The Sect Leader's Bizarre Recruitment Chapter 484: Annual Calamity, Peak of the 15th Stage! (Part 2) - Novel Cool

Chapter 484: Annual Calamity, Peak of the 15th Stage! (Part 2)

Chapter 484: Annual Calamity, Peak of the 15th Stage! (Part 2)

"..."

The aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Fifth Zhuge smiled and even proactively removed the Celestial Mechanism Tower's defensive formation, sitting at the table and waiting quietly.

At first glance...

He was indeed the elegant man on the path, the peerless young master.

There wasn't a hint of panic in his eyes.

But...

If you say he wasn't nervous, that would be a blatant lie.

However, you have to act like you're not!

After all, the Celestial Mechanism Tower is known for its mysterious and profound ways; how could they show fear? Moreover, Fifth Zhuge was an intelligent man.

An intelligent person wouldn't appear too weak.

"..."

"..."

"Not bad."

"It's actually the Enlightenment Tea."

Duan Cangqiong appeared with a 'flash' and sat across from Fifth Zhuge, looking at the perfectly brewed tea that was neither too hot nor too cold, inhaling the tea's fragrance and softly praising it.

Whoosh.

Chen Gongshou also appeared almost simultaneously.

"Old Duan, it's you?!"

Chen Gongshou was surprised.

He transmitted a message to Fifth Zhuge: "He's Duan Cangqiong, almost becoming a generation of Immortal King. It's just that due to some reasons, his Dao Injury is hard to heal, so his lifespan is limited."

"But his strength is formidable, almost able to exchange a few moves with an Immortal King. You must not provoke him, or I definitely won't be able to stop him."

"..."

"So it's Old Duan's personal visit."

"The Celestial Mechanism Tower is indeed in the business of predictions and derivations."

Fifth Zhuge was familiar with Duan Cangqiong and slightly cupped his hands, "Please have some tea."

Duan Cangqiong's gaze swept over Chen Gongshou and then landed on Fifth Zhuge, "You, the heir of the Celestial Mechanism Tower, indeed have some courage."

"Moreover, the development of the Celestial Mechanism Tower is indeed rapid, and there's more than one Fifteenth Stage Venerated Elder."

He picked up the tea and took a small sip.

"I'm just not sure about the source of this wealth. Is it legitimate?"

"..."

Fifth Zhuge instantly understood the other party's intention!

In fact, with the Celestial Mechanism Tower's knowledge, it wasn't difficult to see that the Immortal Machine was a bit 'borderline'.

They didn't have much intelligence about the Mechanic Race, but at least they had some.

And Duan Cangqiong had been dealing with the Mechanic Race for most of his life...

"It's indeed a legitimate business," Fifth Zhuge responded. "You must be here for the Immortal Machine, right?"

"If you have any doubts, please speak frankly."

"The junior will not hide anything."

"Good."

Duan Cangqiong nodded, put down the teacup, and said, "Since that's the case, I'll also be straightforward."

"This Immortal Machine, it doesn't seem like a product of the Celestial Mechanism Tower. And on my way here, I've also done some preliminary research."

He lightly waved his hand.

A satellite appeared.

"This thing doesn't seem like a product of our Three Thousand Continents."

"It's more like something from the Mechanic Race, but it also has formations and Spirit Stones as its power source. So, I have some doubts."

"If it weren't for these things, your Celestial Mechanism Tower might already be in ruins."

Duan Cangqiong didn't hide his thoughts.

Damn! Fifth Zhuge's heart trembled.

He only now realized that the Celestial Mechanism Tower had almost faced destruction.

But Duan Cangqiong continued, "These things are indeed the Mechanic Race's methods, but they've also incorporated our cultivators' techniques."

"Therefore, I can't directly determine if it's a Mechanic Race invasion or if someone has brought their methods here."

"Moreover..."

He pondered, "Compared to the Mechanic Race, this thing's technology and craftsmanship are somewhat backward."

"Based on my understanding of those things."

"If they made something like this, they wouldn't use it, and they wouldn't even let their own kind know they made it."

"They'd lose face."

"So..."

He looked at Fifth Zhuge as if trying to see into his soul, "I'll give you a chance to explain."

"If you can't explain clearly..."

