Douluo Dalu: The Hundred Year Legend of Chen Xin's Second Uncle

Today, the grand gates of the ancestral hall stood wide open. Behind the main ceremonial gate in the front hall, more than thirty men and women had gathered. Leading them were six elders, consisting of four men and two women, who served as the village elders of the Chen clan.

At the forefront was the First Elder, Chen Hong, a stern and imposing figure due to his role as the enforcer of clan laws.

Second in line was Chen Cong, a scholarly man exuding elegance and charm. Together with his wife, Mu Lingyun, they gave off the aura of a celestial couple.

Chen Wenchao, the third elder, was a man of few words. Despite his silence, his bright eyes revealed a calm and composed demeanor, marking him as a man of quiet strength.

Chen Hanxin, the fourth elder, was affectionately known as the "kindergarten director" of the clan. Though appearing around fifty, her warm and approachable nature endeared her to everyone.

Standing beside her was her husband, Ling Yunxiao, who had been strikingly handsome in his youth, reminiscent of a 1980s Hong Kong movie star like Adam Cheng. Even in his later years, his extraordinary demeanor remained intact.

While Chen Hanxin and Ling Yunxiao were in their sixties, the other elders were over seventy or even eighty years old. The First Elder, Chen Hong, had surpassed ninety, making him even older than Chen Yu. Despite his age, he appeared middle-aged with only a touch of gray in his hair.

It was worth noting that Chen Hong was a titled Douluo, the highest-ranked elder of the Chen family, while the other five were Soul Douluo or Soul Sages.

Behind the elders stood over thirty family members and followers of the clan's branch families. Indeed, loyal families who had served the Chen clan for centuries also had significant representation.

Every time someone from the Chen family awakened their martial spirit, it was customary for the extended family and loyal households to witness the ceremony. Similarly, when someone from a follower family underwent awakening, the main family would attend in full force, while others were free to join if they wished.

As the direct heir of the clan leader, Chen Xiao-Jun's martial spirit awakening was a major event, drawing everyone from the village who could attend.

Most of the attendees were dressed in blue garments—the Chen family's signature color. This preference stemmed from the blue-and-white hues of the Seven Kill Sword, which symbolized the clan. Blue dominated their formal attire, everyday wear, and battle outfits, embodying their hope that each child would inherit the family's legacy: the Seven Kill Sword martial spirit.

Adorned in ceremonial blue robes, the family performed their ancestral rituals and bowed respectfully before the memorial tablets of their forebears.

The front hall became silent as everyone took their positions along its edges.

Chen Yu stood at the forefront, holding six jet-black awakening stones and a radiant blue crystal soul power orb.

He arranged the six stones in a hexagonal pattern on the ground and gestured for Chen Xiao-Jun to step into the center.

Six faint blue beams of light flowed from Chen Yu's hand into the black awakening stones.

Instantly, a golden light emerged, forming a translucent golden barrier around Chen Xiao-Jun.

Golden specks of light floated from the awakening stones and entered Chen Xiao-Jun's body.

A warm sensation spread through him, bringing an indescribable comfort. It felt as though something within his navel had quietly broken open under the pull of this energy.

The sound of shattering echoed faintly—likely the opening of a small crack in his soul nest. The warm energy surged toward his palm.

Chen Yu's gentle voice rang out. "Xiao'er, extend your dominant hand."

Chen Xiao-Jun slowly raised his right hand, his body trembling first slightly, then violently. He tried to cry out but found himself unable to make a sound.

Suddenly, the golden specks of light surged forth, exploding in a dazzling array of colors—gold, black, red, silver, green, deep blue, light blue, copper, pale white, and more. The brilliance was so intense that it stung the onlookers' eyes.

In Chen Xiao-Jun's mind, a vision flashed: a world of swords. Towering projections of divine swords stood amidst the heavens, their radiance illuminating the entire realm in breathtaking yet lethal splendor.

He found the swords vaguely familiar.

"This… aren't these… the images of the ten ancient divine swords I saw in my previous life?"

Chen Xiao-Jun was ecstatic. "Ha ha ha! Divine swords! Ancient divine swords! The mark of my past life! The blessing of my reincarnation!"

After a while, the light dimmed, and in Chen Xiao-Jun's right hand appeared ten pearl-like orbs, spinning as though linked by an invisible thread.

Everyone held their breath, their gazes fixed on Chen Xiao-Jun.

