Translator: CinderTL
Whoosh!
Aircraft after aircraft descended, once again filling the Flame Tiger Mountain Gate in the suburbs with vibrant activity.
"Sky Shield Heavy Industries is here! I never expected such a mega-corporation to send representatives."
"And Jadeite Biotech too! I heard Chairman Lin of Tian Hao Security has become a director there."
"How enviable! They say he and Grandmaster Chen are close friends, having met in their humble beginnings. Look, even a giant like Celestial Vault Group is showing him deference."
"Strange. What business do these mega-corporations have here? Martial arts affairs shouldn't concern them much, right?"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. The expansive Back Mountain Martial Arts Arena, paved with uniform gray bricks, formed a perfect square kilometer training ground.
Veterans of the martial arts world, clad in traditional uniforms and ancient robes, arrived one after another. Some cast curious glances at the impeccably suited corporate elites.
"You wouldn't understand," one elder remarked.
"I heard Grandmaster Chen's upcoming teachings might chart a new path for martial arts, a feat no less significant than the Northern New Martial Arts movement."
"These mega-corporations and super-giants are undoubtedly eager to join the fray," speculated a senior figure in the martial arts world, and many nodded in agreement. "They're hoping to improve their Mech-Warrior Techniques or recruit Martial Artists poised to break through their limits."
The crowded plaza behind the mountain was filled with rows of tables and mats, indicating a formal setting.
"Please, everyone, take a seat. Don't be shy," Lin Hao said with a cheerful smile, helping to welcome the directors from various corporations as if he were a member of the Flame Tiger Sect himself.
Someone jokingly teased him about it, but Lin Hao quickly retorted, "Hey, what are you talking about? I am a member of the Flame Tiger Sect!"
"Right, Senior Brother Zhao?" Lin Hao turned to Zhao Jushan and the other True Disciples with a grin. Zhao Jushan laughed and readily agreed.
As the bustling reception continued, more figures began to arrive, including unfamiliar Martial Arts Grandmasters.
"Grandmaster Zhang, I didn't expect to see you here."
"Heh, Old Pei, I'm just here to see what all the fuss is about."
Pei Poyue, the Giant Elephant Grandmaster, and others stood beside Li Tong, helping to greet the martial arts dignitaries.
As Grandmasters of the Southern Martial World, and long-standing allies of the Flame Tiger Sect, they couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
Several Northern Grandmasters had journeyed south for the occasion. After exchanging brief pleasantries, they approached Old Leader Zhang.
"Old Chief," one Grandmaster said respectfully.
Old Leader Zhang nodded slightly, then glanced at the others beside him. Not seeing the familiar figure he expected, his expression turned wistful, and he let out a soft sigh.
"Sect Master Liu instructed us to follow your orders completely," the Grandmaster added hastily, fearing a misunderstanding.
Old Leader Zhang shook his head wryly. He should have known better—the founder of New Martial Arts, with his own lofty ambitions and grand vision, would never so easily venture south.
Without another word, he gestured for the Grandmasters to wait quietly.
They occupied the main platform of the plaza. Nearby, Yang Wudi lit a cigarette, while Celine sat calmly, unfazed by the curious stares directed her way.
"Martial arts transcends borders," she muttered. "These people have such narrow perspectives."
Celine frowned, overhearing whispers and sidelong glances questioning why someone who didn't appear to be from the Red Nation was present.
A faint aura rippled outward, instantly turning the gossips pale. Their elders swiftly scolded them, forcing apologies upon realizing she was a Pinnacle Realm expert.
"A bunch of juniors," Celine muttered, shaking her head. For Chen Feng's sake, she reluctantly overlooked their rudeness.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. She turned to Yang Wudi beside her and voiced her curiosity. "Yang, do you think Iphia and the others will come today?"
She was referring to the Pinnacle Realm experts who had survived the fall of the Star Palace, or perhaps top martial artists from other nations. Chen hadn't explicitly forbidden anyone from attending, and she had a feeling this event would draw many familiar faces.
"Perhaps," Yang Wudi replied, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His gaze remained fixed on the aircraft descending into the plaza, their engines still humming.
He felt as though he were just a hair's breadth away from ascending the Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder reflected in his mind's eye. Yet that single step felt like an insurmountable chasm.
He couldn't help but wonder how Grandmaster Chen had accomplished this feat. The curiosity gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing moment.
Amidst the rising clamor, his expression froze. He turned his head sharply toward the commotion.
"Grandmaster Chen is here!"
