Translator: CinderTL
Buzz!
A dense fog enveloped the ruined city.
A blood-red moon hung high in the sky, while swarms of Black Tide Creatures surged forward like locusts.
Boom!
The white giant's fist descended from above, crushing heaven and earth.
A massive shockwave swept outward, tearing through the armored hide of a Horned Crocodile Creature.
Roar!
A nearby Sixth-Tier Giant Lizard Creature roared furiously, its scales glowing with an eerie dark light that intensified steadily.
Its gaping maw crackled with condensed dark energy, ready to unleash a terrifying breath attack.
Buzz!
The Holy Shield Colossus hurtled forward, its rock-carved hands savagely seizing the Giant Lizard's upper and lower jaws.
Then—
Rip!
Thud!
The Giant Lizard Creature's head was torn clean off its body, killing it instantly.
A torrential rain of blood poured down.
Observing the scene from atop a ruined skyscraper, Chen Feng retracted his gaze and focused on his right palm.
It appeared empty.
But then—
Buzz!
A peculiar power surged, accompanied by a flash of silver light.
Looking closely, Chen Feng saw a silver dagger had materialized in his palm, still imbued with the Power of the Holy Sword.
"Just as I thought."
Having confirmed his theory, Chen Feng breathed a sigh of relief.
The ability to freely use items from other Dream Realms within this one was a promising start.
However—
He glanced beyond the high walls at the dense black fog that engulfed everything like an endless ocean, and at the ceaseless swarm of Black Tide Creatures still closing in.
After a moment's contemplation, Chen Feng ultimately decided to postpone using the Holy Sword for now.
The silver dagger contained only a single wisp of power, destined to be completely depleted after a single use. Chen Feng couldn't be certain if it could pierce the black mist or utterly annihilate the Black Tide Creatures, especially since he hadn't yet fully explored all the Light Orbs within Qinggang City.
"Perhaps I should wait until I've collected all the Light Orbs in Qinggang City before trying it," he mused. "That way, I'll have another tool at my disposal when I venture into other Dream Realms."
Having made his decision, Chen Feng sheathed the silver dagger once more.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
A storm of Dark Flash Bursts erupted across the sky, instantly shattering the Black Tide Creatures that had surged too close into fragments.
Without wasting any more time, he flapped his Blood Wings and soared toward the next Martial Hall.
Several days later, Chen Feng stood in his courtyard, studying his status panel.
The Sacred Flame Awakening Method had reached its limit, and his physical potential was now bound by the world's rules, making further progress impossible.
Therefore...
"Enhance!"
All his Golden Profound and Thunderous Roar resources vanished, transforming into fundamental nourishment to advance the progress of his True Arts.
[ Golden Dawn Art: Daylight (46%+) ]
[ Thunderclap Art: Thunderous Roar (21%+) ]
Although he hadn't yet achieved Transcendence, preventing him from advancing these True Arts to the next tier, increasing their progress beforehand wouldn't hurt.
Moreover, this would subtly refine his Force techniques, granting him a sliver of improvement even in this otherwise stagnant state.
"I'll save the Extreme Martial Arts for later," he decided. "I'll decide between the Extreme Martial Fist and the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body when the time comes."
Chen Feng's Extreme Martial Arts panel now held fifteen points, enough to break through his Great Perfection of the Falling Sun stage Extreme Martial Fist to the next level upon achieving Transcendence.
However, the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body remained a persistent temptation.
After a moment of contemplation, he suppressed these extraneous thoughts and looked out the window at the sky.
Buzz!
A gust of wind swept through as a gray-black aircraft bearing a crimson maple leaf insignia approached.
Using his Perception to identify the occupants, Chen Feng wasn't surprised. Today was the day he was scheduled to depart for Niduo, as agreed upon with the Military.
Immediately, as the aircraft landed near the Mountain Gate, footsteps echoed outside his courtyard.
"Junior Brother Chen."
"Senior Brother."
Voices greeted him as he opened the courtyard gate to find familiar faces.
True Disciples like Lin Xiaoyun and Zhao Jushan were present, along with Yao Wei, the youth he had brought back from Suro, who was a disciple of his Third Martial Uncle.
This gathering represented the sect's core members, led by Master Li Tong at the forefront.
They were all aware of his participation in the World Fighting Tournament, a deliberately leaked detail meant to conceal his cooperation with the Military and his true objectives.
