Translator: CinderTL
Mist drifted, the world was dim.
Near a two-story martial arts hall building.
Boom!!
A black sphere the size of a human head exploded violently, shaking the space like the roar of a cannon.
The loud noise echoed endlessly. Over a dozen Faceless Ones and masked men hiding in the corners of the distant streets were terrified, trembling, not daring to make a sound.
Crack, crack, crack!
The sound of shattering continued. A huge hole, three meters in diameter, appeared in the two-story building, with cracks spreading around it.
Thud!!
Most of the building collapsed, the broken walls crashing down.
Dust rose, blood mixed with bone fragments flew in all directions.
A tiger head, half a meter in size, rolled out and stopped under a pair of bluish-black legs.
Looking up, a burly figure with a single horn stood in place, black light sizzling and dissipating on his body, with many cracks appearing on the golden armor.
But.
"Indeed, it's strong."
Speaking in a low voice, watching the fourth-tier tiger beast's body being blown to pieces, even its head beginning to dissipate, Chen Feng glanced at his own steel bones, his eyes flashing.
The upgraded Azure Armor's effect was indeed formidable. Besides the overall enhancement, the Black Flash had also evolved.
The single horn's black light still remained, but more importantly, it was the black light sphere that had flashed and exploded moments ago.
It was also a Black Flash, but a more powerful instantaneous one.
According to the feedback from the Azure Armor's upgrade and the recent test.
It mainly consumed his stamina, allowing him to instantly condense a black sphere within a three-meter radius without obstruction, which then exploded.
The power was undeniably strong, even causing cracks in his steel bone shield, which was comparable to ordinary titanium.
There were also drawbacks.
First, it was indiscriminate; all targets within the blast radius would be affected, including himself.
Second, the stamina consumption was significant; he could only use it seven or eight times in a short period.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!
Soon, a series of rapid sounds came from behind.
The wind howled as several powerful fourth-tier creatures with human bodies and tiger heads broke through the mist, charging at him.
Without dodging, Chen Feng once again activated his steel bones and unleashed the Black Flash.
Boom!!
Blood splattered, the tiger head exploded.
The shattered vertical pupils were filled with confusion, seemingly not understanding why they had only seen a flash of black light before losing all sensation.
Roar!!!
Suddenly, a loud roar echoed.
The wind reversed, the building shook.
A fifth-tier tiger-like creature, entirely black and about seven to eight meters in size, broke free from the Holy Shield Colossus's restraint, moving swiftly, crashing through the low building, and striking fiercely.
Thud!!
A dull sound reverberated as Chen Feng, clad in bluish-black armor, slid back over ten meters, his legs plowing through the ground.
The golden shield in his hand cracked, and a shallow claw mark dent appeared on his bluish-black carapace.
The test was successful. Chen Feng could clearly feel that the soft layer beneath the bluish-black carapace had absorbed much of the impact, causing little discomfort.
Roar!!
Seeing that he was unharmed, the black tiger-like creature roared in fury, preparing to charge again.
But.
Whoosh!!
The Silver-Gray Colossus descended from the sky, its stone wings stirring up a gust of wind.
Debris flew on the ground as the Silver-Gray Colossus's fist, adorned with golden patterns, smashed down.
Thud!!!
The ground shook as the giant black tiger was slammed into the earth.
Seizing the opportunity, Chen Feng rushed forward.
A deep black light, incredibly dark, yet bursting with dazzling brilliance.
Boom!!!
Instantly, the giant black tiger's skin was torn, flesh exposed, bones revealed, its body tougher than ordinary titanium.
"Roar!!"
Enraged, the tiger roared in pain, trying to rise.
Chen Feng issued a mental command, and the Holy Shield Colossus understood.
Without hesitation, it forcefully sat on the black tiger's back, pressing its meter-long head to the ground.
Seizing the moment, Chen Feng condensed the Black Flash on his single horn, choosing a method that wouldn't harm himself, and launched a charged attack.
"Roar!!"
However, sensing the danger.
The black tiger roared and struggled, twisting its body.
The Holy Shield Colossus's arms, adorned with golden patterns, seemed to bulge like human veins, clearly exerting all its strength, yet it was barely holding on.
Whoosh!!
The Black Flash from the single horn grazed the tiger's head, missing its target.
Seeing this, Chen Feng was truly angered and immediately unleashed another instantaneous Black Flash.
Boom!!
The tiger's bones cracked, its head bleeding profusely, still struggling.
Boom, boom, boom!!
One after another, black lights exploded, like continuous cannon fire, the loud noise echoing endlessly.
Amid the rolling dust, the nearby collapsed building was reduced to ruins, a scene of devastation.
"Cough..."
Finally, a light cough was heard.
The stone wings flapped, dispersing the dust.
A deep crater appeared, the Holy Shield Colossus's golden patterns dimmed, its Silver-Gray body slightly injured.
