Translator: CinderTL
That evening, most of the spectators gradually departed. Aircraft and Flying Cars roared away, leaving white streaks against the crimson twilight sky.
The massive crater in the greenfield, resembling a meteorite impact site, drew the shaken gazes of countless councilors and corporate directors. They stared into the abyss, lost in thought.
The world is about to change.
The same thought echoed in countless minds. The audacious attempt to assassinate Feng Province's Chief Councilor, even in failure, foreshadowed the ensuing storm and its devastating consequences.
Moreover, the memory of the burning comet and its mind-shattering spiritual resonance lingered. One by one, the directors and councilors received confirmation from their security personnel:
He is invincible!
An individual power surpassing even that of a Peak Flying General, a martial arts method capable of shattering limitations. Even the mega-corporations felt a heavy sense of gravity, pondering how to approach and deal with this supreme Martial Artist in the future.
In stark contrast:
"It seems our Martial Arts World is finally on the path to revival!"
"Hahaha! The Method of Transcendence! Martial arts now has a path forward!"
"Though we elders may be fading, our descendants still have a chance to ascend to greater heights!"
Hearty laughter and jubilant cheers echoed through the Martial Arts World, especially among the venerable elders of various sects.
They had feared that their twilight years would be spent in decline, like the fading embers of a dying fire. But now, a new path had truly emerged.
And none could forget the source of this revelation.
"Grandmaster Chen's ambition rivals mountains and rivers! He's willing to share this method with us all!"
"Indeed! I suddenly envy the Giant Elephant Sect and the Golden Flying Eagle Sect for forming an alliance with the Flame Tiger Sect so early. Perhaps we southerners should establish our own Flame Sect and invite Grandmaster Chen to be our Gate Master!"
"That's an excellent idea! Moreover, I propose we compile a Martial Arts History Book to extol Grandmaster Chen's virtue as a Saint Ancestor!"
Countless hearts swelled with reverence and admiration.
The greatest Martial Artist wasn't merely defined by strength; his selfless willingness to share his knowledge commanded profound respect.
This led some to draw comparisons with the Saint Sect.
Previously, they had yearned to learn the New Martial Arts, only to find that eligibility was limited to Northern Grandmasters.
In contrast, the Method of Transcendence had emerged as a dark horse, seemingly with even greater potential.
An unspoken hierarchy began to form in their minds. The Grandmasters of the Saint Sect overheard these discussions, their expressions shifting, and remained uncharacteristically silent.
For they knew the truth all too well.
Even Sect Master Liu would likely struggle to defeat a Peak Flying General.
Old Leader Zhang's expression was complex as he let out a quiet sigh. "After today," he mused, "the Saint Sect may no longer be the foremost Martial Arts Sect in the Red Nation."
He shook his head inwardly, a mix of wistfulness and resignation washing over him. The merit of spreading the Method of Transcendence across the land was unparalleled, a feat even Duanyun had never achieved.
He could already envision how Grandmaster Chen and the Flame Tiger Sect's standing would skyrocket as the Method of Transcendence gained wider acceptance. Indeed, even he, the venerable Old Chief of the Saint Sect, or any other Pinnacle Realm Master, might one day owe a heavy debt of karma and gratitude should they truly shatter their limits.
Overwhelmed by these thoughts, Old Leader Zhang took the initiative to bid farewell to Chen Feng. "We have imposed on your hospitality for many days and must return to the Saint Sect now," he said earnestly. "We will forever cherish the knowledge you have shared today. In the future, we humbly request that Grandmaster Chen grace the North with his guidance again."
The Saint Sect Grandmasters behind him, now devoid of any resentment or awkwardness, clasped their fists in respectful bows.
"Consider it done," Chen Feng replied with a nod, watching their aircraft depart. He could faintly sense their shifting emotions and complex thoughts as they left.
Though he had never interacted with Liu Duanyun directly, nor had he offered detailed critiques of the New Martial Arts, he understood its implications.
Today's events had undoubtedly made Old Leader Zhang fully realize the future of the path to Transcendence.
And, compared to the New Martial Arts, which path truly broke through limitations, possessing boundless potential.
"It's time for us to depart as well," Kagor, the fair-skinned Martial Artist, said solemnly, his face etched with both reverence and regret.
The former stemmed from his profound admiration for the strongest Martial Artist's power and his genuine sincerity in imparting the Method of Transcendence.
The latter arose from his deep disappointment at no longer being able to seek further guidance on the Method of Transcendence.
Though the day's attack had nothing to do with them, their origins in the Platinum Federation left them on edge.
Their cherished hope of continuing their inquiries had been abruptly dashed. They had no choice but to seize the opportunity to leave Nanjiang before the Red Kingdom Military fully sealed off and tightened control over the area, avoiding further complications.
"You're too kind," Chen Feng replied with a nod, glancing sideways at Iphia, who stood beside him with clasped hands, her expression a mix of fear and admiration.
Looking around at the other members of the Martial Arts World, their expressions might have varied, but the respect, gratitude, and awe in their eyes were undeniable.
This was precisely the outcome he had sought by sharing his knowledge.
He had earned the favor of every sect and Martial Artist on Earth.
Indeed, had he wished it, he could have declared himself the Martial Arts Saint Ancestor without anyone daring to object.
For a moment, Chen Feng stood on the steps of the Mountain Gate, surrounded by Master Li Tong and the others. He watched Martial Artists depart one by one—Pinnacle Realm experts, Grandmasters, and masters of True Intent. He believed that before long, the Method of Transcendence would gradually influence all Martial Artists across the globe, from north to south, east to west. The seeds of future resistance against the Black Tide were now taking root, offering a glimmer of hope that countless more lives might be saved.
