Translator: CinderTL
"Golden Profound Stream"
In the morning, Chen Feng woke up from his post-nap and went to the training room.
The mental trauma had left him utterly exhausted, but this time, his Dream Realm experience had been quite rewarding.
"It seems this sect is at least as powerful as the Extreme Martial Hall."
"The safe zone I was in before might have held some hidden secrets."
Lost in thought, Chen Feng recalled his previous experience in the Qinggang City Dreamscape.
Only the Extreme Martial Hall existed there, with no other sects.
Considering the differences between that place and the outside world, along with the Spatial Barrier issue, he felt like he was on the verge of a breakthrough, yet couldn't quite grasp it.
He decided not to dwell on it further.
He turned his attention to the panel before him, which displayed the rewards from his Dream Realm journey.
[Extreme Martial Fist: Falling Sun (46% → 51%)]
[Strength: 67.1 → 67.3]
[Agility: 54.6 → 55.1]
[Constitution: 70.2]
[Will: 70.1 → 70.3]
His Extreme Martial Fist progress had increased slightly, and his four attributes had also seen minor improvements.
But that wasn't the main focus.
[Golden Profound: 1]
[Golden Dawn Art: Beginner (1%)]
Even though he had only obtained one Light Orb for now, Chen Feng hadn't fully absorbed everything from the Martial Hall.
"Daylight, Golden Body, Indestructible."
"This Strengthening Technique is likely on par with the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body."
His eyes brightened as Chen Feng clearly saw the demonstration by the middle-aged man in the residual memory.
The man's physical body was incredibly powerful, his form as radiant as daylight, capable of illuminating the night.
The second level, Golden Body, was even more dazzling, completely invulnerable.
Chen Feng had no doubt that even his current Steel Bones would struggle to penetrate its defenses.
In the residual memory, he had directly obtained the first level of this powerful Strengthening Technique, the Daylight technique of the Golden Dawn Art.
By circulating Force throughout his body to temper his physical form, he would eventually undergo a transformation, unleashing the power of his physical body and achieving a form as radiant as daylight, gaining a unique physical ability.
Additionally, the corresponding Contemplation True Intent Diagram had also appeared in the memory, which he had acquired along with the technique.
"That coach must have already achieved Transcendence," Chen Feng mused, recalling the scene. The man's aura was stronger than anyone he had ever encountered on Earth, even surpassing Yang Wudi by several degrees.
For a moment, he couldn't help but wonder: What exactly is Transcendence?
According to the teachings left behind by the Extreme Martial Hall's strongest practitioners, it requires an infinite will to sustain an exhausted Physical Body.
Simultaneously, one must leave behind a lasting legend to achieve perfect Transcendence.
These cryptic words were too vague. Previously, Chen Feng had assumed it was similar to the faith-based path of divine churches.
But now, neither the Extreme Martial Hall nor the Golden Dawn Stream—these Martial Arts Sects—exhibited any trace of such practices.
Instead, it seemed they aimed to leave an indelible mark on the world, a testament to their true existence.
"After this, I must visit the Martial Hall and search for any related memories or records."
The matter of Transcendence concerned the future of his Martial arts path.
Chen Feng solidified this thought before turning his attention back to the skill panel before him.
Golden Profound.
This was a special point equivalent to Extreme Martial Arts points.
When applied to Martial arts techniques of the corresponding sect, its effects were greatly amplified. Breaking it down would be a waste.
This was a lesson learned from his previous experience with Extreme Martial Arts point allocation.
Moreover, he recalled that two more Golden Profound points were waiting for him at the Martial Hall.
With a decision made, Chen Feng silently uttered two words:
"Enhance!"
[Golden Dawn Art: Entry Level (41%)]
Chen Feng clenched his fist, once again experiencing a long-absent sense of fulfillment.
He hadn't practiced such rigorous Martial Arts Strengthening Techniques in ages.
Earth Martial Arts had limited effect on him, with negligible training results, making Limit Breaking Orbs a waste.
And the Extreme Martial Hall's Heavenly Aura Overlord Body had been abandoned due to the lack of subsequent techniques.
In a sense, the emergence of the Golden Dawn Art had rekindled this path.
"In a city as vast as Qinggang City, I refuse to believe no one has cultivated this art to higher levels."
"If they have, there must be residual memories, and the techniques will eventually be pieced together. Moreover, I can collect not only the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body but also other Strengthening Techniques from various Transcendent Martial Dao sects."
His eyes shone with determination. Chen Feng knew this was the greatest reward of the Dream Realm.
If he could master all the Strengthening Techniques of Qinggang City to the highest levels, his physical body would become unimaginably powerful.
He stood still, assuming a stance and beginning his practice.
The Golden Dawn Art wasn't just a simple Strengthening Technique; the first level, Daylight, also included special moves.
By combining the physical power of Daylight with contemplation, one could unleash a devastating strike.
