1684 Exchange for a Promise (1/2)

When Chen Xiaobei reunited with the soldiers, they greeted him in unison, ”Welcome, Childe Chen upon your triumphant return… Welcome, Childe Chen upon your triumphant return… Welcome, Childe Chen upon your triumphant return…”

Every one of them welcomed the return of their hero with gusto, veneration, and reverence.

It took Chen Xiaobei quite some time to pacify the crowd of 100,000.

After that, the troops returned to Neptune's capital city.

Upon their return, the story on how Chen Xiaobei had saved the merpeople would be spread throughout the entire capital city, and eventually the entire Neptune Starfield.

The honorable name of Childe Zhufeng would be etched in the hearts of every one of the merpeople for the foreseeable future.

All of Neptune would honor Chen Xiaobei as they honored the gods.

...

”Childe Chen, what are your plans after this?” Ao Chun'er had removed her helmet and was swimming around Chen Xiaobei like a little fangirl.

”Silly girl, Childe Chen will return to Saint Duke Starfield, of course!” Ao Liancheng said to his sister. ”Tomorrow is the deadline of the first elimination round of princess Puti's betrothal! Not returning means forfeiting his place in the competition!”

”Childe Chen, is this true?” Ao Chun'er's pretty brows were furrowed, and there was a hint of envy in her tone.

Chen Xiaobei nodded. ”It is. I have to hurry back. In fact, I will have to leave tonight!”

”Oh, so, it's true…” Ao Chun'er's face fell.

When she noticed that the people around her were giving her strange looks, she quickly tried to cover up. ”I… What I meant is that Childe Chen, your strength is unparalleled, why would you covet…”

Ao Chun'er trailed off.

”Covet what? Princess Puti's beauty? Or the Saint Duke's Fu Ma position?” Chen Xiaobei smiled. ”I have a compelling reason to go! But that is also my secret!”

”You really do have so many secrets…” Ao Chun'er said bitterly, biting her lip.

”Chun'er, you should retire.” The holy emperor swam into the room with all the Wangyes and Princes trailing behind him. ”We are pressed for time and I still have some things I'd like to discuss in private with Childe Chen!”

”Yes…” Ao Chun'er nodded obediently and left.

”Your majesty, how may I assist you?” Chen Xiaobei asked.

”The 100 million Spiritual Stones – did you use all of it?” The emperor asked.

”Yes, I did…” Chen Xiaobei nodded. ”50 million to rebuild the altar and the formation; 30 million to wield all three of the two-star Earth-God instrument, and the remaining 20 million to activate the Sealing Formation. May I ask why? Is your majesty running low on Spiritual Stones?”

”No, no, no…” The emperor quickly explained. ”I asked this question because I was afraid that you had to dip into your own pocket. After all, we were the ones who asked you for help. We cannot possibly allow you to suffer any losses.”

Chen Xiaobei shrugged, smiling.

He did not have to use his personal supply of Spiritual Stones. But because of this undertaking, Chen Xiaobei had eaten the Ginseng Fruit and lost 300 years from his lifespan. On top of that, he also used up one dog biscuit experimenting on the Demonic Beast.

Taking those things into consideration, Chen Xiaobei did suffer some losses.

”Alright! Since the Spiritual Stones were just enough, let's not mention it any more!” The holy emperor paused for a moment and then said, ”Next, please allow me offer you our sincerest gratitude on behalf of the people of Neptune!”

All the Wangyes and Princes pressed their hands on their fists and bowed to Chen Xiaobei.