Translator: CinderTL
"Thank you," a weak but steady voice rang out as Chen Feng turned to face Liu Duanyun.
The white robes were stained crimson with blood, the fist-shaped indentation on his chest glaringly obvious.
Having consumed a high-grade medicinal elixir, Liu Duanyun had stabilized his rapidly deteriorating, near-fatal injuries.
The middle-aged man with thick brows and a broad face looked pale as he declined Zhou Wuren and the others' offers of support. Instead, he clasped his hands in a traditional salute, expressing his gratitude.
The atmosphere fell silent, broken only by the gentle breeze that stirred their robes.
As their eyes met, Chen Feng gazed into Liu Duanyun's deep, tranquil gaze, sensing his genuine acceptance. After a moment of contemplation, he nodded and replied, "You're welcome."
He now understood Xia Mingyuan's intentions.
By deliberately involving Chen Feng in this matter, Xia Mingyuan hoped to defuse the impending duel between him and Liu Duanyun. He wanted to prevent Chen Feng from showing no mercy, which would have complicated matters for Red City and made mediation difficult.
Regardless of other considerations, Chen Feng couldn't help but respect and admire Liu Duanyun's courage in using himself as bait.
"If you wish to spar again after your injuries heal, I'll gladly oblige," Chen Feng said calmly, glancing at Liu Duanyun's wounds. "But for now, focus on recuperating."
Though Liu Duanyun was a formidable opponent, his current injuries were severe and would require considerable time to fully recover.
Even if he truly wanted to challenge Liu Duanyun to a spar, Chen Feng had no intention of taking advantage of his weakened state.
"Very well," Liu Duanyun replied with a slight nod, showing no pretense or forced composure.
The two were not well-acquainted, their conversation brief and straightforward.
Chen Feng then turned his attention to Zhang Hengshan. The Old Chief had shrunk back to his normal size, having withdrawn from his Secret Art state and reverted to his aged appearance.
"Grandmaster Chen," Zhang Hengshan greeted, his face pale as he clasped his hands in a formal bow. It was clear the half-human creature had inflicted considerable injuries.
After all, as a Pseudo Sixth-Tier, facing a severely wounded Peak Flying General had been an arduous task.
"It seems Senior Zhang has gained significant insights from this battle," Chen Feng remarked casually, subtly sensing a faint shift in the man's aura.
The Old Chief was one of the three Pinnacle Realm experts who had first learned of the Method of Transcendence. Having now survived a life-or-death struggle, his potential had been further awakened, bringing him to the threshold of the World Imprint.
Chen Feng speculated that once Zhang Hengshan recovered from his injuries, the Red Country Martial Arts World might gain another transcendent martial artist.
"Heh," Zhang Hengshan chuckled, understanding the unspoken implications.
Without denying the implication, he exchanged a few more casual remarks before smoothly transitioning to the topic of the Martial Dao Alliance.
"Once my injuries have partially healed, we hope to pay you a visit," he concluded.
"With the Martial Dao Alliance newly established, we hope that the Saint Sect's True Art and the New Martial Arts Method can contribute in some way," he said sincerely. Beside him, Zhou Wuren and the others maintained their composure.
Even Liu Duanyun showed no objection, as if they had already discussed this matter beforehand and entrusted him to convey it. He simply watched the scene unfold in silence.
Chen Feng cast a deep glance at the two men, surprised but quickly understanding.
He realized that today's legendary battle had likely shattered Liu Duanyun's lingering resentment, making him fully grasp the gap between their abilities.
The Martial Dao Alliance was poised to become Earth's dominant martial arts force—a trend and future clear to anyone with foresight.
After a moment's contemplation, Chen Feng nodded.
The Saint Sect's willingness to share its core methods with the Martial Dao Alliance was undoubtedly a boon. He was also genuinely curious about the complete New Martial Arts Method.
As for the corresponding contributions and the exchange of High-Grade True Art Keys from Transcendent Martial Dao, he regarded them with indifference.
"Very well," Chen Feng said, nodding.
With these simple words, he turned and took his leave, boarding an escort aircraft.
