Translator: CinderTL
[Steel Bones LV4: 92/100]
Half an hour later, in the quiet room of the newly opened Martial Hall.
Chen Feng, dressed in a pristine black outfit, stood by the window, gazing at the panel before him.
The unfamiliar Cyborg had provided some nourishment for his Steel Bones.
Although it wasn't as rich in metal content as that of a Cyborg, it still allowed him to see that his talent was on the verge of leveling up.
As for the Azure Armor and the Heart of Glory, their effects were minimal and not as satisfactory.
Pushing aside his scattered thoughts, he looked outside the Martial Hall.
The crowd of onlookers had already been dispersed, and the guests who had come to offer their congratulations had also left one after another.
The Safety Bureau personnel, experienced as they were, had sealed off the scene, controlled the flow of information, and cleaned up the aftermath.
His status as a council member had allowed him to avoid many of the troubles that would have otherwise been inevitable, and it also enabled him to access the Safety Bureau's database to learn the identity of the previous individual.
"Shen Lei, a figure from the Yun Port black market," he murmured with a slight frown, then turned to look at the few who had stayed behind.
Lin Hao, Yuan Yueshan, and Zhao Meng, representing the Black Crystal Group.
"The Yun Port black market is a gray area, with a complex web of forces behind it, including the shadows of local council members and the involvement of some major corporations," Zhao Meng explained, sharing the information collected by the Black Crystal Group, which was largely consistent with the records in the Safety Bureau's database.
"Shen Lei was once the chief security consultant for a large corporation, Jadeite Biotech. After a major accident at the company, he left," she continued.
"Later, he was recruited by the black market and became one of its enforcers, but no one knows who is truly behind him."
Chen Feng tilted his head slightly, looking at Lin Hao, who also gave a slight nod.
Seeing this, Chen Feng frowned slightly, his expression thoughtful.
Who was targeting him?
Skyway Shipping? The lesson from last time was so profound that they wouldn't dare to repeat their mistake.
Xu Heng from Jadeite Biotech? He probably wouldn't be foolish enough to provoke Chen Feng directly.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, a guess finally surfaced.
Chen Feng thought of the karma he had left behind in Yun Port.
And that person seemed to have just returned from Radiant Light City not long ago.
"I see," Chen Feng said softly, having roughly figured out the answer.
He must have been listed as a suspect, prompting the other party to send someone to test him.
However, this matter was of significant importance, and he needed to confirm it further.
With this in mind, he didn't say anything more.
Zhao Meng, sensing his mood, tactfully excused herself and left with her people.
Seeing that Chen Feng still hadn't spoken, Lin Hao sensed that he might have figured out the answer.
With a slight tilt of his head, he signaled to Yuan Yueshan, who quietly exited the quiet room.
"Do you know who it is?" Lin Hao asked, roughly guessing his thoughts.
"Not yet certain," Chen Feng replied softly, not giving a definitive answer.
However, back when Luo Hui had died, Lin Hao had provided the covert route to help him escape.
In the silence between them, a similar suspicion gradually emerged in Lin Hao's mind as well.
"I'll help you investigate," Lin Hao said seriously, fully aware of the power wielded by individuals at this level.
If it really was the other party behind this, and considering Fengzi's temperament, it might indeed become a fight to the death.
"Thanks," Chen Feng said, turning around and patting Lin Hao on the shoulder.
Their eyes met, and without needing to say more, they shared a silent understanding. Lin Hao nodded and stepped out of the quiet room.
Not long after, he left with Yuan Yueshan and the other security personnel, a hint of gravity now etched on his face.
Watching his retreating figure, Chen Feng stood still, his gaze deep and contemplative.
Then he left the quiet room and entered the guest room.
The Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the others were still there.
"Grandmaster Chen!"
The three Grandmasters simultaneously cupped their hands and addressed him respectfully, their expressions filled with even more awe than usual.
Pei Pokong was relatively composed, having personally witnessed Chen Feng slay the fifth-level cyborg Onit in Suojia City. However, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster were different. They had only heard rumors until now. Witnessing such a scene firsthand, especially the bloody defeat of a fifth-level cyborg even stronger than Onit, naturally left a significant impact on their minds.
"Take a seat," Chen Feng said with a light wave of his hand, temporarily setting aside the thoughts of today's challenge and probing. The fact that the three of them had lingered behind suggested they had something on their minds, and he could guess what it was.
"Grandmaster Chen, forgive my boldness," the Giant Elephant Grandmaster began, his fists clasped and his expression somewhat uneasy. "May I ask if you have already reached the Pinnacle Realm?"
Asking about someone's martial arts realm was indeed improper, but his curiosity was overwhelming. In the southern martial arts world, aside from Yang Wudi, no one had reached the Pinnacle Realm in decades. Similarly, the Whale Sect Grandmaster and Pei Pokong also wore serious expressions, eagerly awaiting the answer.
