Translator: CinderTL
The glass windows of the skyscraper rose layer upon layer, resembling a vast ocean of blue-green.
At the summit, the seven characters of the Nanjiang City United Coalition reflected the sunlight. Flying Cars descended from the sky, their wakes creating sonic booms.
Buzz!
The tailwind stirred up a wave, and the gray stone plaza below filled with figures.
City elites in suits and leather shoes—secretaries and assistants to the Councilors, along with their trusted Security Personnel—stood armed or carrying briefcases.
Amidst the protective escort, the Councilors emerged, chatting and laughing as they entered the building.
"Those from small towns will always remain small-towners."
"Even with opportunities, they're destined to never transcend their class."
Overlooking this scene from within the descending aircraft, the suited figure pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses with a detached expression.
The Security Personnel behind him remained silent, their gazes indifferent as they watched the aircraft's door, where several Councilors had been waiting.
These Councilors, with their fat faces and obsequious smiles, clearly sought to curry favor.
"Secretary Liu!"
"Secretary Liu, you've finally arrived."
Warm, flattering voices rang out, drawing the attention of many. Their gazes settled on the aircraft adorned with several crimson water wave patterns.
As the door opened, the slender, refined man with gold-rimmed glasses simply adjusted his collar and gave a curt nod.
Secretary Liu's obvious air of disdain was met with suppressed resentment from the waiting Councilors.
Even a secretary was someone they couldn't afford to offend.
Let alone...
"Secretary Liu, please convey this matter to Councilor Han."
"We'll discuss it later."
Secretary Liu's casual reply was utterly unremarkable.
The waiting Councilors cursed inwardly but could only continue smiling and escorting him toward the building.
Faint whispers reached his ears, and Secretary Liu could sense the hidden thoughts and the envy and resentment directed at him behind his back.
But he didn't care.
As long as he remained under the protection of Red Wave Energy, then...
Vroom!
Suddenly, a black car pulled up.
The group, who had been about to enter the building, paused. More excited voices erupted.
"Councilor Chen!"
"Councilor Chen, you've arrived!"
"Over here, Councilor Chen!"
More enthusiastic greetings followed.
Secretary Liu watched the black-robed youth step out of the car and be surrounded by even more Councilors.
"I heard the Flame Tiger Sect has produced another Grandmaster. Their Mountain Gate celebration is tomorrow."
"Truly blessed by fate. If this continues, we might see a second Saint Sect emerge."
Whispers from the Councilors around him reached Secretary Liu's ears. He pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his expression darkening. With a grim look, he quickly led his group away.
As if sensing something, Chen Feng glanced at their retreating figures.
So someone has already defected to Red Wave Energy?
"After the announcement about the Radiant Light Secret Realm, several Councilors wanted to trade with Red Wave Energy for high-tier Augmentation Modules," Councilor Li Hai said quietly, standing beside him. His hair and beard were gray, but his frame remained sturdy.
Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat. He then used his Perception to notice that the security personnel around them had noticeably increased in strength.
Councilors like Li Hai, who had backgrounds in the military and special departments, had strong backing and far more access to resources than ordinary people. Some Councilors already collaborated with mega corporations like the Black Crystal Group and Jadeite Biotech, making their security upgrades relatively smooth.
In contrast...
Chen Feng glanced at the Councilors who had initially remained neutral and lacked strong resource channels. Most of them were now in a passive position. To improve their security, they had no choice but to rely on these mega corporations.
Suppressing his thoughts, he followed Li Hai and the others into the building, heading straight for the top-floor conference room.
During the journey, some who had already heard the news seized the opportunity to offer their congratulations.
"Councilor Chen, congratulations on your master's breakthrough to Grandmaster."
"Indeed, Councilor Chen, congratulations, congratulations."
"Old Sun has urgent matters tomorrow, or I'd have loved to attend the ceremony."
Similar voices rose and fell in waves, their goodwill unmistakable.
Chen Feng mostly nodded in response, finally reaching the conference room's entrance.
Warm sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the corridor where a Modified Human or Cyborg stood guard every meter.
Even inside the open mahogany doors, Chen Feng sensed the energy field of a Fifth-Tier Cyborg.
Looking up, he recognized the middle-aged man in a black wool coat seated to Zhang Songtai's left.
The man was thin, and his nameplate read "Sun Ling"—the same Red General Sun who had visited the Martial Hall earlier to inquire about Chen Feng.
"Red General Sun's presence in Nanjiang truly puts our Safety Bureau at ease," Zhang Songtai was saying, his face beaming with enthusiasm.
Many in the room were secretly shocked, staring at the somewhat aloof face across from them. They couldn't believe this person was a Red General.
As whispers of doubt and speculation filled the air, perhaps sensing the unease, the Red General suddenly turned his head. Then, with a smile, he rose and extended his hand to the black-robed youth.
