Chapter 762 - 60: Zeng Xi: I’m Not a Masochist (2)
Chapter 762: Chapter 60: Zeng Xi: I’m Not a Masochist (2)
Ji Cangtian’s gaze fell on these Innate First Realm disciples, and all the disciples shook their heads in unison, indicating no objections.
"The remaining nine slots will be allocated according to past rules: four slots for those under twenty-five, and five slots for those aged between twenty-five and thirty."
The Canglan Sect’s allocation of slots for the Canglan Secret Realm is very fair, acknowledging the large age difference and the widening gap in strength among disciples. Many talented disciples suffer disadvantages due to their shorter cultivation time.
If not divided this way, the slots would likely all fall to those Innate First Realm disciples nearing thirty.
Five years is a phase, enough for true geniuses to level the playing field.
The Innate disciples of the Canglan Sect know this rule well and soon split into two groups: twelve people under twenty-five, and eighteen people above twenty-five.
The method of vying for slots is simple: combat.
Win, and earn a slot.
Soon, the disciples made way from the center of the square, and those competing for slots drew lots to decide their opponents.
To prevent strong clashes, the Canglan Sect arranged a points competition, where each disciple faces every other opponent once. Victory earns 1 point, a loss earns none, and the top four scorers win slots.
The slot competition spans three days.
However, Lin Chen, after observing each disciple’s battle on the first day, didn’t plan to watch on the second and third days.
Among the twelve disciples under twenty-five, he was certain Qiao Yuan could enter the top four.
With his current Divine Soul strength, just a day’s observation allowed him to discern the disciples’ relative strengths, differentiating between giving their all and winning with ease, clearly reflected in their demeanor.
That evening, Lin Chen hosted a banquet for Qin Yan and Gu Kong and planned to stay in the courtyard for cultivation over the coming days.
Three days later.
The list of nine disciples awarded slots appeared, and Lin Chen compared it with what he had anticipated on the first day, finding no deviation.
...
Five days later.
A flying ship landed within the territory of the Canglan Sect.
Upon seeing this flying ship, many Canglan Sect disciples knew it was people from the Thousand Mechanism Sect.
In the entire Flame Dynasty, only the Thousand Mechanism Sect possessed flying ships.
Being the foremost in Artifact Refining is not just in name only.
"Elder Bai, long time no see, you are as composed as ever."
"Haha, Elder Zhao, you’re too kind; I’m getting old. On the contrary, your Canglan Sect is full of talents."
Hearing this, Zhao Yulin smiled slightly. He knew that Elder Bai was referring to Lin Chen when talking about being full of talents. Glancing at Zeng Xi behind Elder Bai, he smiled and said, "Please, Elder Bai."
"Please."
...
The arrival of the Thousand Mechanism Sect marked the beginning of other sects visiting the Canglan Sect. In the following days, several sect elders brought their disciples to the Canglan Sect.
In the courtyard.
Lin Chen was entertaining Zeng Xi, not because he wanted to but because Zeng Xi requested through the Sect Elders to meet him.
"Brother Zeng, have some tea."
"Brother Lin, I’ll be frank. I came to meet Brother Lin this time because I lost to Brother Lin on the Martial Arts Mountain previously. I have made some progress in Divine Soul recently and wish to challenge Brother Lin again."
Zeng Xi didn’t beat around the bush. Losing to Lin Chen on the Martial Arts Mountain was a defeat he accepted wholeheartedly.
However, in the past few months, he made some progress in Divine Soul, and coincidentally coming to the Canglan Sect this time, he wanted to spar with Lin Chen again.
"Rest assured, Brother Lin, I’ve already come down from the Martial Arts Mountain."
Zeng Xi’s intent was clear: win or lose, it wouldn’t affect Lin Chen’s ranking on the Martial Arts Mountain.
"Since Brother Zeng wants a spar, how can I refuse?"
Lin Chen readily agreed. His own Divine Soul strength had also improved, and he might as well use the opportunity with Zeng Xi to see how much his Divine Soul had grown.
...
In the courtyard where Du Xiaofeng resided.
At this moment, Du Xiaofeng was also making tea to entertain Bai Qihua, an elder from the Thousand Mechanism Domain.
"Brother Bai, it seems that your sect’s Zeng Xi has a lot of confidence in his abilities."
"He doesn’t understand the enormity of the heavens. Losing to Lin Chen on the Martial Arts Mountain, he feels unconvinced. It’s just as well, let Lin Chen teach him again and show him what it means to always have someone stronger."
Bai Qihua smiled slightly, took a sip of tea, but his words left Du Xiaofeng at a loss for words.
Originally, Du Xiaofeng had anticipated that Bai Qihua would favor Zeng Xi. He was prepared to lay a trap for Bai Qihua, but didn’t expect the old fellow wouldn’t bite.
"Brother Bai is joking. Since Zeng Xi dares to challenge again, he must have improved over the past few months. I’m afraid my disciple might not have much of a chance this time."
"Oh, Brother Du has so little confidence in Lin Chen?" Bai Qihua set down his teacup and said, "If that’s the case, why don’t we make a bet?"
"Bet on what?"
"I bet that Lin Chen will win."
Du Xiaofeng: ...
"Ahem, Brother Bai, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? Lin Chen is my disciple. If word gets out that you’re betting on Lin Chen to win..."
Du Xiaofeng had a look of embarrassment on his face, but in his heart, he was cursing. As a Thousand Mechanism Sect elder, shouldn’t you bet on your sect’s disciple winning?
Betting on my Canglan Sect disciple to win, what’s the big idea?
Boosting others’ morale while diminishing one’s own prestige, is that how an elder should behave?
If word got out, aren’t you worried about disappointing Zeng Xi?
Bai Qihua placed his teacup down, looking at Du Xiaofeng meaningfully: "You should know well what my Thousand Mechanism Sect excels in, Brother Du."
"The art of Artifact Refining, unmatched in the world."
"But Artifact Refining cannot be done without Divine Soul. In terms of Divine Soul cultivation, my Thousand Mechanism Sect claims second to none; no other sect would dare claim first."