Chapter 9: Influence

Ning Xi smiled slightly. "It does indeed have aphrodisiac properties, but that is merely a side effect. Its true value lies in its medicinal worth. For instance, it can increase the age limit of soul rings that a soul master can absorb, allowing them to absorb higher-year rings even at a lower level."

Ning Xi then offered a faint, melancholy smile. "However, as long as one can endure those side effects, it is an excellent medicinal material!"

Sword Douluo Chen Xin nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "I see. I was indeed unaware that whale glue possessed such properties."

Ning Rongrong stared with wide eyes, looking bewildered, yet she still clapped in delight.

Watching them, a trace of determination flashed in Ning Xi’s eyes. "I have been finding my practice of the Seven-Kill Sword quite strenuous lately; this whale glue should be able to help."

Sword Douluo Chen Xin smiled slightly and patted Ning Xi on the shoulder. "In that case, let’s buy it. Besides, I am quite curious to see it myself."

Bone Douluo also nodded, his eyes filled with admiration and amazement. "Xi, you’ve truly taught us a lesson this time."

Their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had truly been blessed with a treasure! Though she was young and her knowledge was mysterious, they had watched her grow up and had long since come to view Ning Rongrong and Ning Xi as their own granddaughters.

Ning Xi smiled; she owed this knowledge to those who had dedicated their lives to such research.

Sword Douluo Chen Xin took a gold soul coin from his robe and handed it to the shopkeeper. "We will take this piece of whale glue."

The shopkeeper accepted the coin with a joyful smile. "Right away."

Ning Xi took the whale glue and carefully tucked it away, her expression resolute. "Thank you, Master, Grandfather Bone."

Sword Douluo Chen Xin shook his head slightly. "No need to thank us; you earned this through your own efforts. Practice hard and do not let this whale glue go to waste."

Ning Xi nodded, her gaze firm. "I will."

The four continued to stroll through the streets, Ning Xi’s heart feeling exceptionally light. She knew that with this whale glue, her path of cultivation would be much smoother. Furthermore, this piece was nearly ten thousand years old, making it incredibly valuable.

"Master, Grandfather Bone, this item is extremely precious. I hope you will discuss it and have the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan acquire as much of this whale glue as possible." Ning Xi looked at them earnestly. Judging by their reactions, it was clear that many people here did not understand the true utility of whale glue. If they bought it up in bulk now, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would have yet another foundation for their strength.

In this way, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would never face decline in the future.

The Sword and Bone Douluos exchanged a smile. "Indeed, that is a good idea. We will speak with Fengzhi as soon as possible."

Ning Xi nodded. This resource must not be squandered. Since she had discovered this particular piece, no one competed for it.

Returning to her room, Ning Xi closed the door gently and placed the whale glue on the table. She sat down, examining the deep yellow substance. It flickered under the lamplight, its surface as smooth as jade with a warm, gentle texture. She knew this ten-thousand-year-old whale glue was worth a fortune and would be of immense help to her cultivation.

She took a deep breath and pulled a small jade bottle from her robe, pouring out a few drops of transparent liquid. This was a solvent she had obtained from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan’s pharmacy, specifically designed to dissolve whale glue for consumption.

Ning Xi placed the glue in a small bowl and added the drops. It dissolved slowly, releasing a faint fragrance. After waiting patiently, she swirled the thickened liquid, blew on it gently, and drank it.

The liquid melted on her tongue, and a wave of warmth instantly spread through her body. She felt a powerful surge of energy flowing like a warm current through her meridians. As it settled into her abdomen, she could feel her body subtly changing. Her meridians grew tougher, and her soul power flowed more fluidly. She closed her eyes, sensing the power spreading to every corner of her being.

The fatigue she had been feeling faded, replaced by an unprecedented sense of vitality. The whale glue was working, restoring her stamina and strengthening her physique. Ning Xi opened her eyes with a satisfied smile. It was truly a marvelous item! Her body felt lighter, and her soul power more abundant.

She stood up and pushed open the window. The night breeze brushed against her face. "The power of whale glue is truly formidable," she thought to herself.

Her physical condition was now much better than before, allowing her to endure the agony of higher-year soul rings. The night was still long, and she was unwilling to waste a single moment, so she leaped to a high spot to meditate.

Early the next morning, Sword Douluo began guiding Ning Xi in her sword practice, even beginning to teach her the basics of Sword Intent. Having not been a combat-oriented soul master in her past life, Ning Xi lacked experience and learned with great diligence.

"Xi, swordsmanship is not just the accumulation of techniques; it is, more importantly, the comprehension of Sword Intent." Sword Douluo’s voice was steady and powerful, as if imbued with infinite wisdom. "Sword Intent is the soul of the blade, the perfect fusion of the spirit of the sword path and the weapon itself."

Ning Xi stood respectfully before him, gripping the Seven-Kill Sword tightly. The blade gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Her eyes were clouded with confusion; she was clearly still only grasping the surface of the concept. Though she did not fully understand, she would not give up.

"Sword Intent is an intangible force; it originates from within, yet is released through the tip of the blade." Sword Douluo slowly raised his long sword. With a flick of his wrist, a surge of sword energy sliced through the air with a crisp, piercing sound. "Look, this is the power of Sword Intent."

Ning Xi’s eyes widened. She had never seen such powerful sword energy. It seemed to carry an invisible pressure that left her stunned.

"While you have mastered the basics over these past few days, it is not enough. You must comprehend your own Sword Intent." Sword Douluo lowered his sword and gazed at her deeply. "Starting today, you will practice alone in this arena until you truly grasp it."

"I understand. I will work hard," Ning Xi replied, her eyes shining with determination.

She took a deep breath and began to swing her sword, trying to think, to contemplate, to understand.

"Do not rush; this cannot be forced. Remember, the sword is merely a tool for slaughter, but Sword Intent is its soul." Sword Douluo patted her shoulder and smiled.