Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 524 Sorry, I'm Not Interested

Om-!
The alchemy furnace in front of Lin Chen trembled violently, and the ancient patterns on its surface suddenly lit up with dazzling brilliance, as if a sleeping ancient beast had been awakened.

The next moment, under the focus of countless astonished gazes, the heavy alchemy furnace rose from the ground and hovered steadily in mid-air!

"What is he doing?"

"The alchemy furnace has risen into the sky, what is Xiao Yan going to do?"

The martial artists who had been discussing who would win were now completely drawn to the commotion, their faces filled with confusion and bewilderment.

"Third Elder, is there still a chance for Master Xiao?"

Seeing this, Li Qin was also excited. However, Li He narrowed his eyes slightly and shook his head, saying, "There is no chance. The time for each step of the Five Elements Creation Pill cannot be changed. At least I have never heard of a pill that can be successfully refined if the time is delayed."

Li He's words caused Li Qin's excitement to plummet again. The elder was a master alchemist, so he couldn't be wrong.

……

"It seems that Xiao Yan still has a backup plan. Perhaps we can still have some hope."

Zhuang Lie watched as Lin Chen lifted the alchemy furnace into the air, a smile appearing on his old face. At this moment, Xiao Yan in his eyes was completely overlapped with another figure.

"Elder Zhuang, Xiao Yan must be unwilling to accept defeat and wants to fight back, but the outcome is already decided."

Among the disciples from the Myriad Fire Sect who came this time, there were also those who knew alchemy, and they gave different opinions after hearing Zhuang Lie's words.

"In my opinion, Xiao Yan already knows he has failed, but he is trying to save face by doing this."

Nothing is absolute; there's always a glimmer of hope.

Zhuang Lie gave the disciple a meaningful look. If his judgment was correct, then Xiao Yan was indeed that little guy Lin Chen, and there was a real possibility that things might turn around.

Given Lin Chen's personality, it's impossible for him to do something so attention-grabbing just to save face.

……

On the field, Jiang Yaoyan was the first to sneer. After Wei Yang refined two Yin-Yang Pills, he lost his previous confidence. Seeing Lin Chen still making the pill furnace spin under these circumstances, his eyes were filled with impatience.

A loser at the end of his rope still tries to use these deceptive tricks to salvage some of his reputation.

Jiang Chen also frowned. As an expert in alchemy, the timing of the Five Elements Creation Pill's condensation was extremely important. Xiao Yan had missed it, and his current unusual behavior was truly like a desperate struggle.

Wei Yang's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared intently at the pill furnace floating in front of Lin Chen.

……

On the stands, Yang Rongtian, who had just closed his eyes to rest, suddenly opened them. His eyes flashed with a sharp light, and his turbid gaze seemed to be able to penetrate the spatial barrier, firmly locking onto the floating alchemy furnace. A rare, meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"What do you think?"

Gu Yunfeng spoke softly, while at this moment, the president of the Alchemy Association and the other two alchemy masters were all staring intently at the alchemy furnace floating in front of Lin Chen.

The same guess came to mind for all of them.

"Whether it's true or false, a single probe with divine sense will tell."

The president of the Alchemy Guild was about to release his divine sense when Yang Rongtian coughed and said, "Although I don't understand alchemy, I know that divine sense can sometimes affect an alchemist's work. The result will be revealed in another quarter of an hour anyway, so there's no need to use divine sense to investigate at this time."

"Yes, President Yang is right. At this time, we should not disturb them with our divine senses. If it is really as we think, then the divine sense probing could very well ruin an alchemy competition that is enough to record the history of alchemy."

Hearing their objections, the president of the Alchemy Guild smiled wryly and explained, "It was my oversight just now."

……

……

Just when everyone thought Lin Chen was saving face, Lin Chen's expression was solemn, without joy or sorrow. The dark blue flame with gold under the control of his soul, although its aura was blocked by the isolated space, created a strange harmony between its stable pulsation and the suspended pill furnace.

The powerful divine soul had already merged into the alchemy furnace like mercury, firmly "pressing" the raging and conflicting five elements medicinal power that was almost tearing the furnace apart into a delicate balance!

The "Nine Fire Technique" he obtained from the Tower of Babel allowed him to continuously adjust his innate fire, Peach Moon, and his powerful divine soul precisely compensated for the loss and conflict of medicinal power caused by the time delay.

Inside the furnace, the liquid medicine was no longer simply boiling; it had transformed into a ball of colored light. However, the five colors within this ball of light were constantly tearing and colliding with each other.

