novelraw Chapter 736 - 457: Royal Family Visiting? Send them off!
Chapter 736 - 457: Royal Family Visiting? Send them off!
"The duel challenge, he accepted it."
In the north, where the Holy Sect is located.
Behind the mountain, steep cliffs, waterfalls cascading.
Old leader Zhang Hengshan stood by the edge of a tranquil pond, informing of the latest situation.
"Good."
The figure in white sitting cross-legged on a large stone in the pond nodded lightly, his thick eyebrows and broad face exuding authority and resilience.
Seeing through his thoughts, Zhang Hengshan sighed softly and couldn’t help but advise again.
"Master Chen has made another breakthrough, comparable to the legendary Flying General."
"Whether it’s Radiant or Nanjiang, there are confirmations from many sources. Why do you insist?"
He didn’t favor the other’s proactive challenge.
Even if one succeeds in transcending, it is only close to a peak Flying General, and even with the New Martial Technique, there is still a considerable gap from becoming legendary.
The outcome of victory or defeat has long been determined, so why insist further?
Suddenly, the atmosphere fell silent, with only the sound of the waterfall cascading behind the mountain.
Liu Duanyun, sitting cross-legged on the large stone, still had his eyes closed, the water behind him gurgling, wisps of mist rising into the air.
After waiting for a few seconds, seeing that he did not respond, Zhang Hengshan sighed and shook his head, turning to leave.
Only when he sensed Zhang’s departure, disappearing without a trace.
Did Liu Duanyun finally open his eyes.
His gaze was profound, like a deep pool of water, yet seemingly hiding flames and earth, fierce winds and forests.
Vaguely, there seemed to be starlight hidden within, giving an unspeakable sense of mystery and majesty.
Buzz!
In an instant, his gaze glanced at a corner, the pond water froze, the waterfall halted.
The invisibility created by refracted light was forcibly broken, revealing a Caucasian man hidden in the mountain forest.
"As expected of the once number one martial artist of Chi Country."
The Caucasian man said deliberately, his smile exceptionally insincere.
His black biological armor clung to his body like a combat uniform, vaguely revealing the horns of super ancient creatures forming at the top of his head, resembling a pair of pitch-black bullhorns.
"Even other Flying Generals can’t detect my presence, but you’ve seen through my concealment abilities."
"How interesting, you martial artists of Chi Country are indeed quite unique."
He said with a smile, seemingly respectful but with a flippant and condescending tone.
As he spoke, he walked to the water’s edge, standing right where Old Zhang had left earlier.
Liu Duanyun gave no reply, merely gazing calmly at the other.
His profound gaze seemed to gather starlight, while fish in the frozen pond beneath gaped.
The air in the hundred-meter space between the two trembled, and invisible forces silently clashed.
Seeing this, the Caucasian man’s smile froze, finally getting to the point and stating his purpose.
"The title of the number one in martial arts has been taken from you; we know you’re not satisfied."
"Just as well, our Soro Family is willing to offer our sincerity... if you’re willing to cooperate."
As the words fell, their gazes locked.
The frozen pond suddenly came back to life, the shadow on the stone narrowing his eyes.
....
"Seven days later, come to Nanjiang for a duel...."
The message in the phone was received by Chen Feng, though it was sent by the old leader Zhang Hengshan, he knew it was merely a relay; the true challenger was someone else.
Liu Duanyun.
This once number one martial artist of Chi Country and pioneer of New Martial couldn’t resist and wanted to spar with him, to truly face each other and determine superiority.
It was not surprising; he knew this was the other’s last pride.
After pondering for a moment, Chen Feng finally agreed.
To let the other face reality, just as the Martial Arts Alliance’s foundation was not deeply rooted yet, and its renown had not fully spread.
With these thoughts passing, he then put down his phone.
Opening the door and stepping out, the azure sky was clear, and behind the mountain, stone steps were being rebuilt.
During this, some flying cars could be seen landing in the martial arts arena.
Silhouettes appeared, and walking through the corridor, he saw some familiar faces.
Zhang Tai, Zhan Wushuang, Pang Kui... outstanding descendants of the Three Great Schools, who had sparred at the Martial Arts Tournament in Yun Gang, now had all breached the level of True Intent.
