Chapter 413: Soul, I Am Not Weak Either (Large Chapter Seeking Subscription)

Thousand Mechanisms Sect.

The largest sect in the Thousand Mechanisms Domain, and also one of the super sects of the Yan Huang Dynasty.

Zeng Xi's fame in the entire Yan Huang Dynasty was not small. His most sensational deed was fighting an Innate martial artist before entering the Innate Realm and causing the Innate martial artist to be injured.

Below the Innate level, all are ants.

This was not an exaggerated statement. Even a peak First Rank martial artist, only one step away from the Innate Realm, would face a miserable defeat when facing an Innate martial artist who had just stepped into the Innate Realm.

The Innate Power of an Innate martial artist is transformed from Five Elements energy and belongs to the power of heaven and earth.

The energy released by a Ninth Rank martial artist is more of an eruption of their own blood and energy.

How can human power be compared with the power of heaven and earth?

An unranked martial artist being able to injure an Innate martial artist was already creating a miracle, and Zeng Xi instantly became famous among the younger generation of the Yan Huang Dynasty because of this battle.

"Zeng Xi's strength is his soul. According to rumors, the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Master once said that Zeng Xi's soul could be ranked in the top five in the history of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect for so many years."

Chai Daoqi told Lin Chen the information he had collected. He himself didn't pay much attention to Zeng Xi. After all, the two were more than ten years apart. But for his little junior brother, he specifically went to inquire about Zeng Xi's news, and the more he inquired, the more shocked he became.

The top three of this Mount Wudao were much stronger than their batch.

"Top five in history?"

Lin Chen was also shocked. The Thousand Mechanisms Sect had existed for so many years, and he didn't know how many strong people had walked out of it. Being able to rank in the top five among disciples of the same realm in the entire history of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect was enough to show how strong this Zeng Xi's soul was.

"Where did you get all this news?"

Du Xiaofeng glared at his disciple angrily: "Messy."

"Master, this is what I heard from a friend I entrusted to inquire. And this person has some dealings with the Thousand Mechanisms Sect. According to what my friend said, this news is circulating throughout the entire Thousand Mechanisms Sect, and the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Master didn't deny it."

Hearing the Third Lin Lin Shixiong's explanation, Lin Chen's mouth twitched. It turned out to be news he had heard.

A sheep died at the head of the village, and by the time it reached the end of the village, it became a mother who died.

Everyone had the common problem of liking to add some of their own insights, or exaggerating, when passing on information.

This Zeng Xi's soul was indeed very strong, and the disciples of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect passed it on and on. In order to show how strong Zeng Xi's soul was, they carried out artistic creation, and then there was the rumor of the top five in history.

As for the Thousand Mechanisms Sect Master not denying it, let alone whether this reached the ears of this Sect Master, even if it did, he wouldn't specifically deny it.

Just like himself, if he really reached the top of Mount Wudao, I'm afraid the Canglan Sect disciples would also give birth to various versions.

What top three disciples in the history of the Canglan Sect.

What elder personally certified, Sect Master nodded...

Without adding these descriptive words, how could others believe it?

"Zeng Xi's soul should be much stronger than martial artists of the same age. Coupled with the fact that the Thousand Mechanisms Sect itself has many martial arts techniques for the soul, you must be careful of his soul attacks when you fight Zeng Xi on Mount Wudao later."

Du Xiaofeng looked at Lin Chen and gave him pointers.

"Whether it is the soul or spiritual sense, it is not completely untraceable, nor is it completely impossible to resist. Innate Fire can incinerate spiritual sense. Protect the outside with Innate Fire and protect the soul with Canglan energy from the inside."

"Yes, this disciple has remembered it."

……

……

Wan Huozong.

Zhuang Lie, who had already returned to the sect, was also watching the light screen with several disciples and two other elders.

"See, the power of the flame giant transformed by this child, and the speed of those golden wings have improved again. This child not coming to my Wan Huozong is simply a waste of such talent."

