Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 416 Elder Zhuang: Tell this brat to get lost!
Five days later.

Lin Chen entered the territory of the Myriad Fire Sect.

The Canglan Domain and the Wanhuo Domain are adjacent, but there are very obvious differences in the terrain at the boundary between the two domains.

volcano!

At the border between the Canglan Domain and the Wanhuo Domain, the Canglan Domain side is lush with vegetation, while the Wanhuo Domain side is a barren expanse of rocky, scorched earth with only a few stubborn shrubs growing sparsely, and no towering trees in sight.

"Which junior brother from the sect is it?"

Just as Lin Chen rode the spirit bird to the border, a sound came out.

As Lin Chen controlled the spirit bird's descent, he also spotted several innate martial artists below.

"Junior Brother Lin?"

Before Lin Chen could speak, the young men saw him and their faces showed surprise.

As disciples of the Canglan Sect, they had been paying close attention to the events at Martial Dao Mountain, since it was their Canglan Sect disciples who were going to challenge for the title of Martial Dao Mountain with consecutive victories.

Lin Chen didn't recognize these young men. After they introduced themselves, he learned that these five were all sect deacons. However, none of them were direct disciples. Instead, they were disciples who broke through from the inner sect to the Xiantian realm and were eventually promoted to deacons.

These inner disciples who had been promoted to innate martial artists, even though their cultivation levels were higher than Lin Chen's, treated him with great politeness, and even had a hint of flattery.

These inner disciples knew very well that Junior Brother Lin was only temporarily behind them in cultivation level, and that he would surely surpass them in time.

The direct disciples all have the potential to reach the fourth or even fifth level of the Innate Realm, and Junior Brother Lin is even more so, with the potential to reach the fifth or even sixth level of the Innate Realm.

They cannot afford to offend potential new elders of the sect.

For them, without a great opportunity in this life, no matter how much they have already reached the second level of the Innate Realm, they can only break through to the third level of the Innate Realm at most. Breaking through again will be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Just as Lin Chen was talking with his senior brothers, a middle-aged man also came out of a tent not far away.

"Senior Brother Wen!"

The five young men immediately bowed respectfully. Wen Yunting nodded and looked at Lin Chen: "Indeed, Uncle Du has also gained a fine disciple."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen knew that this person must also be a direct disciple.

Only direct disciples address elders as "Shishu" or "Shibo," implying that their master is also an elder. Even inner disciples who break through to the Innate Realm and become stewards will not address elders as "Shishu."

"Greetings, Senior Brother Wen."

"Your senior brother and I were in the same year; we both entered the sect at the same time."

The message conveyed by Wen Yunting's words immediately made Lin Chen realize that this Senior Brother Zhu and his own Senior Brother must have a very good relationship.

"Junior Brother Lin, what brings you here?"

As a fourth-level innate martial artist of the sect, he was responsible for guarding the border between the Canglan Domain and the Wanhuo Domain.

Canglan Domain and Wanhuo Domain are adjacent, but due to the special nature of Wanhuo Sect, other sects are not interested in Wanhuo Domain. On the contrary, Wanhuo Sect is not interested in Canglan Domain. The two sects have been living in peace for many years and are rare neighboring sects without any grudges.

However, the Myriad Fire Sect does not only target the Canglan Domain; it also targets the other three neighboring domains.

For this reason, the sect only assigned him, a martial artist at the fourth level of the Innate Realm, to guard the border, while the other borders, especially the border with the Eight Desolate Domains, were guarded by two elders year-round.

Wen Yunting was puzzled. Junior Brother Lin had just successfully reached the summit of Martial Dao Mountain and should be staying in the sect. Why was he here?
"Senior Brother Wen, I accepted a mission from the sect to go to the Myriad Fire Sect and bring back a batch of fire-attribute innate energy for the sect."

Lin Chen briefly explained the sect's mission. The sect and the Myriad Fire Sect have always had trade relations. For example, when he broke through to the Innate Realm, the Five Elements Energy prepared by his master included the Fire Attribute Energy, which came from the Myriad Fire Sect.

The Canglan Sect can naturally collect fire-attribute energy on its own, but it doesn't have the same advanced technology as the Wanhuo Sect. The Wanhuo Sect's collection of fire-attribute energy has a higher success rate for its disciples to absorb and refine than that of the Canglan Sect's own collection.

It's not just the Canglan Sect; many sects have similar collaborations with sects in the Wanhuo Domain. Because the Wanhuo Domain is filled with innate fire, it doesn't have many other resources. However, it relies on its unparalleled advantage in fire-attribute innate energy to trade martial arts cultivation resources with other domains.

Given the status and position of the Canglan Sect, the Wanhuo Sect would naturally be the one to cooperate with.

"How can this kind of mission be... Senior brother, I understand."

Wen Yunting was initially puzzled, but he quickly realized what was going on.

