Translator: CinderTL
"Even the weak harbor expectations," a deep voice echoed across the Federal Congress plaza.
A wave of astonished glances rippled through the crowd, their expressions varied.
Many members of the action bureau glared angrily, while the New Covenant Faction's leaders radiated cold hostility.
Andrei, in particular, his face dark with fury, veins throbbing, stared intently at Chen Feng's broad back as he brushed past, growing ever more distant.
"Mr. Chen is indeed quite remarkable," Commissioner Moke, an elderly white man, murmured from the stone-columned entrance of the Congress building, turning to watch the scene unfold.
Chairman Li Yun, walking beside him, chuckled softly but remained silent, his gaze fixed on Chen Feng as he approached.
Chen Feng ascended the White Jade Steps leading to the Congress entrance, his every stride measured. Andrei, his face darkening with each step, repeatedly clenched his fists, his anger barely contained.
Finally, as Chen Feng reached the Congress doors, his figure gradually obscured by the flanking stone pillars, Andrei's companions grew restless.
"Director?"
"Lord Andrei?"
The New Covenant Faction members tightened their fists, but could only watch as Andrei, suppressing his rage, raised a hand and shook his head.
"Wait a little longer," he said through gritted teeth, watching Chen Feng's retreating figure disappear into the Congress Palace.
The New Covenant Faction could afford to concede a step, but only under one condition: securing sufficient negotiating leverage. Even the Master shared this view.
Now that overt action was impossible due to the Old Covenant Faction's obstruction, they had to...
He glanced sideways at the districts beyond the congressional blockade. Federal citizens streamed back and forth, many already inflamed by hostile news coverage.
Some organizations were fanning the flames, reigniting chaos by organizing protest marches against Old Covenant Faction citizens.
Though the original plan had been disrupted, it remained largely intact.
Especially the Roth Family and other Consortium members showed no signs of backing down.
Therefore...
"Not enough," Andrei muttered darkly, without turning around.
The New Covenant Faction members behind him froze momentarily before understanding his meaning.
If it wasn't enough, they needed to add more fuel to the fire!
Boom!!
That day, a muffled explosion erupted, sending debris flying.
A section of the underground base wall in Black Harbor City exploded violently, sending alloy shards flying in all directions.
White-gray mist billowed upward as red alarm lights flashed incessantly, emitting urgent, piercing warnings.
Through the haze, a figure could be seen striding through the hole in the alloy wall.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Gunfire erupted instantly, tongues of flame spitting forth like meteors.
The cyborg security personnel within the underground base acted in perfect unison, activating force field devices to immobilize the intruder.
Whoosh!
Yet.
Moving with the agility of a dragon, the stranger's figure flickered, covering dozens of meters in mere strides as they breached the base's corridor.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Muffled explosions echoed along the path, mechanical bodies shattering and flying backward.
Scattered debris littered the floor as armed cyborg security personnel lay twisted, their necks snapped, their wide eyes frozen into cold, metallic components.
Thud!
Finally, another cyborg corpse crashed to the ground.
The dull thud reverberated through the corridor, causing the underground base to tremble slightly.
Crack!
The alloy gate blocking the path shuddered slightly as the corpse's metal card bypassed the security scanner.
In an instant, the gate slowly split apart, revealing a new passage.
Yet, the stranger in the black mask paused, his gaze fixed on the opposite side.
"Who are you?" a grim voice demanded. A security chief stood opposite him, his face radiating murderous intent.
The man's fair skin and brown eyes were already being rapidly enveloped by liquid metal, transforming him into a formidable Flying General-level combatant.
"This is the Roth Family's experimental base," the chief declared. "State your purpose now, and I might grant you a full corpse."
As he spoke, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of approaching footsteps echoed through the corridor.
Fully armed security personnel in suits converged from both sides of the alloy passage, sealing off the underground base like a cage. The chief exuded confidence, certain of his victory.
In response, the stranger in the black mask's eyes flickered. Far from retreating, a hint of battle lust and curiosity flickered in his gaze.
"Interesting..."
Boom!
A surge of brown energy erupted as the stranger's fist, amplified by the force of compressed air, struck with the force of a thousand tons.
The collision between the mechanical body and the flesh-and-blood physique unleashed a blinding burst of electromagnetic energy, scattering unparalleled shockwaves throughout the chamber.
Two Sixth-Tier combatants clashed fiercely in the underground base, shattering alloy and piercing through walls.
A landscape riddled with craters emerged, the scene transmitted via electromagnetic signals across several kilometers.
"Yang has met his match."
Celine, clad in a black jacket, stood on a skyscraper rooftop. A miniature light screen flickered across her sunglasses, displaying various data streams.
"A Flying General-level Security Personnel? Tsk tsk, the Roth Family really spared no expense."
"I wonder if we'll actually find anything."
Her tone was more amused than concerned. Celine knew her friend's current strength well.
Since achieving Transcendence, he had grown stronger every moment, now nearing the second heavenly gate, rivaling a Peak Flying General.
