Translator: CinderTL
"I didn't expect Representative Xia to come personally."
"It's been two hours already, and they're still negotiating. I wonder what the terms of the deal are."
That day, at the floating orbit platform, the Military and Red Guard personnel remained in awe, gazing at the Inverted Pyramid rising from the sea of clouds, their voices buzzing with speculation.
Following their gaze, one could see that the blue electromagnetic arcs had dissipated, but the security level had been further heightened. A solitary Blue Light Barrier now shielded the area, blocking all external observation.
The two Legendary Flying Generals who had accompanied Xia Mingyuan had taken command of the security arrangements, establishing their command center at the core. Beyond them, several Warships had converged to suppress the area, sealing off the environment.
"This matter is of paramount importance. The strict lockdown measures were ordered by the higher-ups as a precaution."
"Many Councilors in Radiant Light Inner City are still unaware of this. Only a few representatives are participating in the negotiations, maintaining the highest level of secrecy."
"Brother Chen, if you're not in a hurry, please wait a little longer. Representative Xia should be finishing his talks soon."
Han Chao's earnest plea to stay echoed across the floating platform.
Chen Feng pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly in understanding. He didn't rush to leave.
The emergence of a civilization construct's intelligence, coupled with the Red City's high-level negotiations and trade agreements, would undoubtedly cause a massive uproar if revealed.
The Platinum Federation, in particular, would likely be unwilling to accept this development. After all, they also controlled a star ring channel within the Radiant Light Secret Realm, and no one could predict what desperate measures they might take.
It was no surprise, then, that the Military had temporarily sealed off the area, monitoring everyone's movements and communications.
"The Platinum Federation's inner city is called Gold City, right?" Chen Feng asked, glancing westward into the distance.
He recalled hearing Radiant Light Inner City Councilors mention that another Secret Realm region, located several thousand kilometers away, housed the other star ring channel. This area was controlled by the Platinum Federation and boasted a bustling metropolis rivaling Radiant Light Inner City in prosperity.
"Correct. The Platinum Federation's military forces are stationed there," Han Chao replied, following Chen Feng's gaze into the distance. "The two inner cities actually maintain some trade and communication. Given the unusual circumstances here, it's inevitable that interested parties will take notice, hence the authorities' heightened vigilance."
During their casual conversation, as if struck by a sudden thought, Han Chao lowered his voice and mentioned something else.
"I heard that Divine General He originally planned to personally oversee this matter and hold communication talks with the civilization intelligence."
"But because the Platinum Federation suddenly sent representatives to Red City for negotiations, she couldn't participate."
"Oh?"
Chen Feng was somewhat surprised. He had heard Chairman Li Yun mention Divine General He in passing.
He Mulan, the supreme commander of the Red Guard, was the highest-ranking officer in the Red Kingdom Military. She had served as marshal of the Red Kingdom Military, garrisoned the Eastern Sea Secret Realm for many years, and even repelled a true Evil God Angel.
Yet even such a powerful figure, standing at the pinnacle of modification, needed to divide her attention to remain vigilant?
"Who did the Platinum Federation send?" Chen Feng asked curiously, but Han Chao shook his head.
"I'm not entirely sure either."
This matter involved levels far beyond his clearance.
Chen Feng pondered for a moment, then a question occurred to him.
If the Star Spirit's emergence was so critical, why hadn't a Divine General personally come to this place to oversee its protection?
Looking at the surrounding fortifications and defenses, and considering the Platinum Federation's unstable presence, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Within the Secret Realm known as Gold City, there existed another star ring channel.
If they discover this, will a Divine General from the Platinum Federation suddenly appear?
Whoosh!
At that very moment, outside the Secret Realm...
High above the northern skies of the Red Nation, in the azure expanse...
A massive civilian airliner flew beneath the jet stream layer, its wings slicing through layers of clouds that stretched like an endless white ocean.
As the lingering air currents slowly dissipated, at an unknowable altitude, a figure with pristine white wings stood barefoot in the void.
The two-meter-tall figure possessed perfect symmetry, its limbs and torso adhering to the golden ratio, as if sculpted by divine hands.
A long, white-yellow robe draped over its form, radiating an aura of ethereal nobility.
"I never imagined that little girl from back then would reach this stage," the figure murmured, its voice calm and resonant.
As the words fell, the sea of clouds high above churned like a white ocean stirred by a rising tide.
The figure's sharply defined features were as if carved from stone, its pale skin and golden eyes mesmerizing. One might have mistaken it for the legendary God of the West descending to earth.
"Nearing divinity, her essence endures eternally."
"By my reckoning, it's been ten years since we last met, hasn't it?"
As his words faded, his gaze shifted.
He Mulan, clad in a white robe embroidered with golden patterns, sat cross-legged amidst the Cloud Sea Island, suspended in mid-air.
A blue light pattern adorned the left side of her exquisite face, her features appearing to be those of a woman in her late twenties. Her ponytail swayed gently behind her, stirring faint breezes.
"So, you regret not killing me back then?" He Mulan asked, her expression impassive, her tone direct and even.
The godlike man remained silent for a moment before shaking his head.
"Every sacred being is protected by the Will of the World. I now understand why I failed."
"Since you too have reached the pinnacle of this world, you must understand this principle. Why dwell on the past?"