The rewards for such tasks from the sect are not high, and most direct disciples would look down on them. However, considering that Junior Brother Lin had just joined the sect and had to complete a sect task, he understood.

Junior Brother Lin will definitely receive a reward from the sect for reaching the summit of Martial Arts Mountain. Before reaching the second level of the Innate Realm, there is no shortage of cultivation resources, so there is no need to rely on sect missions to obtain contribution points to exchange for the resources needed for cultivation.

In this situation, choosing a simple task to complete is the most appropriate.

Either he would be sent to guard a certain place for a few months, but such missions were not available at any time and depended on the disciples' schedules. It seemed that there was a mission to Wanhuo Sect, so Junior Brother Lin accepted it on a whim.

After staying at the border for half an hour, Lin Chen bid farewell to Senior Brother Wen and set foot on the territory of the Myriad Fire Domain.

"Stop looking, Junior Brother Lin is destined to be different from you."

Wen Yunting looked at his fellow disciples, whose gazes were still fixed on the sky where Junior Brother Lin had left, and shook his head slightly: "Even I don't dare to put on airs with Junior Brother Lin. You shouldn't act arrogantly in front of him just because your cultivation levels are higher."

"Senior Brother Wen, how could we have done this?"

“Senior Brother Wen, Junior Brother Lin will catch up with us in cultivation level in just a few years. We would have to be out of our minds to put on airs in front of Junior Brother Lin.”

The disciples quickly explained that since seeing Junior Brother Lin appear, their words had been mostly flattering.

Showing off?

Only a fool would put on airs in front of Junior Brother Lin.

Wen Yunting didn't say anything more. He just reminded everyone that those who could cultivate to the Innate Realm were not stupid.

……

The Domain of Ten Thousand Fires.

As he crossed the regional boundary, Lin Chen could feel a significant increase in temperature. From his vantage point high above, he could even see lava erupting from several volcanoes.

The Myriad Fire Domain is not just the Myriad Fire Sect. Like the Azure Domain, it also has many sects and dynasties. However, Lin Chen did not linger and went straight to the Myriad Fire Sect.

Four days later.

A huge stone tablet came into Lin Chen's view.

This stone tablet is extremely special. It is carved from a towering dark red volcanic rock. The surface of the tablet is covered with holes formed by the cooling of magma, and the veins of reddish-gold magma flowing inside can be vaguely seen.

Atop the colossal monument burned an inextinguishable, eerie blue flame, which rose and coiled like a giant python, scorching and distorting the air, radiating scorching heat.

Every few breaths, the dark blue flames would engulf the entire stone tablet, and the holes on the surface of the stone tablet would change again. When the flames dissipated, the holes formed three large characters: Myriad Fire Sect.

"Innate Glazed Pure Fire".

Upon seeing the blue flame, Lin Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. In the first part of the "Origin of Ten Thousand Flames" that Elder Zhuang of the Ten Thousand Flames Sect had given him, there was a record of a kind of flame. This flame was quite special; the things burned would not be destroyed, but would instead be cleansed of impurities.

In the Yan Dynasty, this fire was extremely popular. Many martial artists who practiced body tempering techniques wanted to obtain this fire to temper their bodies. Even those who did not follow the path of body tempering could use the Glazed Pure Fire to temper themselves.

A single crystal flame, if placed outside, would cause a frenzy of fighting, yet within the Myriad Flames Sect, it was simply used as a stone tablet at the mountain gate.

As expected of the Myriad Fires Sect, they are truly willful.

Lin Chen looked ahead and saw that the entire Wanhuo Sect's mountain gate was completely different from the scorched earth he had seen along the way. There was vegetation everywhere, and even the temperature had dropped considerably.

From afar, the sky inside the Wanhuo Sect's mountain gate was dyed crimson by the firelight, and beneath that crimson glow, golden-red lava cascaded down like a waterfall, becoming the most magnificent backdrop for the mountain gate.

Shocked!

The flames condensed into a waterfall, which he could see from an unknown distance, so one can imagine how magnificent this waterfall of flames must be.

Most importantly, even so, the entire Wanhuo Sect mountain gate is still covered with lush vegetation, and the intense heat of the flames cannot be felt.

As expected of the sect that wields fire most powerfully in the Yan Dynasty.

Just as Lin Chen was feeling sentimental, two figures came rushing in.

"Who is coming?"

The two innate martial artists landed in front of Lin Chen. When they saw Lin Chen's face clearly after landing, they were both surprised.

"You are Lin Chen from the Canglan Sect?"

"It's down."

The battle to reach the top of Martial Arts Mountain was so fierce that, while it's not fair to say that everyone in the Yan Dynasty didn't know him, at least among the younger generation, he was a household name.

"So it's Brother Lin. May I ask what brings you to my Myriad Fire Sect?"