Each conflict caused the alchemy furnace to spin a little faster.

Later on, everyone could even see the five-colored halo reflected on the furnace wall.

"How...how is this possible?"

Jiang Yaoyan's mouth gaped open, unable to believe what she was seeing. Lin Chen was actually forcibly condensing his core.

Why should he?
Jiang Chen's face was also filled with disbelief. He had missed the opportunity to condense the pill, and there would only be one result if he tried to condense it again: the medicinal power would leak out and it would be difficult to take shape. However, the increasingly clear five-colored halo on the furnace wall forced him to accept a reality: the medicinal liquid in the furnace was slowly condensing.

Wei Yang's hands were clenched tightly, and he himself did not realize that the veins in his hands were bulging due to nervousness.

Even now, they dare not say for sure that Xiao Yan will not be able to successfully refine it.

The scene was eerily silent!
Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and everyone's heart was in their throat.

"Open!" Lin Chen suddenly shouted.

The humming of the suspended alchemy furnace reached its peak!

With Lin Chen's loud shout, it was as if some kind of critical threshold had been completely broken!
The next moment——

boom!
A dazzling pillar of light, containing five colors—gold, green, blue, red, and yellow—soared from the alchemy furnace, like a divine bridge connecting heaven and earth, reaching the dome of the Heavenly Craft Pavilion!

"Five Elements Glow, Supreme Five Elements Creation Pill!"

In the stands, an elderly man cried out in alarm, his voice trembling.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the five-colored radiance slowly subsided, and above the pill furnace suspended in the air, five pills emitting five-colored halos were presented before everyone's eyes.

Each one is flawless, without a single crack, perfectly natural.

Jiang Yaoyan's mockery froze completely, replaced by disbelief and terror. Jiang Chen's mouth gaped open, his eyes filled with shock. Wei Yang didn't even notice that the Yin-Yang Pill, which had been floating in front of him, had fallen back into the cauldron, as if he hadn't noticed at all.

At this moment, even martial artists who didn't understand alchemy knew that there was no need to wait for those adults to give the results anymore; the results were already in.

The first place belongs to Xiao Yan!
"Great!"

"It's nothing short of a miracle!"

"It's incredible!"

Martial artists who didn't understand alchemy were shocked that Lin Chen could successfully refine the Five Elements Creation Pill, but the alchemists present were even more shocked that Lin Chen could still successfully condense the pill after missing the best time to do so, which had already broken their understanding.

"Master, you have the best eye!"

In his excitement, Zhao Haoyang also flattered his master.

"Don't be so arbitrary about anything. You must know that the Yanhuang Dynasty is full of hidden talents. Before many things happen, everyone thinks they are impossible. But it is precisely because of these repeated impossibilities that martial arts have reached their current level. My Wanhuo Sect is the same. At the beginning, all martial artists believed that one person could only refine one innate fire. Now, one person can refine several innate fires..."

"Everyone thinks that these two innate flames cannot be fused, but our Wanhuo Sect's predecessors did not stick to this idea. They broke through everyone's understanding through repeated research. As outstanding disciples of our Wanhuo Sect, you should have the same determination to break the rules."

Zhuang Lie also had a smile on his face, and took the opportunity to give his disciples some pointers.

But only he himself knew that if he hadn't suspected that Xiao Yan was Lin Chen, he would probably have thought the same as everyone else, that Xiao Yan was just making a fuss.

"How is this possible?"

In the Li family's stands, Li He kept muttering this phrase over and over. Li Qin was very excited, but out of consideration for the elder's reputation, she forced herself to hold back. However, her beautiful eyes were fixed on the dignified figure on the field, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

……

On the high platform, Gu Yunfeng and the others were silent for a brief moment.

"The Five Elements Creation Pill has actually been successfully refined."

Xu Feng, a master alchemist, stroked his beard repeatedly: "This Xiao Yan has made me consider taking him as a disciple."

Lin Chen had said this before when he chose to refine the Five Elements Creation Pill.

Gu Yunfeng and the others reacted in the same way as before, rolling their eyes in their hearts. Who wouldn't want to take such a promising talent as a disciple?

Even though Xiao Yan is a bit older, based on his performance today, who dares to say that he can't become a master alchemist in the future?
Throughout the Yan Dynasty, although there are few alchemy masters, there are still a dozen or so every hundred years. However, only the Thousand Machines Sect and the Medicine King Valley have been able to produce two alchemy masters in a row.

However, these two institutions were able to do so because they had a large enough pool of talented alchemy disciples.