Chen Feng's golden armor was completely shattered, and his bluish-black carapace was dented in many places.
Even so, he felt his blood and qi surging, his internal organs in constant pain.
A metallic taste filled his mouth, which he forced down, looking into the crater.
The giant black tiger was gone, replaced by a pile of flesh and bone fragments.
Yet, even these remnants were dissipating, seemingly leaving this world.
"Got carried away."
The bluish-black visor slowly faded, revealing Chen Feng's slightly pale face.
Though the instantaneous Black Flash could severely injure fifth-tier creatures, it also caused significant harm to himself.
No wonder the Azure Armor had evolved a soft layer; without it, he might not have been able to walk.
Huff!
Then, he took a deep breath.
He pushed aside distracting thoughts, looking at the collapsed Extreme Martial Hall and the Faceless Ones and masked men hiding in the distant street corners, thinking he couldn't see them.
They were the nutrients he needed.
While he still had some stamina left, he charged forward, sweeping everything in his path.
---
[Extreme Martial Arts: 2]
[Limit Breaking: 9]
[Perception LV5: 12/100]
Inside the Flame Tiger Sect's mountain gate, the interface automatically appeared.
Glancing at it, Chen Feng looked out through the wooden window.
Blue sky, the sun just rising.
Winter was approaching, and the temperature in Nanjiang had dropped, the sun appearing later than usual.
Core disciples exhaled white breath, dressed in long robes, practicing martial arts on the training ground, several True Disciples missing.
Wu Shuang and Zhao Jushan had gone down the mountain early in the morning, for no other reason than to regroup.
The reason was simple.
After wiping out Lu Xinglong and his men the previous day, many forces that had been watching finally took a stance.
Like the Kui Pharmaceutical Group, which had bought the sect's pharmaceutical factory, and other sects that had opened martial arts halls in Nanjiang.
What was owed was returned, what needed to be withdrawn was withdrawn.
Apologies were made, and compensations were given.
Many forces even sought to visit and meet in person, keeping Wu Shuang and others busy, forcing them to go down the mountain and deal with the trivial matters.
"Strength is the root, influence is the leaves."
Having a deeper understanding of this saying, Chen Feng tidied up briefly and left the room.
Li Shi and others brought breakfast immediately. After eating, he went to the reception hall.
"Senior Brother!"
"Senior Brother!!"
Calls rang out as disciples passing through the redwood corridor greeted him fervently.
Some were among yesterday's spectators, while others had been at the mountain gate, excitedly recounting what they had heard.
No more constraints, the Flame Tiger Sect would rise.
From today onwards, their Flame Tiger Sect would be the strongest martial arts sect in Feng Province, and perhaps even compete for the top spot in the southern martial arts world.
All because of one man, the Flame Tiger Grandmaster who could kill a Grandmaster, their Senior Brother!
"You've finally come."
In the reception hall, sensing the commotion.
Li Tong, wearing a red-patterned white robe, walked to the door with a smile.
His complexion had visibly improved, his eyes filled with pride and relief.
Xu Tingxiao, dressed in a green robe, no longer mentioned wanting to be the Senior Brother, his gaze respectful and even somewhat admiring.
"Senior Brother."
"Yes."
Nodding, Chen Feng followed Li Tong to the main seats in the reception hall, sitting to his left and right.
"Good disciple, perhaps you should take over as sect leader."
"I'm old, I'd rather be a leisurely Elder."
Li Tong expressed his thoughts, well aware of a Grandmaster's influence and his disciple's recent efforts.
But Chen Feng shook his head.
"I'm only devoted to martial arts, not fond of mundane affairs."
Whether he became the sect leader or not didn't matter; the title of Grandmaster was the highest status in a sect.
Moreover, being the sect leader would entail handling a lot of matters, social interactions, and sect affairs, which were too troublesome.
Hearing his serious reply, Li Tong pondered for a moment and had to nod in agreement.
They chatted for a while, during which Li Tong remembered something.
"Any news about Chenye?" His expression was somewhat uneasy.
Disappearing at the sect's most critical moment, it was hard not to suspect something.
"No."
Chen Feng shook his head calmly, though he too found it strange.
Lin Hao's intelligence network in Nanjiang was extensive, yet they had found no trace.
The martial arts circle was similarly in the dark.
"Could it be the Divine Martial Alliance..."
Li Tong hesitated but eventually spoke, his tone filled with disappointment and gloom.
He was well aware of his Junior Brother's longing for the Grandmaster realm.
Unable to break through, he might have sought external help.
"Uncertain."
Chen Feng shook his head.
He had initially thought the same, but after several encounters with the Divine Martial Alliance, it seemed they too were unaware of his Junior Uncle's whereabouts.
They fell silent for a moment, until finally.
The arrival of a flying car broke the silence, and Li Tong, though disappointed and gloomy, perked up and looked up.
