https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1080-Ling-Xiang-s-Purity-Amidst-the-Rubble/13274536/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1082-The-Fallen-Radiance-of-the-Lake/13274538/
Chapter 1081: The Secret Lair's Allure
Chapter 1081: The Secret Lair's Allure
Upon hearing the voice, Iron Crow's red eyes, enhanced by his exo-skeletal armor, flickered a few times. He turned to see a rather corpulent man calling out to him.
This individual sported a substantial and plump chin, where layers of fat had accumulated, obscuring his neck from view. Standing at over three meters tall, his excessive body fat made his well-tailored black suit appear uncomfortably tight. The elegant red necktie was neatly tied, but it stood in stark contrast to his bulky upper body, making his lower half seem exceptionally slender.
The man was positioned at a distance from Iron Crow, and a line of data appeared on his exo-skeletal armor's screen, indicating that the person was located five kilometers away on a hillside.
Typically, martial artists are highly sensitive to being observed by another of their kind. Just now, if Iron Crow hadn't monitored the battle through his exo-skeletal armor, he believed the two combatants might have noticed his presence.
This man likely possessed similar skills, which was why he hadn't been detected earlier.
Especially that last voice, which seemed to echo right next to his ear, was a special method of spiritual transmission. Usually, only those with the power of the Divine Form could achieve such a feat.
Iron Crow fixed his gaze on the man, attempting to search for his background in the database, but he couldn't find any matching information.
The fat man, known as 'Gluttony,' snapped his fingers and spoke in a melodious voice that seemed out of place with his corpulent figure, "That person is so formidable, Mr. Iron Crow. I have a small suggestion regarding our next move."
"Who are you?" Iron Crow was on high alert, as the man had called out his alias, indicating he was well-prepared.
"My apologies."
Gluttony performed a standard gesture of respect, and his bulky frame moved with surprising agility. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a member of the Primitive Sect, codenamed 'Gluttony.'"
Iron Crow's holographic screen flickered, finally displaying some information about the Primitive Sect and Gluttony, but it wasn't much. With his access privileges, such a situation was rare, and it was likely that some content had not been entered due to specific reasons.
However, Iron Crow was familiar with the Primitive Sect.
"So, the Primitive Sect is involved in this?" Iron Crow inquired.
Gluttony waved his fleshy palm and smiled innocently, "Mr. Iron Crow, there's no need to be so tense. Is the Voice of Star Spirits such a juicy morsel that your Confidential Operations Bureau wants to swallow it whole? Oh, and about that person just now, you saw him too, right?"
Gluttony's eyes widened in exaggerated astonishment, "He's incredibly powerful, that pure strength and speed. You know what that means in a battle, whether it's you or me, if we were to face him alone, we'd be no different than Master Bai Shi."
Gluttony grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, "Why don't we cooperate first?" He spread his palms, "After we remove the obstacles, we can decide on the distribution of goods. How does that sound?"
Iron Crow remained unmoved. As a special agent of the Confidential Operations Bureau, he inherently trusted no one. In the past, his absolute strength allowed him to disregard others, but this man posed a significant threat.
Chamber martial artists were always a rare breed.
The appearance of such an individual undoubtedly involved certain interest groups and complex power plays.
This was not a positive development.
However, Gluttony had made a valid point. Iron Crow had witnessed the previous battle, and he knew that no matter what, he couldn't pose a threat to Chen Chuan alone. He needed someone to coordinate with him.
Currently, he knew of one person he could trust—a Chamber martial artist from the Giant God Plant Company. However, as they had departed later, they might arrive a little later.
Gluttony seemed to sense something and smiled, "Mr. Iron Crow, if you're waiting for someone..." He rubbed his thick chin, and a cunning light flashed in his eyes, "Are you waiting for another Chamber martial artist?"
Iron Crow remained silent, maintaining his cold demeanor.
Gluttony didn't seem bothered by this. He seemed quite sure of himself, "Then let's wait. Even when Mr. Iron Crow's companion arrives, there's no need to worry about the treasures inside the Voice of Star Spirits being taken by them. After the Holy Land is opened, it will welcome everyone for a period of time."
"Opened?" Iron Crow's keen senses picked up on this word, and he looked up, "Do you know what's inside?"
Gluttony's eyes flickered, "A little."
Meanwhile, Chen Chuan had entered the cave, and he was met with gazes of reverence and admiration from everyone present.
Most people hadn't fully understood what had just transpired because it had all happened so quickly. However, Chen Chuan's final punch, which shattered the Ling Xiang of over twenty meters, was witnessed by everyone.
To them, this was a scene that existed only in myths. Even the third-degree martial artist present was awestruck by this display.
