Translator: CinderTL
Buzz!
As the two words fell, all of Chen Feng's Extreme Martial Arts and Limit Breaking Orbs were completely depleted. Countless residual insights flooded his mind.
The courtyard house was eerily silent in the early morning, yet the skill progress on the panel before him was soaring wildly.
80%... 90%... 100%...
Finally, a crackling sound of bones and muscles resonating throughout his body erupted, and the panel progress abruptly froze.
[Heavenly Aura Overlord Body: Aura Body (1%)]
[Strength: 69.8 → 72.9]
[Agility: 58.9 → 62.6]
[Constitution: 70.7 → 73.9]
[Will: 72.9 → 74.9]
"A 12-point attribute increase."
Chen Feng clenched his fist, feeling his physical body grow stronger. His strength had increased by dozens of tons, and his physique was now tougher than even Radiant Alloy.
Furthermore...
"Glazed Aura Body..."
He recalled the key points mentioned in the manual regarding the physical power of this realm.
Chen Feng immediately focused his mind and channeled his power.
Buzz!!
In an instant, his flesh and skin seemed to solidify, and a layer of invisible, glassy glaze enveloped his skin.
He lowered his head slightly and raised his right palm.
The flesh and skin appeared to have transformed into a crystal-like transparency.
After a moment of Perception, Chen Feng grasped the secret.
"A layer of special keratin."
"It can be activated by the power of the Physical Body to solidify on the surface of the body, enhancing physical defense."
"It can also condense within the internal organs, providing cushioning to absorb impact and prevent internal injuries."
Having roughly understood the principle, he compared his current Perception to his previous state.
Chen Feng estimated that after activating Glazed Astral Qi, his physical defense had increased by at least thirty to forty percent, nearing the strength of Stellar Titanium.
"Not bad."
Nodding in satisfaction, he felt some of his mental fatigue dissipate.
He then collapsed back onto the bed.
He drifted back to sleep, waking only when the azure sky had once again transformed into bright daylight.
With his spirit somewhat restored, he tidied up briefly and pushed open the door.
The sky was bright, with white clouds drifting lazily.
A few fallen leaves lay scattered in the courtyard, while golden carp swam in the pond, searching for their morning meal.
Though the martial arts research collaboration had concluded, Chen Feng still hadn't rushed to leave the sect's suburban compound.
The reason was simple: Master Li Tong was in a critical phase of Force transformation and couldn't be disturbed.
The Divine Martial Alliance Leader's methods were too诡异. Cao Tong remained here to guard against any underhanded tactics.
Tap, tap.
Footsteps soon echoed.
Disciples had been waiting nearby for some time. Seeing him finally emerge, they immediately brought breakfast.
Cao Tong, clad in a loose robe, appeared alongside Xu Tingxiao, who had already broken through to True Intent.
"Junior Brother Tingxiao, you're now the fifth True Intent of our sect," Cao Tong remarked enviously as they walked. "I wonder if I'll ever reach that level myself."
Xu Tingxiao, in his crimson-patterned robe, smiled reassuringly. "Senior Brother Cao, you definitely will."
"The Sacred Flame True Art you created has shown remarkable results. If you persevere and cultivate it alongside the Heavenly Flame Technique, breaking through to True Intent is within reach."
Having experienced so much, Xu Tingxiao's temperament had become somewhat more composed. Coupled with his recent breakthrough to True Intent, which elevated him to the level of Sect Leader, his entire demeanor had subtly changed, radiating newfound confidence and brilliance.
"Alright, I'll take your word for it, Junior Brother Tingxiao."
Cao Tong grinned, seeing a glimmer of hope.
In the past, reaching Inner Strength might have been his limit. But now, watching Senior Brother Zhang and Xu Tingxiao repeatedly break through, and hearing rumors that Zhao Jushan was also close to achieving the same, he felt somewhat invigorated.
Tada... tada...
Footsteps echoed as they followed the disciple delivering food into the courtyard.
Buzz!
Though no movement occurred, their vision shifted.
The light seemed to flicker, and the sky dimmed slightly.
The black-robed youth sitting on the stone bench became the sole presence, accompanied by a faint, peculiar sound that pressed down on them with immense pressure, making them stiff and immobile. Their entire bodies froze.
Tada!
Soon, the black-robed youth set down his teacup.
The crisp sound snapped Cao Tong and the others out of their daze. They inhaled fresh air once more and felt the gentle breeze caress their skin.
It was as if everything that had just happened had been an illusion.
"You've arrived?"
Chen Feng turned his head to look at them, already understanding what had transpired.
He had just tried to amplify his Perception, focusing the legendary imprint in his mind to sense the faint connection to reality.
But the moment he made contact, the pressure intensified sharply, as if the weight of the entire world had descended upon his physical body and spirit, threatening to crush him at any moment.
