guys usually have a cat cook for you? Are you even human?! 

Chen Xin's mind was filled with question marks.