813: The father-in-law looked at his son-in-law and became more and more satisfied.

This scene fell into Mu Long's eyes at the same table. The tower-like man couldn't help but smack his lips sourly, sighing to Han Tianzheng beside him, "Brother Han... your daughter... truly... makes one envious! Unlike me, I only have a brat at home who only knows about fighting and killing. Sigh!" The envy, jealousy, and hate in his tone were practically overflowing.

Hearing this, Han Tianzheng's face immediately blossomed with a smile. The sentiment of 'a father-in-law looking at his son-in-law, the more he looks, the more satisfied he is' reached its peak in his heart. He glanced at Yao Delong, then at his gentle and lovely daughter, and finally at Mu Long's sour expression. He stroked his beard triumphantly and laughed heartily, "Brother Mu, envy is useless! Haha! However..."

He lowered his voice, speaking with the tone of someone who had been through it all, "You are doing things for Daoist Yao with unwavering loyalty, so benefits will naturally be plenty! Daoist Yao is never stingy with his subordinates!"

The banquet atmosphere was lively. After three rounds of wine and five courses of food, many guests were already tipsy, and the atmosphere became even more relaxed and harmonious. The leaders of some small and medium-sized forces rose one after another, respectfully offering toasts to Yao Delong, their words filled with the intention of making connections.

At this time, Ji Yanshuang, sitting on the other side of Yao Delong, also elegantly set down her wine glass. After being nurtured by Yao Delong's top-grade Medicinal Pills, her aura had stabilized significantly, and her complexion had regained its rosy hue, adding a touch of mature charm.

“Delong,” she looked at Yao Delong, her voice carrying a hint of coolness but also showing closeness, “now that matters here are concluded, you still have important tasks to attend to. I should also take the Disciples back to the Sect to report.”

Yao Delong nodded and raised his glass, saying, “Senior Martial Uncle Ji, please be careful on your journey.”

Ji Yanshuang smiled slightly. This smile softened her usual cold beauty, making her look exceptionally moving. “Don't worry, a few small fries wouldn't dare touch the carriage of a Yin Yang Sect Peak Master.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over Yao Delong before glancing at the well-behaved Han Ruyi beside him. She said meaningfully, “As for you, though your future is vast, you must also be extra careful. That Nine Infant Yao Race... and that Qingqiu Fox, they might not let things go so easily. If you encounter a strong enemy, remember not to push yourself too hard and send word to the Sect in time.”

“Delong understands. Thank you for the reminder, Senior Martial Uncle.” Yao Delong nodded.

Ji Yanshuang said no more. She stood up, nodded slightly to Han Tianzheng and the others, and then waved her jade hand. Her cold voice spread across the square: “Disciples of the Yin Yang Sect, hear my command: board the ship and return to the Sect!”

“Yes! Peak Master!”

The massive silver warship that had been waiting at the edge of the square instantly lit up with complex Formation runes, emitting a low hum. Ji Yanshuang transformed into a streak of fiery red light, landing first on the bow. Nearly a hundred Yin Yang Sect Disciples and Elders followed closely behind, their movements uniform and disciplined, fully displaying the style of a great Sect's Disciples.

The massive silver warship slowly ascended. Runes flowed across the hull like a starship in the night sky, radiating a powerful and majestic aura. Under the watchful gaze of countless reverent eyes below, the warship turned, transformed into a silver meteor, tore through the night sky, and sped towards the Yin Yang Sect, quickly disappearing into the vast horizon.

The lively banquet continued, but the departure of one of the main protagonists seemed to signal that this grand revelry was nearing its end.

As the night grew deeper, the starlight became even brighter.

The boiling voices on the square gradually thinned; even the liveliest banquet must eventually end. The heroes from various paths who had come to support, after enjoying the joy of victory and the warm hospitality of Biqu City, also set off on their return journeys. Flying Boats shimmering with light, majestic riding beasts, and the figures of Cultivators wielding Magic Treasures disappeared in all directions from Biqu City like a receding tide.

