The flash of that concussive light lit up half the sky, instantly illuminating the figures of every Throne martial artist in the distance.
Surges of scorching, turbulent air currents rushed toward where they stood, whipping their clothes violently. The martial artists gazed at the figure ahead with solemn or cold expressions.
With a single punch, Chen Chuan had blasted most of Igor's body into flesh and blood scattered across the sky. Only his barely intact lower half, wrapped in wisps of spiritual fire, plummeted toward the ground.
Chen Chuan glanced over and found that the spirit and vitality within had vanished completely in an instant, as if swallowed by an inexplicable power, leaving behind nothing more than mangled scraps of flesh.
He couldn't help but ponder. *An aberrant power?*
Igor's aberrant power could permanently devour portions of others' bodies, which made him equally terrified of others using similar powers against him. Consequently, a complementary aberrant power had awakened within him.
The moment his body was damaged, the aberrant power would preemptively swallow his physical vitality, then reconstitute and restore him from whatever tissue was farthest from the battlefield.
Chen Chuan did possess the Mystic Void Fire to counter such a trick, but he hadn't intended to use it directly on Igor just now.
He could tell that the man wasn't particularly formidable in head-on combat; he could be beaten easily enough without resorting to the Mystic Void Fire.
Right now, his hypothetical enemy was the entire assembly of Throne martial artists gathered here. Their strengths varied, and he had to save his methods for the most critical moments. If he could take down a truly powerful opponent right from the start, it would be far more worthwhile than wasting his edge on a weaker foe.
Still, this aberrant power made him somewhat more vigilant. Many aberrant powers defied reason and demanded extraordinary caution.
No Throne martial artist could be underestimated. Today he had chosen to come here to stop these people from besieging the Tianji Sect. In the broad scheme, he could hold their multitude lightly, but in concrete combat, he would take every opponent seriously.
At this moment, the glowing qi on Chen Chuan's knuckles gradually receded. He first looked up at the Throne martial artists ahead, then turned to the Tianji fish, signaling for it to proceed.
With a flick of its tail, the Tianji fish circled him, continuing to transmit information.
It carried a wisp of Chonghua's divine qi, yet it was not Chonghua himself—it merely held Chonghua's memories and experiences.
Earlier, Chonghua had executed the Tianji Ferrying Art to seek out that sliver of turning fate. He hadn't known where it would lead, only knowing what choice he had to make at that instant and using the Tianji fish as an anchor. As for what would happen afterward, he had possessed no way of knowing in advance, simply surrendering everything to the workings of the Heavenly Secret.
He had not questioned whether the situation made sense or if anything was amiss, knowing only that once he took that step, a turn of events would naturally present itself.
Chen Chuan felt a vast stream of information pouring into him, containing everything Chonghua had observed during his clashes moments ago.
The most valuable part was the performance of each Throne martial artist—precisely the intelligence he urgently needed at this moment.
With this, he could at least make a rough assessment and classification of the Throne martial artists present.
Yet even after he absorbed all of that, he found that the Tianji fish continued to transmit data. This no longer concerned the battle just now, but Chonghua's knowledge of the Tianji Sect's secret transmissions, cultivation methods, and even means of controlling esoteric rituals.
These were not leaked carelessly by Chonghua. Rather, Ming was still on the field, and in Chonghua's eyes, he was the figure requiring the greatest vigilance. Only by learning and understanding these secrets could one better counter or even stop him.
Seeing Igor blasted to pieces with a single punch, the Federation's Throne martial artists did not immediately advance. The main reason was that the Federation's communications channel had asked them to hold on for a moment.
The Federation authorities first needed to determine Great Shun's stance and confirm whether more Great Shun martial artists were lurking nearby.
Meanwhile, aboard the airship, everything had unfolded far too swiftly. In the blink of an eye, Lily hadn't been able to see clearly, and her camera had captured only a streak of light. Noticing that Igor had vanished afterward, she asked in confusion:
"Uncle Briggs, where did that security consultant from Tower Whale go?"
Briggs fell silent for a moment. He had been speaking with Lily just then, and the incident had happened so quickly that he hadn't seen clearly either. But with his extraordinary eyesight as a martial artist, it wasn't hard to spot the shredded flesh and blood raining down from the sky.
No matter how one looked at it, Igor had been obliterated by the newcomer's punch.
He genuinely couldn't wrap his head around this.
*Could it be that this man has already become a Throne martial artist?*
It seemed to be the only explanation...
He said uncertainly, "Perhaps... perhaps he was shot down by that person. It seems my earlier assessment was mistaken. Perhaps this man is no longer a Secret Palace martial artist, but a Throne. However..."
