The golden sunlight spilled across the deck, the sea breeze carrying a salty tang, gently lapping against the hull. Months ago, the fleet of the Wealth Sect had finally set sail, carrying Liu Wenzhou toward the vast waters west of Qingzhou, with the goal—finding Chen Hui and Lin Wanying.
But Liu Wenzhou quickly realized that this "journey to find people" was not as simple as he imagined.
He stood by the side of the ship, gripping his sleeves tightly, his heart filled with anticipation and apprehension. He looked toward the captain beside him—a tall, sturdy man with dark skin and a face carved by sea winds, holding the helm with one hand, his hawk-like eyes sweeping across the boundless ocean.
This man was the commander of this fleet, Huo Yuanchao, nicknamed the "Wave Chaser."
"Captain, which direction should we head this time?" Liu Wenzhou couldn't help asking.
Huo Yuanchao glanced at him, a somewhat playful smile hanging on his lips: "Mr. Liu, do you really think this journey is purely for finding people?"
"Is it not?" Liu Wenzhou frowned.
"Hehe..." Huo Yuanchao laughed out loud, clapping his hands. "For this voyage, the order given by the Wealth Sect is to find someone in passing. The true goal is to open up new commercial trade routes and chart entirely new sea maps. As for the Chen Hui you're looking for... frankly speaking, it's just an incidental matter."
Liu Wenzhou fell silent. From the very beginning, this transaction was Kong Fang's calculation.
Although the money he paid bought the help of this fleet, at the same time, he had been reduced to a mere accessory on this maritime expedition.
In the initial days, Liu Wenzhou was alone on the ship, not even understanding the basic rules of the sea.
He often fell because he couldn't stand steadily amidst the ship's rocking, and even suffered seasickness several times, drawing the sailors' mockery: "This scholar, it seems he's not suited for the sea."
But he did not lose heart; instead, he began to observe and learn.
"We have strayed too far from our route these past few days. Shouldn't we first search the islands to the south?"
"The wind direction decides where we go, not you." Huo Yuanchao looked up at the horizon and shook his head. "If your friends are truly still alive, they probably aren't on the routes we've planned anymore."
Anxiety inevitably surged in Liu Wenzhou's heart: "So we just waste time like this, going in circles?"
"This isn't wasting time." Huo Yuanchao grinned, patting the steering wheel. "We aren't just looking for your people on this trip; we're opening new sea routes and drawing new maps."
Liu Wenzhou suddenly realized that this journey was completely out of his control.
As time passed, they visited several islands one after another. However, every time they landed, it was always a fruitless effort.
The first island was uninhabited, with only palm trees and sandy beaches, lacking any traces left by Chen Hui and Lin Wanying.
The second island had scattered fishermen, but none had seen anyone matching their descriptions.
The third island showed some signs of human activity, but it was merely a resting point for other merchants, offering no clues.
"Sir, this is already the fifth island we've found. Are you sure we aren't heading in the wrong direction?" a sailor asked in confusion.
Liu Wenzhou furrowed his brow, flipping through the nautical charts and notes in his hands: "The small boat they took should have drifted with the currents of the West Sea. Judging from the current situation, we haven't completely searched this area yet."
Huo Yuanchao stood on the deck, arms crossed: "But you should also understand that this sea is so large that even we can't completely control it. If your friends are truly on this sea, without supplies, I'm afraid..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his tone already carried some regret and the cruelty of reality.
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath and did not argue, because he also knew that the longer the time, the lower the possibility of finding them.
But he would not give up.
After years of sailing, Liu Wenzhou was no longer the scholar completely ignorant of the sea.
He had learned how to determine wind direction, calculate ocean currents, and could even understand the sailors' secret signals, knowing when they were taking a detour and when they were truly moving forward.
One day, as the fleet prepared once again to deviate from the route to explore an area with high trade potential, Liu Wenzhou said coldly: "The transaction Sect Leader Kong agreed to was to help me find someone, not to help you open up trade routes."
Huo Yuanchao raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Oh? Are you trying to order me now?"
Liu Wenzhou pulled a contract from his sleeve and said lightly: "This is the transaction condition written personally by Sect Leader Kong. If you feel you can violate it, then let's go back and have the Sect Leader judge."
Huo Yuanchao narrowed his eyes, staring at him for a long time, and finally shrugged: "Never mind, it seems you've learned how to negotiate on a ship these past few years."
