Translator: CinderTL
"The third one is in our southern martial arts world."
Whale Sect Grandmaster took over the conversation, his tone filled with a sense of lament.
"The northern martial arts world has always been unified, with their inherited True Arts far surpassing the foundation of our southern sects. Every generation produces someone who reaches the Pinnacle Realm."
"It has always been a case of the north being strong and the south being weak."
"But..."
A look of deep admiration flashed in his eyes as Whale Sect Grandmaster spoke earnestly, "It just so happens that the southern martial arts world's fate is not yet exhausted. Over thirty years ago, a remarkable individual emerged."
"He came from a small sect but created his own martial arts, broke through the constraints of True Arts, and entered the Pinnacle Realm."
Chen Feng noticed his master, Li Tong, react subtly to this. He turned his head and saw Li Tong speak up.
"Is Grandmaster Giant Elephant referring to the Southern Fist, Yang Wudi?"
"Exactly."
Grandmaster Giant Elephant was not surprised that Li Tong knew about this, as thirty years ago, the Flame Tiger Sect had not yet completely declined and was still considered a top-tier sect.
"I've indeed heard of this person."
Noticing Chen Feng's confusion, Li Tong nodded and explained, "Back then, the previous grandmaster of our Flame Tiger Sect was still alive. This person once came to challenge and spar with him in private."
"No one knows the outcome, but a few years later, it was rumored that he had entered the Pinnacle Realm and began traveling the world."
"Did he not establish his own sect?" Chen Feng asked, puzzled.
"He didn't."
Whale Sect Grandmaster took over, nodding, "Yang Wudi was too flamboyant in his actions. The small sect he came from was implicated and was wiped out while he was away on a trip."
"Although he avenged them afterward, it extinguished any desire he had to establish his own sect."
"I heard he now lives in seclusion in the south, but no one knows exactly where..."
Both grandmasters sighed, especially Whale Sect Grandmaster.
According to him, Yang Wudi was his contemporary, but the gap between them was as vast as the heavens.
Chen Feng, upon hearing this, also felt a sense of resonance, somewhat understanding the benefits and limitations of having a faction.
When you're weak, it can nurture your growth, provide resources, and shelter you like a towering tree.
But once you surpass the limits of your sect, it can become a burden, restricting your actions.
Like Grandmaster Giant Elephant and Grandmaster Flying Eagle.
Or perhaps, like him now.
With some thoughts forming in his mind, Chen Feng knew he had to find a way to resolve this.
Then, taking advantage of the topic, he inquired about the Gate of Spirit.
"Breaking through the Gate of Spirit is extremely difficult. Even someone like Lu Xinglong was incredibly lucky."
Grandmaster Giant Elephant clicked his tongue, worried that Chen Feng might be confused, and specifically explained, "Our southern martial arts world has been fragmented for too long, with too much infighting. As a result, there are very few related legacies. To break through the Gate of Spirit, one can only rely on luck and insight."
"On the other hand, the northern martial arts world, with their Saint Sect, has True Arts specifically designed to tackle this barrier."
"Once one's cultivation is perfected, they can break through the Gate of Spirit."
Hearing this, Chen Feng fell into thought.
No wonder the northern martial arts world always produces individuals who reach the Pinnacle Realm.
"What kind of price must one pay to access such True Arts?" he asked.
With the existence of Limit Breaking Orbs and Extreme Martial Arts Orbs, as long as he could obtain the method, he would undoubtedly be able to break through this barrier.
"Well..."
Grandmaster Giant Elephant, however, gave an awkward smile.
"Brother Chen, don't get your hopes up."
"The north and south are separate. The northern martial arts world has never been particularly willing to engage with us."
"Only those from northern martial arts sects, who have the potential to reach the Pinnacle Realm, are invited by the Saint Sect to access such methods."
Whale Sect Grandmaster beside him nodded slightly, corroborating this.
Such core True Arts are the foundation of the Saint Sect and are naturally not easily shared.
This is why, back then, when Lu Xinglong luckily broke through this barrier, it shocked them so much.
Hearing this, Chen Feng wasn't too disappointed.
Instead, he subtly glanced at the small black dot in the palm of his left hand.
A mark resembling a crow, deep and dark.
He still remembered the diary left by Wang Yu that he discovered in the dream.
In the Dead Crow Secret Realm, there exists a treasure called Star Soul Elixir, which can strengthen the spirit and nourish the mind.
If the Saint Sect's path is not feasible, then perhaps... he could emulate the method he used to break through the physical barrier.
With this thought in mind, but mindful of the people around him, he suppressed it for now.
The group chatted in the reception hall for over half an hour. Finally, seeing that the purpose of the conversation had been achieved, Grandmaster Giant Elephant and the others tactfully took their leave.
Watching their departing figures, Li Tong pondered for a moment before speaking up.
"Do you have any thoughts about opening martial arts schools in other places?"
