Translator: CinderTL
"Perhaps I should gather more information about the Nether Sea in the two Secret Realm worlds later," Chen Feng mused in his meditation chamber, his eye sockets flickering with phosphorus fire. "The Holy City might have records, and the Merfolk Clan might have similar ancient texts."
Though the Heart of Life hadn't granted him the Admiral of the Infernal Prison's abilities, transforming into the Admiral still gave him a subtle sense of uncanny strangeness, something beyond normal human experience. Moreover, a trace of the Nether Sea's chilling essence lingered within his flesh, almost identical to the technique used by the Black Blade Tribe's Great Priest in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm to banish the Nether Sea.
After long contemplation, Chen Feng suppressed his thoughts about the Nether Sea. He turned his attention back to his own body, carefully sensing and adapting to every aspect of the Heart of Life's power. He discovered that the storage capacity for Life Essence wasn't unlimited. This innate ability was directly linked to his life force; the stronger he became, the more Life Essence he could absorb. Currently, he could likely absorb the entire essence of another Saint.
"But I wonder if I can kill and consume the Black Tide Creatures in Qinggang City," a thought crossed his mind. Chen Feng finally dispelled the Admiral of the Infernal Prison's appearance, ceasing the continuous consumption of Life Essence.
After settling in and tidying up briefly, Chen Feng took out his phone, intending to check for updates on the Cloud Dream Forest.
But then...
"Hmm?"
His hand froze mid-motion as he glanced out the window.
Whoosh!
An aircraft suddenly descended, heading straight for the Martial Hall.
The resulting shockwave sent dust and debris swirling across the perfectly paved plaza.
Using his Perception, he immediately recognized the approaching figures, though he was somewhat surprised.
"Grandmaster Chen," a man in a military uniform appeared in the reception room, a warm smile on his face.
He looked to be in his thirties, with a square face and an upright bearing. It was none other than Han Chao, who had just returned from abroad.
To Chen Feng's surprise, General Zhang himself was accompanying him.
"General Zhang, Captain Han," Chen Feng greeted them with a nod, gesturing for them to sit at the tea table.
During their exchange, he noticed an additional star on Han Chao's shoulder.
"It seems congratulations are in order, Captain Han."
"Hehe, Grandmaster Chen, you're too kind. In truth, this is all thanks to you." Han Chao waved his hand dismissively.
He explained that the promotion was a direct result of the Suro martial arts exchange. His dominance over the nation's Martial Arts World had greatly pleased the authorities, leading to his rapid advancement shortly after. He was now nearly on par with General Zhang.
After a few moments of casual conversation, Chen Feng didn't immediately inquire about their purpose. Instead, he casually asked about the situation in Suojia City.
That was where the Black Tide first descended into Earth's reality. Chen Feng was curious about how different nations had reacted.
"Most countries are taking this very seriously and remain vigilant. They've formed a temporary special forces alliance group stationed in Suojia City," Han Chao explained. "Even though the Secret Realm Node has vanished, many still fear it could reappear in Suojia City."
Han Chao set down his teacup and continued earnestly, "Furthermore, under our leadership, Evil God Cults across the land have begun to be hunted down and eradicated as a precaution. However, a few war-torn regions, already deeply corrupted by the Church, stubbornly refuse to cooperate."
After Han Chao's explanation, Chen Feng fell into thoughtful silence. He suspected this was the reason Serpent Spirits and members of the Dead Crow Cult had appeared in Luohe and the outskirts of Nanjiang earlier. With their survival grounds being systematically uprooted, they naturally sought to relocate and hide among the populace.
"Actually, Grandmaster Chen, we came to you today with an unusual request," Han Chao said, exchanging a glance with General Zhang before finally stating their purpose.
"Oh?"
"Grandmaster Chen, you should have received an invitation to the World Fighting Tournament, haven't you?" Han Chao asked in a low voice. Chen Feng nodded, not bothering to hide it.
"As expected of Grandmaster Chen. To my knowledge, fewer than five people in the entire Red Nation have received invitations," Han Chao said.
"Five?" Chen Feng asked, surprised.
"Yes, besides Grandmaster Chen, there's also Sect Master Liu Duanyun and Elder Zhang Henggu, the former Sect Master of the Saint Sect."
"Then there are two other martial arts masters suspected of being in the Pseudo-Pinnacle Realm. They've been in seclusion for years, and we don't know where they reside."
Han Chao spoke truthfully, and Chen Feng's doubts eased slightly.
The Red Nation was vast, and it wasn't uncommon for renowned martial arts experts to retire into seclusion after years of fame.
However, he was curious why Yang Wudi hadn't been invited.
"Yang Wudi caused quite a stir in Niduo last time, and he's on bad terms with the Lion King of the Niduo Royal Family."