"Then let the person behind you come."

Obviously, Duan Cangqiong had inquired and asked about it on his way here.

He knew about the satellite and that the Celestial Mechanism Tower had someone backing them.

Of course, if the Celestial Mechanism Tower could explain clearly, then let them explain.

If they can't explain clearly?

It's better to find the person behind it.

Fifth Zhuge secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It's good that he's a reasonable person!

Moreover, the other party is very rational.

For a rational person, no matter how strong they are, Fifth Zhuge isn't afraid; he believes in his wisdom.

As long as you don't touch their 'sacred defense', there won't be any trouble.

It's just those 'righteous extremists' that are scary.

That kind of person, to put it nicely, is 'righteous extremism', but to put it bluntly, is someone who doesn't distinguish right from wrong and would rather kill a thousand by mistake than let one guilty person go free!

As long as there's a suspicion, as long as you have any connection with the Mechanic Race, even if there's only a 0.01% chance, they'll sentence you to death.

Then, they won't bother talking to you, and they won't even tell you why they're going to kill you; they'll just do it.

And they'll exterminate your entire clan!

Who can withstand that?

Luckily, luckily! Fifth Zhuge said softly, "Old Duan, if you're so open and honest, I wouldn't be a person."

"I can assure you that this satellite is definitely not a product of the Mechanic Race."

"The Immortal Machine is also not a plot or scheme of the Mechanic Race."

"It's just..."

"It might have borrowed some of the Mechanic Race's technology."

Duan Cangqiong slightly nodded, "It seems my guess is not far from the truth."

"But have you not considered that these methods are too crude and simple, and in the future, they might become accomplices in the Mechanic Race's invasion of the Three Thousand Continents?"

Fifth Zhuge pondered, "This matter..."

"I think that person must have his reasons."

"Actually, he didn't know."

But as an intelligent person, he couldn't feign ignorance, or else it would seem too insincere!

In such a situation~

All he needed to do was honestly state his stance.

"Although that's true, words alone are insufficient proof."

"I need to see the evidence."

"Or perhaps, give me a reason to believe in you and the person backing you."

Duan Cangqiong obviously wouldn't be so easily fooled.

The Fifth Zhuge nodded, "Your words are reasonable, senior."

"However, I can't be sure if that person is willing to meet you."

"May I make contact first?"

"Okay."

Duan Cangqiong didn't push further, nodding in agreement.

The Fifth Zhuge nodded, "Please wait a moment, senior."

Then, he stood up and left to contact Lin Fan.

"..."

"Oh?"

When the Fifth Zhuge explained the situation, Lin Fan immediately understood.

Obviously.

This was the 'Minor Tribulation' of the year.

But...

It's truly 'amazing'!

Damn it, a peak Fifteen Realms expert, who could even exchange a few moves with an Immortal King, and with limited lifespan, being called an 'Old Madman', you tell me this is a Minor Tribulation???

What a joke! However, the fact that they didn't directly attack or start a war also indicates that this year's tribulation isn't something to be overcome by sheer strength.

Instead, it's a matter of using one's wits or some other method.

Since that's the case...

There's no need to panic too much.

"Lin Zongzhu, this Duan Cangqiong seems to have some reservations."

"He seems somewhat opposed, but there's a strange vibe about it. I can't quite understand or explain it."

The Fifth Zhuge spoke in a deep voice, "Therefore, I can't offer any advice. The decision to meet or not is yours."

Lin Fan smiled, "If I don't meet him, won't he tear down your place?"

The Fifth Zhuge also smiled, "Maybe?"

"But even if it's torn down, it can be rebuilt. It'll just delay business."

"But I won't die so easily."

Lin Fan understood.

Apparently, Heavenly Mechanism Tower also had its trump cards, just like the Fifth Zhuge.

"Then let's meet him."

"If we can't convince this kind of existence, it'll always be a problem, and a big one at that."

"Moreover, his connections are astonishing. If he truly stands against us, this business will be in vain."

"Also..."

"I won't die so easily either."

"..."

"Then I'll await at the Heavenly Mechanism Tower."

...

After the communication ended, Lin Fan considered something.

Should he...

Meet this Duan Cangqiong using his real identity, or...

