Wenli'er truly conceded defeat.
He had studied the techniques of the Non-Body Style. Whether it was what was taught inside the dojo or what the regular students practiced day to day, he had believed he understood it all.
Yet he never imagined that, after a few simple adjustments, it could achieve such heights.
Chen Chuan's direct guidance right before their eyes made it abundantly clear that this had been derived straight from the foundations of the Non-Body Style. Every single disciple of the Non-Body Style could learn it; all they had lacked was the proper instruction.
This led him to realize that the proficiency of every student and instructor in the Non-Body Style Dojo might well rise because of this.
Techniques that had previously seemed unremarkable had suddenly been elevated to an astonishingly high level, as if turning the mundane into the miraculous.
And this was merely what was visible before his eyes right now. Would there be even more evolutions in the future?
The answer seemed already self-evident.
Moreover, the man sitting before them had presumably never encountered the Non-Body Style prior to this, meaning all these adjustments had been added and supplemented only after his arrival.
Wenli'er was thoroughly convinced of his defeat. Involuntarily, he felt the all-encompassing gap between himself and Chen Chuan—not merely in raw strength, but in their very understanding of combat as martial artists.
Even so, he did not regret making this trip. Although there had been no direct clash between the two of them, the indirect exchange had benefited him immensely.
He rose to his feet now, bowed slightly, and said solemnly to Chen Chuan, "Mr. Chen, we at the Migas Martial Arts Hall will honor our word. We shall cease all previous actions and issue a public apology to your side."
Having said that, he straightened, put on his hat, and inclined his head politely. "Then we shan't overstay our welcome."
Xin Wulang rose and bowed in return.
After another polite gesture, Wenli'er briskly led his people out of the dojo. Once back in his vehicle, his assistant beside him asked, "Master, are we really just leaving like this?"
"What else are we supposed to do?"
"But the task assigned to us by that side..." The assistant looked somewhat worried.
Wenli'er took a clipped cigar from his hand and leaned back against the seat. "My abilities end here. There was truly nothing more I could do. If they wish to continue, then let them send someone else. I am more than willing to cooperate."
He gestured forward, and the car promptly set off. At that moment, he glanced out at the Non-Body Style Dojo outside. After today, this martial arts hall would no longer be the same.
He took a light drag of smoke, then tapped his earlobe and transmitted a message to a certain place, informing the other side that he had already done everything within his power.
People from the Strategic Affairs Department were driving this matter from behind the scenes. He knew full well how much power the Strategic Affairs Department wielded within the Federation; failing to comply with their wishes would likely lead to an unpleasant outcome.
Yet he knew that if he kept butting heads and wound up weakened as a result, the Strategic Affairs Department would not lift a finger to help him. Instead, they would only tear apart whatever flesh and blood remained of him. Therefore, he had to look out for his own survival first. He didn't need to be stronger than everyone else; as long as others were weaker and worse off than him, the department would undoubtedly devour their flesh first.
Inside the Non-Body Style Dojo, after seeing the guests off, Xin Wulang bowed deeply toward Chen Chuan. "Thank you for your guidance, sir."
Beside him, Xin Youzhu looked on with undisguised adoration.
Chen Chuan said, "I merely drew out what you already possessed."
The current system of the Non-Body Style had actually been deduced by Alu. Aside from sharing a similar name, it had almost no connection to the system Cui Xuanhui had created, and Alu had left ample room for expansion within it.
Even if someone knew this, however, without sufficient insight and a profound comprehension of combat techniques, they would have no idea how to refine themselves.
After all, most people in the world did not possess the ability to blaze their own trails; they could only follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. Those walking ahead were supposed to guide those coming after them.
Chen Chuan had not been stingy this time, either. He had offered pointers to everyone present, patching up whatever deficiencies they had.
The disciples of the Non-Body Style felt they had gained tremendously. In the end, of course, those who could truly benefit and distinguish themselves would remain a minority. Yet even a handful of individuals would be enough to sustain the entire martial arts hall.
By the time he finished giving his pointers, it was already around seven o'clock. Thus, he accepted Xin Wulang's invitation and stayed for dinner.
Once the meal concluded, Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Xin Wulang, next, you must prepare to launch a counterattack."
Xin Wulang stiffened. "A counterattack?"
Chen Chuan said, "This matter is not over. Even if the Migas Martial Arts Hall backs off, there are still other martial arts halls. Rather than waiting for them to come knocking on your door, it would be better for you to take the initiative."
Xin Wulang understood. Previously, they might not have had the strength, and their morale had been shaken. But after Chen Chuan's guidance, everyone throughout the dojo was filled with trust and admiration for Chen Chuan personally, and their strength had become vastly different from before. Indeed, there was no longer any need to maintain a defensive posture.
Furthermore, the essence of the Non-Body Style lay in emphasizing the offensive, which aligned perfectly with their philosophy.
He pondered for a moment and tested the waters, "Sir, you have brought the Non-Body Style Dojo to a new height. Should we consider changing its name?"
