167: How pure! What a realm!

The headquarters square of the Donghai City Psionic Bureau.

Red carpets covered the ground, and the area was packed with people.

All members stood solemnly at attention, their fervent gazes converging on the figure at the end of the red carpet.

The atmosphere was solemn and enthusiastic, filled with supreme reverence for the hero.

Director Qin Shan took a step forward and announced in a voice as solemn and loud as possible:

"Special Commissioner Chen, you ventured deep into danger alone this time, single-handedly wiping out the headquarters of the Evil God Cult and even slaying the Evil God itself!"

"This is a monumental achievement, turning the tide when all seemed lost and saving the people from fire and water. Your merit lies in the present, and its benefits will last for a thousand autumns!"

His words triggered even more intense emotions throughout the venue; everyone's eyes were filled with fanaticism and admiration.

Qin Shan took a deep breath and continued:

"Such an unparalleled feat must be recognized with the highest specifications of commendation!"

"The General Bureau has issued instructions to award you the 'Dragon Country Guardian' Medal of Honor, our highest honor!"

"We will immediately prepare a grand commendation and celebration assembly of the highest caliber!"

"We will invite the heads of the General Bureau, the leaders of various major regions, and even major media outlets. We want the entire country, and even the entire world, to know of your achievements!"

These words were sincere and earnest, representing the highest recognition and glory that the Psionic Bureau and even the entire Dragon Country officialdom could bestow.

Everyone present felt their hearts swell with emotion, believing this was only right and even feeling a sense of shared pride.

They looked forward to seeing the moment Chen Nian accepted this glory.

However, Chen Nian's reaction caught everyone off guard.

Faced with this supreme honor that would drive anyone mad and the impending limelight of ten thousand gazes...

...not even a ripple of emotion appeared on his face.

That calm gaze made it seem as if what Qin Shan spoke of was merely a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.

Then, under the expectant gazes of the entire crowd...

...Chen Nian simply waved his hand casually and said in a flat tone, "No need."

Two words, understated yet like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, instantly caused the fanatical atmosphere of the scene to freeze.

Everyone was stunned, their faces written with shock and disbelief.

"No need?"

This was the highest honor!

It was the Peak that countless people dreamed of!

Special Commissioner Chen actually refused?

Qin Shan was also dazed and subconsciously followed up, "Special Commissioner Chen, you mean..."

Chen Nian glanced at him, his tone still flat but carrying an unquestionable decisiveness:

"Commendations and celebrations are just a waste of time."

"I have no interest in these empty titles."

His gaze swept across the crowd, deep and sharp, as if it could see through the human heart.

"My time should be spent on more meaningful things—slaying Demonic Evils and constantly becoming stronger."

"Only one's own strength is the foundation."

"These formal things are meaningless."

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire field fell silent.

Everyone was shocked beyond words by this statement.

He refused.

He so easily refused the supreme honor.

And the reason was actually to slay Demonic Evils? To continue becoming stronger?

After a brief dead silence, an even more surging wave of respect and worship followed.

It swept through everyone's hearts like a tsunami!

Such purity!

Such focus!

Such a Realm!

While they were still excited and moved by worldly honors, status, and applause...

...Special Commissioner Chen's gaze had already transcended all of this, pointing directly to the Origin and ultimate of power!

What he pursued was a higher level of strength.

The absolute power to protect this land, rather than superficial empty names!

"This is the true style of a powerhouse!" an old Special Agent murmured to himself, his eyes full of admiration.

"Viewing fame and wealth as dross, seeking only the Dao with his whole heart! He is a role model for our generation!" another person said excitedly, fists clenched.

"Compared to Special Commissioner Chen, the things we pursue are truly too small." Someone showed a look of shame, but their gaze immediately became more determined and worshipful.

"Strong, pure, focused... this is the true stabilizing force, the Guardian God of our Dragon Country!"

Director Qin Shan also quickly snapped out of his daze.

Looking at Chen Nian's flat yet infinitely powerful eyes, his heart was instantly filled with immense respect and understanding.

Yes, for a being who was like a deity, worldly honors and noisy celebrations might truly just be a disturbance and a shackle.

His battlefield was not here; his journey was toward vaster stars and stronger enemies!

Qin Shan's tone became incredibly solemn, even carrying a hint of shame:

"I understand, Special Commissioner Chen!"

"It was our lack of consideration; we have disturbed you."

"Your will is the highest command. The matter of the commendation and celebration shall be dropped!"

"But your contributions to Donghai City and the Dragon Country will never be forgotten by us."

Chen Nian nodded slightly, expressing satisfaction with Qin Shan's tact.

He said no more, stating directly, "There's nothing more for me here. I'm going to rest."

Having said that, he didn't wait for anyone to respond. His figure flickered slightly, and he disappeared from the spot like a ghost.

There was no earth-shaking momentum, not even a slight breeze.

He just abruptly left the square, leaving all the cheering, admiration, and noise behind him.

He left the crowd on the square still in a state of shock and worship.

They stared in the direction where Chen Nian had disappeared, unable to regain their senses for a long time.

The fanaticism in their eyes had not decreased; instead, it became even more intense, filled with an almost faith-like piety and awe.

"Coming and going like the wind, unhindered by material things... this is the true style of a master!"

"To be able to see Special Commissioner Chen with my own eyes is the greatest honor of my life!"

"We should all learn from Special Commissioner Chen, focusing on improving ourselves, slaying demons, and protecting our home!"

Chen Nian's refusal did not cause any dissatisfaction.

Instead, it made his image in everyone's hearts even taller, more mysterious, and more respectable.

With his actions, he once again interpreted what true strength and purity were... Chen Nian quickly washed up, rinsing off the grime from his body.

Afterward, he went straight to the cafeteria and enjoyed a rich and delicious dinner.

Immediately after, he returned directly to his dormitory.

Another beautiful day was about to end.

Out of habit, he took out his personal terminal and casually browsed the information on the internet.

As expected, because he returned so quickly, the news of the complete clearing of the Northwest Front and the execution of the Evil God was still in a stage of high secrecy and layered reporting.

The hot topics on the internet were still concentrated on his previous brilliant achievements of wiping out the Eternal Life Cult and clearing Binhai Port.

Regarding this, Chen Nian only took a few casual glances before turning off the terminal.

He never cared about these empty reputations.

At this moment, all his mind was already immersed in the huge gains from this trip to the Northwest.

The Evil God Cult headquarters, plus that Evil God, provided an unprecedentedly massive amount of rewards!

A flash of expectant light crossed Chen Nian's eyes.

"Alright, the trivial matters are settled."

He slowly closed his eyes, his mind sinking into his body.

"Now, it's time to take stock of the spoils and continue to become stronger!"