"No wonder the star ring channel is so crucial." As the aircraft left the docking station, a military squad in two flying cars escorted them, clearing the path toward the vast, boundless metropolis. Chu Shihong's words echoed in Chen Feng's mind, and he nodded slowly, finally grasping the key point. Though Earth was vast, its surface area was ultimately limited. A separate space like the Radiant Light Secret Realm, capable of supporting cities and human life, naturally became a new focal point for development and a nation's foundation. Competition arose as everyone sought to control more resources. The star ring channel, which enhanced military transport and cross-realm support, thus became the ultimate trump card in this Secret Realm struggle. Suddenly, his Perception stirred. Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, gazing at the sky above the city. As they drew closer, he sensed a subtle barrier. It resembled a magnetic field, yet wasn't quite the same. Instead, it felt more like optical refraction, hinting at a concealed space. Soon, after the aircraft had traveled a bit further, The air around them warped and twisted, as if passing through a bubble. The world before them shifted again, revealing scenes previously invisible to the naked eye. Above the bustling city, several colossal warships loomed like monstrous beasts, maintaining order. Nearby, a floating island drifted among the clouds, its presence fleeting. A semi-circular Blue Light Barrier protected it, within which numerous aircraft and Flying Cars rose and descended. But this was not the true focal point. Farther in the distance, a magnificent Inverted Pyramid hung suspended high in the sky, its form unyielding. It appeared to be constructed from massive, reddish-brown rock formations, each several kilometers in size, surrounded by swirling clouds. Its immense shadow cast a pall over parts of the city, forcing streetlights to flicker on. Various aerial blockades and security measures crisscrossed the area, with fighter jets and aircraft weaving through the sky, their red and blue lights flashing intermittently. In comparison, everything else seemed like tiny ants. Even the hundred-meter-long warships, designed for suppressing threats, appeared like ordinary fish before a whale, their size dwarfed to less than a tenth of the pyramid's scale. Chen Feng's breath hitched as he stared intently at the Civilization Construct. Memories flooded his mind, flashing one after another: his first exploration of the Cloud Dream Forest, the numerous reports of anomalies he'd heard, the photographs he'd seen, and the dream of the Ancient Taiduo Empire's annihilation he'd experienced at Heaven's Fall Mountain in the Serpent Spirit Secret Realm. The construct's shape was identical to those of the Ancient Civilization artifacts, resembling a true ark of the world. "This Civilization ruin emits a powerful magnetic field interference," Han Chao explained from the side as the aircraft soared over the city, weaving through a stream of flying cars. "Since it was moved here, it has caused light refraction, creating a visual disparity between the city's interior and exterior. We still haven't determined the exact cause of its appearance." Chen Feng remained fixated on the Inverted Pyramid, his Perception reaching through the aircraft's hull, past skyscrapers and warships, to faintly sense powerful electromagnetic waves radiating outward. They swirled around the pyramid like a storm cloud of electricity, suppressing his Perception Talent to some extent. "When will the second exploration begin?" Chen Feng continued to expend mental energy, projecting his Perception outward to glean more details, but his efforts proved futile. "No decision has been made yet, but this meeting should address the matter," Han Chao said cautiously, then added, "However, if a second exploration truly commences, we're likely to face some complications." "Yun Port discovered a special technology here that could overcome the legendary transformation. The Platinum Federation has been growing impatient, launching several covert interference attempts and proposing joint exploration through negotiations." "Though our superiors have rejected their proposals, they won't give up easily." Everyone nodded, and Chen Feng's eyes flickered. The Platinum Federation's capricious nature was well-known. This powerful faction, heavily influenced by Mega Corporations, would stop at nothing to achieve its goals. Silence fell over the group as the aircraft gradually ascended toward the Sky Island above. Looking out, they could see numerous Flying Cars zipping nearby. The whooshing sounds of these vehicles echoed through the air as the Blue Light Barrier surrounding the Sky Island opened a portal. A dedicated docking port had been established, occupying a section of the several-kilometer-wide island. Dozens of teams of Red Guard, clad in red combat uniforms with white markings, patrolled the island's surface. Meanwhile, heavily armed Military cyborgs and Modified Humans in camouflage combat gear, utilizing large anti-gravity devices, had set up a series of aerial checkpoints resembling rail tracks. Every flying car entering the barrier channel had to undergo a double identity verification, with non-Red Nation citizens strictly prohibited from entering. As a result, a long queue of flying cars had formed in mid-air. Yet, amidst this orderly procession, a sleek, silver-white aircraft with an elongated fuselage sped forward at breakneck speed. The aircraft's arrogant passage drew the attention of many. It forcefully overtook every flying car in the queue. Some onlookers frowned in disapproval, but their expressions quickly changed to shock as they took a closer look. A deep crimson star-shaped emblem on the aircraft's hull reflected the blazing sunlight. Even representatives of Mega Corporations paled slightly, ordering their subordinates to make way. Suddenly, the congested aerial channel, once choked with dozens of flying cars, fell silent as no one dared to obstruct the silver-white aircraft's path. The aircraft pressed onward, soon reaching the Floating Checkpoint. Just as the aircraft was about to forcefully enter Sky Island, a silent force field suddenly activated, forming a wall that blocked its path. Immediately afterward, a squad of soldiers in camouflage combat uniforms cautiously advanced, surrounding the aircraft on both sides. [Military request for communication access!] [You have not filed a prior travel report. Entry to Sky Island is denied!] An intelligent voice echoed through the cabin, projecting a virtual light screen displaying the text. Glancing around, the forced-to-halt aircraft revealed a corner furnished with genuine leather sofas and a velvet carpet laid over the metal floor to dispel the chill. "Don't these military greenhorns know who I am?" The young man lounging on the sofa frowned slightly, still engrossed in a fashion magazine. "How dare they stop me? Old Pei, find out who's leading this blockade." As his words fell, the middle-aged butler standing nearby, clad in a suit and dress shirt, nodded in obedience. During the ensuing exchange, the military flying general blocking their path wore a troubled expression but still refused to immediately grant passage. Seeing this, the young man on the sofa set down his magazine. A flicker of cold light flashed in the youth's eyes beneath his messy hair. He was about to erupt. A Red Guard aircraft shot into the sky, ascending to the Floating Checkpoint that orbited the Sky Island. Several Red Guards disembarked, the leader's left chest bearing a crystal-like sword-and-shield emblem—it was a Flying General himself leading the welcoming party. "Wu Zong, what exactly are you doing?" The youth with messy hair asked coldly through the communication module. Wu Zong, the leader of the welcoming party, sighed inwardly but could only stand outside the aircraft, bowing his head as he explained, "Young Master Shiwen, security on Sky Island has been extremely tight recently. Everyone must register their itinerary in advance and undergo a second verification." "I'll handle this immediately. Please forgive the delay." Hearing this, the youth named Xia Shiwen remained silent, standing inside the aircraft and observing coldly. An awkward silence fell over the scene, drawing all eyes. The Sixth-Tier Mech Warrior leading the military seemed to be arguing with Wu Zong, the arrival of a single aircraft having sparked a brief dispute between two Flying General-level figures. Though such a scene was rare, it didn't surprise many, as if they were already accustomed to it. "It must be Xia Shiwen." "Looks like he's used to being overbearing." "The Radiant Light City Royal Family... tsk tsk." Whispers filled the flying cars waiting in line as the red maple aircraft gradually approached. Chen Feng's Perception caught fragments of the conversation, and his gaze followed the sound, sweeping across the silver-white aircraft parked at the Floating Checkpoint. A deep crimson star-shaped emblem—the symbol of the Red Nation's Royal Family. But his gaze shifted again, finally settling on the Red Guard's leading Flying General. He recognized the man's identity, and memories stirred within him. He still recalled the day Wu Zong had personally come to the Black Crystal Group hotel, acting on Luo Wantao's orders, to take him away and investigate Luo Hui's death. It was only through Meng Anran's assistance and Chairman Li Yun's protection that Wu Zong had been forced to retreat. "Wu Zong was nominated by Deputy Chairman Luo to become a Flying General." "Now he's one of the deputy commanders of the Red Guard in the Radiant Light Secret Realm, primarily responsible for the security of the Radiant Light Royal Family." Noticing the unusual expression on his face, Chu Shihong, who was privy to some hidden secrets, stepped forward from the blast-proof window and spoke first. Chen Feng's eyes flickered at the words, not because of the Flying General's status. "The Radiant Light Royal Family?" "In their early days, the Royal Family shared a common origin and held supreme power within the Federation," Chu Shihong explained quietly, lowering his voice. "But after a major upheaval, they split into two branches." "One branch remained in Red City, continuing to serve as Federation representatives." "The other migrated to the Radiant Light Inner City, bound by a principle that forbade them from interfering in any Federation decisions." Check latest chapters at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵·𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮·𝓷𝓮𝓽 At these words, Chen Feng narrowed his eyes, the key point immediately clear. No wonder Luo Wantao and Speaker Li were at odds, with their respective supporters also locked in conflict. This was a factional struggle within the Royal Family itself. However, judging by the outcome... Representative Xia's Red City branch clearly held the upper hand. Whether in terms of official positions or control over resources and power. As this thought crossed his mind, the aircraft began to decelerate slowly. The two Military Flying Cars escorting them clearly enjoyed special privileges, clearing the way ahead and bypassing the long line of waiting Flying Cars. "Flying General Lu," Chu Shihong said, "I understand your stance." "But Young Master Xia Shiwen is, after all, a member of the Royal Family. Making a scene would reflect poorly on you. And don't forget, Old Master Xia Jingcheng is still around," Wu Zong said sternly, offering a reminder. He saw the military flying general's brow furrow, clearly wavering. Seizing the opportunity, Wu Zong pressed his advantage, intending to continue his persuasion. But then, the general's brow suddenly relaxed, and his gaze shifted. Turning back in confusion, Wu Zong followed the general's gaze. He saw a red maple-leaf Military aircraft, escorted by two Flying Cars, slowly approaching and entering the Floating Checkpoint. All eyes turned toward the aircraft, including Young Master Xia Shiwen, the Royal Family youth who had been watching from his Flying Car with a cold expression. He frowned and turned his head. The red maple-leaf aircraft paused briefly for identification, then quickly passed through. Curiosity piqued, everyone wondered who could command more respect than the Royal Family. The next moment, the military flying general leading the checkpoint suddenly straightened his posture, feet together, and stood at attention. Then, to everyone's astonishment, he and his subordinates raised their hands in a salute! 📖Read (MF) on Pa.treon@CinderTL - c576. [+5k] 🔑Early Access at $5. ✍Translated (6) Series, (4.1K+) Chapters, (5.8M+) Words.