NFBE Chapter 421 The Crown of Glory
Chapter 421 The Crown of Glory
Zheng Qian rode Feng Yingte through the camp of 50,000 Strike Ghosts Army and arrived at the edge of Huaxu Cliff. An old man dressed in white with white hair and beard was quietly waiting for him, as if he had crossed the barrier of time and space just for this moment of reunion.
"Master!" Zheng Qian's voice was filled with indescribable emotions, a deep respect and longing for his master, Yun Youzi, after experiencing life and death and witnessing the vicissitudes of life. These two words were not just a simple address, but the most sincere call from the depths of his heart, an endless remembrance of the past master-disciple relationship.
Upon hearing this, Yun Youzi's lips curved into a transcendent smile, his eyes, seemingly capable of seeing through all things, now gently gazing at Zheng Qian. He slowly raised his hand, his fingertips lightly touching the barrier of dawn on the horizon. With Yun Youzi's gesture, a miracle occurred.
A spatial bridge, 300 meters wide, transforms an insurmountable barrier into a thoroughfare. It winds its way out from the edge of the Void-Transforming Cliff, spanning the void and reaching the Dawn Barrier. It shimmers with dazzling light, as if it were the only path to a new world.
"Come home, hero." Yun Youzi's voice was gentle yet powerful, each word seemingly containing boundless wisdom and strength. They were not only a call to Zheng Qian's body but also a profound baptism for the depths of his soul. After countless battles and trials, Zheng Qian finally understood that a true home is not merely a physical refuge but also a spiritual home, a place that gives him boundless courage and strength no matter where he is.
At this moment, a resolute light shone in Zheng Qian's eyes. He nodded, bowed deeply to Yun Youzi, then turned and stepped onto the spatial bridge leading to the Dawn Barrier.
The wind howled through the secluded valley, as if someone were whispering, but upon closer listening, the words were indistinct. Zheng Qian felt not the wind, but the immense power of Yun Youzi.
On either side of the Ghost Wind Rift Valley are the human race and the Three Races Alliance, both sides having reinforced their defenses with arrays. Any creature flying overhead will be attacked and killed, also to prevent surprise attacks. Yun Youzi, however, completely ignored these arrays, creating a spatial bridge from the Void Transformation Cliff directly to the Dawn Barrier—a method Zheng Qian greatly admired.
What moved Zheng Qian the most was Yun Youzi's selfless protection and guidance, which was now paving the way for his return as a hero. How could he not be sincerely grateful to such a master?
At Dawn Fortress, the Radiant Legion has assembled. Clad in golden armor and armed with weapons, they stand in two columns from the platform in front of the fortress, stretching all the way to the command post inside the city.
"Prepare!" Lin Ying, a lithe and pretty woman, shouted loudly. She was the highest-ranking commander under Zhao Nuo and Ma Yi, and held the same rank as Zhao Feng—colonels. Zhao Nuo, Ma Yi, and Zhao Feng had all gone to protect Zheng Qian at the gate, leaving her as the highest-ranking commander of the Radiant Legion at Dawn Fortress, responsible for welcoming Zheng Qian. Her voice echoed throughout every corner of Dawn Fortress, and everyone looked expectantly towards the opposite bank.
Clad in blue and gold battle banners, Zheng Qian rode the towering Wind Shadow. Behind him, to his left stood Zhao Nuo, the Grand General of the Radiant Legion, clad in silver armor, and to his right, Xiao Zhi, the gray-haired leader of the Wise Alliance. The two supreme leaders of the Dawn Barrier protected Zheng Qian, escorting this hero home.
"Salute!" Lin Ying's voice was loud and penetrating. The soldiers of the Radiant Legion raised their right hands and slapped them on their chests with a loud crack. Their voices were unified, their momentum was overwhelming, and they roared.
"Welcome home, hero."
On the walls of the Dawn Fortress, Lei Zhenyue stood tall and imposing, his muscles bulging, like a war god emerging from flames. His eyes blazed, radiating an undeniable aura of dominance. He wore fiery red armor, adorned with ferocious dragon patterns, and wielded a massive warhammer that seemed capable of shaking mountains and rivers.
Lei Zhenyue was a contemporary of Yun Youzi, one of the Seventy-Two Qilin Sons, a general of the Strategic Alliance, and was known as the "Blazing War God." His aura was as fierce and unyielding as a storm; his mere presence could ignite the passion and courage in the hearts of his soldiers.
