Translator: CinderTL
Buzz!
Dark clouds blanketed the skies above Black Harbor City, unleashing a torrential downpour.
The neon-lit city-within-a-city, formed by floating staircases, shimmered with holographic projections that transformed into cascading waves.
Normally, the city would be bustling with activity, a cacophony of noise.
But at this moment, rows of Flying Cars lined the streets, and figures in the districts and skyscrapers paused, gazing upward in confusion.
The reason?
Boom!!!
A deafening explosion, like hundreds of barrels of gunpowder detonating simultaneously, erupted from the harbor near the Great Ocean.
Ears rang, hearts pounded.
From the high-rise buildings and surrounding floating staircases, federation elites and wealthy magnates stared in disbelief as cargo containers shattered on the sea surface, revealing a fleet of warships.
A pillar of Scarlet Gold flame, erupting from the epicenter, pierced the clouds, scattering the storm.
The entire sky transformed in an instant, the somber gray replaced by a blazing, clear blue.
"Impossible!!"
A woman's incredulous voice echoed from a nearby villa estate. The proud Ouna's eyes widened in shock, while the legendary-grade mech warrior beside her wore a stiff, unnatural expression.
Meanwhile, various Consortium factions turned their gaze toward the scene, mobilizing drone swarms and activating the city's surveillance systems.
Even the military personnel on the federation warships and carrier groups scrambled to establish communication.
Boom!!
The Falling Sun descended, its diameter exceeding a kilometer.
The entire city seemed enveloped in its fiery embrace as the burning atmosphere transformed into a crimson inferno, instantly incinerating the last vortex of dark clouds into nothingness.
Whoosh!!
A faint, alluring figure plummeted from the sky, trailing billowing dust clouds as it crashed into the great ocean.
The scorching air temperature surged, and the action bureau agents who had attempted to intervene were paralyzed by the overwhelming pressure, nearly collapsing to their knees.
Witnessing this spectacle—the thousands of meteors reversing their trajectories, the magnetic arcs and electric flashes vanishing in an instant, and the shattered remains of countless flying shuttles scattered across the sky—a man in a brown trench coat stood in a corner of Black Harbor City's neon district, a cigarette clenched between his teeth. His gaze was complex as he watched the scene unfold, sighing softly.
"The commotion... he really went all out."
This was entirely unexpected.
Yet, it somehow aligned perfectly with his character.
Wherever he went, chaos followed, and he would never back down from any obstacle.
"He's no ordinary Legend," Celine's voice echoed through his communication module. She was currently on the rooftop of a high-rise building, sunglasses perched on her nose as she gazed up at the dissipating dark clouds.
A single Legend was enough to grant small nations like Moguo and Luoyue protection, shielding them from internal strife.
Now, two, or even stronger, second-stage powerhouses had been severely injured by a single opponent.
Celine's eyes flickered, even though she was accustomed to Chen Feng's monstrously rapid growth.
She couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration, mixed with even deeper admiration and awe.
"So, he truly is the number one martial artist."
As her sigh faded, the other woman beside her gazed into the distance with a complex expression, her mind flooded with memories.
The past when she had been manipulated by enemy hatred.
Later, his selfless act of publicly sharing his martial arts techniques, saving her life and offering her protection.
Awe, admiration, resolve.
Her jade-green eyes swirled with conflicting emotions, momentarily silencing the voices in her communication module.
Finally,
A sudden gust of wind alerted the crowd, and they looked up again.
Black Harbor City fell silent for a moment, then a colossal warship pierced through the cloud layer, its massive hull dominating the sky.
"It's a warship!"
"A Suppression-Type Warship."
The faces of the Red Nation delegation near the harbor paled slightly, and the excited expressions of the overseas compatriots dimmed, replaced by a shadow of apprehension.
The majestic warship, over a hundred meters long, deployed layers of honeycomb-like ion shields, forming a shimmering Blue Light Barrier.
Its massive shadow descended from the sky, enveloping the city and pressing down with suffocating force.
Buzz!!
In an instant, a figure erupted with energy high above, appearing before the Red Nation delegation.
"This is going to be tricky," Wang Cheng muttered, his boots emitting trails of flame as he gazed up at the approaching warship, his expression growing increasingly grim.
The silver-gray metallic hull was protected by an ion shield, and the massive main cannon, several meters in diameter, was clearly visible on the deck, charging with intense energy as if preparing to unleash a devastating strike.
Seeing this, the pale-faced members of the foreign affairs bureau, including Director Lyle and the trembling congressmen huddled in the corner, regained some composure and forced themselves to look toward the center of the scene.
Chen Feng stood motionless, his black trench coat billowing in the wind, utterly unscathed, like a god or demon. Countless shattered fragments of rainbow-colored Flying Shuttles rained down around him.
