Chapter 157: Return in triumph, the light of glory
Chapter 157: Return in triumph, the light of glory
Warm light shone through the clouds, casting a shadow over the ancient and magnificent city. The streets were packed with people, and their cheers resounded like thunder, resounding through the sky. Bathed in the glory of victory, Ren Xiaoyao and his companions set off on their journey home.
Like a spring breeze, the news spread quickly to every corner of the continent: Ren Xiaoyao, the legendary explorer, and his companions had successfully conquered the ancient ruins and brought back the lost treasure and secret manual! For a moment, the entire continent was in an uproar, and people rushed to tell each other and celebrated their victory.
When Ren Xiaoyao and his group arrived in the city, they were greeted by overwhelming cheers. The streets were lined with welcoming people, waving flowers, their faces filled with excitement and admiration.
"Ren Xiaoyao! Ren Xiaoyao!" People shouted his name, their voices full of gratitude and admiration.
Ren Xiaoyao rode a tall horse and slowly walked through the crowd. He was wearing golden armor and looked heroic. There was a faint smile on his face. His eyes swept across the enthusiastic faces, and his heart was filled with emotion.
"Brother Xiaoyao, look, everyone is welcoming you!" Xia Lin rode a white unicorn and followed Ren Xiaoyao. She looked at the jubilant crowd around her with a happy smile on her face.
"Yes," Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly, "We succeeded. This is all the result of everyone's joint efforts."
The team slowly advanced and arrived at the square in the city center. Here, a high platform had already been built. Master Mo and Pharmacist Li stood on the platform, smiling at Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin as they approached.
"Thank you for your hard work, children," Master Mo walked forward and looked at them kindly. "You have accomplished a feat that we could never accomplish in our lifetime. The continent will always remember your achievements."
"Yes," Pharmacist Li also stepped forward and patted Ren Xiaoyao on the shoulder, "You are our pride."
Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin walked up to the stage and faced the dark crowd below. Their hearts were filled with pride and emotion.
"Everyone," Ren Xiaoyao said in a loud and powerful voice, "We went through a lot of hardships on this expedition, but we succeeded in the end..."
Ren Xiaoyao began to narrate their adventures in the ruins, from the thrilling battle with the guardian to the final acquisition of treasures and secret books. Every detail fascinated the people in the audience, who sometimes held their breath and sometimes broke into thunderous applause and cheers.
As night fell, the square was illuminated by twinkling stars. People were immersed in a sea of joy, singing and dancing, celebrating this hard-earned victory.
"Xiaoyao, what are your plans next?" Xia Lin looked at the upright man beside her, her eyes sparkling.
Ren Xiaoyao was silent for a moment, his eyes looking into the distance, a meaningful smile on his lips: "I haven't thought about it yet, but..."
Ren Xiaoyao and his team held a grand celebration in the city square. A huge bonfire burned brightly, illuminating the night sky with a crimson glow. People gathered in the square, enjoying fine food and wine while listening with great interest as Ren Xiaoyao recounted their adventures in the ruins.
"At that time, we faced dozens of powerful guardians. Their weapons were shining with magical light, and each of them possessed the power to destroy the world..." Ren Xiaoyao described the scene vividly, as if bringing people back to the ruins full of dangers.
There were bursts of exclamations and praises from the crowd from time to time. People were deeply attracted by Ren Xiaoyao's thrilling experience, feeling the tension and excitement as if they were there themselves.
"Of course," Ren Xiaoyao paused, his eyes sweeping across the expectant faces, "We finally defeated those guardians and brought these back!"
He waved his hand, and his companions opened the heavy boxes one by one. Suddenly, a dazzling light illuminated the entire square. The boxes were filled with all kinds of treasures, gold, silver, jewelry, rare treasures, and weapons and equipment that shone with magical light, each of which was priceless.
Even louder exclamations erupted from the crowd, and people stared at the treasures intently, their eyes filled with greed and desire.
Charlene walked to the front of the crowd, clad in a light silver armor, one of the treasures she had found in the ruins. A faint magical glow shone from the armor, framing her with a heroic presence, like a moon fairy.
She gently waved the staff in her hand, and a curtain of water appeared out of thin air, transforming into all kinds of strange scenes in the air. It was the scene they had seen in the ruins: ancient buildings, mysterious runes, and those powerful guardians...
There were bursts of exclamations from the crowd. People were full of yearning for the mysterious power of the ruins and had even greater admiration for Ren Xiaoyao and his team.
Ren Xiaoyao looked at people's excited expressions and his heart was filled with joy. He knew that their adventure not only brought back treasures, but also ignited hope and courage in people's hearts.
"Now, please allow me to hand over the time to two highly respected scholars. They will unveil the mystery of the ruins for us!"
