Translator: CinderTL
"Escape."
"I must escape from here!!"
Between the earthen buildings of the fortress, a woman in a black gauze dress walked briskly with a grim expression, followed by several bewildered men in black robes.
Why was the Demon Moon Protector in such a hurry to leave Suro?
And why wasn't she returning to the Red Nation, but heading to other small countries instead?
The group was puzzled, but soon.
Boom!!! A missile exploded nearby, instantly igniting the once peaceful city.
Mud and sand flew, windows shattered.
Amid the chaos, some screamed in fear, others fell and cried.
"Damn it."
Demon Moon dodged the incoming missile, but one of her subordinates was blown to pieces behind her.
Blood splattered, the roar deafening.
Yet, she paid no attention, her gaze fixed on the two forces battling in the distance, watching as the checkpoint that had been passable moments ago was forcibly sealed.
Unlucky!
Unlucky!! She screamed inwardly, her usual composure and calmness gone.
She was so close to leaving Suro.
But now.
Boom!!! Another explosion rang out, her expression darkened, and she considered forcing her way through.
But in the end, several fourth-tier cyborgs from the rebel forces appeared nearby, and she had no choice but to grit her teeth and endure.
"Go!!"
Her voice was almost a shriek, the few surviving black-robed subordinates, terrified, quickly followed.
After all, in such chaos.
Even a Martial Arts Grandmaster could barely protect themselves, let alone them. Whoosh!!! At the same moment, an aircraft streaked across the sky, entering Suro.
Chen Feng sat in the cabin seat, watching the virtual screen displaying the outside scene, his gaze flickering with emotion.
This was his first time leaving the Red Nation, leaving his familiar homeland.
"First time here."
Lin Hao also sighed, looking down at the city below.
Pula City in Suro, the closest city to the Red Nation, bordered Luohe.
The buildings resembled earthen fortresses, with dry wooden sticks sticking out between them, clothes hung out to dry.
The city had few paved roads, and the cars were outdated models that the Red Nation had phased out over a decade ago, let alone flying cars.
People stood by the streets or looked up from the windows of their earthen houses, their skin a tawny brown, wrapped in thick woolen clothes or wearing old-fashioned wide-collar leather jackets from the last century in the Red Nation.
"So backward."
Zhou Wuren couldn't help but comment, his expression complex.
The technology here seemed a century behind the Red Nation.
But perhaps, it was precisely because of this that the influence of Martial Arts Grandmasters was stronger here than in their homeland.
"Gentlemen, we'll land in Pula City first, then switch to cars."
"The Dowa Faction's agreed exchange location is in the neighboring Dowa City, their faction's center. Traveling by car is their final condition for the Martial Arts Exchange."
The military officer explained briefly, and Chen Feng and the others roughly understood.
The Dowa Faction was quite resistant to technology, at least among the populace.
Perhaps it was to elevate the status of martial arts, or perhaps it was self-deception, not wanting the lower classes to know about higher technological lifestyles.
In any case, foreign high-tech products were not allowed to appear, let alone be traded or circulated among the people.
"I heard Suro's communication is blocked, no access to the external network?"
Cao Tong asked curiously, having heard this rumor.
"Correct."
The military man nodded in response, and Chen Feng and the others exchanged glances, increasingly sensing the isolation of Suro.
"By the way, Grandmaster Chen," the military man turned to Chen Feng with a smile and explained, "This Martial Arts Exchange is of great importance. To avoid being targeted by Suro's grandmasters, we have deliberately kept the news of your battle at Xiang Mountain under wraps."
"We hope for a pleasant surprise that will give you an added advantage."
His tone was sincere as he handed over a document containing detailed information about several renowned Martial Arts Grandmasters of Suro, each with their unique True Art characteristics.
It was clear that careful consideration had been given, trusting in Chen Feng's strength but also wary of being specifically targeted and suffering an unexpected defeat.
Chen Feng naturally didn't mind this.
Moreover, he recalled Miss Shiva's deliberate provocation, which was meant to test his strength.
It could be said that both sides had their own thoughts and intentions, all preparing for the unexpected.
Whoosh!!
Finally, after several minutes.
Under the envious and curious gazes of the city below.
The aircraft arrived above a relatively modern building in Pula City, where flags fluttered in the wind.
This was the Red Nation's embassy in Suro. A glance below revealed several armored vehicles and aircraft marked with the Red Nation's military insignia, along with dozens of camouflaged soldiers stationed there.
Cyborgs and Modified Soldiers were hidden among them, guarding the place.
Hum! The air currents stirred, causing the flags and rows of green trees in the building's open space to sway.
Sss! Click! The cabin door opened, and everyone stepped out one by one.
Several figures were already waiting there, ready to welcome them.
"Grandmaster Chen, Grandmaster Zhou," a man in his thirties, wearing camouflage and with a square, rugged face, greeted them. It was Han Chao, who had arrived in Suro ahead of them.
Beside him were several embassy staff and a few individuals with brownish-yellow skin, clearly from Suro.