Most of the action bureau personnel wore expressions of humiliation, crushed by an invisible Pinnacle Intent that vibrated the air and forced them to kneel rigidly in place.
"Chen Feng, do you want to start a war?!" Andrei roared from the sea, his body battered and broken, his voice filled with fury. Behind him, the carrier group continued to advance, the fleet's cannons already loaded and aimed at the port.
"War?" Chen Feng lowered his gaze, glancing sideways at the surrounding figures.
Director Lyle and the congressmen, who had previously worn mocking expressions, now trembled visibly, their eyes darting away.
One by one, the Cyborgs and Modified Humans of the action bureau personally experienced the humiliation previously suffered by the Red Nation's overseas compatriots.
Only fists could restrain their arrogance, and only pain could force them to confront reality.
"Then let's begin."
His gaze as cold as a blade, Chen Feng stepped forward without expression, positioning himself before the entire Red Nation delegation.
Without a hint of fear or hesitation, he faced the crushing pressure and gale-force winds emanating from the federation warship, his posture upright and unwavering like a spear.
"Let's see who dies today—you or me."
Boom!!
Martial Dao Momentum erupted once more.
It was as if a colossal giant had risen, its shoulders supporting the heavens, causing the massive warship's hull to tremble.
A volcanic mountain ten thousand meters tall materialized, erupting in flames and spewing molten lava.
"You—!"
Andrei's face twisted with shock and fury. He had never anticipated such uncompromising defiance from Chen Feng, leaving no room for negotiation.
The gray-black earth of the harbor began to melt, and the moisture from the Great Ocean evaporated rapidly, shrouding the sea in billowing mist.
Under the suffocating and soul-shaking pressure, Chairman Li Yun and the others exchanged grim glances, their expressions hardening into resolute determination.
Even the accompanying Flying Generals, their resolve forged in iron and blood, stepped forward in unison, following Chen Feng's lead.
"Then let's face this together!"
Wang Cheng spoke in a deep voice, his body covered in liquid silver metal, arcs of energy crackling as he charged the cannon turrets.
"Let's see if the Federation dares to start a war!"
Though the chilling breath of death swept through their hearts, they refused to let the Red Nation lose face before the world.
Nor would they allow the reputation of their warriors to be tarnished.
In that instant, witnessing this defiant display,
the federal military personnel aboard the high-altitude warships and surface carriers furrowed their brows. For the first time, they felt the Federation's authority challenged, a deeply unsettling sensation.
A cold light flickered as hawkish senior officers began petitioning Congress for permission to open fire, while more cautious factions hesitated.
The entire plan had been thrown into chaos. The disheveled Andrei gritted his teeth, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
"Trying to be a hero?"
His gaze turned icy as he stared at the Red Nation delegation in the distance.
Especially the black-clad figure at the head—the embodiment of the Red Nation's defiance and a disgrace to the Federation's authority.
A thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately considered activating his backup plan: ignoring the consequences and detonating everything.
But then...
Splash!
A sudden wave crashed.
The Magnetic Field briefly fluctuated as Helena, who had fallen into the sea, resurfaced.
"Something's wrong," she said, her voice grave, her injured aura flickering erratically.
Andrei froze momentarily, then heard urgent warnings blare through the joint operational communications of the carrier group and warships.
"Unidentified carriers approaching the maritime border!"
"No, warships are closing in too!"
Alarmed voices rose, followed by the appearance of holographic light screens projecting live feeds.
The projections showed an area nearly a hundred nautical miles from Black Harbor City, along one of the Platinum Federation's maritime border lines.
On the seemingly endless sea, waves had begun to surge.
Unfamiliar white-gray cruiser warships breached the radar and detection module's scanning range.
Like colossal sea beasts riding the waves, they advanced, a faint crimson flag fluttering in the wind.
"This..."
The faces of the federal military personnel paled, while Andrei and Helena, both Legendary-grade commanders, exchanged grim glances.
The holographic projections appeared not only in the central command room of the warships but also on their personal communication devices.
Whoosh!
In an instant, towering waves crashed relentlessly, sending spray flying in all directions.
One warship... two warships... three warships...
A total of five cruiser warships surged forward, escorting a massive aircraft carrier at their center, steadily closing the hundred-mile gap to the federation border.
Through the monitoring screens, they could just make out the words:
The crimson banners billowed proudly in the wind as naval soldiers stood resolutely on the metal decks, their headbands fluttering, their faces etched with solemn determination.
Above the aircraft carrier, the clouds churned, and a colossal shadow loomed, descending from the heavens.
Two suppression-class warships, their main cannons—each tens of meters in diameter—pressed against the border, their barrels glowing with crimson energy beneath the ion light shields, igniting the high-altitude air. They seemed poised to unleash a cataclysmic strike that could vaporize the entire sea.
"These federation scum! Do they think we're defenseless?!"
