Translator: CinderTL
"Freedom and Traps"
Back in his room at the Tian Hao Security building, Chen Feng stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the city's nightscape.
The city was ablaze with lights, and the flow of traffic never ceased.
He realized that this world might be far more complex and mysterious than he had previously imagined.
Alternative longevity, or even the uploading of consciousness for immortality.
Or perhaps, hidden traps that would shackle one forever.
In addition.
"The Force Field device..."
Chen Feng recalled his battle with Jin Wei.
He hadn't managed to penetrate the Level 4 Force Field; instead, he had exhausted Jin Wei's energy before finally defeating him.
If Level 4 already offered such formidable defense, what about Level 5, or even higher?
Moreover, something Lin Hao had mentioned during their conversation had caught his attention.
The Level 4 Force Field and Energy Device were the limits that a Titanium-grade Cyborg could withstand.
Did this mean that beyond this, there were even higher-grade metals or other forms of augmentation?
"Things are getting more and more interesting..."
With a bright gaze, Chen Feng looked out at the city's nightscape, his thoughts scattered.
Far from feeling disappointment or frustration, a sense of curiosity about what lay beneath the surface of the world began to rise within him.
Grandmaster was not the end; the potential of stronger technological augmentations was yet to be seen.
Unbeknownst to him, a sense of ambition had taken root in his heart—a desire to reach the pinnacle and a confidence in his ability to do so.
With that, he suppressed his turbulent emotions.
He turned his attention to the panel information.
[Azure Armor LV4: 58/100]
[Steel Bones LV3: 55/100]
Even the arrogant Jin Wei had shown signs of fear in the end.
As for Steel Bones, it had grown by 30 points thanks to the nourishment provided by his opponent.
However, this wasn't what Chen Feng was most concerned about.
Because...
[Heart of Glory LV3: 1/100]
[You have obtained an opportunity to enhance the Holy Shield Colossus!]
He had originally planned to enhance it in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm, but through a twist of fate, he had returned to square one.
Without further delay, he focused his gaze and made his decision.
"Enhance!"
A brilliant white light suddenly flashed in his mind.
He could clearly feel the Holy Shield Colossus undergoing a transformation and becoming stronger.
A sense of joy and satisfaction washed over him, a result of the resonance and communication through their spiritual link.
After tidying up, he lay down on the bed.
Curiosity filled Chen Feng, but he quickly suppressed his stray thoughts and closed his eyes.
In no time, the world before him changed.
His center of gravity shifted, and his feet touched the ground.
Looking up, he saw dimly lit buildings and clusters of withered trees.
The fog-shrouded Qinggang City once again came into view.
Without wasting any time, Chen Feng leaped out from the high-rise residential building, his blood wings flapping as he soared to the top.
Then, with a thought.
A white light interspersed with golden patterns shot out from his forehead, materializing into a towering six-meter-tall giant.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed a small diamond-shaped crystal embedded in the center of the Holy Shield Colossus's dark golden stone helmet.
The golden patterns on its chest and abdomen had expanded, winding around the thick limbs of the white-gray stone pillars like lines.
The stone wings on its back also bore several thin golden lines.
After a few seconds of staring, through their spiritual link.
Chen Feng quickly understood the new changes in the Holy Shield Colossus.
It possessed strength surpassing that of a Grandmaster, and the golden patterns on its body could transform into armor, providing powerful defense.
The stone wings on its back could also be covered with golden patterns at critical moments, turning into sharp golden blades.
Moreover, the most crucial point.
Was the diamond-shaped crystal on its helmet.
Perhaps it had enhanced the Holy Shield Colossus's spiritual power, further solidifying the bond between them.
As a result, Chen Feng could clearly feel that the energy consumption for summoning it had decreased significantly.
The time limit, whether in reality or within Qinggang City, had increased to over twenty minutes.
"Excellent!"
Satisfied, Chen Feng nodded and immediately leaped onto the giant's shoulders.
The fog in the danger zone remained thick, housing many branches of the Extreme Martial Hall and numerous dangerous creatures stronger than Grandmasters, exceeding the fourth tier.
With a flicker in his eyes, Chen Feng wasn't in a hurry to test his limits.
Instead, he turned his gaze to the edge of the safe zone.
"I wonder if the Holy Shield Colossus can now break through the spatial barrier here?"
The thought arose, and Chen Feng was eager to try.
Although the danger zone wasn't small, it was still limited in area.
If he could expand his exploration range and break through the spatial barrier, he would undoubtedly gain access to more resources.
Buzz!
Immediately, he retracted the colossus to conserve energy and flew through the air with his blood wings alone.
As buildings flashed by, he finally arrived at the nearest spatial barrier.
With a thought, the white light interspersed with golden patterns condensed once more.
Boom!!!
