Chen Chuan could feel a warm current spreading through him. It was as if the Mutated Organization within his body had shattered its shackles. They stirred to life, and a stream of Essence Qi began to flow ceaselessly from within.

This Essence Qi seemed to have always been hidden within his body, present in all the Mutated Organizations, but he had never been able to perceive it. Only now, having crossed that boundary, was it released for him to use.

With every breath he took, the Essence Qi grew stronger, and he could feel it continuously reinforcing the parts of his body the warm current touched.

At the same time, he felt that power extending up his spine, rising from the base of his skull, over the crown of his head, and finally sinking into the point between his eyebrows, seeping deep within.

ROAR. It was as if some limit had been unlocked. This moment was just like that instant when he first put on the Realm Token before entering Central City; countless lights and sounds once again flooded his senses.

What was different was that he felt his spirit continuously ascend, as if detaching from his physical body. He saw an infinitely vast vortex appear in the sky, seeming to hold many things he couldn’t see or discern clearly.

All sorts of chaotic, indiscernible sounds and lights swirled around him, seemingly trying to force their way into his mind. Yet he remained unaffected, calmly maintaining his sense of self, his emotions unwavering.

This was something Cao Guiqi had warned him about. When breaking through to the Third Limit using the Old Method, no matter what strange visions appeared, he was to ignore them and do his utmost to guard his mind.

What felt like an eternity was, in reality, only a few breaths. The commotion and disturbances vanished all at once, and his surroundings returned to normal. At that moment, a glint of light flashed in the depths of his jet-black eyes.

He stood bathed in the dazzling sunlight, feeling the abundant power coursing through his body. He knew that in this moment, he had truly entered the Third Limit.

Inside the arena, the entire crowd stared in shock at the scene on the massive screen.

The screen showed only Chen Chuan, standing steadily, facing the blinding sun. His collar and the tips of his hair swayed in the intersection’s wind as wisps of white steam rose from his body.

Behind him, crimson blood spilled from the shallow crater and flowed to his feet, appearing to merge with his shadow.

The broadcast on the massive screen ended as the Processing Bureau entered the scene, freezing on this final image. The audience let out a collective sigh, a mixture of satisfaction and regret.

The fight hadn’t lasted long—only a few minutes—but the ferocity, power, and sheer impact displayed by the Third Limit Fighter had been an absolute thrill. The crowd was left wanting more, and everyone was scrambling to find out who the young man who defeated Wei Wusheng was.

But Chen Chuan wore the uniform of the Processing Bureau, and some people had glimpsed the peaked cap he’d set aside. They guessed he was an expert the Bureau had sent to deal with Wei Wusheng.

’Why didn’t they send an expert like this sooner?’ they wondered. ’But maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. Otherwise, we would have missed such a thrilling fight, right?’

Just then, the screen flickered, returning to a view of the arena. The host’s high-pitched, impassioned voice once again echoed through the venue, and only then did the audience realize there was still another match scheduled.

Most of the crowd, however, was still reeling from the previous intense battle and couldn’t seem to muster any interest in the match before them. It took all the host’s effort to stir up even a semblance of excitement.

Yu Shen and Huo Yucheng took the stage in this lukewarm atmosphere. They actually performed well—especially Huo Yucheng, who seemed unfazed by the crowd’s mood. Yu Shen was a bit agitated, but his skill was still up to standard.

Yet, no matter how brilliantly the two fought, the audience’s response remained tepid. After witnessing a battle between Third Limit Fighters, this Second Limit bout just felt... lacking.

The event organizers also noticed this adverse effect, but they had, of course, anticipated it. They would later provide some "enhanced" beverages, which would easily manipulate the crowd’s emotions and quickly return them to their previous fanaticism.

Furthermore, during the first match, various companies had opportunely launched advertisements for all kinds of Combat Implants, including some high-end models still in development.

Many companies later reported that a large number of people had inquired about Implant services during this period, asking if high-end Implants could allow them to perform at the level of a Third Limit Fighter.

「Meanwhile, in a secret underground facility」

Several figures watched on a light screen as Wei Wusheng was killed.

"In the end, Wei Wusheng just wasn’t enough," one of them said regretfully. "Fortunately, our people with the organizers cooperated perfectly, so most of Central City got to see it. The aggregation and sublimation nearly met our requirements, but it’s a shame it was so brief. If only it had lasted a little longer."

"To think Wei Wusheng would just die like that. How is this student so strong?"

"From Wuyi...? A reserve enforcer for the Processing Bureau?"

One of them spoke up. "This person seems to fit our requirements even better than Wei Wusheng. I suggest we send someone to make contact and see if we can get him to..."

Just then, the light screens of the hall’s several Resonance Nests abruptly went dark. Not only that, their Realm Token communications were severed at the exact same moment.

A moment later, the light screens flickered back on, and the Realm Tokens gradually resumed normal function.

The leader asked in a heavy voice, "What just happened?"

One of the Resonators hurriedly answered, "We initiated an emergency Domain shield..."

