Rise from a Poor Family: My Martial Arts Counterattack

Chapter 538 Where does the confidence come from?
Storage box of the Four Primordial Realms.

Lin Chen was still somewhat expectant, so he held the storage box in his hand and focused his divine sense into it.

After a while, Lin Chen withdrew his gaze with a smug look, and in his hand appeared a jade slip.

Yun Ye's storage box contained many pills useful for those at the fourth level of the Innate Realm, as well as some treasures, but what caught Lin Chen's attention the most was this jade slip.

In Yun Ye's storage box, this jade slip was placed separately, which shows that Yun Ye cares a lot about this jade slip, or more precisely, about the contents of the jade slip.

The contents of a jade slip that could attract the attention of someone at the fourth level of the Innate Realm must be extraordinary.

Lin Chen channeled his divine sense into the jade slip, and after several dozen breaths, he withdrew his divine sense, a look of surprise on his face.

The jade slip contains a martial arts manual.

The Nine Heavens Breaking Clouds Manual

This is something similar to the Canglan Divine Scripture, which records a variety of cultivation techniques. The power described in many of these techniques amazed Lin Chen.

If Yun Ye had used his internal techniques during the battle, I might not have been able to defeat him so easily.

"Therefore, this jade slip should not be a cultivation technique of the Yunyi clan. If it were, Yun Ye would have learned it."

Lin Chen pondered for a while and then came to a guess. This "Nine Heavens Breaking Clouds Manual" is the first volume, which means there is a second volume. It is very likely that this manual comes from that young master Dongfang.

No matter how noble this young master of the East is, if he wants to attract martial artists, he must offer something that will tempt them.

As for the general situation of the world, he also learned about it from Yin Yue. Hundreds of years ago, some people predicted that the divine seal of the Yan Dynasty would collapse, but the divine seal of the Yan Dynasty is still there.

A martial artist's lifespan is finite. Even if an Eastern Dynasty is established in the future, who knows whether it will last for decades, centuries, or even longer...

Only tangible benefits can sway a genius like Xiang Yunye, who comes from an ancient race.

Give the first volume, leave the second...

This aligns with the principles of managing subordinates.

……

……

After putting away the jade slip and Yun Ye's storage box, Lin Chen began searching for the entrance to the fourth level of the secret realm.

The flow of time here is half that outside, but for those who come in, this flow is not what they are looking for. Once they enter the fourth floor, the flow of time is only one-quarter that outside.

Each time the Thousand Layers Secret Realm opens, everyone will head to the fourth level. As for the levels beyond that, that depends on each person's abilities.

On the way to the fourth floor, Lin Chen didn't find anything else. He wasn't surprised that he didn't find anything on the second and third floors. He was just unlucky to have wasted time on the first floor. Others had entered the second floor before him. The path he was on had already been taken. Even if there were any good things along the way, others had already gotten there first.

The fourth floor!
The moment Lin Chen stepped onto the fourth level, the pressure suddenly increased several times compared to the third level, causing his body to sink sharply downwards. His legs felt as if they were filled with lead. If he hadn't been prepared, possessed a strong physique, and hadn't activated the Immortal Technique beforehand, this pressure would have been enough to crush him to the ground.

This pressure did not come from any particular direction, but rather filled the entire space, like billions of tons of invisible heavy water surging and squeezing in from all directions and from every inch of the void.

The body, walking, speed, breathing... even the gaze became more sluggish and heavy due to the immense pressure.

This is the pressure of the fourth level of the Thousand Layers Secret Realm.

Lin Chen adjusted his breathing rhythm and began to move forward. Soon, he spotted the other people who had come in. Three of them were sitting cross-legged on a side slope. When they saw Lin Chen, there was a hint of surprise in their eyes, but they just nodded. Lin Chen returned their smile and continued walking forward.

The time flow rate on the fourth floor is only a quarter of that outside, and most of the people who come in stay on this floor to begin their cultivation.

Food, elixirs, cultivation techniques...

Every martial artist who entered was prepared. As Qian Lang said, with the opening of the Thousand Layers Secret Realm, each person would stay inside for an average of six months.

There were more than sixty people, and by the time they reached the entrance to the fifth floor, Lin Chen had already seen about fifty of them. At the same time, he also encountered the three members of the Flower Clan, Teng Cheng and his companions, at the entrance.