"The Giant Elephant Grandmasters hope to allow some disciples to temporarily reside here, for martial arts consultation."
"Most are at the True Intent Level..."
Cao Tong, having long known of his emergence, led two disciples over swiftly with a meal, then explained.
Chen Feng nodded, having anticipated this.
The back mountain of Flame Tiger Sect had become the headquarters of the Martial Arts Alliance, with various martial arts sects wanting to place some outstanding disciples here for exchange, cultivation, and sparring, fostering mutual advancement.
He did not oppose this, as it also served as motivation for Flame Tiger Sect, applying pressure on True Sect and core disciples, fostering competition and accelerating advancement.
Then, he looked at Cao Tong.
Chen Feng could sense that Cao Tong, unknowingly, had also reached Entering Force Triple.
Additionally, the Flame Tiger Sect had recently gained another True Intent Level expert, the sixth True Disciple Wu Shuang.
Counting Zhao Tingxiao and others, the Flame Tiger Sect now had as many as seven True Intent Level disciples.
These True Disciples were geniuses with high potential, previously hindered by cultivation methods.
Now practicing the Awakening Method and the complete Heavenly Flame Strength, Master Level true skill, naturally their progress was remarkable.
"Unfortunately, the Grandmaster threshold remains somewhat challenging."
The thought passed, and Chen Feng sighed gently, shaking his head.
Currently, only the master has broken through to Grandmaster; other True Disciples are still a distance away from this step.
Thinking of this, he became more determined to expand the Martial Arts Alliance, attracting more heroes to join.
Whoosh!!
Just then, clouds swiftly dispersed in the sky above, a humming sound of airwaves approaching.
With a flicker of perception, Chen Feng’s thoughts were interrupted, his gaze turning naturally towards it.
A flying device approached from afar, with a striking deep red star emblem.
...
"Prince Shiwen, we’re almost there."
In the cabin of the flying device, a gray-haired steward in Tang suit reminded, who was a Sixth Order Mechanical Martial.
Sitting on the leather chair, Xia Shiwen leaned by the window, eyes impatiently glancing at several silver briefcases in the cabin.
Containing either several vials of Advanced Life Potion or some Centennial Ginseng and Essence Element Supplements which are difficult to acquire on the market.
"What exactly is the old man thinking."
"We are royal family members, why must we take the initiative to extend an olive branch to him?"
He was somewhat dissatisfied, unable to forget the scene at the entrance of the Sky Island in the Radiant Inner City, where he was overshadowed.
Not to mention, he was older than the other party, how could he swallow his pride?
"The old man is naturally thinking of Prince Shiwen and the future of our Radiant lineage."
"Master Chen is highly valued by both the military and the Federation Headquarters, and he has been making remarkable progress in martial arts, astonishing the world repeatedly.... In the future, no one can guarantee that he won’t break through again."
"If His Highness can befriend him, the benefits naturally outweigh the disadvantages."
The Tang-suited butler consoled him, while Xia Shiwen, who specifically wore a white cloud-patterned martial arts uniform, fell into temporary silence.
He wasn’t unaware of these considerations, nor was he truly ignorant of these persuasions.
However, no matter what their Radiant lineage may be, they were still royal family members.
In ancient times, they would be princes and nobles, able to make anyone in Chi Country bow with just a command; even now, without real power, they are still of noble blood.
Since childhood, he was used to the adoration and flattery of everyone around him; when did it come to the point where he needed to curry favor with others?
Seeing his changing expressions, the Tang-suited butler sighed quietly.
At last, as the flying device slowly descended, they arrived at the Flame Tiger Sect’s pavilion.
Xia Shiwen’s face shifted, but he suppressed his dissatisfaction and controlled his emotions.
"Let’s go."
He said in a deep voice, standing up.
The Tang-suited butler sighed with relief, then, along with two security personnel, escorted him out of the cabin.
The bluestone brick ground was laid flat, with only a few weeds growing in the cracks between the bricks.
The mountain gate of the red pavilion sect was somewhat grand and unusual, with a black-lettered gilded plaque exuding martial spirit.
