Puppet watched as Chen Chuan took off into the distance, turning into a streak of light. He then turned to look at the cane stuck into the ground nearby.
The weapon had broken in the battle just now, but a small portion still held the pieces together.
He bent down, picked it up, and carefully straightened it, aligning the fractured ends. A moment later, mutated tissue began to creep out from within, knitting together; in no time at all, the weapon would heal itself completely.
The mercenary squad members gathered around him.
Someone couldn't help asking, "Boss, who was that? He looked incredible!"
"Yeah, he dealt with that monster like it was nothing."
"Looked like an East Continent person, didn't he?"
The members voiced their amazement one after another. They had all witnessed it: that foul-smelling creature earlier had overwhelmed even their boss, yet in the newcomer's hands, it had been treated like a toy.
Only the bald woman seemed to recognize Chen Chuan's identity, but she kept quiet, though her expression was flushed with excitement.
"A friend I know," Puppet said.
Turning toward the rear, he ordered, "Dig the old man out."
The members snapped to their senses and hurried to the back, digging out the old man who was almost completely buried under dirt and ash. The old man was still unconscious. Fortunately, they had set him on high ground earlier, keeping him clear of the corrosive fluids. Furthermore, he possessed an implant respiratory system that could substitute for breathing through his mouth and nose, so he hadn't suffocated under the soil kicked up by the battle's shockwaves.
Once awakened, he clutched his neck and stumbled to his feet, dazed, unable to recall how he had passed out. But taking in the surrounding scene, memories gradually surfaced of someone attacking earlier.
Had he been knocked out by the shockwave of the battle?
Suddenly remembering something, he turned around in a panic. Only when he saw that the worshipped plant remained intact and seemingly undamaged did he finally let out a sigh of relief.
"Is it over?" he asked.
Brother Xuan said, "It's over. The guy's taken care of. Old man, get on with your business." He added, "You lucky old bastard."
The old man snorted and sneered, "These implants on me weren't installed for show."
The squad member who had knocked him out earlier watched his arrogant demeanor, his hands itching to smack him again. In his mind, he told himself to endure it for the sake of the money.
Puppet stepped aside and took stock of his body. He had faced an unprecedentedly formidable adversary this time; nearly every part of his body except for his head had been destroyed piece by piece, only to regrow anew.
Though it hadn't been obvious during the battle just now, he knew his strength had made a solid leap forward.
The mutated tissue in his body had been provided by Chen Chuan, and with that trace of mutated tissue containing purple qi, in theory, as long as he had sufficient energy and nutrients, he could independently advance to the realm of the Longevity View.
Now that their spiritual bond had been severed, and mutated tissue unique to his own self had sprouted forth, reaching even higher levels would require the sublimation of his own spirit. Therefore, to proceed any further along this path, he would have to rely on himself.
***
After leaving the hills, Chen Chuan swiftly returned to the spot where he had entered the Melded Lands. Slicing open a rift with the Xuejun Saber, he stepped through to the outside.
Night had already fallen. Looking up, a dazzling, glittering river of stars stretched across the sky.
Standing there, he couldn't help recalling times past when he had gazed up at the night sky like this. No matter how the world shifted or how he himself changed, only this vaulted galaxy remained eternal and unchanging, always as it had ever been.
He had already attained the realization of balancing body and spirit. These insights felt as though they were innate to him; he now knew how to harmonize the two when the time came.
The next step was to find a way to break through the realm's barrier.
Due to the profound depth of his foundation, breaking open this barrier would undoubtedly require tremendous power. In addition to his own inherent strength, he would also need to rely on external force.
In the outline, aside from self-breakthrough, there was also the option of traveling to the Ring of Worlds to seek an opportunity. However, he kept that as a last resort, an alternative option. Only if he truly failed to find an opportunity in the Federation would he seek to take that path.
Recently, an opportunity might present itself depending on whether Kawatua would be targeted by the Federation.
According to international conventions, Dongxuan View martial artists were forbidden from deploying in disputed areas unless a commensurate threat emerged—areas such as Kawatua.
Yet with someone like him present, possessing combat power comparable to a Dongxuan View martial artist, merely dispatching Longevity View martial artists would accomplish nothing. The Federation couldn't fail to understand this, unless they modified their plans specifically for him.
He had thought along those lines earlier, but a new factor had arisen: the delegation's negotiations were drawing to a close. At this rate, the visit might conclude in a month or two.
In that case, the Federation had no need to strike now. They only had to wait a month or two for him to leave of his own accord, sparing themselves the trouble of mobilizing a Throne-level martial artist.
If he were the Federation, he would likely choose that course of action as well.
But by the time that came to pass, Kawatua should be capable of defending itself even without him.
