Chapter 123: Return
"I’ll kill you!!"
The man, seeing his brother shattered into countless ice crystals, lost all reason. He charged at Han Ming with a fist engulfed in fiery battle energy, aiming for Han Ming’s face.
Han Ming raised his hand calmly, summoning a small, thin ice shield in front of his palm.
*Clang…!*
The War Maniac’s powerful punch struck the ice shield, producing a resonant, bell-like sound that echoed for hundreds of meters.
The man stared in shock at the unscathed shield, a deep sense of fear welling up inside him.
"Is there anything else?" Han Ming asked indifferently.
The crowd was speechless, staring dumbfounded at the silver-haired young man.
"Then I’ll take my leave." Han Ming smiled politely and turned to leave, disappearing from sight.
"Sir Mo, was that man a fifth-tier water mage?" the Second City Lord asked gravely.
Mo Tianqi nodded, then shook his head. "It’s hard to say. I’ve never heard of a water mage with such power, nor of ice that even fire can’t melt. That man… is no ordinary person."
The Second City Lord narrowed his eyes, agreeing with Mo Tianqi’s assessment.
"These people have been chasing you for so long. Why didn’t you just finish them off?" the demon soul asked, puzzled.
Han Ming smiled and shook his head. "I’ve grown stronger, but do you really think I can easily take on three War Souls? Besides, the demon army is still a threat to humanity. We need every capable fighter we can get. Those people are at least War Maniacs. It would be reckless to kill them and weaken humanity’s strength."
The demon soul scoffed. "That’s your humanity, not mine. If it were up to me, I’d wipe them all out."
Han Ming chuckled and didn’t argue further.
With only a month left before the two-year deadline, Han Ming had to return to Fila City.
---
In the eastern part of the underground city, on the Secret Sect’s mountain.
Han Ming stood quietly in the cave where Li Xiaotian had once resided. On the cave wall were a few lines of text:
"We have departed. Do not seek us.—Li Xiaotian."
The old man had left?
Han Ming was puzzled. Back then, he had tried to convince Li Xiaotian to leave with him, but the old man had refused outright. Now, for some reason, he had left on his own.
What worried Han Ming was Li Xiaotian’s condition. The old man had been gravely injured for decades, beyond any hope of healing. Where could he go now?
After pondering for a while, Han Ming sighed.
"At least he wasn’t killed by the demoness. That’s some small comfort."
Memories of his year of training here flooded Han Ming’s mind, leaving him with mixed emotions.
After standing in silence for a long time, Han Ming turned and left.
Perhaps they would meet again someday.
---
Back in the underground city, Han Ming glanced at the Nine-Headed Serpent Emperor’s corpse in his storage bag and smiled faintly.
He went to the mercenary auction house and exchanged one of the weapons Merlin had given him for 50,000 gold coins.
The auction house staff, recognizing Han Ming’s VIP card, treated him with utmost respect. Five attendants attended to him, one handling the weapon exchange while the others served him tea and catered to his every need.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Han Ming accepted the 50,000-gold storage card with a smile and left.
---
Half a month later, Han Ming arrived in Desolate City. He found a place to dye his hair and eyebrows back to black.
As an Easterner, Han Ming had never been comfortable changing his hair color. It was a habit he had maintained for over twenty years, and he wasn’t about to change it now.
Han Ming spent a day in Desolate City, buying gifts to visit Li Chengfeng’s father, Li Zhan.
Li Zhan clasped Han Ming’s hand, praising him profusely until Han Ming felt almost embarrassed.
Han Ming didn’t hide his strength, and Li Zhan immediately recognized him as a fifth-tier grand mage. This shocked Li Zhan.
In just two years, Han Ming had gone from a novice first-tier water mage to a fifth-tier grand mage. His son had indeed made a good friend.
Afraid that Li Zhan would worry about his son, Han Ming didn’t mention that Li Chengfeng had gone to the Beast Forest. He simply said he was passing through Desolate City and decided to visit.
Li Zhan, unaware of the truth, insisted on Han Ming staying the night. Reluctantly, Han Ming agreed.
The next day, after bidding farewell to Li Zhan, Han Ming hurried to board an airship bound for Fila City.
---
Ten days later, Han Ming stood in Fila City, gazing at the bustling crowds and wide, prosperous streets. A wave of emotion washed over him.
Back then, he and Li Chengfeng had fled Fila City in disgrace, burdened with the task of redeeming themselves and seeking strength.
