Translator: CinderTL
"Miss Shiva, you're making this very difficult for me."
The flying car parked outside the martial arts hall, and several figures appeared at the entrance.
Captain Han Chao's expression was serious, and the military cyborgs behind him also had strange looks in their eyes.
However, Shiva, who had brought several Suro people with her, brushed the hair by her ear and feigned innocence, saying, "Captain Han Chao."
"Surely I can't be denied the chance to apologize, can I?"
Hearing this, Han Chao took a deep breath.
He couldn't help but feel that this jewel of the Suro Dowa Faction was somewhat incomprehensible.
She had deliberately provoked, only to be beaten into confusion.
She should have returned to Suro, but instead, she stayed and came to the Flame Tiger Martial Arts Hall to apologize in person.
"Captain Han Chao, is that not allowed?"
"Doesn't your Red Nation have an old saying: 'To know one's mistakes and correct them is a great virtue.' Isn't what I'm doing now good?"
Shiva spoke again, now dressed in a black robe with golden-threaded mandala patterns.
Tall and graceful, her brownish-yellow skin and bright eyes gave her a unique beauty.
Han Chao sighed in resignation, finally understanding why his superiors had handed this matter to him.
In the end, he agreed with her that there would be no more trouble.
Only then did he communicate with the people from the Flame Tiger Martial Arts Hall.
"Friend, could you inform Grandmaster Chen?"
"Miss Shiva is here to sincerely apologize..."
The helpless request reached Chen Feng's ears as he stood in the quiet room, looking at Cao Tong before him.
"Hehe, Junior Brother Chen, why not meet her?"
"I've heard that woman is a noble from Suro. In ancient times, she would be equivalent to a princess."
"Tsk tsk, a princess coming to apologize, how impressive would that sound?"
He spoke boldly, while Chen Feng remained silent.
He couldn't easily refuse Han Chao's request, but...
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, his senses stirred.
Following the anomaly, he noticed that one of the Suro people behind Shiva was carrying a briefcase.
Inside were several antique porcelain pieces and rare jade stones, seemingly gifts for the apology.
He shouldn't have cared, but one of the jade stones seemed to emit a faint dark glow.
Feeling a familiar aura, he immediately waved his hand, agreeing to Cao Tong's suggestion.
"Got it!"
Cao Tong grinned and quickly went out to relay the message, inviting Han Chao and the others in.
"Grandmaster Chen."
Han Chao smiled warmly, and Chen Feng, not putting on airs, shook his hand and gestured for him to take a seat.
The scent of tea filled the air around the tea table, as Cao Tong had already prepared everything for the guests.
"Grandmaster Chen, I was rude the other day. Today, I come to sincerely apologize. Please forgive me."
Shiva, dressed in her black robe, spoke earnestly, bowing respectfully.
The people behind her opened the briefcases they had brought, revealing several antiques and jade stones.
Han Chao hadn't paid much attention at first, but now he couldn't help but marvel.
Two green porcelain bowls and three or four exquisite jade stones, clearly of great value.
It was no wonder, given that she was a noble from Suro, with a rich family background.
Chen Feng hadn't had much goodwill toward her before, but now...
"Since you've come sincerely, please take a seat."
"Alright."
Shiva smiled and sat down on one side, while Chen Feng remained calm on the surface, though his heart was already stirred.
His senses hadn't been wrong; one of the jade stones was indeed special, with a trace of the Power of the Dead lingering within it.
Without showing any sign, he casually chatted with the two for a while.
"That day's sparring was at the request of my elders. I couldn't refuse."
"Thanks to Grandmaster Chen's magnanimity, you are truly the top grandmaster in the south of the Red Nation..."
Shiva spoke flattering words, and Chen Feng found her somewhat incomprehensible.
She had been provocative and rude that day, but now she was sincere and respectful, a stark contrast.
Had he beaten her into submission?
"Don't look at me like that."
As if guessing Chen Feng and Han Chao's thoughts, Shiva's eyes sparkled as she explained frankly, "In Suro, we revere the strong and believe in the survival of the fittest."
"Grandmaster Chen's strength is unparalleled, even in the martial arts world of Suro. I naturally admire you greatly."
Her tone was open and honest, not seeming like a lie.
Looking at the Suro people she had brought, there was no resentment in their eyes, only some awe and hesitation.
Chen Feng pondered, thinking about the situation in Suro.
With numerous factions and frequent internal conflicts, it was indeed more chaotic than the order in the Red Nation, and the admiration for strength was more direct.
"Of course, admiration is one thing."
"But I still believe that our Suro martial arts will prevail in the upcoming martial arts exchange."
Shiva spoke again with a smile, stating her stance.
She acknowledged Chen Feng's strength but didn't think Suro's martial arts were inferior to the Red Nation's.