Ren Xiaoyao stepped back, leaving the stage to Master Mo and Pharmacist Li. The two nodded to each other, and Master Mo stepped forward, cleared his throat, and slowly spoke:
"We have been studying this relic for decades..."
Master Mo wore a simple robe, his graying beard falling to his chest, giving him an air of elegance and wisdom. He adjusted his glasses, his voice resonating loudly and clearly across the square: "This relic belongs to a lost ancient civilization—the Starlight Empire. They possessed technology and magic that transcended their time, creating a brilliant civilization." He paused, gesturing at the weapons and equipment gleaming with magical light. "These are all masterpieces of the Starlight Empire."
Pharmacist Li took over. He was short and stout, reeking of medicine, and always had a kind smile on his face. "Medicine in the Xinghui Empire is also very advanced," he said, pointing to the staff in Xia Lin's hand. "This staff can not only be used for combat, but also for healing and even bringing the dead back to life."
The two scholars spoke back and forth, showcasing the splendor and might of the Star Empire from perspectives spanning history, culture, science, and medicine, while also unveiling the mysteries of the ruins. The crowd listened, mesmerized, as if they had journeyed through time and space to witness the rise and fall of that great civilization.
After the speech, Ren Xiaoyao stepped forward again, his gaze firm and powerful, his voice echoing throughout the square: "These treasures belong to everyone! I will use them to improve people's livelihoods, build homes, and allow everyone to live a happy life!"
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, cheering and leaping for joy, moved by Ren Xiaoyao's generosity and selflessness. They knew that Ren Xiaoyao was not only a brave explorer, but also a hero who cared about the people.
"Let's celebrate tonight!" Ren Xiaoyao raised his glass and invited everyone.
The square suddenly became bustling with activity, with people singing and dancing, their laughter echoing through the sky. A huge bonfire blazed, illuminating half the sky and brightening the hopeful faces of the people.
As night fell, the stars twinkled, the city lights shone brightly, and a joyful and peaceful atmosphere filled the air. In the city lord's mansion, an even grander banquet was quietly being prepared...
"Xiaoyao, have you really made up your mind?" Xia Lin walked to Ren Xiaoyao, handed him a glass of wine, with a hint of worry in her eyes.
Ren Xiaoyao took the wine glass but did not drink. Instead, he looked up at the starry sky with a meaningful smile on his face: "Some things, it's time to start..."
As night fell and the lights came on, the entire city was immersed in a sea of joy. Inside the city lord's mansion, the lights were ablaze, and a grand banquet was underway. The long dining table was laden with delicious food, and fine wine flowed like a spring. The air was filled with the aroma of barbecue and the sounds of laughter.
Ren Xiaoyao and his team members, as the heroes of this expedition, were naturally the protagonists of this banquet. They were dressed in gorgeous clothes, surrounded by people, and accepted praise and toasts from all sides.
"Mr. Ren Xiaoyao, you are truly amazing! The treasures and secret manuals you brought back will surely make our entire continent stronger!"
"Ms. Charlene, you are truly as capable as any man! Your wisdom and courage are an example to all of us!"
Master Mo and Pharmacist Li were also guests of honor. They enthusiastically discussed the culture and technology of the Star Empire with other scholars, their faces filled with desire for knowledge and excitement.
Ren Xiaoyao, wine glass in hand, wandered among the crowd, chatting and laughing with everyone. A sincere smile graced his face, but deep within his eyes remained clear and resolute. He knew that the success of this expedition was only the beginning; there was still a long road ahead, and greater challenges awaited him.
At the other end of the crowd, Xia Lin, dressed in a light and elegant long dress, gracefully responded to the greetings of those around her. Her eyes drifted towards Ren Xiaoyao from time to time, her eyes gleaming with tenderness and trust.
As the banquet reached its climax, music began to play, and men and women in the center of the dance floor began to dance gracefully. Ren Xiaoyao walked over to Xia Lin, extended his hand, and smiled, inviting her, "Would you like to dance with me?"
Charlene gently placed her hand on his, and the two of them stepped onto the dance floor, twirling to the music. Their eyes met as they danced, each sensing the joy and anticipation in the other's heart.
After the dance, Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin stood side by side on the terrace, overlooking the brightly lit city.
"Tonight is so beautiful," Charlene whispered, "just like our future."
Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly and held her hand tightly. "Yes, let's work together to create a better future."
A gust of night wind blew by, bringing a hint of coolness and a letter from afar. The messenger quickly walked up to Ren Xiaoyao, knelt on one knee, and presented an envelope with an imperial wax seal in both hands.
"Master Ren Xiaoyao, this is an urgent letter from the imperial capital."
Ren Xiaoyao frowned slightly and took the letter. There was only a short sentence on the envelope:
"Return to the imperial capital immediately and meet His Majesty."
mtl008