Gui Zihan had seen Chen Chuan's power before and thought it was a common ability among Chang Sheng Guan martial artists. However, after witnessing this battle, he suddenly realized that not all martial artists of this level were the same.
Before leaving, he had also familiarized himself with some information about the Federation. He knew that Master Bai Shi of the Xinxiang Style had gained immense fame due to his challenges around the world. Although his reputation might exceed his actual strength, the fact that so many martial artists across the globe acknowledged and sparred with him indicated that he was no ordinary fighter. Anyone who could reach Chang Sheng Guan was unlikely to be an imposter, yet the battle had concluded within seconds.
He looked at Chen Chuan, realizing that when the gap in strength was this significant, it wasn't a matter of catching up but of looking up in awe.
Chen Chuan didn't have much to say about this battle. Compared to his previous fight with Su Wei, his strength had improved, and he could better harness his power. Moreover, his opponent was more technically skilled.
When the physical disparity wasn't too significant, there might still be a chance for a comeback, but once the gap reached a certain point, it became an even greater disadvantage.
Not to mention the Divine Form, if his opponent specialized in the Deviating Form, he might not have been so easily pressed to the brink of death with a single strike.
At this moment, he noticed someone taking out a nutrient paste from its package, indicating that they might be resting and waiting for him. He said, "Let's take a short break, and we'll set off again soon."
"Yes!"
Everyone sat down again. There was no need to scout around since they had no idea what was inside, and they didn't dare wander aimlessly.
Chen Chuan sat on a foldable stool with a cushion nearby, pouring himself a hot drink. The previous battle had barely exhausted him, and he hadn't even needed to use his Divine Form. A drink was enough to replenish his energy.
At this moment, the energetic First People youth ran over to him, offering a bundle of something wrapped in leaves with both hands.
Chen Chuan took a glance; it was obviously a fruit powder used for refreshment and recovery, but it would have limited effect on him. Nevertheless, he didn't decline the kind gesture, smiling as he reached out to take it, saying, "Thank you."
Awan looked at him with a mix of curiosity and awe, mustering the courage to speak through the translator provided by the team: "Elder, is it true that you're a Guardian of the Gods?"
Chen Chuan understood what he meant. Martial artists among the First People were usually called Holy Warriors, and above them were the Guardians of the Gods.
Elder Lie Feng's judgment might be based on past encounters with similar individuals. As the most knowledgeable person in his tribe, he had been brought here by the tribe's priest.
Smiling, Chen Chuan said, "I'm not a Guardian of the Gods because Daxun doesn't worship deities."
Awan asked, puzzled, "Then who protects you?"
Chen Chuan looked around and replied, "Only ourselves." He paused, "All of us."
Awan didn't quite understand but felt it was impressive.
Chen Chuan continued, "It's not just me. I recall that your First People also have such individuals. Yes, his name is Kwazak."
The One-Eyed Elder, sitting across from them, heard the name and reacted, saying, "Kwazak, the 'Wild Wanderer'! I met him many years ago. He was a powerful and wise Holy Warrior. I heard he went to Daxun, is he still there?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Yes, he returned to Yinglu and helped many of your people. He visited many tribes that still existed back then."
The One-Eyed Elder said, "Then he mainly operates in the East, I assume."
Chen Chuan nodded, recalling the book that mentioned Kwazak's primary area of activity was the East Coast. After all, Kwazak was a descendant of the Eastern Kuizattek people, and that land was now occupied by the East Coast Party, the core region of the Federation.
"Is he still there now? In Kavatuya?"
Chen Chuan said, "I'm not sure of his current whereabouts. He did go to Kavatuya but didn't stay long because he didn't have a good impression of the place."
Tahu suddenly spoke up, "If he's willing to come, we'd welcome him."
"But he's Kuizattek, and he might not want to come."
Elder Lie Feng said, "If we can reestablish our gathering place for the Isumtalans, we'd welcome this Holy Warrior among us. Mr. Chen, if you meet him, could you pass on this message?"
Chen Chuan smiled and said, "If I do meet him, I'll deliver the message." Upon hearing this, all the First People erupted in cheers.
After a half-hour rest, everyone's energy had mostly recovered, and they set off again. The entire team's morale was boosted, likely due to Chen Chuan's recent battle.
Before venturing deeper, the security team released some modified organisms for reconnaissance to gather information about the area ahead.
The One-Eyed Elder led the way at the front, as the initial stretch of the path was familiar to him, and he knew there were no dangers ahead, so they moved swiftly. Soon, they passed the outermost region and entered a winding path filled with caves.
This time, Chen Chuan walked at the back. Before completely leaving the area, he turned to glance at the cave entrance, then hurried to catch up with the team ahead.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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