On the White Tiger warship of the Star Luo Empire, cruising along the Holy King River.
Wang Ping and his men remained kneeling respectfully before Dai Chengfeng, their eyes filled with trepidation.
After all, when one makes a mistake, punishment must follow!
But this matter could be interpreted as either grave or minor—it all depended on how Dai Chengfeng decided to handle it.
Though Wang Ping and his men had accepted bribes, their crime wasn't severe enough to warrant execution under the military laws of the Star Luo Empire.
As for obstructing the passage of ships, they were merely following orders and were unaware of any wrongdoing.
In fact, one could argue that they were the ones being exploited. After all, if anything went wrong, Governor Dai Xuan and Xu Guotao of the reclusive Xinguan Sect would likely claim ignorance…
Who would bear ultimate responsibility? It was crystal clear.
With these thoughts in mind, Dai Chengfeng turned to Wang Ping and his men. "According to the empire's military law, intercepting merchant ships and extorting dues is an offense punishable by death—ten times over, in fact."
"So tell me, how should I punish you?"
Upon hearing this, fear flickered across Wang Ping and his men's faces.
But more than fear, what filled them now was reverence and submission to Dai Chengfeng. In unison, they shouted, "Your humble servants acted out of greed and knowingly committed a grave error. We humbly accept whatever punishment Fourth Prince commands. We have no objections!"
"At least you still possess some semblance of pride befitting soldiers of the Star Luo Empire…"
Dai Chengfeng nodded in satisfaction. "Very well. For now, your punishment will be deferred. You may yet have the chance to redeem yourselves through service."
With that, Dai Chengfeng walked toward Zhu Fan, who stood nearby at the ship's bow.
For a moment, Wang Ping and his men froze, then promptly collapsed back onto their knees with a thud.
Staring at Dai Chengfeng's retreating figure, Wang Ping's voice trembled with relief and gratitude. "We were foolish and committed a grave mistake. We thought our lives were forfeit."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your magnanimity and for granting us this opportunity. We are eternally grateful."
"In the future, we vow to repent fully and dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to serving the empire!"
Their voices rang out passionately, filled with unwavering resolve.
"We are willing to lay down our lives in repayment. If given the chance to redeem ourselves, we will serve without reservation, living up to Your Highness's expectations!"
The others echoed their sentiments, their oaths rising like waves.
Dai Chengfeng paid them no further attention, having already reached Zhu Fan's side.
"The loyalty of the troops is still intact, Chengfeng."
Dai Chengfeng nodded, a hint of gravity in his eyes. "The situation in Wu'an City is complicated. It's not just about Dai Xuan anymore. There are traces of General Xu Guotao of Jinshan Pass as well…"
"And the power behind Xu Guotao isn't insignificant either!"
"Therefore, every ounce of strength is crucial right now."
Dai Chengfeng didn't say everything—not just Dai Xuan and Xu Guotao, but also the influence of the Spirit Hall…
However, compared to the Spirit Hall…
What truly weighed on Dai Chengfeng's mind was the so-called "Overseer Lineage" led by Dai Tian and the reclusive sect known as the Xinguan Sect.
Officially, Dai Tian supported Crown Prince Dai Weisi's ascension to become the next Emperor of the Star Luo Empire. But privately, had he considered usurping the current imperial family and placing his own lineage on the throne?
Dai Chengfeng believed it was highly possible.
After all, Dai Tian's actions were far from the usual low-profile approach of the Overseer Lineage. Instead, he had been aggressively consolidating power.
And as for the Xu Family of the Xinguan Sect?
If they didn't harbor ambitions of replacing the Dai family, Dai Chengfeng would never believe it!
After all, during the events of Douluo II, their Xu family had already risen to become the imperial family of the Star Luo Empire, supplanting the Dai family.
The competition for the throne in the Star Luo Empire had always been ruthless. Which emperor hadn't possessed an iron will?
Thus, would the future heirs of the Dai family willingly cede the throne to the Xu family?
Unless it was to save their lives, absolutely not!
"I wonder if the Xu family and Dai Tian have reached some sort of agreement—and whether the Xu family has any Title Douluo among their ranks?"
Dai Chengfeng believed it was quite possible.
But they wouldn't have any Transcendent Douluo, and their numbers wouldn't be great.
Otherwise, they would have already made a move against the Dai family.
Sensing the power of his Asura energy and the life-or-death arena…
"Truly, a storm is brewing."
Dai Chengfeng shook his head, gazing at the darkening sky with a soft sigh.
---
The speed of the Star Luo Empire's warship naturally far surpassed that of ordinary merchant vessels.
Thus, what was originally estimated to take half a day ended up taking only two hours. Dai Chengfeng and his group smoothly arrived at a dock not far from Wu Ping City.
As the warship docked, Dai Chengfeng disembarked.
The pier was bustling with activity, noisy and chaotic.
Porters rushed past, carrying heavy loads. Shouts, the sound of waves lapping against the shore, and labor chants intertwined.
Dai Chengfeng raised his gaze, taking in the familiar yet alien sights before him. Memories of the past mingled with the present, leaving him momentarily dazed.
"Finally… we're back."
Zhu Fan nodded, stretching lazily and inhaling deeply the air of the Star Luo Empire. "Yes!"
"After three long years, we've finally returned home!"
"If Brother-in-Law and Sister knew how much you've changed, Chengfeng, they'd surely be overjoyed!"
At this, Dai Chengfeng chuckled softly, thinking of his stubborn father, who insisted he follow ancestral methods to absorb his first three soul rings.
"Perhaps…"
For a moment, Dai Chengfeng imagined the expression his father might wear upon seeing his current strength.
A glimmer of anticipation flashed in his eyes.
But soon, Dai Chengfeng shook his head, a cold gleam returning to his gaze. "The most important thing now is to quickly resolve the matters in Wu'an City. After all, Wu'an City is still part of my domain!"
"I'll make sure everyone knows…"
"What belongs to me, Dai Chengfeng, isn't so easily taken!"
With that, Dai Chengfeng turned to Li Zhizhao beside him. "Where is Zhu Yan now? Lead the way."
"Yes!"
Li Zhizhao's expression brightened with excitement.
"Your Highness, everyone in Wu'an City has been waiting for your return to lead us."
"I'm sure Lord Zhu Yan will be overjoyed to hear that you've come back!"
With that, Li Zhizhao hurried ahead to guide the way.
About ten minutes later, Dai Chengfeng and his group arrived at the gates of Wu Ping City.
"Your Highness, after Dai Xuan arrived in Wu'an City, he began to systematically sideline your subordinates. Lord Zhu Yan, the former city governor, has also been reassigned to Wu Ping City, where he now holds the lowly position of a hundred-man commander."
Fearing that Dai Chengfeng might not understand why they had come to Wu Ping City, Li Zhizhao quickly explained.
"To make Zhu Yan a mere hundred-man commander? Hmph!"
Dai Chengfeng sneered. "I see. Continue leading the way."
Soon, under Li Zhizhao's guidance, Dai Chengfeng and his group entered Wu Ping City.
Meanwhile
At the gates of Wu Ping City
Two hunched figures lurking in the shadows exchanged glances as they watched Dai Chengfeng and his group depart.
"That blonde-haired youth from earlier… He must be the person Lord Dai Xuan told us to wait for, right?"
------------------------------------------------------
Welcome our new Patrons: Faisal Toffaha and Kraxis93! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to 'Chapter 224: Returning to the Great Star Forest, Xiao Wu and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion' on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
40+ Chapters Ahead Guaranteed: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow