Translator: Cinder Translations
---
Gulp!
Inside the martial arts hall, the atmosphere was silent, with some people unable to resist swallowing their saliva.
The ordinary onlookers were shocked, as they had just witnessed the elderly man in his fifties, who had overturned so many barbells and bench press equipment, yet was still standing firm.
In contrast, the young man in black who had made the opponent so miserable was even more oppressive to look at.
"Junior."
Qian Changsong slowly recovered, standing by the window, swallowing the taste of rust in his mouth.
His gaze was cruel as he deliberately reminded, "Our Pine Crane Sect is not afraid of your Flame Tiger Sect."
"Alas, this was just a normal spar, but you insist on being arrogant and threatening us, then I'm afraid..."
Whoosh!!
A flash of deep red, a tiger leap.
The ropes on the arena suddenly snapped in half, and the ground beneath collapsed further.
Step!!
With a firm step, Chen Feng had already crossed a distance of seven to eight meters and stood in front of Qian Changsong.
"Can't make a choice?"
"Then I'll choose for you!"
Wham!!
The wind from his fist rushed toward Qian Changsong, his muscular arm clenched into a fist, covered with deep red strength, as if flames were hidden within.
Qian Changsong's expression shifted slightly—he hadn't expected Chen Feng to attack so suddenly.
White light covered his body as he instantly spread his wings and reached out with his claws.
Bang!!
The sound of an explosion echoed as deep red and white light collided.
In the span of a single breath.
Qian Changsong suddenly sensed something was wrong, feeling a strong rebound force traveling up his arm.
"This!"
He focused his gaze and was stunned by what he saw: The young man in front of him had a subtle change in skin color.
It now reflected a bronze hue, shining under the sunlight.
As for the aggressive gleam in his eyes, it suddenly revealed a piercing brilliance.
Boom!!
His body was violently shaken back by the rebound, but a rapid punch came at him without warning.
Qian Changsong was sent crashing through the window, sliding out onto the street.
Nearby, the young man in a hoodie was already stunned. He then saw the black-clad youth charging after.
"Junior, you are being too much!!"
His face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Qian Changsong struggled to steady himself, feeling as though he had never been so humiliated.
Without a second thought, he gathered his strength and thrust his palm forward.
Screech!!
The white light of his energy tore through the air, forming a pillar of energy that twisted the air and pierced everything in its path, directly crashing into Chen Feng.
Whoosh!!
Qian Changsong slid back several steps, his legs scraping the ground. The metal frames around the windows twisted and cracked under the pressure.
Qian Changsong grinned, seeing this.
But the next moment.
Rip!!
His black top tore apart, his muscles bulging and his bones growing.
In the blink of an eye, the two-meter-tall giant was already standing in place, suddenly swinging his hand, effortlessly dispersing the energy column.
"!!!"
His pupils contracted, both Qian Changsong and the hoodie-clad young man nearby were stunned.
Whoosh!!
The sound of tearing air echoed, and in the next instant, the giant dashed forward with explosive speed, turning his body as he spun around.
Boom!!
His whiplash-like kick landed squarely on Qian Changsong's back.
Qian Changsong spat out a mouthful of blood and was sent flying like a ball into the martial arts hall.
Glass shards flew everywhere as Chen Feng glanced at the hoodie-clad young men, his red energy surging as he leaped again.
Whoosh!!
A lingering afterimage remained in the air, like a tiger pouncing on its prey.
Qian Changsong, still airborne, was soon caught by Chen Feng, who grabbed his ankle.
Not good! Qian Changsong gritted his teeth and struggled, but there was nowhere to exert force.
In the next moment, his center of gravity shifted rapidly.
Boom!!
The ground caved in as debris scattered everywhere.
Chen Feng held onto Qian Changsong's ankle and swung him around before slamming him into the ground.
The sound of continuous thumping filled the air, and the core disciples watching from a distance slowly began to change their expressions.
Excitement! Anticipation!
But soon, after the thumping sounds lasted for over ten seconds, many expressions changed again.
Worry.
Would the old man be dead?
On the arena, Cao Tong's eyelids twitched, but he dared not intervene.
Then, as if remembering something, he turned toward Jiang Yuan, who was already pale from fear.
He sneered and stepped forward, grabbing Jiang Yuan by the chin and slapping his face with his hand.
Slap! Boom!
Slap! Boom!
The two sounds overlapped, back and forth.
Passersby watching outside, the hoodie-clad young man trembled slightly, glancing toward his senior.
"Senior, should we still go for a spar?"
Fifteen minutes later.
An ambulance left the martial arts hall, taking the old and young to receive treatment.
Chen Feng had changed into a spare black short-sleeve shirt and returned to the quiet room.
"Junior Chen, today the two of us teaming up will definitely shake the entire Nanjiang Martial Arts world."
Cao Tong was still inside, grinning with pride.
Part of it was due to venting frustration by defeating the Pine Crane Sect disciples who had come to provoke them.
The other part was due to today's breakthrough.