The leader frowned. "Why?"

The Resonator hesitated. "As you instructed, we investigated the student further. We did find something... it just seems to be related to... uh..."

"Related to what?"

"The General Affairs Bureau..."

The room fell silent. After a moment, someone asked, "Are our tracks cleared?"

The Resonator said hastily, "Cleared. We cut the link and shielded the Domain connection before they could confirm anything. They won’t be able to find us."

The leader said decisively, "From now on, when it comes to this student, only monitor publicly available information. Do not investigate any further."

「Celestial Forgiveness Gang, Changsheng Hall」

Elder Yu Hongming had also watched the entire process of Wei Wusheng’s death via a Resonator’s light screen. Even though it was his own disciple who had died, his expression remained perfectly calm, betraying no emotion.

At the very end, he gave the image of Chen Chuan a long, deep look.

He lowered his head and glanced at Guan Chengqi, who stood beside him with tightly clenched fists. "Kid, don’t look like that," he said. "This is the fate of a Fighter: either you keep defeating stronger opponents, or you’re killed by one. This was the path Xiaowu chose for himself, so he must bear the consequences."

"Hatred is useless. You need to figure out if you’re training for yourself or for someone else."

He waved a hand, and a servant came forward to lead Guan Chengqi away. Yu Hongming took a few steps, then turned to a disciple following him. "Xiaoguang, go retrieve Xiaowu’s body. Though he was no longer a disciple of the Celestial Forgiveness Gang, he was still my student. Charge any expenses to my account."

The disciple replied in a somber tone, "Master, rest assured. I’ll take care of everything for Senior Brother Wei."

「Back at the intersection」

Chen Chuan heard the sound of approaching vehicles, followed by a series of sharp, screeching brakes. Then came the sound of urgent, disorderly footsteps drawing closer.

Members of the Processing Bureau emerged from behind the battered vehicles. As they arrived on the scene, they all slowed their pace, their gazes toward Chen Chuan filled with astonishment and admiration.

The captain in the lead walked up to Chen Chuan and gave him a solemn nod. He then quickly moved to Wei Wusheng’s body. After a brief inspection, he breathed a sigh of relief, placed a hand on his Realm Token, and reported back to headquarters, "Reporting. Wei Wusheng has been terminated..."

After a moment’s pause, he glanced at Chen Chuan in the distance and said, "Confirmed!"

Seeing that they had taken over, Chen Chuan didn’t linger. He nodded to the team and departed. Just then, a call came through from Ni Qianqian.

Her voice was bright, clearly in high spirits. "Brother Chen, that was incredible! You really saved face for me and the whole Processing Bureau this time. Let’s see those loudmouths try taking on Wei Wusheng themselves, huh?"

Chen Chuan said, "I hope this didn’t cause you any trouble, Sister Ni."

"What trouble? Right now, they can’t praise you enough," Ni Qianqian scoffed. "You have no idea. It’s only been a little while, and I’ve already had several old-timers from upstairs contact me, telling me to ’communicate’ more with you."

Chen Chuan said earnestly, "It seems you’re very well-liked at the Bureau, Sister Ni."

Ni Qianqian burst out laughing at his words.

Chen Chuan waited calmly. After a while, Ni Qianqian finally composed herself and said, "Anyway, someone upstairs wants to see you. Brother Chen, find some time to drop by the Processing Bureau in the next few days. Oh, and prioritize your own affairs. Don’t worry about outside distractions. I’ll hold them off for you at the Bureau."

Chen Chuan nodded. "I do have some things to take care of. Thank you, Sister Ni."

"Don’t mention it," Ni Qianqian said with a smile. "What can I say? I’m just that well-liked."

After ending his call with Ni Qianqian, Chen Chuan walked to the side. He first retrieved his Snow Monarch Blade and Sword Scabbard, sheathed the blade, then went to get his clothes.

Just then, he noticed someone walking toward him, holding his coat and hat. He recognized the man as Teacher Bai from Wuyi, who had accompanied him in the car. Teacher Bai gestured to him. "Chen, here are your things."

Chen Chuan strode forward, took them, and thanked him politely. "Thank you, Teacher Bai."

Teacher Bai smiled. "Don’t mention it." He looked Chen Chuan up and down, remarking with admiration, "Truly outstanding. You’re not even twenty yet, are you? And already a Third Limit Fighter. Students like that are exceptionally rare."

"Some students choose to leave the academy and graduate after reaching the Third Limit. Chen, may I ask what your plans are?"

Chen Chuan knew that was an option, but those students had typically been at the academy for several years. He was in no hurry. He had been in Central City for less than a year, and the academy offered many resources he couldn’t get on the outside.

He said, "I still have much to learn."

"That’s right. You’ve only been at the academy for about half a year, haven’t you?" Teacher Bai said. "My advice would be to stay a while longer. There are," he added meaningfully, "certain things that are most easily learned and acquired only within the academy. You’ll understand soon enough."

...

...