Martial Fist: Adding Points in Dreamland
Chapter 256: Nanjiang Central City? [2.6k]

Translator: CinderTL

"The Black Tide incident in Suojia City has had a significant impact. This is the first time the Black Tide has broken through a Secret Realm and appeared in the real world."

"I believe everyone here is well aware of what this means."

In the conference room, Chu Shihong spoke earnestly, his gaze sweeping across the attendees.

Most councilors wore serious expressions. As high-ranking officials of their respective cities, and with the recent influx of various forces into Nanjiang due to investment and business recruitment, they had naturally come to learn some secrets unknown to the general public. This included information about the so-called Ancient Civilization Ruins and the Black Tide.

For a moment, many couldn't help but glance at Chen Feng a few more times.

The more one understood the Black Tide, the more terrifying it seemed. Yet, this Councilor Chen, Grandmaster Chen, had not only survived but also earned the friendship of the Toran Sect in Suojia City.

With a fifth-tier strength, nearing the peak of the fifth tier... was he truly at the Pinnacle Realm?

A question arose in their minds, and speculation began to swirl.

Chen Feng remained seated, his expression mostly unchanged, simply watching as Chu Shihong continued.

"The Black Tide is not something to be taken lightly. Suojia City serves as the best case study."

"Similarly, I believe everyone has heard some information about the past of Radiant Light City..."

As the serious, aged voice spoke again, Chen Feng's eyes flickered slightly.

Radiant Light City was another central city of the Red Nation, not located in Feng Province. Compared to Yun Port, its status was more unique, and its history far more ancient.

When he had returned from Suro, Lin Hao had mentioned some related information.

The Secret Realm ruins of Radiant Light City were particularly special. The Radiant Light Revolution 120 years ago had originated from there.

However, back then, the Radiant Light Secret Realm was not within the Red Nation's borders. Instead, it was located in the westernmost part of the Eastern Continent, in a place called the Parra Plateau. It had been discovered and jointly explored by various major nations.

This Secret Realm had a unique characteristic. The reason Lin Hao and others had been able to detect the anomaly in Suojia City was because a similar situation had occurred in the Radiant Light Secret Realm.

The Secret Realm Nodes could move autonomously, staying in one place for about forty years before shifting thousands of kilometers to another region.

It was precisely because of this that the Secret Realm had later fallen under the control of the Red Nation.

Back then, the Black Tide had also erupted within this Secret Realm, nearly breaching the Space Barrier and entering nearby real-world cities.

"Therefore... given the persistence and destructiveness of the Black Tide,"

"To prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, or to detect such situations as early as possible and minimize casualties,"

"The Provincial Council hopes that in the future, we can intensify the pursuit and investigation of the Evil God Cult within Nanjiang. At the same time, we should conduct extensive surveys of Mystic Realm Energy Nodes to ensure no hidden nodes are lurking nearby or new nodes are quietly emerging."

The aged voice continued, and the virtual screen on the table displayed relevant documents and requirements.

This included technical data for surveying Secret Realm Nodes, lists of experts, and detailed action plans.

The councilors nodded and exchanged glances, their discussions filled with words of cooperation and implementation.

"By the way, hasn't something happened recently in Luohe? It's said to possibly involve the Evil God Cult?"

"Should we..." someone suddenly asked, recalling something.

"All cities across the nation have similar requirements. The Luohe City Council will handle it and ensure it's implemented."

"However, Councilor Zhang does have a point. We still need to strengthen border control and can coordinate with the Luohe City Federation to enhance inspections and monitoring in this area."

Chu Shihong nodded in agreement, and Chen Feng began to formulate some ideas.

If there really was a situation, the nourishment for his second dream could grow once more.

But the prerequisite was, "If the Evil God Cult is indeed discovered, I hope to personally lead the team to deal with them."

He spoke in a low voice, his expression showing clear disdain for the members of the Evil God Cult.

The others were puzzled but quickly remembered his experience with the Black Tide, which might have left some lingering resentment in his heart.

"That would be best. If Councilor Chen is willing to lead the operation, then no matter what the Evil God Cult is, they will have nowhere to hide."

Zhang Songtai from the Safety Bureau chimed in with a chuckle, and the others nodded in silent agreement.

Suspected to have broken through to the Pinnacle Realm, nearing the strength of a fifth-tier master.

With him taking charge of this matter, it would undoubtedly be much more secure.

"Alright, let's plan this out further."

"As for the eradication of the Evil God Cult, we'll leave it to Councilor Chen. As for the manhunt and inspections, we'll need the help of a few experienced councilors."

