Translator: CinderTL
"Thank you, Master!!"
On the deck of the two-masted sailing ship, a burly figure knelt on one knee, overwhelmed with gratitude.
His brown, curly hair was slightly damp, and Chen Feng, relying on his perception, noticed the subtle changes in the other's aura.
"Rise."
With a nod, Chen Feng acknowledged that Lei Long's breakthrough had gone more smoothly than he had anticipated.
With the help of Gata's ability to manipulate water currents, Lei Long had successfully undergone the baptism of the storm and advanced to the fourth rank.
After briefly assessing the other's strength, Chen Feng turned his gaze toward the sea.
"Sha!!"
Gata's voice echoed from beneath the waves, a sound of celebration, as if seeking a reward.
After a moment of thought, Chen Feng dismissed the idea of giving gold coins.
Instead, he retrieved an object from his chest. It was about a dozen centimeters in size, with a white and yellow hue, adorned with intricate dark golden patterns.
It was none other than the Extraordinary Artifact he had obtained from the palace of the Merfolk Clan—the Ocean Spiral.
Its primary effects could only be fully realized in the ocean, and only through prolonged possession could it slightly accelerate the growth of marine life.
However, this came with a drawback: it would gradually cause the holder to mutate toward a marine creature.
Therefore...
"You've done well."
Splash!
With a flick of his wrist, Chen Feng tossed the Ocean Spiral into the water.
The deep blue tentacle that had been waiting for gold coins paused momentarily before curling around the artifact and pulling it away.
Soon after, a jubilant sound rose from the depths of the sea.
"Sha!!"
The sound of joy reached Chen Feng's ears, and he could sense the creature's delight and satisfaction.
The Ocean Spiral had been crafted by the Merfolk Clan, making it naturally more suited for marine creatures.
Moreover, Gata was still in its growth phase, and this artifact might help it mature even faster.
"I hope you can break through to the sixth rank soon."
Withdrawing his gaze, Chen Feng suppressed his wandering thoughts and signaled to Lei Long and the others to set sail and return to Hurricane Island.
He also gave Tulin a few instructions and left him with two martial techniques.
"Practice this Meditation Technique diligently, and train hard in these martial arts. If other sailors wish to learn, you may teach them a little, but do not spread it too widely."
Chen Feng reminded him, recognizing Tulin as a promising individual worthy of attention and cultivation.
However, the transmission of martial arts had to be done step by step, especially since their group was wanted by the Steel Kingdom. It was unwise to attract too much attention and risk exposing their identities.
"Yes, Master!"
Tulin nodded gratefully, fully aware that all his opportunities stemmed from the man before him. He dared not slack off or disobey in the slightest.
He also harbored a hope that one day he might become a powerful Sequencer like Lord Lei Long.
Satisfied, Chen Feng then turned to Lei Long and gave him a few names.
These were from Bernard's list, and the families of two of these individuals occasionally docked at Hurricane Island for supplies.
"Rest assured, Master, I will investigate this matter thoroughly!"
Lei Long nodded, his voice deep and resonant, now carrying a stronger confidence than before.
After all, a fourth-rank Sequencer was already considered a formidable force in their own right.
With their discussions concluded and arrangements in place, Chen Feng took one last look at the fleet.
Without further ado, he leaped into the air, his Blood Wings flapping.
Whoosh!!
A blur of motion, and he had vanished from the sea's surface.
Lei Long and the others gazed into the distance, where the azure sky remained serene, with white clouds drifting peacefully.
A seagull cut through the sky, but as far as the eye could see, there was no trace of the black-clad figure.
---
Whoosh!!
A Flying Car streaked by, leaving a trail of white vapor in its wake.
The virtual waves dissipated into electronic blue light. Chen Feng stood by the window, withdrawing his gaze, already accustomed to the distinction between dreams and reality.
"Four days."
Four days had passed on Earth, and this trip to the Dead Crow Secret Realm had indeed consumed a considerable amount of his time.
However, it was all worth it.
Buzz!!
In an instant, his Steel Bones grew, forming a massive golden sphere nearly two to three meters in diameter, enveloping him like a shield, isolating him from the outside world.
To the naked eye, the barrier was impenetrable, but through his heightened perception, Chen Feng could clearly see everything beyond the golden shield.