"Why are you so certain the Roth Family would hide him in Black Harbor City?"
"They have bases elsewhere. Why take the risk?"
The voice crackled through her communicator. Iphia, who had been monitoring the situation earlier, had already left to investigate another suspected location.
"You wouldn't understand."
Celine shook her head, a confident smile playing on her lips.
"There's an old saying in the Red Nation: 'The most dangerous place is the safest.'"
"Moreover, the Roth Family's headquarters are in Black Harbor City. They would never allow such a crucial matter to slip out of their control."
Hearing this, Iphia, who had been acting independently, fell into thoughtful silence, no longer arguing.
In response, Celine smiled faintly, then turned her gaze toward the distant estate villa.
The security personnel seemed significantly reduced, indicating that the Roth Family's key figures had likely been relocated elsewhere.
As this thought flashed through her mind, her electronic visor suddenly displayed several alerts.
"Oh?"
Her gaze sharpened as Celine simultaneously accessed the footage from Yang Wudi and Iphia's earlier surveillance.
Immediately, several unfamiliar figures appeared in the vicinity of the streets they had passed through. She zoomed in frame by frame, restoring their images with perfect clarity.
Both men and women were present, all wearing masks or other disguises to conceal their identities.
Frowning slightly, Celine pondered for a moment.
Soon, a suspicion formed in her mind.
"People from the Red Nation?"
"Your nation's most wanted fugitive, Han Mingchuan, remains at large. We have been unable to determine his exact location."
"This individual illegally entered our territory without declaring his presence, demonstrating extreme cunning and deceit. It's highly likely he has internal collaborators within the Platinum Federation aiding him."
"We can assist in issuing a federal arrest warrant and deploying personnel to search for and apprehend him."
Inside the Congress Palace, an exquisite crystal chandelier hung at the center of the grand hall.
The golden decor was lavish, and the polished marble floor reflected sunlight.
Voices echoed around the negotiation table, which stood at the heart of the palace's main hall.
Ornate arched windows framed the room, and figures filled the seats around the oval red mahogany table.
Over a dozen negotiators from the Red Nation and the federation sat facing each other, flanked by their assistants and core Security Personnel, who stood behind the chairs, observing the proceedings.
Despite the large gathering, the hall felt spacious rather than crowded.
The federation Councilor's voice resonated once more through the expansive chamber.
"However, Han Mingchuan is cunning and elusive, his whereabouts constantly shifting."
"Even with our combined efforts to apprehend him, it may take considerable time to pinpoint his exact location."
An Old Covenant Faction Councilor seated beside Commissioner Moke spoke gravely, his gaze shifting toward Chairman Li Yun and the other Red Nation delegates.
He continued, feigning concern and earnest consideration, "I propose we prioritize negotiating the secret realm clause first."
"Let's establish a foundation for cooperation first and outline the exploration projects."
"This way, we can advance both matters simultaneously, improving efficiency and saving time."
As his words fell, numerous eyes turned toward the Red Nation delegation.
Chairman Li Yun, seated at the center, showed no surprise at this reaction. Instead, he smiled and shook his head, meeting Commissioner Moke's calm gaze across the round table.
"Your nation's proposal is acceptable."
"However, Han Mingchuan's crimes are grave. Many citizens in my Red Nation's Nanjiang City still seek justice."
"Moreover, this matter concerns the very foundation of trust in our cooperation. Its importance cannot be overstated. If we fail to resolve this, how can we possibly achieve genuine collaboration in exploring the Secret Realm?"
Through this exchange, Chairman Li Yun revealed the Red Nation's principles and bottom line.
Negotiations on Secret Realm exploration were possible.
But only if the Platinum Federation genuinely cooperated on the Han Mingchuan case.
As these words were spoken, the expressions of the federation representatives visibly darkened. Even the Old Covenant Faction councilors and Commissioner Moke himself narrowed their eyes, clearly resistant to this condition.
"It seems they're not used to our firm stance."
Behind the seats of the delegation members at the round table in the Congress Palace, Wang Cheng and Chen Feng, along with other security personnel and assistants, observed the proceedings without directly participating in the negotiations.
"That's natural," Chen Feng said calmly. "After dominating the world for so many years, they've never faced any real opposition."
"Over time, they've come to believe the world belongs to them, that no one would dare defy them."
As he spoke, an electromagnetic Force Field materialized around them—Wang Cheng's doing—isolating their conversation from the surrounding noise.
"Heh." Wang Cheng chuckled and nodded.
Their eyes remained fixed on the negotiation table, where the federation representatives had once again launched into a rebuttal.
The New Covenant Faction, already uncompromising, refused to make further concessions.
The Old Covenant Faction, while willing to compromise and negotiate, clearly had no intention of sacrificing their own interests. They remained steadfast in their demand to finalize the secret realm clause first.
For the moment, Han Mingchuan's case remained unresolved, leaving both sides locked in a stalemate.
