"Yes, we finally survived!"

Everyone exchanged glances, a relaxed smile spreading across their faces.

During our time in the Small World, we were at the mercy of others, always forced to submit. Fortunately, Wang Zhan was there to protect us. Little attention was paid to us, so naturally, no one came looking for trouble. But even a palace of gold and silver isn't as good as one's own humble home. Earth was their true nest. They had been on edge as long as they didn't have a place to truly call their own. So, it wasn't until this very moment that they truly felt they had survived the Beast Nest Sky Curtain.

Of course, returning to Earth was an exciting and joyous occasion for them, and by extension, for those they cared about.

Thus, without lingering too long in their euphoria, they promptly bid farewell to Wang Zhan.

"Student Wang Zhan, having escaped death, I haven't seen my daughter in a long time. Let's say goodbye for now. In the future, don't hesitate to call me if you need anything," a middle-aged warrior with a full, whiskered beard spoke with some embarrassment, his face filled with tenderness.

He was also a Grandmaster expert, but at this moment, he was no different from any other father in the world.

A smile tugged at the corner of Wang Zhan's mouth.

"Alright, let's part ways here! Please tell the little princess for me that Wang Zhan sends his regards."

"Hahaha, that can be done! My daughter really likes you. Especially after watching your videos online, she's become quite the avid fan! Perfect! Student Wang Zhan, quickly sign my clothes. When I get home, I can tell her that her old man is your comrade-in-arms!"

"Hahaha…"

Those who had narrowly escaped death laughed with wild abandon. They paid no mind to their actions or the commotion they were causing.

In Jinmen City, a stationed war correspondent's eyes nearly turned green with envy. They frantically grabbed their equipment and rushed outside.

「A month ago.」

After the Beast Nest Sky Curtain incident, Wang Zhan, then a student at the Federal Martial Arts Academy, had bravely entered the battlefield. Ultimately, he was trapped in the Jing State Wilderness Area. His fate unknown, countless citizens of the Federation sighed in dismay and even cursed the higher-ups. This turn of events, failing to protect such a promising talent of the Federation, was seen as a deplorable waste of the Federation's precious resources. However, some media outlets seized this opportunity to stir up trouble, attempting to profit from Wang Zhan's situation by manipulating narratives behind the scenes. They claimed Wang Zhan was too eager for fame, overestimated his abilities, and died on the Jing State Battlefield due to a moment of greed. Who else could be blamed but himself?

One could only imagine the shock and excitement when, after being missing for a month, the Federation's young hero miraculously reappeared before everyone. What was his current realm, his strength, and how had he survived? More precisely, what had he done on the Jing State Wilderness Battlefield that compelled so many Martial Emperors to remain silent on the matter?

After the first farewell, there naturally came a second. This warrior hailed from a family in Jing State. Born into his family, his bond with Wang Zhan naturally concluded here.

"Wang Zhan, I… I need to go back. Although the family doesn't particularly value a mere Grandmaster like me, my entire life is there…" he chuckled sadly, a hint of regret in his voice.

The night he fought beside Wang Zhan, slaughtering their enemies, had been exhilarating. It left a deep and truly unforgettable impression. But everything had to end here, unless he was willing to betray his family. Or, like Yang Qi, be handed over to Wang Zhan by the Yang family like a piece of property, thereby gaining a new destiny.

But that was impossible.

Wang Zhan gently patted his shoulder and smiled brightly. "It's alright. As long as we continue to fight, to battle the beasts, we will always be warriors of the Human Race, teammates fighting side by side!"

Wang Zhan's words put many at ease.

Indeed, as long as they continued to fight for the Human Race, to fight to kill and drive out the beasts, they were warriors, they were teammates. Even if scattered to the ends of the Earth, they must never forget their common goal and shared essence.

With that, those bidding farewell laughed heartily and departed, content and without regret.

In the end, only a few Grandmaster experts and Grandmaster Qing Shu remained by Wang Zhan's side.

Wang Zhan looked at them curiously. "Don't you need to leave?"

A quick count revealed that out of the dozens present, only these seven still stood with Wang Zhan.

Qing Shu remained silent. One of the Grandmaster-level experts replied solemnly, "Student Wang Zhan, if… I mean, if we were willing to follow you, would you accept us?"

No one had expected them to propose pledging allegiance to Wang Zhan.

Even Wang Zhan was somewhat taken aback, looking at them in bewilderment. "You want to pledge allegiance to me? But I'm not good at anything except causing trouble and squandering money. I really can't do much else…"

"Hahaha…"

The remaining individuals, Su Tao included, burst into laughter.

"That's more than enough. As long as you can ensure we don't starve, we're willing to follow you. Rest assured, we're not freeloaders. If you need anything done, just ask," the Grandmaster explained.

