Time slipped past, and late November arrived. Atop the stone platform, Chen Chuan moved at a deliberate pace, shifting through a sequence of distinct yet seamlessly connected stances.
Each form within the Grand Radiant Light Forms encompassed numerous stances and movements. They had to be practiced individually first before being strung together into a fluid continuum. This phase, however, placed substantial drain and strain upon the body, demanding an increased intake of high-energy nourishment and medicinal supplements.
The resources supplied by the Ocean Exploration Group had consistently remained bountiful, allowing him to cultivate with undivided focus.
At this moment, a faint glimmer seemed to emanate from his body. This was not the fire of spirituality, but a phenomenon caused by the outward release of spirit when driving the Grand Radiant Light Forms, coupled with the vast amount of heat channeled outward by the furnace breathing method. Cultivated to profound depths, it carried the momentum of "the sun ascending, bright and blazing."
After a while longer, he slowly withdrew his stance. The light drifting about his body receded as well.
By now, he had achieved a basic grasp of the first form he was practicing, though it could still only be considered an entry level, as this form could be cultivated further and further without end.
His physical metamorphosis was still underway. Going deeper into the Grand Radiant Light Forms provided a beneficial boost to this process. By his estimate, roughly a month—around the end of the year—would see this process to its conclusion. Following that, he could place the training of the Grand Azure Void Forms onto his schedule.
During this stage, he could clearly feel that taking the medicines from the list in their prescribed ratios markedly accelerated the results of his cultivation, smoothing past several challenging hurdles.
According to the cultivation records, incorporating mutated tissue from Melded Lands organisms and certain specialized parts rich in high-energy nutrients into these medicines could expedite his progress even more.
However, such tissues were generally found only on medium to large creatures deep within the Melded Lands, or on entities with high threat ratings. Outside of martial artists, virtually no one possessed the capability to face them alone. Even if obtained, they were classified as strategic materials and exceptionally difficult to acquire.
Upon further thought, he knew he would still have to procure such things in person. A trip to the Melded Lands remained inevitable; it would drastically reduce the time spent cultivating and allow him to master the secret arts much faster.
The Purist Faction and the government undoubtedly had their own channels, but providing him with a small allotment was the best they could do. A sustained supply was out of the question; resources were limited, after all, and he was not the only martial artist they needed to support. Thus, his only choice was to find a way through Jibei Dao central city.
Now that the former imperial house's faction here had been crushed, obtaining resources from there ought to become somewhat easier.
He glanced at the sky.
A few days ago, a telegram from Jibei Dao had confirmed that the Ring of the World had indeed sealed shut. This meant that much of the force originally stationed to guard the Ring could be pulled back, bolstering the government's strength.
Yet the situation in Jibei Dao would not ease because of this. The Municipal Council would certainly seek to bring in more external factions to save itself. From here on, clashes were unavoidable until a clear victor emerged.
In truth, he was also aware of another change that had unfolded over these past few months—one that could not yet be perceived.
Pure substance had been dispersing for months. Across the world, numerous individuals and factions had likely gotten their hands on it. Many who had found their paths blocked might now have discovered a way forward; in countless forgotten corners, a transformation was likely brewing right this moment. Perhaps that was precisely what Chen Bitong had hoped to see that day.
Yet looking back, pulling this off was certainly beyond Chen Bitong alone. From the looks of it, it seemed more like he had leveraged the strength of some faction to achieve his vision.
Merely opening a breach in the Ring of the World was far from simple, and by no means something an ordinary faction could accomplish. What, then, was the goal behind those factions?
In the past, even if he had wanted to look into it, he lacked the power to address it. Now, however, he had no choice but to ponder the matter. He could sense that, before long, he would likely be the one facing these forces directly.
As he contemplated, he looked forward. His vantage point stood near the highest elevation, offering a clear view of a cruise ship departing the harbor and heading out to sea, likely carrying guests from the island.
After merely a single glance, he turned back toward the residence. Time was pressing. He needed to make the best possible use of these rare conditions to improve himself. Rest and recuperation were necessary, of course, but not right now. Besides, watching his own power steadily grow was beyond exhilarating.
Within Jibei Dao central city, a motorcade of armored stretch limousines drove through Yinglu District, pulling to a halt not far from the sea. Overcast skies hung heavy, shedding a drizzle of rain.
A car door opened, and Xu Chan stepped out. An orderly hurried over to hold an umbrella above him, but Xu Chan gestured for him to stand down. Allowing the rain to patter against the brim of his cap and his outer coat, he walked forward alone.
He looked toward the former site of the Ferris Wheel Building, where renovations and expansions were currently underway. The higher-ups had confirmed that Yuanren Company would take over the plot and had announced they would formally establish their presence in Jibei Dao before the year's end.
Yuanren Company had promised both the Government Affairs Hall and the Municipal Council that it would invest heavily in building numerous technical factories across Jibei Dao, bringing in a wealth of new jobs.
Going solely by the plans unveiled so far, Yuanren Company intended to construct a brand-new corporate tower in the declining Hongsheng District and collaborate with several major corporations to co-develop an enormous biotechnology park there.
These partners included not only Compound Eyes, Green Source Ecology, and Wingblade Light Nest, but also plans to invite Gigagods Flora Company, which had previously partnered with Jibei Dao, back into the fold.
