Translator: CinderTL
Whoosh!
Beneath the azure sky, a vast expanse of yellow sand stretched across the undulating mountain range.
The scorching sun beat down, sweat dripping onto the parched earth.
A team of specially equipped individuals in hiking gear moved slowly through a canyon in the Niduo Mountains, constantly transmitting detection signals.
This scene was merely a microcosm of the larger operation.
Elsewhere in the mountains, similar teams wearing sun hats operated drones that soared through the skies or deployed bio-mimetic spiders that crawled through underground tunnels and caves, searching for traces of something, day and night.
Further afield, temporary camps dotted the barren landscape, with figures moving about and aircraft landing intermittently.
Occasionally, clashes erupted between the search teams.
"General Walker, is the information confirmed?"
Inside the approaching Royal Aircraft, Princess Eleanor's face was weary. The golden patterns on her silk gown shimmered faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window.
"Preliminary analysis suggests the presence of some kind of anomaly."
"Although the Platinum Federation is trying to conceal it, the equipment they're carrying suggests this isn't a simple geological survey."
As the Royal Family's chief guard, General Walker remained utterly loyal, withholding nothing.
"Their level of attention to this matter is unusually intense. They've even deployed several Flying Generals to oversee the operation."
"Moreover, and most importantly—"
"A direct descendant of the Consortium's founding family has personally arrived?"
In the Nanjiang Suburbs, the red maple aircraft slowly descended through the cloud layer.
Chen Feng, who had been personally escorted by the Military, stood inside the cabin, gazing down at the earth with a peculiar expression.
Lin Hao's information had surprised him.
The Platinum Federation was suspected of having discovered some anomaly during the recent earthquake in the Niduo Mountains.
Despite their attempts at secrecy, their continuous probing activities over several days had drawn the attention of the Niduo Royal Family and the military forces of other nations stationed in the royal capital.
This scrutiny intensified further when prominent figures from the Consortium began appearing in the area.
"Does the Military have any intelligence on this?" Chen Feng asked, turning to Han Chao, who was traveling with him.
Lin Hao had only heard rumors, lacking detailed information.
In contrast, he knew the Military had stationed two Flying Generals in the Niduo Kingdom's Capital.
"That's correct," Han Chao confirmed, his square face, framed by casual attire, softening with recollection.
"The earthquake in the Niduo Mountains struck too suddenly. Fearing it might be spatial disturbances caused by a Black Tide Anchor Point, various nations formed a joint survey team."
"The initial investigation yielded few significant findings, but the Platinum Federation representatives insisted on remaining to conduct further geological surveys."
Han Chao shook his head, his expression turning grave. "As their survey team grew larger, their unusual behavior aroused suspicion."
"Negotiations are ongoing. Some speculate they discovered a rare mineral deposit, while others suggest it might be traces of a Secret Realm or some other vital resource."
The speculative tone hung in the air. Chen Feng nodded slowly, his outward calm masking a growing unease.
He had already guessed the likely cause: the Holy Shield Colossus's metamorphosis.
However, the outcome was somewhat unexpected.
As the Colossus's mental link partner, he knew very well that during its metamorphosis, the Holy Shield Colossus had drained a massive amount of Earth Vein Power from the Niduo Mountains.
This act destabilized the mountain's internal structure, triggering the earthquake.
In other words, there were no mineral deposits or traces of a Secret Realm.
Could they have discovered the Holy Shield Colossus?
A thought struck him as he recalled something the Colossus had told him after its transformation.
Two advanced survey devices had entered the underground caverns and been destroyed by Small Stone Statues hundreds of meters away.
Even if they had detected the Colossus, the distance and intervening obstacles would have made it impossible to identify.
Moreover, if they had truly discovered the Holy Shield Colossus, they would have come looking for him, given the widely known connection between the White Giant and himself.
So, it's more likely they detected the Colossus's life force signature at the time?
And mistook it for some other entity?
Chen Feng's eyes flashed, leaning toward this hypothesis.
He wasn't overly concerned, as the Holy Shield Colossus had left no other traces behind when it departed.
As long as its true form remained unseen, it would be impossible for it to find him here.
He shook his head, suppressing the matter, and turned his gaze toward the approaching high-walled land.
Looking down through the aircraft's glass window, he saw that the wilderness and forests of the Nanjiang Suburbs had largely receded, replaced by clusters of gray-black industrial factories.
Steel sheds, infrastructure, and roads crisscrossed with concrete and asphalt stretched below.
Scattered buildings, including military camps, dotted the surrounding area.
Because this was not the city center, the region had suffered relatively little damage during the Black Tide's descent.
Soon, the aircraft completed its reporting and verification procedures.
A passage opened in the High Wall, which loomed like a giant, and a silver-gray rail station platform extended to receive them.
After transferring to another vehicle, they found themselves within the High Wall's interior.
A blue-lit Barrier, like a massive glass dome, enveloped the city's airspace, allowing a clear view of the azure sky above.
Around the spatial gates formed by Energy Nodes, more and more structures were being erected, and the colossal circular Star Ring Device was nearing completion.
Chen Feng scanned his surroundings with his Perception, then finally looked up at the central area.
A suppression-class warship loomed across the sky, concealing a figure who seemed to be shielding their presence from detection.
As if sensing something, the young man playing a game paused and glanced at the warship's alloy hull.