Everything was as usual. Noticing the disturbance, Li Tong arrived with two disciples, waiting at the main entrance.
Disciples from the other two of the Three Great Schools also noticed the situation, their faces changed, and they looked over.
"The royal family?"
The deep red star-shaped badge made everyone’s pupils shrink, then they saw the group reaching the main entrance.
"Master Li, pardon our intrusion."
"We wish to meet Master Chen."
The Tang-suited butler cupped his hands, clearly having done his homework, and knew the key figures of the Flame Tiger Sect.
In contrast, Xia Shiwen, standing by his side, glanced around.
His gaze skimmed over others before stopping on Li Tong.
His expression seemed normal, but internally, his displeasure grew.
"Such a big attitude."
The royal family’s arrival, yet only a Master came to greet them?
A thought flashed by, and the Tang-suited butler had already stated their purpose, causing Giant Elephant Master and others observing from afar to be secretly shocked, thinking more and more that joining the Martial Arts Alliance was the bright path.
"This way, please."
Nodding his head, Li Tong couldn’t delve into their intentions and could only lead Xia Shiwen and others to the guest hall.
They passed by bluestone steps and redwood corridors.
Finally, everyone took their seats in the main hall. Dressed in black, Chen Feng then appeared.
"Master Chen."
The Tang-suited butler stood and cupped his fists, and Chen Feng, entering the hall, nodded in acknowledgment.
His gaze swept to the side seat, where the royal youth, Xia Shiwen, was staring at him. He could vaguely sense some complex emotions hidden within the young man.
Discontent, depression, defiance...
Though seemingly ordinary, everything was incredibly clear within his Perception.
"You two, please sit."
Chen Feng sat beside his master, Li Tong, in the main seat, his expression calm and showing no emotion.
Tea was served, all rituals were impeccable.
"We came uninvited today mainly because we admire Master Chen’s martial prowess, and thus paid a visit out of respect."
"This is a token of our esteem, hoping it can help the heroes of the Flame Tiger Sect advance even further...."
The Tang-suited butler smiled and said. The security personnel quickly opened several briefcases.
Several bottles of Advanced Life Potion, a bottle of Origin of Life, Centennial Ginseng, Essence Element Supplements, and rare main ingredients of some secret medicines were within.
Glancing over, Chen Feng seemed to be lost in thought.
Unexpectedly, he did not accept them.
"Gentlemen, I’m afraid Chen is unable to accept these items."
"Please take them back."
His tone was calm, unmoved.
Such an action made the Tang-suited butler’s smile freeze, and Xia Shiwen’s brow furrowed.
"What does Master Chen mean by this?"
The latter couldn’t help but ask, forcibly controlling his emotions and fixedly watching Chen Feng’s every move.
His very royal family was seeking to network with him, already a gesture of humility, yet he dared to put up airs?
Does he not fear offending us?
The atmosphere turned silent for a moment, then Chen Feng lifted a celadon teacup, lifted the cover, and sipped.
"Why didn’t Wu Zong come?"
A simple question, but it caused Xia Shiwen’s face to stiffen, and the Tang-suited butler’s gaze subtly changed, opening his mouth.
"Because he doesn’t dare."
Chen Feng said indifferently, placing down the celadon teacup, glancing at the two guests and the security behind them.
Their eyes quickly lowered, not daring to make eye contact, only feeling a strong sense of aggression envelop the room.
Expression unmoved, Chen Feng did not forget the difficulties posed by Wu Zong and Luo Wantao in the past.
The two had been quite close to the Radiant royal family; he didn’t believe the latter was unaware of such grudges.
Furthermore, he looked at Xia Shiwen.
The Radiant royal family and the Red Capital lineage were at odds, something Chu Shihong specifically reminded him of, touching upon Divine General-level taboos.
Though he did not pledge allegiance to any side, he had long received the support and goodwill of the Red Capital lineage, along with many good relations.
One must never be two-faced in life; naturally, he couldn’t interact too much with the Radiant lineage and be reproached.
Immediately, looking at Xia Shiwen’s somewhat gritted expression and the Tang-suited butler’s helplessness wanting to explain.
Chen Feng gently waved his sleeve, putting an end to this farcical visit.
"See them out."