Translator: CinderTL
In the spiritual world, on the Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder, a middle-aged figure in a white robe and long gown stood tall, his thick eyebrows and broad face radiating an imposing aura. Though slightly injured from his breakthrough, he exuded an extraordinary presence and profound dignity.
In an instant, their eyes met, both falling into an eerie silence.
After several seconds, the merged spiritual phenomenon gradually dissipated, and the other figure's form faded away.
"Liu Duanyun..." Chen Feng stood rooted to the spot, lost in thought.
He knew that from this moment on, the Sect Leader of the Northern Saint Sect had officially entered the realm of Transcendence.
"Not bad," Chen Feng mused, not overly surprised. Before Chen Feng's rise, Liu Duanyun had been hailed as the greatest Martial Artist in the Red Nation, even more renowned than Yang Wudi. The Saint Sect Leader, the founder of New Martial Arts—these were the legends that had built his reputation.
In fact, if not for Chen Feng's emergence, Liu Duanyun would likely have been the most dazzling Martial Arts figure of the era.
His gaze flickered, and Chen Feng withdrew from the spiritual world.
The sky outside the window remained a clear blue, and the roar of a passing Flying Car snapped him back to reality.
Since the dissemination of his teachings across the world, the path of Earth Martial Arts had been renewed.
Yang Wudi and Liu Duanyun—Chen Feng believed their Transcendence was just the beginning, not the end.
But...
"It's not fast enough."
After a moment's thought, Chen Feng shook his head.
Before the Black Tide Disaster, no one could escape.
Moreover, Red City had supported him so wholeheartedly precisely because they hoped he could lead Martial Arts to greater heights.
A thought flashed through his mind, and he made a decision.
Click!
The door of the Meditation Chamber opened, and he stepped out onto the corridor.
Many disciples were still helping the Red Guard and the Safety Bureau maintain order and distribute supplies.
Looking down from the glass railing, the first-floor hall was brightly lit with polished tiles, but the various fitness equipment stood idle and unused.
However...
"Yang, how should I say goodbye to Chen?"
Celine, wearing a black jacket and carrying a camouflage duffel bag, had already retrieved her Sniper Cannon from the Military.
Her wheat-toned face wore a puzzled expression as she asked curiously, "Do you Red Nation people hug when you say goodbye? Or do you exchange well wishes and hope to meet again?"
Facing her question, Yang Wudi sighed and shook his head, biting down on his cigarette.
Li Tong and the Giant Elephant Grandmaster exchanged smiles, each chiming in to explain.
Amidst the chatter, a faint sound stirred on the second floor.
Yang Wudi, as if sensing something, looked up and met Celine's gaze.
"So, it seems you're leaving," Chen Feng said with a smile, slowly descending the stairs.
He had already sensed their presence through his Perception before leaving the Meditation Chamber.
"Grandmaster Chen," the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and his companions turned at the sound, stepping aside respectfully to make way and addressing him with deference.
"Chen," Celine echoed, turning to face him.
Without denying it, she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Yang Wudi, her smile nodding in agreement. "That's right."
"Yang and I plan to leave the Red Nation and continue our travels elsewhere," she explained politely. "We've caused you trouble during our stay in Nanjiang."
Chen Feng waved his hand dismissively, indicating her politeness was unnecessary. He then turned his gaze to Yang Wudi, who stood at his level.
The hair covering his forehead remained disheveled, and his deep, melancholic eyes met Chen Feng's through the gaps in his bangs.
"I hate seeing someone helpless," Chen Feng said.
"I hope to gain something from leaving the Red Nation, something that will help me advance further," he said in a low voice, making no attempt to conceal his intentions.
The smoke he exhaled curled upwards, and Chen Feng understood the unspoken meaning: the Black Tide incident. The recent Nanjiang disaster had clearly left a shadow on him. As one of the world's top Martial Artists, the feeling of helplessness as a bystander was far more unforgettable than the heat of battle.
"So that's how it is," Chen Feng replied. "Very well. I look forward to the day we can fight side by side again."
He nodded in agreement, offering no further persuasion or entreaties. After all, he and the other man had shared several experiences together, from Suojia to Niduo. Their bond, though not quite a life-or-death friendship, had developed a certain mutual respect.
As their parting drew near, they fell silent, gazing at each other without a word. Chen Feng handed each of them a smart bracelet.
"What's this?"
"Some decent Martial Arts True Skills, along with some insights I've gained on cultivation after reaching Transcendence," he explained calmly, though his words caused the three Giant Elephant Grandmasters behind him to react with a mixture of shock, excitement, and envy.
Celine and Yang Wudi exchanged glances, both surprised.
They had long suspected Chen Feng had undergone a significant transformation, creating numerous powerful True Arts.
Their value was self-evident, hinted at by Chen Feng's current Legendary-grade strength.
However...
"This gift is too precious," Yang Wudi said seriously, shaking his head. He refused to accept it.
They weren't members of the Flame Tiger Sect.
They already owed Chen Feng a debt for the Transcendence transmission. He didn't want to take advantage of the situation further.
Celine shared a similar sentiment. Though tempted, she suppressed her desire, adhering to her principles.
"Heh heh."
Chen Feng chuckled. He had anticipated their reaction.
Recalling his earlier decision, he seized the opportunity to extend an invitation.
"You're right, you're not members of my Flame Tiger Sect."
"But what if we were part of the same faction?"
"Oh?"
His words stirred a thousand ripples. Yang Wudi and Celine's eyes narrowed, while the Giant Elephant Grandmaster and the others visibly tensed, their expressions shifting to anticipation.
"The Martial Arts World still lacks true powerhouses, far inferior to the reformed system," Chen Feng continued. "The fragmented factions ultimately hinder Martial Arts Exchange. Starting today, I intend to establish the Martial Dao Alliance."
With a serious expression, Chen Feng surveyed everyone present.
Grandmasters, Pinnacle Realm experts, and Transcendent beings—these were the most elite Martial Artists of the era.
"Under the banner of a Martial Arts Alliance, all Grandmaster-level Martial Artists and above are eligible to become Elders and join the Council of Elders, which I will lead."
"All sects are welcome to join, regardless of their location or size."
"As long as you contribute sufficiently, you will gain access to the Martial Arts True Skills I have left behind and the insights I gained after reaching Transcendence."
His simple explanation sent ripples of unease through the crowd. Even Yang Wudi and Celine were momentarily stunned.
A Martial Dao Alliance?
It was clear that if Chen Feng's vision were realized, this would become a behemoth in the Martial Arts World—far more formidable than the current Saint Sect or even the Flame Tiger Sect alone.
In fact, it would wield enough power to influence the future of a small nation on Earth.
"I'll join!"
Unexpectedly, the first to agree was the Giant Elephant Grandmaster.
Noticing the varied expressions on everyone's faces, he scratched his head and grinned. "Old Zhang doesn't have much talent," he said. "It's an honor to join forces with all you Pinnacle Realm and Transcendent seniors."
He admitted without hesitation that he intended to ride on Chen Feng's coattails.
Seeing this, the Whale Sect Grandmaster cursed inwardly at the man's quick reaction, then immediately joined Grandmaster Flying Eagle in declaring their support.
"The Sea-Swallowing Whale Sect has long been allied with the Flame Tiger Sect. Naturally, we won't stop now."
"Indeed, the Golden Flying Eagle Sect will also join."
As their words fell, Li Tong, standing nearby, beamed with a ruddy complexion throughout.
Everyone's gaze turned to the two remaining figures: Yang Wudi and Celine.
"An excellent proposal," Yang Wudi said with a sudden smile, stubbing out his cigarette.
"In that case..."
He exchanged a glance with Celine, and they both nodded.
