Although that Sect Leader has been deceased for many years, the Heaven-Supporting Sect may still be in the Thousand Mechanism Domain, including the descendants of that Sect Leader, so as not to implicate these people, the order was changed slightly.
The Thousand Mechanism Sect does not stipulate that those who cultivate the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique must join the Thousand Mechanism Sect and cannot also cultivate techniques of other sects.
"So that’s how it is. It seems Canglan Sect got there first; otherwise, you and I might have been fellow disciples."
Zeng Xi did not doubt it. The upper part of the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique is no secret in the Thousand Mechanism Domain and even other domains. It is also used by the Thousand Mechanism Sect to select disciples, much like the Canglan Finger technique spread by the Canglan Sect to outsiders.
As for Lin Chen’s origins, the sect had also investigated, learning that Lin Chen was neither nurtured by the Canglan Sect since childhood nor born in the Canglan Domain but reportedly emerged from a relatively impoverished martial region.
Such martial-poor regions are precisely the places where disciples from various sects are willing to bring sect techniques to test their luck to complete sect tasks and obtain substantial contribution rewards.
If a genius is discovered, even if it’s just an Inner Sect disciple, they can receive rewards from their sect.
"Lin Chen, even if you have cultivated the Thousand Mechanisms Eye Technique, fighting with your Divine Soul against me is a disadvantage for you."
Zeng Xi said this not wanting to take advantage of Lin Chen, as he primarily cultivates his Divine Soul, while earlier in the fight, whether it was the Canglan Finger or the technique that transformed into a Flame Giant, both were exceptionally powerful techniques.
Now, by not using these techniques and engaging in a Divine Soul duel with him, Lin Chen was essentially abandoning his strengths.
Thus, even if he won, it wouldn’t be a fair victory.
"Brother Zeng, no need to worry. If my Divine Soul proves inadequate, I will adapt accordingly."
Upon hearing Lin Chen’s resolute words, Zeng Xi understood that Lin Chen had sufficient confidence in his own Divine Soul.
Since that was the case, he would not persuade any further.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Zeng Xi once again activated his Divine Thought, countless Divine Thought Flying Sabers whistling out, engaging Lin Chen in a deadly collision of Divine Thoughts.
This was a silent yet extremely dangerous clash, where either side’s defenses could be breached by a Flying Saber, and the Divine Soul would suffer grave injury.
Both were competing to see whose Divine Soul was stronger, who could endure longer.
The disciples observing from the Thousand Mechanism Sect, upon seeing Lin Chen not making a move, realized he was engaging with Zeng Xi in a Divine Soul duel and could not help but show mocking expressions.
Choosing to engage Senior Brother Zeng in a Divine Soul duel, this Lin Chen is truly arrogant.
In a moment, he would have to pay for his arrogance.
However, as time passed, with both still suspended in mid-air, the mocking expressions on the faces of the Thousand Mechanism Sect disciples vanished.
This Lin Chen’s Divine Soul was just as strong, able to contend with Senior Brother Zeng up until now?
...
Ten Thousand Flames Sect.
"To have cultivated the Fire Merging Technique so quickly, Lin Chen’s Divine Soul isn’t weak. Zeng Xi, the little guy, might not gain an advantage in terms of Divine Soul."
Zhuang Lie chuckled, speaking as he controlled the Innate Fire, which similarly required Divine Soul strength. Disciples from the Ten Thousand Flames Sect also have methods to cultivate and strengthen their Divine Souls, but the sect’s Divine Soul techniques aim for stability and reinforcement, unlike the Thousand Mechanism Sect, which boasts numerous Divine Soul attack techniques.
The primary attack form for Ten Thousand Flames Sect is still the Innate Fire, with Divine Soul cultivation mainly to prevent injury from burning when refining Innate Fire.
...
Canglan Sect.
"Lin Chen’s Divine Soul is this strong?"
Zhao Yulin’s eyes held a look of astonishment as he glanced at Du Xiaofeng.
"Lin Chen has cultivated the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique and has reached its pinnacle."
Du Xiaofeng provided the answer, which also explained why he believed Lin Chen had a fifty percent chance of winning against Zeng Xi.
"This little guy continually surprises."
Zhao Yulin smiled, while Qiao Yuan beside him sighed deeply, feeling a sense of urgency.
He initially aided Lin Chen for the reputation of the Canglan Sect. Within the sect, Lin Chen remained his greatest rival; he didn’t want to be left far behind by Lin Chen.
After three hundred breaths.
Zeng Xi’s expression changed. Lin Chen’s ability to persist until now indicated his Divine Soul strength was not inferior to his own, which allowed him to continuously release Divine Thought Flying Sabers.
"Brother Lin, I will not hold back next."
With his words, countless Divine Thought Flying Sabers surrounding Zeng Xi’s body materialized, and everyone saw hundreds of sabers appear.
Seeing Zeng Xi getting serious, Lin Chen likewise did not hesitate, with his released Divine Thought Flying Sabers beginning to show form as well.
Hundreds of Divine Thought Flying Sabers appeared instantly on the light screen, still clashing and neutralizing each other.
"Wow!"
All the martial artists watching this battle were shocked, realizing that these two had not been merely standing still but had already commenced fighting, though previously they couldn’t see these Divine Thought Flying Sabers.
"Why does Lin Chen also know the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique?"
"Despicable, Lin Chen stole our Thousand Mechanism Sect technique."
Thousand Mechanism Sect disciples, seeing the Divine Thought Flying Sabers hovering around Lin Chen, were full of anger, yet many disciples remained rational.
"The Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique is widely spread; it’s normal for Lin Chen to have accessed it, and it can’t be said he stole it."
"That’s true, just like the Canglan Finger of the Canglan Sect. To be honest, before joining the sect, I too had come across it but unfortunately failed to master it."
"More than Lin Chen having cultivated the Thousand Mechanisms Divine Refinement Technique, I’m more shocked that Lin Chen’s Divine Soul strength is not inferior to Junior Brother Zeng."
...
On Martial Arts Mountain.
Zeng Xi, upon seeing Lin Chen also materialize the flying sabers, showed no surprise; this was within his expectations.