If this plan truly moved forward, the entire Hongsheng District would usher in an unprecedented economic revival and spur prosperity across the central city's commercial sector. The Government Affairs Hall could not possibly refuse.
Yet what could not be overlooked was that, as a prominent member of the Consortium and a global megacorporation, Yuanren Company possessed an extraordinarily formidable paramilitary security force—and even retained martial artists of its own. Establishing a branch in Jibei Dao this time would undoubtedly make them a powerful backer of the Municipal Council.
At that moment, the radioman stepped out of the vehicle into the rain, jogging over in haste to hand over a telegram. "Supervisor, we recently uncovered some leads concerning Green Source Ecology."
Xu Chan took it and glanced over the contents. He had now been promoted to Investigation Supervisor. With Chen Chuan overseas and the business with Lianwei Heavy Control temporarily settled, the task of investigating Green Source Ecology had fallen squarely onto his shoulders.
Fortunately, with the closing of the Ring of the World, a large number of Disposal Bureau reinforcement personnel were returning, leaving him with ample forces at his disposal.
Yet just as his strength was recovering, the opposition was growing stronger as well.
A dispatch sent two days ago from the classified department indicated that a new active conscious entity embryo might have already arrived in the central city, most likely located in Bainiao District.
However, for a conscious entity to fully mature would take one to two years. Furthermore, in terms of top-tier power, he believed their side would grow even faster. Clenching his fingers around the telegram, a faint flicker of spiritual perception power reduced the read document to a wisp of ash.
In the residential area of Bao'an Street, Tian Rui was playing catch with his son, Tian Xiaolei, while his daughter, Tian Mengmeng, swung on a swing nearby, giggling as she watched.
After Chen Chuan's visit that day, he had never shown up again, nor had anyone from the Purist Faction come looking for him. It seemed as though they had forgotten all about him. He knew that was impossible—he was simply taking things one day at a time—yet after so much time had elapsed, he couldn't help harboring the wishful thought: had they truly forgotten?
Just as he performed a diving roll to catch a ball tossed high in the air, eliciting claps and cheers of "Daddy's amazing!" from his children, he looked up and saw someone walking toward them.
The newcomer appeared to be in his thirties, resembling an ordinary passerby, yet there was a distinctive rhythm to his gait.
Seeing him, Tian Rui was suddenly startled. "Lian, what are you doing here again? Halt! Don't come any closer!"
Instructor Lian stopped in his tracks and said, "Teacher told me to check on you, and..."
Tian Rui cut him off immediately. "Xiao Wo isn't here! And let me tell you, our Purist Faction is back. You people won't have it easy anymore!"
Instructor Lian looked at him and simply gave a nod of acknowledgment.
Tian Rui felt as though he had punched a bale of cotton. Frustrated, he snapped, "What does Zhao Zhenye want, anyway? Xiao Wo is best off staying right here! If he truly cares about Xiao Wo, the best thing he could do is stay away and let the boy live a normal life."
Instructor Lian spoke slowly: "You know that's impossible. Even if we were willing, even if the Purist Faction were willing... Tian Wo is fine for now while he's still a minor, but once he comes of age..."
Tian Rui gasped, asking anxiously, "What will happen when he comes of age?"
Instructor Lian shook his head. "I don't know. But he is the Instructor's son, after all."
Tian Rui suddenly rushed forward in agitation, trying to grab him by the collar. "What will happen? Tell me! What exactly will happen?"
Instructor Lian had anticipated the move and stepped back, easily dodging the grab. "I don't know, but the Instructor will make arrangements. Don't get worked up—Xiao Wo is back."
Tian Rui turned to look. Tian Wo was walking over from the side; glancing at the two of them, the boy jogged up and greeted him, "Uncle Lian, you're here?"
Tian Wo was well-acquainted with Instructor Lian. He visited the house from time to time. On the surface, his relationship with Tian Wo's father seemed contentious, but in truth, the two were genuine friends; after bickering for so many years, their bond had never broken, and Uncle Lian had always cared deeply about him.
Tian Rui forced a smile, then let out a huff and walked back.
Instructor Lian stepped forward and tossed over the item in his hands. Tian Wo caught it, his eyes lighting up. It was a pair of Mingren Company handguards—a semi-implant designed to mold snugly to the hands, equipped with self-repair capabilities. It was something he had longed to buy for a very long time.
However, they were far from cheap. Unwilling to ask Tian Rui and his wife for money, he had planned to save up by doing odd jobs. After a brief burst of delight, he pushed them back. "Uncle Lian, these gloves are too expensive. I can't accept them."
Instructor Lian said, "You'll be seventeen after the New Year. I remember your birthday is on January third. I have to travel out of town soon and won't be back for quite some time, so take this as an early birthday gift. Keep them."
This time, Tian Wo did not refuse. Saying "Thank you, Uncle Lian," he excitedly slipped the gloves on. A faint tingling sensation brushed across his skin as they quickly conformed to his hands. When he spread his fingers, they parted naturally without hindering his dexterity in the least.
Instructor Lian did not go inside, merely asking a few questions about how Tian Wo had been doing. Just then, a security patrol vehicle happened to pass through the residential street. He cast a vigilant glance toward it, said no more, and after bidding Tian Wo farewell, departed in hurried strides.
Chapter 819