Translator: CinderTL
Early int the next morning.
The crimson sun blazed in the sky, and white clouds drifted across the azure expanse.
The five-character plaque of the Heavenly Flame Tiger Sect hung above the Mountain Gate's gray stone pillars, its gold-leafed black characters gleaming even brighter in the sunlight.
"This Mountain Gate is truly magnificent."
"Indeed. The Flame Tiger Sect is now the Southern Martial World's largest sect. Such grandeur is naturally unmatched by ordinary sects."
"Come on, stop exaggerating. The Flame Tiger Sect has always been this way. Why haven't you praised it before?"
A gray stone staircase wound its way up the mountainside, leading directly to the sect's Mountain Gate.
Martial Artists in simple robes or casual sportswear strolled up the stairs, glancing up at the gate as they chatted among themselves.
"Things were different back then."
"Exactly. We're talking about the sect's aura, not just its decorations. Look—the Mountain Gate sits on the mountainside, with clouds in front and forests behind, giving the impression of a ferocious tiger coiled, its roar echoing through the mountains."
"That's right. No wonder they produced a Pinnacle Realm Master like Grandmaster Chen, and now a second Grandmaster has emerged..."
The chatter continued, and the disciples guiding the guests wore proud expressions.
Every dozen steps along the gray staircase, a disciple in a long robe stood at attention, their posture erect and faces solemn.
Some disciples stood in the open space near the Mountain Gate, welcoming guests and directing arriving Flying Cars to park properly. Others stood along the asphalt road near the cliffside, awaiting other guests.
For a time, the air was filled with the whooshing sounds of Flying Cars.
More and more Flying Cars appeared, even aircraft bearing the logos of various corporations landed.
Corporate Directors, Federation Councilors, Martial Arts World elders, Grandmasters from top-tier sects...
"This is a first," Lin Xiaoyun, clad in a red palace gown, couldn't help but marvel as she stood at the top of the stone steps with her back to the Mountain Gate.
In the past, the Flame Tiger Sect had received visitors, but never with such a concentrated and grand display.
"Indeed," Zhang Guiyuan, in a green robe with an empty left sleeve, agreed. "When Junior Brother Chen broke through to Grandmaster, we were still in dire straits and couldn't open our Mountain Gate to celebrate with our peers. Now, it's truly different."
From being shunned and isolated in their decline to being revered and respected today, this transformation stemmed from the sect's greatest strength and its enduring good fortune. Without it, they likely wouldn't have broken through to True Intent, and their Sect Leader certainly wouldn't have achieved Grandmaster status.
Before the two could continue their reflections, more True Intent level Sect Leaders arrived, and the corporate Directors began offering their congratulations.
The two were busy greeting guests, while other True Disciples like Wu Shuang and Zhao Jushan also found themselves caught up in the flurry.
Finally, a burly middle-aged man in tight-fitting martial attire emerged from a Flying Car, his hearty laughter echoing through the air.
"Sect Leader Li, congratulations!"
As his voice rang out, it was as if an elephant's trumpeting reverberated in response.
At the same moment, a blue Flying Car descended, its landing resembling a whale's tail slap.
Several figures in dark gold robes adorned with flying eagle patterns stepped down from a staircase, moving with deliberate grace.
"Sect Leader Li, congratulations!"
"We offer our congratulations on Sect Leader Li's breakthrough to Grandmaster!"
The congratulations of Grandmasters.
The Giant Elephant, the Whale Sect, and the Flying Eagle—all three Grandmaster Sects of the Southern Martial World had sent their Grandmasters in person, leaving many Martial Artists in awe and envy.
Seeing this, Zhang Guiyuan and several other True Disciples exchanged glances, feeling a surge of pride as they stepped forward to greet the Grandmasters with clasped hands.
"This junior pays respects to the three Grandmasters."
"Haha, Junior Zhang, there's no need for such formality."
"Hmm? It's been some time since we last met. I didn't expect you to have already broken through to the True Intent Realm, Junior Zhang."
The Whale Sect Grandmaster was visibly surprised. The Giant Elephant and Flying Eagle Grandmasters beside him also realized something was amiss.
It was one thing for the Flame Tiger Sect to gain another Grandmaster, but how had several of their disciples simultaneously broken through to the True Intent Realm?
Their curiosity and astonishment grew, and then a figure in a crimson-patterned white robe appeared.
"Haha, I didn't expect the three of you to grace us with your presence. I apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner, Sect Leader Li."
Li Tong's face was flushed with excitement. He knew he had to step forward to welcome such distinguished guests.
The Grandmaster's aura, intentionally unmasked, sent a chill down the spines of the crowd, deepening their curiosity.
Soon, during casual conversation, it became clear that the Flame Tiger Sect was struggling to manage the overwhelming number of guests.
The three Giant Elephant Grandmasters exchanged glances. Instead of rushing inside, they smiled and stayed by the side, actively helping to greet guests from the Martial Arts World.