"I suppose you could say so," Chen Feng replied vaguely, neither confirming nor denying. He was indeed on the path to the Pinnacle Realm, steadily approaching his own limits. Moreover, some who claimed to be in the Pinnacle Realm were only at the level of a strong fifth-tier, with the peak of the fifth-tier being their ultimate limit—such as the Mountain Ancestor of Suro. Therefore, his answer wasn't entirely a lie, and explaining in detail would be too troublesome. Besides, he felt this response might lower the vigilance of some enemies, making it easier to exploit their weaknesses and deliver a decisive strike.
"Indeed!" Unaware of his thoughts, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster both looked visibly shaken. Exchanging a glance, they seemed to come to a decision.
"Grandmaster Chen, does our previous alliance still hold?" the Whale Sect Grandmaster asked earnestly, his tone tinged with nervousness. He was worried that Chen Feng might no longer value their alliance.
"Oh?" Chen Feng was momentarily surprised, recalling the so-called alliance. Back then, after he killed Lu Xinglong in the Huai River battle and eradicated the Flying Dragon Sect, the three major sects had formed an alliance, with him at the helm. Together, they had consolidated territory and pooled resources in the southern martial arts world. This was one of the reasons why the Flame Tiger Sect's resources had surged and its influence had grown.
"Of course, it still holds," Chen Feng replied. He was not the type to burn bridges. Although the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster had their own agendas and were somewhat in awe of him, they had, on the whole, done things for him and provided assistance. For instance, during the Huai River battle, they had chosen to support him even without knowing his full capabilities.
"Grandmaster Chen truly values trust and keeps his promises!" the Giant Elephant Grandmaster exclaimed heartily, his voice booming as he patted his chest. "If anyone dares to gossip behind your back in the future, I, Old Zhang, will be the first to tear them apart!"
The Whale Sect Grandmaster, though not as exaggerated, also nodded with a smile, visibly relieved. Then, to Chen Feng's surprise, the two of them exchanged a glance with Pei Pokong and spoke up again.
"Since Grandmaster Pei is still here, we have a presumptuous request," the Whale Sect Grandmaster said seriously, without a hint of pretense. "We hope to invite the Golden Flying Eagle Sect to join our alliance, with the Flame Tiger Sect as the leader. What does Grandmaster Chen think of this?"
Chen Feng raised an eyebrow, looking at Pei Pokong, who wore an expectant expression, and the Giant Elephant Grandmaster, who nodded emphatically. He hadn't expected their attitudes to be so fervent and sincere. Back then, Lu Xinglong had also aspired to unify the southern martial arts world, but he had ultimately faced widespread resistance.
Before he could even utter a word, they had already chosen to join him voluntarily.
As if sensing his surprise, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster grinned. "Back then, the Flying Dragon Sect made us all uneasy. After all, we were all Grandmasters, and Lu Xinglong wasn't qualified to be the Alliance Leader."
"Grandmaster Chen, you've reached the Pinnacle Realm. Naturally, we are all convinced and dare not object."
His tone was straightforward, and both Pei Pokong and the Whale Sect Grandmaster nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Chen Feng met their expectant gazes.
After a moment of silence, he felt a sense of relief.
He recalled the message Speaker Li had conveyed to him through Chu Shihong, as well as the latest news from the Saint Sect in the north.
It was rumored that Liu Duanyun, the Sect Master Liu, had forged a new path in martial arts, gaining support from higher authorities and uniting all the Grandmasters of the northern Martial Arts World.
In contrast, the southern Martial Arts World had been divided and embroiled in internal strife for years. Perhaps it was time to put an end to it.
"Alright."
Finally, Chen Feng nodded, accepting the proposal.
He believed the benefits outweighed the drawbacks, and it would also make it easier for him to gather resources like secret medicines.
Seeing his agreement, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the others all smiled, then proceeded to discuss the details.
By the time the sun set and dusk fell, they finally stood up to leave, intending to inform their respective sects.
Watching their retreating figures, Chen Feng calmly turned around.
As night fell once more, he prepared himself and drifted off into another dream.
At the same time, in the Cloud Dream Forest.
A massive Star Ring stood tall between heaven and earth, its internal energy resembling a vast spatial mirror.
Contrary to the darkness outside, the Secret Realm within Yun Port was bathed in daylight.
The endless green forest stretched as far as the eye could see, with buildings rising from the ground—mostly military camps and the headquarters of various corporations.
"Boss, that's the situation."
"Grandmaster Chen seems even stronger than you mentioned last time. I think he might not have reached his limit yet."
"However, I find this matter a bit suspicious. Shen Lei and he didn't know each other, so there shouldn't be any reason for enmity."
Inside the Black Crystal Group's building camp, Meng Anran stood by the window, her golden hair cascading down her back, gazing at the inverted pyramid floating in the distance.
Beside her, a virtual screen displayed the face of Zhao Meng, dressed in a black combat suit.