Zhuang Lie was full of regret. Before he went to the Canglan Sect and taught Lin Chen the Fire-Melting Art, Lin Chen's manipulation of Innate Fire hadn't reached such a subtle degree. It was very clear that because of the Fire-Melting Art, Lin Chen's Boundless God-Phase Art's power had been improved again.

"Elder Zhuang, the Canglan Sect will not let people go."

Another elder on the side shook his head: "No sect will be willing to transfer a disciple who can enter the top three of Mount Wudao to another sect."

The top three of Mount Wudao already explained the potential of this disciple.

Even if the conditions given by their Wan Huozong were generous, the Canglan Sect wouldn't agree.

Transferring Lin Chen to their Wan Huozong, if Lin Chen failed to break through to the Sixth Stage of the Innate Realm, that would be fine. Once he broke through to the Sixth Stage of the Innate Realm, the Canglan Sect would be mocked by other sects in the entire Yan Huang Dynasty.

"I also know that the Canglan Sect will not let people go, so I taught Lin Chen the Fire-Melting Art. When Lin Chen wants the Boundless God-Phase Art to break through later, he will definitely have to come to our Wan Huozong. At that time, we can persuade Lin Chen to transfer to our Wan Huozong."

The Canglan Sect wouldn't let people go, but it didn't mean Lin Chen couldn't transfer to the Wan Huozong himself.

"Without the Canglan Sect's consent, if Lin Chen transfers to our Wan Huozong, the Canglan Sect will probably turn against our Wan Huozong, and Lin Chen will also suffer the pursuit of the Canglan Sect, including other family members and relatives... Elder Zhuang, you are thinking of things too simply."

The other two elders shook their heads at the same time. No matter what the situation was, it was very difficult for Lin Chen to join the Wan Huozong.

"This won't work, that won't work... I really feel that Lin Chen not coming to our Wan Huozong is both Lin Chen's loss and our Wan Huozong's loss."

Zhuang Lie was very helpless. The elder on the side saw Zhuang Lie's expression and smiled: "Elder Zhuang, don't worry, it's not completely without opportunity."

"What opportunity?"

"If Lin Chen can ignite the Holy Fire, even if he doesn't join our sect, he can cultivate our Wan Huozong's techniques."

Hearing this, Zhuang Lie rolled his eyes. Ignite the Holy Fire?

Even the Wan Huozong didn't have disciples who could do it, so how could Lin Chen?

Looking at the Wan Huozong from its establishment to the present, only six people could ignite the Holy Fire, and none of them were outsiders.

Wan Huozong, controlling the fire of the world.

But Innate Fire has spirituality. The Wan Huozong collects many Innate Fires and has also reached an agreement with Innate Fire.

Establish the Holy Fire. If someone can ignite the Holy Fire, even if they are not a Wan Huozong disciple, the Wan Huozong's Innate Fire will be available for them to take, and all the Wan Huozong's martial arts techniques will be open to them.

The so-called

He acknowledges Lin Chen's talent in manipulating fire, but he is still far from igniting the Sacred Fire.

……

……

Two hours passed.

"Master, I am going to Martial Way Mountain."

"Do not take victory or defeat too much to heart."

Du Xiaofeng could not help but offer a word of caution. Lin Chen nodded; it seemed that even his master did not have much confidence in him. He feared that Lin Chen, in order to win the duel, would disregard the risk of serious injury and fight to the death with Ceng Xi.

As Lin Chen's figure entered Martial Way Mountain, Chai Daoqi could not help but ask, "Master, what are Junior Shidi's chances of winning?"

"Fifty percent!"

Du Xiaofeng pondered for a long while before giving his answer.

In the battle between Lin Chen and Ceng Xi, there was only a fifty percent chance of winning, and the key to victory would depend on whether Lin Chen could withstand Ceng Xi's spiritual sense attack.

……

Qianji Region.

Many martial artists were also staring at Martial Way Mountain. They did not know when Lin Chen would conduct his next challenge, yet they remained constantly attentive.