Unable to endure it, he withdrew his Perception, hastily retreating from that indescribable, profound state.
"Yes, Senior Brother."
Xu Tingxiao and Cao Tong barely regained their composure, unaware of the true nature of what had just happened. They could only marvel at Chen Feng's increasingly profound cultivation, which left them feeling oppressed and speechless.
Then, as they responded, Chen Feng stepped forward to help the disciple delivering the meal arrange the food on the stone bench.
Cao Tong, meanwhile, suppressed his lingering astonishment, remembering the matter he needed to report. He spoke in a low voice.
"The compensation for the Black Crystal Group's factory has been completed. The matter is essentially resolved."
"The Safety Bureau has also identified the person possessed by the Divine Martial Alliance Leader. He was a True Intent level Martial Artist from the Northern Martial World who disappeared two years ago while traveling through the Eastern Continent. He hasn't been seen since."
After Cao Tong finished his detailed report, Chen Feng fell silent, lost in thought for a moment.
Missing in Niduo Country?
Chen Feng thought of the invitation to the World Fighting Tournament.
The Divine Martial Alliance Leader had admitted to sending it. Considering this, it was highly likely the other party was in Niduo Country.
Or perhaps they had once been active near Niduo.
"Anything else?"
"No, the Safety Bureau only found this much," Cao Tong said helplessly. He had been in charge of following up on the matter for the past few days.
Chen Feng nodded, knowing the Divine Martial Alliance Leader would have been prepared and wouldn't easily reveal their true identity.
He then turned to Xu Tingxiao.
"How have things been at the military camp these past few days?"
Chen Feng hadn't forgotten the Military's goodwill, but after some thought, he decided to send someone else. He was too busy to spare the time himself.
In contrast, Xu Tingxiao had accompanied him to Suro and had interacted with the Military, so he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with them. Moreover, his True Intent level strength was more than sufficient to handle teaching some basic martial arts and combat techniques.
"Everything went smoothly, of course, thanks to Senior Brother's connections," Xu Tingxiao replied with a smile.
"Besides teaching them combat techniques, I sometimes spar with them. Things are generally quite harmonious," Xu Tingxiao said with a smile, fully aware that becoming an instructor at the military camp was a good opportunity. Not only would it allow the Flame Tiger Sect to take deeper root in Nanjiang, but it would also garner more support for his Senior Brother's position as a Councilor.
Chen Feng nodded, knowing that the Special Forces members Xu Tingxiao taught only respected strength. Though they weren't Modified Humans or Perfected Modified Humans, most had received multiple injections of Gene Enhancement Serum. Combined with their precision firearms, their combat prowess rivaled that of some Inner Strength Peak experts.
"Oh, by the way, I heard Captain Han Chao will be returning from abroad soon," Xu Tingxiao added suddenly, surprising Chen Feng. Han Chao had stayed behind in Suojia City after the World Fighting Tournament, and his return to Nanjiang had been delayed by other missions.
Lost in thought, Chen Feng didn't press for more details.
After making their arrangements, the two men gradually departed, leaving Chen Feng alone at the table, having finished his breakfast. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and ripples spread across the nearby pond.
As if lost in thought, he had actually silently accepted the shared vision transmitted by Stone Statue No. 2 from the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm.
"The Serpent-Folk Tribe is gathering its forces again!"
"Though Lord Adams used the power of the Holy Sword to severely wound the Serpentfolk army last time, it came at a heavy cost."
"We can't continue like this. Many of our warriors are injured, and the civilians we rescued are still in training, unable to fight on the battlefield."
"Our reserve forces are no match for the Serpentfolk's numbers. We must find a way to change the situation."
Behind the colossal black wall that stretched across the land, a heated debate erupted within the Holy City army's camp.
Fifth-Tier commanders and Fourth-Tier elites stood inside a sheepskin tent, gathered around a sand table depicting mountains, valleys, and black dots marking the Serpentfolk army's movements.
The argument raged on, but Molly, clad in vine armor and a cloak, stood silently in a corner, unable to join the discussion. She could only watch anxiously as the gray Small Stone Statue fluttered and swirled within the tent.
"Lord Earthrock, perhaps I should lead a squad to intercept them!"
Suddenly, Guard Captain Olon, standing over two meters tall, stepped forward and spoke in a deep voice, proposing a return to the guerrilla tactics that had worked before.
The others were startled, but Corps Commander Di Yan quickly rejected the idea.
"Without a Saint leading you, it'll be hard for you to return alive."
The deep, rumbling voice of Corps Commander Di Yan, a figure as imposing as a small mountain, echoed through the tent. His massive shield, slung diagonally across his back, blocked much of the light.
Olon clenched his jaw, and the others' expressions shifted, their faces falling into a gloomy despair.
Only three Legion Commanders in the Holy City were Saints, making it difficult to mobilize them, let alone send them on the offensive.