At this moment, as an elder, he stood on the city wall, just to welcome the disciple of the Space Madman, a person even more monstrous than their leader, Yun Youzi, Zheng Qian.
"All warriors of the Strategist Alliance, heed my command and take your positions!" Lei Zhenyue's voice echoed like thunder across the vast Youfeng Rift Valley, carrying undeniable authority and power, piercing through layers of clouds and striking the very depths of every warrior's heart.
In an instant, the 100,000 elite warriors of the Strategic Alliance seemed to be bound together by an invisible bond. Their heartbeats, breaths, and even wills reached an unprecedented unity. They converged from all directions with firm steps, each step reflecting their desire for victory and their reverence for heroes.
Beneath the Dawn Barrier, this land, protected by ancient formations and the light of wisdom, is welcoming the return of its hero, Zheng Qian, with an unprecedented solemnity.
The soldiers clad in deep blue armor, not merely protective gear, but a symbol of honor and faith. A colossal silver dragon coiled and undulated upon the armor, its eyes blazing like torches, seemingly imbued with ancient and mysterious power, witnessing the countless glories and victories of the Strategic Alliance. The interplay of silver and deep blue was both a tribute to past glories and an anticipation for future conquests.
Under the watchful eyes of 100,000 soldiers, Zheng Qian's figure slowly appeared on the horizon. He was draped in a gold and blue battle banner, carried the Dragon Scale Void-Piercing Sword on his back, and his eyes shone with fearlessness in the face of unknown challenges and a deep love for his homeland. His return was like an unstoppable torrent, stirring the hearts of every warrior in the Alliance of Strategists, making them believe that no matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead, as long as Zheng Qian was there, there was hope, and there was a possibility of victory.
"The alliance of strategists, winning with wisdom and defeating the enemy with courage. Today, we witness the glorious return of heroes; tomorrow, we will join hands to create new glories!" Lei Zhenyue's impassioned words, like war drums, stirred the boiling blood in the hearts of the soldiers. They shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and the earth, as if even the clouds in the sky were shaken by this magnificent momentum.
"The Alliance of Strategists, to win with wisdom and defeat the enemy with courage!" The 100,000 soldiers of the Alliance of Strategists roared, their voices echoing across the river and to the next fortress, deeply ingrained in their blood, to protect humanity and their homeland.
Atop the towering city walls, beneath the vast sky, stood four white-haired elders beside Lei Zhenyue's steadfast figure, as imposing as a mountain. They were the only remaining elites among the legendary Seventy-Two Qilin Sons. Apart from Qin Yifeng, the renowned vice-commander of the Radiant Legion, the other seven of the eight Qilin Sons, still alive, had miraculously gathered together today. Such a lineup was undoubtedly the highest affirmation of Zheng Qian's four-day siege.
Zheng Qian was deeply moved, as if he had been profoundly shaken by an invisible force. He had never imagined that the Radiant Legion would come out in full force to celebrate his glorious victory in the gate-blocking battle, and even the big shots from the Strategic Alliance who were usually elusive would show up. This honor and this attention filled him with an unprecedented sense of emotion and responsibility.
Gazing at the scene before him, Zheng Qian's understanding of the Wind Rift Valley underwent a complete transformation. This rift valley, once seen as a battlefield and a battleground, was now, in his heart, not merely a strategic stronghold, but also a haven for his soul, the home he and his comrades had fought side by side to protect. Here, he had witnessed his growth, borne his glory, and held his boundless aspirations for the future.
From this day forward, Zheng Qian knew he was no longer alone. The vast lands of the fifty kingdoms were his solid backing and the source of his strength; and the Valley of the Windy Winds, once desolate but now vibrant with life thanks to countless heroic hearts, would become his eternal attachment and the warmest refuge in the depths of his soul. Here, every brick and tile recorded their sweat and blood, and every war drum echoed their vows and determination.
Zheng Qian secretly vowed that no matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead, he would protect this land, make Youfeng Rift Valley an immortal legend, and let their names be forever engraved in the long river of history.
Passing through the thirty-meter-wide gate, Zheng Qian finally returned to the Dawn Fortress. The Wind Shadow carried him slowly to the command platform.
"Zheng Qian, the big boss will present you with an award later to congratulate you on your victory in the gate-blocking battle!" Feng Yingte tilted his head, his mouth splitting into a grin, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth.