As the clamor dissipated, the vast square appeared somewhat empty, leaving only the remnants of the feast and the flickering lamplight to witness the grand occasion that had just taken place.

Two figures, carrying a bit of reluctance and respect, strode up to Yao Delong. They were the City Lord of White Cloud City—Mu Long, and his capable right hand, the tower-like giant Liu Tiezhu.

“Benefactor Yao!” The two cupped their fists simultaneously and bowed deeply to Yao Delong, their movements perfectly synchronized, carrying respect from the bottom of their hearts. “The beast tide has receded, and the crisis of Biqu City is resolved. We should also lead our people back to White Cloud City!”

Mu Long looked up, his dark and resolute face full of solemnity. “In the future, should Benefactor have any assignments, you need only send someone to White Cloud City to let us know. Liu Tiezhu and I will surely lead all the elites of our White Cloud City to go through fire and water without hesitation! Even if it's a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, we will not say a word!”

Yao Delong looked at these two men, who had different personalities but were equally loyal and righteous, and nodded slightly.

He lightly brushed his finger across his Storage Ring.

Swish! Swish!

Two streaks of light instantly appeared on the stone table, emitting powerful spiritual energy fluctuations and a chilling sharpness.

One was a heavy bracer, pitch-black all over, its surface covered in menacing barbs and carved with profound power runes—the low-grade heavenly artifact, Mountain-Shaking Demonic Dragon Bracer. It radiated an aura as heavy as a mountain and as violent as a Vicious Beast! This bracer not only had amazing defense but could also greatly amplify the wearer's strength; a single punch could shatter mountains and crack the earth!

The other was a colossal, menacing giant axe with a blade flashing with cold light and a handle wrapped in dark gold dragon patterns—the low-grade heavenly artifact, Earth-Splitting Mountain-Cleaving Axe! The body of the axe was incredibly heavy, and a faint earthy-yellow Evil Qi lingered on the blade, as if it contained the terrifying power to split the earth and sever mountains!

These two low-grade heavenly artifacts were clearly heavy-duty killing treasures tailored for strength-type Cultivators! Their value far exceeded that of ordinary Heaven-Grade Weapons!

Yao Delong flicked his fingers, and the two treasures, wrapped in pure essence energy, floated steadily in front of Mu Long and Liu Tiezhu.

“City Lord Mu, Commander Liu,” Yao Delong's voice was calm and carried a hint of encouragement, “these two items are quite compatible with you. Take them, Cultivate well, and I hope your immortal paths are smooth as you protect the peace of your region.”

Yao Delong originally wanted to say more, but after thinking about it, his interaction with Mu Long mostly stemmed from the "small favors" he did in passing. Since the other party had sworn loyalty, he accepted it calmly but didn't want to be overly polite.

Mu Long and Liu Tiezhu's gazes were instantly and firmly attracted by the treasures before them! The powerful aura of the bracer and giant axe, along with the fluctuations that perfectly matched their Cultivation Techniques, made their hearts race! Even though they were a City Lord and a Commander who were used to seeing treasures, they couldn't help but catch their breath at this moment.

But Mu Long instantly calmed down, suppressed the wild joy in his heart, and hurriedly cupped his fists, his tone carrying trepidation: “Benefactor Yao! This... this is too precious! As the saying goes, one should not receive rewards without merit! You have helped us many times, saving my White Cloud City from fire and water. I haven't even repaid a fraction of it yet, so how could I dare to accept such a heavy treasure! This absolutely won't do!”

Liu Tiezhu on the side also nodded repeatedly. Although his mind wasn't as quick as Mu Long's, he knew how precious a Heaven-Grade Weapon was. He said in a thick voice, “That's right, Benefactor! We just followed orders to come and fight. This... this credit is all yours; we can't take this!”

Yao Delong waved his hand, his tone indisputable and carrying a sense of indifference as if looking down upon all living beings: “The fact that you could come here and fight the beast tide alongside the soldiers and civilians of Biqu City, shedding blood and sweat, has already repaid my favor.”