He had finally stepped into the "Inner Strength" level, and after a trip back to the mountain, he would become a true disciple.
This was something he had longed for, and thanks to this conflict, he had succeeded by chance today.
Chen Feng smiled faintly, feeling happy for him.
He had heard from others that Cao Tong had joined the Flame Tiger Sect when he was just a teenager.
After more than a decade of training, today he had achieved his goal. This was a good thing both for him personally and for the entire sect.
"Brother Cao."
"I remember our sect never had any enmity with the Pine Crane Sect, right?"
Chen Feng's thoughts returned, remembering today's conflict.
With the Southern Martial Arts Conference approaching, sparring with others was common.
However, it usually took place in private, in a quiet place.
No matter who won or lost, the impact on the sect would be minimized.
As for Pine Crane Sect's unforgiving nature, this was usually only seen when there was a personal grudge.
"Right, I also remember no enmity."
Cao Tong nodded, his smile fading as he grew puzzled.
The two exchanged a glance, feeling something unusual.
Soon after.
Knock, knock!
There was a knock at the door.
"Senior Brother, someone wants to see you."
"They say they are from the Giant Elephant Sect."
As the words dropped, Chen Feng extended his senses and raised an eyebrow.
The hoodie-clad young man and the messy-haired youth were waiting in one of the rest rooms of the martial arts hall, both of them with strong auras.
The former seemed close to the second layer of Inner Strength, while the latter was likely on the verge of breaking through to True Intent, stronger than Qian Changsong, and comparable to the Blood Poison Hand, Feng Li.
"Giant Elephant Sect?"
Cao Tong furrowed his brow, confused.
This was a large martial arts faction in the southern region, located in other cities of Feng Province.
Their Flame Tiger Sect had an ordinary relationship with them—what could they want visiting them?
"Let's meet them."
Chen Feng had a slight guess, but he didn't sense any ill intent.
Cao Tong nodded and stood up, moving behind him.
Soon, the coach outside led them to the two visitors, who were also serving tea while standing behind Chen Feng.
"Giant Elephant Sect, Zheng Shan, greetings to the esteemed disciples of Flame Tiger Sect."
"This is my junior brother, Zhang Tai."
The man with long, disheveled hair took the initiative to clasp his fists in a salute, speaking respectfully as if they were equals.
Chen Feng nodded in return, not wasting words, and got straight to the point. "I wonder what brings you here, Senior Brother?"
"Hehe, just here to make a friend."
Zheng Shan smiled and said, not hiding his intentions, "I see that Junior Brother is only in the first stage of the 'Inner Strength' level, but you are capable of battling experts in the integration of internal energy."
"Born with divine strength, especially adept in physical techniques, which aligns perfectly with the practices of my Giant Giant Elephant Sect."
"I feel a strong affinity and wanted to pay a visit to Junior Brother, to form a good connection."
Chen Feng listened without revealing his emotions, responding with just a few words.
Beside him, Zhang Tai observed Chen Feng the entire time, curious about how his physical strength compared to his own.
"By the way, Junior Brother, have you heard about the incident with the Pine Crane Sect?" Zheng Shan casually asked, and Chen Feng immediately understood that this was the real reason for the visit.
"Please, Senior Brother, enlighten me."
"The former sect master of the Pine Crane Sect declared a retreat, and now the Great Elder has taken over the responsibility of leading the sect."
"I've heard that this Great Elder once received help from the Flying Dragon Sect."
Upon hearing this, Chen Feng furrowed his brow.
Flying Dragon Sect? What kind of force is that?
Seeing his confusion, Zheng Shan did not explain.
He smiled and put down his tea cup, saying a few more words before clasping his fists and taking his leave.
"Senior Brother, why are we telling him all of this?"
As they left the martial arts hall, Zhang Tai voiced his doubts.
He acknowledged that the man was powerful, but didn't think it was necessary for Senior Brother to go so far in making a friendly gesture.
"This person has considerable potential; there's an eighty to ninety percent chance he'll break through to true intent in the future."
Zheng Shan continued walking, still wearing his black backpack, and explained, "Also, don't you find it strange that the Flying Dragon Sect has suddenly become so aggressive?"
"They withdrew from the martial arts tournament thirty years ago and haven't participated since."
"But now, they suddenly announce their return and claim control over the tournament."
His tone was calm, but there was an underlying sense of worry and seriousness.
"The southern region of the Red Country is becoming more and more complex. Perhaps, Flame Tiger Sect can test the waters and see what the Flying Dragon Sect's true intentions are."
"Flying Dragon Sect..."
Chen Feng withdrew his sensing abilities and looked at Cao Tong.
He frowned for a moment and said uncertainly, "I think I've heard of them. They are a major sect, not smaller than the Giant Giant Elephant Sect."
"I also heard they have some grievances with our Flame Tiger Sect."
Cao Tong wasn't very knowledgeable on the subject, and Chen Feng's confusion remained unresolved.
He thought for a moment, then decided to ask his master, Li Tong, for more information.