Meng Anran had reported the incident at the Nanjiang Martial Hall. Hearing the update, she turned her gaze back.
"I understand."
She didn't elaborate further, as she had already guessed who was behind it.
After all, the Royal City Flying General had been temporarily reassigned, and that person had personally arrived at the Cloud Dream Forest today.
She didn't believe it was a mere coincidence and even suspected that the person might interrogate her again.
"Pass the message to him. This is all I can do."
"Also, tell Xiao Lin that the matter he asked me about has made some progress."
After giving her instructions, Meng Anran remained standing quietly.
Zhao Meng seemed to sense something but didn't dare to ask further, only nodding in acknowledgment.
Then, recalling what she had heard about the Saint Sect at the Martial Hall today, she reported the relevant details.
"Liu Duanyun..."
"He's indeed a formidable figure, no less than Yang Wudi."
With a serious expression, Meng Anran showed a rare hint of respect.
"Boss, what do you mean..." Zhao Meng's heart stirred, finding it hard to believe.
Could he really have forged a martial arts path that surpasses the Pinnacle Realm?
"I only know a little about it."
"Liu Duanyun hails from Radiant Light City, with extensive connections, and even has good relations with the royal family."
"I heard he was invited to Red City to attend a royal birthday banquet, where he displayed a method that surpassed the Ancient Martial Arts, making even the sixth-level Cyborgs present feel a hint of danger."
"The royal family was very impressed, and as a result, the Saint Sect was granted special resources."
With just a few sentences, Zhao Meng was deep in thought.
At the same time, she felt a sense of incredulity.
Could martial arts really pose a threat at the sixth level? Is the Pinnacle Realm truly not the end? Amidst her confusion, Meng Anran offered no further explanation and soon ended the communication.
Knock! Knock!
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Following the instruction, the tall and burly Old Gu, wearing sunglasses, entered.
"Boss, the Red Guard is here again."
His tone was low, tinged with anger, clearly aware of what this meant.
"It doesn't matter, we're not the culprits."
Calmly responding, Meng Anran wasn't worried and was about to step out with him.
But soon, before she could leave the room.
Boom!!! The distant inverted pyramid outside the building suddenly stirred.
A towering white beam erupted violently, with a fierce hurricane sweeping in all directions.
Crack! Crack! Crack! The window glass trembled with strange noises, and Old Gu stood guard beside Meng Anran, both wary and puzzled.
In an instant, her steps halted.
Meng Anran, in a beige trench coat, turned back, her golden hair revealing bright eyes beneath.
At the same moment, within the Secret Realm of Cloud Dream Forest.
All conversations were interrupted, and those resting or changing shifts were awakened.
Countless gazes turned towards the source, everyone instantly captivated.
The night passed without further incident.
The azure sky reappeared before Chen Feng's eyes as he stood by the window of the new Martial Hall's meditation room, looking outside.
Spring was approaching, and the temperature was gradually rising.
Virtual dolphins leaped by the roadside, and holographic waves splashed with ripples near the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Below, the road was bustling with traffic, commuters heading out early, some hurriedly boarding buses with steaming buns in hand.
Silently withdrawing his gaze, Chen Feng looked at his reflection in the window.
His face had paled slightly, and his eyes had dimmed somewhat.
The blood moon over Qinggang City was becoming increasingly eerie, with several sixth-level creatures seemingly lurking nearby, waiting for him to appear.
Moreover, hundreds of non-human creatures had surrounded him, forcing him to wake up early in the morning.
His spirit was wounded, and the excessive consumption left him feeling groggy and unusually hungry.
He then looked at the panel before him.
[Extreme Martial Fist: Falling Sun (39%→46%)]
[Strength: 66.8→67.1]
[Agility: 54.2→54.6]
[Constitution: 69.9→70.2]
[Willpower: 70.1]
Having achieved another Limit Break, both his Extreme Martial Fist and physical attributes had improved slightly.
Chen Feng's gaze shifted downward to the talent section.
[Steel Bones LV4: 92/100]
This was currently the key to a potential breakthrough in his strength in the short term.
Thinking this, he wanted to connect with Gata again, using the Soul Flame to check on Lei Long and others' recent progress.
But soon, a buzzing sound interrupted him.
Turning his head, he saw his phone vibrating on the table, with Lin Hao calling.
A flash in his eyes, Chen Feng knew that the other party must have found something.
Chen Feng walked over and picked up his phone to answer the call.
"Fengzi?"
The voice was familiar, but it carried an unusual seriousness and weight.
"Yeah."
"The Black Crystal Group has been instructed by Big Sister to assist. I've uncovered some information."
"It's pretty much what you suspected."
Lin Hao's tone was grave, fully aware of the implications and the stakes involved.
At that level, not to mention the formidable security, the sheer power they could command was beyond what a fifth-tier individual could contend with.
Chen Feng remained silent, a cold glint flashing through his mind.
But soon, Lin Hao's next words took him by surprise.
(End of the Chapter)
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