It was as if a concrete block had struck the air, creating a shockwave and a dull reverberation.
The windows of nearby buildings shattered, scattering debris everywhere.
Chen Feng stared intently at the spot where the Holy Shield Colossus's fist had landed.
The empty air rippled densely, like waves on a calm water surface.
"Continue!"
Chen Feng's eyes gleamed with excitement, clearly sensing an anomaly in the barrier here.
Boom!
Boom!!
Boom!!!
The Holy Shield Colossus unleashed a series of punches, causing the ripples in the air to grow denser, converging at a single point.
But no matter how much the Holy Shield Colossus continued, even when he used Black Flash to join the attack.
The spatial barrier remained intact, showing no signs of breaking.
"It seems I'm still a bit short."
Rather than feeling disappointed, Chen Feng nodded lightly.
During his previous absorption of residual memories, he had learned something.
The spatial barrier that enveloped the real world within the secret realm could also be broken from the inside.
However, it required an immense amount of power concentrated at a single point to achieve this.
Through his recent attempt, he had verified his theory and clearly sensed that whenever the Holy Shield Colossus struck the air here, the spatial barrier would show certain anomalies.
It was as if there was an internal rule that automatically drew energy from intact areas to repair any damage, preventing breaches.
"Perhaps after one or two more enhancements, the Holy Shield Colossus will be able to break free from the constraints of this place."
Having found his answer, Chen Feng abandoned further exploration.
He then retracted the Holy Shield Colossus and turned his gaze toward the fog-shrouded danger zone.
He charged forward with unrelenting momentum.
With a grin, he finally felt confident enough to cause some serious chaos.
Whoosh!!
The sound of his flight echoed as his figure grew increasingly distant.
The commotion in the area gradually subsided, and everything seemed to return to normal.
But...
Beyond the spatial barrier, in the seemingly close neighboring street.
A breeze blew past, and a figure clad in a gray cloak suddenly appeared, looking at the invisible barrier with confusion.
"Was there an anomaly here just now?"
---
Buzz!
Opening his eyes, Chen Feng saw the familiar ceiling and curtains.
The panel appeared before him, and he glanced at several pieces of information.
[Extreme Martial Arts: 2]
[Limit Breaking: 9]
Having explored the danger zone up to the mid-periphery, he had relied on the Holy Shield Colossus to fend off other fifth-tier creatures, allowing him to obtain new Extreme Martial Arts and Limit Breaking points.
Unfortunately, the masked man and the faceless ones hadn't been as cooperative this time.
They had been driven out of the Extreme Martial Hall's location, forcing him to waste time searching before finally finding a shivering group of black ants in a corner of a building.
In addition.
"Heavenly Aura Overlord Body..."
With a flicker in his eyes, Chen Feng thought of the incomplete iron manual he had scavenged.
The second layer of the Meteor Sun technique in the Extreme Martial Fist was still incomplete.
In contrast, the long-awaited Heavenly Aura Overlord Body was nearly complete, with only the final part of the first layer, "Mighty Arms," remaining.
[Mighty Arms: Force tempering both arms, stimulating acupoints, requires secret medicine or high-grade Essence supplements to strengthen the body and aid cultivation...]
[Once cultivated, one will possess immense strength, capable of hurling stars with mighty arms!]
"I wonder when I'll finally complete the first layer."
Sighing, Chen Feng felt that the Heavenly Aura Overlord Body was the most suitable for him.
Not for any other reason, but because of the 30% enhancement effect of the Steel Bone Talent.
He was already a Physical Grandmaster; if he could further strengthen his body with this, the effect would be unimaginable.
At that point, even a Level 4 Force Field might be within his power to break.
Shaking his head in resignation, he realized that every time he explored the Extreme Martial Hall, he was merely relying on luck.
He could only do his best to search; in comparison, the improvement of the Crimson Tiger Force was also crucial.
[Crimson Tiger Force: Crimson Tiger (1%)+]
"If I can perfect it, I'll be able to break through the Gate of Qi..."
"At that point, my strength will definitely reach a new level."
Feeling increasingly that his Extreme Martial Arts and Limit Breaking points weren't enough, Chen Feng subconsciously glanced at the snake-shaped pattern on his palm.
If he went to the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm to scavenge again, would he be able to gain more resources and speed up his progress?
With this in mind, he got up and tidied himself up.
Now that he had become a Grandmaster and dealt with Jin Wei, it was time to return to the Flame Tiger Sect.
Stepping out of the room.
"Mr. Chen!"
The suited bodyguard stationed outside stood as straight as a spear, bowing slightly upon seeing him.
"The Chairman is waiting for you in the dining room. He invites you to join him for breakfast."
"Alright."
Chen Feng nodded and followed the bodyguard into a private dining area.