He Mulan offered no reply, merely meeting his golden gaze with unwavering calm.
"As for what I mentioned earlier, I urge you to consider it carefully."
"The Black Tide is approaching, driven by the inevitable tide of fate. Remember, the Red Nation has only three sacred beings."
Boom!!
Before she could finish, the Cloud Sea Island churned violently.
A colossal entity materialized from the void, its shadow blotting out the sun as it descended upon the Cloud Sea Island.
He Mulan's body radiated a brilliant light, forming a pillar connecting the heavens to the colossal entity. In her hand, a white sword light capable of cleaving the world appeared as if from nowhere.
"I've waited ten years for this strike."
Clang!
A single sword strike cleaved the sky like a chasm, splitting the world in two.
Winds and clouds churned violently, space shattered, and a void-like rift appeared, bisecting the entire world.
"Divine Generals can't temporarily enter the Radiant Light Secret Realm?"
Xia Mingyuan, who had suddenly appeared on the floating orbit, answered Chen Feng's unspoken question.
"Secret Realms differ from real space, possessing a weaker overall spatial structure."
"The Radiant Light Secret Realm is particularly unstable. Due to its recent relocation, the energy nodes throughout the realm remain in a precarious state."
Having concluded his negotiations with the Star Spirit, Xia Mingyuan slowly approached.
A hint of complexity crossed his usually stern and dignified face. His upright figure, clad in a black Tang suit, was closely guarded by Legendary Flying Generals as they gazed out over Cloud Sea Island. "Divine Generals possess world-shattering power."
"Their Life Energy Fields exist on a different plane of reality. Their presence could easily disrupt the already unstable energy nodes, potentially causing spatial collapse."
"Such an incident has occurred once before."
His voice trailed off with a sigh.
Han Chao, sensing the moment, had already retreated discreetly to stand behind them.
Chen Feng remained rooted to the spot, deep in thought, his earlier confusion finally dispelled.
It wasn't that Red City didn't want to send Divine Generals—they simply couldn't.
Moreover, the Red Nation only had three Divine Generals. Two were stationed at the Eastern Sea and Heavenly River Secret Realms, guarding against the ever-present threat of a massive Black Tide outbreak.
The other Divine General He was needed to guard Red City and couldn't afford to be distracted.
"Why are you telling me all this, Representative Xia?" Chen Feng asked, glancing at the Legendary Flying General behind the man.
Nangong Ling was also present, though she had once again vanished into the void.
"The Platinum Federation developed Legendary Technology far earlier than we did, and we've learned many painful lessons from that," Xia Mingyuan replied. "Each Legendary like you is a rare and precious asset, our greatest strength against external threats. You have the right to know about this."
Xia Mingyuan turned his gaze from the horizon to Chen Feng, his expression earnest and sincere. "This civilization ruins has yielded a major discovery that could allow us to leap ahead and truly surpass the Platinum Federation."
"Therefore, I hope that in the days to come, Major General Chen will provide appropriate oversight to this site."
Their eyes met.
Chen Feng understood the implications.
The Platinum Federation's early development of Legendary Technology meant they naturally had more legendary-grade modified humans.
They might even possess Second-Tier or Third-Tier beings.
The Red Nation lagged behind in this area, leaving them somewhat vulnerable and historically passive.
The emergence and trade with the Star Spirit presented a tremendous opportunity, but also carried the risk of exposure and threats.
"I understand," Chen Feng nodded, offering no further comment.
His strained relationship with the Roth Family mirrored the deep-seated conflicts between the two major nations behind them. Whether driven by old grudges, political alignment, or past favors, he was willing to lend a hand within his means, offering crucial support at this critical moment.
"Then I'll trouble you, Major General Chen," Xia Mingyuan said with a smile, quickly waving his hand in dismissal.
A Flying General stepped forward respectfully and handed Chen Feng a briefcase.
"Inside are two vials of Life Source Liquid and five Advanced Life Elixirs. The blockade of the Heavenly River Secret Realm has been temporarily lifted. Knowing you were here, I brought these along, hoping they might be of some assistance."
Chen Feng accepted the new resources with a slight smile, showing no false modesty. His awakening method had reached a bottleneck, and he genuinely needed substantial resources.
During their casual conversation, Xia Mingyuan casually mentioned, "I heard you've accepted Grandmaster Liu's challenge."
"Judging by the timing, it should be happening within the next couple of days, right?"
"Oh?"
Chen Feng raised an eyebrow as he accepted the briefcase.
But he quickly recalled Red City's deep reserves of intelligence and resources, as well as the support Liu Duanyun had once received, and his expression softened.
"We had high hopes for Grandmaster Liu in the past, so we kept a close eye on him."
"While he may not possess Major General Chen's fierce determination and rapid progress, he did make significant contributions to the Red Nation in his time."
Xia Mingyuan explained with a smile, but Chen Feng understood the unspoken message: They wanted him to show mercy.
They hope I'll spare him?
"I know Major General Chen always acts with discretion."
"However, there's something I suspect you're unaware of."
Xia Mingyuan shook his head, declining to elaborate on his earlier remark. Instead, he revealed something unexpected.
"According to intelligence gathered by the Red Guard..."
"High-ranking Biological Cyborgs from the Roth Family have been spotted near Radiant Light Old City, infiltrating the Saint Sect."
(End of the Chapter)
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