Translator: CinderTL
Buzz!!
Beneath the azure sky, several aircraft slowly descended.
The crimson maple leaf emblem of Red City caught the eyes of onlookers, while several military jeeps drove past on the ground, carrying a dozen armed warriors.
In addition, several sedans arrived, disgorging reporters from media companies and news agencies, their faces flushed with excitement as they rushed toward the scene with long-barreled cameras and short-barreled lenses.
"What's going on? Why are there reporters here?"
"It looks like they're here for Senior Brother. Are they here for an interview?"
"It doesn't feel like it. The atmosphere is too serious."
Whispered discussions arose among the crowd. Many passersby stopped on the street to watch, while members of the Flame Tiger Sect, who were distributing supplies, also looked on with curiosity.
Even Celine and Yang Wudi frowned, their expressions puzzled as they paused to observe from a distance.
Finally, the military aircraft landed on the square outside the Martial Hall.
Hiss! Click!
The hatch opened, releasing a wisp of white vapor.
Modified Humans and Cyborgs in camouflage combat uniforms emerged one by one. The two squads of armed soldiers from the military jeeps quickly dismounted, their faces grim as they spread out to form a protective escort.
The imposing formation caused Chen Feng's gaze to flicker. Chairman Li Yun and the others smiled and stepped back half a pace, standing behind him.
"It's Representative Xia," Chairman Li Yun murmured, causing Chen Feng's heart to tighten.
The surname Xia held a special significance in the Red Nation.
Taptaptap!
Before he could dwell on it further, footsteps echoed.
Looking up, he saw several more figures emerge from the cabin.
Han Chao brought up the rear, with General Zhang lagging behind by several paces.
Two General Star-level figures stood at the front, both with graying hair and appearing to be at least in their early sixties.
A Legendary Flying General, whom Chen Feng didn't recognize, accompanied them.
Yet, they still weren't the center of attention.
Because ahead of them strode a middle-aged man in a black Tang suit, his leather shoes clicking on the deck.
His hair was styled in a three-seven split, a mix of gray and black.
He had thick eyebrows, a lean face, and a ruddy complexion.
A subtle aura of authority, deliberately restrained, emanated from him. His eyes, normally deep and profound, were unusually bright, reflecting the sunlight.
At a glance, Chen Feng felt a sense of familiarity.
Though he'd never met the man privately, a search through his memories brought up a figure he often saw on television and in the news.
Xia Mingyuan, one of the General Assembly Representatives.
He also held the position of Supreme Commander of the Department of External Defense, a truly high-ranking position.
Chu Shihong had mentioned before that Chairman Li Yun's greatest supporter in Red City was a member of the Red Nation's Royal Family with genuine power.
"Shouldering the sun, moon, stars, and rivers, martial arts transcend all."
"With fists, open the path between life and death, and with strength, save mountains and rivers."
The deep voice echoed in Chen Feng's ears as the speaker approached.
"Grandmaster Chen, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And thank you for everything you've done for Nanjiang."
Their eyes met, the bright gaze filled with genuine goodwill. The outstretched right hand showed respect.
The inherent pressure of a superior was suppressed to its limit, and the words of praise lingered in the air.
In that moment, all eyes turned to them.
Facing the curious and wary gaze of the unfamiliar Legendary Flying General, Chen Feng nodded and smiled, shaking his hand.
"Representative Xia, you're too kind."
"As a Nanjiang Councilor, I simply did what I should have."
"What a perfect way to put it! Grandmaster Chen, you truly live up to your reputation for integrity and selflessness. I'm deeply impressed."
Representative Xia nodded repeatedly in admiration, yet no one around them showed any surprise.
A Martial Artist comparable to a Legendary Flying General fully deserved such respect.
Moreover, he had saved an entire city.
"Grandmaster Chen may not care about what happened in Nanjiang, but we will never forget it," Representative Xia said with a smile, releasing his handshake and gesturing behind him. "Both Feng Province and Red City are filled with gratitude."
"Therefore, we hope to express our gratitude properly," he continued. "To ensure our Hero receives the honor he deserves and is forever remembered."
Tada!
The sound of leather boots striking the ground echoed.
Turning, they saw several soldiers in civilian clothes approaching in formation, their faces solemn. Some carried a set of General Star Military Rank Uniforms, others held red boxes containing Medals of Honor, and still others carried briefcases filled with special resources.
The two generals accompanying them exchanged friendly smiles, while Han Chao and General Zhang watched with envy and admiration.
The rank of Major General needed no explanation. Even if it was largely honorary with little real power, it was a status most people could only dream of achieving.
And the maple leaf-shaped Medal of Honor was a First Stellar Grade, granting numerous privileges far beyond the Second and Third Grades known to the public. It was a top-tier honor, rarely awarded to anyone who lived to receive it.
