Chapter 383: Honorable Return

Taibai was an entirely landlocked nation without anyastlines. If its people wished to reach the sea, they had to go through a neighboringuntry. Alternatively, air travel was possible, but had bme practically inaccessible to the general public in this era.

An aircraft engineered with protection against interference and bird strikes typicallyst billions, sometimes even tens of billions, to build. Ordinary citizensuldn’t afford the tickets, and even Astral Cultivators found securing a seat difficult.

Many High-Class Astral Cultivators might go their entire lives without ever boarding a plane.

At this moment, every available Master Astral Cultivator in Taibai had gathered at the largest air force base in theuntry. Even those who were otherwise occupied had made time to rush to the airport.

Alongside them stood over a dozen Top-Tier Astral Cultivators with highly esteemed statuses, including Su Mai.

Among them, the individual with the least influence held authority over an entire province within Taibai.

Sixth Princess Su Feiyu was the only exception. Aside from her title as "Princess," she was merely a Top-Tier Martial Saint.

Taibai's royal family had no shortage of princesses. While not more than a hundred, there were easily dozens. No princess held influencemparable to a Guardian Hall Warden at the Top-Tier Astral Cultivator level.

However, despite her relatively insignificant rank, thosenversing with Su Feiyu were all Master Astral Cultivators, without exceptions. They treated her as an equal, engaging in light-heartednversation.

Amid their exchange, one of the Top-Tier Astral Cultivators announced, "He's about to arrive any moment now."

Hearing this, the most esteemed among the five Master Astral Cultivators present, the Retired Emperor, Su Changge, perked up and said, "Everyone, let's go meet him together."

The group promptly left the VIP lounge, boarded vehicles, and headed for the airfield.

A dedicated runway, reserved for distinguished guests, had been prepared.

A weming party awaited, with a crimson carpet rolled out at the designated spot. As Su Changge led Su Dongfeng and the others to the site, a military transport plane landed smoothly on the runway and taxied steadily toward its mark.

Once the plane stopped, a line of people disembarked.

The one at the very front was none other than Li Pin, the newly ascended Legend and Supreme Expert, the Martial God pioneer, and the man hailed as the Martial Ancestor.

As he stepped off, ceremonial cannons sounded and music played.

Su Changge, Su Dongfeng, and the others moved forward one by one to warmly greet him.

"Hall Master Li, weme back to Taibai. Everyone here is happy for your return," Su Changge said with heartfelt respect.

"Master Su, you're too kind," Li Pin responded politely.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Su Changge introduced Li Pin to the three Master Astral Cultivators beside him, except Su Dongfeng, as he was already acquainted with Li Pin.

Li Pin greeted each of them in turn. These three weren't directly related to the Taibai Royal Family. Given Li Pin's resounding status and reputation, even a simple greeting from him was enough to make them feel greatly honored.

Li Pin then nodded toward Su Mai before finally turning to Su Feiyu. "It's been a while."

This brief greeting brought a flush to Su Feiyu's cheeks, and her usual brisk demeanor faded as she stammered, "It... has been a while."

"You're a Martial Saint already? Quite the progress," Li Pin remarked with genuine sincerity.

Only a little over two years had passed since the World's Top Martial Competition. Reaching the Martial Saint level in such a short time was no small feat.

"My achievements are nothingmpared to yours, Hall Master Li," Su Feiyu replied modestly. "It's likemparing a firefly to the moon."

"Don't sell yourself short," Li Pin said with a smile. "You're already outstanding."

Ofurse, this was in thentext of Taibai Kingdom's standards. On a global scale... that's a different matter.

In front of the crowd, Li Pin found it invenient to have a longnversation with Su Feiyu and kept theirnversation brief. The group then made their way toward the prepared business car.

Ampanying Li Pin were Li Yunyao, Xing Ying, and Xie Longcheng, the Vice Hall Master of the Celestial Martial God Hall, along with his team.

Among them, Li Yunyao was simply on her way home, while Xing Yingntinued her role as Li Pin's personal assistant. Xie Longcheng and his team, ofurse, represented the Celestial Martial God Hall.

Li Yunyao from a few years back would've taken out her phone to snap a few pictures at the sight of this grand spectacle. This reception the Taibai Kingdom had laid outmplete with military fighter jets lined up around the base, and the Taibai King himself in attendance—would have enticed her into sharing them online for her friends to see, inviting praise and admiration.

However, the events that had transpired in the last few years and the time she spent by Li Pin's side at the Celestial Martial God Hall had changed her. Her mindset had gradually settled, and the naivety she once had was gone.

She and Xing Ying accepted Su Feiyu'smpany and boarded a separate car.

