Translator: CinderTL
"Bravo!!"
Amidst the continuous snow-capped mountains, within the military tent.
The drone's transmitted footage only showed a retreating figure, forcing all the Suro people to fall silent.
Witnessing this scene, all the high-ranking officers were beaming with smiles, and some even couldn't help but praise.
"Well fought! It's time to make these fence-sitters face reality!"
"This Grandmaster Chen is indeed impressive, decisive and sharp in his actions, very much to my liking."
"It seems the matter of the Nanjiang City councilor should be settled sooner rather than later, we mustn't let his heart grow cold."
"Right, by the way, wasn't it said that the main ingredients for the Advanced Life Elixir have already been allocated? I heard Grandmaster Chen seems to be in need of it recently, perhaps we should prepare a portion for him as well?"
Laughter filled the tent, and next door, Meng Anran turned off the virtual screen, her expression tinged with a hint of sentiment.
When she first met this man, he hadn't yet grasped the True Intent, struggling desperately under the siege of the Flying Dragon Sect.
Now, within the Martial Arts World, his name was known to all, and it seemed he was on the verge of breaking into the Pinnacle Realm. "What a pity."
Feeling sentimental, she suddenly shook her head, causing Old Gu to look puzzled.
"Boss?"
"Do you know why the Mountain Ancestor didn't make a move?"
She asked in return, and Old Gu answered without hesitation, "Isn't it agreed that those in the Pinnacle Realm cannot intervene?"
"Agreements are just agreements, haven't you seen how many tricks Suro has up its sleeve?"
"The key is that several Red Generals are guarding the sacred snow mountain, making him dare not violate the agreement."
Hearing this, Old Gu then remembered that several Red Generals had left this place earlier in the morning.
At the same time, he quickly grasped the underlying meaning.
"So, Boss, you're lamenting that Grandmaster Chen was born at the wrong time?"
In ancient times, a Grandmaster could be a hero, and those in the Pinnacle Realm were revered as overlords, capable of taking heads among ten thousand.
But in this era, the limits of martial arts are finite, while technology can still climb higher.
Even a Pinnacle Realm powerhouse cannot contend with stronger Cyborgs or Cyborg Weapons.
Without further response, Meng Anran looked out at the pure white snow outside the tent.
The snowstorm was fierce, as if the heavens' will, beyond human power to defy.
--
Tap, tap, tap, the sound of footsteps echoed as the half-naked youth donned his down jacket again, zipped it up, and stepped away from the cloud platform.
The gazes of the Suro people followed him, an eerie silence lingering for who knows how long.
Watching this scene, Xu Tingxiao and others standing at the entrance of the cloud platform were deeply shocked, unable to snap out of it for a long time.
"He... he won?"
He knew his Senior Brother would win, but this scene was even more shocking than the one at Xiangshan.
After all, this was the Martial Arts World of an entire nation, not just a province or a region.
"Let's go."
Walking up to him, Chen Feng said calmly.
As if he had just done something trivial, as light as a cloud, without a ripple.
The young Yao Wei who followed was filled with awe and reverence, while Zhou Wuren and his disciples were also full of admiration.
"Truly worthy of being Grandmaster Chen."
He was at a loss for words to praise, the punch the other had delivered to avenge him against Napong seemed to have been planted in his heart, feeling utterly exhilarating.
Even Yuan Yueshan, an Advanced Titanium Cyborg, looked at Chen Feng with a changed gaze, already filled with respect.
He reckoned that if it were him, he probably wouldn't be able to withstand more than a few moves.
The group thus left the cloud platform and re-entered the guest area of the snow mountain buildings.
Only when the last figure disappeared did the Suro people barely come to their senses, and only then dared to voice their thoughts.
Shock, anger, curses, fear, and scolding—all these emotions were vividly displayed before Shiva's eyes. In that moment, she saw her Senior Brother collapse weakly, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, severely injured and unconscious.
For some reason, she felt an inexplicable emptiness.
"You really stole the show today!"
Back in the guest area, Lin Hao was filled with both envy and admiration.
All five major Mystic Mark Schools had been defeated. It could be said that the entire Martial Arts World of Suro had its backbone broken by the friend before him.
As for the future, it went without saying.
Chen Feng didn't deny it, merely glancing silently at the floating panel.
[Azure Armor LV5: 68/100]
[Heart of Glory LV3: 95/100]
Both the Azure Armor and the Heart of Glory had improved, especially the latter, which had surged in progress, now just a hair's breadth away from leveling up again.
"Pity... I thought the Mountain Ancestor would make a move."
Chen Feng shook his head in regret, knowing that only a fifth-tier enemy could provide him with sufficient nourishment.
Gert fell short, so despite the grand spectacle today, it still wasn't enough to push the Heart of Glory to a true breakthrough.
Lin Hao rolled his eyes, feeling that Chen Feng's aura was becoming increasingly imposing.
