Chapter 1015: Returning to the Zongming World

Zhang Hanxiang's expression was serious. She didn't reply to Zhang Lie, who pretended not to see how upset she was and continued, "When we return to the draconian world, I expect it'll have evolved to a superior world.

Once the hunters return to the Milky Way and spread the news of what we've done, the entire galaxy will be in an uproar. Your name will be written in the history books! Aren't you happy?"

Zhang Hanxiang shook her head.

"What did you learn during this war, then?"

Zhang Hanxiang sighed. "That I'm not strong enough to protect anyone. If only I were stronger, I'd be able to accomplish more on the battlefield—and I wouldn't have to watch as my allies and companions perished!"

In this war, she and countless others felt their mediocrity, their insignificance. She wasn't even able to withstand the aftermath of her brother's clash against an enemy, let alone help him. Like a leaf, she was forced to flutter in the wind.

"What you've learned from this experience makes it more than worth it. You and Hong Xi did very well, and Hong Xi in particular did far better than I had expected. I would have been happy enough to see you both survive such a mythical battle, but Hong Xi even managed to anticipate enemy attacks and make wise decisions multiple times on the battlefield, keeping our losses to the minimum."

Hong Xi scratched her head. "Master, you're praising me too much! Didn't you make me the battlefield commander for this reason?"

"I did, because I noted your talent and genius in this area, but you're far more amazing than I had expected. Even if I were you, given your current level of strength, I wouldn't have been able to replicate your feats—no, I'm sure no one else on the battlefield would have!"

Upon hearing Zhang Lie's words, those fighters standing around them all nodded.

Hong Xi had played an instrumental role in the survival of the forces.

Initially, many had failed to understand why Zhang Lie had chosen Hong Xi as the battlefield commander. They were largely unfamiliar with her, despite the fact that she was Zhang Lie's disciple, and were skeptical of her abilities as a result.

They felt as though there had to be a better choice for the position, but no one dared to disagree with Zhang Lie's decision. After the war against the death spirits finished, however, the fighters all uniformly praised Zhang Lie for his choice.

After the war ended, everyone felt that Hong Xi was the best choice, the only choice, who had been able to do what no other could accomplish.

No one had predicted the blood lord's betrayal, not even Hong Xi, but she had immediately given the most appropriate commands in light of that information. Her actions in the following battle were even more impressive.

The fighters who had survived the war were very relieved that they had chosen to believe in and carry out Hong Xi's commands—because those who had distrusted or disobeyed her had all perished.

By word and deed, Hong Xi had earned the respect and admiration of all the fighters on the battlefield.

"I only did what I should have. You assigned me such an important role, Master, and I had to carry it out to the best of my ability to avoid besmirching your name," Hong Xi replied seriously.

"Be proud of yourself. Every life here is one you saved. Regardless of what rewards are distributed to you as spoils of war, I'll have something for the two of you once we return to the superior draconian world."

"What reward?" Zhang Hanxiang asked curiously.

Hong Xi frowned. "The superior draconian world?"

Zhang Lie clarified, "Not long ago, the draconian world merged with its neighbors and evolved into a superior world. This was something I arranged with the draconian sage before we set off to war."

Zhang Hanxiang replied, "That's amazing! It must have grown much stronger."

Zhang Hanxiang and Hong Xi had only a vague understanding of superior worlds; all they knew was that they were extremely strong.

"We can't be sure of that just yet."

Hong Xi narrowed her eyes. "Is something going to happen?"

"We can talk about that later when there's a chance. We're here."

The fighters walked out of the other end of the wormhole to find themselves back in the Zongming world. "We're back!"

Li Zongming teleported in front of them, a gentle smile on his face. "Welcome back."

Zhang Lie grinned. "As promised, no death spirits will ever trouble us again."

Li Zongming nodded. "Thank you, and thank you for protecting the warriors of the Zongming world.

Zhang Lie joked, "Aren't we going to get a welcoming ceremony?"

Li Zongming scratched his head. "You all returned too quickly for me to prepare anything, so no, there's no ceremony, but you can have my warm and passionate hug instead."

Li Zongming spread his arms and reached for Zhang Lie, who hurriedly stepped back. "No, no thanks! I'll accept your intentions, but I'd rather get a hug from your daughter."

Li Zongming smiled. "Go find her, then—though I imagine she'll find you herself when she learns that you've returned. Look, isn't she coming?"

Li Zongming pointed toward the sky, where Li Qianlin was rushing out of her quarters.

Zhang Lie subconsciously smiled. Turning to Hong Xi, he said, "Hong Xi, I'll leave the rest for you."

Before Hong Xi could react, Zhang Lie had already flown off.

Li Zongming turned to the fighters who had been standing behind Zhang Lie. "Thank you for your hard work, everyone. I've provided lodgings for all of you. Please follow me."

Hong Xi and the warlords followed Li Zongming, whereas the other alien fighters had no intention of staying. They pleaded, "We wouldn't want to inconvenience you, your majesty. We'd like to bring news of our victory to our kin—will you allow us to leave?"

"Yes, we'd like to see our loved ones as quickly as we can!"

Li Zongming dipped his head. "Naturally."

The alien fighters bade farewell to Hong Xi and the warlords as they marched toward the wormholes leading to their homeworlds.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The aliens of the draconian world were very envious. They too wanted to return to their families, but Zhang Lie, their de facto leader, was in the middle of a romantic tryst with the Zongming princess. Not wanting to leave without their leader's command, they could only head to the lodgings that had been prepared for them, and the banquet that would follow...