Every gaze carried a mix of concern and anticipation.
They hoped Chen Feng would make a name for himself at the World Fighting Tournament and return back safely, but they also worried about the challenges he might face. After all, the tournament would feature titans of their respective nations' martial arts worlds, at least Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm powerhouses.
"Xiao Feng," Li Tong began, his expression conflicted. He knew he could no longer offer his disciple any practical assistance.
His heart swelled with emotion, but Chen Feng simply smiled and handed him a specially crafted smart bracelet. "During my recent seclusion, I had some insights and compiled some Martial Arts True Skills," he said calmly. "Master, if you have some free time, perhaps you'd like to study them."
Chen Feng had been far from idle these past few days. He had organized the Mid-Tier True Art secrets he had obtained in Qinggang City and stored them on the bracelet, including the first layer of the Thunderclap Art and the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body. With his current strength, he no longer feared that revealing these True Art secrets would make him a target for greed or trigger deeper scrutiny into their origins.
Moreover, this was his first step toward integrating the Transcendent Martial Dao into Earth's martial arts world.
Unaware of his deeper intentions, the others reacted with stunned expressions.
Even Li Tong gaped, momentarily stunned.
How long had Chen Feng been in seclusion?
And he's already comprehended and created another True Art?
The effectiveness of the Sacred Flame Awakening Method was undeniable, with multiple sect members achieving breakthroughs in quick succession, serving as the best evidence.
Instantly, all eyes turned to the smart bracelet's storage device, filled with a mixture of awe, gratitude, and relief.
Having such a Senior Brother was not only a blessing for the Flame Tiger Sect but also a stroke of fortune for each of them individually.
"I'm off," Chen Feng said, waving casually. Clad in a black trench coat, he strode down the gray stone-paved path toward the sect's main gate.
The entire group followed to see him off, watching as the aircraft's hatch opened to reveal Han Chao and others already waiting.
"Senior Brother," Xu Tingxiao called out, dressed in casual sportswear with a black duffel bag slung over his shoulder. Now an instructor for the military's special forces, he would accompany them on this journey to assist with logistics and handle minor matters.
"Mm," Chen Feng nodded, then turned to Han Chao, who was dressed in dark civilian attire.
"Grandmaster Chen, thank you for your cooperation," Han Chao said solemnly, gesturing toward the aircraft. Behind him stood several Military Modified Human Security Personnel.
Without further ado, Chen Feng stepped into the aircraft.
As the group parted ways, the hatch closed, and the aircraft ascended into the sky.
Li Tong and the others stood rooted to the spot, craning their necks to watch and waving farewell.
"Come back safe!"
"Senior Brother, may you return victorious!"
The shouts from below rang out, piercing through the roar of the aircraft's engines.
Inside the cabin, everyone watched as Zhou Wuren, a middle-aged man in a dark Martial Arts Uniform adorned with Black Shadow patterns, approached Chen Feng with a smile.
"I truly envy the atmosphere of the Flame Tiger Sect," Zhou Wuren remarked. "It's a pity the Shadowless Sect places such heavy emphasis on prestige. Sometimes, I miss the days when my Master and Martial Uncles were still around."
Zhou Wuren's hawkish eyes, usually scanning their surroundings like a wolf guarding its territory, now held a genuine smile of envious admiration. Chen Feng wasn't surprised; he had heard stories about the Shadowless Sect's history.
Years ago, the Shadowless Sect had faced a crisis that nearly led to its destruction by enemies. Zhou Wuren stepped up to lead, leveraging favors owed to Old Leader Zhang and his late Master to break through to Grandmaster status and guide the sect to its current prominence.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Chen Feng patted Zhou Wuren's shoulder and glanced at the two figures by the window. One stood, the other sat—both familiar faces.
"Grandmaster Chen."
"Senior Zhang."
Chen Feng nodded, exchanging respectful greetings with Old Leader Zhang before settling into a seat beside him. Zhao Xue, Old Leader Zhang's disciple, stood respectfully by, her white Martial Arts Uniform accentuating her humility. Gone was the haughty reserve she had displayed during their previous encounter.
Amidst casual conversation, the aircraft slowly steered toward the Luohe River, planning to use it to cross Suro and reach Niduo.
