Translator: CinderTL
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That day, in the Martial Hall's reception room, a teacup landed on the table, releasing a fragrant aroma.
After the two disciples who remained at the Martial Hall had left, Chen Feng smiled wryly at Chen Yun, who sat across from him, still looking worried.
"I'm completely fine now."
He shook his head gently, and Chen Yun finally let out a sigh of relief.
The reception room fell into a brief silence. Chen Yun opened her mouth, wanting to say so much, to ask so many questions.
The younger brother she had watched grow up had become the strongest martial artist on Earth.
He could fly through the air, withstand energy cannons with his bare flesh, and was undefeated in the Martial Arts World.
Before, she had been in a closed environment for an extended period due to her research project, so she had been slow to react to these developments and hadn't paid much attention.
But now, having absorbed so much information all at once, coupled with the shocking scene she had witnessed firsthand that day, it was clear that her eyes still held many questions and self-doubt.
"I didn't want to say too much before because I didn't want to worry you," Chen Feng said softly. "The Martial Arts World is filled with grudges, and it's hard for me to stay uninvolved."
He was no longer hiding the truth, but he didn't want to explain in detail how he had reached his current position.
In truth, that had been his genuine sentiment before.
The Martial Arts World is rife with grudges between sects, leaving karmic ties even for Grandmasters and those in the Pinnacle Realm.
Therefore, Chen Feng didn't want to worry Chen Yun with his past, nor did he want to argue or explain himself at length.
Chen Yun fell silent, sometimes wondering if she had failed as an elder sister. She often learned about important matters from others, failing to fulfill her responsibilities.
"It must have been exhausting to come this far, right?" she suddenly asked, showing no particular surprise or pride at her brother's title as the strongest martial artist. Instead, her eyes, like rippling lake water, softened, and her clean, gentle face revealed visible concern.
Slightly startled, Chen Feng was taken aback. The calm within him rippled, stirring up an inexplicable emotion.
Only Chen Yun had ever spoken to him like this.
Indeed, his journey to the pinnacle of the Martial Arts World, to Transcendence beyond the mortal realm, had been arduous.
But...
"It's all in the past now," Chen Feng said with a gentle smile.
The intense, aggressive aura he usually exuded subtly softened, a change he himself didn't even notice.
Watching this scene from the corridor outside, Master Li Tong shook his head with a smile, finally letting out a sigh of relief. He slowly turned and walked away.
He knew his disciple was too powerful, making it impossible for anyone to truly connect with him on a deep level.
Even he, his master, was just a hair's breadth away.
Across the entire Earth, only this last blood relative could gently brush away the lingering traces of killing intent, like a gentle spring rain.
Tock, tock...
Footsteps faded into the distance. Chen Feng pretended not to notice, simply smiling and relaxing.
Chen Yun, who had been about to ask about the past, opened her mouth but then suddenly smiled and said nothing more.
"Xiao Feng has really grown up."
"Heh heh..."
In the relaxed atmosphere, they chatted for a few moments.
During their conversation, the topic turned to Red City's research projects. Chen Feng seized the opportunity to satisfy his curiosity.
"I heard Legendary Technology involves three stages of modification experiments. Is Rainbow Iron the fundamental material for all of them?"
"Yes."
After a moment's hesitation, Chen Yun decided to share what she knew without violating confidentiality.
"Legendary Technology does indeed have three stages of experimental results, but only the first stage has been fully realized."
"The second stage is still a work in progress, and the third stage is still in the testing phase."
"However, regardless of the stage, all results require Rainbow Iron-grade metal to withstand the modification load."
"Oh?"
Chen Feng's interest was piqued, and he pressed further.
"Is Rainbow Iron the strongest metal?"
"It used to be."
Seeing that he didn't press for details about Legendary Technology, Chen Yun breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed.
Noticing his curiosity about the subject, she slowed her pace and explained in detail.
"Before the advent of Legendary Technology, Rainbow Iron was scarce, and its extraction process was incredibly complex, making it our nation's most advanced metal material."
"Many warships couldn't be fully equipped with Rainbow Iron, only incorporating small amounts. Later, as Legendary Technology was gradually mastered, extraction techniques improved, and the supply of Rainbow Iron quietly increased."
"However, different refining methods result in variations in Rainbow Iron's density and hardness. Therefore, the International Metallurgy Association established a seven-tier grading system for Rainbow Iron."
"Seventh-Tier?"
Chen Feng's eyes narrowed. He hadn't expected his guess to be correct—Rainbow Iron, like Titanium, had internal variations.
"This grading system was first used by the Platinum Federation. They were the first to discover and implement the first Legendary Technology on Earth."
"However, we now have our own Legendary Technology, which differs somewhat from theirs. Therefore, we've established a separate standard corresponding to the Seventh-Tier."
Chen Yun rarely smiled with such confidence, for this was a testament to the Red Nation's strength.
"Melting Grade, Abyssal Grade, Celestial Grade."
"Melting Grade corresponds to the first three tiers of the international classification, Abyssal Grade to tiers four through six, and Celestial Grade to the Seventh-Tier."
"While our system isn't as detailed as theirs, the differences between Rainbow Iron within each tier are minimal. Every three tiers represent a significant leap, and the final Seventh-Tier marks a near-qualitative transformation."