Chen Feng neither agreed nor disagreed.
Instead, his gaze fell on one of the jade stones in the briefcase on the table. He casually asked a few questions.
"These are jade stones my family collected years ago."
"If Grandmaster Chen is interested, you're welcome to visit Suro. I can give you a few more then."
Shiva's eyes flashed as she spoke, confident that she had discovered Chen Feng's interest.
Han Chao beside her was also puzzled. Did Grandmaster Chen really like these jade stones?
Not minding their misunderstanding, Chen Feng continued to chat casually.
Finally, after more than ten minutes.
Han Chao and Shiva stood up to leave, and Chen Feng's gaze returned to the black jade stone in the briefcase.
About half the size of a palm, the stone was clearly of high quality, carved from black jade with a peculiar human figure pattern.
From his earlier probing, he learned that Shiva carried these jade stones with her simply because the currencies of the two nations were different, and she always brought some with her when traveling far, just in case.
Thinking her behavior rather capricious, Chen Feng, now alone in the quiet room, wasted no time.
He reached out and touched the jade stone.
Instantly, a panel prompt appeared.
[You have discovered the Power of the Dead!]
[Originating from the Abyssal Evil God—the faith of the Crows of the Dead's envoy]
[Usage: Accumulate and use in the Dream World]
[Effect: Allows a second entry into the Dream World, briefly entering the Dead Crow Secret Realm]
[Absorb?]
Silently choosing to absorb, the faint dark glow within the black jade stone vanished in an instant.
Chen Feng looked down, noticing that the black crow mark on his palm had deepened.
[Power of the Dead: 40/100]
"Still a bit more."
Withdrawing his gaze, Chen Feng looked at the other jade stones to ensure he hadn't missed anything.
Unfortunately, only one was special, and he was certain Shiva hadn't noticed anything unusual.
Shaking his head inwardly, he began to look forward to news from Grandmaster Flying Eagle.
---
"I didn't expect the Alliance Leader to send you."
Back in Suro.
The woman in the black dress returned to the carpeted villa, her phone placed on the table in front of her, displaying a call.
"I'm the one in the Red Nation. Who else would they send?"
The voice was hoarse, like the grating of sand, sending shivers down one's spine.
"Besides, this kid you mentioned has some tricks up his sleeve."
"Opened two gates and has the Overlord Body. He should be dealt with sooner rather than later."
The woman in the black dress nodded repeatedly, sitting cross-legged on the red carpet as a black crow flew past the window.
"Tell me, where is he now?" The voice on the phone clearly belonged to a man.
"He's still in Nanjiang, but you don't need to go there."
"Oh?" The voice on the phone sounded hoarse and puzzled.
"I've heard that kid is likely to attend the funeral of Xie Xiao from the Lion Heart Sect."
Her eyes flashed coldly as she spoke, "I suggest you lie in wait. When the time comes, as long as you're there, he's as good as dead."
"Alright."
The person on the phone nodded, ending the conversation without further ado.
Beep beep!
The call ended, and the woman in the black dress looked out the window.
The crow perched on the telephone pole stared back at her, its black pupils seemingly identical.
"This time, let's see how you handle it."
---
Whoosh!!
A day later, two flying cars cut through the sky, about to leave Nanjiang.
Chen Feng sat in the back seat, having not received any news from Grandmaster Flying Eagle, but instead, an old acquaintance had arrived.
"Brother Chen, your Nanjiang seems to be developing quite well."
The speaker was a middle-aged man in gray casual wear, sitting beside him.
Though his face was stern, giving off an eagle-like gaze, his tone was quite friendly.
It was none other than Zhou Wuren, who had agreed to attend the funeral together.
The Lion Heart Sect wasn't in Feng Province but in Luo Province, Xiangshan City.
Having few acquaintances in the south, he had come specifically to make the journey together.
"Tsk tsk, several large corporations like the Black Crystal Group are here."
"It seems the situation in Suro is getting more tense."
Zhou Wuren spoke to himself, constantly observing the city's skyscrapers outside the window.
"Perhaps."
Chen Feng didn't deny it, nor was he surprised that Zhou Wuren knew about these developments.
Though the martial arts world had its north-south divide, the Red Nation was a unified entity, always presenting a united front to the outside.
"By the way, have you also received an invitation from the military?"
Zhou Wuren suddenly asked, and Chen Feng was momentarily stunned.
"Are you also going to Suro at the beginning of the year?"
"Haha, so it's true."
Zhou Wuren nodded with a smile, explaining, "I was in a hurry to return to the Shadowless Sect because the military had come to visit."
"At the time, I thought of you. Among the grandmasters I've met, no one can compare to you."
As he spoke, he recalled the scene at the Yun Port ruins.
