Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 512 The Thousand Machines Sect's Test
late at night!

In the backyard of the Li family, the Li family patriarch was standing respectfully in front of Qiu Wangqiu.

Although he was at the late stage of the fifth realm of the Innate Realm, he dared not put on airs as the head of the Li family in front of this person.

Not to mention that Elder Qiu himself is a sixth-level Innate Realm expert, the Thousand Machines Sect he represents is not something the Li family can afford to offend.

The Li family's foundation lies in the Thousand Machine Domain. With just one order from this person, the entire Li family could be wiped out and cease to exist overnight.

"Is this all the information we have about Xiao Yan?"

Qiu Wangqiu frowned as he looked at the information about Xiao Yan handed over by the Li family patriarch. He had originally thought that Xiao Yan was someone the Li family had secretly prepared and cultivated for many years, but he did not expect that the Li family and Xiao Yan had only known each other for less than a month.

"Your Li family is really trusting, entrusting the family's hopes to someone of unknown origin."

Faced with Qiu Wangqiu's dissatisfaction, the Li family patriarch looked sullen. The Li family didn't place all their hopes on Xiao Yan alone; there were also three alchemists, but none of them even made it into the top 100. However, Elder Qiu clearly didn't care about that.

Of course, there is an even more important reason: the weapon-refining competition of the Thousand Machines Sect never restricts the identity of the participants. Even if Xiao Yan is a human demon, even if he killed a disciple of the Thousand Machines Sect and was wanted by the Thousand Machines Sect, as long as he is not discovered by the Thousand Machines Sect in the alchemy competition, his alchemy results will still be valid after the alchemy results are released.

Therefore, powerful families like the Li family never care about the background of the weapon refiners they invite, as long as they can ensure that the other party will go all out in the competition.

Of course, it's not appropriate to say that right now.

"Elder Qiu, my Li family has also investigated Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan is not a martial artist from the Thousand Machine Domain. He came directly from the outer domain to Hundred Refinement City. He was accompanied by a little girl. So... his identity should not be too suspicious. That's why my Li family invited Xiao Yan to represent the Li family in the competition."

The Li family patriarch meant that if Lin Chen were a martial artist of the Tribulation Cultivation type, he wouldn't be accompanied by a little girl; he seemed more like a normal martial artist traveling to various regions.

Qiu Wangqiu naturally understood the meaning behind the Li family patriarch's words. He hadn't come to question the Li family this time, as everything the Li family had done hadn't violated the rules issued by the Thousand Machines Sect. It was just that he had originally thought that only Wei Yang had a mysterious background, but now there was also Xiao Yan. This meant that his analysis in front of his senior brother was wrong, and he was just a little dissatisfied.

If Wei Yang might come from there, then where does Xiao Yan come from?

"Elder Qiu, why don't I call Xiao Yan over so you can ask him yourself? I think Xiao Yan wouldn't dare to hide anything."

The Li family patriarch tentatively spoke up, saying that Xiao Yan's role in the Li family was no longer significant. Securing a top-ten finish not only protected the Li family's interests but also allowed them to rise even higher. This was already in their grasp. If the Thousand Machines Sect were to investigate Xiao Yan, then the Li family would be offending Xiao Yan in the first place.

He could still tell which was more important and which was less important.

"I said at the Heavenly Craft Pavilion that I was not allowed to disturb any contestants. Now you want me to go back on my word?"

"Elder Qiu, that's not what I meant."

"Alright, I don't blame your Li family. Since your Li family agreed to give Xiao Yan two top-notch soul cultivation techniques, then I will provide those two techniques on your behalf."

Upon hearing this, the Li family patriarch quickly replied, "How could I possibly trouble Elder Qiu..."

But the elder from the Li family stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, because he saw the coldness in Elder Qiu's eyes.

"Thank you, Elder Qiu."

The Li family patriarch immediately understood that Elder Qiu's provision of two top-tier soul cultivation techniques was likely for a specific purpose, and he only needed to comply.

……

The Hall of Transmission of Merit of the Thousand Machines Sect.

Qiu Wangqiu looked at the twenty-one jade slips in the pavilion. These were the most advanced soul cultivation techniques of the Thousand Machines Sect, apart from the Divine Control Record.

"That's it, these two dishes."

Qiu Wangqiu reached out and picked up two jade slips. The soul cultivation techniques recorded on these two jade slips were evolved from the Divine Control Record. In order to cultivate them, one must first cultivate the Divine Control Record.

Whether Xiao Yan has actually cultivated the Divine Control Record depends on whether he can successfully cultivate these two techniques.

