Translator: CinderTL
"The Platinum Federation?"
A map floated on the light screen before him, showing the coastline across the vast Great Ocean—the port waters belonging to the Platinum Federation.
Chen Feng's expression grew serious as he sensed the difficulty of the situation.
The Great Ocean was immense, covering nearly seven million square kilometers.
Even the area marked by the Star Spirit was larger than a major city. Moreover, the ocean's depth and the complex underwater environment posed significant challenges.
Beyond that, the name "Platinum Federation" itself presented a problem.
The Sky Eye System monitored the entire territory. Unless Chen Feng completely suppressed his life magnetic field, his entry would be easily detected, attracting the attention of the federation's legendary-grade modified humans or even the Divine Generals.
"Is there any way to get a more precise location?" Chen Feng asked, but the Star Spirit shook her head regretfully.
"While the Windrider is more advanced than the Geocore, its energy systems have suffered severe damage."
"The reason its signal was lost is due to insufficient energy to maintain communication. It can't transmit a secondary signal."
After her explanation, Chen Feng only remembered two words:
Very difficult.
Shaking his head, he immediately abandoned any hope of luck and began strategizing.
Finding the Windrider would require venturing deep into the ocean and would take considerable time.
Before pinpointing the exact location, Chen Feng saw no need to personally venture there, lest he attract the federation's attention and expose the ark ruins.
Therefore, he concluded, "I'll need others to search for me."
The moment this thought arose, Chen Feng immediately considered his most familiar marine allies:
The Giant Octopus Gata from the Dead Crow Secret Realm.
And the Mermaid and Mermen clans he had subsequently subdued.
As favored children of the sea, their search efficiency would undoubtedly surpass that of the Small Stone Statue, which was ill-suited for aquatic environments.
Moreover, both Gata and the Mermen bore the Soul Flame's control mark, ensuring their loyalty. Any betrayal would result in instant annihilation.
"The Soul Flame grants me absolute control over their lives, eliminating any risk of betrayal or exposure of my existence."
"With minimal concealment and a low profile, remaining submerged deep beneath the sea, they'll be difficult to detect."
"The only concern is the stamina cost of the Ocean Gate."
His eyes gleaming with resolve, Chen Feng examined the talent information on his interface:
[Ocean Gate]
[Effect 1: Expend stamina to open an Ocean Gate at any location.]
[Effect 3: Creatures you permit can temporarily descend across realms through the Ocean Gate via tidal summoning!]
[Temporary Cross-Dimensional Descent]
The Ocean Gate could transport living beings, but at the cost of continuously draining his stamina.
This was remarkably similar to when he had first summoned the Holy Shield Colossus.
Back then, when he was still at the pseudo-seventh tier, he had attempted a cross-realm summoning of Gata, but the stamina drain had forced him to abandon the effort.
Now, as a Lower-Ranking Angel, his strength had increased dramatically.
The Ocean Gate had also undergone two passive enhancements, reducing its stamina consumption.
With this thought in mind, Chen Feng immediately flashed out of the Mountain Gate.
Whoosh!
The whistling wind filled his ears as he moved silently, avoiding alerting anyone.
Seven or eight Small Stone Statues quietly followed him. These were the same type of constructs that the Holy Shield Colossus had previously split off near the Flame Tiger Sect.
Normally hidden beneath the rock strata, they rarely emerged.
But now, they quickly accompanied Chen Feng, dispersing to form a perimeter of sentry posts around the Back Mountain.
"This should do."
Chen Feng paused, his gaze fixed on the river before him.
It was a branch of the Huai River, only a kilometer from the Flame Tiger Sect.
If he summoned Gata or other beasts here, they could follow this waterway south, eventually reaching the Great Ocean via Yun Port.
With everything in place, he prepared to begin.
Chen Feng used his Perception to confirm no one was nearby, then relied on the vigilance of the Small Stone Statues to ensure no other humans or surveillance devices were approaching.