This gesture earned them secret admiration from many, while Chen Feng, watching from the back courtyard, took note.
"They're quite thoughtful," he mused, standing by the window. His Perception had long since expanded to encompass the entire Mountain Gate.
Every fish in the courtyard pond was visible, and the growing stream of figures and flying cars approaching from the distant mountainside couldn't hide.
Today was his Master's celebration, and the Flame Tiger Sect's first open-door event in ages. He wouldn't tolerate the slightest mishap.
After confirming everything was in order, he turned to the panel before him.
Extreme Martial Arts: 7
Golden Profound: 9
Thunderous Roar: 3
Limit Breaking Orbs: 69
Strength: 75.1 → 75.4
Agility: 65.5 → 65.7
[Physical Body: 77.0]
[Will: 76.1 → 76.3]
Though Chen Feng had been restrained by the endless Black Tide during his Dream Incursion last night, he had still made significant gains.
"But... my physical body has clearly reached its limit."
The higher he advanced, the more clearly Chen Feng could feel an invisible shackle binding him. It felt like a constraint imposed by the rules themselves, causing an indescribable sense of unease. No matter how hard he tried, he felt as though he couldn't break free.
Shaking his head, he forcefully suppressed this strange sensation.
Chen Feng finally turned his attention to another piece of information on the panel before him:
[Thunderclap Art: Beginner (1%) +]
The three Thunderclap Stream Light Orbs were clearly insufficient to reach the Thunderous Roar level. However, if he used Limit Breaking Orbs, it would certainly be enough.
"The Thunderclap Art can compensate for my weaknesses."
"And it might even allow my agility to reach its limit directly."
After a moment's thought, Chen Feng realized that reaching his limit sooner would allow him to enter Transcendence sooner. He made his decision without hesitation.
"Enhance!"
Buzz!
The three Thunderous Roar Light Orbs were instantly consumed, causing the progress bar to surge forward significantly.
Knowing this wasn't enough, Chen Feng then watched as Limit-Breaking Light Orbs began to diminish one by one.
[61% 71% 81% 91%]
The progress bar soared, and by the end, a full forty Limit Breaking Orbs had been consumed, flooding his mind with endless insights.
[Thunderclap Art: Thunderous Roar (1%)+]
The progress bar froze, and several strands of lightning flashed across Chen Feng's body.
Curious, he decided to test his newfound power.
Whoosh!
In an instant, he materialized at the edge of a pond nearly a hundred meters away.
As he came to a halt, a thunderous rumble echoed beneath his feet.
It sounded like the chirping of birds mixed with the deep voice of a thunder god, causing several disciples outside the courtyard walls to exchange startled glances.
"My speed burst has increased by fifty percent."
The lightning arcs flickering at the corners of his eyes gradually faded. Through his Perception, Chen Feng realized that when using the Thunderclap Art, his short-burst speed now approached the speed of sound.
This was true Sixth-Tier power.
And just as he'd anticipated...
Chen Feng's gaze shifted, and his four-dimensional attributes reappeared.
[Agility: 65.7 → 70!]
The invisible shackles deepened once more, and his Agility reached its absolute limit, unable to improve further.
He had nearly exhausted the potential of his Physical Body in this aspect, fully excavating it.
"Still need Strength and Will..."
He narrowed his eyes, turning his attention to the remaining two attributes.
After a moment of hesitation, Chen Feng suppressed the urge to forcibly advance the Sacred Flame Awakening Method.
Decomposing Extreme Martial Arts and Golden Profound would be too costly, and relying solely on the remaining Limit Breaking Orbs wouldn't be enough to break through.
In comparison, the Sacred Spirit Essence promised by the Holy City and the Serpent Spirit Fruit from the Serpent-Folk Tribe were more suitable for this method. Why not use them?
With that thought, his distractions faded.
He sensed a disciple approaching the courtyard gate.
Dong dong!
"Senior Brother, the guests have almost all arrived."
The respectful voice echoed. Chen Feng nodded, smoothing his black robe.
Today was a special occasion, and he had donned a rare martial arts ancient robe.
Woven from superior silk and embroidered with golden threads, it depicted a crimson tiger poised to strike, with fiery cloud-like patterns swirling around it.
The already tall and muscular physique and steady features were further enhanced by the robe's majesty. When he stepped out of the courtyard, the disciples waiting outside were momentarily stunned.
"Senior Brother."
Xu Tingxiao was the first to recover, inwardly marveling at his Senior Brother's increasingly profound cultivation. Even a simple movement could leave one momentarily stunned.
"Mm, let's go," Chen Feng said as he stepped forward.
Xu Tingxiao nodded and followed behind him.
"Brother Han Chao said he ran into a temporary issue and might be late," he murmured. During his time as a special forces instructor in the military camp, he had grown quite close to Han Chao and the others.
"Alright," Chen Feng replied, unfazed, and continued walking.