He turned and shouted to the crew: "Turn the helm, return to the original search route."
Although the sailors complained verbally, they still complied.
At this moment, Liu Wenzhou knew that he could finally control his own journey.
As time went on, they gradually sailed deeper into the West Sea, approaching the waters of the Changfeng Republic.
Right at this moment, they saw from afar that a merchant ship was surrounded by several warships flying skull flags, the sound of cannon fire and battle cries echoing across the sea.
"Pirates?" Liu Wenzhou frowned, gripping the railing tightly.
Huo Yuanchao stood at the bow, his gaze cold and deep: "We are getting closer to the Changfeng Republic. The pirates here are much more troublesome than those petty figures along the Qingzhou coast."
"Are we bypassing them?" a sailor asked.
Huo Yuanchao pondered for a moment, then turned to look at Liu Wenzhou, a playful smile on his lips: "This is the journey you decided on. What do you say?"
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, looking at the fiercely contested waters in the distance, his eyes gradually becoming firm—
This journey to find people might have reached a crucial moment!
Thick smoke permeated the sea. In the distance, a merchant ship was surrounded by several pirate warships flying skull flags. Cannons roared, arrows flew, and the shouts of sailors mingled with terrified screams in the wind, as if the entire ocean had fallen into a storm of slaughter and plunder.
On the deck, Liu Wenzhou stared intently at the distant battle, his fists clenching slightly.
"Captain Huo, we must go save that ship."
Huo Yuanchao frowned slightly, one hand resting on the helm, and hummed carelessly: "Mr. Liu, this isn't your world of books. On this sea, whoever has the strength makes the rules."
"You want to save them? How many warships do you have? How many hundreds of bladesmen?"
"This isn't your war, nor is it mine."
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, knowing that this calculating seafarer before him wouldn't easily act. Thus, a glint of sharpness flashed in his eyes as he said flatly: "I thought the 'Wave Chaser' Captain Huo was a chivalrous hero who acted for justice. It turns out you're nothing but a businessman who only counts silver."
Huo Yuanchao narrowed his eyes, a corner of his mouth curving: "Are you trying to provoke me?"
Liu Wenzhou's tone was calm: "If you're afraid, just pretend I said nothing."
Huo Yuanchao let out a light laugh, his sharp gaze turning to the distance. "Afraid? The one thing I, Huo, have never known in this life is fear."
"Alright! Since you've spoken, let's go join the fun!"
He turned and waved his hand: "All hands prepare for battle, turn the helm! Let's go see this play!"
The fleet quickly changed direction, cutting through the waves and heading straight toward the smoke-filled battlefield.
However, just as they were about to approach the battlefield, a sailor suddenly cried out in shock: "To the west—there's a small boat charging over!"
Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao turned around simultaneously, only to see a solitary small boat on the western sea, breaking through the waves at an extraordinary speed, like a white shuttle, skimming incredibly swiftly through the billowing waves!
"What is that?"
Liu Wenzhou narrowed his eyes, surprised in his heart, because this small boat had no sails whatsoever, yet was rushing toward the pirate warships at an astonishing speed!
Suddenly, a white-clad figure on the small boat leaped up, like a seagull spreading its wings, soaring into the air—
Treading the waves!
"Ten Thousand Mile Steps!"
Huo Yuanchao's eyes widened, almost unable to believe what he saw. "There are only a handful of people in this world capable of such qinggong (lightness skill)..."
Liu Wenzhou gasped, for that white-clad figure was lightly treading the waves in mid-air, seemingly flying with the wind. With a light tap of his toes on the waves, he crossed dozens of feet, leaping straight onto the enemy ship!
"It's the master of Thunderbolt Hall—the 'Number One Hero of the West Sea', Zhuge Yanwen!"
The sailors exclaimed one after another, and by this time, the white figure had already landed on the deck of the pirate ship.
His long dark hair was tied high, fastened with a silver-white crown and a long hairpin. He wore a snow-white silk robe, handsome and extraordinary, free and unrestrained, looking like an immortal banished to the mortal realm.
"Who dares to intrude here alone!"
Seeing this, the pirate leader roared, drawing his blade and pointing it directly at the newcomer.
However, Zhuge Yanwen merely smiled faintly, his gaze as clear as the bright moon. He spoke softly, his voice as leisurely as a poem—
"The blue sea's wild waves send the lone boat far, the sword's shadow and long song break through the waves."