His eyes gleaming, he instantly activated the Ocean Gate.
Buzz!
The air vibrated as moisture rapidly condensed into visible strands of water.
Extend... Expand...
Within mere breaths, a three-meter-wide Ocean Gate, entirely azure blue, materialized and hovered above a tributary of the Huai River.
Splash!
The sound of crashing waves surged forth, accompanied by a misty haze that quietly materialized.
With a mental command, Chen Feng focused on the gate's center.
A swirling vortex of seawater appeared, followed by a familiar cry that reached his ears.
"Sha!!"
The resonant call, brimming with longing and excitement after days apart, echoed through the air.
Chen Feng smiled as a tentacle, half a meter thick and covered in tiny pores, emerged from the vortex, descended to Earth, and cautiously approached him.
Its ghostly blue surface seemed to radiate human-like emotions, moving with deliberate care.
Without flinching, Chen Feng stood motionless.
Finally, a tentacle reached out and brushed against Chen Feng's palm.
The mental connection instantly clarified, free from the lag and delay of crossing worlds.
"Little one, it's been a while," Chen Feng said with a smile, the octopus tentacle trembling slightly.
"Shaaa!"
The excited beastly roar echoed again as Gata, on the other side of the Ocean Gate, finally confirmed the situation and attempted to descend.
Its massive, tens-of-meters-long body struggled clumsily to squeeze through the portal, prompting Chen Feng to shake his head with amusement.
"Reduce your size," he reminded Gata, who had already mastered the method of shrinking his form upon reaching Saint-level.
"Sha!"
Gata responded, regaining his composure and immediately obeying the command.
After a few seconds, the Ocean Gate vibrated with a resonant hum.
A two-meter-tall Ghostly Blue shadow emerged from the portal and plunged into the Huai River below.
Splash!
Waves churned as a dozen tentacles flailed to support the creature.
River fish scattered in panic, and a few bubbles surfaced on the water's surface.
Chen Feng waited patiently, observing Gata's descent.
The skull-like head of the octopus slowly emerged from the water, its two large, ghostly blue eyes rolling around.
It cautiously surveyed its surroundings, then turned to Chen Feng with an air of affectionate dependence.
"This is my homeland," Chen Feng said with a smile, gently stroking one of Gata's tentacles to reassure him.
For Gata, this place was undoubtedly unfamiliar territory.
With a few simple words of comfort, Gata's mood quickly stabilized.
Chen Feng took the opportunity to use his Perception to assess Gata's stamina consumption.
"He's losing a small amount of stamina every second."
"But it doesn't seem too serious."
Raising an eyebrow, Chen Feng confirmed that he could sustain Gata's cross-realm descent for an extended period.
At least for a week, it wouldn't place too much of a burden on him.
"Still, it's not enough."
His gaze shifted to Gata.
Although the octopus was skilled in the water, the great ocean was simply too vast.
Relying on a single creature would be too inefficient.
With this thought, Chen Feng quickly turned his attention back to the Ocean Gate, formulating a plan.
Splash!
Dead Crow Secret Realm, Riftsea Canyon.
The massive undersea rift resembled a scar on the world's surface, its steep cliffs dotted with reef caves where pairs of fish eyes glowed.
Glug!
Bubbles rose to the surface as a merman patrol team, spears in hand, patrolled the area.
The central palace teemed with Merfolk.
"The war is spreading. The Two Great Kingdoms are truly at each other's throats, disrupting all nearby sea routes."
"I heard the Holy Star Empire is preparing to join the fray, aiming to seize Hurricane Island."
"Ah, I wonder when Master Feng Chen will return. If things escalate, Riftsea Canyon and Merman Bay will surely be caught in the crossfire. We must prepare."
Elder Delia the Mermaid, her face etched with worry beneath her yellow-patterned gown, stood among several fifth-tier mermen in the palace.
The two clans had long harbored grievances, but Chen Feng's presence had forced them to temporarily set aside their animosity and convene in this uneasy alliance.