For a moment, countless eyes burned with fervent desire.
Lin Hao watched with envy, while Chairman Li Yun's smile widened.
Master Li Tong and the Flame Tiger Sect disciples beamed with pride and admiration. The representatives of the super-corporations observing the scene wore complex expressions, their minds racing.
"The younger generation is truly formidable," the long-robed elder remarked from his red Taishi chair within a building on the floating island of the Radiant Light Secret Realm.
A holographic projection materialized, displaying the reconstruction of Nanjiang. In the scene, a young man stood before the Martial Hall, surrounded by soldiers saluting him as he received his commission.
Watching this, the elder in the red Taishi chair sighed with a hint of admiration, while the middle-aged man behind him in a Flying General Combat Suit wore a complex expression.
"To have Xia Mingyuan come personally to commission him, not to mention his martial arts prowess that rivals a Legendary-grade Martial Artist..."
"Xiao Wu, do you still think he might have killed Xiao Luo's good-for-nothing son back then?"
"Is that still unconfirmed?"
As the words fell, the Flying General middle-aged man, whose chest bore a crystal badge, shifted his gaze and lowered his head.
"Master, that was just a rumor I overheard," he replied. "Councilor Chen is a man of integrity and wasn't even present at the time. I suspect it was a rival who spread false accusations to smear his reputation."
"Oh," the elder in the long robe nodded calmly, his wrinkled face betraying little emotion. "If that's the case, then his involvement in Xiao Luo's matter..."
"Is absolutely impossible," Wu Zong declared firmly, his voice ringing with righteousness. "Moreover, the higher-ups have already concluded that the Evil God Cult was likely behind it, manipulating those Utopia followers."
"Is that so?" The elder's wrinkled hand rested on his long robe, his tone flat, his expression unreadable.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment. Chen Feng continued to stare at the young man's image in the projection with his cloudy eyes.
"Salute!"
Clap!
Amidst the resounding command, soldiers and Peacekeepers outside the Martial Hall stood at attention with their rifles raised, saluting in unison.
All passersby watched with awe as reporters clicked their cameras, capturing this unforgettable moment.
The crimson flag fluttered in the wind. At the center stood the tall, muscular youth, his chest adorned with a First-Stellar-Grade Medal of Honor that shone like a maple leaf.
"Fengzi..."
Lin Hao's face flushed with excitement. Li Tong, Chen Yun, and the others standing nearby wore complex expressions, their hearts filled with emotion.
Every gaze and feeling was vividly clear in Chen Feng's Perception. He didn't refuse this well-deserved honor, returning the salute to all the soldiers with composure.
"Indeed, he possesses the spirit of a hero, surpassing all the world's elite," Representative Xia remarked with admiration. Only after the ceremony concluded did he approach Chen Feng.
Shaking his head with a smile, Chen Feng instructed someone to put away the Military Rank Uniform.
This wasn't just recognition of his status; it also came with numerous privileges within the Military.
Law enforcement, defense, the right to execute first and report later, participation in temporary Military decision-making—each of these was equivalent to or even surpassed the authority of a city councilor, not to mention that he now held both positions.
"The higher authorities have increased your Martial arts resource support limit. Someone will deliver them to you later."
"In short, Major General Chen, you've earned this."
Representative Xia smiled and shook hands again.
After his explanation, Chen Feng learned that he would receive a fixed monthly allocation of special resources.
Aside from the Life Source Liquid, these included Advanced Life Elixirs, Essence-replenishing flesh of Ancient Creatures, and other resources that couldn't be measured in money and were rarely found on the market.
"Thank you," Chen Feng said, nodding his gratitude. He knew nothing in the world was free and that not everyone could enjoy special privileges indefinitely. Everything came at a cost, especially when he would be expected to contribute in the future.
"I will always remember this help," he promised. Representative Xia's smile widened slightly.
After a few more brief exchanges, Representative Xia boarded his aircraft, escorted by several security personnel, and departed in haste.
"Representative Xia still needs to visit the Radiant Light Secret Realm, especially to meet with the Old Royal Clan. Heh heh," Chairman Li Yun explained with a chuckle, sensing Chen Feng's potential concerns.
He had personally seen off Representative Xia earlier and received a few private instructions from him.
"Understood," Chen Feng replied with a slight nod, not surprised.
Even within the Red Nation's Royal Family, Representative Xia was a powerful figure, one of the highest-ranking officials in the entire nation. It was only natural that he couldn't linger in any one place for long.
However...
He glanced at Li Yun, sensing a subtle shift in the chairman's tone, as if there were hidden meanings in his words.
Representative Xia took the initiative to meet with the Old Royal Clan?
Suddenly, Luo Wantao, who had died years ago, flashed through his mind. Luo had once been backed by the Radiant Light Secret Realm, receiving their support to later become the Chief Councilor of the realm.