"I am Zhuge Yanwen of Thunderbolt Hall. Passing by this place and seeing injustice, I have come to intervene."
Before his words even fell, he tapped his toes, his white robes fluttering. Like a startled swan, he darted among the enemy forces!
A pirate roared, swinging his blade at Zhuge Yanwen, but his blade hit nothing but empty air!
"Gale Without Shadow!"
Zhuge Yanwen's figure vanished amidst the flashing blades. The next moment, he appeared on the other side. With a light wave of his sleeve, palm wind gathered. It was impressively a move of the "Heavenly Buddha Palm"!
"Righteousness Shakes the Evil!"
The palm strike exploded forth, its energy surging, directly shattering the enemy's blade and sending the blade-wielding pirate flying dozens of feet. He crashed heavily to the deck, coughing up blood, entirely incapacitated!
"Thunder Sound Shaking the World!"
In the next instant, palm force struck like roaring thunder, hitting another pirate's chest. The man screamed, flying backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto the deck, rolling several times, unable to move!
"Kill... kill him!"
The pirates were terrified beyond belief and swarmed to attack him. However, Zhuge Yanwen merely raised his hand lightly. His sleeves danced, his body light as the wind, weaving through the enemy ranks. With every palm strike, a man fell!
In less than half an incense stick's time, the pirates had lost all courage, dropping their weapons and kneeling to beg for mercy.
"We were wrong! Master, please spare our lives!"
Zhuge Yanwen smiled lightly, his gaze clear, incredibly dashing: "In life, one must enjoy success to the fullest; why obsess over life and death."
He stood with his hands behind his back, saying plainly: "You may leave."
The pirates, as if granted amnesty, scrambled to flee with their remaining ships.
Watching this scene, Huo Yuanchao couldn't help but mutter in admiration: "This is a true hero..."
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath. Watching this battle made his blood boil, increasing his admiration for the demeanor of the "Number One Hero of the West Sea."
Zhuge Yanwen slowly turned around. With a wave of his sleeve and a step, he leaped like an immortal descending, landing on the ship of Huo Yuanchao and Liu Wenzhou.
"The willingness of you two to assist the merchant ship is truly a righteous act."
He smiled faintly and said loudly: "Since we have met, it is fate. Why not form a good bond? There may be times we can help each other in the future."
Liu Wenzhou paused for a moment, then cupped his hands: "To meet Hall Master Zhuge is a great fortune."
Huo Yuanchao laughed heartily: "Since it is a good bond, there should be good wine!"
"Yong'er!"
Zhuge Yanwen turned and called out softly toward the distance. A brisk voice replied: "Hall Master, wait a moment, the wine is coming!"
Shortly after, a thin, small young man carrying a wine jug leaped nimbly onto the deck, full of smiles: "Hall Master, this is your favorite aged wine of the West Sea."
Zhuge Yanwen laughed loudly: "Come! Let us drink our fill tonight, with chivalry as our witness, and this good bond as our wine!"
Under the moon, the three raised their cups together. The sea breeze blew gently, reflecting a rare encounter in this chaotic era.
The night breeze blew gently, and the waves lapped softly against the side of the ship. The moonlight illuminated the three men on the deck. A jug of aged West Sea wine closed the initially unfamiliar distance.
Liu Wenzhou raised his wine cup, smiling faintly: "To drink with Hall Master Zhuge is truly a rare stroke of fate."
"Mr. Liu is too polite." Zhuge Yanwen smiled lightly, his eyes as deep as the stars. "Walking the jianghu, the most important word is 'Righteousness'. Since we are drinking together tonight, we are friends."
He raised his cup, taking a light sip, then said leisurely: "But I see that when Mr. Liu raises his cup, his brows still carry worry. I'm afraid this maritime journey has not yet found the people you are looking for?"
Hearing this, Liu Wenzhou paused slightly, then smiled bitterly: "To be honest with the Hall Master, for the past few years, I have been searching for a pair of old friends—Chen Hui and Lin Wanying."
"Since the Battle of Qingzhou, they have vanished without a trace. Although I have tracked them for many years, I have found no solid clues."
"Given the Hall Master's extensive knowledge and experience, do you have any suggestions on which direction might be more likely to find them?"
Zhuge Yanwen did not answer immediately. Instead, he gently set down his wine cup, slightly closed his eyes in deep thought for a moment, before speaking slowly: "The affairs of this world often cannot be seen just by their surface. Mr. Liu has searched for years; have you ever considered why you have never been able to find a trace of them?"