"No, I believe the situation isn't as dire as you think."
"Riftsea Canyon is protected by the Sea Eye Seal, and the Storm Church keeps a close watch on this place. Even in a kingdom-level war, they must consider the Church's influence."
A fifth-tier merman with an eel-like head, crackling with electrical sparks, countered Delia's assessment.
Delia snorted coldly, her face betraying her displeasure.
Though the two clans maintained a fragile truce, lingering resentment still simmered beneath the surface.
It goes without saying that differing perspectives arise from different starting points.
Riftsea Canyon, protected by the Sea Eye Seal, is guarded by a Saint of the Storm Church, ensuring the Church's support and protection.
However, the Mermaid Territory in Merman Bay lacks such safeguards.
"There's no need for you two to argue," Lei Long interjected, his voice calm and measured.
"Let's defer this matter to Master Feng Chen's judgment. I'll inform Lord Gata shortly and request his prayers to convey this matter to Master Feng Chen."
Lei Long, another participant in the meeting, spoke. His burly frame, clad in a brown jacket, was encased in a transparent bubble that clung perfectly to his body, allowing him to breathe underwater without concern.
As the only human present, Lei Long commanded respect from both races due to Chen Feng's trust in him and his long-standing loyalty. Moreover, his neutral human perspective made him uniquely suited to mediate the tensions between the two clans.
"Very well, then. We'll trouble you with this, Mr. Lei Long," Delia said, nodding slightly. Suppressing her emotions, she showed Lei Long due deference.
The mermen elder who had spoken earlier also stepped down gracefully, showing no condescension despite Lei Long's lower rank.
The discussions continued smoothly, including discussions about strengthening patrols around the Sea Eye Seal in coordination with the Storm Church to enhance vigilance.
Finally, as the meeting drew to a close...
Splash!
A peculiar disturbance rippled through the ocean, as if a whirlpool were forming.
The occupants of the palace froze, then watched as a team of Merfolk rushed in.
"Elder Delia, it's terrible!"
"Lord Gata has vanished!"
Boom!!
Like a thunderclap from a clear sky, Delia, Lei Long, and the others paled.
Without hesitation, they surged out of the palace.
Their pupils contracted, their gazes fixed.
The three-meter-tall Ocean Gate resembled a mystical vortex, emitting a hazy, azure mist that diffused into the water, carrying faint echoes of the Ocean Tide.
"This..."
Lei Long and Delia suddenly recognized the phenomenon, as if they had seen it somewhere before.
A majestic, overwhelming pressure slowly materialized, causing the other Mermen Clan Elders to frown deeply, their expressions grave.
In the next instant, before they could react,
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The Mermen guarding the area turned into streaks of light, plunging into the vortex.
Splash!
Splash!
Successive splashes echoed as six Mermen descended onto Earth.
Most were around Fourth-Tier, their faces etched with panic and confusion as they surfaced, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.
Rivers, freshwater, Greenfield shores...
A two-meter-long octopus lay sprawled on the bank, resembling a shrunken version of Lord Gata himself.
The merman's unusually humble posture piqued curiosity. Following his gaze, one could see a tall, black-clad figure standing beside him.
Though not particularly large, the figure seemed to cast a shadow that blotted out the sky.
His calm breathing should have gone unnoticed, yet every movement felt like a volcanic eruption, spewing sparks of fiery energy.
Dazed, the six mermen felt an overwhelming pressure wash over them.
For a moment, they froze, then a searing pain pierced their minds, and their Soul Flames burned with a deadly heat.
"This!"
In an instant, their pupils contracted, and the mermen understood.
"We... we greet Lord Feng Chen!"
One by one, the mermen leaped from the water onto the shore, clasping their hands in obeisance and kneeling.
Whether octopus-headed or tigerfish-half-human, they trembled with fear, letting the water drip from their bodies in disheveled streams.
"Hmm."
Chen Feng nodded calmly, his expression cold and stern.