Considering Chairman Li Yun's strained relationship with the Old Royal Clan, Chen Feng fell into thought.
It seems even within the so-called Royal Family, there must be some internal conflicts.
"Heh heh."
Chairman Li Yun chuckled, saying no more.
Chen Feng didn't press further, instead shifting his gaze to the silver briefcase being carried away by the Martial Hall disciples.
While the special privileges were a nice gesture, he preferred something more tangible.
The briefcase contained Representative Xia's other gifts: a vial of Life Source Liquid and four doses of Advanced Life Elixir.
In addition, there was a special permit for the Flame Tiger Sect.
This wasn't just a financial grant worth over a hundred million yuan; it also granted the sect a permanent seat on the Nanjiang City Council.
In other words, this political resource would be passed down through the Flame Tiger Sect for generations to come—a unique privilege in the entire Martial Arts World.
The Red Nation's top leaders had shown their gratitude with both honor and concrete benefits.
"The Heavenly River Secret Realm has encountered some problems," Chairman Li Yun said suddenly in a low voice, offering an explanation for the limited resources. "When Nanjiang was attacked, there was also a Black Tide surge there, so Life Source Liquid has been scarce recently."
Chairman Li Yun suddenly spoke in a low voice, offering an explanation for the resources he had brought, fearing Chen Feng might find them insufficient.
"Oh?" Chen Feng was surprised. He had heard Han Chao and Flying General Zhao mention that something had gone wrong in the Heavenly River Secret Realm.
Now, it seemed that signs of the Black Tide might have been present even then.
"Do other Secret Realms also experience Black Tide outbreaks?" he asked, seizing the opportunity to invite Chairman Li Yun into the Martial Hall's reception room.
The group dispersed. Lin Hao left with his people, smiling warmly, while Chu Shihong followed them inside.
As for the Legendary-level bio-modified human, Nangong Ling, she remained silent. With a flicker of movement, she vanished into the void, becoming invisible.
"Flying General Nangong doesn't like noise," Chairman Li Yun explained apologetically. Despite being the highest authority in Feng Province, the Legendary Flying General's status was equal to his own.
Moreover, there was a significant gap in their strength. He only held a slight advantage due to his seniority and the current tense situation, which had earned him her protection.
"No matter," Chen Feng replied, nodding understandingly. He then gestured for someone to serve tea.
Eventually, the meditation chamber fell silent once more, and the two men resumed their earlier discussion about Secret Realms and the Black Tide.
"Not every Secret Realm is invaded by the Black Tide," Chairman Li Yun said. "So far, only the Heavenly River and Eastern Sea Secret Realms have experienced genuine spatial rifts, resulting in several Black Tide incursions."
"Because of this, Divine Generals are stationed there, rarely leaving," Chairman Li Yun explained briefly. Chen Feng, hearing this, had some suspicions.
He knew the Red Nation's high-ranking officials had excavated numerous Ancient Civilization Ruins and was well-informed about the Black Tide's existence and its probable origins.
Moreover, Lin Hao, Meng Anran, and others had mentioned that the Black Tide had erupted several times before the Suojia City incident, though these occurrences had been confined to Secret Realms and hadn't manifested in Earth's reality.
"What about the Cloud Dream Forest?" Chen Feng asked, puzzled. He remembered that when he was still a Grandmaster, he had been invited by the Black Crystal Group to explore the Underground Labyrinth beneath the Inverted Pyramid. Numerous Black Tide Creatures had appeared there, later being annihilated by the military's energy cannons.
"That wasn't a Black Tide invasion," Chairman Li Yun replied, shaking his head and revealing a secret. "The incident in the Cloud Dream Forest received considerable attention. Initially, some people thought it was a Black Tide incursion, but later investigations revealed that it was far smaller in scale compared to actual Black Tide invasions."
"Furthermore, after the Inverted Pyramid Anomaly, some explorers discovered and deciphered certain documents. Combined with expert speculation, these records suggest that the site was once an experimental base of the Ancient Taiduo Civilization. Using a unique method, they captured Black Tide Creatures and imprisoned them within Civilization Constructs."
"Later, our excavation damaged some of the containment devices, allowing those Black Tide Creatures to escape and causing a small-scale Black Tide phenomenon."
Ah, so that's it.
Chen Feng's doubts dissipated, replaced by a sense of clarity.
But then, recalling Chairman Li Yun's earlier words, his curiosity piqued again.
"What distinguishes the Heavenly River and Eastern Sea Secret Realms from the Cloud Dream Forest? Why have they experienced multiple Black Tide invasions?"
He found it peculiar.
"There's only one difference," Chairman Li Yun sighed, carefully considering his words before revealing a shocking secret. "Both Secret Realms have been marked with spatial anchors by an Evil God."
(End of the Chapter)
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