"You really dare to say that."
"However, I doubt the Mountain Ancestor would dare to show his face."
"After all, we've tolerated enough along the way, and those above are nearing their breaking point."
Chen Feng nodded, neither confirming nor denying.
Buzz!
At that moment, Lin Hao's phone vibrated, and he answered the call right there.
Chen Feng could hear Meng Anran's voice.
"Alright, I'll be there soon."
Lin Hao nodded, hung up, and then looked at Chen Feng.
"Big Sis is indeed nearby. She wants me to meet up with the Black Crystal Group and wait for the Secret Realm to open."
Chen Feng wasn't surprised, knowing that Meng Anran wanted to look out for him.
However, he was taken aback that the Secret Realm would actually be opened to the public.
"I heard it's because of the Platinum Federation. The military hopes civilian groups can help share some of the pressure."
"But don't worry, I definitely won't enter the Secret Realm. I'll just have Old Yuan and the others scout ahead to see if they can find anything."
Cyborgs could upload their consciousness, reducing exploration risks and allowing for potential resets.
But if an ordinary human entered and died, it would be permanent.
"When are you setting off?"
Knowing Lin Hao wouldn't act recklessly, Chen Feng felt somewhat reassured but quickly asked another question.
He didn't plan to join them for now.
First, he needed to deal with matters concerning the Divine Martial Alliance.
Second, he wasn't a cyborg.
This Secret Realm was unknown and too risky. Even if he went to the meeting point with the Black Crystal Group, he wouldn't easily enter the Secret Realm.
"Today. She said she's already communicated with the military, and Captain Han will send someone to escort me later."
"Oh?"
Chen Feng was surprised. Meng Anran had connections with the military? "She can't command the military. It's the Royal City Flying General helping her."
With a look of realization, Lin Hao saw his confusion.
Chen Feng's gaze sharpened, recalling that Zhou Wuren had once mentioned a Flying General had come to Suro to oversee the situation.
It seemed this was the person.
"Back when the Royal City Flying General hadn't yet joined the Red Guard, Meng Anran helped him a few times."
"But who would have thought she actually bet right? The other party made a stunning debut, with an exceptionally unique Source Consciousness and immense potential for augmentation, capable of easily withstanding any Titanium-grade Augmentation Module. He has garnered significant attention from the higher-ups."
With a tone of admiration, Lin Hao couldn't help but glance around the room as he spoke.
"Moreover, I heard... he has already started implanting Radiant Grade Titanium Modules."
Upon hearing this, Chen Feng felt a chill run down his spine.
Titanium and Radiant Titanium represented a significant divide, and he knew exactly what this meant.
At the same time, he finally understood.
Why Meng Anran dared to act so boldly in Yun Port, unafraid of even Luo Hui, and why other Red Generals dared to make sarcastic remarks.
"Alright, just keep this to yourself. Don't let it slip to anyone else."
Lin Hao gave a few more words of caution, and Chen Feng nodded. Shortly after, Han Chao arrived with a group of people. After a brief exchange, Lin Hao took Yuan Yueshan and Zhou Cheng with him, following the two people by Han Chao's side as they left.
"Let's go."
Lin Hao waved casually, and Chen Feng watched as he boarded a helicopter and flew deeper into the snow-capped mountains.
With the Royal City Flying General present, there shouldn't be much danger for them.
Besides, as he watched the direction the helicopter headed, he noticed fighter jets occasionally streaking across the sky, disappearing into the distant mountain ranges.
He roughly guessed the location of the Secret Realm.
Shaking his head, he decided not to dwell on these matters further.
He returned to the room and began waiting for news from Grandmaster Flying Eagle, preparing to pack up and leave Dowa Snow Mountain.
At the same time, a panel flashed before his eyes, and he glanced at the Heart of Glory.
"Just a little more."
"A fifth-tier enemy... who should I target for nourishment?"
---
"How much longer do we have to wait?"
In the underground base of Utopia, Onit, sitting in an empty chair, asked impatiently.
His deep voice and bear-like physique, coupled with his fierce expression, made the person in front of him tremble with fear, stammering.
"Soon."
Suddenly, a tall woman in combat attire, draped in a black trench coat, walked over.
Her voice was crisp, and Onit finally let go of the subordinate in front of him, turning to look at her.
"The results of the Martial Arts Exchange are in. Suro lost."
Hong Ling's gaze was cold as she spoke. "The Platinum Federation can't sit still anymore. They're planning to take drastic measures."
"When the time comes, the Flying General Wang Cheng will be held back by them, and the rest will be up to us."
"Oh?"
Onit's brows relaxed as he slowly stood up.
Cracking sounds emanated from his body, as if precise gears were turning, restarting the dormant Energy Device.
"So when do we move, and where?"
"Right here, in Dowa Snow Mountain."