"I have come here on the orders of my sect to receive the fire-attribute innate energy that I have been trading with your sect."

"Alright, Brother Lin, please follow me."

Two innate martial artists from the Myriad Fire Sect led Lin Chen into the sect and arranged a place for him to stay. "Brother Lin, you've come from afar, please rest here first."

The two disciples of the Wanhuo Sect stayed in the courtyard for a while before taking their leave. After walking a short distance from the courtyard, one of them said, "We should inform the elders about Lin Chen's visit to our Wanhuo Sect."

The Canglan Sect came to the sect to receive innate fire attribute energy. This has been a long-standing and established transaction between the two sects. Normally, this matter would not need to be notified to the elders, but since it was Lin Chen who came, it had to be treated differently.

The newly crowned champion of Martial Arts Mountain still needs to report to the elders upon his arrival. Whether the elders will see him or not is their business.

……

Ten Thousand Fire Sect.

Zhuang Lie's figure slowly emerged from a pool of fiery lava.

"That kid Lin Chen has come to our Ten Thousand Fires Sect?"

Standing in front of Zhuang Lie was also an elderly man.

"Yes, the Canglan Sect sent Lin Chen to collect the fire-attribute energy that our sect prepared for the Canglan Sect this time." The old man explained the reason for Lin Chen's visit, and then asked with a smile, "Junior Brother Zhuang, would you like to see Lin Chen?"

"See Lin Chen?"

Zhuang Lie pondered for a while, then shook his head: "He's gone. That old bastard Du Xiaofeng had no good intentions. He deliberately sent Lin Chen to my sect so that I would meet with him."

Everyone here is at the fifth level of the Innate Realm, and they are all old foxes who have cultivated for nearly a hundred years. They know very well what Canglan Sect, or rather Du Xiaofeng, is up to.

Knowing that he had high hopes for Lin Chen, he sent Lin Chen to the Ten Thousand Fires Sect just to take advantage of him, or rather, to take advantage of the Ten Thousand Fires Sect.

Lin Chen reached the top of Martial Arts Mountain, and the Canglan Sect still dared to let Lin Chen come to the Wanhuo Sect, which means they were certain that Lin Chen would not switch sides and join their Wanhuo Sect.

Moreover, Lin Chen's fame this time was due to his status as a disciple of the Canglan Sect. Now, if they want to recruit Lin Chen to the Wanhuo Sect, they will have to face all kinds of gossip from the martial artists of the Yanhuang Dynasty.

The fact that the Wanhuo Sect doesn't train its own disciples but instead poachs disciples from other sects has a huge impact on its reputation.

Since Lin Chen can no longer join the Myriad Fire Sect, what's the point of him even seeing him?

"Really gone?"

"They're gone. Tell Lin Chen to take the fire attribute energy and leave quickly."

Zhuang Lie muttered something, and the white-haired old man smiled slightly. He knew that Junior Brother Zhuang thought highly of Lin Chen, otherwise he wouldn't have personally made a trip to Canglan Sect, and after returning from Canglan Sect, he also praised Lin Chen's talent highly.

When Lin Chen successfully reached the summit of Wudao Mountain, Junior Brother Zhuang's expression was very complicated.

Lin Chen's ascent proved that Junior Brother Zhuang had not misjudged him, but it also eliminated the possibility of recruiting Lin Chen to the Myriad Fire Sect.

Even ordinary disciples, or even just regular disciples, might be released by the Canglan Sect if they were willing to pay a hefty price. But for someone to reach the summit of Martial Dao Mountain, especially in such a sensational way, the Canglan Sect would never release them.

……

The guest quarters of the Ten Thousand Fires Sect.

Lin Chen stayed there for a day without being disturbed.

The next day.

"Brother Lin, your Canglan Sect has prepared this batch of fire-attribute energy, a total of one hundred, all of which are in this Hundred Items Box. Brother Lin can check them."

One of the two young men from yesterday arrived early in the morning, carrying a box containing a hundred items. Lin Chen took the box, sent a wisp of his divine sense into it, and confirmed that there were indeed a hundred fire-attribute energies inside.

"Thank you very much, Brother Du."

Lin Chen had been brought here to stay by this person yesterday, and already knew their name.

"We're just exchanging what we need, no need to be polite."

Du Shuang smiled. The Wanhuo Sect hadn't given it to the Canglan Sect for nothing; the Canglan Sect had also received something in exchange.

"Brother Lin, is there anything else you need?"

Du Shuang's words startled Lin Chen, as they seemed to imply that he should see the guest out.

If you need anything else, just say so.

If not, then you can leave.

Is the Myriad Fire Sect so unwelcoming to outsiders?
"Ahem, I have had dealings with Elder Zhuang of your sect before. Elder Zhuang even gave me guidance in martial arts. Now that I have come to the Wanhuo Sect, I would like to pay a visit to Elder Zhuang."