……

……

Guest house.

After Li Qin delivered the cultivation technique, she left. Lin Chen looked at the two jade slips in his hand and focused his divine sense into them. However, after reading them, Lin Chen's expression became somewhat strange.

These two soul cultivation techniques gave him a sense of familiarity, as they were quite similar to the Divine Control Record, and even seemed to be an evolution of it.

If one had not cultivated the Divine Control Record, they would not have noticed. However, Lin Chen had cultivated the Divine Control Record, and even before he had cultivated it, he could sense that these two techniques were definitely related to the Divine Control Record.

The Divine Control Record is the supreme martial art of the Thousand Machines Sect. These two techniques are also related to the Divine Control Record. How did the Li family obtain them?

Am I overthinking it?
The reason why the two soul manipulation techniques brought by the Li family are similar to the Divine Control Record is simply because the manipulation of the soul, at the highest level, is very similar.

This possibility cannot be ruled out. To put it simply, different paths lead to the same destination. Just like going to a destination, whether you choose to take the main road, the side road, or cross mountains and rivers, in the end, you all end up in the same place.

"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with these two cultivation techniques sent by the Li family? Are they not powerful enough?"

After Li Qin left, Yin Yue saw Lin Chen holding two jade slips, his expression shifting, and asked him with some curiosity.

"It's not that their power isn't top-notch, it's just that these two techniques look somewhat familiar to me, and their names are also quite strange."

"what name?"

"The Great Evolution Divine Art and the Great Soul Suppression Art."

"The Great Evolution Divine Art and the Great Soul Suppression Art? Are these two techniques related?"

Yin Yue was also surprised. She knew many of the top soul cultivation techniques of the Yan Dynasty, but she had never heard of these two.

The predecessors who created these two techniques, named after "greatness," must have been incredibly confident in their power.
Such top-tier soul cultivation techniques are generally created by experts at the Myriad Manifestations Realm. As experts at the Myriad Manifestations Realm, they would never use exaggerated words in the name of their techniques, and the word "great" would almost never appear.

Unless the technique is truly extremely powerful, capable of crushing other techniques in the eyes of the Myriad Manifestations Realm expert who created it.

But if it really reaches that level, like the Divine Record of the Thousand Machine Sect, it's impossible for it not to be well-known.

"You can have a look."

Lin Chen handed the jade slip to Yin Yue. His agreement with the Li family was that the two cultivation techniques could not be passed on to outsiders. This "passing on to outsiders" meant passing them on to others to cultivate. However, given Yin Yue's status and position, it was unlikely that she would secretly practice these two cultivation techniques.

Having spent nearly a year with Yin Yue, he had come to understand the Moon Soul Clan to some extent. Due to their race, especially the royal family, the Moon Soul Clan possessed special talents. They did not practice the techniques of ordinary martial artists, and each member of the royal family had a powerful technique that only they could cultivate.

Yin Yue took the jade slip, and after a short while, placed it back on the table. She then asked Lin Chen leisurely, "Have you already cultivated the Divine Control Record, and even mastered it?"

Back in Linhu Village, Poyang County, Yin Yue had such suspicions, but at that time Lin Chen was in the East China Sea. Even if he wanted to cultivate, it would be impossible for him to obtain the Divine Control Record. Therefore, she dismissed her guess and simply believed that Lin Chen must be cultivating another, more powerful soul cultivation technique.

But now, she has changed her mind.

Why would you ask that?

Lin Chen was taken aback; he hadn't expected Yin Yue to ask this question at this moment.

"You should answer me first, and it's best not to hide anything, because it relates to my subsequent analysis."

After a few moments of silence, Yin Yue knew the answer, but precisely because she knew the answer, a look of doubt appeared in her eyes.

Where did Lin Chen obtain the Divine Control Technique?
As far as she knew, Lin Chen went directly from the East Sea to the Canglan Sect and had never been to the Thousand Machine Domain. He had no chance to come into contact with the Divine Control Technique. As for his contact with the disciples of the Thousand Machine Sect, there was only one person, Zeng Xi.

However, given Zeng Xi's level of cultivation at that time, he probably hadn't even started practicing the Divine Control Technique yet. Even if he had, he wouldn't have dared to reveal it to Lin Chen.

Keeping her doubts to herself, Yin Yue took a deep breath and said, "These two techniques are not called Great Evolution Divine Art and Great Soul Suppression Art at all. Their real names are Soul Evolution Art and Soul Shaking Art. If we include the full names, they should be Divine Soul Evolution Art and Divine Soul Shaking Art."