For no other reason than that Lin Chen's next opponent was Ceng Xi.

Ceng Xi's name could be said to resound throughout the entire Qianji Region; no one wanted to miss this battle.

"He's here, there's a notification from Martial Way Mountain!"

"To think he would conduct the next challenge so quickly; this Lin Chen is truly crazy."

When they saw the light screen appear from the Martial Way Seal, the entire Qianji Region began to boil. For many young martial artists, Ceng Xi was the peerless powerhouse they admired the most.

It was just a pity that Ceng Xi had always stayed in the Qianji Region, and many people had heard his name but never seen his face. Now, they could finally see Ceng Xi's true appearance through the light screen.

Qianji Sect.

Ceng Xi sensed the challenge message coming from the Martial Way Seal; there was no look of surprise on his face. Everything was as he had expected.

……

Martial Way Mountain.

Battle Plain.

The figures of Lin Chen and Ceng Xi appeared almost at the same time.

"Canglan Sect, Lin Chen."

"Qianji Sect, Ceng Xi."

The two stood with arms crossed, looking at each other; neither rushed to make the first move.

To be able to meet here, no one was weak.

Ceng Xi would not underestimate Lin Chen, and naturally, Lin Chen would not underestimate Ceng Xi.

"What's going on? Why haven't they started fighting yet?"

"Why are they just standing there like fools?"

"Is there something wrong with the Martial Way Mountain light screen? It's already been dozens of breaths!"

All the martial artists watching the battle looked at the two figures, Lin Chen and Ceng Xi, who were as motionless as statues on the light screen, with looks of confusion on their faces.

This was not their first time watching Lin Chen's battles on Martial Way Mountain; every match had been extremely swift and decisive, and he would not waste time like this.

In Linhu Village, all the spectators were full of confusion. Lin Fu and Lin Mu looked toward Jia Nanzhu and asked, "Lord Jia, what is the situation?"

"I am not sure either."

Jia Nanzhu shook his head. The Innate Realm was too far beyond him; he could no longer understand duels of this level, but he knew it was definitely not as calm as it appeared on the surface.

"Lin Chen and this Ceng Xi must be engaged in some kind of contest—a silent contest."

In the end, Jia Nanzhu gave his judgment.

"The two of them are engaged in a contest of spiritual sense."

Inside the Daliang Imperial Palace, Kong Qifeng frowned, but an Innate Elder from the Wudao Alliance provided the answer.

"A contest of spiritual sense?"

"After stepping into the Innate Realm, one can not only refine Innate Power, but one's spiritual sense will also grow. Ceng Xi is a disciple of the Qianji Sect, and the Qianji Sect itself specializes in spiritual sense attacks."

The sects of the entire Qianji Region, with weapon refining and alchemy as their main focus, can be said to be the wealthiest region in the Yan Yan Yan Huang Chao, because all other regions need the treasures refined in the Qianji Region.

And no matter what is being refined, it places extremely high demands on spiritual sense. As the hegemon of the Qianji Region, the Qianji Sect has even higher requirements for its disciples' spiritual sense.

……

On the light screen, where some were confused and others saw the truth, Lin Chen and Ceng Xi were far from as calm as they appeared to outsiders.

The moment he stepped onto the Martial Way Plain, Lin Chen felt the probing of his spiritual sense coming from Ceng Xi. Both of them launched spiritual sense attacks almost immediately.

Invisible spiritual sense flying blades, under Lin Chen's control, flew precisely and swiftly toward Ceng Xi, while Ceng Xi's side also had spiritual sense flying blades whistling over.

The spiritual sense flying blades intersected and collided in mid-air, canceling each other out.

"How do you know the Qianji Refining Spirit Art?"

After dozens of breaths, Ceng Xi sensed a familiar aura from Lin Chen; it was the aura of the Qianji Refining Spirit Art.

The Qianji Refining Spirit Art is a technique of the Qianji Sect; how could this Lin Chen know it?