"Then we'll humbly accept your invitation."
"Yes, Chen. We'll be relying on you for guidance from now on."
With smiles, the two accepted the invitation, officially becoming members of the Martial Dao Alliance.
Chen Feng smiled slightly and, at their request, began discussing the alliance's operational details.
Red City had just provided him with over a hundred million yuan in funding, which could be used to prepare a venue and cover the alliance's initial operating expenses.
High-Grade Martial Dao True Arts were designated as core resources, accessible only through sufficient contributions and appropriate status.
Martial Artists and their sects could share some of their unique techniques, secret medicines, and other resources within the alliance or exchange them to complete tasks and earn contributions.
Grandmasters could serve as Elders of the Alliance, and those in the Pinnacle Realm could become Protectors, automatically advancing upon breakthrough to gain higher authority.
Those in the Transcendent Realm, however, stood apart, holding no official positions but enjoying special privileges and participating in decision-making.
As for Chen Feng...
"Grandmaster Chen, please serve as the Alliance Leader!"
Giant Elephant Grandmaster spoke first, clasping his hands in respect.
Whale Sect Grandmaster immediately agreed, and Celine and Yang Wudi offered no objections, their admiration for the young man before them genuine.
To this, Chen Feng simply nodded without hesitation.
He knew that anyone else would have failed to earn their respect.
As for the title of Alliance Leader, while it reminded him of the deceased Divine Martial Alliance Leader, he was confident he could bear the weight of the name.
"Hehe."
Seeing his acceptance, Giant Elephant Grandmaster grinned, and Whale Sect Grandmaster and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
In the current era, only Chen Feng could truly command the respect of the entire Martial Arts World. Only under his leadership could the Martial Dao Alliance become more than just an empty promise, ensuring a long and prosperous future.
Consequently, Yang Wudi and Celine, who had initially planned to leave, delayed their departure slightly due to the Alliance's founding.
Celine set down her black suitcase containing a Sniper Cannon and joined the Grandmasters' excited discussion, offering insightful guidance and contributing to the detailed regulations of the Martial Dao Alliance.
"Since we arrived first, we naturally take precedence in the rankings."
"From now on, I'll be the Grand Protector. What do you think?"
Amidst the laughter, Yang Wudi shook his head helplessly, lit another cigarette, and walked over to Chen Feng.
"Once the news spreads, many people will want to join the alliance voluntarily."
"Even the sects from the north will surely be tempted."
His tone turned serious as he exhaled smoke. "However, the Saint Sect might not be too pleased about this."
"Zhang Hengshan is fine. He's old and has lost his competitive spirit. But Liu Duanyun has never been content to be second-best."
"He should have broken through to Transcendence by now. Moreover, he has a close relationship with a member of the Red Nation Royal Family."
Yang Wudi offered this special reminder, having long considered Liu Duanyun his greatest rival and thus knowing him well.
While he wouldn't resort to underhanded tactics, Yang Wudi suspected Liu Duanyun wouldn't truly accept being subordinate.
"It doesn't matter," Chen Feng replied calmly, his voice unwavering.
His confidence instilled a sense of certainty in Yang Wudi, who nodded lightly and didn't press the matter further. He understood that Chen Feng's current strength was beyond the comprehension of ordinary Transcendent cultivators.
Ultimately, the true measure of Martial Arts lies in strength.
The two fell silent, listening to Celine and the others' discussion.
During this time, cars came and went outside the Martial Hall, their horns blaring and echoing through the air.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Chen Feng's Perception flared with an anomaly.
The brilliant platinum light within his mind began to flash violently, sending waves of intense power surging through him.
The Holy Shield Colossus's consciousness, transmitted through their mental link, brightened. Chen Feng instantly received an astonishing piece of feedback:
The most loyal and reliable companion, the Holy Shield Colossus...
...has finally completed its transformation!
(End of the Chapter)
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