221: Returning home in glory, everyone was astonished

Years ago, Zhao Bufan also came from Silver Feather City. Because he rendered military service, he was granted this Lianbo City and served as a Martial Guard Thousand-Household.

Reaching his level, he could more or less come into contact with the Dao Realm, knowing that although there were only six Demon Suppression Generals in the Demon Suppression Division, the number of Dao Realm Martial Artists exceeded that figure.

However, to his knowledge, there should not have been any Thousand-Household in Silver Feather City who had recently achieved a Breakthrough. The position of Pacification Commissioner's Personal Guard Deputy Commander had always been vacant, but now one had suddenly been appointed, which made Zhao Bufan quite curious.

“Speaking of which, I haven't seen a Dao Realm Martial Artist in many years. I wonder who is coming this time.” Zhao Bufan thought to himself, a hint of emotion rising in his heart. He had also had hopes of achieving a Breakthrough to the Dao Realm back then, however slim, but at least there was something to look forward to.

But now, decades later, he was still stuck at this Realm, and it was likely he would never have the chance in this lifetime.

While reminiscing about the past, a Demon Slayer Guard responsible for scouting on the city wall above suddenly shouted, “Lord Zhao, a large group of people is approaching from a distance. It should be that Lord who has arrived.”

Hearing this, Zhao Bufan perked up and instructed Cheng Yuanwu and the others, “Stand up straight, all of you. I don't want to see any slackness. We don't know that Lord's temper. If we offend him, even I won't be able to protect you.”

“Yes!” everyone responded in unison.

They also knew that this important figure from Silver Feather City held immense power and was not someone these small soldiers and generals could afford to provoke. Their originally somewhat loose formation immediately adjusted, and they stood in neat rows, looking into the distance.

“They're here!” Cheng Yuanwu looked at the dusty distance and whispered.

On the road just a few hundred meters from Lianbo City, a tall and magnificent brown-maned steed galloped like a fleeting meteor, followed by two armored warhorses. Three riders galloped, and behind them, the dense sound of hooves echoed like roaring thunder.

Zhao Bufan watched the scene before him, seeing the hundred personal guards on warhorses behind, exuding a formidable aura, and even more Demon Slayer Guards in neat formation, galloping closer. Guarded by these men and horses, everyone looked at the figure riding the brown-maned steed, and for a moment, they instinctively lowered their heads.

As everyone watched in astonishment, the mighty procession approached the foot of Lianbo City.

“Your subordinate, Zhao Bufan, greets Lord.” Zhao Bufan, who had come to his senses, immediately bowed and cupped his hands, speaking respectfully.

The others also looked nervous, as many of them were seeing such a grand display for the first time, not to mention that the leader of this contingent was a Dao Realm Martial Artist.

“Uncle Zhao, long time no see, I hope you've been well!” A calm voice rang out, echoing in the quiet environment.

Hearing this familiar voice, Zhao Bufan's eyes slightly froze, and a familiar face appeared in his mind.

He subconsciously looked up, and when he saw the figure riding the brown-maned steed perfectly matching the face in his memory, Zhao Bufan could not hide the shock on his face. He stood rooted to the spot, his eyes dazed, and for a moment, he even forgot to respond.

“Lu Ming, how, how is it you? Didn't they say the Pacification Commissioner personally sent a Personal Guard Deputy Commander? You…” Zhao Bufan blurted out. Halfway through his sentence, he looked at Lu Ming, who was riding on the steed and surrounded by everyone, and suddenly realized something.

“That's right, it's me!” A faint smile appeared on Lu Ming's face. He leaped down from his horse.

Upon seeing Lu Ming dismount from his warhorse, the people following behind him also dismounted. Everyone looked on in surprise, and many recognized Lu Ming, who was at the forefront.

“Uncle Zhao, how is the situation in Lianbo City now?” Lu Ming asked with a smile.

Suppressing the surprise in his heart, Zhao Bufan respectfully replied, “Everything is well. After Princess Qingyang left, the forces inside and outside the city underwent a round of cleansing. The individual who secretly reported to the Hundred Weapons Sect was also found and has now been beheaded publicly.”

Seeing Zhao Bufan's reserved demeanor, Lu Ming smiled helplessly. He said, “Uncle Zhao, you don't have to be so reserved. If it weren't for your timely assistance at Lu Manor back then, whether our family could have settled in the city would have been a problem. Moreover, it was your suggestion that I join the Demon Suppression Division. So, you could say you've been a benefactor to me.”

Hearing these words, Zhao Bufan also breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. It seemed that the other party had not changed into someone he didn't recognize in just a few months.

Knowing that he had been a bit too nervous, Zhao Bufan said somewhat awkwardly, “Who knew you, kid, would advance so quickly? My Lianbo City actually produced a Genius like you, truly remarkable!”

When he left Lianbo City, he was only at the Limit Realm cultivation, but upon meeting again, he had already stepped into the Dao Realm. How could he possibly comprehend such terrifying Cultivation efficiency?

Although he didn't know how the other party had achieved a Breakthrough, Zhao Bufan also understood that the world of a Genius was not something he could fathom, so he simply stopped thinking about it.

“Accommodation has been prepared in the city. I originally specifically arranged a banquet at Fengnian Restaurant to entertain you, but now it seems unnecessary,” Zhao Bufan said with a wry smile.

After all, Fengnian Restaurant was an old Lu family business, and the other party had grown up eating there, having tasted all sorts of dishes. So, there was no need to be constrained by formalities at this time.

“Since everything is prepared, let's not waste it. Consider it a welcome feast for my subordinates,” Lu Ming said, shaking his head.

“Wu Lei!”

“Your subordinate is here!” Hearing the command, Wu Lei quickly stepped forward.

“You lead the brothers to rest well first. After all, it's been a long journey, and everyone is quite tired. First, recuperate properly, then you'll have the energy to work later,” Lu Ming instructed.

“Understood!” Wu Lei nodded.

“Cough cough, Lord Dai instructed that we, the personal guards, must always stay by your side, Lord. We will not attend this banquet,” Zhao Wuting coughed and quickly said.

“Very well, then you all can follow me back to Lu Manor,” Lu Ming didn't think much of it and nodded.

Then, looking at Zhao Bufan, Lu Ming smiled and said, “Uncle Zhao, let's talk as we walk.”

“Of course.” Zhao Bufan also knew that the other party wanted to discuss the reason for his visit, so he immediately responded.

Walking on the streets of Lianbo City, looking at all the familiar surroundings, many memories also surfaced in Lu Ming's mind.

Pedestrians on the street, seeing the Demon Suppression Division personnel appear and noticing the formidable aura emanating from the personal guards, all moved aside, which made the street much quieter.

Withdrawing his gaze, Lu Ming looked at Zhao Bufan, who was walking beside him, and began to explain the reason.