"what?"

Lin Chen's pupils shrank sharply. The names of the Divine Soul Evolution Technique and the Divine Soul Shock Technique... said it all.

"You guessed right. These two cultivation techniques evolved from the Divine Control Record, and they were created by powerful figures from the Thousand Machines Sect." Yin Yue said quietly, "Not to mention that the Li family couldn't possibly obtain these two techniques, even if they did, do you think the Li family would dare to let you cultivate them?"

Lin Chen remained silent. Unless the Li family wanted to wipe out the entire family, they would not leak the top-level techniques of the Thousand Machines Sect.

"However, ordinary people may not be able to recognize these two techniques. I was able to identify them because my clan happened to have mentioned them. The clan's description of these two techniques is very similar in power to the techniques recorded in the jade slip, so there is no possibility of error."

Lin Chen tapped his fingers on the stone table for a while before speaking: "Are you saying that the Li family sent these two cultivation techniques on purpose?"

“The Li family didn’t do it on purpose, but the person who sent these two cultivation techniques to the Li family must have done it on purpose.” Yin Yue looked at Lin Chen: “As the Thousand Machines Sect’s treasured cultivation technique, as long as someone cultivates this technique, even if they don’t use it, outsiders might not be able to tell, but the Thousand Machines Sect might not be able to.” Lin Chen understood what Yin Yue meant. Someone from the Thousand Machines Sect had noticed that he had cultivated the Divine Control Technique, or at least suspected that he had cultivated it, so they gave him these two cultivation techniques to test him.

Is that the white-haired old man?

Lin Chen recalled the white-haired old man sitting at the very front during the alchemy competition.

Soon, Lin Chen also made a judgment in his mind.

The white-haired old man must have only suspected it, not been 100% certain, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to test me like that.

He deliberately re-entered the cultivation technique into the jade slip and even changed its name, all so that he could cultivate it himself. Once he succeeded in cultivating it, it would prove that he had cultivated the Divine Control Record.

Thank goodness Yin Yue discovered it, otherwise I would have really fallen into the trap.

"So as long as I don't cultivate these two soul cultivation techniques, even if I can't completely dispel the Thousand Machines Sect's suspicions, at least the Thousand Machines Sect won't have any evidence. And after the alchemy competition ends, I'll make a quick getaway after receiving the reward."

"Now that you've won the reward, are you going to compete for first place?"

Upon hearing Lin Chen's words, Yin Yue's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

Do you think I'm being too unrealistic?

Lin Chen was surprised to see Yin Yue and assumed that Yin Yue thought he was being too presumptuous to compete for first place.

"I do think you're being too far-fetched."

Yin Yue nodded, concealing her recent emotional turmoil. With Jiang Chen and Jiang Yaoyan around, Lin Chen shouldn't be able to get first place, so she didn't need to worry about Lin Chen offending them.

"To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, you should leave Qianji City first. That way, even if something unexpected happens, I can handle it on my own." Lin Chen looked at Yin Yue: "Give me an address, and I'll come find you later."

"can."

Yin Yue nodded: "After the alchemy competition, you can come to Thousand Hammer City to find me."

Thousand Hammer City, one of the three major cities in the Thousand Machine Domain, is located in the northern region of the Thousand Machine Domain and is also the number one forging city in the Thousand Machine Domain.

As for whether it would be safe for Yin Yue to go to Thousand Hammer City alone, Lin Chen was not worried. Yin Yue had many treasures on her, enough to protect herself.

Most importantly, this is the Thousand Machine Domain, where trade is extremely prosperous, and places with prosperous trade all have one thing in common: safety can be guaranteed.

Both inside and outside the city, there are patrol teams composed of members from the Thousand Machines Sect and other various forces.

"By the way, please keep this for me for now."

Lin Chen took out a stone from his pocket. Yin Yue took the stone, her eyes filled with doubt.

This stone looks like an ordinary stone, so why would Lin Chen hide it on his person?
Lin Chen was also helpless. Oscar had only been with him for a few days when, during another absorption of the Dragon Blood Bodhi, the little guy turned into a stone on his own, whether from absorbing too much or for some other reason. Since then, there has been no movement at all, and most importantly, no breath has been released.

Even someone as sensitive to the soul as Yin Yue didn't notice, so Oscar's ability to transform and conceal himself shouldn't be detected by experts at the Innate Realm. As for experts at the Myriad Manifestations Realm... when I returned to Canglan Island, even Senior Jiang didn't notice... Of course, it's also possible that Senior Jiang noticed but didn't care and didn't mention it.