The group immediately followed him toward the center of the Mountain Gate, where the celebration's guest reception area was located.
They passed through corridors and skirted around pavilions. Finally, they looked up to see a vast open space.
Outside the main courtyard, its gates wide open, lay a meticulously paved area of gray-blue stone bricks covering hundreds of square meters.
This space, once the Flame Tiger Sect's training ground, stretched directly to the sect's outermost Mountain Gate steps, offering a wide, unobstructed view.
The wooden training dummies and equipment had long been removed. Dozens of tables and benches lined the sides, laden with fruits, pastries, and snacks. People sat or stood all around.
The area had been buzzing with constant chatter, as people discussed the day's events or mentioned the distinguished guests in attendance.
But soon...
"Grandmaster Chen is here!"
Someone suddenly shouted, and the clamor abruptly ceased.
Everyone's gazes shifted, all turning toward the entrance of the corridor.
A figure in a black robe, with a short, cropped haircut and sharply angled eyebrows, strode in.
His masculine features and rugged features, though his aura was now restrained, still sent a wave of pressure through the crowd.
"Councilor Chen!"
A Director from one of the major corporations was the first to speak.
"Grandmaster Chen!!"
"As expected of Grandmaster Chen, his presence is truly extraordinary."
"Grandmaster Chen, congratulations!"
The crowd snapped back to attention. Martial Artists offered their congratulations, while Directors from various corporations wore beaming smiles.
Chen Feng smiled and nodded, walking across the gray stone bricks toward the main hall under the gaze of nearly a hundred people.
Looking around, he saw several more tables arranged on either side of the hall.
Those seated here were either Grandmasters and renowned elders, or local Councilors and representatives from super-large corporations.
His Master, Li Tong, sat in the highest seat, a pearwood chair, with an empty seat beside him.
Behind them stood Zhang Guiyuan, Zhao Jushan, and several other True Disciples, while a plaque bearing the inscription "Sky Flame Crimson Tiger" hung on the wall.
"Grandmaster Chen."
The Giant Elephant Grandmaster and his two companions rose to their feet and clasped their hands in a respectful greeting.
Seeing this, the others could no longer remain seated and stood up as well.
"Thank you all for coming," Chen Feng said with a smile, surveying the crowd before taking his seat at the head table.
Noticing his Master preparing to rise, he shook his head slightly.
"Master, you're the guest of honor today."
Li Tong, clad in a white robe embroidered with crimson patterns, felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He reluctantly remained seated.
As everything settled, Chen Feng prepared to take his seat.
But then, his Perception stirred. He abruptly turned, gazing toward the Mountain Gate.
"Is this the place you mentioned?"
Below the Flame Tiger Sect, on a verdant hillside, a woman in a black robe narrowed her eyes, her voice still chillingly cold. She looked up at the ancient-style building nestled halfway up the Dwarf Mountain.
"Yes."
A Black Bat landed on the ground, then erupted into a burst of dark light.
Shadows like tides spread across the surrounding earth, and the bat's form shifted, ultimately transforming into a man in a trench coat and wide-brimmed hat.
His long black hair was classically curled, his skin unnaturally pale, and his handsome features held a hint of sinister charm.
"Over a hundred Martial Artists, including the Fourth-Rank Grandmasters they mentioned, and a Pinnacle Realm Master."
"Such sacrifices, with flesh of superior quality, are far more valuable than ordinary humans."
His voice calm, the man in the wide-brimmed hat stared with obsidian eyes, a crimson spark flickering within.
The woman in the black robe didn't object, and the dozen or so Divine Servants and Envoys stood silently on either side.
"So, what do you plan to do?"
"Simple."
The handsome man in the wide-brimmed hat, who appeared to be around thirty, gave an eerie smile. He had somehow produced a palm-sized wooden carving.
It depicted ravens circling and bats hanging upside down.
"You're willing to use such a treasure on a bunch of pigs waiting to be slaughtered?" the woman in black narrowed her eyes. The man simply shrugged indifferently.
"Just in case. After all, opportunities like this don't come around often."
Buzz!
As his words fell, a powerful black light surged from his hand into the wooden carving.
In less than two breaths, the ravens took flight and the bats began to circle.
An eerie power spread outward, and a dark, curtain-like barrier rose from the ground, gradually enveloping the verdant field.
Even the mid-slope of the Dwarf Mountain in the distance was about to be engulfed.
Seeing this, the handsome man in the wide-brimmed hat gave an evil smile, and all the black-robed figures' eyes turned crimson, filled with the cruel bloodlust of hunters.
"What a nuisance."
A chill rose from the woman in black, and she slowly began to walk toward the Dwarf Mountain.
If that damned man in Black Armor hadn't ruined their plans, she wouldn't have had to intervene personally.
But no matter.
Once they slaughtered these pigs and completed the ritual, there would be plenty of time to hunt down that cursed thing.
(End of the Chapter)
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