Before Lin Chen could speak, Teng Cheng's figure descended from above the entrance in a disheveled state. When he saw Lin Chen, Teng Cheng was stunned for a moment, then quickly asked, "Did you get the treasure for the Moon Soul Clan?"

Upon hearing Teng Cheng's question, Lin Chen squinted and did not answer.

"It seems that the three from the Ice Soul Clan and the Moon Soul Clan couldn't stop you."

Although Lin Chen did not answer, Teng Cheng already knew the answer, and the three of them were not surprised by it.

They had witnessed Lin Chen's strength. It was normal that the two from the Ice Soul Clan and the one from the Moon Soul Clan were no match for Lin Chen. As for Yun Ye's matter, they knew nothing about it.

"Currently, apart from the one from the Wind Breath Clan, everyone else can only enter the fifth level for a period of time before having to return to the fourth level."

When Linghua saw Lin Chen looking towards the fifth floor, she explained why they were at the entrance to the fifth floor.

The pressure on the fifth floor is so intense that even they cannot stay inside for long. This time, only the Fengxi Clan member at the fourth level of the Innate Realm was able to do so.

There was originally another person named Yun Ye, but he didn't get the chance.

"Thanks for reminding me, I'll give it a try."

Lin Chen nodded, exchanged a few words with the others, and then stepped into the fifth floor.

"How long do you think Lin Chen can last on the fifth floor?" Liu Mei asked curiously as she watched Lin Chen's figure disappear into the depths of the entrance.

"It should be able to last for four days, based on the time flow rate of the fourth layer."

Teng Cheng offered his guess: from the time he entered the fifth level to the time he exited, exactly three days had passed on the fourth level. Since Lin Chen was stronger than him, he should be able to last four days without any problem.

As for anything longer... he didn't think Lin Chen could manage it.

……

……

The fifth floor.

After Lin Chen stepped in, he saw several figures sitting cross-legged, radiating various lights, resisting the pressure of this level while making the most of their time to cultivate.

These people ignored Lin Chen when he came in.

"The most important aspect of the Thousand Layers Secret Realm is the tempering of the physical body. Only by overcoming this hurdle can the flow of time take effect. If one cannot withstand it with physical strength alone, one will not be able to truly cultivate one's realm."

Lin Chen recalled Qian Lang's introduction.

In a secret realm where time flows slowly, everyone would want to enter if given the chance. But the reason why only sixty people entered this time is because all the major clans know that if their physical bodies cannot withstand the pressure, then there is not much point in entering.

First, one must be able to enter the fourth level. The time flow in the first three levels is not much different from that outside. Second, it is impossible to cultivate certain techniques because under this terrifying pressure, even walking is difficult, let alone cultivating techniques.

Those who are willing to come here are all focused on cultivating their spiritual realm.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Chen withdrew the light flowing over his body and stopped using the Immortal Technique.

In an instant, the violent and unparalleled spatial pressure, like invisible heavy water, suddenly squeezed down from every pore, every inch of his skin, and every bone in his body!

Lin Chen's body suddenly sank, his spine emitted a series of teeth-grinding, slight popping sounds, and a metallic sweetness surged up his throat, which he then forcibly swallowed.

He felt as if he were carrying a collapsing mountain, or as if he had been thrown into the bottom of a deep trench in the ocean. Intense pain surged from all directions like a tide, washing over his nerves.

This inhuman suffering did not deter Lin Chen; instead, it fueled his fighting spirit.

This scene was so similar to when he first started cultivating. The pain he suffered when refining the true blood of the dragon, the torment he endured when he had nine-turn true blood... all vaguely appeared in his mind.

If I could get through it back then, I can get through it now.

Lin Chen abandoned his elegant standing posture, even though he couldn't maintain it even if he wanted to. At this moment, his legs were slightly bent, and his body was like a hard bow that had been drawn up, assuming a posture that could withstand the impact and temper his bones and muscles. Every step he took was heavy and slow, and every time he lifted his leg, it was accompanied by the subtle sounds of his tendons and bones stretching and rubbing. Every time he stepped down, it was like a heavy hammer hitting an anvil, and the sound echoed in this quiet space.

The others present were startled by the noise. When they looked up and saw Lin Chen, they were initially puzzled, but when they realized what Lin Chen was doing, they all showed disdain on their faces.

At the beginning of the Thousand Layers Secret Realm, it was indeed necessary to use one's physical body to withstand the pressure, and even use the pressure to temper oneself.