"Let Sect Leader Lu and the others handle it."
Chen Feng replied, having already considered this decision earlier.
Due to the Divine Martial Alliance incident, the Myriad Tempering Sect had been hesitant to return to their Luohe headquarters, remaining adrift outside.
Now that he had established himself in the grandmaster circle, even establishing his authority.
It was natural to bring them back under one banner.
"That's a good idea. Old Lu is quite reliable."
Li Tong nodded in agreement.
After waking up, he had heard about the Myriad Tempering Sect incident. The two sects shared the same origin, and now that the Flame Tiger Sect had a grandmaster, he understood the temperament of his old friend. The other party would certainly be willing to merge into the Flame Tiger Sect.
Moreover, having them go out to establish martial arts schools and oversee them independently could also ease the awkwardness between the disciples of the two sects, allowing them to gradually adapt and blend.
Two days passed.
Outside the Flame Tiger Sect's headquarters, a black car drove down the mountain.
White clouds drifted leisurely, and a chilly breeze swept across the mountain, causing the green trees on either side of the road to sway.
The damp, cold air was blocked by the rising car window. Chen Feng, wearing a black sweater, sat in the back seat of the black car, his gaze returning to the panel.
[Life Seed Awakening Method: Third Tier (5%)+]
[Strength: 45.2→46.5]
[Agility: 39.7→40.8]
[Constitution: 53.8→55.3]
[Willpower: 43.7→44.8]
During this period, due to his master Li Tong's awakening and the widespread impact of the Huai River battle, many had come to visit, bringing valuable supplements, and various martial arts sects had sent their treasured secret medicines.
He accepted them all, as long as there was no enmity.
Because of this, the Seed of Life had grown again, and Chen Feng could feel the flame in his lower abdomen becoming significantly stronger.
"Other humans in the Serpent Spirit world who practice the Life Seed Awakening Method probably can't break through this quickly, right?"
With a thoughtful look, Chen Feng leaned back against the leather seat, slightly puzzled.
He hadn't used any Limit Breaking on this skill, yet the Life Seed Awakening Method seemed to have no bottlenecks when it came to him.
It was as if, as long as he had enough essence and supplements, he could keep improving.
"Perhaps it's because of my martial arts realm?"
"So, before breaking through to the fourth tier, there won't be many bottlenecks..."
It wasn't a baseless guess. Chen Feng could feel the subtle changes in the force within his body.
Heavenly Flame Force.
His Martial Arts True Skill had reached perfection and should have stagnated, hitting its limit.
Yet, due to the growth of his Life Energy, it had strengthened even further.
This confirmed his earlier suspicion.
He even suspected that once the Life Seed Awakening Method broke through to the fourth tier, his Heavenly Flame Technique would receive an even stronger feedback.
With that, he didn't delve deeper.
The journey was silent. The middle-aged driver was an employee arranged by Li Shi, reliable and not disturbing him during the trip.
In the passenger seat sat Cao Tong, wearing a black winter jacket. He had taken the time to return to the sect headquarters the past two days and was also planning to go down the mountain today, so they traveled together.
The car was quiet until finally, tall buildings began to rise on both sides.
Entering the city, Chen Feng saw the illuminated sign on top of a high-rise building.
[Black Crystal Group]
Located in the city center, the building's floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the sunlight, resembling waves.
Holographic projections floated in mid-air, and flying cars passed overhead, their advertisements flickering constantly.
[Modifications, Enhancement Potions, Body Sculpting...]
"The City Alliance used to prohibit the trade of such things in Nanjiang, but now... it seems they've loosened up."
Cao Tong remarked with a sigh, and Chen Feng didn't disagree.
He always felt that Nanjiang's investment and business recruitment had other secrets, not just because of the turmoil in the Suro Nation.
After all, Black Crystal Group was no ordinary large enterprise.
It was a true mega-corporation, a behemoth with a reputation throughout the Red Nation.
With this thought in mind, the black car passed through a street intersection and arrived at another building.
[Tian Hao Security]
"Senior Brother, we're here."
The driver said respectfully, and Cao Tong in the passenger seat immediately got out to open the door.
Chen Feng nodded, stepping out of the car.
His black sweater looked somewhat thin compared to the down jackets worn by passersby on the street, making him stand out.
However, the burly security guards in suits at the entrance of the security company quickly approached, bowing respectfully.
"Grandmaster Chen, the boss is waiting for you upstairs."
"Please."
"Mm."
Chen Feng nodded, signaling Cao Tong to go about his business, then followed the security guards into the building.
He had come down the mountain today for no other reason than that Lin Hao had something to give him.
Additionally, Meng Anran was also here, wanting to discuss their previous agreement.
Ding!
The elevator reached the top floor, and the security guards cleared the way.
Chen Feng stepped out and saw two people standing at the entrance to the chairman's office.