Hong Ling's expression was cold as she pointed to the outermost peak of the continuous snow-capped mountains on the virtual screen.
"The Dowa Sect is useless now, and that guy needs to be dealt with too."
"Let's do it here. You take care of it, and settle everything at once."
Onit nodded, and then Hong Ling added another reminder.
"That guy might have already touched the threshold of the fifth tier. Be careful when the time comes."
"Got it."
Onit nodded indifferently, tilting his head slightly as a cold smile gradually spread across his face.
"Then let's make sure he's completely crippled."
That day, due to the heavy snowstorm and Han Chao's request, Chen Feng and the others didn't rush to leave.
Although this was the territory of the Dowa Sect, after the morning's martial arts incident, naturally, no one dared to cause any trouble.
"Let her return."
Inside the room, upon hearing Cao Tong's message, Chen Feng shook his head.
Through his perception, he saw that Shiva had brought her people to the reception area, wanting to visit him once more. He had no intention of wasting time on this.
"Alright."
Cao Tong nodded and left, quickly arriving outside the reception area.
"Miss Shiva, please return."
He spoke tactfully. Shiva glanced at the house in the reception area, pausing for a few seconds.
The lights were still on, but no figure appeared.
"Alright."
With a helpless sigh, she finally left with her servants.
The sound of footsteps faded into the distance. Inside the room, Chen Feng shook his head.
He was currently at odds with the Martial Arts World of Suro and couldn't understand why the other party still wanted to see him.
As this thought flashed through his mind, he looked at the night outside and decided to sleep.
But soon.
His Soul Flame sent out an anomaly, and he suddenly heard Gata's voice.
Moreover, perhaps due to his enhanced spiritual power.
At this moment, he even received images from the Dead Crow Secret Realm.
"We've finally left Merman Bay."
A fleet of ships sailed across the sea, the White Mist gradually dissipating behind them.
"But honestly, I didn't expect there to be a completely safe route within the White Mist storm."
"True, but thinking about it, it makes sense. The Mermaid tribe has lived here for many years, coming and going, so they must have discovered it long ago."
The crew on the deck whispered among themselves. Lei Long stood at the forefront, holding a stone box containing a Blue Heart Stone, watching as the White Mist grew farther away. In the distance, a Mermaid could be seen disappearing.
He had thought entering Merman Bay would come at a cost, but he hadn't expected the two Mermaids to know a hidden route, allowing them to arrive safely.
Afterwards, everything went smoothly, and the worries they had did not materialize.
Elder Delia had someone prepare the agreed-upon twenty Blue Heart Stones and also escorted them safely out of the White Mist.
"Sigh, it's time to head back."
"Today's events, as usual, keep them to yourselves."
Lei Long spoke to the other crew members, his tone serious.
"Don't worry, Captain!"
"Did anyone leak anything last time?"
"That's right, Boss Lei Long, don't worry!"
Amidst the responses, Lei Long nodded, then took the gray stone box, intending to place it in the ship's cabin.
But before he could step off the deck.
The sea breeze felt unusual, and he turned his head to look.
A fleet of ships approached from the opposite direction, several multi-masted sailing ships appearing one after another, vast and imposing, their momentum awe-inspiring.
The flag of the Blood Sea fluttered in the wind, and countless pirates armed with guns and swords looked at them cruelly from the ships.
"It's the Blood Sea Vice Admiral!!"
"Damn it, how could we be so unlucky!!"
The other crew members also noticed the anomaly, their faces turning pale. Some even trembled, filled with fear and unease, nearly collapsing to the ground.
After all, this was one of the seven great pirates under the three kings.
The name of the Blood Sea Vice Admiral was well-known throughout the Steel Kingdom, known to all.
Whoosh! The sea wind howled, and Lei Long's expression turned grim, as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Before he could order the fleet to change direction, the opposing fleet had already opened fire.
Boom! Boom! Boom!!
Cannons roared, shaking the sea.
His face filled with shock and anger, he quickly summoned the power of the storm, erupting with blue light, stirring up a fierce wind to block the attack.
Splash! Splash! Splash! Many of the cannonballs lost their momentum, veering off course at the last moment and plunging into the sea.
Barely managing to seize a glimmer of hope, Lei Long quickly ordered the fleet to change course and flee.
"Oh?"
"A third-tier Storm Sequencer?"
Suddenly, a cold and somewhat surprised voice reached their ears.
Lei Long and his crew stiffened, instinctively turning their heads to look.
On the deck of the pirate fleet nearly a hundred meters away, a figure clad in an old military coat and a pirate hat appeared.
Surrounding him were several notorious pirate captains, most of whom were no less formidable than the former Great Shark's third mate.
Cruel and mocking gazes swept over them, and even the raging sea seemed to fall eerily silent.
A chill ran through Lei Long's heart, his face drenched in cold sweat, as he felt that escape was impossible today.
(End of the Chapter)
---
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