However, generations of geniuses from various races have proven one point: this step is too difficult. Once you fail, the only way out is to give up. In that case, it is better to rely on the slower flow of time in the Thousand Layers Secret Realm and the stable cultivation level. Half a year of cultivation here is equivalent to five years outside.

The time flow has slowed down tenfold, but it's only equivalent to five years outside because they can't stay here indefinitely. They have to retreat to the fourth floor to rest after a few days.

Having five years more than other martial artists of the same age is already more than enough.

These people quickly closed their eyes, believing that Lin Chen would have to give up in a few days.

Every self-important person will be forced to face reality by the Thousand Layers of Mystery.

……

……

Lin Chen's pace was slow, but given enough time, he could walk quite far. One day, two days...

Lin Chen's figure had already disappeared from their sight as he stepped deeper into the fifth level.

For two consecutive days, the pain did not disappear, but Lin Chen's expression was much better than before. Most importantly, he could feel the growth of his physical body.

His flesh and blood were becoming solidified, and his tendons and bones were being tempered under this pressure. His bones were bearing enormous pressure, like a knife blank being repeatedly quenched, emitting a metallic sound. The potential hidden deep within them was being squeezed out little by little, becoming harder and denser. His fascia was being strengthened through extreme stretching and compression.

First flesh and blood, then bones and muscles, then internal organs...

The inherent boundaries between the skin, flesh, bones, and internal organs seem to be forcibly broken through and reshaped by high pressure. Every painful contraction and expansion is pushing the body's limits and endurance.

Without using any cultivation techniques or even mobilizing the innate fluid within his body, Lin Chen could feel strange changes quietly taking place within himself.

A thin, glassy sheen appeared on its surface, a natural result of the skin membrane being refined to its ultimate state...

……

……

Seven days later.

All the martial artists on the fifth floor were stunned by what they saw.

They watched as Lin Chen walked back and forth on this floor, his speed increasing from a snail's pace to that of a three-year-old child...

Fifteen days later.

When they saw Lin Chen return to his normal walking speed, no one knew what to say.

"He really withstood the pressure of the fifth level with his physical body?"

"Are we wrong?"

Many martial artists realized that if Lin Chen could do it, then they could too.

The next day, on the fifth floor, many martial artists were seen writhing and walking like zombies...

However, in less than two days, all of them gave up.

It hurts so much!
A few people can withstand the pain, but their bodies cannot.

"How exactly did Lin Chen cultivate his physical body?"

"Lin Chen must have cultivated a top-notch body tempering technique."

At this moment, the three from Tengcheng looked at Lin Chen pacing back and forth, their expressions somewhat complicated.

Lin Chen's performance once again surprised them.

"Now I really think Lin Chen is a good match for the little princess."

Liu Mei spoke in a low voice. Here, she didn't have to worry about being overheard by others, because everyone's divine sense was suppressed and they couldn't break through the three-foot distance.

“Tengcheng, that day Lin Chen was able to defeat you with just his physical strength.”

Linghua looked at Tengcheng, who had a bitter smile on his face. He hadn't lasted more than two moves against Lin Chen, but now it seemed that Lin Chen had shown him mercy back then, at least by using the Canglan Sect's most powerful technique. If Lin Chen had defeated him with just his physical body, he would have truly lost face.

"Could this sky be...?"

Just as Teng Chen and his two companions were still shocked by Lin Chen's performance, someone suddenly shouted from not far away, and the three of them immediately looked up at the sky.

Although their vision was limited and they couldn't see very far, when they saw the cloud patterns above begin to fluctuate, their expressions changed drastically as they realized a possibility.

Time Storm!

The Thousand Layers Secret Realm is not without danger, but the greatest danger is this Time Storm.

The time storm will not appear every time the secret realm opens, but once it appears on each level, it will destroy everything on that level, and time here will become chaotic.

Fortunately, the time storm was not fast, giving everyone enough time to escape.

Faced with a time storm, there are only two options: either go to a higher level or go back to the previous level.

But regardless of which option you choose, if you choose to go to a higher level, there is no turning back, and if you choose to go back to the previous level, you will never have the chance to enter the next level again.

"I'll go and remind Lin Chen; he might not know about this."

Liu Mei moved swiftly, and within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, she found Lin Chen, who was still walking.

"Lin Chen, a time storm is about to appear on this floor."