Chen Xun's expression darkened momentarily. "Xiao-Jun, is this your mother's mutated martial spirit? It seems like an enhanced version of her Rainbow Bracelet—an extra bead added. What kind of martial spirit is it?"

The Rainbow Bracelet wasn't an actual bracelet of multicolored beads but a string of nine pearls engraved with begonia patterns. It was also known as the "Begonia Chain of Nine Colors."

Before Chen Xiao-Jun could answer, the First Elder, Chen Hong, interjected. "No, I sensed a faint sword intent earlier—a pressure that even affected my Seven Kill Sword, though it was subtle. What do you think, old Chen Yu?"

"I didn't sense it."

"Maybe, but it was faint."

"Could be, but I'm not sure."

"Yes, I felt it."

The elders began discussing among themselves. While their perceptions varied based on their cultivation levels, their curiosity was piqued.

Chen Yu exchanged a glance with Chen Hong and spoke slowly. "Hmm, Old Hong might be right. I sensed it too. Xiao-Jun, tell us—what is your martial spirit?"

Chen Xiao-Jun smiled faintly. "Grandfather, Father, esteemed elders, and cousins—my martial spirit isn't my mother's Rainbow Bracelet. It's the Sword Orb, the Sword Orb Bracelet."

"Sword Orb? What is that?"

"These ten sword orbs are the miniature, dormant forms of the ten ancient divine swords."

The crowd was stunned.

"Divine swords?"

"Dormant?"

"Miniature forms?"

"Yes. These divine swords require immense soul power to awaken. Lacking sufficient power, they shrink into sword orbs to protect me. When I add soul rings in the future, I can use their energy to reawaken the swords one by one."

"So, they're swords?"

"Yes, they're swords—ancient divine swords!"

Chen Yu nodded as though enlightened. "I see. A divine sword concealing its presence… With sword intent strong enough to faintly suppress the Seven Kill Sword, its quality must be on par—or even superior."

He continued, "What will you name this martial spirit?"

"The Sword Orb Bracelet."

Second Uncle Chen Cong chuckled. "Xiao'er, that name isn't very impressive. It lacks grandeur. Pick something better."

"How about Divine Sword Bracelet? Or Sword Jewel Chain? Divine Sword Orbs?"

"These sword orbs radiate divine brilliance, resembling exquisite pearls imbued with celestial energy. Let's call them the Divine Sword Pearls," suggested his mother with a serene smile, settling the matter decisively.

"That's perfect. I'll go with Mother's suggestion."

Chen Jian-Jun, his cousin, furrowed his brows. "Wait, you said the ten sword orbs reawaken with soul rings. But even a Titled Douluo can only have nine soul rings—how will ten be reawakened?"

"There must be something we don't know yet, right, Xiao-Jun?" chimed in Chen Jian-Zun, another cousin.

"Tell us, Xiao-Jun," said Chen Feng, the son of Second Uncle Chen Zhang.

The elders turned their attention to Chen Xiao-Jun.

"It's not that complicated," Chen Xiao-Jun replied. "Two of the sword orbs seem to resonate and intertwine, almost as if they're a pair. It's likely that one soul ring can awaken them both simultaneously. So, nine soul rings should suffice."

"That's wonderful! Son, make sure to awaken them all so your old man can witness these divine swords."

"Yes, I'll become a Titled Douluo and reveal all ten swords!"

"That's a long road ahead," Chen Yu remarked with a smile. "Now, Xiao-Jun, let's test your innate soul power. With such a powerful phenomenon earlier, it must be extraordinary."

Chen Xun snapped out of his daze and quickly agreed. "Yes! Son, place your hand on the crystal ball."

As soon as Chen Xiao-Jun's palm touched the blue crystal, his body trembled slightly. The orb seemed to draw energy from his navel, channeling it through his hand.

A dazzling blue light began as a single point before expanding to envelop the entire ball. The glow was brilliant and captivating, resembling a radiant gemstone.

"Innate full soul power!" Chen Xun gasped.

Chen Yu's voice suddenly turned solemn. "From this day forward, Xiao-Jun's innate soul power is officially declared as rank nine. Any deviation will result in punishment according to clan law."

The crowd was stunned but quickly complied in unison.

"Xun'er, Xiao-Jun, come with me. The rest of you are dismissed," Chen Yu commanded, leading them toward the side hall.