"Before I joined the Canglan Sect, I had practiced the Qianji Refining Spirit Art before practicing the Canglan Finger."

Lin Chen answered. He now knew that when the former Sect Master of the Qingtian Sect learned he had practiced the Canglan Finger, he had taught him the Qianji Refining Spirit Art, which was not permitted by the Qianji Sect. Although that Sect Master had passed away many years ago, the Qingtian Sect might still be in the Qianji Region, including the Sect Master's descendants. To avoid implicating these people, he had swapped the order.

The Qianji Sect had no rule stating that those who practiced the Qianji Refining Spirit Art must join the Qianji Sect and could not practice techniques from other sects.

"So that's how it is. It seems the Canglan Sect snatched you up first; otherwise, you and I might have been fellow disciples."

Ceng Xi did not doubt him. The first part of the Qianji Refining Spirit Art was not a secret in the Qianji Region or even other regions; it was also used by the Qianji Sect to select disciples, just like the Canglan Finger passed down by the Canglan Sect.

As for Lin Chen's background, the sect had also investigated it. They knew Lin Chen was not raised by the Canglan Sect from childhood, nor was he born in the Canglan Region. It was said he walked out of a region where the Martial Way was relatively barren.

Such regions where the Martial Way is relatively barren are precisely the places where disciples of various sects are willing to take sect techniques to gamble on their luck in order to complete sect missions and obtain high sect contribution points.

If they happen to unearth a genius, even if it is only an inner sect disciple, they can receive rewards from the sect.

"Lin Chen, even if you have practiced the Qianji Refining Spirit Art, you are at a disadvantage fighting me with spiritual sense."

Ceng Xi said this because he did not want to take advantage of Lin Chen. He mainly practiced spiritual sense, while Lin Chen's previous battles—whether it was the Canglan Finger or the technique of transforming into a flame giant—were extremely powerful techniques.

Not using those techniques now and instead clashing with him using spiritual sense was equivalent to abandoning his own strengths.

In this way, even if he won, it would be an unearned victory.

"Brother Ceng, do not worry. If my spiritual sense is not a match, I will naturally change."

Hearing Lin Chen's firm words, Ceng Xi knew that Lin Chen had sufficient confidence in his own spiritual sense.

Since that was the case, he would no longer try to persuade him.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Ceng Xi once again channeled his spiritual sense, and countless spiritual sense flying blades whistled out, beginning a spiritual sense strangulation battle with Lin Chen.

This was a silent, invisible, yet extremely dangerous strangulation. If either side had their defense breached by the flying blades, their spiritual sense would suffer heavy damage.

The two were pitting their spiritual sense strength against each other, seeing who could hold out longer.

The Qianji Sect disciples watching the battle, seeing that Lin Chen had not made a move, understood that Lin Chen was engaged in a spiritual sense battle with Ceng Xi, and they could not help but show looks of mockery.

Choosing to engage in a spiritual sense battle with Lin Lin Shixiong Ceng, this Lin Chen is truly arrogant.

In a moment, he will pay the price for his arrogance.

However, as time passed, the two remained suspended in the air, and the mockery on the faces of the Qianji Sect disciples disappeared.

This Lin Chen's spiritual sense is also this strong? To think he could engage in a spiritual sense battle with Lin Lin Shixiong Ceng until now?

……

Wan Huozong.

"To be able to practice the Fire Fusion Art so quickly, Lin Chen's spiritual sense is not weak. This little fellow Ceng Xi is afraid he won't be able to take advantage in terms of spiritual sense."

Zhuang Lie said with a chuckle. Manipulating Primordial Fire also requires spiritual sense. The disciples of Wan Huozong also have methods to practice and strengthen spiritual sense, but Wan Huozong's spiritual sense techniques follow the direction of stabilizing and strengthening spiritual sense, unlike the Qianji Sect, which has many spiritual sense attack methods.

For Wan Huozong, the main attacks still rely on Primordial Fire; spiritual sense practice is just to prevent being burned and injured when refining Primordial Fire.