Chen Feng had punched through a fourth-tier biological cyborg, a truly terrifying feat.
With a look of admiration, Zhou Wuren said sincerely, "So, I asked the military, wanting to recommend you."
"But I didn't expect them to tell me they already had plans."
Chen Feng understood, which was why Zhou Wuren knew about it.
"Do you know who else is going to Suro?"
He had heard from Han Chao that there were three people in total.
"Of course."
"Wu Dongping, the second disciple of Sect Master Liu, known for his Thunder Palm."
Chen Feng nodded, having heard of this person from Grandmaster Giant Elephant and others.
There were only so many grandmasters in the Red Nation, especially those from the Saint Sect, who were disciples of the pinnacle master Liu Duanyun.
It was said that five years ago, he had opened all three gates, with hopes of reaching the pinnacle.
"The military has put in a lot of effort this time, showing their determination."
"The people from the Saint Sect aren't easy to invite, and they have connections with a representative in the General Assembly..."
Zhou Wuren hinted at some secrets, and Chen Feng hadn't expected this crucial detail.
After all, since the advent of technological modifications, martial arts had declined significantly.
Curious, he asked and learned the reason.
"Some things happened in the old era, with many martial arts predecessors shedding blood."
"Some old-timers are nostalgic; they are the last embers of our martial arts world."
In the midst of his sigh, Chen Feng's doubts dissipated.
No wonder martial arts had declined, yet the major sects still held considerable status.
And no wonder the northern martial arts world had always been stronger than the south.
Not asking further, the flying car fell into silence.
Zhou Wuren's eyes showed a trace of worry, clearly thinking about the earlier topic.
The reality of the martial arts world was laid bare; the gap between technological modifications and martial arts was growing, and his experience at the Yun Port ruins had deeply affected him.
Once those old-timers passed away, with the decline, he wondered where the future of martial arts would go.
Chen Feng had once had similar thoughts.
But now, thinking of the transcendent martial arts in the Dream World and the awakening methods of the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm, he felt no confusion.
His eyes remained bright, filled with confidence.
If martial arts were weak, then he would break through to the pinnacle and transcend.
With the path ahead reconnected, who would dare say martial arts were in decline?
Whoosh!!!
The flying car continued forward, stirring up waves of air.
They passed through more than ten cities, finally arriving at their destination by noon.
Xiangshan City, Luo Province.
"We're here."
Cao Tong and Xu Tingxiao were also in the flying car. The latter had been accompanying Li Tong for days and was now sent down the mountain.
Chen Feng guessed his master's intention was to give him experience.
Not refusing, he deliberately brought Xu Tingxiao along, wanting him to meet other grandmasters.
"Is that the Lion Heart Sect?"
Xu Tingxiao, sitting in the passenger seat, asked, and Chen Feng and the others also looked up.
A gentle hill, not in the suburbs but near the city.
Gray stone steps led upward, with maple trees on both sides swaying in the wind, yellow leaves scattering.
Further up, ancient houses dotted the mountainside, along with training halls, pavilions, and towers, all exuding an ancient charm.
At this moment, under the blue sky, several flying cars could be seen approaching from different directions of the city, landing on the mountainside.
Lion Heart Sect disciples in black ancient-style robes stood outside the main hall, white cloth strips tied around their shoulders, exuding solemnity.
Some were guiding guests, while others knelt in rows outside the hall.
Soon, the flying car landed.
Many figures appeared near the hall, with most of the Lion Heart Sect's higher-ups present to welcome them.
"Who is it? Such a grand reception, even the sect master is personally welcoming them."
"Who knows? Maybe a grandmaster?"
"Which grandmaster is so impressive? Look, even Grandmaster Giant Elephant is here to welcome them!"
Under the gazes of many, the flying car finally landed.
Xu Tingxiao opened the door, and Chen Feng and Zhou Wuren stepped out together.
Both wore black robes to show respect, and the True Intent of the Lion Heart Sect surged toward them, their faces filled with gratitude as they sincerely called out.
"Grandmaster Chen!"
"Grandmaster Chen!!"
"Grandmaster Zhou!"
Amid the calls, Chen Feng nodded to the sect master.
"My condolences."
The sect master was the middle-aged man who had accompanied Xie Xiao to Yun Port, a peak True Intent master named Tan Long, Xie Xiao's direct disciple.
Besides him, Grandmaster Giant Elephant and Grandmaster Whale Sect were also present, both nodding to Chen Feng.
Returning their nods one by one, Chen Feng stepped forward, about to enter the hall with them.
But suddenly, his senses stirred.
He turned his head toward the path through the maple forest on the mountainside.
A fifth-tier aura appeared and disappeared in an instant, so brief he almost thought it was his imagination.
(End of the Chapter)
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