Despite the Force Field Shield and Alloy Steel Plate separating them, it felt as though they could see each other.
Until the very end, the aircraft entered the spatial gate, merging into the blinding white light.
Ripples spread like ripples across water. Inside the warship, Wang Cheng withdrew his gaze and quickly tapped his tablet screen again.
"To think they could defeat Nangong Ling..."
"I hope both of you return safely."
He thought silently before tapping the "Play Again" button on the game interface.
Buzz!
Minutes later, the red maple aircraft arrived above Radiant Light Inner City.
Layers of white clouds gradually dispersed, revealing illusory electromagnetic blue light flickering in the sky.
In an instant, Chen Feng's perspective shifted. He once again saw the colossal structure suspended in the sky, blocking out part of the city's light.
The inverted pyramid, several kilometers in size, resembled a massive ark carrying an entire civilization.
Its brown surface appeared to be composed of layered stone blocks, with peculiar patterns etched across its surface.
The cloud layer surged and dispersed around the Inverted Pyramid, while the suppressing warships hovered at a safe distance, maintaining vigilant surveillance.
A long blockade line of small escort warships and floating platforms encircled the pyramid. At that moment, numerous aircraft ascended from the inner city, pierced through the restricted zone, and docked on the floating platforms.
"The electromagnetic fluctuations are beginning to weaken," Han Chao said proactively. "We'll have a one-hour window of safe access."
Chen Feng nodded. Nangong Ling had already briefed him on these protocols the previous day.
The electromagnetic waves emanating from the Inverted Pyramid interfered with most mechanical devices, making approach difficult under normal circumstances. Exploration could only commence during periods of reduced fluctuation.
They also had maps of the Inverted Pyramid's internal passages, compiled from the exploration of the Yun Port secret realm after its mutation.
Whether any new changes had occurred remained uncertain. Verification would require firsthand investigation by pioneers like Chen Feng and Nangong Ling.
Buzz!
The aircraft decelerated smoothly, its engines humming, and docked at the floating platform within the restricted zone.
The silver-gray metal floor stretched out like a vast plaza, reminiscent of a celestial palace square. A considerable number of people had already gathered there.
Among them were Radiant Light Inner City councilors in formal suits, military personnel in camouflage combat uniforms, and high-ranking officers of the Red Guard.
As the hatch opened, Chen Feng stepped out.
"Major General Chen!"
"Councilor Chen!"
A chorus of greetings erupted. Chen Feng nodded in acknowledgment as he emerged from the aircraft, flanked by Han Chao and his entourage.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea. Chairman Li Yun, wearing a crisp white shirt, personally oversaw the operation, accompanied by several Flying Generals.
"Have you made your decision?" he asked quietly, meeting Chen Feng's gaze. Security personnel activated a Force Field Shield to isolate their conversation.
Chairman Li Yun struggled to understand Chen Feng's determination. Why was he so fascinated by this Civilization Construct, willing to risk his life to explore it?
Without offering any explanation, Chen Feng simply nodded in response.
The upper echelons hadn't rejected his participation, in truth valuing his strength and hoping he and Nangong Ling could act as mutually reinforcing flanks, maximizing their safety.
In the face of such considerations, any lingering suspicions seemed insignificant.
"Alright, just be careful out there."
Li Yun, recognizing Chen Feng's resolve, nodded and refrained from further argument.
As Chen Feng stepped aside, his gaze drifted to the figures behind Li Yun.
Seven figures stood at the center of the floating platform, all Biological Cyborgs clad in Bio-Armor and combat suits, fully armed with backpacks and specialized weapons. Even the weakest among them was at the Fifth-Tier level.
At the heart of this group, Nangong Ling, with her shoulder-length hair, radiated her distinctive aura, instantly drawing attention.
Her black combat suit accentuated her slender, graceful figure, while her silver wings, left unshielded, cascaded behind her like those of an earthly angel.
"You're quite punctual," she remarked in her usual detached tone, devoid of emotion.
Chen Feng offered no response as she gestured.
Clack! Clack!
Military boots clicked against the ground as someone approached, carrying a combat suit and weapons. They moved to equip Chen Feng.
"No need," he said, waving them away.
Chen Feng glanced at the combat suit and weapons, then shook his head slightly.
His physical body was already comparable to rainbow iron, not to mention his innate talents: Steel Bones and Azure Armor.
The equipment provided by the Military was useless to him; even absorbing Metal Essence yielded negligible benefits.
Seeing this, Nangong Ling and the others didn't press the matter. Instead, they handed him a Biological Detector to facilitate environmental exploration, data recording, and emergency support.
With all preparations complete, the group stood at the edge of the floating platform.
The massive Inverted Pyramid loomed before them, a colossal beast nestled between the clouds.
The Royal Aircraft was already docked, ready for immediate departure.
"You're strong. I accept the outcome of our last spar," Nangong Ling said suddenly, her silver wings slowly unfurling behind her.
The two turned to face each other, Chen Feng noticing a rare flicker of emotion in her eyes.
"But..."
"During this exploration, you'll likely fall behind me."
Whoosh!
As her words faded, she sliced through the air with her wings and soared into the sky.
Like a silver sword cleaving through the heavens, she shattered the last vestiges of electromagnetic interference in a single strike!
(End of the Chapter)
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