"Furthermore, you needn't worry about us having ulterior motives. We are all unaffiliated martial artists; the Martial Authority should have our records for you to check. Of course, if you feel our cultivation realms are too low and we'd be useless, then please don't feel obligated…"

As they said this, their expressions fell, and bitter smiles touched their lips. This world has always been pragmatic. Even if Wang Zhan were to reject them, they understood, but they couldn't give up without at least trying. Martial artists were known for their tenacity, rarely admitting defeat until they'd reached the point of no return.

After they finished speaking, their hearts pounded with a mixture of anxiety and excitement as they nervously watched Wang Zhan.

Wang Zhan's expression turned serious. He offered a brief response and then fell silent. This silence, however, allowed everyone to collectively sigh in relief, though they still anxiously awaited Wang Zhan's decision.

"I, Wang Zhan, am just a kid from the slums; I have no right to look down on any of you. But please, give me some time. I'm concerned that if I hastily agree to accept you, it might inadvertently cause problems for you."

Everyone exchanged glances, a sense of reassurance washing over them. His caution was a good sign. It implied thoughtfulness, suggesting Wang Zhan wouldn't make a decision lightly, nor would he easily abandon them later.

No one interrupted Wang Zhan's deliberations, despite the somewhat conspicuous situation of them all standing outside Jinmen City. This was especially true after that reporter had dashed over, drawing even more attention to them. Yet, they remained silent, only occasionally glancing at Wang Zhan with anticipation while one of them kept the gathering crowd at bay.

"Student Wang Zhan is at a critical juncture in his breakthrough! Do you want our Federation's young hero to shed blood and tears, letting all his hard work go to waste?"

This was Su Tao's doing. His explanation was rather elaborate, but effective. Hearing this, no one dared to advance. Instead, they respectfully formed a circle around Wang Zhan and his group, anxiously awaiting the moment he 'awakened' from his 'breakthrough.'

Finally, Wang Zhan looked up. Facing the hopeful group, he nodded solemnly.

"I agree!"

However, Wang Zhan didn't get the reaction he anticipated. Instead, the atmosphere grew strangely charged. Whispers rippled through the onlookers, quickly escalating into loud questions.

"Student Wang Zhan, are you about to start dating? Could you share some details about your partner with us?"

"Student Wang Zhan certainly has excellent taste! What a perfect match! Wonderful, wonderful…"

"Hahaha, Student Wang Zhan is the Federation's young hero! When has his judgment ever been poor? The Federation has long awaited the day our young hero would mature!"

Hearing these comments, Wang Zhan was utterly dumbfounded. What on earth does my agreement have to do with dating?

It was then he noticed a delicate figure crouched before him. It was Xu Yuyu, blushing redder than rouge, so shy she had squatted down, practically burying her head like an ostrich.

Wang Zhan suddenly understood.

As for the Grandmasters, who had been eagerly awaiting his response and knew exactly what his 'agreement' pertained to, none of them stepped forward to clarify. Instead, they were all laughing gleefully at the misunderstanding.

Just then, the reporters who had been patiently waiting nearby finally saw their chance. They pushed their microphones past the Grandmasters' protective cordon, right up to Wang Zhan's face, and asked with avid curiosity, "Student Wang Zhan, weren't you just contemplating a breakthrough?"

"Uh, of course not!…" Wang Zhan shook his head.

"Wow! It sounds like there's some big happy news!!"

A female reporter with a mischievous smile even thrust her microphone in front of Xu Yuyu, asking pointedly, "Young lady, can you tell us when you and Student Wang Zhan started dating? Our young hero's romantic development has always been a secret. Could you perhaps whisper some details to us?"

Wang Zhan was speechless. He glanced at the logo on the reporter's microphone: "Good Orthopedics—Dedicated to Marital Harmony!"

Undoubtedly, this prompted another round of uproarious laughter. The older men among them, however, weren't quite so bold, managing to restrain their laughter somewhat.

Unfortunately for the reporters, before they could press further, Wang Zhan spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye and quickly cut everyone off with a series of coughs.

"COUGH, COUGH. Excuse me, everyone. I've just returned to the Federation and need to rest. Could we postpone the interview? I'll arrange a specific time to invite you all.

However, before that, there's something I must clarify. This young lady isn't my girlfriend. She's my lifesaver. Her medical skills are incredible, and I respect her immensely, so it wouldn't be right to allow any misunderstanding.

As for the girlfriend you're so eager to see? Well, there she is! But let me warn you: absolutely no photos! Otherwise, I'll have to charge a copyright fee," Wang Zhan said with a teasing smile.

Little did he realize that Yao Yao, who had just appeared in the distance, was nearly thrown under the bus by his words…

Consequently, someone mused aloud, "Girlfriend… Does that mean fiancée?"

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