Chen Feng's understanding deepened with this detailed explanation. By this comparison, his current physical body and the strength of his Steel Bones should be equivalent to Melting Grade Rainbow Iron. Internationally, this would place him between Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Wang Cheng, on the other hand, possessed a slightly superior modified body, placing him at least at Tier 2 Rainbow Iron level, possibly even Tier 3.
"The reason we only have three grades is partly because our Legendary Technology has only three stages, and our refining techniques follow the same pattern."
"The reason the second and third stages haven't been fully realized is because the Abyssal Grade and Celestial Grade Rainbow Iron are still being refined. There isn't enough of it yet."
Chen Yun circumvented the confidentiality agreement, subtly revealing some hidden truths.
Chen Feng fell into thought, also understanding her underlying message.
The Red Nation's current Legendary Flying Generals only represented the first stage. Once Abyssal Grade and Celestial Grade Rainbow Iron were successfully refined, even stronger Legendary-grade beings were sure to emerge.
He even suspected that the three stages of Legendary-grade corresponded to the three tiers of Angel-tier.
"What comes after Rainbow Iron?" Chen Feng asked.
Chen Yun's previous answer had implied that Rainbow Iron was once the hardest metal known. But now...
"Titanium Steel," Chen Yun said, her eyes unusually bright. "This new metal was discovered alongside Legendary Technology. Not even advanced Energy Cannons can leave a mark on its surface, and even laser cannons can't destroy it."
"Unfortunately, it's extremely rare, and refining it is far more difficult than even Celestial Grade Rainbow Iron."
Perhaps due to the confidentiality agreement, Chen Yun didn't elaborate further.
But Chen Feng was still stunned by the information she had revealed.
Laser cannons were currently the most powerful energy weapons known, the main guns of warships.
Chen Feng immediately jotted down the words "Titanium Steel." But he soon realized something wasn't right.
"The Divine Generals have existed for a long time, predating even Legendary Technology. Titanium Steel hadn't been discovered back then."
"Could it be that the Divine Generals are just Rainbow Iron-Grade modification devices?"
A flicker of doubt crossed his mind. He felt like his understanding of the situation had been slightly off.
According to Han Chao's earlier explanation, the Divine Generals required the continuous operation of multiple cities to supply them with energy.
Such a powerful energy carrier and device—could even Rainbow Iron withstand that kind of strain?
He wanted to ask, but glancing at Chen Yun, Chen Feng guessed she probably didn't know either. After all, she was just a member of a project team at the Red Capital Research Institute, not a true high-ranking official.
Buzz!
Just then, an aircraft suddenly approached the Flame Tiger Martial Arts Hall.
He extended his Perception and saw the words "Tian Hao Security" and "Jadeite Biotech" prominently displayed on the aircraft.
"Lin Hao?"
Chen Feng was surprised to see the young man in a gray suit standing at the aircraft's door, waving with a wide smile. Behind him, the elderly butler, dressed like a gentleman, also wore a smile.
Moreover, several other aircraft were approaching as well.
The United Coalition, the Safety Bureau, even the Red Guard—all were present.
He spotted Chu Shihong standing beside Chairman Li Yun.
This sight deepened his confusion.
Weren't they still in a meeting? Why had they suddenly come to the Martial Hall?
The thought flashed through his mind just as aircraft began landing one after another, parking on the relatively intact gray stone-tiled plaza.
The humming air currents gradually dissipated, carrying away dust and debris that settled far away.
Nearby, several green Yang trees continued to sway their branches. Chen Feng finally suppressed his curiosity and walked toward the Martial Hall entrance.
"Fengzi, congratulations!"
Lin Hao approached with a beaming smile, his face flushed with excitement.
Chen Feng frowned, but then Chairman Li Yun walked over.
"Councilor Chen, on behalf of the Yun Port General Council, I extend our gratitude."
"You saved this city."
This time, Chairman Li Yun was dressed in a dark suit. His usually calm face bore genuine gratitude and a hint of melancholy.
Nangong Ling, the Legendary-level bio-modified human, stood beside him. Her sharp black trench coat and short, shoulder-length hair couldn't soften her cold expression.
"You are very strong. I fully support the decision from above."
She spoke calmly, then turned to survey the rebuilt Nanjiang City, her gaze sweeping over the astonished onlookers.
"Congratulations."
"If the opportunity arises, I hope we can spar."
The unexpected words left Chen Feng stunned. Seeing a flicker of admiration in her eyes, he felt as though he had missed something crucial.
"Wait, you still don't know?"
Lin Hao's expression was strange, sensing his confusion.
Chen Feng shook his head, and then Chu Shihong walked over with a smile, explaining in a low voice.
"You weren't at the meetings these past few days, but things have been incredibly busy at the top."
"Everyone knows you saved us, holding out until reinforcements arrived."
"So..."
Before he could finish, a series of air currents suddenly erupted in the sky.
Fighter jets soared through the air, escorting an aircraft.
The crimson maple leaf emblem stood out prominently. Chu Shihong's voice, following a step behind, cut through the air.
"The General Federation of Red City has concluded its meeting and reached a decision."
"Effective today, you are hereby awarded the honorary rank of Major General..."
(End of the Chapter)
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