Wang Xuan was indeed stunned. He knew Old Chen was powerful, but he never expected him to be this extraordinary—shattering a mech with his bare hands! That day, he recalled Old Chen lightly tapping on steel plates at the abandoned mechanical factory, where he had once doubted whether Old Chen had set things up in advance. Clearly, he had severely underestimated this old colleague.

Wang Xuan felt a surge of excitement as he witnessed a genuine new realm of possibility. This wasn't a legend or a text's account; it was a tangible reality. It greatly inspired the ambition within him. He often imagined that if one day his physical strength was sufficient, he could counter the culmination of technological civilization.

To mask his astonishment, he couldn't help but say, "Old Chen's hands are too good to waste on mining."

"What are you talking about?" Wu Yin glanced at him, a look of confusion in her eyes.

"I mean, a real man should dismantle mechs with his bare hands!" Wang Xuan declared loudly, setting a medium-term goal for himself.

Nearby people snapped back to reality. Old Chen's display had indeed stunned many, particularly those from the genetic warriors and the New Techniques camps, who were now highly alert. Some looked at Wang Xuan, wondering how many could dismantle a mech by hand. Was this young practitioner of the Old Techniques mocking them, attempting to discredit most men?

"Old Chen, no matter what, you're a senior; that was a bit too harsh!" someone said coldly.

A silver-gray mech, standing about four and a half meters tall, approached with a cold metallic sheen and smooth lines.

"Is this your first time meeting me?" Old Chen asked calmly. Under his silver mask, he was icy, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath. "Those with intentions to kill me, pointing weapons at me, mostly end up dead. If he can survive six months after this, he's lucky."

Many fell silent. Those who knew Old Chen understood this was his style. Consequently, he had fewer enemies over time—either they had been killed off, or they feared to provoke him.

"After many years apart, let me test you today!" came the voice of a middle-aged man from the glowing silver mech.

Old Chen replied, "It's understandable for a past loser in the Old Techniques to switch camps, but harboring such hatred for them is excessive. Your mech, heavily modified, is filled with energy weapon outlets. Are you sure you want to compete with me rather than engage in a hot war?"

Indeed, the silver mech shimmered, with countless energy outlets covering its body, arms, and head.

Old Chen continued, "I warn you, if you can't hit me in a short time, I'll destroy you with my warship. If we're fighting with hot weapons, why bother with this scrap metal? Just bombard me with your warship!"

At that moment, a medium-sized warship from the Old Land cast a beam of light onto the silver mech as a stern warning—it had been locked on, and any movement could result in destruction.

"Fine, I'll switch to the latest model mech and duel you shortly," the silver mech retreated, turning to leave.

Wang Xuan's heart raced. If the other side played dirty, could Old Chen avoid it? This was far more dangerous than the two ambushes he had previously faced—now they were very close, and the mech's weaponry was more powerful.

He glanced at Qingmu and whispered his concerns.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Qingmu replied, "My master's mental energy has undergone multiple qualitative changes, forming his own spiritual realm, allowing him to sense ahead. He can dodge mech weapons in a short time."

Wang Xuan was surprised. He realized he should listen closely to Old Chen's words; some things were quite reliable. Old Chen had previously mentioned being beaten by a ghost monk for an entire night in his spiritual realm!

Back then, Wang Xuan hadn't paid attention, but it seemed there truly was a concept of a spiritual realm, highlighting Old Chen's overwhelming strength.

Seeing Wang Xuan's confusion, Qingmu explained, "A qualitative change in spirit means repeatedly triggering a super-sensory state, eventually leading to spiritual metamorphosis and the birth of a spiritual realm."

He sighed, "Unfortunately, the pre-Qin sorcerers have passed, and legendary figures have also died. In this era, no one can guide my master into the inner realm; otherwise, his strength would be far beyond his current level."

Wu Yin nodded, saying, "My father mentioned that if it were in the prime of ancient the Old Techniques, Mr. Chen could have become a significant figure!"

Qingmu lamented for his master, noting that the Four Elders of the Old Techniques had rated Old Chen even higher. They believed he could have established a sect or even achieved a bodhisattva level in the Old Techniques realm.

Wang Xuan finally understood why Old Chen had set aside his pride to seek out feathered-level immortal techniques from him—it was a matter of unyielding ambition!

Old Chen surely had high aspirations, but this era was not suitable for the Old Techniques. Even though he had triggered super-sensory states multiple times over the years, no one could guide him into the inner realm.

In an instant, Wang Xuan felt Old Chen seemed more earnest. Perhaps the current Old Chen, sharp as a drawn sword, was the true essence of himself.

"Old Chen, you're just like before; your temper hasn't changed at all," remarked an elderly man in traditional attire as he descended. His presence was commanding.

He continued, "But times have changed. The the Old Techniques are on the decline and will soon exit the historical stage. You're aware of what the New Techniques are—they build a bridge to the extraordinary in this era."

Clearly, the elderly man in traditional garb held a significant position, directly addressing the origins of the New Techniques and their connection to supernatural powers.

The entire land appeared gray-brown. During this season, the Congling weather was harsh, now frozen solid.

Old Chen paced, his emotions unperturbed. Behind his cold silver mask, his heart felt equally detached. "I have never rejected other paths. I advocate for inclusivity. With technology so brilliant, who would want to revert to a primitive age? New techniques, as you say, can connect with the divine and reach extraordinary realms. Who would forsake that? I've always maintained an attitude of acceptance and learning. If my disciple has exhausted his potential in the Old Techniques, I suggest he research the New Techniques to break the deadlock. Yet some of you insist on completely obliterating the Old Techniques, leaving no chance for resurgence!"

Wang Xuan remained silent, listening carefully.

Wu Yin, standing beside him, analyzed, "There's a clash of ideals and interests involved. I've heard that a master-level figure from the New Techniques field recently visited the Old Land's relevant departments, expressing willingness to join exploration organizations and assist with various matters. This is still under Mr. Chen's watch, suggesting complex relationships and significant interests at play. As for other the Old Techniques organizations and institutions, the situation is even less clear."

Wang Xuan was astonished—there were many things he was unaware of.

"My interpretation might be flawed and diverge from the truth; just consider it," Wu Yin smiled.

"Everything feels precarious," Wang Xuan murmured.

Wu Yin nodded, "The exploration organization led by Mr. Chen is indeed formidable. Whether it's the Immortal Caves or the blood and flesh of female sorcerers from three thousand years ago that can extend life for modern people, or other crucial discoveries... the exploration organization can participate right away."

Wang Xuan nodded, impressed by Wu Yin's organized analysis.

Clearly, the situation was far more complex than what Wu Yin had described, with deeper underlying causes. Yet, the old men hadn't laid everything bare.

Even Old Chen, though furious, refrained from revealing everything. Instead, he placed a heavy hat on the issue.

"In the age of the Hundred Schools of Thought, there was vibrant debate and brilliance, a constellation of stars. Later, they suppressed all schools and favored Confucianism. In this era, do you still want to imitate that ancient approach?!" Old Chen challenged.

"Old Chen, where are you going with this? This analogy is inappropriate. We're just discussing and competing; there's no intention to eradicate anyone," the elderly man in traditional garb replied.

"Eradicate? You really have confidence to say that!" Old Chen scoffed.