Use a fake expert identity?

After all, with the Thousand Transformations Art, there was still a chance to bluff his way through.

But each option had its advantages.

In the end, Lin Fan decided to use his true identity.

"In this situation, I've actually considered this before."

He sighed.

When Lin Fan learned about the existence of the Machine Clan in the Immortal World, he had anticipated that he might be suspected of being an 'inside traitor'.

But...

Some risks are worth taking.

...

"Senior Duan, please wait a moment."

"That person has agreed to meet you and personally communicate."

"But I hope that when the time comes, you won't be too impulsive, and everything will be made clear."

The Fifth Zhuge offered this advice.

"Rest assured."

Duan Cangqiong said, "If I were impulsive, I would've crushed you already."

"Why would I wait until now?"

The Fifth Zhuge's mouth twitched slightly.

This was the truth.

But...

This truth was hurtful.

...

"Oh?"

Upon seeing Lin Fan, Duan Cangqiong was taken aback.

The Fifth Zhuge was also surprised.

He hadn't expected 'Lin Fan' to come in person.

After introductions, Duan Cangqiong looked at Lin Fan, "You're indeed talented at such a young age. I can sense..."

"You've slain many."

"Yes, I've slain many. After all, on the path of cultivation, one inevitably makes enemies. Moreover, within the Multiverse Abyss, enemies are everywhere. If you don't kill, you'll be killed."

Lin Fan spoke calmly and confidently.

"Oh?"

"You've been to the Multiverse Abyss?"

"Indeed, with your cultivation level..."

"No."

Duan Cangqiong's eyebrows shot up, his words abruptly stopping. He gave Lin Fan a deep look before continuing, "Never mind, this topic isn't important."

"But what about these satellites? How do you explain them?"

"I created them."

Lin Fan calmly replied, "By chance, I obtained some 'technology' and combined it with our cultivation system, creating these."

"And with the idea of convenience for all, I developed the Immortal Hero Battle Arena."

Duan Cangqiong stared at him, "Do you know that these things have a thousand connections with the Machine Clan?"

"I'm not sure, but I can guess some."

"I haven't met the Machine Clan, but if you believe so, then there must be some similarities."

"You're saying..."

Duan Cangqiong was surprised, "You're not afraid of my retaliation?"

"Senior, you're a reasonable person. When we talk reasonably, I'll naturally speak the truth."

Lin Fan remained calm, his tone steady, "But some words, I'm not sure if I should say them or not."

"Speak."

"Junior believes that we shouldn't blindly reject them."

"Oh?"

Duan Cangqiong raised an eyebrow, "Give me a reason."

"Perhaps I can give three."

Lin Fan presented the reasons he had prepared.

"First, know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles with no danger of defeat."

"Second, learn from the enemy and use it against them."

"Third, the opportunity is before us. If one day the Machine Clan truly rises, and we remain ignorant, leading to our defeat and suffering, then...I'll regret it."

Duan Cangqiong was slightly moved.

The first point didn't need explanation.

The second point was quite interesting.

Learning the methods of the Mechanic Race to counter them?

As for the third point...

It resonated with Duan Cangqiong's own thoughts.

He had spent half his life outside the Endless Great Wall, battling the Mechanic Race, and knew well their tenacity and strength.

To annihilate the Mechanic Race was no easy feat.

Moreover, these things were constantly evolving and growing stronger, always 'updating' themselves.

For example, various special equipment.

Anti-Treasure Battle Armor, Anti-Divine Art Shields, and so on...

Actually, within the Endless Great Wall, there were two factions.

One faction believed that they should learn from the Mechanic Race and then use that knowledge against them.

The other faction was firmly opposed.

They believed that the Cultivation System was the strongest.

The reason they hadn't been able to destroy the Mechanic Race was simply that they weren't strong enough. If they were strong enough, they could kill through the entire Mechanic Race with one person...

There wasn't much factional strife between them, but ideological disputes persisted.

Therefore, over the years, one rarely saw any gadgets from the Mechanic Race within the Immortal World.

Duan Cangqiong had been 'neutral' at the time.

His stance was somewhat ambiguous.

On one hand, the idea of 'learning the enemy's strengths to counter them' seemed quite reasonable.