Liu Wenzhou thought for a while, then shook his head: "Perhaps the clues are too few, or perhaps they have deliberately secluded themselves from the world..."
Zhuge Yanwen smiled faintly, shaking his head gently: "Mr. Liu is too fixated on existing routes."
"Since you haven't been able to find them along known trade routes and sea lanes for many years, then the most likely answer is that they have gone beyond the boundaries known to everyone."
"Yong'er."
Zhuge Yanwen called out softly. The young man beside him immediately obeyed, quickly retrieving a scroll of nautical charts from the cabin and spreading it out on the deck.
This nautical chart was not an ordinary merchant route map, but contained precious data documenting major ocean currents, tidal changes, and unexplored sea routes.
Liu Wenzhou looked at the map, his eyes lighting up slightly: "This..."
Zhuge Yanwen traced a finger across the chart, saying deeply: "During the Battle of Qingzhou back then, the ocean currents interacted with the monsoons. Based on the time, the small boat they took should have drifted with the West Sea current."
He tapped lightly on a blank area on the map: "Here is the direction where the tide was strongest at that time, and it is also one of the sea areas that has remained unexplored for many years."
Liu Wenzhou looked closely and found that this area was barely recorded on existing navigation charts. There were no island markers, nor exact records of ocean currents; it was an unknown sea.
"For years, you have been searching in places accessible to people. But if Chen Hui and Lin Wanying are truly alive, they might have fallen into this unmapped world."
Huo Yuanchao listened, nodding slightly: "Indeed, because the ocean currents in this area are strong, merchant fleets rarely set foot here. If they really drifted here, then our previous search directions were completely wrong."
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, an indescribable shock surging in his heart.
"Has anyone ever been to this sea area?"
"Yes, but very few have been able to retreat unscathed."
Zhuge Yanwen smiled lightly: "But Mr. Liu, you have already searched for so many years. Are you afraid of going a little deeper?"
Liu Wenzhou looked at that blank area, his gaze gradually becoming firm: "No, I no longer have any reason to turn back."
Seeing this, Zhuge Yanwen smiled faintly, raised his wine cup, and said loudly: "Since Mr. Liu has made up his mind, then this cup of wine is a toast to your persistence and courage!"
He drank it in one gulp, set down the cup, his sleeves fluttering. Looking toward the vast, misty sea in the distance, he softly chanted—
"A lone boat chases the waves seeking old shadows, a ten-thousand-mile journey home asks the vast expanse."
"The sea is wide, the sky is high, the heart is not yet old; when the floating clouds scatter, the starlight is seen."
Liu Wenzhou was stunned for a moment, then cupped his hands: "Hall Master's poem, I will keep in my heart."
Zhuge Yanwen smiled faintly, waved his sleeve, and turned around dashingly: "Mr. Liu, Captain Huo, if fate allows, we will meet again in the jianghu."
Then, with a light leap, he tread upon the wind and vanished into the night in the blink of an eye, leaving only the moonlight reflecting on the calmed sea.
Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao exchanged a glance. Huo Yuanchao chuckled: "It seems Mr. Liu is definitely taking our journey into the unknown."
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, looking at the blank spot on the map, his gaze resolute: "Let us set off. No matter what the future holds, I must find them."
The sea breeze rose again, the sails filled. This time, they sailed toward the world off the map, facing a new adventure and an unknown destiny.
Following Zhuge Yanwen's speculation, Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao changed course, heading toward the unrecorded waters on the map.
Their fleet left the known trade routes and entered a vast expanse of water that had never been explored. The ocean currents here were stronger than expected, the climate erratic—sometimes calm and peaceful, other times struck by sudden squalls.
This search had already lasted for several months.
From the initial eager anticipation to the gradual wearing away of patience, Liu Wenzhou never gave up—he knew they must still be alive.
Finally, on this day, their efforts met a turning point.
That day, as the fleet sailed through unfamiliar waters, a sailor on the mast suddenly exclaimed: "There's a reflection of light ahead!"
Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao immediately looked up, only to see a strange reflection flashing on a distant island, shaking under the sun like some kind of signal.
"This is...?"
Liu Wenzhou's heart suddenly jolted, a strong premonition faintly rising.
"Turn the helm, make for the shore!" Huo Yuanchao ordered without hesitation. The fleet quickly adjusted its direction, heading toward that island.