Chu Shihong said with a smile, and the others silently cursed his cunning, realizing he was trying to spare Chen Feng from unnecessary trouble.

Without exposing him, they discussed for a while, and the matter was quickly settled.

"Now, onto the second matter."

With a serious expression, Chu Shihong looked at the group.

"The Provincial Federation has issued a new plan, requiring us to complete the construction of a new urban area—the High-Wall Project."

"The general plan is all here. If any of you have suggestions, feel free to speak up."

As he spoke, the virtual screen on the table changed again, displaying a three-dimensional model of Nanjiang City's urban area.

A future city with high walls.

Frowning, Chen Feng felt both surprised and puzzled.

The High-Wall Project?

Why did the future construction of Nanjiang resemble the city outline of Yun Port so closely? "Representative Chu, what does the High-Wall Project entail?"

A councilor asked, and most of the others also wore expressions of confusion, clearly unaware of this matter beforehand.

In contrast, Chen Feng could keenly sense that Xu Heng and the people from Sky Shield Heavy Industries had subtle expressions, as if they were speculating or even certain, as though they vaguely knew something.

"Just like investment attraction, the High-Wall Project is an important part of the new city construction."

"I'm not entirely clear on the specifics, but since it's a directive from above, we just need to follow through."

Chu Shihong chuckled without explaining much further.

The others frowned deeply, their confusion and speculation growing.

"Could it be that they want to turn our Nanjiang into a Central City?"

Suddenly, someone spoke up, unable to contain their surprise.

The high walls and the resemblance to those of Central Cities were so striking that it was hard not to draw the connection.

Most people shared similar speculations, their breaths growing heavier, but someone else spoke up to rationally counter.

"To be a Central City, you need a Secret Realm with Ancient Civilization Ruins. Does our Nanjiang have that?"

The rhetorical question left everyone stunned.

But soon, someone remembered the first matter Chu Shihong had specifically mentioned earlier.

"Could it be..."

Investigating the Secret Realm Node... Could it be that Nanjiang has a new Secret Realm?

Whoosh!!

In an instant, this thought flooded the minds of countless people.

Including Chen Feng, who also had a similar suspicion in that moment.

Although he had already guessed that there were other secrets behind Nanjiang's investment promotion, this outcome still somewhat exceeded his expectations.

"Something's not right."

Soon, with a slight frown, Chen Feng felt that something was amiss.

If a new Secret Realm had appeared in Nanjiang, there shouldn't be such complete silence.

At the very least, the military and the Safety Bureau should have sent people to seal off the relevant area.

But now, there was no sign of any such activity. Even if the news had been concealed, it shouldn't be completely untraceable.

"Old Chu, what exactly is going on? Can you give us a little hint?"

Li Pinghai, an elder relative of Li Chengdong, couldn't help but ask. It was clear that the two were quite close.

Upon hearing this, the other councilors also turned their attention to Chu Shihong, including Xu Heng and others, their expressions subtle, as if trying to confirm a certain speculation.

"Sorry, this matter is of great importance, and I only know a little about it."

"I can only tell you that the future of Nanjiang is limitless. As local councilors, we must find ways to build and protect this city!"

Chu Shihong spoke with a serious and righteous tone.

The others felt as if a cat was scratching at their hearts, but they couldn't press further.

At least Chu Shihong had confirmed one of their speculations: Nanjiang was likely to become a new Central City.

Just this point alone made most of the councilors present feel secretly excited.

They were well aware of the status of a Central City and the immense benefits such a change would bring to Nanjiang.

More resource support, more powerful transformation technologies, and broader urban development—the benefits were obvious. Even their own status as local councilors would rise accordingly.

As for the reason, no one received a definitive answer by the end of the meeting.

However, more or less, some speculations began to emerge, including Chen Feng, who also had some thoughts, though he wasn't entirely sure.

"Alright, since no one has any objections, let's proceed like this."

"After the meeting, I hope everyone can participate and cooperate with each other."

Chu Shihong gave a few instructions, and the High-Wall Project was officially set in motion.

It was expected to commence within half a month, planning to include a vast area of wilderness and mountains, the so-called uninhabited suburbs.

Soon after, the doors of the meeting room opened, and the councilors nodded and left one by one.

"Councilor Chen, stay for a moment."

Chu Shihong specifically called out to Chen Feng, smiling as if he had something to say.

The others had varied expressions, some frowning, others curious.

"I'll take my leave then."

Lin Hao also looked somewhat excited. Chen Feng could tell he had many speculations, and they exchanged a nod.

After Lin Hao left, the large meeting room quickly became empty again, with only the two of them remaining.