As they watched his departing figure, the group looked up into the sky.
Zhang Hengshan sighed softly, his expression tinged with emotion. Liu Duanyun, supported by others, maintained a steady gaze, his face finally free of lingering resentment.
"Martial Dao Legend."
Whoosh!
The departing aircraft sliced through the cloud layer, the red maple emblem reflecting sunlight.
Chen Feng glanced down at the cracked and shattered earth below before withdrawing his gaze. Every ounce of power in his flesh and blood slowly receded, returning to its dormant state.
He knew that after today, nothing would stand in the way of unifying the Red Country's Martial Arts World.
Moreover, narrowing his eyes, Chen Feng pondered the earlier events.
He could sense the Roth Family's madness.
Even while the two nations were engaged in negotiations, they dared to send a Legendary-grade modified human into Red Country territory to carry out such a brazen assassination attempt.
This undoubtedly crossed the Red Country's bottom line, sending shockwaves through every citizen's nerves.
"Old Han, how are the negotiations in Red City progressing?" Chen Feng suddenly asked, his mind racing.
The Roth Family's actions puzzled him. He suspected their motives extended beyond simply targeting him.
"No concrete results yet," Han Chao replied, his expression solemn. Still shaken by the earlier events, he struggled to regain his composure.
Noticing Chen Feng's confusion, he explained, "The negotiations have reached a deadlock, and the weather above the city has been extremely abnormal lately."
"For half a day, lightning struck from clear skies, and extraterrestrial light streamed down, prolonging daylight and shortening the night."
"Torrential rains alternated with scorching heat, forcing negotiations to be temporarily suspended."
As he spoke, Han Chao's tone grew solemn, and he lowered his voice.
He even suspected that the Roth Family's recent reckless actions might be intended to pressure the Red City negotiations.
Chen Feng's gaze sharpened as he listened, grasping the underlying meaning and sensing the abnormality.
Lightning from clear skies, extraterrestrial light...
Torrential rains, scorching heat...
Suddenly, he thought of Divine General He.
She had originally planned to conduct electronic negotiations with the Star Spirit's intelligent avatar herself, but the Platinum Federation's delegation's negotiations had forced her to postpone, unable to divide her attention.
Now, considering these strange phenomena...
Is she fighting someone?
The startling hypothesis surfaced, and the more Chen Feng considered it, the closer it seemed to the truth.
After all, only a being approaching divinity could influence the world to create such unnatural weather patterns.
Across the entirety of Earth, only that godlike existence possessed such power.
"I hope we get results soon," Han Chao said, his voice low and tinged with anticipation and regret. "Especially that traitor Han Mingchuan. I long to personally bring him back to the Red Nation for public trial and execution!"
Chen Feng nodded slightly, feeling a similar sentiment.
He would never forget the Black Tide that had ravaged Nanjiang.
If not for Han Mingchuan's ambition and Red Wave Energy's complicity, the Evil God Cult would never have so easily completed their Blood Sacrifice Ritual and summoned the Evil God Angel.
His gaze drifted to the window of the aircraft as they passed over Nanjiang City.
Reconstruction efforts were still underway. While some buildings had been partially completed, many residents remained in temporary tent encampments.
Children played in open squares, while middle-aged men and women sat nearby, supporting their elderly parents.
Some faces lit up with smiles, but others still bore the marks of fatigue and sorrow.
Even though the Federation of Inner and Outer Cities had implemented policies to gradually provide assistance and guarantees for their livelihoods, some had already left this world forever.
Those ordinary people who perished in the Black Tide likely never imagined their lives would end in such a way.
And regarding their final slumber...
Chen Feng withdrew his gaze, his mind returning to its usual calm.
If the opportunity arose, he wouldn't hesitate to personally ensure they received their final justice.
To bring this matter to a definitive close.
At the same moment...
In Black Harbor City, within the opulent estate, Han Mingchuan and his entourage waited in the grand hall on the first floor.
Golden floor tiles reflected the sunlight streaming through the carved windows, while an exquisite chandelier hung at the center of the hall.