Though he hadn't yet achieved a breakthrough, Chen Feng's formidable Physical Body foundation allowed him to mimic the technique, barely managing to execute it.
Buzz!!
Instantly, the power of his Physical Body coalesced.
The Force within him surged, and crimson flames enveloped his palms, gradually transforming into the image of the Flame Tiger he had been contemplating.
Or, more accurately, two massive Heavenly Flame Tiger heads materialized, covering his fists.
Over the next few days, Chen Feng entered the dream realm again, hoping to quickly recover his mental energy.
The stakeout in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm had become too tedious, so he made another trip to the Dead Crow Secret Realm.
Lei Long and the others had successfully returned to Hurricane Island and begun investigating the nobles on Bernard's list who were connected to the Merfolk.
Tulin showed some talent in the Life Seed Awakening Method, and two other sailors, intrigued by the practice, also began cultivating it.
"Your progress is faster than I expected," Chen Feng said, standing in the Fleet Company's rest area on Hurricane Island. Tulin, standing before him, had a ruddy complexion, and his freckled face radiated more confidence than usual.
"Master Feng Chen, what is the name of our special Sequence?" Tulin asked curiously, clearly having consulted Lei Long about it in recent days.
The nine True Gods corresponded to nine Sequences, but this path did not exist.
"Martial Artist."
Chen Feng spoke calmly, and Tulin's eyes brightened slightly.
The Martial Artist Sequence?
It sounded strangely fitting.
After exchanging a few brief words, Chen Feng turned to look out the window.
Soldiers in long coats, armed with rifles, patrolled the streets, appearing to be searching for something.
"After Bernard's death, Viscount Mo De flew into a rage and mobilized the Hurricane Island Guard to conduct a thorough search," Tulin explained, sensing his confusion. "All ships entering and leaving Hurricane Island are being inspected."
Chen Feng nodded in understanding, unconcerned about the Crimson Flame Fleet being discovered. He had covered his tracks meticulously, using various methods to both depart and reappear.
He glanced at the distant sea beyond the window. The Crimson Scepter Fleet's flag still fluttered in the breeze, and Hurricane Island appeared bustling and peaceful.
In the end, he didn't linger any longer or activate the Dark Dream Mark. He left the Fleet Company and quietly returned to the Earth Star Martial Arts Hall.
At the same moment, within the noble estate on Hurricane Island, a man with brown hair tied in a ponytail frowned deeply. Though short for an adult, his fierce features made him appear quite intimidating.
"Haven't you found the killer yet?" he demanded.
His subordinate, visibly terrified, could only nod meekly.
"Useless!"
Viscount Mo De scowled impatiently and barked a curse.
He paced back and forth, his mind racing. The list was meant to be his gift to his father at the birthday banquet.
His irritation grew until his subordinate hesitantly offered a suggestion.
"Master, doesn't Miss Suoya possess an Extraordinary Artifact?"
"If we could borrow it..."
The subordinate didn't finish, but Mo De's pacing abruptly ceased.
Just then, a commotion erupted outside the study. A boy's voice called out urgently, growing closer.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
"You promised me a mermaid!!"
Buzz!
In Nanjiang City, a vehicle slammed on its brakes at the roadside, narrowly missing a pedestrian.
Angry shouts erupted, but most people were either glued to their phones or staring up at the outdoor screens mounted on the shopping mall walls.
[Recently, a Combat Squad from our city's United Coalition raided an Evil God Cult hideout in the Luohe River suburbs, rescuing twenty-seven people!]
[The cult, known as the Serpent Spirit Sect, was also responsible for the Luohua Explosion Incident. The United Coalition has taken this matter extremely seriously, having begun preparations as early as last week.]
"They finally dealt with it."
"Looks like the United Coalition is actually doing something."
"The Serpent Spirit Sect is truly terrifying. We all need to be extra careful from now on."
Watching the news report, many people breathed sighs of relief.
Whispers spread through the crowd on the street. Chen Feng, seated in the back of a black sedan, glanced at the news.
The destruction of the Evil God Cult in Luohe City had been announced, a decision Chu Shihong had informed him of in advance.
The City Council was holding a commendation ceremony and had requested his presence.
He hadn't planned to attend, but...
"An Advanced Life Elixir as a reward?"
His eyes flickered. Recalling the eerie nature of the Black Bat and the ongoing investigation, he agreed to attend and headed to the City Council building.
The streets were bustling with activity. He saw numerous large, flat flying cars carrying special materials soaring through the sky above Nanjiang City.
Construction of the high walls had already begun, with many local corporations bidding for contracts.
However, the project was primarily led by super-large Yun Port conglomerates like Sky Shield Heavy Industries and the Black Crystal Group.
"Perhaps it's coming soon."
Watching the cargo-carrying flying cars speed away, Chen Feng knew that the new Nanjiang was taking shape.
Online, speculation was already brewing. Many were guessing the purpose of the high walls being built there.
Chen Feng glanced at his phone for a moment before dismissing the matter.