The exclamation burst forth suddenly, thick with reverence that resonated through the crowd.
The throng blocking the mountain path parted like the Red Sea, revealing a burly young man in a long black robe embroidered with crimson flames. He strode forward deliberately, several True Disciples and core members of the Flame Tiger Sect trailing behind him. Together, they moved through the corridor, the gentle breeze caressing their faces as they ascended the gray stone steps.
The earlier din vanished instantly, replaced by a chorus of reverent greetings.
"Grandmaster Chen!"
"Councilor Chen!"
Figures of all ages bowed deeply, voices brimming with excitement and respect. Chen Feng nodded slightly, acknowledging the numerous councilors and esteemed elders from the Martial Arts World.
"Senior Chen!"
Several unfamiliar Grandmasters stood respectfully beside Old Leader Zhang, their fists cupped in formal salute. The youngest among them appeared to be in their late forties.
Chen Feng raised an eyebrow. Old Leader Zhang smiled and explained, "These are Grandmasters from our Northern Saint Sect."
"In the Martial Arts World, seniority is determined by achievement. As the foremost Martial Arts Grandmaster to have broken through the limits, Grandmaster Chen rightfully deserves the title of Senior."
Old Leader Zhang's deliberate flattery sent ripples through the crowd. His effusive praise caused many eyes to gleam, their anticipation of witnessing a momentous occasion growing stronger.
The Grandmasters of the Saint Sect felt a slight unease, thinking Old Chief Zhang was being overly deferential. However, remembering their Gate Master's instructions, they showed no outward reaction.
"You're too kind," Chen Feng replied with a nod.
Without another word, he accepted Old Leader Zhang's goodwill and continued walking.
A familiar friend, who had been away for several days, reappeared, dressed in a casual gray suit and standing beside Master Li Tong. Flanked by Fifth-Tier Mech Warriors Mei Li and Liu Bo, Lin Hao was helping to greet representatives from several mega-corporations.
"Don't look at me like that," Lin Hao chuckled, seemingly the most relaxed person present. "I wouldn't miss your big day."
Chen Feng smiled, already aware that Lin Hao had returned to Nanjiang City in the past two days.
"Thanks," he murmured with a nod, then glanced at the woman beside Lin Hao.
Meng Anran, tall and striking with long golden hair cascading down her shoulders and a trench coat draped over her figure, maintained her usual cool aloofness.
"It's quite lively here today," she remarked softly. "Though I don't understand martial arts, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about."
Her security detail, led by Old Gu, a veteran Chen Feng had dealt with multiple times before, stood watch behind her.
Sensing a shift, Chen Feng detected a significant increase in the energy fluctuations of the cyborgs from the Black Crystal Group, as if they had been implanted with new technological modules.
Lost in thought, their eyes finally met.
Meng Anran gazed into Chen Feng's bright black eyes, framed by his golden hair.
"Thank you for attending," Chen Feng said with a nod, accepting her goodwill as he brushed past.
Watching his retreating figure, Meng Anran's gaze flickered with emotion.
She had lost count of how many times they had met like this.
Yet each time, he seemed increasingly calm and composed, exuding an ever-greater sense of tranquility and restraint, as if constantly scaling higher peaks and weathering fiercer storms, making it impossible to treat him with the same casual familiarity as before.
"Big Sister, you're spacing out again!" Lin Hao teased with a grin, earning a sidelong glare from Meng Anran.
Without explanation, she calmly took her seat.
This scene mirrored itself across the Back Mountain Martial Arts Arena. The young man in his black robe embroidered with crimson patterns strode purposefully through the crowd, exchanging courteous nods with the distinguished guests.
Occasionally, directors from mega-corporations like the Celestial Vault Group—a rival to Red Wave Energy—would approach him, shaking his hand and smiling warmly to emphasize their respect.
The atmosphere crackled with excitement. Drones swarmed the sky, their electromagnetic pulses flaring intermittently, while satellite modules captured images and beamed them across vast distances.
Nanjiang City, Yun Port, Radiant Light, Red City...
From Suro Xue Mountain to the Niduo Kingdom's Capital, and even within certain Zaibatsu of the Platinum Federation, countless individuals discreetly observed the scene, each with their own motives.
Some eagerly anticipated a display of the Red Nation's might. Others frowned in skepticism or harbored resentment as rivals.
Finally...
Whoosh!
The last aircraft slowly descended, its humming turbulence gradually subsiding.
Countless eyes turned toward it as the hatch opened.