To make a long story short, he made a call and described today's events.
"I will handle this matter."
"Wait a few days, and I will tell you the details."
The phone hung up. Li Tong's tone seemed complex.
Chen Feng thought for a moment but didn't press further.
He felt like he might have stumbled upon something hidden, and his master, Li Tong, was likely still hesitant about how to reveal this to him.
Soon after, Cao Tong and the others left. Chen Feng stayed alone in the quiet room and practiced his "Crimson Tiger Force" techniques.
TL/N: The "Crimson Tiger Force" techniques refer to Tiger Roar Style, Steel Claw Style, Flame Blast Style and Tiger Leap Style. Just in case you're wondering. (Refer to chapter 99)
Time passed, and by 3 or 4 in the afternoon, he took a shower, got dressed, and put on his black jacket before leaving the martial arts hall.
"Let's go!"
Lin Hao waved his hand, signaling to get in the car, and the two headed straight for the club.
On the way, cars passed by, and people walked along the streets.
During the drive, Chen Feng briefly saw Zheng Shan and his companion outside the martial arts hall of another smaller sect.
He didn't pay much attention and instead focused on the transparent panel in front of him.
[Azure Armor LV3: 5/100]
"Has the difficulty increased again?"
Chen Feng recalled what happened today, thinking about the fear points he earned from Pine Crane Sect's Qian Chang Song.
There were quite a few, but unfortunately, the quality was somewhat lacking.
He speculated that it might have been because he hadn't gone for the kill.
Even so, it was clear that the difficulty in advancing to level three of Azure Armor had increased.
After all, Qian Chang Song was a master at the third stage of Inner Strength, stronger than most modified people with weaponized modules.
"So, it needs new nutrients," he thought.
The idea flashed through his mind, and he suddenly thought of the golden light orb.
His mind wandered as he focused on his martial arts and talents.
Before long, the vehicle slowed as they reached the shopping mall.
"What's wrong? You seem distracted," Lin Hao asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Chen Feng shook his head, got out of the car, and entered the mall, planning to finish his lessons early and go home to rest.
He wondered if the Giant Rage Bear had been swayed by the Black Toxic Bee.
Or if it had already begun its attack.
---
Bang!
In the suburbs of Nanjiang City, in a hidden metal chamber, several people wearing masks and floral brooches on their chests were seated around a circular table.
"What is going on? Why hasn't Jin Wei awakened yet?"
One person slammed the table in anger, his tone questioning.
They had been under siege by the United Coalition recently, and it could be said they had been thoroughly beaten, looking quite disheveled and helpless.
They were all burning with rage, and most of their gazes turned to the leader sitting at the head of the table.
A man with slicked-back black hair, wearing a loose black suit.
"His injuries were too severe. Although they have been repaired, there are still some minor issues."
"If we force his revival, it will affect his strength."
Upon hearing this, the others wore various expressions, most of them frowning in deep thought.
"What should we do then? The other cities are moving faster than us. If we don't make some progress, the headquarters won't let us off!"
"Yes, Jin Wei is our greatest reliance. If he doesn't awaken, our plan cannot proceed."
"How big an impact will it have? Leader, if necessary, we should just wake him up first!"
The supportive voices continued.
The leader sitting at the head of the table remained silent, watching them until they quieted down, then spoke again.
"Two days."
"I've heard reports of people moving goods through the city gates, smuggling modification modules and advanced metals. I've already sent people to track them down and retrieve the materials."
"Regardless of the outcome, I will make sure Jin Wei awakens within two days."
His tone was calm and resolute, and upon hearing this, the questioning voices quieted down.
They looked around the table.
Someone suddenly asked, "What about Silver Wolf?"
"Don't mention him. He's an arrogant fool," someone responded with a shake of their head, disdain in their voice. "He fought to a draw with Dong Tao and is now recovering at the base."
"Serves him right. He insisted on going after that Blue Demon."
"If it weren't for Jin Wei, I would have had him transferred by now."
A wave of discontent spread, though no one spoke, some secretly nodded in agreement.
All of it was noted by the leader.
As the head of the Utopia branch in Nanjiang, the man with slicked-back hair did not stop their complaints and internal conflicts.
He turned his head to the other side of the room.
His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of metal walls, focusing on a massive figure lying still with closed eyes, seemingly in deep sleep.
Golden-paved platforms slowly melted away, and several pipes were inserted into the figure's metallic limbs, continuously feeding it some kind of advanced energy fluid to maintain its life signs.
Its aura was thick, like a sleeping lion, just a step away from awakening, ready to shatter the so-called United Coalition and bring about its own great era.
"It's almost time."
The leader whispered inwardly, his eyes flashing with fervor. This was the great era they would create, where the words "Utopia" would no longer just be a dream.
(End of the Chapter)
---
Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c164. [+5.3k Words]
Early Access at $5.
Translated (5) Series, (2K+) Chapters, (2.5M+) Words.
🎁If I can get 5 Reviews on WebNovel and ScribbleHub Combined, I'll do a mass release. (2/5)