Lin Chen, who had surrendered himself to his body's instincts, was awakened by Liu Mei's words. He looked up at the sky above and frowned.

He was naturally aware of the Time Storm; both Yin Yue and Qian Lang had warned him about it.

"How do you choose?"

Lin Chen looked at Liu Mei. Liu Mei didn't expect Lin Chen to ask such a question. After a long pause, she said, "We will retreat to the fourth floor."

"Not going to the sixth floor?"

"It's pointless. Although time flows more slowly on the sixth level, the pressure there is so great that even if we use our full power to cultivate, we can only barely withstand it. We simply cannot concentrate on cultivating and improving our realm."

Liu Mei shook her head. If staying on the fifth floor was already this difficult, the sixth floor was not something they could set foot on.

"Won't a time storm occur on the fourth level?"

"Of course it will. The time storm is downward, but it will take half a month for it to finish raging in the fifth layer. When the time storm reaches the fourth layer, we will choose to withdraw."

In the Thousand Layers Secret Realm, there is still some point in staying on the fourth level. However, if one retreats to the third level, although the flow of time is only half that outside, the pressure makes it take longer for them to complete one cycle of their cultivation technique. As a result, there is little point in staying any longer.

Half a month...

Lin Chen frowned. He didn't want to give up this opportunity. Once he chose to retreat to the fourth level, it meant he would have to leave the Thousand Layers Secret Realm in half a month.

"Lin Chen, I advise you to come with us and retreat to the next floor."

Just as Lin Chen was pondering, Teng Cheng and Ling Hua arrived, and it was Teng Cheng who spoke up to persuade him.

"Although I hate to admit it, you are indeed qualified to be the little princess's husband. The pressure of the sixth level is incomparable to that of the fifth level, and it may even crush your physical body."

Teng Cheng's meaning was clear: he didn't want Lin Chen to get into trouble here, lest the little princess be heartbroken.

"Thank you for reminding."

Lin Chen nodded, but he had already made up his mind.

"I still want to try going to the sixth floor, but there's something I need the three of you to help me with."

"whats the matter?"

Upon hearing that Lin Chen still intended to go to the sixth floor, Teng Cheng and the other two frowned, but still asked him about it.

"Give this storage box to Princess Yin Yue of the Moon Soul Clan for me."

Lin Chen took out a colorful storage box from his own storage box. It was given to him by Yin Yue. He couldn't enter the storage box with his divine sense, but he could put items in it. The silver crown was placed in this storage box.

When Tengcheng and the other two saw Lin Chen take out the colorful storage box, they guessed what was inside.

“Alright, I swear on the honor of the Flower Clan that I will deliver this item to the Moon Soul Clan princess.”

Tengcheng was surprised that Lin Chen trusted them so much. Although they, as outsiders, could not use the treasures of the Moon Soul Clan, they could definitely exchange them for many martial arts resources if they made a deal with the Moon Soul Clan chief.

Lin Chen handed the storage box to Teng Cheng and the other two because he considered that if he entered the sixth level and the others withdrew from the Thousand Layers Secret Realm, he would not be able to keep his killing of the two Ice Soul Clan members and Yun Ye a secret. Before the arrival of the powerful members of various clans, he entrusted the Moon Soul Clan's treasure to Yin Yue, so that Yin Yue could regain control of the Moon Soul Clan with this treasure.

As for why they trusted Tengcheng and his companions, the reason was simple: only the royal family of the Moon Soul Clan could use this treasure, and Tengcheng and his companions would not stole it. As for whether Tengcheng and his companions would use it to make a deal with traitors of the Moon Soul Clan, their senior sister was a princess of the Flower Clan. If Tengcheng and his companions were to keep this treasure, they would not be able to get past their senior sister's scrutiny unless they chose never to return to the Flower Clan.

"Thank you very much."

Without any hesitation, Lin Chen handed the storage box to Teng Cheng and headed towards the entrance of the sixth floor. He wanted to enter the sixth floor before the time storm arrived.

"It seems Lin Chen plans to stay on the sixth floor for a while. I really don't know where he gets his confidence from."

Liu Mei watched Lin Chen's departing figure, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration. If Lin Chen was just trying it out, there was no need to hand it over to them unless he was confident that he could stay on the sixth floor.

What she couldn't understand was why Lin Chen, who was only at the third level of the Innate Realm, thought he could stay on the sixth level for a long time.
(End of this chapter)