Translator: CinderTL
Whoosh!
That day, in the eastern region of Luoyue, a silver-gray aircraft lifted off, soaring straight into the cloud layer.
The roaring exhaust flames twisted the air, leaving a lingering white contrail in its wake.
"Finally, we can go home," Lin Hao murmured, standing by the window and watching the yellow sandy earth shrink below.
At the Secret Realm's deep pit, Luoyue and Red Kingdom Military personnel stood guard, their presence imposing. The mediterranean-haired Boss, still waving farewell, remained among them.
"Old Wang is really enthusiastic, urging us to stay several times," Lin Hao chuckled. "To be honest, I almost wanted to stay a few more days."
He waved back at Wang Dehai, acknowledging his farewell.
Beside him, Chen Feng remained calm, silently watching the figures in the camp below shrink into tiny black dots.
With the mission resolved, there was no reason for them to linger.
After Nangong Ling finished her inquiries, they boarded a Military aircraft, planning to return to Nanjiang.
As for the opportunities within the Secret Realm, the Military had imposed strict security measures, barring civilian access.
Besides, Lin Hao had already obtained what he sought, eliminating any need to return.
"Luoyue is in too much turmoil, and our identities are too sensitive," Chen Feng said, shaking his head.
"Besides, didn't you leave Old Yuan behind?"
Chen Feng's words cut through Lin Hao's pretense, revealing his true intentions.
Although the Secret Realm was temporarily sealed off, Lin Hao had clearly left Yuan Yueshan behind, hoping to seize the opportunity when it reopened. To this end, he had made several phone calls and pulled strings everywhere.
"Heh."
Lin Hao chuckled and nodded, not denying the truth.
"Thanks," he said. "Old Yuan wouldn't have been able to stay if you hadn't put in a good word."
He shrugged, knowing that Nangong Ling and the others were giving Chen Feng face, allowing him to bask in their reflected glory.
Behind them, Liu Bo, his graying hair neatly combed, smiled throughout the conversation, a flicker of admiration in his eyes.
The Young Master is far luckier than the old master, he thought. His genuine investment has yielded the greatest returns.
Chen Feng, unaware of Liu Bo's thoughts, brushed aside Lin Hao's gratitude.
It was just a word, he thought.
He was no longer a mere Martial Hall student. Now, even his casual words and actions carried weight with the Red Nation's highest echelons.
"By the way," Lin Hao suddenly asked, glancing into the cabin, "why isn't Yang Wudi coming back with us?"
Seven or eight figures were visible, mostly military personnel and Chen Feng's security team.
They had come specifically to find Yang Wudi and his companion, only to part ways again at the last moment, not returning together.
"They have other matters to attend to," Chen Feng said calmly, his gaze fixed on the distant cloud layer outside the window.
There were some matters he couldn't handle personally, requiring the two to pave the way for him.
Lin Hao nodded thoughtfully, refraining from further questions.
Whoosh!
The aircraft's tail flames intensified, tearing through the Sea of Mist and cloud layer.
Below, the earth transformed into a patchwork of brown fields and green plains, with towering cities passing beneath them.
Half an hour later, as they approached the border, Chen Feng's gaze shifted as a figure approached him.
A mid-level military officer in his thirties, clad in camouflage uniform, was leading the escort back.
"Major General Chen, we'll need to adjust our route shortly," the officer explained with a hint of helplessness.
The situation in northeastern Luoyue had deteriorated, with renewed violent clashes erupting.
To avoid provoking Luoyue's suspicions and potential retaliation, as well as to evade the high risk of accidental anti-aircraft fire, they needed to bypass the city.
"How much will this delay us?"
"The detour through Niduo Country will add fifteen minutes to our return journey," the lead officer said apologetically, while the other military personnel in the cabin looked on solemnly.
After a moment's thought, Chen Feng nodded in agreement.
"Alright."
This was the honeymoon period of the Red Nation and Luoyue's joint exploration of the Secret Realm. There was no need to risk causing misunderstandings over such a minor matter.
Relieved by his response, the lead officer immediately reported the change and began requesting permission to detour through Niduo airspace.
Soon, the cabin was filled with the constant hum of communication devices.
Lin Hao remained absorbed in his magazine throughout the process, not uttering a word. Chen Feng, sensing this, withdrew his gaze.
The extended journey would provide ample time to adapt to the mental power he had gained after breaking through the Giant Dome.
Moreover, there was something else.
Buzz!
Chen Feng's consciousness sank inward, focusing on his inner self.
In the legendary realm of Daylight, the blazing sun hung high in the sky, illuminating his mind and dispelling the shadows.
The World Imprint resonated with light, and the pristine white Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder stretched endlessly, seemingly connecting the earth to the heavens.
In an instant, a cool, tangible sensation washed over his feet.
Chen Feng stood on the countless steps of the Martial Dao Heavenly Ladder, suspended high above the world. Behind him, the path he had traveled stretched into the distant horizon, an endless expanse of jade-white steps.
Before him...