Meanwhile, Li Pin, Su Changge, and Su Dongfeng climbed into the nearest vehicle. With a police ert clearing the way and Top-Tier Astral cultivators protecting thenvoy, they swiftly left the airport and headed for the Taibai Royal Palace.

Inside the car, Su Changge smiled and said, "Hall Master Li, as per your request, we've arranged a series of events for your visit. First, please allow us to warmly weme you at tonight's palace banquet.

"The initial plan was for you to enjoy some of the capital's renowned cuisine and visit a few significant landmarks tomorrow. However, since you find that unnecessary, we'll rest for the night and depart for Jiang Province instead."

Su Changge felt a twinge of regret as he spoke.

Strictly speaking, Li Pin had never truly stayed in Taibai's royal capital. Since he hadn't participated in the nationalmpetition, the capital held little appeal to him, and even upon arrival, he wasn't interested in staying longer.

"Jiang Province..." Li Pin pondered for a moment, then said. "Let's delay for now. We'll skip the remaining formalities and head straight to Death Valley tomorrow."

Su Changge was taken aback. "Straight to Death Valley tomorrow?"

Li Pin explained, "Yes. As I understand it, the ferocious beasts and demonic creatures in Death Valley are multiplying and no longer staying hidden. They now launch frequent raids on the fortress borders, causing significant casualties daily. Every day I delay here, more soldiers fall. It's best to resolve this threat as soon as possible."

He paused."Consider it a gift for the people of Taibai upon my return after nearly two years."

"Thank you, Hall Master Li, for yourmpassion toward the soldiers," said Su Dongfeng, clasping his hands in respect. "On behalf of all the soldiers, I offer my gratitude."

"There's no need for such formality," Li Pin replied.

Mentioning Death Valley brought back memories of the first time Li Pin had heard about it.

Back then, Taibai had been recruiting martial artists at various levels—Core Formation, Aura Cultivation, and Martial Saints—to explore Death Valley, with daily wages ranging from ten thousand to a million.

Additional rewards were promised for any important diveries. He needed money at the time, but hadn't reached the necessary level to qualify, so even applying was out of the question.

Who would have thought that one day, I would venture into Death Valley alone to eradicate this perilous land?

Yes, he was going to eradicate this perilous region. With great powermes great responsibility. Many Master and Legendary Astral Cultivators held vast authority, determining the fate of humanity. Yet, the responsibilities they bore were indisputable.

Even Fu Qingtian, who held some differences with Li Pin, had stood by the Special United Squad since its formation, battling at the Degenerate Temple, laying waste to the Burial Grounds, and dismantling the Corpse Demon Cavern. Even now, he was actively clearing the demonic creatures surrounding the Ox Demon Temple.

Despite any personal disagreements, when faced with the duties he must bear, Fu Qingtian never shied away.

Li Pin had not yet officially joined the Human Alliance, and the Celestial Martial God Hall hadn't formally granted him its benefits, so heuld theoretically take it easy for a while. Yet here he was, ready to head to Death Valley.

In part, as he said, it was a gift for the people of Taibai.

But there was also another reason.

Strength was forged in battle.

Though his duel with Xiao Qianyuan had been exhilarating, he felt that battling a Legendary figure from the Astral Cultivation lineage had somehow lacked an essential intensity.

Death Valley may not be the most challenging in terms of perilous levels, but it was teeming with demonic creatures, including numerous lord-level creatures known as Evil Beetles.

These creatures possessed qi and blood of over a thousand, with powerful physiques and astonishing defenses. Even Master Astral Cultivators would struggle to defeat them.

If surrounded by several of these lord-level creatures, even a Master Astral Cultivator in their starlight form would be devoured.

The demonic creatures absorbed astral energy to evolve, making the Astral Cultivator's highly energized starlight form potentially the most ideal energy source for them.

It was nearly impossible to rver from such a state, even with the life imprint.

***

In the following hours, Li Pin accepted the invitation to the banquet and met with Taibai's high-ranking officials. However, that was all to it.

Even the Master Astral Cultivators within Taibaiuldn'tmpare to him. His mere attendance was a gesture of respect, one that the royal family deeply appreciated.

The next morning, Li Pin left Li Yunyao and Xing Ying behind, setting off for Death Valley with Xing Hui, Su Dongfeng, Su Changge, and the others.

Meanwhile, Xiang Tianxing and a group of Master, Top-Tier, and High-Class Astral Cultivators had been waiting for him within the fortress guarding Death Valley.

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Under Li Pin's leadership, they would venture deep into the valley and aim to slay as many demonic creatures as possible to strip them of theurage to spread outward.

Ideally, they would uver the cause behind the surge in the creatures' numbers and resolve it, bringing Death Valley back to peace.