"Just as I thought," Wang Cheng murmured, shaking his head, his eyes glinting with insight.
"They're really using Han Mingchuan as a bargaining chip, trying to force us to concede."
This had been predicted by the delegation on their way here.
Han Mingchuan himself was insignificant, but he held the key to explaining the Nanjiang black tide incident.
This was a lingering grievance for millions of people, one they couldn't ignore.
The Federation had clearly seized on this, dragging out the negotiations.
Buzz!
A faint vibration pulsed from Chen Feng's wrist.
It was a hidden communication device, signaling the arrival of new information.
Unsurprised, Chen Feng glanced at it with his Perception before discreetly withdrawing his gaze.
The Red Nation delegation wouldn't sit idly by. Since the Federation refused to send investigators and was trying to brush the matter aside, they would take matters into their own hands.
Though suppressed for years, the Red Nation still had other operatives at their disposal.
"So, those suspicious trackers your three friends mentioned must be them."
"No wonder they moved so quickly. They might have already found your friends too."
As these thoughts flashed through Chen Feng's mind, the Star Spirit's voice echoed in his consciousness.
The other party had processed his communication signal, allowing him to receive Celine's message immediately.
Chen Feng nodded inwardly, his eyes gleaming faintly.
Back when he parted ways with Luoyue, he had already formulated a plan. He had specifically instructed Celine and Yang Wudi to arrive at the Platinum Federation ahead of time, meet up with Iphia, and assist in locating Han Mingchuan's whereabouts.
And now,
this carefully laid plan was clearly bearing fruit.
"Aren't you going to inform the delegation?" Star Spirit asked quietly, her expression curious.
If they could coordinate with the Red Nation's operatives, their search efficiency would undoubtedly increase significantly.
"No rush," Chen Feng replied, shaking his head silently.
Seated in the back row, he calmly observed the round table conference.
The federation's members of parliament were still stalling for time, while Andrei, like a ravenous wolf, stood behind them. Though he no longer glared at Chen Feng with such malice, his face remained dark and brooding throughout.
There was no doubt the federation wouldn't relinquish this bargaining chip easily.
In other words, the Red Nation's operatives were likely being watched closely.
"With Celine and the others operating in the shadows, they might be able to strike unexpectedly."
"Moreover..."
His gaze deepened as the interface reappeared before him.
Nine Fragments of Divinity.
If he initiated a Dream Incursion tonight, resurrecting the first batch of Angel Heroic Spirits from the High Wall Alliance, and then used his authority as a resuscitator to command them to assist in the search...
Then...
"Hmm?"
Wang Cheng, seated beside him, paused mid-breath. Chen Feng's thoughts were interrupted, and he turned to look at the other man.
"We have a situation."
Noticing Chen Feng's gaze, Wang Cheng spoke in a low voice, without hesitation.
"Our people have located traces of Han Mingchuan."
"There's a suspected Legendary-grade presence nearby."
He discreetly shared the communication coordinates, and Chen Feng glanced at them.
The location was in the northern district of Black Harbor City, near the federation's inland heartland.
Chen Feng frowned slightly, surprised by how quickly they'd found him.
"A trap?" he murmured, his tone wary.
The suddenness of the news made him suspect the Platinum Federation might be using Han Mingchuan as bait.
Wang Cheng didn't deny it, but his expression remained grave.
"What if it's real?"
No one could be certain of the outcome, yet no one wanted to let this lead slip away.
After a moment of deliberation, Chen Feng glanced at Li Yun's back at the round table.
The chairman had clearly received the news as well, glancing down at his wrist communicator.
Without a word, Wang Cheng seemed to have reached a decision and silently rose to his feet.
"Old Chen," he said earnestly, using a more familiar term for the first time. "Their safety rests with you."
The two men were the delegation's greatest security assets, and they couldn't both leave at the same time.
After a brief silence, they locked eyes, Chen Feng meeting Wang Cheng's gaze, which flickered with crimson arcs of energy.
Chen Feng said nothing, merely nodded slightly.
Tap, tap!
With steady footsteps, Wang Cheng left the hall. Federal agents, sensing the movement, discreetly followed.
They likely suspected Wang Cheng had methods to evade surveillance.
Chen Feng felt no relief; instead, a heavy weight settled in his heart.
His intuition was sharp, a testament to the mystical nature of Martial arts.
The aftermath might not be peaceful.
Yet they couldn't afford to ignore or abandon their mission.
Instantly, the emotions in their hearts gathered like dark clouds, heavy with the oppressive tension before a storm.
Chen Feng remained seated, watching Andrei across from him. Andrei suddenly looked up, his brow furrowed, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Feng.
A volcano erupted deep within Chen Feng's soul, its fiery eruptions briefly illuminating the world.
Waves of silver frost and storm-born lightning surged through him, yet Chen Feng maintained his composure, his mind unnaturally calm.
"For the love of all that's holy..."
"Don't go looking for trouble."
(End of the Chapter)
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