On the other hand, he was concerned...

The Mechanic Race could also 'possess'!

If they developed some machinery here, even if they made progress, it would be a long time before they could surpass the Mechanic Race. In other words, the Mechanic Race could easily 'possess' the machinery developed by the Immortal World.

This would...

Isn't that like preparing a bridal gown for them, instead pushing the Immortal World into a dangerous situation?

Therefore, all these years, until now, Duan Cangqiong still couldn't firmly decide which side he should stand on.

At this moment, Lin Fan, someone who had never been to the Endless Great Wall and had never seen the Mechanic Race, could also say such words, which made him fall silent.

After a moment, he said, "Do you know that the Mechanic Race can also possess, and it's even more convenient and swift for them compared to us cultivators?"

"What if your things are possessed by the Mechanic Race in the future, what would you do?"

Possess?!!!

Aren't you saying they could be 'hacked'?

Lin Fan nodded, "I've thought about this possibility."

"Therefore, these satellites have no offensive capabilities, and the technology used is not entirely 'scientific.' I've incorporated some unique methods based on the characteristics of our cultivators."

"Consider it a combination of cultivation and technology."

"They won't be able to possess them easily, unless they also understand 'cultivation.'"

"Secondly, the satellites have no offensive capabilities. At most, they can just fly out and ram into something, but such attacks can be withstood by Third Stage, or at most Fourth Stage."

"Sixth Stage and above can sweep through a large area with one person."

"I think..."

"At the very least, they won't possess the satellites, nor do they have any need to possess them."

"Even if they really did possess them, they wouldn't cause much harm to our Three Thousand Continents."

"Then what about the future developments?"

Duan Cangqiong nodded, asking, "What you say makes some sense, but if you talk about learning the enemy's strengths to counter them, then satellites alone can't do much."

"Can the future developments also ensure no offensive capabilities?"

"If not, how can they help us deal with the Mechanic Race?"

Lin Fan couldn't help but look at him with newfound respect.

No wonder he had fought the Mechanic Race for half his life. This was a real question.

Without offensive capabilities, how can they help?

If they can't help, what's the point of talking about learning the enemy's strengths to counter them?

With offensive capabilities? Then how do you ensure they won't be possessed?

Moreover, from the developmental history of both sides, the 'machinery' of the cultivation world could never surpass the Mechanic Race.

In other words, the other side would definitely possess!

Isn't this an unsolvable problem?

Unless, you can ensure they definitely can't 'possess.'

Fortunately, Lin Fan was a modern person.

He understood this stuff.

He smiled and said, "Senior, you ask well."

"I've thought about this problem for a long time."

"There are two solutions."

"Oh?!"

Duan Cangqiong couldn't help but widen his eyes.

Good heavens.

The old-timers in the Endless Great Wall couldn't come to a conclusion after arguing for so long, and you actually have two solutions? Are you kidding?

"The first one."

Lin Fan didn't hold back, directly getting to the point: "Auxiliary Machinery!"

"Like Immortal Machines and satellites, they are 'auxiliary machinery.' These things have no offensive capabilities and are unlikely to be possessed. Even if they are possessed, they can be almost ignored."

"But their appearance can greatly facilitate us cultivators, and their uses, Senior, you wouldn't deny, right?"

Duan Cangqiong nodded slightly.

This...

Was indeed a good idea.

The convenience and benefits of Immortal Machines were evident to all. If they were useless, they wouldn't be so popular.

"Therefore, I thought, since we can have auxiliary items like Immortal Machines, can we create other auxiliary 'machinery'? For example, can we have 'eye equipment' that can analyze the combat strength of the Mechanic Race?"

"Can defend, and only defend against the attacks of the Mechanic Race?"

"Or..."

"In short, if we research and develop auxiliary equipment, and specifically auxiliary equipment targeting the Mechanic Race, even if we can't ensure they won't be possessed, at least they won't pose a threat to our Three Thousand Continents."

"Brilliant!"

Duan Cangqiong slapped his thigh.

This was a good suggestion!

The various auxiliary equipment of the Mechanic Race had given the Endless Great Wall quite a bit of trouble!

If cultivators could also have...

There would be many benefits!

(End of Chapter)

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