Chapter 7: Crafting Materials

In her previous life, Shi Xi possessed no sword spirit, only the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda. Her innate soul power was low and she was overlooked, receiving no resources for cultivation. Her luck was mediocre at best, and she had no one to support her, only a desperate thirst for knowledge through endless reading and learning from others.

Yet, her talent was woefully lacking. Despite training her soul power day and night, progress came slowly. Thus, she could only enhance her combat abilities by mastering the creation of soul-guided weapons.

Huff!

This life, she vowed, she would become strong!

Shi Xi’s gaze shifted, her eyes growing resolute as she glanced at her spirit weapon.

Taking a deep breath, she clenched the Seven Kills Sword tightly, a determined light flickering within her eyes.

Closing them briefly, she fervently recalled the awe-inspiring scene with the Sword Douluo just now.

Her sword bore an overwhelming aura of oppression, yet it did not hinder Ning Xi’s use.

Ning Xi slowly opened her eyes, which shimmered with a strange, colorful glow, subtly altering her demeanor.

Raising the Seven Kills Sword, its tip dipping slightly, she mimicked Chen Xin’s movements. She felt the weight of the blade and the flow of soul power coursing through her body.

Drawing in a deep breath, she concentrated all her strength in her feet, then slowly lifted it upward through her waist, finally gathering it at the sword’s tip.

“Thrust!”

Ning Xi’s youthful voice rang out sharply as the Seven Kills Sword stabbed forward fiercely.

The sword’s tip sliced a straight line through the air, instantly tearing it apart with a crisp, piercing sound. Though the force behind this thrust was far weaker than Chen Xin’s, Ning Xi sensed a hidden profundity within it.

“Not bad, but your power isn’t focused enough yet.”

Chen Xin nodded slightly and stepped forward, gently grasping Ning Xi’s wrist to adjust her stance. “Remember, the power must originate from here.” He tapped her waist lightly before releasing her.

Ning Xi tried again, this time focusing intently on the flow of strength.

She could feel soul power surging from her feet, passing through her waist, and concentrating at the sword’s tip.

The Seven Kills Sword thrust forward once more, its force noticeably stronger, as if it could pierce the very void ahead.

“Excellent!” Chen Xin smiled subtly. “Next is the horizontal sword sweep. The key to this move lies in the power generated by the waist, driving the sword in a sweeping arc.”

Ning Xi nodded, sensing the strength and precision embedded in Chen Xin’s movements.

She adjusted her posture again, holding the sword flat before her chest, then sweeping it sideways. The blade traced an arc in the air; though somewhat awkward, the form was beginning to take shape.

“Your power must be evenly distributed, and the sword must remain steady,” Chen Xin’s voice sounded again, filled with encouragement and appreciation.

Ning Xi tried another time, focusing more on the sword’s steadiness and the even flow of power.

She felt the soul power coursing along the blade as it swept through the air, causing a faint vibration. Though her force was still less than Chen Xin’s, the destructive potential was evident.

“Well done.” Chen Xin nodded approvingly. “You’re progressing quickly. Remember, swordsmanship’s foundation lies in technique, and technique’s soul is power and precision. Practice each move repeatedly until it becomes instinct.”

Ning Xi nodded, her eyes shining with determination. “Master, I will work hard.”

Chen Xin smiled faintly and inclined his head. “Good. Then continue your training.”

Sunlight bathed the training ground, casting Ning Xi’s figure in a resolute glow.

This was only the beginning; her path in swordsmanship had just begun.

...

After a day of practice, Shi Xi was exhausted, sweat soaking her forehead and back.

In the middle of the day, Ning Rongrong had wanted to invite her out to play, but seeing their serious expressions, she quietly slipped away.

Despite daily physical training, her progress remained slow.

The Sword Douluo had suggested obtaining soul rings for her tomorrow, but Ning Xi had declined.

She was in no rush to acquire soul rings. With memories from two lifetimes, she had her own plans.

Besides, she hadn’t yet finished crafting the storage-type soul-guided weapon she promised Ning Rongrong; the materials needed to be fully gathered first.

Only then could she begin production.

Fortunately, the sect had a blacksmith, saving her some effort.

After a busy day, Ning Xi was even more fatigued—after all, she was only a little over six years old.

Her body was still quite fragile.

Returning to her room, Ning Xi quickly bathed and then resumed meditation. Though tired, meditation slowly restored her energy and allowed her to cultivate soul power.

Two benefits in one.

The following days were spent repeating sword techniques, occasionally attempting to grasp the sword’s intent.

But above all, she needed practice.

Several days passed until Ning Xi finally obtained the materials for her soul-guided weapon.

She placed them into her storage ring without hesitation and immediately set out, heading in another direction.

The sect elders were numerous, and many greeted her or bowed respectfully along the way.

Ning Xi responded to each greeting with a faint smile, though her eyes remained somewhat distant and detached.

“Hey, what’s the young lady off to do?”

“The young lady seems to be getting prettier!”

“Lately, she’s been training hard. The little miss nearly wore me out with her constant pestering…”

“Being able to play with the little miss is your honor! Go on, go on...”

“...”

Ning Xi paid no mind to their chatter and heard no ill words about herself.

She arrived at a bustling blacksmith’s shop, filled with several smiths. Inside stood a burly, muscular middle-aged man.

His skin was dark and calloused from years of forging. His rugged face bore an expression of steadfast focus.

Beneath a tousled mop of black hair shone sharp, penetrating eyes, as if able to unravel the secrets of metal itself. He wore a worn leather apron, scorched by sparks, adding to his humble appearance.

Turning around, he saw Ning Xi and respectfully asked, “Young lady, how can I assist you?”

Ning Xi nodded, looking up at him. “Uncle Tieyan, I need you to help make two items. I’ll provide the designs; the assembly will be done by me.”

Tieyan scratched his head in puzzlement.

Ning Xi handed him the schematics. He took them with both hands and studied them carefully. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he grew somewhat excited.

“All right, young lady. I will complete the task!”

His voice was rough but sincere, exuding an honest and simple demeanor. Yet his eyes shimmered with hope.

Ning Xi smiled faintly, placing a handful of gold soul coins before him. “Thank you for your help.”

“No trouble at all. Helping the young lady is my honor,” Tieyan said hurriedly, waving his hands.

He paid no mind to what the items were—he had never seen anything like them, nor could he fathom the young lady’s mind capable of devising such inventions!

That someone so young could accurately draft such complex steps amazed him deeply.

From his heart, Tieyan admired her, and his gaze toward Ning Xi changed markedly.