"The latter holds one of the Twelve Seats of the Star Palace, so we naturally didn't invite Yang Wudi again."
Han Chao explained further, and Chen Feng nodded before asking about the matter they wanted to request.
"This matter involves the Star Palace."
"Years ago, Ge Lie, the Gun King of the Platinum Federation and one of the Twelve Seats of the Star Palace, injured several members of our military."
"We've received reliable information that he's likely to appear at the World Fighting Tournament in Niduo."
Han Chao's voice grew grave as he pleaded, "Therefore, we request Grandmaster Chen and the Saint Sect to join forces with us in capturing this man."
Chen Feng fell silent for a moment.
Seeing his hesitation, General Zhang spoke up: "We've heard Grandmaster Chen has some conflict with the Divine Martial Alliance Leader. This person has committed numerous crimes in recent years, and we'd like to capture him as well."
"Moreover, according to some intelligence, this person has recently been in contact with Gun King Ge Lie, and may also be in Niduo."
This was one of the conditions of the deal. Chen Feng still didn't rush to agree, instead asking why the military didn't send their own cyborgs. After all, the military had deep reserves, including Sixth-Tier Flying Generals and even higher-level cyborgs.
"Grandmaster Chen, you may not be aware that Niduo has a unique environment and is being courted by the Platinum Federation," Han Chao sighed, his voice tinged with helplessness. "Their royal family, dominated by the Lion King, is deeply wary of the threat posed by high-level cyborgs. They've issued a public statement strictly prohibiting any Sixth-Tier or higher-level cyborgs from entering Niduo."
"So, to avoid international criticism, our Flying Generals can't easily appear or set foot in Niduo."
That explained it.
Chen Feng's doubts vanished.
After a moment's thought, he realized he'd already been considering participating in the World Fighting Tournament. The champion's prize was likely to be Primordial Creature Blood Essence or undiluted Life Source Liquid. If he could obtain either, the benefits would be immeasurable.
The Military was willing to cooperate in eliminating the Divine Martial Alliance Leader, whose whereabouts were uncertain. Naturally, this was an excellent opportunity.
Negotiations between the two parties commenced immediately.
The Military offered two Advanced Life Elixirs as compensation, along with their full support in the pursuit and assassination of the Divine Martial Alliance Leader.
"If this operation succeeds, we're willing to reserve a separate allocation of Life Source Liquid for Grandmaster Chen in the future, which we'll transfer to him," General Zhang added, making a final, decisive promise.
He knew that cultivators needed Essence-replenishing substances, and this was their greatest sincerity.
Chen Feng paused, surprised.
In the Red Nation, undiluted Life Source Liquid was typically reserved for the Military and the Red Guard. Even Mega Corporations rarely had a chance to obtain it, making it incredibly valuable.
"Very well!"
Chen Feng made his decision without hesitation, nodding in agreement.
After further discussions, Han Chao retrieved a special communicator containing extensive data.
"Elder Zhang of the Saint Sect has agreed to cooperate. He was once one of the Twelve Seats of the Star Palace and knows this organization well."
"The exact departure time will be set for early next month. We'll finalize a better cooperation plan by then. We'll trouble Grandmaster Chen again at that time," Han Chao said. He and his companion were escorted out of the Martial Hall by Cao Tong.
Left alone in the Meditation Chamber, Chen Feng glanced at the preliminary information. It was about Ge Lie, the Gun King, one of the Twelve Seats of the Star Palace.
A Pinnacle Realm Martial Artist who had already reached Fifth-Tier Peak a decade ago, Ge Lie was a master of various Ancient Martial Arts gun techniques.
Driven to advance further, he remained active in war-torn regions, gradually earning the title of Gun King.
The information also revealed the true identity of the Divine Martial Alliance Leader.
He appeared to be in his forties, with features strikingly similar to the clone Chen Feng had killed earlier.
A native of Nanjiang Province, his name was Chu Dingkun. He had once joined a declining minor sect.
Later, he annihilated the entire sect, smuggled himself out of the country, and fled to a small nation in the Eastern Continent.
Suspected to be one of the Star Palace Lord Seats, codenamed Martial Divinity, he rarely revealed his true form.
After a cursory glance, Chen Feng memorized the key details and set down the specially crafted palm-sized communicator.
His gaze shifted to the briefcase on the tea table.
Two Advanced Life Elixirs lay inside, a partial payment made in advance, a gesture of sincerity from the Military.
Without delay, he took both vials of Life Elixir in hand.
He twisted off the caps and swallowed the emerald-green liquid.
Soon.
Gulp, gulp.
Beneath the sound of swallowing, wisps of warmth began to circulate within his abdomen.
At the same moment, the progress of the Sacred Flame Awakening Method began to surge forward once more.
Boom!!