He remained pessimistic, shaking his head. "Even if he truly stands on the same level as those Throne martial artists, assuming Great Shun hasn't sent more people today, it still won't change anything."
Inside the Sky Behemoth's combat command center, Cassian was attempting to contact the Great Shun delegation and the Great Shun government.
Because the Tianji Sect's constellation esoteric ritual had severed its link with the Pufang Mirror and no one was presiding over the ritual, the surrounding field had recovered somewhat. External communications were no longer obstructed.
The telegram had been sent less than two minutes after Chen Chuan's appearance. As they waited, an exceptionally tense atmosphere hung over the cabin; everyone wore grave expressions.
To ensure Great Shun's commitment, aside from the bilateral treaties, a batch of goods the Federation had agreed to trade to Great Shun remained in their custody. Furthermore, they had promised to hand over certain items to Great Shun for research after taking down the Tianji Sect.
If Great Shun turned against them, these promises would naturally be void. But if Great Shun truly tore up the agreement, it would certainly be to pursue even greater interests. While starting a war was out of the question now, they certainly possessed the capability to tie down and disrupt the operation. If this matter were abandoned halfway because of that, it would deal a tremendous blow to the current administration's authority.
They had deployed so many Throne martial artists, along with massive resources and funding, with observers from various international organizations and foreign nations present. If they failed to achieve a result, the current administration would face an immense political crisis—one that might even bring down the government.
In less than five minutes, they received a reply from Jiang Xianzhi, head of the Great Shun delegation.
The telegram informed them that the Great Shun delegation had completed the mission assigned by the Great Shun government. Having exited Federation territory, the delegation theoretically no longer placed restrictions on the actions of its members. Therefore, if any situation arose, it was purely an individual act of that member and had nothing to do with Great Shun's official stance.
Hearing this news, Cassian and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly relayed it to Durant and his companions.
Upon learning this, Durant understood that this was likely just Chen Chuan's private action. Whether that was genuinely true or not, it was what Great Shun had officially acknowledged—meaning Great Shun still honored the previous agreement.
Moreover, no other Great Shun martial artists had been spotted nearby, which meant he no longer had any misgivings.
Still, he was a cautious man and didn't want complications to multiply. If they could drive the man away, that would be ideal.
He said to Crossal, "The Federation's dignity and authority brook no question, and Federation affairs brook no interference or disruption. However, bilateral relations must be preserved. Mr. Crossal, you've met him before, haven't you? Do you have a way to make him leave?"
Crossal replied, "I'll go talk to him."
Fantner glanced at the fissure in the sky and said, "You'd better make it quick. We don't know when that Celestial Master might return. Since he isn't recognized by Great Shun officially, if he won't listen, just eliminate him."
Without saying more, Crossal parted from the two and flew toward Chen Chuan.
Aboard the airships, the representatives from various nations and megacorporations, as well as the journalists, were equally astonished by Chen Chuan's appearance. Quite a few had seen him before, allowing them to confirm his identity in short order. When they saw Crossal flying straight toward him, almost everyone's eyes followed.
Crossal moved with immense speed, arriving before Chen Chuan in nearly a single breath. He said coldly, "This is currently Federation territory. We previously issued a ban in the nation's name.
"All unauthorized and unpermitted personnel are strictly prohibited from entering Federation territory. You have no entry documents or permits. We require you to withdraw immediately and provide an explanation, or we will take necessary measures."
Chen Chuan said, "Mr. Crossal, we meet again. You seem to have forgotten that this is the land of the Tianji Sect. Internationally, this place is not recognized as under Federation rule.
"If you can come, then naturally, I can come as well."
Crossal said coldly, "Weishu State has no direct passage to the sea. To get here, one must pass through Federation airspace and territory. Just how did you get across?"
Chen Chuan continued receiving the information transmitted by the Tianji fish while replying in an unhurried manner:
"During the Grand Alliance era, a supreme security agreement was established. Whenever an incident threatens the Ring of the World, anyone and any organization capable of doing so may step forward to defend it. All nations abide by and uphold this principle.
"I believe the Federation's actions threaten and damage the Ring of the World. That is why I have come. If you require proof, Mr. Crossal, I can have the International Investigation Delegation issue you one."
The chill in Crossal's gaze deepened. He said, "I must give you a solemn warning. The Federation is currently carrying out a high-level security maintenance operation. We do not welcome external interference. I am advising you with good intentions right now, but if you refuse to comply, we will regard you as an enemy. You should know what the consequences are."
Chen Chuan looked straight into his eyes and said, "Since I came here, it was to stop you."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than a burst of brilliant light erupted ahead. Crossal charged straight at him, a fist wrapped in blazing spiritual flames instantly filling Chen Chuan's field of view.
Chapter 1305