"Thank you for your assistance on this mission," Han Chao said, appearing at the opportune moment with a smile. "After the World Fighting Tournament, we'll be traveling to Niduo with several experts."
This plan had been discussed beforehand. To avoid alerting Ge Lie and the Divine Martial Alliance Leader to Old Leader Zhang's presence, they needed an additional layer of disguise. They would publicly announce that they were escorting experts to Niduo for an upcoming academic conference.
"No problem at all," Chen Feng and Old Leader Zhang nodded in unison, accepting the documents Han Chao offered.
Chen Feng recognized some of the information—details about Ge Lie, the Gun King—but this version had been updated.
"Two weeks ago, the Lion King orchestrated an ambush against Yang Wudi, and Ge Lie personally participated in the assault," Han Chao explained. "His shots now produce sonic booms, and he can withstand sniper cannon fire. His strength seems to have improved significantly."
Han Chao's explanation sent a chill through Zhou Wuren and the others standing behind him. Ge Lie had already been a peak Fifth-Tier Great Master of gunmanship. If he had grown even stronger...
"Every Pinnacle Realm expert is striving to forge their own path," Han Chao continued. "Ge Lie reached the Pinnacle Realm a decade ago. It's not surprising that he has made breakthroughs in his gun art, finding a unique way to take that crucial step forward."
Old Leader Zhang shook his head. Having once been a member of the Star Palace, he had sparred with Ge Lie several times.
His brief explanation satisfied the group.
"What about the Divine Martial Alliance Leader?" Chen Feng asked, seizing the opportunity. This was the question that truly concerned him. He hadn't forgotten that cold, venomous enemy lurking in the shadows—the primary reason he had agreed to cooperate with the Military.
"He vanished after participating in the ambush of Yang Wudi in Botang City," Han Chao replied helplessly. The Divine Martial Alliance Leader's True Art, combined with the power of an Evil God, was too bizarre and elusive to track.
"I suspect he's somewhere near the Martial Arts Tournament venue," Old Leader Zhang suddenly declared, surprising Chen Feng. The World Fighting Tournament was being held in Niduo Kingdom's Capital, a considerable distance from Botang City.
"Senior Zhang, what makes you so certain?" Chen Feng asked.
"Before I left the Star Palace, I met Chu Dingkun once," Old Leader Zhang replied, still wearing his pristine white robe. At his level of cultivation, his body was flawless, impervious to even a speck of dust.
The crowd's curiosity was piqued. Chu Dingkun was the Divine Martial Alliance Leader's former name.
"That man is ruthless, cunning, and single-minded. He never acts without a purpose and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals."
"Since he invited Grandmaster Chen to the World Fighting Tournament, he must have a specific objective in mind."
Old Leader Zhang offered a brief explanation, then added a stern warning. "Moreover, he has close ties with both the Lion King and Ge Lie."
"The World Fighting Tournament was deliberately held in Niduo Kingdom's Capital at their joint request."
"I don't know the hidden motives behind it, but I suspect he's involved. He won't leave easily."
Chen Feng pondered this analysis, finding it reasonable. He then reviewed the files on the Lion King, realizing he was no ordinary fighter. A contemporary of Ge Lie, the Lion King had reached the Pinnacle Realm in martial arts. During one battle, he single-handedly killed three peak Fifth-Tier Cyborgs and broke through their encirclement. More importantly, he had personally engaged Yang Wudi head-on during the siege of Botang City, holding him at bay.
"Intriguing," Chen Feng murmured.
Having finished reading the reports, Chen Feng wasn't surprised by the formidable strength of these Pinnacle Realm Masters. After all, they had stood at the apex of the Martial Arts World for decades, commanding vast influence and prestige in their respective domains. If they were still stuck at the Fifth-Tier level, he would have scorned them.
Chen Feng set aside the files.
As the aircraft approached Luohe, preparing to pick up the experts for transport, Chen Feng's perception stirred.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, a shared vision from Stone Statue No. 1 flashed across their mental link.
The image revealed a towering mountain range within Niduo Country. The small, white-gray stone statue soared through the air, emitting joyous chirps. For a fleeting moment, the brilliant platinum light in Chen Feng's mind pulsed faintly, a brief surge of energy.
His eyes lit up. Chen Feng instantly understood:
The Earth Vein Power needed by the Holy Shield Colossus had been found!
(End of the Chapter)
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