The layout of the quiet room he was in was unique. At his request, in addition to the living quarters, there was also an adjacent training room.
Thus, apart from the bed, tea table, and other furnishings, there was a room separated by a sliding wooden door, fully equipped with all necessary training apparatus.
Including a training dummy placed on the brown floor, about seven or eight meters away from him.
Whoosh!!
In a flash, a streak of gold shot forth, like a bullet being fired, accompanied by a deafening roar.
In less than a second, a thud echoed.
The powerful impact transformed into a long metallic lance-like strike, effortlessly piercing through the thick, solid body of the dummy.
The golden tip of the lance emerged from the back of the dummy, barely a hair's breadth from the wall.
Following its trajectory, it seemed to have sprouted from the massive golden shield, resembling a sharp golden spike.
"From now on, this move will be known as Thorn Lance."
Chen Feng silently retracted his Steel Bones, fully aware of the sheer power of that strike.
All the force concentrated into a single point, combined with the impact enhancement and the extraordinary hardness.
It could be said that even Stellar Titanium would struggle to fully defend against it.
In that moment, a thought flashed through his mind.
His eyes remained calm as he considered the karma he had left behind.
"Cloud Dream Forest..."
Unfortunately, the passage was sealed, making it difficult for him to act.
He wondered if there was any way he could infiltrate it under a different identity.
---
Buzz!!
The sound of breaking airwaves echoed as countless Flying Cars and aircraft descended near the sealed passage of the metal high wall, landing one after another.
The clamor of voices rose, and warning lights flashed all around.
The towering wall stood like an indestructible gray-black giant, with guards clad in Yun Port combat uniforms patrolling the area.
Some carried specialized firearms, shoulder cannons, while others were Cyborgs or modified humans.
Even the Red Guard and some military personnel were present, their expressions serious as they stationed themselves there, activating a high-level Force Field barrier to completely seal off the passage, thwarting any attempts at infiltration.
"It's been days, and they still haven't lifted the blockade?"
"Something's off. It seems the situation in Cloud Dream Forest is unusual!"
"Could it be that a new high-level technology is about to emerge?"
Beneath the high wall, in the area known as the Inner City.
Someone frowned slightly at the scene, and the others around them wore similar expressions.
They had rushed here as soon as they heard the news, but after waiting for four or five days, they still hadn't been allowed to enter.
"No wonder the Black Crystal Group and Skyway Shipping have been inside Cloud Dream Forest recently. They must have anticipated this."
"Or perhaps, even that person went in early. If they really discovered some new high-level technology, it would be a significant achievement."
Various discussions arose, but soon someone barked a reprimand.
"Do you really think it's that simple? Haven't you noticed that those Mega Corporations have also sent people?"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
Turning their heads, they could see several aircraft appearing.
Red Wave Energy, Time Express, Sky Dome Group.
"Why are they here?"
"Haha, how would I know?"
"But if what happened in Nanjiang is true, I'm afraid our Yun Port will also be coveted in the future."
"Indeed, it seems impossible."
That day, Chen Feng inquired with Zhao Meng from the Black Crystal Group about the latest situation in Yun Port.
The lockdown was stricter than he had imagined; no one from outside the city was allowed to enter the Secret Realm.
Moreover, the unusual activity of the inverted pyramid had attracted some powerful forces not from Feng Province.
"Mega Corporation?"
Chen Feng was puzzled; this was the first time he had heard of such a term.
"Those are the super corporations that allied with the military during the Radiant Light Revolution to explore the Secret Realms."
"Due to the special circumstances at the time, they enjoyed many special policies, allowing them to retain some of the advanced resources obtained from exploration and share certain technologies."
Zhao Meng explained over the phone, and Chen Feng frowned slightly, roughly understanding the meaning.
A product of a special era, they reaped the initial benefits of exploring the Secret Realms.
"How do they compare to your Black Crystal Group?"
"Due to the relatively short time since the discovery of the Cloud Dream Forest and stricter civilian control policies, we are at a disadvantage in some aspects."
Zhao Meng said tactfully, and Chen Feng fell silent for a moment.
If even the Black Crystal Group admitted to being inferior, one could imagine the depth and strength of these Mega Corporations.
In fact, he suspected that the reason the Secret Realm passage in the Cloud Dream Forest was sealed off, strictly prohibiting anyone from entering or exiting, might be because the local forces in Yun Port were joining hands to prevent these Mega Corporations from finding an excuse to enter the Secret Realm and take what belonged to them.