Whale Sect, Giant Elephant.
Two Grandmasters had returned to the mountain gate.
He instinctively wanted to rise and greet them, but soon noticed Chen Feng sitting motionless in his seat.
Slightly stunned, the next moment.
"Brother Chen, we, the Whale Sect Grandmaster and I, have come. Hope we're not disturbing you."
A hearty laugh, as the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster actively entered the mountain gate.
The reception hall faced the main gate, so the two Grandmasters walked in without needing to be greeted, leaving Li Tong somewhat dazed.
"Sect Leader Li, a pleasure. We must communicate more in the future."
"Sect Leader Li, truly a master, worthy of being a Grandmaster's teacher."
The Whale Sect Grandmaster stroked his beard, his tone amiable, as if speaking to an equal.
Li Tong's heart stirred, clearly seeing his disciple nodding slightly at him.
All his fluctuating emotions settled, and he smiled, no longer concerned about status.
His disciple was a Grandmaster, and sitting here was not out of place.
"Grandmasters, you're too kind."
"Tingxiao, serve tea."
After some polite exchanges, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster nodded subtly, each taking their seats at the left and right of the lower seats.
Chen Feng was not surprised by their arrival, as after the previous day's battle, they had privately messaged him on WeChat, requesting a visit.
That was why he was in the reception hall.
"Gentlemen, speak your minds."
"Good, the Flame Tiger Grandmaster is straightforward, so I'll get to the point."
Nodding, the Whale Sect Grandmaster said, "With the Flying Dragon and Golden Blade Grandmasters gone, there's chaos without leaders."
"The martial territories of the southern martial arts world need to be redistributed."
"So, we'd like to hear your opinion, Flame Tiger Grandmaster."
Li Tong was slightly shocked, sensing the underlying message.
He remained silent, knowing the respect he received was due to his disciple.
"Oh?"
Slightly surprised, Chen Feng also grasped their intent.
They wanted to seize the martial territories left by the Golden Blade and Flying Dragon Sects, opening martial arts halls to expand their own sects.
It sounded good, but unfortunately, the Flame Tiger Sect was short on manpower, unable to send True Intent Practitioners to other cities.
"The Giant Elephant Grandmaster and I propose that our three sects gather some manpower to open martial arts halls, forming an alliance to advance and retreat together."
"All gains will be led by the Flame Tiger Sect."
The Whale Sect Grandmaster was humble, his attitude sincere.
He knew well that without Chen Feng's approval, no one dared to touch this matter.
After all, killing a Grandmaster and defeating one were two different things.
"Agreed."
Chen Feng had some ideas.
His Life Seed Awakening Method required many essence items or related elixirs to reduce the consumption of Limit Breaking.
Moreover, he saw the spark in his master Li Tong's eyes, clearly interested.
In exchange, having the other two sects share the burden would make opening branch halls more beneficial than harmful.
Immediately, with his approval, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the Whale Sect Grandmaster smiled broadly.
They discussed for a while, and Chen Feng soon asked the question he was most concerned about.
It was also the reason he had agreed to meet them.
"May I ask, beyond the Grandmaster realm, what lies ahead in martial arts?"
Chen Feng asked, his expression expectant.
He had not been a Grandmaster for long and was not deeply familiar with this circle.
Additionally, the Flame Tiger Sect lacked depth, its predecessors' inheritance incomplete, leaving him with little knowledge.
"This..."
The Whale Sect Grandmaster and the Giant Elephant Grandmaster exchanged glances but did not hide anything, quickly explaining.
"Brother Chen, you've opened two gates, and you'll learn this sooner or later."
"After the Grandmaster realm, our martial path has only one final stage."
Speaking with emotion, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster said seriously, "Opening all three gates, integrating essence, energy, and spirit, reaching the limits of human potential."
"This stage is the pinnacle of human limits, what we call the Grandmaster's Zenith, the Pinnacle Realm of Martial Arts."
"Even Titanium-grade Cyborgs can be killed with a wave of the hand."
"Oh?"
His eyes flashed, Chen Feng recalled the information he had seen in his dream memories.
Beyond the Grandmaster realm were the Pinnacle Realm and Transcendence, the superhuman martial arts of Qinggang City.
Overlapping information made him curious, and he asked.
"Has anyone in this world broken through to the Pinnacle Realm?"
Martial arts on Earth stopped here, but he was still curious if anyone in the current era had truly reached the limit.
"Yes."
"Who?"
"I only know three."
The Giant Elephant Grandmaster said solemnly, "The leader of the northern martial arts world, the Saint Sect's leader, Liu Duanyun, who can cut a river with a finger."
"The previous generation's leader of the northern martial arts world, Elder Zhang Henggu."
All from the northern martial arts world?
Chen Feng was surprised but then remembered there was one more person.
"And the third one?"
(End of the Chapter)
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