"Councilor Chen."
"Red General Sun."
Nodding in acknowledgement, Chen Feng was also surprised by the Red General's reappearance.
Could there be more to Luo Wantao's assassination?
"I was temporarily assigned to Nanjiang for a special mission," Red General Sun explained with a wry smile.
Chen Feng's Perception detected no malice. Pondering this, he saw a figure in a gray coat enter the conference room.
"Sorry to keep you all waiting."
Chu Shihong, still in his gray wool overcoat, strode quickly to the head seat and sat down.
Chen Feng stopped chatting with the Red General, and everyone else took their seats.
"The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss a new mission issued by the Provincial Federation," Chu Shihong announced, his neatly parted hair perfectly groomed.
A secretary assistant activated a virtual projection, and the image of the relevant document appeared before all the Councilors present.
"Regarding the assassination attempt on Councilor Luo, new leads have emerged."
"We are now instructed to not only continue strengthening our control over Platinum Federation personnel but also to accelerate the process of investigating Evil God Cult activities in various regions."
"To this end, the Provincial Federation has dispatched a Red Guard unit to Nanjiang, led by Red General Sun, to coordinate this effort. Please join me in welcoming them!"
As the words fell, Chu Shihong was already leading the applause.
The clapping continued, and Chen Feng felt a sense of relief, having likely guessed the key point.
The Yun Port Federation and Military had likely discovered that the suicide bombing attack was linked to the Evil God Cult.
He watched as Red General Sun rose and gave a brief self-introduction.
Chen Feng knew that only now had the matter of Luo Wantao finally been settled.
"The Evil God Cult is a serious matter. We have recently identified seventeen suspicious locations for targeted investigations."
"In addition to surveying these sites, we must also thoroughly investigate the cases of missing persons."
Chu Shihong outlined the task assignments and plans. During this, Red General Sun offered his personal insights, which went unchallenged.
Once the discussion concluded, Chu Shihong scanned the room and spoke again in a grave tone.
"Second matter: according to a report from the higher-level research team, the energy nodes within the Radiant Light Secret Realm have begun to show energy fluctuations. We anticipate the official relocation to begin by the end of next month."
"I want to remind everyone of something here."
"Several Platinum Federation corporate groups are eager to establish branches in Nanjiang. Additionally, Platinum Federation forces within the Radiant Light Secret Realm are engaging in malicious activities."
"I urge you all to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to the Federation's regulations. Do not let short-term gains cloud your judgment."
His words hung in the air, leaving everyone momentarily stunned before they collectively realized the truth.
The day had finally arrived.
Though Chu Shihong hadn't explicitly stated it, they all knew the ultimate relocation destination was Nanjiang.
When that time came, this once-ordinary prefecture-level city would transform into a true Central City.
This presented both opportunity and crisis. The Platinum Federation would undoubtedly intensify its scrutiny and tactics.
At that moment, the Councilors' thoughts diverged. Some were expectant, others solemn.
After further discussion, the meeting finally concluded.
Councilors departed with varied emotions, and as always, a familiar voice rang out:
"Councilor Chen, please wait."
Chu Shihong called out, a gesture most Councilors took in stride, while a few wore envious expressions.
Secretary Liu pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, his heart filled with disdain. But then he met those cold, predatory eyes.
He shuddered involuntarily, forcing himself to maintain a neutral expression. He quickly gestured to his Security Personnel and hurried away.
Watching this, Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss about Red Wave Energy.
Suppressing his urge to investigate further, he moved to the adjacent guest room.
Chu Shihong was still seated across the tea table, smiling as he pushed over a cup of clear tea.
"Old Li's breakthrough to Grandmaster status is cause for celebration, but unfortunately, I have a sudden commitment tomorrow."
"I must trouble you to convey my apologies."
He mentioned the Mountain Gate celebration, and Chen Feng nodded in agreement.
As they chatted casually, Chu Shihong sipped his tea and then steered the conversation toward the main topic.
"I hear you've accepted the Military's invitation to visit Niduo in a few days?"
"Yes."
Chen Feng nodded, knowing there was no need to conceal such matters.
"Excellent."
Chu Shihong smiled faintly, noticing Chen Feng's confusion. He explained, "The Radiant Light Secret Realm was originally intended to be governed by Luo Wantao as Chief Councilor to stabilize the situation."
"But with this unexpected turn of events, coupled with some developments within the Secret Realm itself, the higher authorities have naturally adjusted their requirements."
Their eyes met, and Chu Shihong lowered his voice. "The Royal Family member who supported Luo Wantao initially intended to intervene, but Speaker Li informed me that the decision has already been made."