"I asked you to stay because Speaker Li has a message for you."

Chu Shihong said with a smile, leaving Chen Feng puzzled.

"First, someone is about to return, and they might not be very peaceful. There could be some minor actions."

"He hopes you can handle it properly."

The tone was calm, and Chen Feng immediately understood. This was likely about Luo Wantao.

Luo Wantao was about to return from Radiant Light City and had never given up on finding the killer of Luo Hui.

"Before Deputy Chairman Luo left Radiant Light City, he made a special visit to a member of the royal family."

Chu Shihong hinted subtly, and Chen Feng felt a chill, realizing the complexity of the situation.

The royal family—those were the highest echelons of power.

He suddenly understood why Speaker Li was being constrained by the other party.

"Don't worry too much. Speaker Li and Representative Xia have been close friends for many years."

Chu Shihong dropped another crucial piece of information, causing Chen Feng's heart to skip a beat.

Xia—that was the surname of the royal family of the Red Nation.

And that Representative Xia—he had seen him in the news before. He was one of the senior representatives of the General Council.

"What about the second matter?" Chen Feng suppressed his wandering thoughts and asked.

"Well, the Saint Sect in the northern Martial Arts World has been making a lot of noise recently. Liu Duanyun has caught the attention of the higher-ups and has received some new resource support."

"Your actions in Suro have also earned the admiration and praise of some high-ranking officials. Speaker Li feels that the southern Martial Arts World has been embroiled in internal strife for too long, and perhaps it's time for someone to step up and take charge."

Oh? Chen Feng frowned.

Was he being expected to unify the southern Martial Arts World? The other party wasn't even part of the Martial Arts World—why were they so concerned about this?

He glanced at Chu Shihong, but the man shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't know the details or the key points.

Chen Feng didn't press further. Suppressing his doubts, he stood up and expressed his gratitude.

Declining the invitation to stay for a meal, he left the building.

Soon, as he walked toward the parking lot, he noticed that the people from Jadeite Biotech were still there.

The young man dressed in a black-purple suit coat, Xu Heng, was standing by the flower bed near the building, stepping on the gray tiles. Several burly bodyguards surrounded him, vigilant and alert.

"Councilor Chen."

Seeing Chen Feng come downstairs, Xu Heng smiled and stood in his path.

"Do you need something?"

Chen Feng asked indifferently.

"Nothing much. I just wanted to invite Councilor Chen to join me for lunch. I wonder if I have the honor?"

Xu Heng appeared sincere, but in Chen Feng's perception, there was an underlying falseness.

"No need."

Chen Feng shook his head and prepared to leave.

"Wait, Councilor Chen."

"If not lunch, perhaps I could invite you to become our security consultant at Jadeite Group?"

Xu Heng spoke again, subtly glancing at a drone in the distance.

"If you agree, we can provide you with an annual quota of Advanced Life Elixirs, metal modules, and other resources."

"I wonder if you're—"

"Not interested."

A low voice suddenly interrupted Xu Heng, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Frowning slightly, Xu Heng noticed the faintly aggressive glint in the eyes of the young man in black before him, along with a hint of disdain.

"Your little tricks are too amateurish."

Tap! The sound of leather shoes hitting the ground echoed as Chen Feng brushed past him.

Chen Feng cast one last indifferent glance at Xu Heng before walking away.

The black car drove off, its taillights disappearing into the distance, leaving Xu Heng standing there with a furrowed brow and a gradually chilling expression.

"Young Master Xu?" one of the cyborg bodyguards asked.

"Let's go."

"Since he wants to side with my cousin, there's nothing more to discuss."

With a cold laugh, Xu Heng was escorted into the aircraft, heading straight for the newly constructed Jadeite Biotech building nearby.

All the scenes played out on the virtual screen before him. Inside the flying car, Lin Hao relaxed and ordered the drone to be retrieved, letting out a sigh of relief.

Fengzi was still the Fengzi he knew.

And the brother he could trust the most.

He had almost worried that Chen Feng might actually choose to abandon him.

"Boss, do you think Xu Heng will still go after Grandmaster Chen?"

Zhou Cheng asked from the passenger seat, still somewhat concerned.

After all, the promised conditions were not insignificant, and he was truly afraid that the young boss might experience betrayal and isolation once again.

"Going there would be useless."

Lin Hao's expression relaxed, and he completely let go of the worries in his heart.

Scenes from the moment they met until now flashed through his mind.

He knew that his brother was prouder than anyone else.

So proud that his spine stood straight as steel—it could only be broken, never bent.