"This stone is unusual; its true form is actually a demonic beast."

"Monster?"

Yin Yue was surprised and couldn't help but weigh the stone in her hand. In terms of both feel and other aspects, it was clearly just a stone. How could it be a demon beast?

Even though she could conceal her aura, she had a special ability to perceive the soul. Even demonic beasts possessed souls, but this stone felt like an inanimate object to her.

If Yin Yue hadn't been certain that Lin Chen wasn't joking with her, she would have thought that Lin Chen was deliberately teasing her.

"If this stone is indeed a demon beast, then the origin of this demon beast must be extraordinary. Even our clan has never recorded such a magical demon beast."

"We'll talk about the little guy's origins later; at least for now, he poses no threat to me."

Lin Chen knew that Yin Yue's words contained a warning, but he didn't know how much Oscar would grow in the future. At least for now, Oscar wouldn't pose a threat to him.

……

……

The next day.

Yin Yue then left Qianji City.

The Thousand Machine Sect.

A cold glint appeared in Qiu Wangqiu's eyes as he looked at the middle-aged man before him: "The little girl who came from Thousand Hammer City to pick you up?"

"Yes, Elder Qiu, even though I revealed my identity as a member of the Thousand Machines Sect, the people of Thousand Hammer City still blocked us. However, they left a message saying that they would give the Thousand Machines Sect an explanation for this matter."

The deacon of the Thousand Machines Sect lowered his head. He hadn't expected that the little girl the elder had asked him to keep an eye on would be personally picked up by people from Thousand Hammers City after she left Thousand Machines City by flying boat. Moreover, it was the deputy city lord of Thousand Hammers City who came.

Thousand Hammer City is the number one forging city in the Thousand Machine Domain, and its city lord is the number one forging master in the Thousand Machine Domain. Moreover, the city lord of Thousand Hammer City has an extraordinary relationship with the Thousand Machine Sect, as his ancestors were elders of the Thousand Machine Sect.

"I understand. You may leave now."

The fact that the deputy city lord of Thousand Hammer City personally sent people to pick up the little girl is enough to show that the little girl's identity is extraordinary and that she has no hostile relationship with Thousand Machine Sect, otherwise Thousand Hammer City would not dare to do this.

"It's best to inform your senior brother about this matter and let him handle it."

Qiu Wangqiu's figure disappeared from the spot and reappeared in front of the Tiangong Hall.

"Junior brother came here for the little girl next to Xiao Yan, right?"

"Senior brother already knows?"

Qiu Wangqiu paused and looked at his senior brother.

"The Zhao family has already sent me a message. The little girl has an extraordinary background. She comes from an ancient clan, and the Zhao family once owed that clan a huge favor."

Xuanjing spoke slowly, and Qiu Wangqiu's eyes showed surprise. How could the ancient races be involved as well?
Could it be that Xiao Yan was born into an ancient clan?

"Did the Zhao family specify which clan they belong to?"

"The Zhao family didn't mention which clan the little girl belonged to in their letter, but since it involves an ancient clan, we don't need to worry about the little girl. As for Xiao Yan..."

“Senior brother, I spent the whole night outside the courtyard where Xiao Yan lived, and there were no special fluctuations in his spiritual energy. Xiao Yan should not have mastered those two cultivation techniques.”

Xuanjing narrowed his old eyes slightly: "With my uncle overseeing this alchemy competition, if Xiao Yan has truly cultivated the Divine Control Technique, he will surely not escape my uncle's perception."

"Uncle Master?"

Qiu Wangqiu's eyes narrowed. Even his martial uncle had been alarmed?

However, he was immediately relieved. Since his senior brother had personally paid attention, his uncle would definitely be able to tell whether Xiao Yan had cultivated the Divine Control Record.

"Junior brother understands."

After Qiu Wangqiu left the Heavenly Crafts Hall, a young man suddenly appeared in the hall. Although he had the appearance of a young man, he exuded an aura of vicissitudes. His eyes were deep and contained a wisdom that seemed to see through everything.

Upon seeing the young man, Xuanjing quickly descended from the high platform.

"Xuanjing greets Martial Uncle."

"How are your preparations for the alchemy finals the day after tomorrow?"

"Everything is ready."

"Ah."

The young man nodded, putting his hands behind his back: "There's no need to investigate Xiao Yan's background."

"Uncle-Master, do you know Xiao Yan's background?"

"After I left the pass, I cast a divination, and the result was astonishing."

(End of this chapter)