"Captain Han," Chen Feng and the others nodded in response, shaking hands one by one.
Han Chao then introduced the people beside him, especially the Suro individuals accompanying them.
The man at the forefront, wearing a brown camouflage coat and appearing middle-aged, was a senior officer from Suro, looking quite serious.
"Putney," he shook hands briefly, his tone indifferent, his dark skin giving off a sense of iron and blood.
Through the translator he was wearing, Chen Feng understood his words.
He wasn't surprised by the man's cold attitude, knowing that this Martial Arts Exchange was not particularly friendly.
However, he hadn't expected the man to be a True Intent Expert.
"Martial arts have a profound influence in several cities around Pula. Only those who have achieved success in martial arts can become local high-ranking officials," Han Chao explained in a low voice, and Chen Feng pondered this.
Then, during the introductions, he looked at the last person.
A man wearing a black linen robe and a round millstone hat.
He had a gold ring in his ear, appeared to be in his late thirties, with brownish-yellow skin, deep-set eyes, and an air of aloofness and arrogance, resembling a vulture.
"Flame Tiger Grandmaster?"
"Miss Shiva speaks highly of you. It seems you are not weak and have some strength," his tone was arrogant, even somewhat provocative.
The two men locked eyes, and in Chen Feng's mind, the information he had received on the aircraft surfaced.
[Walong, one of the top five Mystic Mark Schools in Suro, the current grandmaster of the Life-Snatching Vulture, and one of the two most likely to break through to the Pinnacle Realm in Suro.]
[Strength equivalent to a Three-Pass Grandmaster, capable of activating the Secret Mark Life-Snatching Vulture, extremely formidable, especially skilled in mental provocation, claw techniques, aggressive attacks, and instant kills]
"Unfortunately, you've met me."
"Your so-called undefeated record ends here."
He deliberately provoked, his sunken eye sockets flashing with an eerie glint, as if it could pierce into one's soul.
Behind him, Cao Tong and Xu Tingxiao were visibly angered by his words, while Zhou Wuren frowned slightly, sensing something amiss. Yuan Yueshan, standing behind Lin Hao, wore a similar expression.
But to this.
"Provocations from the weak."
Chen Feng's tone was calm, his gaze steady, his spirit unshaken, directly breaking through the opponent's eerie mental provocation.
Cao Tong and the others behind him snapped back to reality, breaking out in cold sweat, their faces filled with doubt and unease.
Seeing this, Walong narrowed his eyes.
Noticing the tense atmosphere, Han Chao maintained a composed expression, and the staff from the Martial Hall timely intervened, lightly laughing to defuse the tension.
"Both Grandmasters are pinnacle figures in martial arts. Why not wait until tomorrow's exchange for a proper match?"
"It's getting late; let's head to Dowa City now."
Walong snorted coldly but didn't say more.
Chen Feng wasn't in a hurry either, knowing the outcome would be the same sooner or later. The atmosphere eased slightly, and under the arrangement of the Martial Hall staff and the Suro senior officer named Putney, several black cars appeared and stopped in front of them.
Click! Click! The car doors opened, and Chen Feng and Lin Hao got into the back seat of the same car.
Zhou Wuren and Yuan Yueshan sat in the car behind them, followed by armored vehicles that drove ahead to clear the way.
The hum of engines filled the air as the convoy quickly left the Martial Hall and entered one of the few paved roads.
With the windows closed, Chen Feng looked outside.
Under the earthen buildings of the fort, curious Suro people watched.
Most were thin and malnourished.
Clothes hung out to dry stretched endlessly, and someone riding a large-frame bicycle hurriedly stopped to make way for the road.
Nearby, someone was on the phone, surrounded by children who looked enviously at the hard-shell mobile phone in their hand.
"Suro..."
Lin Hao shook his head, his tone tinged with pity.
Living on the same planet, even just a few hundred kilometers apart.
Yet the environments they lived in were worlds apart.
Chen Feng remained silent, offering no judgment.
The black cars continued on their way until halfway through, passing a square in Pula City.
"Beat him!"
"Dogo, beat him to death!!"
The sudden shouts caught the attention of many, and Chen Feng and Lin Hao turned to look.
It was a potholed cement square.
The nearby basketball hoop's net was torn, the frame peeling, and the surrounding cement walls were covered in black graffiti of snakes and crows.
In the midst of it all, there was a small martial arts hall named Eagle Tiger Martial Hall.
The signboard was black with gray characters, somewhat ancient in style, and written in the Red Nation's script.
Unfortunately, it was somewhat dilapidated, with cracks in the surrounding wooden doors, making it look shabby.
Outside the martial arts hall, a group of seventeen or eighteen-year-old youths gathered, forming a semicircle and blocking the entrance.
They were dressed differently, some in sweaters, others in jackets, but all were Suro people with brownish-yellow or dark skin.
"Beat him!"
"Dogo, use your Secret Mark, crush him!"
"This Red Nation kid needs to be taught a lesson, let him see the power of our Suro Secret Mark martial arts!"
"What's this Eagle Tiger Martial Hall? It's nothing compared to our Secret Mark Martial Arts!"