Alchemy masters like Xu Feng, who rely on their families for power, rarely have their descendants or disciples reach the level of grandmaster again; such a phenomenon has never occurred in the history of the Yan Dynasty.

Two grandmasters from one family would leave a significant mark on the history of alchemy, and it would also mean that one's descendants would continue to receive the protection of the alchemy grandmaster even after one's death. "It is Xiao Yan's good fortune that everyone thinks so highly of him. However, we are currently in the Alchemy Competition, so I think we should announce the results as soon as possible and discuss the rest after the competition ends."

Yang Rongtian smiled and spoke, and Gu Yunfeng also calmed down and nodded, saying, "Brother Yang is right. It's time to announce the results of the alchemy competition."

Gu Yunfeng stood up and slowly walked to the edge of the platform, and at that moment everyone's eyes turned to him.

Looking down at Xiao Yan, who stood there calmly and composedly, Gu Yunfeng felt a pang of emotion. Even he was moved by such a beautiful jade.

"As the Pavilion Master of the Alchemy Pavilion of the Thousand Machines Sect, together with the President of the Alchemy Association and two Alchemy Grandmasters, I hereby announce the first place winner of this year's Alchemy Competition: Xiao Yan!"

boom!
The scene erupted in thunderous applause, with endless cheers erupting from the crowd.

Even though the martial artists in the stands didn't recognize Lin Chen, they still cheered because they had witnessed a wonderful match.

First, there was the tension and unpredictability of who would win first place. Then, Xiao Yan, who was thought to be the first to be eliminated, made a stunning comeback and won first place. This competition will be etched deep in their minds and will be unforgettable even decades later.

Gu Yunfeng announced the results, and Jiang Yaoyan stood there silently, her face ashen.

"Brother Xiao, congratulations!"

Wei Yang was the first to regain his composure. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Lin Chen and said, "If there is an opportunity, Brother Xiao is welcome to visit Zhongzhou."

By releasing the Yin Netherfire, Wei Yang knew that his origins were no secret to those who were interested.

"it is good."

Lin Chen nodded, and Wei Yang didn't linger any longer, turning around and walking towards the passage.

Without first place, any other ranking is meaningless to him. Fortunately, Jiang Yaoyan did not get first place, which at least suppressed the arrogance of a certain young master.

Jiang Chen let out a long sigh and said to Lin Chen, "Congratulations, Brother Xiao. I admit defeat this time. I will ask for your guidance next time we meet."

"Concession."

Lin Chen returned the greeting with clasped hands, while Jiang Yaoyan, who had been wearing a gloomy face, suddenly sneered: "A bunch of hypocrites."

Jiang Chen glared at Jiang Yaoyan, but Jiang Yaoyan didn't care. Instead, he looked at Xiao Yan and said, "This reward isn't for you. If you take a reward you shouldn't have, I'm afraid you won't be able to enjoy it."

After saying that, Jiang Yaoyan turned and left.

Lin Chen narrowed his eyes slightly. Jiang Yaoyan's words carried a strong sense of threat. Was he implying that Medicine King Valley would secretly target him because of this matter?

"Brother Xiao, there's no need to worry. The rewards for this competition were decided long ago. Whoever comes in first place will get them. I can assure you, Brother Xiao, that my Thousand Machines Sect has absolutely no other intentions. Moreover, within Thousand Machines City, no one can threaten you."

Seeing the thoughtful look on Lin Chen's face, Jiang Chen quickly offered an explanation.

If they can afford to lose, so can the Thousand Machines Sect.

"As the number one sect in the Thousand Machine Domain and a renowned super sect in the entire Yan Dynasty, I naturally have faith in the Thousand Machine Sect."

Lin Chen smiled slightly; he still believed Jiang Chen's words.

……

……

Within the Thousand Machines City, at the Cloud Top Pavilion.

This is the courtyard where the Thousand Machine Sect entertains distinguished guests.

Jiang Yaoyan bowed his head and bent over, maintaining this posture for a full quarter of an hour.

"waste!"

Dongfang Canglang raised his right hand, and a terrifying palm wind howled towards him. Jiang Yaoyan's body flew backward and crashed into the courtyard wall.

"It is my incompetence; I accept your punishment, young master!"

Jiang Yaoyan stood up and bowed his head again, just like a servant who had made a mistake and was facing his master's punishment, not daring to resist in any way.

He cannot, and dare not!
In front of Young Master Dongfang, his status as the young master of Medicine King Valley meant nothing at all.