As they approached the island, the sailors on board revealed expressions of astonishment.
"What is that?"
On the beach stood a massive diagram made of calculation chips, arranged extremely neatly, even forming a highly standard mathematical structure diagram!
Liu Wenzhou's heart raced, almost rushing to the bow: "This must be left by them! Hurry! Hurry and dock!"
He screamed in his heart, "This island is very likely Chen Hui and Lin Wanying's hiding place!"
After the ships docked, Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao led several sailors onto the island, carefully searching for signs nearby.
Along the beach, they found traces of human activity, along with a simply constructed shelter, and even saw stone carvings recorded with mathematical symbols—these were entirely Lin Wanying's style!
"Mr. Liu!"
Suddenly, a sailor pointed into the distance, his tone filled with unbelievable surprise: "There's a child over there!"
Liu Wenzhou followed his gaze, only to see a child around five or six years old, sitting cross-legged on a rock, fiddling with calculation chips in his hands, intently calculating the numerical arrangements on the ground.
He wore simple hemp clothing, his long hair fluttering slightly in the wind. His tender face bore an expression of concentration; he hadn't even noticed their approach.
Liu Wenzhou was shaken to the core, a bold guess rising in his heart—
This child... is the son of Chen Hui and Lin Wanying?!
Liu Wenzhou couldn't help stepping forward, calling softly: "Child, who are you?"
Hearing the voice, the child looked up. A pair of dark eyes stared straight at him, without a hint of fear, but rather carrying a bit of vigilance and puzzlement.
"Who are you?" the child's tone was indifferent, even carrying a precise, calculating cadence. "Why have you come here?"
Huo Yuanchao raised an eyebrow, unable to help but laugh lowly: "Interesting, this child has never seen us, yet isn't panicked at all."
Liu Wenzhou's heart pounded violently. He carefully examined the child's features, and the more he looked, the more familiar they seemed—
The space between his brows bore a resemblance to Chen Hui, while the sharpness and calmness in his eyes were distinctly the shadow of Lin Wanying!
"We are here to find someone." Liu Wenzhou tried his best to keep his tone gentle. "Are you here alone?"
The child shook his head, his tone as steady as ever: "I am waiting for my mother here. She said she is testing a new mechanism today, so I cannot disturb her."
Liu Wenzhou's heart trembled—
"Mother"?! This child truly was Lin Wanying's son!
He took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and asked cautiously: "Where is your father?"
The child tilted his head in thought for a moment, then said lightly: "Father is organizing the data of the underground palace. These past two days he has been researching how to unlock the sixth floor."
At this moment, Liu Wenzhou could no longer suppress his wild joy, almost crying out loud.
"Chen Hui... is still alive!"
After more than five years, his search finally had an answer. In this moment, he refused to wait any longer. He immediately squatted down, gripping the child's shoulders with both hands, his tone urgent: "Child, take me to see your parents!"
The child frowned, seeming puzzled by such impatience, but looking at the excited stranger before him, he still nodded.
"Alright, follow me."
He stood up, turned around, and walked toward the interior of the island, his steps steady, not showing the slightest bit of innocence and panic that a five-year-old child should have.
Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao exchanged a glance, then followed him.
Chen Wenbin walked with steady steps, navigating through the dense forest. Occasionally, birds startled and took flight in the woods, the swaying branches and leaves casting mottled light and shadows.
Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao exchanged a glance and followed behind.
This five-year-old child had leisurely steps and a clear path, seemingly knowing every turn of this forest like the back of his hand.
"This child..." Huo Yuanchao said softly, "is a bit too mature."
Liu Wenzhou nodded gently. He had thought that a five-year-old child should still be an ignorant toddler. But along the way, Chen Wenbin's performance was nothing like an ordinary child; he was more like an intensely trained mechanist and mathematician.
What kind of environment could cultivate such talent in a child?
As the light in the forest gradually dimmed, they finally arrived at a stone door hidden behind vines and a cliff face.
"We are here," Chen Wenbin turned back, looking at Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao, saying flatly, "This is the entrance to the underground palace."
This stone door was unlike ordinary doors. It was covered in complex mathematical symbols and geometric patterns. Every line seemed to represent a certain calculation rule. On the mechanism dial beside the door, several metal disks were arranged, requiring the correct sequence and order to open.
