Chapter 978: Elder Zhuang's Verbal Duel with the Elders (Part 3)

“Junior Brother Zhuang, even if we need to send someone in, it doesn’t necessarily have to be Lin Chen; we can choose others.”

“Because Lin Chen is irreplaceable, there’s no one more suitable than him.”

Zhuang Lie smiled as he said this, but an elder frowned and discontentedly said, “Junior Brother Zhuang, I know you value Lin Chen, but saying there’s no other suitable candidate besides Lin Chen might be going too far.”

Other elders showed expressions of agreement; they knew Lin Chen’s strength as revealed at the Heaven-Reaching Pagoda was the Innate Third Realm. While Innate Third Realm martial artists under thirty are rare in the Flame Dynasty, they’re not unheard of.”

“Is it too much? Can anyone among us find a martial artist under thirty at the Innate Fourth Realm?”

Zhuang Lie’s smile widened even more; Lin Chen really proved himself, saving Zhuang Lie from having to say much.

“Innate Fourth Realm, are you joking, Junior Brother Zhuang?”

The elders present focused their gazes; there are very few individuals under thirty who reach the Innate Fourth Realm in the entire Flame Dynasty. More importantly, the elders present knew Lin Chen’s age.”

Being under thirty is the restriction for entering the Holy Fire Realm, and Lin Chen had ascended Martial Arts Mountain only three years ago, meaning he is actually twenty-three.”

An Innate Fourth Realm at twenty-three has only appeared in the history of the Flame Dynasty. At least currently, they haven’t heard of anyone reaching this realm at that age.”

“What’s there to joke about? Lin Chen has already come to the sect; what realm he is will be evident to all soon.”

After getting confirmation, the elders had differing expressions, but seeing the sect leader’s unchanged demeanor, they knew Elder Zhuang must have previously discussed with the Sect Leader, who had already decided. The gathering was just for Elder Zhuang to persuade them.”

“If Lin Chen truly is at the Innate Fourth Realm, I have no objection.”

After a while, the elder on the left spoke, and Zhuang Lie, noting that the toughest Great Elder had agreed too, smiled even brighter.”

The biggest hurdle in allowing Lin Chen to enter the Holy Fire Realm had been the Great Elder. Now that he’s agreed, the other elders wouldn’t object.”

As Zhuang Lie predicted, following the Great Elder’s agreement, the rest of the elders in the hall also concurred.”

“Since all elders agree, I hereby allow Lin Chen to enter the Holy Fire Realm. As for whether the Holy Fire Realm will be open to outsiders, this will be reported to the Supreme Elder after he emerges from seclusion.”

Dong Congyang made the final decision, concluding the discussion. The other elders exited the hall, leaving only Zhuang Lie.”

“Why didn’t you inform others about the fact that Lin Chen had refined four Innate Fires, Junior Brother Zhuang?”

Dong Congyang looked at Zhuang Lie; regarding Lin Chen entering the Holy Fire Realm, Zhuang Lie had talked to him about it two years ago, and he had agreed.”

Since becoming the Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Flames Sect, he carefully examined the situation of sect disciples over the past millennia and had thoughts about reopening the Holy Fire Realm to outsiders. Lin Chen’s emergence and Junior Brother Zhuang’s suggestion simply coincided.”

Even without Lin Chen, he would push for the Holy Fire Realm’s openness.”

“Since Lin Chen entered the Innate Fourth Realm and all senior brothers agreed, there’s no need to bring it up.”

Zhuang Lie smiled slightly. He refrained from mentioning it because when Lin Chen took first place in the Thousand Mechanism Domain, he mysteriously disappeared, and some incidents occurred there. Although Zhuang Lie wasn’t sure if they were related to Lin Chen, Lin Chen must have had a reason for concealing his identity.”

If it became known that Lin Chen refined four Innate Fires, Zhuang Lie couldn’t guarantee the information wouldn’t leak.”

Innate Fourth Realm and four Innate Fires might lead the interested to suspect Lin Chen is Xiao Yan.”

Dong Congyang deeply regarded Zhuang Lie; Elder Zhuang didn’t just value Lin Chen; he seemed even more invested than in his own disciples.”

“Elder Zhuang, go and tell Lin Chen he can enter the Holy Fire Realm tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

Zhuang Lie nodded in agreement and left the hall.”

…

…

“You scoundrel! How dare you disclose sect secrets; do you have no respect for sect rules?”

In the courtyard, Zhuang Lie’s first words were to his disciple, glaring with a stern face, while Zhao Haoyang laughed nonchalantly, “Master, I know I’m wrong.”

“If you know you’re wrong, go to the Law Enforcement Hall for punishment!”

“Ah!”

Zhao Haoyang was stunned; was his master serious?

“Do you think I’m joking?”

Seeing Elder Zhuang reprimand his disciple, Lin Chen’s mouth twitched slightly: “Elder Zhuang, please don’t be angry. Junior Brother Zhao divulged the information because of me; if you must punish someone, punish me.”

“Punish you? You’re not a disciple of the Ten Thousand Flames Sect nor my student; what right do I have to punish you?”

Upon hearing Elder Zhuang’s words, Lin Chen smiled, “In my mind, Elder Zhuang is like my master.”

“See, that’s what it means to have foresight. Off to the Fire Cave you go; if you can’t refine the second Innate Fire, don’t bother coming out.”

Zhuang Lie, seeing his disciple still standing there in a daze, couldn’t hold back his anger. Zhao Haoyang shrank his neck, gave Lin Chen a helpless look, and headed to the courtyard gate.”

He should have realized, with Senior Brother Lin here, there’s no way he’ll have an easy time.”

“Elder Zhuang, Junior Brother Zhao is actually very good.”

“Indeed he is. How about you go back and tell your master to accept me as a mentor, then I’ll send Haoyang to him.”

Zhuang Lie spoke wistfully, and Lin Chen’s mouth twitched again, choosing to remain silent.