Finally, the City Council building loomed before them as the black car slowed to a stop.
"Junior Brother Chen, we've arrived," Zhao Jushan said respectfully, opening the car door.
His aura had grown increasingly harmonious, thanks to the Sacred Flame Awakening Method. He now had a two-tenths grasp of True Intent.
"Mm."
Chen Feng stepped out, his leather shoes clicking on the ground.
He smoothed his black wool overcoat and noticed several flying cars landing nearby.
Gene-Enhanced Humans armed with rifles, Modified Humans carrying briefcases, and towering Cyborgs—powerful security personnel swarmed the area, wearing earpieces or wireless communicators and flanking their respective Councilors.
Compared to this, his arrival was remarkably simple.
"Councilor Chen, impressive," one Councilor said with a chuckle, approaching to offer his greetings.
"Indeed. As expected of Councilor Chen, the Serpent Spirit Sect vanished without a trace."
"Councilor Chen, we admire you."
Several Councilors, all smiles, stepped forward to offer their greetings.
One couldn't strike a smiling face, even if some had been close to Zhao Jianlong and had been less than enthusiastic about Chen Feng at the last meeting.
Power was the ultimate proof of respect, and this adage was once again proven true.
Chen Feng nodded slightly in response, exchanging a few words. He also greeted the elders of Luo Yue and Li Chengdong.
"Councilor Chen."
"Councilor Li, Councilor Luo."
Chen Feng smiled and nodded, his demeanor noticeably gentler than when addressing others.
These two Councilors had always maintained a friendly attitude toward him, largely due to their respective descendants. They had even taken the initiative to shoulder the responsibility for the Combat Squad's operations and the deployment against the Evil God Cult.
On the one hand, their backgrounds in the military and the Safety Bureau provided them with ample experience in such operations.
On the other hand, they were fulfilling Chu Shihong's request to assist and support him, taking some operational responsibilities off his shoulders.
"No need to be so polite. If it weren't for you, we might have faced some setbacks that day."
"Indeed, Old Luo is right. I was terrified in the command room at the time. It was truly perilous."
Li Pinghai, Li Chengdong's grandfather, was in his sixties but remained vigorous, his voice booming with authority.
The other Councilors, unaware of the specifics, now cast deeper glances at Chen Feng.
Chen Feng merely smiled faintly and said nothing more. He was quickly surrounded and escorted into the City Council building, where they boarded an elevator bound for the top floor.
"By the way, Councilor Chen, I heard you know Yang Wudi?" Li Pinghai suddenly asked in the elevator.
In the confined space, everyone perked up their ears.
"I met him a few times back in Suro," Chen Feng replied simply, though he was puzzled by the question.
In truth, he and Yang Wudi had forged a bond, having fought side by side during the Black Tide disaster in Suojia. However, Chen Feng had always disliked exaggeration, so he kept his answer brief.
"Then, Councilor Chen, do you know anything about Yang Wudi's recent activities?" Li Pinghai asked with a smile, his face etched with wrinkles beneath his graying hair.
"Oh?" Chen Feng was surprised. Li Pinghai smiled again, unconcerned about the others present.
"When I was young, I traveled extensively with foreign embassies and made acquaintances in various countries."
"Yesterday, while catching up with an old friend, I heard that a cataclysmic battle had erupted in Niduo Country. Two Martial Artists had even damaged the royal palace in Niduo City."
Li Pinghai paused, and a ripple of surprise ran through the elevator.
Niduo Country, located south of Suro, was a small but not entirely insignificant nation. Yet its royal palace had been damaged in a battle.
"Was Yang Wudi one of them?" Chen Feng asked.
"Yes," Li Pinghai replied with a restrained smile, nodding slightly.
"Satellites captured his photograph, but the matter was too sensitive and would damage Niduo's reputation, so the news was suppressed."
"However, Niduo Country has issued a warrant for his arrest. His whereabouts are currently unknown."
Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly grew puzzled.
"Who is the other person?"
Someone who could provoke Yang Wudi to such a display of force couldn't be weak.
"My friend didn't tell me."
Li Pinghai shook his head. The ascending elevator slowly decelerated and came to a stop with a ding.
"However, I did hear about it from another friend."
"Oh?"
The elevator doors slowly opened, but no one stepped out.
Even those unfamiliar with Yang Wudi or the Martial Arts World remained inside, straining to overhear the conversation.
"Over a decade ago, a Peak of the Pinnacle Realm Martial Artist was highly active in the war-torn regions of the Eastern Continent. But he later vanished without a trace, never to be seen again."
"Many speculated about his identity, but no answers were found until recent years..."
Li Pinghai met Chen Feng's gaze, speaking earnestly.
"Rumors suggest he was born into the Niduo Royal Family."
"It's highly likely he's connected to the Star Palace."
(End of the Chapter)
---
📖Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c414. [+4.2k Words]
🔑Early Access at $5.
✍Translated (6) Series, (3K+) Chapters, (4.2M+) Words.