From what he could sense now, Ikus's power was recovering rapidly. Two months from now, even if Ikus hadn't returned to full strength, contending with a Throne martial artist would pose no problem at all.
If Kawatua's problem was settled, but he couldn't encounter a strong enough opponent here, two choices remained: one was the New Light Cult, and the other was the Primitive Sect.
The New Light Cult's headquarters was quite easy to locate. However, although it was deemed an evil cult internationally, it held official status on the West Coast. Going after them would involve resolving many complications.
As for the Primitive Sect, while it was also considered an official sect, it had no overt headquarters. Most of its power lay concealed beneath the surface, which actually suited his needs better.
Furthermore, judging from his past encounters with the Primitive Sect, it was clear they had long harbored designs on him. Especially today, when that entity had addressed him as the "Child of Gold."
He did not know what the title signified. Did it refer to individuals bearing a special bloodline? Or did it carry some other particular meaning?
Regardless, such an address was enough to prove that he held unique significance within this sect. The Primitive Sect's prior pursuit of him had likely stemmed from this reason.
This wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Since they were fixated on seeking him out, it was only natural and reasonable for him to seek them out for "assistance." Thus, his hopes of breaking through the final barrier might well rest upon the Primitive Sect.
Turning the thought over in his mind, he planned to have the covert department gather more detailed intelligence on the Primitive Sect upon his return.
With his mind made up, he leapt upward. Brilliant light flared around him, and he transformed into a streak of radiance, flying back toward Kawatua.
***
Federation Capital, Lunovira Center City.
Great Shun's First Delegation walked out of the Aurelian Palace.
They had concluded yet another round of negotiations, but their expressions were not as solemn as before; they appeared considerably more relaxed.
The primary matters had nearly all been settled, leaving only minor details to be confirmed. However tedious those might be, forty to fifty days would be more than enough.
At this stage, this tug-of-war negotiation that had lasted for over two years was finally yielding results, which also meant they would soon be able to return to Great Shun.
Yet when it came to the contents of the negotiations, disagreement was not entirely absent.
Once they returned to the diplomatic legation, Deputy Delegation Leader Chu Zhixian said, "Delegation Leader Jiang, I have an objection regarding the drafted clauses. Since we have decided to let go, why not let go completely?
"That way, we could secure even more interests in the treaty. Delegation Leader Jiang, you ought to be well aware that even if we change our minds then, we will no longer possess the power to stop the Federation. Why not find a way to convert that into our own benefit?"
Delegation Leader Jiang replied, "Staying silent is already our promise to the Federation. But completely letting go would come at the cost of Great Shun's international reputation. We have already paid a heavy enough price; there is no need to make further concessions and promises."
Chu Zhixian said, "Delegation Leader Jiang, I stand by my words: we must secure greater interests for the nation. Since we will not stop them, why not offer them a favor while we're at it?
"This doesn't require any concrete sacrifice on our part. I don't understand why we should hold back when we could clearly obtain more. You needn't worry about unexpected complications, Delegation Leader Jiang. Leave this matter to me, and I can guarantee no issues will arise."
Delegation Leader Jiang said, "Deputy Leader Chu, I know you have done extensive work on this and have communicated with many Federation officials.
"However, one doesn't always have to squeeze out every drop of profit. We cannot foresee what the future holds, nor are we doing business or making commercial deals. Our decisions affect the security and future strategy of our nation; we must leave ourselves sufficient room to advance or retreat."
Seeing his unyielding stance, Chu Zhixian frowned and said, "Then I maintain my position. I will appeal this matter to the homeland."
Delegation Leader Jiang said, "Deputy Leader Chu, if you are dissatisfied, you may submit a report back home. That is your prerogative."
Chu Zhixian said nothing further. Offering a curt nod to those present, he walked out expressionlessly.
Tu Haisheng cautioned, "Delegation Leader Jiang, we cannot take Deputy Leader Chu's opinion lightly."
Those able to accompany this delegation were all important figures representing various factions within the country. Chu Zhixian was backed by the Supreme Pivot Council, giving his words considerable weight.
Delegation Leader Jiang said, "Which is why I permitted him to express his views."
Just then, an aide handed him a telegram, whispering, "News from Kawatua."
Jiang took it, scanned it quickly, and nodded. "The Second Delegation did well."
He then swiftly concluded, "The Federation will certainly make one more probing offensive. If this attempt fails, they won't move again."
Tu Haisheng agreed with this assessment. Once negotiations concluded, the Federation would have far more critical matters to attend to; if they missed their window, they might never have the chance again, so they wouldn't squander their strength here.
Delegation Leader Jiang pondered for a moment and instructed his aide, "Get in touch with Delegation Leader Xie's side. Once our affairs here wrap up, they can return together with us. It'll be safer that way."
Chapter 1276