"Even if it means war, we'll show them what it means to die with honor!"
"Advance, damn it!"
Buzz!
A cacophony of angry shouts and curses suddenly erupted from the delegation's communication modules, halting Chen Feng, Wang Cheng, and the others in their tracks.
After a moment of confusion, a complex wave of emotions surged through them.
The roar of the ocean carried the resolute cries of the Red Kingdom Military, echoing from a hundred kilometers away:
"Major General Chen! Flying General Wang!"
"We're here!"
Boom!
The clouds shattered, revealing a clear sky.
The Red Nation delegation trembled. The accompanying military personnel and Red Guard security personnel flushed crimson with excitement.
They were not alone!
Even in this foreign land, the Red Nation's might stood firmly behind them!
In an instant, a fierce gale swept down from the high altitude, causing Chen Feng's impassive expression to flicker with a complex mix of emotions, tinged with surprise.
He hadn't expected the Red Kingdom Military to provide such comprehensive support.
Deploying forces to the border was an unmistakable declaration of war.
"They've finally arrived," Wang Cheng said, grinning as he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chen Feng at the head of the delegation.
Wang Cheng had clearly been informed in advance, his face alight with excitement but showing little surprise.
"Since they're coming to the federation for negotiations, we might as well show them our trump card," Wang Cheng continued. "Let these pampered fools raised on bird eggs know that not everyone can be bullied."
His voice rang with defiance, arcs of energy crackling around him as a hint of arrogance flashed in his silver fiberglass eyes.
The Red Nation also possessed warships that soared through the skies and aircraft carriers that patrolled the seas.
After years of restraint, the eastern superpower was finally flexing its military might, a sight that filled every battle-hardened warrior with exhilaration.
Immediately, the delegation's security personnel were brimming with fighting spirit, while the core elites stood resolute and unwavering.
After a moment of silence, Chen Feng remained rooted to the spot, his expression gradually softening into a faint smile.
Thud!
He planted his feet firmly, gazing up at the cold, imposing high-altitude warship and then out at the federal military's distant carrier group.
He could almost see the brief panic on the faces of the federal officers, and the shock and disbelief on the faces of Andrei and the others.
His smile was equally arrogant as he fearlessly surveyed the scene.
"Truly, a satisfying feeling."
Buzz!
The wind howled, its fury unabated.
Unlike the Red Nation delegation's resolute determination, the federal military erupted into chaos.
The old guard of warmongers, led by Andrei, were particularly stunned and bewildered, a sense of absurdity creeping into their minds.
How many years had it been?
This was the first time any power had dared to bare its fangs at them without flinching.
"They dare to be so arrogant? What are we waiting for? Open fire!"
"Wait, something's wrong. Don't you find the Red Nation's attitude far too abnormal?"
"What about the warships at the maritime border? When can the White Shark and Giant Whale arrive?"
Voices of heated debate flooded the federal military's communication channels, stalling their initial aggressive suppression efforts and revealing deep divisions.
The negotiations had been intended to secure control of the Secret Realm in the northern Eastern Continent. The earlier provocations were merely tactics to gain leverage over the Red Nation delegation, making it easier to expand the terms later.
If war truly broke out, regardless of the outcome of the Secret Realm negotiations, the consequences would be catastrophic for everyone present.
"If we don't retaliate, won't the world's nations see us as weak?"
A hardline member of the New Covenant Faction countered grimly, supported by Andrei and several senior officers from the southern command.
A single move could trigger a chain reaction.
At that moment, countless eyes were focused on the scene. Any retreat would undoubtedly damage the federation's external control and deterrence.
"We can't back down," a high-ranking member of the Old Covenant Faction declared, shaking his head.
"The Black Tide is becoming more frequent. A full-scale war would benefit no one."
"The Red Nation's military strength is not to be underestimated. A Pyrrhic victory would be disastrous."
The Old Covenant Faction's congressional leaders opposed immediate war, leading to a deadlock in the debate.
Andrei's eyes darkened as he watched the stalemate unfold. Helena, wounded beside him, also wore a grim expression.
Just as the endless arguments seemed to be leading nowhere, a thunderous boom shook the heavens.
Boom!!
A deafening roar echoed from beyond the atmosphere, as if some colossal entity had silently intervened.
The world fell silent. Both the Red Nation delegation and the federal military personnel simultaneously looked up.
Whoosh!!
The clouds parted, revealing the azure sky in its entirety.
A fleeting golden sunlight flashed across the heavens, and the federation personnel's faces shifted as they received a new order.
"Retreat?"
Andrei, standing shakily on the sea, his pupils contracted in shock and disbelief.
The hawkish members of the New Covenant Faction wore expressions of astonishment and disbelief.
For a moment, no one understood what was happening.
Then, one by one, the federation warships and carrier groups began to withdraw, taking the initiative to retreat.
(End of the Chapter)
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