"Fearless Heart."
His expression grave, Chen Feng looked up.
The fourth tier of the Heavenly Ladder still had hundreds of steps remaining, culminating in a vast platform at its summit.
The pure white expanse stretched over a kilometer, resembling an arena paved with white jade.
At its center, a circular object the size of a human head, resembling a mirror, hung suspended in mid-air.
The silver mirror reflected the entire Heavenly Ladder, capturing even the stark division between light and shadow on either side.
Its lustrous surface appeared to be crafted from some indestructible metal, etched with a dozen intricate patterns that looked as if they had been carved with a blade and axe.
In an instant, as if sensing something,
Buzz!!
Invisible ripples surged outward from the silver mirror, carrying a formidable force that swept across everything in its path.
The air tore apart, and the atmospheric pressure trembled.
Chen Feng felt an overwhelming pressure.
His mind grew heavy, emitting constant cracking sounds as if being twisted, clearly under mental suppression and invasion.
Moreover,
Thud!
From within the silver mirror that reflected all things, a half-beast figure suddenly emerged.
Its snake head with vertical pupils radiated a chilling aura, and its armor of pitch-black scales seemed indestructible.
As if this were the beginning, similar figures began pouring forth in succession, accompanied by billowing black mist that corrupted the Mind Heavenly Ladder's pristine white, turning it ashen gray.
The legends of the high skies were disrupted, plunging the entire World Imprint into darkness, as if on the verge of annihilation.
Seeing this, Chen Feng's expression darkened slightly.
Whoosh!
Niduo Kingdom's Capital, upper city palace.
Aircraft landed and took off from the spacious, flat plaza, while drones deployed in full force, maintaining vigilant surveillance.
The Royal Family's security guards, their faces grim, stood fully armed at ten-step intervals throughout the grand hall, numbering over a hundred.
Some wore earpieces and carried firearms, while others were Elite Mech Warriors equipped with goggles and advanced weaponry.
Under the watchful eyes of countless observers, a figure hurried into the hall of affairs at the palace's center.
Peering through a window crack, one could glimpse a young woman in a golden silk robe seated behind a mahogany desk near the window.
Paper documents lay scattered across the desk, while several Cyborg guards stood watch on either side of the hall.
"Your Highness," the intelligence officer said, rushing forward to report the latest findings. "This is the most recent situation."
His hurried footsteps echoed through the hall as he presented the latest intelligence, primarily concerning the exploration results from the Niduo Mountains and Luoyue's unusual behavior over the past two days.
Princess Eleanor listened patiently until he finished, her expression remaining calm as she set down the document she had been reviewing.
Princess Eleanor's youthful and beautiful face already possessed an air of nobility, but after handling numerous affairs, it had gradually gained an aura of authority.
"Luoyue's anomalies originate from a new Secret Realm?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the intelligence chief replied, nodding urgently.
Princess Eleanor frowned slightly. Could the legendary-grade creature the Federal Consortium had been frantically searching for in the Niduo Mountains—the so-called legendary-grade creature—have originated from this place?
"According to the latest intelligence, the Red Nation has already partnered with Luoyue and decided to jointly explore this Secret Realm."
"Given their military deployment and security measures, I speculate that this Secret Realm may contain ruins of a lost civilization."
As the subordinate reported, he also offered analysis and recommendations. Princess Eleanor's gaze flickered with emotion, tinged with a hint of melancholy.
Niduo and Luoyue were neighboring countries. Yet Niduo had been left with a Black Tide Anchor Point, while Luoyue had discovered a Secret Realm Space. The stark contrast between their fates was undeniable, highlighting the growing disparity between the two nations.
"General Walker, do we have any chance of participating in the Secret Realm exploration?"
Eleanor tilted her head, turning to General Walker, the leader of the security guard she trusted most, responsible for the safety of the Royal Family and herself.
He stood tall and imposing in his silver metallic battle armor, his face stern and weathered. His close-cropped hair revealed skin tanned like wheat, giving him the appearance of a man in his mid-forties.
"Your Highness, this matter requires careful consideration," General Walker said gravely, shaking his head as he analyzed Niduo's current situation.
The Black Tide Anchor Point in the royal capital was draining too much of their forces, making it unwise to withdraw troops and disperse their strength.
Armed groups from the Federal Consortium were stationed near the mountains, and recent clashes with them had been frequent and unpleasant.
Niduo was currently a chaotic mix of factions, further complicated by aid forces sent from various nations. Any misstep could trigger a chain reaction with far-reaching consequences.
Under these circumstances, maintaining stability at home was already their utmost limit. It was clearly impossible to dispatch troops to intervene in the Luoyue Secret Realm.
"I see..." Princess Eleanor said, her voice tinged with disappointment, knowing this was the harsh reality.
After much deliberation, she remained unwilling to let Niduo miss this opportunity.
"What if we deepen our cooperation with the Red Nation?" she suddenly proposed, startling General Walker.
It was clear to everyone that the Luoyue secret realm was under the Red Nation's control. In other words...