A group of voices cursing and shouting, the translators they carried quickly activated.
"What's going on? A challenge?"
Lin Hao frowned as he looked over, quickly spotting the key issue.
Within a semicircle formed by a group of Suro boys, two figures stood facing each other.
One was dressed in an intentionally mature black leather jacket, quite tall, with his hands still in a clenched fist position, sporting naturally wavy brown hair—clearly Dogo, who was loudly cheering in the crowd.
"Yao Wei, just admit defeat."
"I've learned the Secret Mark from Master Tiger. Your master is no match for Master Tiger, so naturally, you're no match for me."
The boy named Dogo sneered, a faint black mark visible on the back of his clenched fist.
Opposite him stood a slender figure with a pale face and a sorrowful expression at the entrance of the Eagle Tiger Martial Hall.
Black eyes, black, slightly long hair.
Clearly a boy from the Red Nation, but now dressed in a plain black coat with a white mourning ribbon.
"Dogo, today is the day my master passed away."
"Don't push me."
The Red Nation boy named Yao Wei had sharp features, his eyes red and swollen, gritting his teeth as he glared at his opponent.
"Haha, that crippled master of yours, dead is dead."
"What, can't I say it?"
Dogo mocked, and Yao Wei clenched his teeth tightly, his fists clenched.
"Boring, you're just as cowardly as your master."
"Seems like your Red Nation martial arts are nothing special."
The taunts from Dogo cut deep, and the boy named Yao Wei finally snapped.
"Dogo, you can bully me, but don't insult my master!"
"If you want to fight, then fight, come on!!"
He roared, and the boy named Dogo smirked, taking advantage of the moment to strike.
Whoosh!!! A whistling sound erupted as the opponent lunged forward with impressive speed and force.
"Bone Refining?"
Chen Feng noticed the details; this punch already had the strength of Bone Refining, close to professional level one or two.
Thud!!
The Red Nation boy who was hit clearly took a heavy blow, staggering and nearly falling.
"I told you you're no good!"
"Eagle Tiger Martial Hall? Haha, nothing special!!"
Dogo sneered and threw another punch, forcing Yao Wei to retreat.
The sounds of punches and kicks echoed, and the convoy that was supposed to leave suddenly stopped for some reason.
Han Chao and the people from the Martial Hall frowned slightly, turning their heads to see the Suro boys looking calm, as if they had expected this.
Thud! Another punch, and the boy named Yao Wei stepped back, about to fall.
Dogo grinned and stepped forward, taking advantage to throw another punch, the Secret Mark on his hand glowing faintly.
The punch landed squarely on the chest, the sound of flesh hitting flesh echoing dully.
But surprisingly, Yao Wei, who should have fallen, endured the pain, lowered his stance, and threw a punch.
Thud!!
The boy named Dogo, too careless, was hit in the head.
Yao Wei seized the moment, gritting his teeth as he punched, his movements resembling a tiger and an eagle, agile yet with a hint of ferocity.
The situation instantly reversed, and Han Chao and the others relaxed their frowns.
Even Lin Hao praised, "This kid is doing well—"
Thud!!
"Let's get him!"
"There's something wrong with this kid!"
"Beat him!!"
A group of surrounding Suro boys suddenly joined in, punching and kicking, immediately ambushing Yao Wei, who was on the verge of victory.
A flurry of punches and kicks mixed together, and the boy could only curl up, covering his head as he fell to the ground.
Seeing this, Chen Feng's expression turned cold.
In his perception, the convoy that had stopped at the corner ahead.
The black car window had been rolled down at some point, and Walong turned his head to meet his gaze, his eyes dark and shadowy, as if in challenge.
This is not the Red Nation.
Here, the Secret Mark martial arts hold a lofty status, far beyond your reach or comparison.
The subtle yet clear implication was not lost on Lin Hao and Zhou Wuren, who were standing nearby and in the convoy, respectively.
The conflict had come too coincidentally and too suddenly.
It felt like a prearranged spectacle.
Steadying his gaze, Chen Feng saw that the flurry of punches and kicks was still ongoing.
"Beat him to death!"
"Break his bones for me!"
Amid the shouts and curses, Dogo had taken down the signboard of the Eagle Tiger Martial Hall and was about to kick it in half with a sinister grin.
Chen Feng frowned, but soon, his expression relaxed.
Roar!!! The Tiger Roar echoed, and the young man who had been knocked down suddenly erupted with willpower, standing up in one swift motion and sweeping away several attackers, while also kicking Dogo away.
Bang!!
Several Suro youths crashed into the distant basketball hoop and wall, vomiting large mouthfuls of blood.
The situation had reversed in an instant. The young man named Yao Wei staggered, nearly collapsing from exhaustion, but even so, he fiercely protected the martial hall's plaque he had caught.
In that moment, Walong's expression darkened within the convoy.
Chen Feng met his gaze, sensing and seeing the hidden details around them.
His face remained expressionless, but the disdain in his eyes grew thick.
(End of the Chapter)
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