Lin Chen was somewhat unwilling to leave without even seeing Elder Zhuang.

"Unfortunately, Elder Zhuang is currently in seclusion."

Du Shuang shook his head, but a strange look flashed in his eyes. The hint of dismissal in his words just now was given by Elder Zhuang.

Elder Zhuang meant that the sooner Lin Chen was sent away, the better.

Although Elder Zhuang's attitude seemed somewhat different from what Lin Chen said, he still had to do what Elder Zhuang had instructed him to do.

"In seclusion?"

Lin Chen was also somewhat surprised, as Elder Zhuang had only returned from the Canglan Sect not long ago and had already gone into seclusion.

"That's really unfortunate. In that case, I won't stay any longer. If Elder Zhuang comes out of seclusion, I hope Brother Du can pass on a message for me, saying that Lin Chen has come to visit the Ten Thousand Fires Sect."

"Don't worry, Brother Lin, I will definitely pass on your message."

Du Shuang smiled broadly and readily agreed, without needing to relay the message; Elder Zhuang already knew.

"I will see Brother Lin out of the sect."

"Excuse me."

Du Shuang led Lin Chen toward the mountain gate, but as soon as they stepped out of the guest area, a young man approached them. The aura emanating from the man made Lin Chen stop in his tracks.

Once you reach the Innate Realm, your perception of the outside world becomes extremely sensitive. With just one glance, Lin Chen knew that this person was coming for him, and with ill intentions.

"Junior Brother Zhao?"

Du Shuang was surprised when she saw the person who came. What was Junior Brother Zhao up to with such a strong fighting spirit?
"Lin Chen, I challenge you to a battle!"

Zhao Haoyang got straight to the point, looking directly at Lin Chen.

"Junior Brother Zhao!"

Before Lin Chen could answer, Du Shuang's face darkened. Lin Chen was a disciple of the Canglan Sect, so he was a guest. How could anyone challenge a guest?
Furthermore, Zhao Haoyang, you've only been down from Martial Arts Mountain for a few months. When you came down, you were ranked eleventh. Even if you add a few more months, you still can't possibly have the strength of Lin Chen. Isn't this just humiliating yourself?
“Senior Brother Du, three days ago Elder Zhuang said that my talent in controlling the innate fire is not as good as Lin Chen’s. I am not convinced. Since Lin Chen is here, let’s have a contest.”

After Zhao Haoyang finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Lin Chen: "In terms of overall strength, I am not as good as you. I will only compete with you in the ability to manipulate fire. Do you dare to accept this battle?"

Lin Chen's expression turned somewhat strange upon hearing Zhao Haoyang's words, not because Zhao Haoyang wanted to challenge him, but because Zhao Haoyang mentioned Elder Zhuang.

Elder Zhuang made a statement three days ago, which means that apart from my arrival yesterday, Elder Zhuang had only been in seclusion for two days. It's impossible that Elder Zhuang only went into seclusion after knowing that I was coming.

The seclusion of experts at the fifth level of the Innate Realm is a gradual process, progressing from shallow to deep. The first few days, or even more than ten days, are not yet the real beginning.

Therefore, Elder Zhuang was not in seclusion at all.

Lin Chen believed that this Senior Brother Du wouldn't dare to deceive him about the matter of the elders, but since Elder Zhuang clearly hadn't closed up, yet claimed to be in seclusion, there was only one possibility.

Elder Zhuang doesn't want to see me.

Indeed, Elder Zhuang could guess his master's intention in sending him here—to prevent him from taking advantage of the situation.

So he simply refused to see me. No wonder Senior Brother Du wanted to see me off; it must have been at Elder Zhuang's behest, to get me out of here as soon as possible.

"What, don't you dare?"

Seeing that Lin Chen did not answer, Zhao Haoyang wore a mocking expression. He admitted that Lin Chen was stronger than him, but he absolutely did not believe that Lin Chen was superior to him in terms of fire control talent.

Refining two innate flames is not beyond his capabilities.

He wanted to become Elder Zhuang's disciple. He could accept Elder Zhuang's refusal, but he couldn't accept Elder Zhuang's statement that his talent was not as good as Lin Chen of the Canglan Sect.

He only learned of Lin Chen's arrival at the Myriad Fire Sect today.

Fortunately, Lin Chen had only recently reached the summit of Martial Dao Mountain, and many people in the sect were still discussing it. The senior brother who was in charge of receiving Lin Chen yesterday had told the other disciples about it, and he learned about it from the other disciples who were talking about it, so he came here immediately.

"Since you wish to spar, how could I refuse?"

Sensing the fighting spirit in Zhao Haoyang's eyes, Lin Chen smiled slightly and agreed.

I was just feeling regretful about leaving like this, and then someone brought me a pillow.

(End of this chapter)