"It's highly likely that the Military will soon take full control of all matters. If you can deepen your cooperation with them, the benefits will outweigh the risks."
This subtle reminder was a message Chu Shihong couldn't convey over the phone.
Chen Feng understood the implication and thanked him.
"Also, be extra cautious if you go to Niduo."
"The Platinum Federation has grown increasingly close to the Niduo Royal Family in recent years, which has caused considerable dissatisfaction among the higher authorities."
Chu Shihong cautioned like an elder, and Chen Feng nodded before finally leaving the reception room.
A black sedan waited by the curb. Seeing him descend, Cao Tong opened the door and stood respectfully by the side.
Just as Chen Feng was about to step into the car, his foot paused. Suddenly, the shared image of Stone Statue No. 3 appeared before his eyes.
Nanjiang Suburbs, a low mountain range.
Wild grass grew thick, and trees crowded the slopes.
Shattered rocks lay scattered at the base of the cliffs, where insects, birds, and beasts passed through.
At first glance, it appeared ordinary—just a desolate, untrodden wild mountain.
But no one knew the truth.
Behind the low mountain, at the edge of a sheer cliff, beneath a massive rock intertwined with vines, lay a hidden cave.
Moss grew on the uneven lava walls, and the drip-drip of water echoed through the cavern.
Initially unnoticed, a closer look revealed that the droplets weren't water at all, but blood.
On the ground lay over a dozen corpses—men and women bound with hemp ropes, their mouths sealed, their faces frozen in terror, eyes wide open in death.
Blood flowed from their severed wrists, trickling down a small channel toward the center of the cave, gradually pooling into a vast Blood Pool.
A dozen figures in black robes flitted about the cave, their crimson eyes and deathly pale skin hinting at the legendary vampires.
Strange patterns resembling runes—part bat, part crow—were etched into the ground beneath their feet.
"Too slow."
"We haven't even reached a quarter."
Someone frowned in dissatisfaction, their voice cold and eerily feminine.
Looking down, the rune patterns seemed to glow with a blood-red light, but only a fraction of them were illuminated.
The black-robed figures around them dared not speak. Then, the speaker issued another order.
"Hurry! Bring back more sacrifices!"
"The more, the better!"
Hearing this, the black-robed figures nodded repeatedly, preparing to leave the cave once more.
Puff! Puff!
In the next moment, a black bat appeared from nowhere.
"Leave," it said in a human voice, then inverted itself, clinging to the cave wall.
The dozen or so black-robed figures trembled simultaneously before kneeling respectfully.
The leading black-robed woman frowned, remaining standing.
"Why leave suddenly?" she asked, puzzled.
"The Red Kingdom United Coalition has sensed something amiss. They'll investigate this place soon."
The Black Bat's eyes were pitch black, with a crimson spark flickering within.
"Is it because of the Yun Port incident?"
The black-robed woman felt a surge of annoyance. The bat remained silent for a moment, neither confirming nor denying.
"That damn thing! It really ruined our plans!"
A chilling killing intent, like a dark shadow, flashed across her.
If not for that Biological Cyborg's reckless actions during the chaos, killing Luo Wantao and escalating the situation, the Red Kingdom Military would likely not have launched a full-scale investigation. Most of their attention would have remained focused on the Platinum Federation and Utopia.
Crack!
Suddenly, the cave floor shook, and several cracks appeared on the walls.
Seeing her overflowing killing intent and pressure, all the kneeling black-robed figures lowered their heads, their fear and reverence deepening.
"This is a place chosen by the angels. Leaving now would render all our previous rituals useless."
"Why not go all the way?"
"Let's eliminate those from the Federation and the Red Guard together!"
Her voice was cold as she glared at the Black Bat, clearly reluctant to leave.
But the Black Bat didn't agree.
"They're just a bunch of cyborgs with little flesh and blood. What's the point of killing them?"
The Black-robed woman frowned, her irritation growing.
Seeing her temper flare, and knowing she resented wasting her efforts, the Black Bat folded its wings and spoke again.
"Leaving temporarily isn't retreating. Besides, I've come up with a better plan."
"Oh?"
"You know that angels favor the flesh and blood of Martial Artists over ordinary people and cyborgs."
"We've been holding back, fearing we'd alert our target. But as it happens..."
The Black Bat's voice was cold as crimson light flared in its eyes, making it look utterly demonic.
"According to my information, there's a chance to obtain a large number of high-quality sacrifices in Nanjiang soon."
"If we succeed, we might be able to gather everything we need in one go."
As the Black Bat finished speaking, the Black-robed woman's frown eased slightly. In the end, she agreed to the proposal.
Soon, all the Black-robed figures had departed, leaving the cave silent for over ten minutes.
Finally, with a fluttering of wings, a streak of white-gray light flew into the cave.
(End of the Chapter)
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