"Didn't they promise to send a Legendary Flying General to assist us, mediate our conflicts, and guard the royal capital against the Black Tide?"
"At least they're more reliable than the Platinum Federation, aren't they?" Princess Eleanor pressed, finally voicing the plan she had been harboring in her heart.
Her late Uncle Wang had grown close to the Platinum Federation, using their support to control the military and intimidate neighboring regions. But in the time since his death, she had seen through their facade and realized who could truly be trusted.
General Walker fell silent for a moment before nodding firmly, pledging his loyalty.
"If Your Highness has made a decision, please proceed without hesitation."
"This subordinate will ensure your safety!"
His resolute words brought a sigh of relief to Princess Eleanor, and a touch of gratitude.
She was acutely aware of the Platinum Federation's corrosive influence within Niduo and the resistance this plan would inevitably face.
Immediately, she issued a series of urgent instructions.
She watched General Walker depart with his men to initiate secret communications.
For a brief moment, the palace's hall of affairs fell silent, with only the security guards remaining on duty nearby.
A stack of documents still awaited processing on the affairs desk. Eleanor silently reviewed them, a growing weariness creeping across her face.
Since Uncle Wang's death and the establishment of the Black Tide Anchor Point in the city, she hadn't experienced a moment of respite.
The entire burden of responsibility rested on her shoulders, for she carried the hopes of the Royal Family and, indeed, the majority of Niduo Country.
If only Uncle Wang were still here...
She sighed inwardly, even as she acknowledged her disagreement with her elder's past ideologies. Still, a pang of nostalgia stirred within her.
Back then, with his presence as a pillar of strength, he had shouldered much of the pressure.
Moreover, if he were still alive...
Relying on his extraordinary martial arts prowess—a strength that transcended mortal limits, akin to that of a Flying General—the Royal Family's external control would undoubtedly be far greater, preventing their current passive stance.
As her thoughts scattered, the crimson sun gradually climbed higher in the sky.
Eleanor continued to review documents, occasionally pausing to address reports displayed on the light screen of her communicator.
Finally, a security guard approached to remind her about lunch and rest.
Only then did she stop working.
"Captain Modo, there's still much to do today. Let's have lunch here."
Eleanor hoped to finish her tasks as quickly as possible, a dedication that earned the admiration of her security team.
Captain Modo, a Fifth-Tier Mech Warrior, shook his head, urging her to take care of herself.
"Your Highness, you are our hope. Please take care of yourself."
Seeing his insistence and noticing the same concern in the eyes of the other security guards, Eleanor smiled helplessly and nodded, rising from her seat.
"Alright."
Boom!!!
Before she could finish speaking, a thunderous explosion erupted!
As if a cannon shell had detonated near the Royal Palace, a surging shockwave like a tsunami shattered windows in its wake.
The sound of shattering glass filled the air. Eleanor's face paled, her pupils constricted, and she clearly saw shards of glass flying toward her like knives, poised to engulf her.
"Your Highness!"
Captain Modo, the security guard leader, reacted instantly, his face twisting with shock and alarm.
Whoosh!
Four Flying Shuttles sliced through the air, blue ion sparks erupting from their hulls.
A light shield materialized, enveloping Eleanor and deflecting the shockwave and razor-sharp glass shards.
"Enemy attack!"
"All units, on alert!"
Confirming Eleanor's safety, Captain Modo roared orders, simultaneously reassuring her while directing his security guard.
In an instant, the drone swarm activated, and the palace's advanced defense systems synchronized.
Ion light shields were about to bloom, forming an impenetrable barrier around the palace.
But then...
Boom!!
Another deafening explosion shook the air.
A blue energy beam, seven or eight meters thick, pierced through everything, narrowly missing a gap in the shields.
Boom!!
Explosions continued, flames soaring skyward.
Drones and aircraft along the beam's path were obliterated.
A corner of the Royal Palace vanished, and half of the hall of affairs evaporated, its roof and walls torn away.
Documents and papers swirled through the air as loyal security guards were vaporized on the spot, reduced to ash without a single cry.
Witnessing this carnage, Eleanor's pupils contracted, her pale face contorted with terror and disbelief.
"Who is it?!" Captain Modo roared, his bloodshot eyes glaring at the outside world as he shielded Eleanor with his body.
The scanning module activated instantly, revealing a familiar figure hurtling backward, brushing past them before smashing through the palace wall.
Boom!!!
Another section of the Royal Palace wall collapsed, sending plumes of dust and smoke billowing into the sky.
As the dust settled, Princess Eleanor and Captain Modo recognized the face of the flying figure, their expressions turning to shock and disbelief.
"General Walker..."
The collapsing wall stirred up dust, and even General Walker had been defeated?
Whoosh!!
At that moment, another sonic boom echoed through the air.
Two figures descended from the sky, their cold laughter echoing as they surveyed Eleanor and her group huddled within the shattered palace.
"What use is a disobedient dog?"
(End of the Chapter)
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