Now, Han Ming had returned victorious, but his burdens had only grown heavier.
Looking at the city before him, Han Ming broke into a wide smile.
Despite all the hardships, he had survived. Though the journey had been perilous, everything would turn out for the better, wouldn’t it?
With a faint smile, Han Ming disappeared into the crowd.
---
Outside a modest estate in Fila City.
Han Ming knocked gently on the gate.
"Who is it?"
The gate creaked open, revealing a young woman who looked at Han Ming curiously.
"Are you Miss Nas?" Han Ming asked politely, though he had already confirmed her identity. She was a first-tier, fifth-rank water warrior.
The woman nodded courteously. "Yes, that’s me. May I ask who you are?"
Han Ming’s expression turned somber. "I’m a friend of Bart’s. I’ve come to deliver some news. Please prepare yourself."
"Bart!?" The woman trembled, already sensing what Han Ming was about to say.
"Please, come in," she said, forcing herself to remain composed despite her pain.
Han Ming, reluctant to stay but moved by the woman’s grief, nodded and followed her inside.
"Please, have some tea."
The woman placed a cup of tea in front of Han Ming, her hands shaking so much that the cup and lid clinked together.
Han Ming reached out, taking her hand and channeling a warm stream of magical energy into her. As fellow water mages, his energy had a calming effect on her.
The woman nodded gratefully and sat down across from Han Ming.
"How… how did he die?" she asked, her voice trembling, her lips pressed tightly together to hold back tears.
Han Ming’s expression was grave. "Bart died a hero, sacrificing himself to save humanity. He was a hero to us all, and to me personally."
At these words, the woman could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face as she sobbed quietly.
Han Ming sighed sadly and handed her a handkerchief.
"Thank you. I’m sorry for my outburst," the woman said, wiping her tears.
Han Ming felt a pang of pity for her. Even in her grief, she remained polite, a sign of her noble upbringing. For women of her status, remarriage was nearly impossible, as it would bring shame to her family.
After composing herself, the woman asked, "And Bart’s good friend, Mr. Rook?"
Han Ming shook his head.
The woman sighed deeply and fell silent.
Han Ming’s eyes narrowed. The woman had been distraught earlier, but now she seemed… relieved?
"Nas… Nas!"
A man’s voice called from outside. The gate burst open, and a tall, handsome man rushed in. He paused upon seeing Han Ming, then hurried to the woman’s side, taking her hand.
"Nas! Did you hear? The Empire’s Military Academy and Magic Academy are holding a joint competition to select elite warriors and mages for important missions. Even outsiders can participate! I’ve already signed up!"
The man was clearly excited.
Han Ming’s gaze hardened as he watched the man hold the woman’s hand.
The woman, sensing Han Ming’s stare, quickly pulled her hand away, avoiding his eyes.
Han Ming understood what was happening.
Just moments ago, he had pitied the woman for losing her husband. Now, he realized she had taken a lover while her husband’s fate was still unknown.
Han Ming’s eyes turned cold as he glared at the man.
The man, sensing Han Ming’s hostility and recognizing him as a fifth-tier grand mage, began to tremble. A deep, primal fear gripped him, as if Han Ming could devour him alive at any moment.
*Splash…*
Han Ming was startled to see the man wet himself, urine streaming down his legs.
What a coward! Bart had faced countless Desert Snake Clan warriors without fear, standing tall even when death was certain. He had fought valiantly to save others, a true hero.
And this man? Han Ming couldn’t understand what the woman saw in him.
The woman stepped in front of the man, shielding him with her body. She met Han Ming’s gaze without flinching. "This is all my fault. If you must blame someone, blame me. Kill me if you must, but leave him alone. Otherwise, I’ll never forgive you."
Han Ming stared at her for a long time, then sighed in resignation.
"Fine. Everyone has the right to pursue their own happiness. If you believe this man will make you happy, I won’t stop you. Bart was a good man, and now that he’s gone, you’re free to choose your own path. I hope you find what you’re looking for."
Han Ming placed a small pouch on the table, then added another.
"Bart risked his life to retrieve these from the depths of the Desolate Forest."
The woman hesitated, then opened the pouches. One contained a fourth-tier water beast core, the other 500 gold coins.
Her body shook violently, and when she looked up, Han Ming was gone.
Han Ming pushed open the gate, hearing the woman’s wails behind him.
He sighed softly and walked away.