"Are there any Mega Corporations within the Radiant Light Secret Realm?"
Chen Feng asked, his expression serious.
If the Radiant Light Secret Realm were to relocate to Nanjiang in the future, it would undoubtedly cause significant impact on the current forces.
Moreover, judging from the reactions of the forces in Yun Port, even the City Council might not be able to control it.
"Yes."
Zhao Meng nodded over the communication and mentioned several names.
Chen Feng silently noted them down and nodded.
After expressing his thanks, he was about to hang up the phone.
"Grandmaster Chen, there's something my boss asked me to tell you."
Zhao Meng suddenly spoke up, and Chen Feng paused.
"Zhong Yan is not within the Secret Realm ruins."
"She might have quietly left before the Cloud Dream Forest was sealed off."
---
Whoosh!!
A Flying Car ascended, blending into the air traffic control channel with other Flying Cars, quietly leaving Yun Port.
An ordinary scene, hardly noticeable on any other day.
But.
"Do you know what you made me miss this time?"
A woman in a red trench coat sat in the back seat of the Flying Car, appearing to be in her early twenties, with a charming face and a small mole beneath her fiery red lips.
Moreover, upon closer observation.
One could see a corner of metallic texture peeking out from the bionic skin behind her ear, a special mark belonging only to a Perfected Modified Human.
"Haha, it's just the inverted pyramid anomaly."
"I didn't go either, so what's the big deal about missing it?"
The voice of a young man came through the communication module, sounding indifferent, and Zhong Yan narrowed her eyes, clearly displeased.
"Aside from the initial Radiant Light Revolution, when have we ever easily obtained modification technology from exploring the Secret Realms?"
"The authorities will no longer permit the rise of new mega corporations. Even if this inverted pyramid yields some high-tier technology and resources, what does it have to do with you and me?"
He deliberately said this, causing Zhong Yan to fall into a brief silence.
This was indeed the most concerning issue for large conglomerates in Yun Port, and even in other secret realm central cities.
It was also the reason she had pondered for a long time before agreeing to the other party's cooperation offer, ultimately choosing to abandon her stakeout.
The inverted pyramid might not necessarily undergo a mutation, and even if it did, someone would have to take the risk and act as cannon fodder.
The cost was too high, not to mention that she was currently facing numerous criticisms within Skyway Shipping, making it difficult for her to command other fifth-tier resources.
"Have you prepared what I need?"
Setting aside her distractions, she changed the subject and asked the question she cared about most.
"Of course."
The young man on the other end of the phone nodded with a smile.
"However, we both understand the principle—I can only give you this reward after the matter is concluded."
"Mm."
Zhong Yan nodded calmly, not wasting any more words.
As a board member of the conglomerate, she shouldn't have been in such a predicament over fifth-tier cyborg resources.
But...
Her gaze turned cold as she once again thought of those two damned martial artists.
If it weren't for them, she wouldn't be in such a passive position in the boardroom.
"Why didn't you bring him into the scheme as well?"
Suppressing her emotions, she asked. The young man on the other end of the phone, dressed in a black-purple suit, glanced out the window at the city council building and smiled with amusement.
"Even you suffered a great loss—why should I provoke him?"
A fifth-tier cyborg warrior was no match for him, not to mention the Blue Demon Team.
If he were to intervene in my affairs with Lin Hao, it's hard to say who would come out on top.
Seeing this, Zhong Yan snorted coldly and said no more.
The call ended with a beep. Standing by the window, the young man's smile faded, replaced by a look of mockery.
"Still trying to use me as a tool for your revenge?"
He could easily discern the true meaning behind her words.
Shaking his head, he decided not to dwell on it further and turned to face the several people in the office.
Fifth-tier cyborgs and cyborg warriors—these were the maximum resources his father's position on the board could provide.
They were also the loyal individuals he had painstakingly cultivated by secretly gathering various resources.
"Is everything arranged?"
He put down his smart communicator and asked. One of the burly men nodded in response.
"The message has been sent out."
"Good."
Xu Heng nodded in satisfaction and sat back in the black leather chair behind his desk.
Now, all that was left was to wait for the fish to bite.
(End of the Chapter)
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