Before Liu Wenzhou and Huo Yuanchao could look closely, Chen Wenbin stepped forward, patted the carvings on the side of the door, and muttered to himself: "...Surplus and deficit method, five times minus three equals the square of two..."
He then raised his hand, rapidly turning the mechanism dial. His technique was smooth and precise, as if this calculation pattern was already etched in his mind, requiring no effort.
"Click—"
At the final moment of turning the dial, a heavy sound of gears echoed from within the stone door, and the entire door slowly opened.
Liu Wenzhou widened his eyes, looking at this scene in astonishment.
This child actually used mental arithmetic to instantly unlock this mathematical mechanism?!
"...This child's mathematical attainments are too astonishing, aren't they?" Huo Yuanchao whispered, his eyes filled with shock.
However, this was just the beginning.
After entering the underground palace, they walked down the stairs. The surrounding walls were covered with precise mathematical deductions and mechanism designs, and there were even many ancient formulas that had not yet been cracked.
Liu Wenzhou noticed that whenever they passed a new door, Chen Wenbin would step forward without hesitation, skillfully turn the mechanism, and mutter in a low voice—
"Circles and squares intertwining, solved based on three variables..."
"Half of forty-six plus or minus six steps, the corresponding coordinate should be..."
Every time he unlocked a door, he would whisper, his hands skillfully deducing calculations, as if this underground palace was the place where he grew up, and these complex mechanisms were just daily exercises to him.
"Mr. Liu," Huo Yuanchao lowered his voice, carrying some disbelief, "how did this child grow up?"
Liu Wenzhou looked at Chen Wenbin's eyes, which held no doubts about the mathematical world, his heart greatly shaken.
"If this child were born in the Central Plains, he would probably be number one in mathematics among the children of this era, and perhaps even those youth prodigies would struggle to match him."
"No," Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, whispering, "Based on my experience at the Holy Scholar Academy, I feel that in terms of mental arithmetic and calculation power alone, many students of the academy cannot compare."
After a long exploration and layers of mechanisms, they finally arrived deep within the underground palace, entering a spacious stone hall.
In the center of the stone hall, a man dressed in scholar's robes was flipping through mathematical deductions on a stone desk, a look of thought and rigor between his brows.
Not far away, a woman in a pale green dress sat by a well-lit stone platform, writing down some calculation notes.
Chen Hui and Lin Wanying!
For a moment, Liu Wenzhou could not speak.
Five years of searching had finally found an answer at this moment.
Hearing footsteps, the two looked up simultaneously. The moment he saw Liu Wenzhou, Chen Hui froze slightly, then revealed a smile woven with shock and joy: "Mr. Liu?"
Lin Wanying was stunned for a moment, then sighed softly, the corners of her mouth curving up: "Mr. Liu, you truly are surprising."
"That should be my line." Liu Wenzhou stepped forward, unable to help but smile as he looked at the two of them. "You are actually alive... Five years!"
Chen Hui nodded gently, his tone low but carrying unconcealed emotion: "We survived, but we have also been trapped on this island for five years..."
"I have been looking for you all along!" Liu Wenzhou said excitedly, then pointed to Huo Yuanchao behind him. "This is Captain Huo. He embarked on the journey to find you with me."
Huo Yuanchao crossed his arms and smiled: "Mr. Liu hasn't given up looking for you for five years. He really is a man of true affection and righteousness."
Chen Hui smiled emotionally: "I never thought anyone would spend so long looking for us... Mr. Liu, you truly are a friend worthy of respect."
Lin Wanying nodded gently, her tone calm but warm: "Five years unseen, and you are still so persistent."
Liu Wenzhou took a deep breath, saying deeply: "Because you should not be forgotten."
"Five years ago, Qingzhou fell. Brother Chen was titled 'Duke of Loyal Heroism,' but your life or death was a mystery. The Ministry of War and the court molded you into a hero, but no one truly went looking for you."
"I knew that you must still be alive."
Hearing this, Chen Hui closed his eyes gently, as if lost in thought. A moment later, he whispered: "I don't care how the court views me... but, I still thank you for coming to find us."
Liu Wenzhou smiled: "This time, I'm not just here to catch up. I'm here to bring you home."
Inside the underground palace, candlelight flickered, illuminating the reunion after five years. This search finally received an answer at this moment.
However, returning to the Central Plains—was it really still "home"?
The secret of this sea, the legacy of this underground palace... could they truly leave so easily?