To become Zheng Qian's mount was an honorable thing.
Zheng Qian rolled off, hugged Feng Yingte's neck, and whispered, "Brother, thank you!"
"Oh, you should have said you liked hugging people earlier! I have at least eight hundred, if not a thousand, sisters. I'll introduce you to them, and you can hug as many as you like." Feng Ying squinted, feeling touched. Zheng Qian calling him brother was the greatest honor.
"Get lost, I only like human beauties." Zheng Qian laughed and cursed, a figure covered in lightning flashing through his mind, that was the Thunder Clan prodigy, Dianli.
Shaking his head, Zheng Qian was very puzzled. Why did Dian Li's image always appear in his mind unintentionally?
On the platform, three ancient and solemn chairs stood tall, like three thrones symbolizing supreme authority and glory, quietly awaiting their masters. The afterglow of the setting sun bathed them in a golden light, adding to the solemn scene and an aura of sacred inviolability.
Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed across the sky, as if a god had descended. Xiao Zhi, in a breathtaking display, plummeted from the void, landing steadily on the chair to the left. His arrival was like a sudden gust of wind, stirring up dust on the platform and stirring up waves in the hearts of the crowd, demonstrating his extraordinary strength and status.
Immediately afterward, subtle ripples spread through the air, and Yun Youzi seemed to have traveled from another time and space, his figure light and mysterious, sitting gracefully in the central chair without a trace of worldly concern. His eyes were deep, as if they could see through all things in the world, and he was surrounded by an otherworldly aura that inspired awe in everyone.
Zheng Qian's gaze shifted back and forth between the two men, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and anticipation. Those who could sit here were all extraordinary figures possessing earth-shattering abilities.
Zhao Nuo, the Grand General of the Radiant Legion and a second-tier pseudo-god, remained standing to the side without showing any intention of sitting down. His gaze was firm, and his posture was humble, clearly indicating that he was well aware of his position and status and maintained the proper demeanor and respect in this situation.
In other words, Zhao Nuo's status and position do not allow him to sit with Xiao Zhi and Yun Youzi.
At this moment, a question arose in everyone's mind: for whom was that last chair reserved? It stood there quietly, waiting for someone worthy of its noble status.
Zhao Nuo stepped forward, glanced at the 100,000 strategist alliance soldiers on the wall, the 50,000 anti-deception soldiers and 50,000 radiant legion warriors in the distance, and the genius prodigies standing even further away, and spoke loudly.
"The Gate-Blocking Battle is one of the most special honors in the Ghost Wind Rift, and also the strongest stage to showcase the combat power of prodigies. Over the course of a thousand years, 837 years ago, Zhao Huang, the commander of the Radiant Legion, led the Radiant Dream Detachment to block the gate for four days. 305 years ago, Yun Youzi led 72 Qilin Children to block the gate for three days. 126 years ago, Long Batian led the disciples of the Heavenly Vein Sect to block the gate for three days. They are all heroes of our human race, and their supreme glory is etched in the long river of history."
"Today, the gate-blocking battle begins again. Our hero Zheng Qian single-handedly initiated the gate-blocking battle, fighting a total of 312 battles. Among them, Li Zun fought 11 battles, Feng Yingte fought 11 battles, and Zheng Qian..."
At this point, Zhao Nuo paused for a moment. The venue, filled with hundreds of thousands of people, fell silent as they watched Zhao Nuo expectantly, waiting for him to announce the results of the battle.
"Zheng Qian, with the late stage of the Dragon Shaping Realm and the Dragon Transformation Realm, fought his way from the Dragon Shaping Realm to the mid stage of the Zen Demon Realm, blocking the gate for four days and winning 290 consecutive matches, breaking the gate blocking record in a thousand years."
"Zheng Qian... Zheng Qian..." Hundreds of thousands of people shouted Zheng Qian's name. The gate-blocking battle was the dream of all prodigies and soldiers. Any prodigy who could start the gate-blocking battle was a genius one in a billion.
"Zheng Qian, I love you!" A voice came from the group of prodigies at the back, instantly igniting the atmosphere.
"Zheng Qian, I want to give you a son."
"Darling, I want to have quintuplets for you."
Zheng Qian looked over and saw a group of beautiful girls. The girls who had embarked on the path of cultivation had been baptized by spiritual energy, and they were all beautiful and delicate.
Zheng Qian's face was serious, but his mind was racing. These girls were crazy! He wondered if anyone would dare to come to his place tonight to discuss their life's construction project.
Zhao Nuo raised his hand and said loudly, "The victory in the Battle of the Dragon Transformation Cliff belongs to every genius and soldier. Therefore, everyone who participated in this battle will be awarded military merit. As for the special contributions of Zheng Qian, Li Zun, and Feng Yingte, Li Zun and Feng Yingte are hereby appointed as vanguard officers of the Strategic Alliance. Zheng Qian is appointed as honorary deputy staff officer."
Clap clap clap… The applause rang out like thunder. It was reasonable for Li Zun and Feng Ying to be specially appointed as vanguard officers, after all, they had participated in the prodigy's one-on-one challenge, and naturally they would be rewarded with military merit and honor. However, Zheng Qian's honorary deputy staff officer was an extremely impressive reward.
The strategist of the Strategic Alliance is Wuying, known as the Poisonless Strategist, a pseudo-god level one expert, and one of the seventy-two Qilin sons. Zheng Qian, however, has become the deputy strategist in one step, only one realm below Wuying. Most importantly, Zheng Qian is an honorary deputy strategist, meaning he enjoys the honor and benefits, but can choose whether to attend the Strategic Alliance's high-level meetings and can choose not to fulfill the responsibilities and obligations of a deputy strategist.
To put it bluntly, Zheng Qian is a free man. If he wants to participate in management, he can have real power. If he doesn't want to participate in the management of the Wisdom Alliance, he can collect his salary without doing any work and enjoy the honors.
"Next, please invite Xiao Zhi, the leader of the Strategic Alliance, to present the Fearless Medal and rank plaque to Li Zun and Feng Yingte, and at the same time, to present Zheng Qian with the Starry Sky Medal of Wisdom and Courage, representing the highest honor of the Strategic Alliance, and rank plaque, to crown them with glory." Before Zhao Nuo's voice had even finished, thunderous applause erupted.
Xiao Zhi stood up, first awarding honorary medals and rank plaques to Li Zun and Feng Ying, then walked up to Zheng Qian with a look of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Well done, keep it up!"
"Thank you, Uncle Master!"
Without excessive praise, yet conveying a thousand words, Xiao Zhi waved his hand, and a medal radiating brilliant light fell into his hand, which he then handed to Zheng Qian.
This Starry Sky Medal of Wisdom and Courage is the highest-level honor medal awarded by the Alliance of Strategists. Shaped like the most brilliant star in the night sky, it is forged from millennia-old cold iron and rare spiritual jade. At its center is a spirit stone emitting a faint blue light, unearthed from ancient ruins, containing the "Heart of Wisdom and Courage," a power immeasurable. The reverse side of the medal is engraved with intricate and mysterious runes, each stroke containing the most profound laws of heaven and earth, symbolizing the wearer's extraordinary strength and wisdom.
At the same time, Xiao Zhi also presented him with a beautifully crafted plaque with a smooth, warm texture. The plaque bore the inscription "Honorary Deputy Staff Officer Zheng Qian" in flowing, elegant strokes. Below it was the exclusive emblem of the Strategic Alliance, in the center of which a pair of soaring phoenixes and a majestic dragon intertwined, symbolizing the perfect combination of wisdom and strength. It also foreshadowed that Zheng Qian would, like a dragon and phoenix bringing auspiciousness, lead a new era of strategy and military might.
After the awarding ceremony of the Strategic Alliance concluded, Zhao Nuo, his eyes burning with fervor, announced loudly, "Next is the coronation ceremony of the Radiant Legion. Please welcome Qin Yifeng, the vice commander of the Radiant Legion."
Zhao Nuo's voice echoed in every corner, carrying an undeniable power that seemed to shake even the air itself.
Whoosh... In the sky, a dazzling trail of light streaked across the heavens like a shooting star, carrying endless heat and brilliance, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
The newcomer was none other than Qin Yifeng, the renowned Blazing Sky Soarer among the Seventy-Two Qilin Sons. He wore dazzling armor, and every step he took exuded determination and domineering power, as if even the ground beneath his feet trembled, making way for him.
Zheng Qian finally learned that the third chair belonged to Qin Yifeng, one of the seventy-two Qilin sons and the deputy commander of the Radiant Legion.