Thunder roared, and the gloomy sky seemed to be in a divine fury.
Torrential rain poured down, revealing two figures standing atop an ancient, wooden pavilion.
Crack!!
Silver lightning danced, illuminating the dim world.
Neon signs in red, green, blue, and purple, along with floating holographic projections that resembled mist, drifted in the air.
From the shadows below, many people looked up, vaguely making out the two figures facing each other.
One was exceptionally burly, with dark brown hair. Though wearing a loose black suit, the fabric seemed on the verge of bursting.
Across from him, at the other end of the vermilion pavilion, stood another figure in an old, brown trench coat, a cigarette still burning at the corner of his mouth.
The rain fell heavily, yet an invisible Qi mechanism seemed to surround each man, isolating them from the elements and creating their own personal vacuums.
"Looks like the last time didn't hurt you enough?"
Yang Wudi spoke calmly, his gaze deep and unwavering as he stared directly at his opponent.
"Enough talk. Today is your death day."
His voice was cold and resolute. The burly Man in Suit across from him met his gaze with icy eyes. His already imposing physique began to grow taller, becoming even more massive.
In a daze, a phantom image of a male lion seemed to coalesce behind him, then merged with his form.
Boom!!
In an instant, the pavilion collapsed, and a figure lunged forward.
The earth-shattering commotion erupted, the thunderous roar echoing like thunder.
Countless passersby gasped in shock and terror, scattering in panic.
Warplanes seemed to be approaching from the sky, while tremors shook the city's ground, as if surrounded by tanks.
Seeing this, on the rooftop of a concrete building below the pavilion, a short-haired woman in a jacket with tanned skin felt a surge of danger.
The next moment, she dodged away, clutching a sniper cannon.
Boom!!
A long spear soared through the air, instantly piercing the concrete rooftop where she had stood moments before.
The wall crumbled, debris scattering everywhere.
Gazing at the missing corner of the low building, the short-haired woman, now perched on the tiled roof of a building behind, wore a grim expression. She focused her gaze on the muscular figure standing on a distant beam.
Apathetic eyes, a ponytail hairstyle, and the pale complexion of a Platinum Federation citizen.
Her heart sank. She recognized the figure, and was shocked that the Lion King had invited them.
Without hesitation, she immediately fired a shot.
BOOM!!
Blue particles converged into a beam of light as the Sniper Cannon tore through the sky.
"You seek to combine gunnery with your own path?"
"Heh, so you must be Gunfire Celine?"
A strange voice suddenly echoed from behind her, causing the wheat-skinned, short-haired woman's eyes to narrow.
Glancing sideways, she saw a figure in a black raincoat had somehow appeared on the rooftop tiles.
The figure emitted no aura, yet seemed to absorb all light, making it impossible to discern their features.
"Martial Divinity?"
Her heart sank further. She realized this was a trap.
"Eliminate her."
A cold, deep voice resonated from afar—it was the Gun King, who had dodged the Sniper Cannon's attack.
He had somehow regripped his black, gold-inlaid spear, holding it diagonally as he stared at her with cold indifference.
The man in the black raincoat remained silent, merely stepping forward silently. In an instant, he covered over ten meters, appearing behind the short-haired woman known as Celine.
There was no escape—they were caught in a pincer attack.
Looking up at the distant vermilion pavilion, she saw that the powerful Yang Wudi had been briefly held back by the Lion King, while fighter jets were closing in overhead.
In that instant, an icy chill swept over her back. Without hesitation, she pulled a thin thread on her body.
The surrounding buildings seemed to briefly spark, and everyone's gaze froze in place.
"Transcendence... is explosion!"
Boom!!!
[Sacred Flame Awakening Method: Fifth-Tier (66%)]
In the Meditation Chamber, the panel appeared, its progress frozen.
Chen Feng could feel the white-gold flame seed in his lower abdomen grow slightly larger.
As a result, the Heavenly Flame Force within him surged, growing even stronger.
Buzz!
True Intent coalesced, and Force erupted outward.
The massive Flame Tiger now stood over eight meters tall, and this was with him deliberately compressing its Force.
Every strand of fur, every expression, every movement, the almost lifelike vertical pupils, and the white-gold flame marking that had appeared on its forehead—everything looked so real, as if it were about to solidify and manifest into the mortal realm.
"I wonder if there will ever be a day..."
"When it truly materializes from the void, becoming a real Sky Flame Crimson Tiger."
The thought flashed through his mind, but he ultimately retracted his Force, exhaling a turbid breath.
Then, he picked up his phone.
The idea that had been interrupted by Han Chao's visit resurfaced—he wanted to check the latest developments in Cloud Dream Forest.
But before he could, a sudden message arrived.
As he read the contents, his eyes narrowed, and a cold light began to flicker within them.
(End of the Chapter)
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