Compared to his treatment of Gata, his demeanor toward these mermen was far more authoritative.
He decided not to summon any more, deeming six mermen sufficient for the task. The burden was manageable, still within his capacity.
Then, he gazed at the six mermen, their faces etched with terror.
Without wasting any time, Chen Feng quickly stated his request: he ordered the Mermen to obey Gata's commands and travel together across the great ocean to search for the crashed Windrider.
"Yes, sir!"
The six Mermen immediately replied in unison, their voices deep and resolute, daring not to harbor any other thoughts.
Satisfied with their response, Chen Feng nodded and gestured slightly.
Pfft! Pfft!
Several Small Stone Statues swiftly flew over.
"They will guide you," Chen Feng said, intending to use the statues as guides.
After all, Gata and the Mermen were unfamiliar with Earth and its routes. Moreover, they needed to avoid detection by naval warships along the coast or sonar from other ships to prevent exposing their presence.
Shhh!
At his command, Gata, though reluctant, stroked his tentacles one last time before leading the way back into the Huai River.
Splash! Splash!
Successive splashes echoed as the six Mermen and Gata submerged into the current.
Soon, accompanied by the Small Stone Statues skimming low above the water, guiding their path, the group of extraordinary beings set off, heading across the great ocean toward the Platinum Federation.
"You actually possess such abilities!"
The Star Spirit reappeared, her voice filled with astonishment.
This was the first time she had witnessed the activation of the Ocean Gate. She had been marveling at Gata's appearance since he first emerged, but only now dared to reveal herself.
"If I'm not mistaken, they must be creatures from another star realm."
"You've actually subdued them and can even summon them across realms?"
Her small face brimming with curiosity, the Star Spirit gazed at Chen Feng and the still-dissipating Ocean Gate like an inquisitive child, hoping for an explanation.
But Chen Feng shook his head.
The acquisition of extraordinary abilities was inherently peculiar, tied to dream power, and utterly inexplicable.
Moreover...
His gaze deepened as he turned to the Ocean Gate.
Through the Soul Flames of other Mermen, he had witnessed Delia and the others' brief panic.
Now, thanks to Lei Long's memories, they had confirmed it was his doing, which had calmed them somewhat.
"Has the war expanded again?"
Lost in thought, Chen Feng had already gleaned the gist of Delia and the others' earlier discussion.
The conflict between the Two Great Kingdoms on Hurricane Island had escalated dramatically, spreading to several nearby sea regions.
Some cities on the Bountiful Continent had fallen, and even the Holy Star Empire to the south was mobilizing.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, the Ocean Gate gradually dissipated.
Gata and the Mermen remained, but Chen Feng's stamina continued to drain.
Standing in place, Chen Feng pondered for a moment before shaking his head and quietly returning to the Flame Tiger Sect.
Click!
The door closed again. The Star Spirit, her cheeks puffed out in frustration at the lack of response, floated around restlessly.
Chen Feng paid her no mind, simply withdrawing his thoughts. He realized he might need to revisit the Dead Crow Secret Realm soon.
The situation there was unusual. The escalating war had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the ocean tribes but even the Small Stone Statues searching for Earth Vein Power.
Compared to the Serpent God's interference and the Secret Realm's rejection in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm, or the Calamity Secret Realm's tracking lock and Warship encirclement, the Dead Crow Secret Realm clearly offered the most stable environment for the Holy Shield Colossus's transformation.
With his plan settled, Chen Feng stopped dwelling on it. He walked over to the living room table and glanced at the three briefcases resting on it.
Click!
With a mental command, two of the briefcases automatically opened.
Six Advanced Life Elixirs floated into view, their emerald green liquid swirling with vitality within cylindrical glass vials.
The Thunderclap Art's transformation continued unabated.
Regardless of his future plans, ensuring his own strength remained paramount.
Without further delay, Chen Feng waved his hand, removed the vial caps, and drained all six Life Elixirs in one gulp.
(End of the Chapter)
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