……

Canglan Sect.

"Lin Chen's spiritual sense is this strong?"

Zhao Yulin had a look of surprise in his eyes as he looked at Du Xiaofeng.

"Lin Chen has practiced the Qianji Refining Spirit Art, and he has already practiced it to the extreme."

Du Xiaofeng gave the answer, which was also the reason why he said the battle between Lin Chen and Ceng Xi would have a fifty percent chance of winning.

"This little fellow is truly surprising time and time again."

Zhao Yulin smiled, while Qiao Yuan, who was on the side, took a deep breath, feeling a sense of urgency in his heart.

He had helped Lin Chen initially for the sake of the Canglan Sect's reputation. Within the sect, Lin Chen remained his greatest competitor; he did not want to be left further and further behind by Lin Chen.

Three hundred breaths later.

Ceng Xi's expression changed. That Lin Chen could hold out until now meant that his spiritual sense strength was not below his own, which allowed him to release a continuous stream of spiritual sense flying blades.

"Lin Lin Shixiong, I will not hold back anymore."

As he finished speaking, countless spiritual sense flying blades around Ceng Xi materialized at this moment; everyone saw the appearance of hundreds of flying blades.

Seeing Ceng Xi start to get serious, Lin Chen also did not hesitate; the spiritual sense flying blades he released also began to reveal their forms.

Hundreds of spiritual sense flying blades instantly appeared on the light screen, still maintaining their collisions and mutual cancellation.

"Wow!"

All the martial artists watching this battle were shocked at this moment. It turned out that these two were not just standing there motionless, but had long since begun their exchange; it was just that they hadn't been able to see these spiritual sense flying blades before.

"Why does this Lin Chen also know the Qianji Refining Spirit Art?"

"Despicable, Lin Chen stole our Qianji Sect's technique."

The Qianji Sect disciples were filled with anger when they saw the spiritual sense flying blades floating around Lin Chen, but many disciples remained rational.

"The Qianji Refining Spirit Art is widely spread; it's normal for Lin Chen to have come into contact with it. It cannot be called stealing."

"That is true. Just like the Canglan Sect's Canglan Finger, to be honest, I also came into contact with it before I joined the sect, but it's a pity I couldn't practice it successfully."

"Compared to Lin Chen having practiced the Qianji Refining Spirit Art, what shocks me more is that this Lin Chen's spiritual sense strength is actually not below that of Lin Lin Shixiong Ceng."

……

On Martial Way Mountain.

Ceng Xi saw Lin Chen also materialize his flying blades; there was no look of surprise on his face. This was within his expectations.

However, the shape of the flying blades was already Lin Chen's limit; it was impossible for Lin Chen to have practiced the second part of the Qianji Refining Spirit Art.

"Soul-Breaking Awl, rise!"

Ceng Xi no longer held back. The flying blades floating around him suddenly changed shape, transforming into sharp awls.

"Lin Lin Shixiong Ceng is getting serious!"

Seeing this scene, many Innate martial artists of the Qianji Sect showed smiles on their faces. The Soul-Breaking Awl was the second part of the Qianji Refining Spirit Art; Lin Chen's flying blades could not block it.

This Soul-Breaking Awl was not just simply condensed from separated spiritual sense; it contained an extremely exquisite vibrating force.

Pfft!

The silver awl collided with the flying blade, and the flying blade shattered instantly, while the Soul-Breaking Awl remained intact, whistling toward Lin Chen.

Flying blade after flying blade shattered under the impact of the Soul-Breaking Awl. Seeing this scene, the Canglan Sect disciples had looks of worry on their faces.

"What a fool, why compete with Ceng Xi in spiritual sense? If I had known he was such an arrogant fool, I wouldn't have conceded."

Feng Yichuan watched Ceng Xi unleash the Soul-Breaking Awl. He had fought Ceng Xi three times and knew clearly the power of this Soul-Breaking Awl. Lin Chen choosing to clash head-on with Ceng Xi in spiritual sense was simply being foolish.