As his thoughts drifted, the crowd thinned, and the bustling atmosphere at the Mountain Gate slowly faded. Finally, only a few remained.
"Chen, I'd like to stay a few more days," Celine said, stepping forward to make her request.
A closer look revealed her pale complexion and the bandages peeking out from beneath her black jacket, wrapping her arms. The battle against the Sixth-Tier Snake-Man Cyborg earlier that day had left her severely injured, and she hadn't yet fully recovered.
"No problem," Chen Feng replied, snapping back to attention. He understood her concerns—she didn't want to be implicated in the day's attack and risk expulsion. Compared to Kagor and Iphia, he naturally trusted Celine more and was willing to extend his goodwill to her.
"Phew, that's a relief," Celine sighed, visibly relaxing at Chen Feng's reassurance. She glanced at a secluded courtyard within the pavilion, a complex mix of envy and longing flickering across her wheat-toned face.
"It seems you've cleared up many of Yang's doubts," Chen Feng murmured.
"I have a feeling he's on the verge of completely breaking through his limits."
Chen Feng followed his gaze and, through his Perception, saw Yang Wudi sitting cross-legged in a courtyard house, clad in a brown trench coat. The flickering lamplight cast shifting shadows across his tightly closed eyes.
"Probably," Chen Feng replied, nodding slightly.
Before imparting the Method of Transcendence, he had sensed that Yang Wudi's accumulation was nearly complete, needing only a final spark to achieve perfect resonance with the world.
Now, after Chen Feng's deliberate guidance, that breakthrough was imminent. It would likely take no more than a few days, perhaps three or four at most, for Yang Wudi to achieve Transcendence.
The question of whether the Method of Transcendence could truly shatter one's limits wasn't Chen Feng's exclusive privilege anymore. No further explanation was necessary.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Chen Feng returned to his own courtyard house and settled into a cross-legged meditation posture.
His Perception quietly enveloped the entire Mountain Gate. Kagor and Iphia had completely vanished, and most of Lin Hao's group had departed as well. Today's assassination attempt had been too sudden, and Chen Feng wanted to ensure there were no hidden dangers lingering nearby.
But why would the Platinum Federation resort to such madness? Chen Feng pondered, a deep unease churning within him. He couldn't fathom the rationale behind the assassination attempt.
The two cyborgs from today's attack clearly belonged to factions within the Platinum Federation, yet no traces of Evil God Power or Angelic Power had been detected.
Yet, this very fact baffled him. What benefit could the Platinum Federation possibly gain from such actions?
Were they trying to incite turmoil, spark a war, and further strain the already tense relations between the two factions?
Or perhaps...
Were certain factions or corporate powers within the Platinum Federation actively fostering an environment of war and chaos, feeding off it to nourish their wealth and influence?
Numerous speculations arose, only to be dismissed one after another.
Confirming through Perception that no other hidden traps lurked nearby, his gaze settled on the panel before him:
[Heart of Glory LV5: 85/100]
[Azure Armor LV7: 64/100]
[Steel Bones LV6: 24/100]
The progress of Heart of Glory had surged dramatically.
This wasn't solely due to defeating the Peak Flying General; after all, even such a formidable opponent couldn't withstand a single blow from the Holy Shield Colossus.
The primary reason was the Angelic Power he had absorbed earlier in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm.
A mere wisp of consciousness from the High-Ranking Angel Winged Serpent King had proven to be potent nourishment.
By comparison, Azure Armor and Steel Bones progressed at a much slower pace.
The Winged Serpent King couldn't possibly fear him, and the other Serpentfolk were too weak, their quality too low, relying solely on numbers for growth.
As for the Peak Flying General, no matter how powerful it became, it would never possess a true Rainbow Iron Body.
Chen Feng shook his head, refocusing his attention on the Heart of Glory. He sensed that this talent might soon be ready to level up.
But the crucial question remained:
"After the upgrade, will the Holy Shield Colossus become a Lower Angel?"
"Or will it need to undergo another Second Metamorphosis?"
Recalling the Holy Shield Colossus's previous state, Chen Feng mused to himself. The power disparity between angels was immense, even greater than the difference between Sixth-Tier and Seventh-Tier existences. This realization stemmed from the vivid memories of the Ancient Taiduo Empire's annihilation he had witnessed on Heaven's Fall Mountain.
After pondering for a moment, Chen Feng felt a sudden impulse. He glanced at the darkening sky outside. Night was gradually falling, and the first stars began to twinkle. He remembered the Fragment of Divinity he had obtained in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm.
Hum!
Instantly, he closed his eyes and initiated Dream Incursion. His consciousness sank into the depths of the Dream Realm.
A perpetual, pitch-black mist hung over the ruined city, its crumbling structures stark against the eerie, blood-red moonlight. Twisted, inhuman Black Tide Creatures swarmed everywhere Chen Feng looked.
Roar!
His arrival seemed to trigger something. A furious roar erupted from within the mist, the cry of an angelic being.
The Black Tide Creatures within the ruined High Wall surged into motion, their eyes flashing crimson as they turned to fix their gaze upon him.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Roar! Screech!
Bone Eagles tore through the air, and hellish demons materialized. Phosphorus fire and molten lava converged, while countless wolfhounds, half-human abominations, and colossal spiders swarmed to encircle him.
Yet Chen Feng ignored them all. Instead, he lifted his head to gaze at the Heroic Spirit Hall floating in the night sky.
The golden palace shone brilliantly, arching across the darkness like Qinggang City's last bastion and the Fire Seed of hope. Its ethereal outline seemed to exist between dimensions, forever beyond reach.
But...
Focusing his mind and narrowing his eyes, Chen Feng stared at the Fragment of Divinity on his interface and immediately put his plan into motion.
(End of the Chapter)
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