This was part of Lin Hao's luxurious lifestyle. As he put it, since he was now living and working at the company, he might as well treat himself well.
"Good morning, Mr. Chen!"
Several young men and women dressed in white shirts and vests were either busy at the food counter or standing guard at the entrance, greeting him respectfully.
Lin Hao, dressed in a blue casual outfit, sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, sipping milk and scrolling through his phone.
His brows furrowed and relaxed intermittently, and he only put his phone down when Chen Feng approached.
"What's the matter?"
Chen Feng asked as a young, attractive waitress pulled out a red-patterned wooden chair for him to sit opposite Lin Hao.
"Well, it's not a big deal."
Shaking his head, Lin Hao looked somewhat conflicted.
Chen Feng always maintained a certain level of respect for his friends and wouldn't casually probe their privacy.
Without pressing further, he turned to the waiting waitress and ordered a simple breakfast of milk and bread.
"Seriously, aren't you curious?"
Lin Hao, seeing that Chen Feng wasn't planning to ask, felt a bit uncomfortable.
"You'll tell me if you want to."
Chen Feng remained calm, then thanked the efficient waitress as she handed him a glass of warm milk.
"Fine, I'll tell you."
Lin Hao lowered his voice, looking somewhat awkward. "That woman is coming."
"?" Chen Feng frowned.
"Who?"
"That woman from the Black Crystal Group. You met her at Yun Port."
Lin Hao looked utterly defeated, and Chen Feng suddenly remembered someone.
The blonde woman who had helped him leave Yun Port.
She appeared to be in her early twenties, but she had a strong, capable demeanor.
"Who is she?"
Chen Feng asked. He never forgot those who had shown him kindness.
"The General Manager of the Black Crystal Group, Meng Anran."
"Her father is the largest shareholder and current Chairman of the Black Crystal Group, but he's handed over many responsibilities to her."
Lin Hao explained, and Chen Feng noticed the odd expression on his face.
"Do you have issues with her?"
"Not exactly."
Shaking his head helplessly, Lin Hao hesitated before continuing. "I've known her for a long time, but she's crazy... She's like the big sister in our circle, and everyone's afraid of her. You get it, right?"
"Ah."
Chen Feng gulped down the milk in his glass, understanding what Lin Hao meant.
He had already sensed that Lin Hao had connections in Yun Port; otherwise, he wouldn't have known in advance about Chen Yun joining the national research project.
This didn't surprise him too much, but he was intrigued by the other information Lin Hao had revealed.
From the way Lin Hao spoke.
It seemed that he was somewhat intimidated by this blonde woman.
Yet, all along, Lin Hao had always appeared confident and in control in front of him.
"So why is she coming to Nanjiang?"
Chen Feng gave him an out, focusing on his bread to change the subject.
"Ugh, it's all because of the mess in Nanjiang. The investment and business promotion brought the Black Crystal Group here."
Lin Hao glanced out the window, sighing. "She probably knows I'm here, so she's deliberately coming."
"Of course, I think it might also have something to do with you..."
Outside, flying cars zipped by, and many newly constructed buildings bore the logos of new companies.
Lin Hao suddenly turned back, looking at Chen Feng with a knowing smile. "You're now a Physical Grandmaster... She's a shrewd one. She might want you to repay her favor."
Chen Feng detected a hint of schadenfreude in his tone but didn't pay it much mind.
"I'll repay what I owe."
He was straightforward. As long as her request wasn't excessive, he had no problem repaying the favor.
In comparison...
"I'm heading back to the Flame Tiger Sect today. I'll leave the negotiations with the City Joint Council to you."
He signaled the waitress to repeat his earlier breakfast order.
Lin Hao was slightly surprised but quickly understood.
The Flame Tiger Sect was still in turmoil, and now that he had become a Grandmaster, it was time to return and stabilize things.
"Alright, I won't keep you. It's just a short trip anyway."
"Is there anything else you need to tell me?"
"Yes."
Chen Feng nodded. "Two things. I need your help."
"Go ahead."
"First, help me find out where Martial Uncle Li Chenye has gone. I want to know his exact whereabouts."
Chen Feng spoke calmly. This was the Third Elder's request, and he knew that if his master woke up, he would also want to know the answer.
He had suddenly disappeared during the sect's crisis, and Chen Feng hoped it wasn't a voluntary decision.
"Got it."
Lin Hao nodded, waiting for his second and final request.
"Lastly... Please look into any methods that can help someone regain consciousness."
Chen Feng turned to look out the window, where the vast sky was clear and blue, with clouds drifting over the mountain peaks.
"My master is old."
"But there are still some sights I want him to see."
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c238. [+5.2k Words]
Early Access at $5.
Translated (5) Series, (2.2K+) Chapters, (2.9M+) Words.