"What a miraculous soul awl."

Lin Chen stared at the soul awl flying toward him, but he felt no rush or worry. With a movement of his spiritual sense, the deep and vast star map within his dantian suddenly lit up.

Hum!

The massive spiritual sense power was no longer condensed in one place, but erupted like a cosmic tide from the countless stars around his body!

Seeing the first batch of Soul-Breaking Awls already before him, at the critical moment, countless spiritual sense transformed into a water wave and rippled outward.

Spiritual sense like a tide!

Pfft! Pfft! Pfft...

The dense soul awls, shooting into this spiritual sense tide, were like mud entering the sea, stirring up ripples.

"This is?"

This bizarre scene left many watching martial artists stunned.

Canglan Sect.

Brilliant light shot from the eyes of Du Xiaofeng and Zhao Yulin. The two looked at each other, both seeing shock in the other's eyes.

……

Qianji Sect.

Those Innate martial artists also looked at this scene in shock.

"Spiritual sense like a tide—even in our Qianji Sect, one would at least need to step into the second stage of the Innate Realm to achieve this. As a disciple of the Canglan Sect who has just stepped into the Innate Realm, how could he achieve this?"

"With this kind of spiritual sense talent, why join the Canglan Sect? He should have joined our Qianji Sect."

……

Wan Huozong.

Zhuang Lie's expression became somewhat strange as he looked at the other two elders beside him.

"Those old fellows from the Qianji Sect should be feeling the same way as us now."

……

On the Martial Way Mountain plain battlefield, Lin Chen, at this moment, was exerting his spiritual sense to the fullest, his spiritual sense transforming into a tide, surging toward Ceng Xi wave after wave.

Watching the spiritual sense tide surging toward him, Ceng Xi's pupils shrank. At this moment, he frantically separated his spiritual sense, constantly transforming it into Soul-Breaking Awls to pierce toward this spiritual sense tide.

Spiritual sense battles are inherently extremely dangerous; there are no shortcuts.

Now, what he had to gamble on was being able to destroy this tide before it surged over.

Ten, a hundred...

The Soul-Breaking Awls were dense like raindrops, and Ceng Xi's face also turned pale. Even for him, condensing so many Soul-Breaking Awls was a huge consumption of his spiritual sense.

The spectators in front of the light screen also felt their scalps tingle at this level of silent spiritual sense battle.

They were afraid they couldn't even withstand one awl from the Qianji Sect's Soul-Breaking Awl, yet facing hundreds of them, Lin Chen remained standing firm.

Boom!

When Lin Chen's spiritual sense tide reached him, a look of helplessness flashed in Ceng Xi's eyes. Looking at Lin Chen, who was still floating in the air, a bitter smile appeared on his face.

"You win!"

Ceng Xi conceded. If he didn't concede, once this spiritual sense tide landed on him, his spiritual sense would suffer heavy damage.

Most importantly, he couldn't think of a way to break the situation at all. If he could defeat Lin Chen by risking his own spiritual sense injury, he might still give it a try, but he saw no hope of victory.

Ceng Xi conceded, his figure disappeared from Martial Way Mountain, and Lin Chen also withdrew his spiritual sense at the first opportunity.

At this moment, on the entire light screen, only Lin Chen's figure remained.

All the watching martial artists were silent. This battle was completely different from what they had imagined; there were no intense battle scenes, no magnificent clashes of martial arts techniques.

But no one denied the danger of this battle.

In a spiritual sense battle, a slight carelessness could damage one's martial way foundation.

A few breaths later, the Canglan Sect disciples erupted into thunderous cheers.

Until this moment, they could finally shout loudly that Lin Lin Shixiong truly had the strength to reach the summit.

"Reach the summit!"

"One hundred thousand consecutive wins to reach the summit!"

"Lin Lin Shixiong is going to set a new record for Martial Way Mountain!"

"Our Canglan Sect is going to break history."

PS: A 6,000-character chapter, asking for monthly votes.

(End of chapter)