One was Liu Bo, Lin Hao's butler, a Grandmaster-level Cyborg.
The other was Meng Anran's modified bodyguard, a burly middle-aged man in a black trench coat.
"Grandmaster Chen, please."
Liu Bo, wearing white gloves like an old gentleman, smiled and gestured.
Chen Feng nodded with a smile, glancing at the man's dark golden left eye.
He had already guessed that this was the Cyborg who had helped him repel Silver Wolf outside the Tian Heng Building, so he naturally held a bit more goodwill toward him than usual.
As for the middle-aged Cyborg beside him.
Although the man didn't speak, he nodded in respect.
"Fengzi, you're finally here."
Lin Hao was the first to hear the commotion, walking out from behind his redwood desk, dressed in a casual gray suit, grinning.
Chen Feng nodded, his peripheral vision catching Meng Anran sitting on the leather sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Wearing a beige trench coat, her golden hair casually draped over her shoulders, her pencil pants accentuating her long legs crossed on the brown wooden table, she looked at him with a somewhat dangerous gaze.
Though puzzled, he didn't dwell on it.
Because Lin Hao clapped his hands, and soon someone brought over a silver metal box.
"The City Alliance sent this yesterday. As per your instructions, I've exchanged the money for Titanium."
"But the stock is limited. This is all they have for now, and the rest will need to be shipped from Yun Port."
Chen Feng wasn't surprised. This was one of the purposes of his trip.
A result of the trade with Jin Wei's consciousness, negotiated by the City Alliance Council and Lin Hao.
His senses swept over the box, the Titanium inside square, five centimeters thick, twenty centimeters long and wide.
Enough to enhance Steel Bones even further.
"Thank you."
Chen Feng said sincerely.
"Hey, no need for formalities between us."
Lin Hao waved his hand, then gestured with his chin toward the sofa.
Chen Feng then turned to look at Meng Anran, only to see that she had already returned to her usual expression, uncrossing her legs.
"Mr. Chen, our agreement still stands, right?"
"Naturally."
Chen Feng nodded, knowing what she was referring to.
Due to the trade of Source Awareness Fluid, he needed to repay Black Crystal Group's favor by exploring an ancient civilization ruin.
"Good, I knew I wasn't wrong about you!"
Meng Anran's slightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, crossing her legs and nodding with a smile, "In that case, I won't hold the Cyborg matter against you."
"Oh?"
Chen Feng was puzzled, but the next second, Lin Hao beside him chuckled and explained, "This matter, we owe it to the big sis."
"That Luo Hui played a dirty trick, handing over your and Blue Demon's, as well as White Giant's, information to the Red Guard General in Yun Port, wanting to use their hands to deal with you."
"Big sis has connections in the Red Guard General, so she found out in advance. In the end, Black Crystal Group took the hit."
Chen Feng finally understood why Meng Anran had looked so dangerous earlier—it was because she had taken the fall for him.
But...
"Red Guard General?" he asked curiously, having never heard of it.
"An official special organization, mostly active near major central cities."
Meng Anran took over, speaking indifferently, "They mainly deal with the management of Cyborgs in major corporations and civilian modification groups."
"Your friend Blue Demon has caused too much trouble, killing many people in the city, including a council member."
"A Red General from the Red Guard General plans to come to Nanjiang to ask for your cooperation in the investigation. I can only say I'll do my best to handle it."
"Red General?"
"Copper, Silver, and Gold Generals correspond to the first three levels of Cyborgs. The Red General is at the level of your friend White Giant."
Chen Feng pondered, then saw Meng Anran suddenly smile and ask him, "So, you still owe me a favor."
"Fair, right?"
Chen Feng was silent, meeting her gaze for two seconds, seeing a hint of smugness in her eyes.
After a moment of thought, remembering her help back in Yun Port, he didn't argue.
"Fair."
The two then discussed the plan for exploring the ancient civilization ruin, setting the departure for three days later.
The location was within Yun Port's inner city.
Then.
Click, click, click, click!
The sound of high heels faded away as Meng Anran, her golden hair swaying, left the place after finalizing the agreement.
"Well, my place has become her negotiation spot."
Lin Hao joked with a smile, but Chen Feng didn't respond, his gaze distant, looking far away.
Having experienced this many times before, Lin Hao understood his thoughts.
"Luo Hui has significant influence in Yun Port, and various forces give face to his father."
"Moreover, the Red Guard General is already paying attention to you. If Blue Demon and White Giant take action again, you'll be in a tough spot, and it might even implicate the Flame Tiger Sect."
Lin Hao's earnest advice fell on silent ears.
Through the floor-to-ceiling window, the bustling city of Nanjiang spread out, the spaces between the tall buildings alternating between light and shadow.
Finally, Chen Feng suddenly smiled, turned, and patted Lin Hao's shoulder.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
"I'm the kind of person who hates fighting and killing the most."
(End of the Chapter)
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