On the velvet carpet, genuine leather sofas and coffee tables resembling brown jade were arranged.
Han Mingchuan sat wearily on a single sofa, accompanied by only two trusted security personnel.
"Boss, Miss Ouna has returned," a Fifth-Tier security guard in his thirties whispered, leaning in. Han Mingchuan, his eyes bloodshot, glanced up and followed the guard's gaze outside.
A motorcade was slowly approaching from beside the fountain outside the hall.
A fleet of identical black Flying Cars surrounded and tightly guarded the extended Lailaus armored vehicle at its center.
Tap-tap-tap-tap!
The crisp sound of leather shoes striking the ground echoed as Cyborg security personnel in black suits emerged from the cars. Even after returning to the estate, they remained vigilant, scanning their surroundings.
Only after confirming the area was secure did the armored door of the central Lailaus vehicle open.
Tap-tap!
Crystal-like silver stilettos clicked against the ground as Ouna stepped out, draped in a magnificent white gown.
Her flawless makeup accentuated her striking features and tall, slender figure.
Han Mingchuan, who had been waiting in the hall, immediately rose to his feet, forcing himself to suppress his emotions as he hurried forward to greet her.
He had been visiting for days, only to be turned away each time with various excuses.
Now, he had no other choice.
"Miss Ouna!"
As the security personnel surged forward, attempting to block him, Han Mingchuan suppressed his anger and shouted urgently.
Ouna paused and turned to look at him.
Beside her stood a middle-aged Caucasian man of average build and unremarkable appearance.
His amber-like brown eyes met Han Mingchuan's gaze, and a sudden, inexplicable dread gripped Han Mingchuan's heart, as if his very organ were being squeezed in an invisible fist.
The two trusted security guards flanking him felt a similar unease but dared not move a muscle.
They knew this was the true foundation that even Red Wave Energy had never possessed.
The legendary force that had led to Red Wave Energy's annihilation, forcing them into perpetual flight.
"Han, I'm very busy right now," Ouna finally spoke.
Her exquisite face remained expressionless, not even a hint of her usual practiced smile.
"If you have business, speak to my assistant."
"That will be all."
Click-clack!
With these flat words, she was escorted by her security detail into the lavishly decorated mansion hall, her heels clicking on the carpet as she headed straight for the second floor.
The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as she brushed past him. Han Mingchuan stood frozen at the hall entrance, flanked by his two security guards, his body stiff and cold.
The bloodshot veins in his eyes grew more prominent, and the muscles in his face twitched several times, his weary expression twisting into a grimace.
"Boss," Han Mingchuan murmured.
"Let's go," he replied softly, glancing up at the second floor of the estate.
After one last, lingering look at the intricately carved study window, he stepped forward and climbed into the car.
He left with his tail between his legs, feeling watched by an unseen gaze. In the distance, a black Raven seemed to flash across the sky above the skyscrapers of Nanjiang City.
Meanwhile, Ouna in the second-floor study paid no attention to his departure.
She walked down the corridor past the carved windows, where a butler opened doors and security personnel stood guard at intervals, their vigilance unwavering.
"Miss, we must be cautious of Han," the legendary-grade modified human with amber eyes warned, his voice gentle as he followed her. He glanced at the departing motorcade through the window.
"I know, Uncle Longjia," Ouna replied with a faint smile, entering the study without much concern. "But he's lost all value now. He poses no real threat to me."
If not for squeezing out the last drop of value from him to give the Platinum Federation an edge in negotiations with the Red Nation, she would have abandoned him long ago.
Seeing her dismissive attitude, Longjia said no more. Ouna settled into her leather chair and, with a smile, shifted the conversation to another matter.
"By now, Raius and the others should have succeeded, right?"
"I'm really curious about the current situation in the Red Nation."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement.
Just then, an urgent communication from her family arrived.
"What a coincidence," she murmured, smiling as she answered. The light screen materialized before her.
But the message that followed struck like a bolt from the blue.
Her pupils contracted, and a flicker of disbelief marred her flawless face.
(End of the Chapter)
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