"Punishment? I personally went to the Thousand Machines Sect to get them to hand over the Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture. Do you think there will be another chance like this?"

A cold glint appeared in Dongfang Canglang's eyes. His personal visit to the Qianji Sect could not be kept secret from those who were interested. Everyone knew that he had asked the Qianji Sect to give up the "Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture," but in the end, he had helped others. He probably didn't know how many people were secretly laughing at him, especially those in Zhongzhou.

“Young master, I will contact my father. Medicine King Valley will spare no effort to obtain the Nine Revolutions Primordial Scripture for you.”

"No need!"

Dongfang Canglang sneered: "Hongluan, go and bring Xiao Yan here."

In Dongfang Canglang's eyes, since Xiao Yan has more talent in alchemy than Jiang Yaoyan, then Jiang Yaoyan can be discarded.

"Slave, let's do it now."

The woman standing behind Dongfang Canglang nodded and quickly walked out of the courtyard.

Jiang Yaoyan felt a chill in his heart. He understood what the young master meant; he was going to abandon him.

Jiang Yaoyan realized a terrifying reality: in the young master's eyes, his greatest value was not his status as the young master of Medicine King Valley, but his qualification to cultivate the "Taiyi Qingling Record".

But for this competition, his father had already handed over the "Taiyi Qingling Record". If Xiao Yan won first place, he would also be able to study the "Taiyi Qingling Record". Therefore, his own value in the young master's heart could no longer compare to that of Xiao Yan.

Unless... unless Xiao Yan refuses the young master's invitation.

But looking across the entire Yan Dynasty, how many people could refuse such an offer given the young master's status?

……

……

The Thousand Machine Sect.

Led by Jiang Chen, Lin Chen headed to the Pill Pavilion of the Thousand Machines Sect.

The two cultivation techniques awarded to the first-place winner this time are stored in the Pill Pavilion.

Along the way, Jiang Chen introduced the beautiful scenery of the Thousand Machines Sect to Lin Chen: "Brother Xiao, do you see that sphere in front of you? That is the area where my Pill Pavilion is located. The buildings of the entire Pill Pavilion form a circle, which also represents the pills refined by the alchemists."

"Exquisite craftsmanship!"

Lin Chen offered a compliment, not to flatter the Thousand Machines Sect, but because he genuinely felt it.

"Our Pill Pavilion has over three thousand alchemists, including fifteen master-level alchemists. Brother Xiao, when the time comes..."

After learning that Lin Chen was a rogue martial artist, Jiang Chen considered keeping Lin Chen in the Thousand Machines Sect. However, before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by someone who came to his aid.

"Xiao Yan, my young master wants to see you!"

Lin Chen and Jiang Chen were stunned when they saw the alluring woman in front of them. Lin Chen looked at Jiang Chen, who also had doubts in his eyes. He had never seen this woman before.

"Who is your Excellency?"

"My young master lives in the Cloud Top Pavilion!"

Hongluan's words made Jiang Chen's expression change instantly. He didn't know which young master lived in the Cloud Pavilion, but he knew that only distinguished guests could stay in the sect's Cloud Pavilion. How distinguished?
The leader of a sect or a powerful expert at the Myriad Manifestations Realm; the leader of a sect refers to the leader of a super sect.

"Excuse me, I need to go to Dan Pavilion now."

After Jiang Chen fell silent, Lin Chen realized that the Cloud Pavilion must be a place where the Thousand Machines Sect entertains distinguished guests, and those who could stay in the Cloud Pavilion were of extraordinary status.

But he still refused!
Because he had already recognized the woman's identity; the woman who had transmitted her voice to him in the Tower of Babel yesterday had the exact same voice as the person in front of him.

It wasn't just their voices that were the same, but even their haughty demeanor.

The young master wanted to see me because he wanted me to follow him.

Unfortunately, he had no intention of being someone's servant or subordinate, no matter how noble this young master's status was.

Hongluan was stunned when she heard Lin Chen refuse. In her opinion, after Jiang Chen's silence, Xiao Yan, unless he was stupid, should have guessed how noble his young master's status was and would have gladly agreed to go with her to see his young master.

"Do you know my young master's status? To tell you the truth, the reason why the Thousand Machines Sect and the Demon King Valley increased the rewards this time is entirely because of my young master."

Lin Chen smiled; he finally understood the cause and effect.

In that case, I really should thank this young master, but it's a pity... he still has no intention of being someone's follower.

"Brother Jiang, please lead the way."

(End of this chapter)