Chapter 121: Force Conflict, 2nd Layer Profound Yuan Skill, 3rd Layer Iron Cloth Shirt

After listening to Qin Xue’s explanation, Su Chen’s initially casual expression gradually turned solemn as he considered his own situation.

“When I was fighting someone a while ago, my chest ached faintly. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but now it seems it was definitely related to a clash of strengths,” he thought. He quickly pinpointed the problem, continuously verifying it in his mind before reaching this conclusion. At the same time, he belatedly noticed an issue with the system panel.

“Although the panel prevents the strengths from rejecting each other, it doesn’t control them. Ultimately, I still have to control the strengths myself, and my control is obviously inferior to the panel’s. Once I start using them, there’s still a risk of a clash!”

At this thought, Su Chen’s eyes flickered. “In other words, if I want to avoid the risk of conflicting strengths and truly use my power without reservations, I have to find a way to solve this problem. Otherwise, even with the panel, I might still face a loss of control over my strengths one day!”

Realizing the crux of the issue, he immediately asked Qin Xue for a solution. There were two methods. One was using the Dissipation Skill and then exclusively practicing a single path. The other was to fuse the strengths by finding a Cultivation Technique capable of doing so. However, the latter came with significant drawbacks. If it worked, all would be well; but if it failed, it would damage his body and even affect his future cultivation.

Su Chen completely ignored the first route. He could not possibly focus on just one path, let alone do so after using the Dissipation Skill.

“Wait, although the Iron Cloth Shirt I cultivate is a complete Cultivation Technique synthesized by the panel from numerous others, it should still count as a single Cultivation Technique, right?” he wondered, but immediately shook his head. He remembered the five streams of strength within his body. Each belonged to a different Cultivation Technique. According to Qin Xue, he had practiced at least five Refining Strength Techniques.

“Then I can only choose the second option—fusing the Cultivation Techniques!”

With his mind made up, Su Chen didn’t feel disappointed at all. Instead, he felt a sense of anticipation, looking forward to the pleasant surprises that fusing the five streams of strength within his body might bring.

Judging from his expression, Qin Xue roughly guessed what he was thinking. She didn’t interfere too much with his choice. “Since you’ve made your decision, I’ll ask someone to help you look into a Cultivation Technique that can fuse strengths.”

Hearing this, Su Chen stood up and bowed in gratitude. “Thank you, Aunt Xue.”

Qin Xue waved her hand dismissively. After chatting with him for a while longer, she noticed it was getting late. She had originally intended to keep him for dinner, but he politely declined. Left with no choice, she let him leave.

Inside the study.

“Haha! Father, just as you predicted, that guy wasn’t selected,” Hong Chen said with a broad smile as he reviewed the news brought back from the Profound Water Sect. He then nodded with feigned seriousness. “But that’s to be expected. Not just anyone can join the Profound Water Sect.”

Hearing this, Hong Risheng maintained a calm expression and stayed silent. He had already learned of this news. However, what he hadn’t expected was that Su Chen would be eliminated even before Hong Xuancheng had a chance to speak against him. This made him chuckle inwardly. “Hong Ming, oh Hong Ming, you beat me for over a decade, but I’ve beaten you for most of my life. The so-called genius disciple you bragged about couldn’t even step through the gates of the Profound Water Sect. How utterly ridiculous!” he thought.

“By the way, Father, I heard that one of the reasons for his failure was that he practiced at least three Refining Strength Techniques. Now that Mother knows, she has already started asking around for a Cultivation Technique that can fuse strengths for him,” Hong Chen said, putting down the letter.

Hearing this, Hong Risheng immediately knew what his son was plotting. He shook his head and laughed softly. “Do whatever you want, as long as you don’t upset your mother. I won’t interfere too much, but make sure you don’t cross the line.”

“Understood!” Hong Chen replied happily before bidding his father farewell.

After grabbing a quick bite outside, Su Chen strolled back leisurely. The sky had darkened, but Dafeng City’s nightlife was just beginning. Stopping and sightseeing along the way, he stretched what should have been a half-hour walk into a full two hours.

“Hmm? Someone’s here?”

Just as he reached the entrance, Su Chen sensed something amiss. The faint sound of breathing came from behind the door.

“Could it be a thief?” he wondered, halting his steps right outside the door. He could clearly hear that the person inside had seemingly noticed his arrival, as their breathing sped up the moment he stopped.

“Why hasn’t he come in yet?” the man in black standing behind the door muttered inwardly. He had clearly heard footsteps approaching, but despite his prolonged waiting, no one entered. This raised his suspicions. “Could it just be someone passing by?” he wondered uncertainly.

Ever since he descended the mountain, he had been asking around for Su Chen’s residence. With the influence of the Profound Water Sect, it was easy to locate. He had rushed over without delay, only to find that Su Chen wasn’t home. After some thought, he decided to temporarily hide behind the door. The moment Su Chen stepped inside, he would strike and cripple Su Chen’s cultivation.

“What was that sound?”

Just as he was plotting, the man in black suddenly felt a gust of wind at his back. His head spun dizzily, and he was sent flying backward.

“So fragile?” Su Chen muttered, looking with a strange expression at the unconscious man in black on the ground. He hadn’t expected the guy to pass out from a single strike when he had only used half of his strength. Walking over, he lifted the man effortlessly by the scruff like a ragdoll.

SPLASH!

A bucket of water poured down, waking the unconscious intruder.