For a moment, their thoughts drifted back to Lord Feng Chen.
"Even if we can't return, it's enough if we can buy the Holy City some breathing room!"
Olon spoke through gritted teeth, his face set with grim determination.
The others were shaken by his words, but soon someone echoed his sentiment, hoping to broaden the Holy City's chances of survival.
"Nonsense!"
However, Corps Commander Di Yan remained unmoved, once again rejecting Olon's proposal.
As another argument seemed about to erupt, Molly, cornered in the tent, felt her helplessness more acutely than ever. Her expression was a complex mix of emotions.
Whoosh!
Suddenly, several massive Flying Eagles soared overhead, stirring up a fierce wind.
Everyone instinctively looked up and saw several figures approaching the tent camp outside.
The leader wore green vine armor and a white cloak. His long, brown, curly hair cascaded down his back, and his face, roughly thirty years old, bore strange markings of trees and flowers.
"Legion Commander Kali!"
"Lord Kali!"
Respectful greetings echoed one after another. Olon, who had been about to press his case again, hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Lord Kali."
"Mhm."
The woman's footsteps were steady as she entered the tent encampment.
Corps Commander Di Yan frowned in confusion, asking, "Shouldn't you be in the city, helping Adams purge the traitors?"
"I'm no longer needed there."
Her tone was flat as Kali, the Thorn Legion Commander, stood before a sand table. Several members of the Thorn Corps followed behind her. She surveyed the crowd, then turned her gaze to the small, white-gray Stone Statue spinning in mid-air, and opened her palm.
A seed rapidly sprouted, transforming into a vine that drew the statue toward it.
"His Highness has decided to send me to aid Lord Feng Chen's arrival. I'm here only to request a few people."
At her words, everyone's expressions shifted. Molly stared blankly for a moment before her face lit up with surprise.
"So that's it."
The mountain-like Corps Commander Di Yan finally rose to his feet, casting a shadow over the entire tent.
"Tell me, who do you plan to take with you?"
"Olon, Grell, Tyr..."
Name after name was called out, including Fifth-Tier and Fourth-Tier warriors.
Kali didn't look at any of them, her gaze fixed on the small, white-gray Stone Statue circling her palm, bound by the vine.
When the last name was spoken, the statue suddenly shot away.
Whoosh!
The Small Stone Statue suddenly flew off and landed on Molly's shoulder in the corner.
All eyes turned toward her. Meeting the hopeful gaze of the wheat-skinned woman, Kali hesitated for a moment before adding another name.
"And... Molly."
As the final name was spoken, expressions varied among the crowd.
As if witnessing the scene, in the palace atop the Holy City's peak, the long-robed young man on the throne wore a complex expression. He turned to the figure in Golden Armor standing guard at his side.
"Adams, do we really have to send Kali on this dangerous mission?"
His voice carried a hint of worry.
Though he appeared youthful, a closer look revealed streaks of gray in his hair and an aura of twilight.
"This is the best option we have," came the calm reply. The slender man in Golden Armor, with golden hair and a golden sword at his waist, spoke with unwavering composure.
"Only that outsider can provide us with a new Saint-level combatant, buying us more time."
"And..."
The words trailed off, but the young man on the throne understood the unspoken meaning.
"You still don't trust Kali, do you?"
He gazed at the sharp features beneath the golden helmet—angular and cold, like a blade.
It was precisely because of this lack of trust that Adams had subjected her to repeated tests.
Silence fell. Finally, Adams in Golden Armor turned his head to gaze out of the palace.
"I hope my instincts are wrong."
As his words faded, the young man on the throne wore a complex expression and said no more.
He knew the Falcon Saint's Perception was sharp, but he didn't believe Kali, loyal to the throne and the Holy City, could have any other issues.
The two fell silent, neither mentioning the matter again, and together they gazed at the city outside.
Beyond the palace, at the foot of the mountain peak, the majestic city built of white and gray stone stretched out. Ordinary people in simple linen robes walked the flat stone streets, going about their daily lives.
Women wove cloth and sewed clothes, while children laughed and played.
But most people sat silently together on high rocks, gazing outward at the last camp, stationed thousands of meters beyond the Holy City's walls, behind the black city walls that protected their peace.
"Looks like everything should be fine," Chen Feng nodded as the shared screen disconnected.
He didn't know how the Holy City had reached this decision. But for now, it seemed they had agreed to his cooperation and were preparing to break through the barrier surrounding the sealed temple.
But... Kali?
For some reason, he felt something strange about the Thorn Legion Commander, though he couldn't pinpoint what it was.
There was no trace of Serpentfolk aura, yet something else, something mysterious, lingered about her.
After a moment's thought, he suppressed his suspicions. The barrier was far from the Holy City, so he would have to wait a while longer. He could confirm his suspicions with his upgraded Perception then.
"It should all be resolved together."
(End of this chapter)
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