Hiss! Click!
Several wisps of white vapor escaped and dissipated into the air. Two Military Modified Humans, each bearing a crimson maple leaf emblem on their left breastplate, emerged first, positioning themselves on either side of the hatch.
Their black combat uniforms exuded a sharp, formidable aura, and the terrifying energy field fluctuations of peak Fifth-Tier warriors sent shivers down the spines of onlookers.
Then...
Tap!
A gray-haired elder stepped onto the ground in black sneakers.
Dressed in casual blue attire, his serene face lacked any hint of authority, resembling an ordinary neighborhood grandpa.
Yet precisely half a step behind him stood a security guard clad in the distinctive uniform of the Red Guard, the crystal sword-and-shield emblem on his chest strikingly prominent.
"This..."
"It's Flying General Zhao!"
"They've assigned a Flying General to security detail! Doesn't that mean..."
"It's Chairman Li Yun!"
Gasp!
Representatives from the major corporations wore expressions of astonishment, while many councilors from the Nanjiang City Council stood frozen in place, bewildered. Even the director dispatched by Celestial Vault Group to observe the ceremony frowned in surprise, clearly taken aback.
"Councilor Chen, this is Speaker Li," Chu Shihong said, smiling warmly as he guided Chen Feng through the crowd, introducing them.
Chen Feng paused, turning to face Chairman Li Yun, who resembled a kindly old neighbor. Beneath his graying hair, the chairman's face was surprisingly ruddy, making him appear to be in his late fifties. His eyes, however, shone with a profound brilliance, betraying a deep understanding of life's impermanence and the turbulent tides of power.
"Seeing you in person far surpasses the stories I've heard," Chairman Li Yun said calmly, his voice carrying no hint of authority. "Chu Shihong has mentioned you countless times, but even his most glowing descriptions fall short of capturing the true breadth of your spirit."
A force field shielded them from the surrounding noise, while a palpable wave of goodwill washed over Chen Feng's perception. Though this was their first meeting, they already owed each other several favors. From Chairman Li's intervention during Luo Hui's assassination attempt to the Red Guard's subsequent visits, his quiet assistance had been crucial.
"Chairman Li, your magnanimity is as legendary as your composed words," Chen Feng replied respectfully. "Please, proceed."
Chen Feng showed his respect and gestured for Speaker Li Yun to take the seat of honor. As he did so, his gaze subtly flickered to the figure standing behind the Speaker.
The Flying General bodyguard looked vaguely familiar. Chen Feng realized it was Zhao, the Flying General he had briefly clashed with during his assassination attempt on Luo Wantao in Yun Port.
Unaware of Chen Feng's thoughts, the Speaker simply met his gaze and nodded, his face reflecting the mutual respect between martial experts of equal standing.
Chen Feng gave a slight nod in return, his eyes thoughtfully scanning the surroundings before discreetly withdrawing his gaze.
Without another word, Speaker Li Yun smiled and brought the exchange to a close. Accompanied by Chu Shihong and Li Tong, he moved through the crowd amidst a chorus of respectful greetings, taking his place at the head of the assembly.
The vast Flame Tiger Back Mountain seethed with thousands of people. Every seat in the gray-bricked Martial Arts Arena was filled, and countless figures lined the surrounding greenery and the corridor near the Mountain Gate Pavilion.
The buzz of conversation persisted until Chen Feng slowly stepped into the empty center of the arena.
As if an invisible force had been unleashed, the chattering crowd abruptly stilled, their voices fading into silence. All eyes fixed on him, eager for the rumored martial arts technique that promised to shatter the limits of human potential.
But then, Chen Feng spoke.
"Gentlemen."
Chen Feng suddenly stopped, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with unfathomable depth.
"Guests are always welcome, and it's not my place to pry," he began. "But today's occasion is unique. Why hide your faces?"
His words hung in the air, causing the crowd to freeze. Old Leader Zhang frowned, while Yang Wudi narrowed his eyes, scanning the surroundings.
Behind Speaker Li Yun, Flying General Zhao received a silent signal and swiftly activated his scanning module. His bionic eyes darted left and right.
As if jolted awake, the crowd's gazes snapped back to attention, heads turning in every direction.
Finally, following Zhao's fixed gaze, they spotted two peculiar figures in a mahogany corridor near the Flaming Tiger Mountain Gate Pavilion.
Lost in the throng, these individuals had slipped in unnoticed, their faces deliberately concealed beneath disguises.
(End of the Chapter)
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