Chen Chuan had indeed entertained that thought. However, considering that the Non-Body Style Dojo had existed in the Federation for so many years and held deep-rooted influence, changing its name abruptly was ill-advised. Even if it were to be done, there was no rush at present.
He said, "We can talk about that later."
Hearing him say this, Xin Wulang immediately dropped the topic and said, "Sir, in accordance with your arrangements, some instructors in the hall have expressed their willingness to stay, while others still wish to leave. Not only here, but arrangements have also been completed for the other branch halls around the capital. Would you like to look over the roster?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I won't read it. Mr. Xin Wulang, once you have handled it properly, simply hand the list to A'gu."
"Understood!"
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Xin Wulang, you have lived in the Federation's capital for many years, and I trust your experience. I look forward to your performance going forward. If any issues arise, you may come find me." He stood up and said, "The hour grows late. I should head back."
Xin Wulang hurriedly rose to see him off. Once he had escorted Chen Chuan out and returned inside the hall, his expression turned solemn.
He summoned his son Xin Youzhu and handed him a confidential card from the Wansheng Financial Firm. "Youzhu, if something happens to me, you don't need to do anything. Just go find Mr. Chen. He will protect you."
Xin Youzhu said in bewilderment, "Father?" He could not understand why his father would say such words to him when the trouble had only just been resolved today.
Xin Wulang did not go into specifics. Having spent so many years in the capital, he too could sense that someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes. He did not know which faction in the Federation it was, but since he was the one standing on the front line, he had to prepare for the worst.
He said in a deep voice, "Ask no questions. Just do as I say."
***
Heimoli Building, headquarters of the Federation's Strategic Affairs Department.
Inside a certain strategy office of the building, two middle-aged men dressed in black suits and bow ties sat in armchairs, conversing amidst puffs of cigar smoke.
"Wenli'er admitted defeat. He is no longer willing to cooperate with us."
"The fox of Behemoth Bay—an apt description. Pay him no mind for now. Have the Infantry Martial Arts Hall replace him."
"And if they fail as well?"
"Then proceed with the secondary plan."
"The secondary plan carries a very high cost."
When targeting foreign-owned enterprises of this sort, they had an established operational protocol: first stir up public opinion through the media, leaking that Great Shun nationals were behind it, then mobilize citizens of the Federation to stage protests outside the martial arts hall. Once the outrage reached a boiling point, they would use that as a pretext to audit property ownership, push through special legislation, and then naturally confiscate it.
Under normal circumstances, once the first few steps were executed, the vast majority of adversaries were already incapable of holding out.
However, this time the property had drawn the attention of Great Shun, and openly standing behind it was a Secret Palace martial artist—one who even possessed the strength to contend against Throne martial artists. Consequently, they had to be prepared to commit far greater resources.
"Aside from forcing Great Shun to yield, that martial artist's attitude must be taken into account. He appears to be a rather unyielding individual."
"Force can only be countered with force to deter him. Let Ferris give him a polite greeting first."
***
At this moment, on his way back to Red Rock Villa, Chen Chuan was reviewing the materials regarding the Non-Body Style that Hongfu had transmitted to him.
The current system of the Non-Body Style had been created by Alu. It had been deduced on the foundation of numerous martial arts styles using a massive database.
Moreover, provided the necessary conditions were met, it possessed a complete advancement system, featuring cultivation methods all the way up to the level of a martial artist. It was entirely distinct from Cui Xuanhui's system, yet it contained a great deal concerning the mind and the spiritual visage, which he found highly valuable for reference.
Regarding how to integrate his spiritual visage into high-level combat, he had originally formed an idea: there was no need to force the spiritual visage to match his own combat rhythm right from the start. If he could accurately grasp the flow of battle and have it manifest wherever it was needed, the same purpose could be achieved.
However, this required an exceedingly sharp reading of the battlefield. Furthermore, he didn't actually need to fully condense the spiritual visage; doing without full materialization would allow for faster deployment. Although its power would be reduced, having an additional method of attack was always better than leaving it completely unused.
As he was lost in thought, he suddenly sensed a faint anomaly. The surrounding sounds and even the ambient light seemed to recede in an instant. Looking ahead, he saw a person standing before the car.
It was a figure entirely clad in black, save for a pair of vividly clear, golden pupils. At the same time, a strange mental power bore down toward him.
When Chen Chuan looked over, his gaze met the figure's with calm resolve, devoid of the slightest evasion or panic.
The figure's originally teasing expression shifted into surprise, before turning into one of mild intrigue.
With a rustling swoosh, the entire dark silhouette suddenly transformed into countless black birds that scattered outward. In that instant, it was as if a massive cloud of black fiery mist had erupted over the street.
Chen Chuan's eyes flickered slightly. Just as the black fire-mist was about to disperse, right above it, a gigantic fist flowing with white-gold flames condensed in midair and slammed straight downward!
Chapter 1180