The purification and preliminary aftermath work in the Demon Palace's core area continued for several days. Under Tang Xiaoqi's Green Lotus power as the lead, assisted by the joint efforts of allied array masters and large numbers of cultivators, this land polluted by demonic energy for a hundred years finally completely dispelled the haze. The demonized earth veins were guided, once again flowing with thick peaceful spiritual energy. The filthy blood pool site was filled in, implanted with vitality-containing spirit seeds. The ruined Demon Palace buildings were cleared, leaving only a small portion as witness to this history.
When Xiao Qi, Mu Xue (who insisted on staying to assist until Liu Yun's condition stabilized before being escorted back to the alliance for treatment by Ao Qin and Zhao Tiezhu), and the somewhat recovered Second Senior Brother Luo Feng, following Eldest Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, stepped out of that already renewed Demon Palace area and returned under the sunlight, the scene before them made them slightly freeze.
At the edge of the Ten Thousand Poison Swamp, on the land that was originally dense with demonic energy but now showed some vitality, black masses of people stood.
Not only the allied cultivators remaining at the Thorny Great Wall, but also representatives from various major sects and cultivation families in the rear, and even various forces who heard the victory report and rushed day and night, as well as countless hopefully waiting rogue cultivators. The number of people was in the tens of thousands! They stood in orderly queues according to sects and races, extending from the Demon Palace exit all the way to the edge of sight, forming a long and solemn human wall passage.
Sunlight fell on everyone, illuminating the excitement, reverence, and relief of surviving calamity on their faces. When Xiao Qi's somewhat tired figure in ordinary green robes appeared at the exit, the entire world seemed to suddenly quiet for an instant.
Then, someone first bowed, cupped their hands, using all their strength, called out the first shout:
"Welcome True Lord Tang! Triumphant return—!!!"
This one call was like a spark igniting a prairie fire!
The next moment, mountain-wave-like sound, like a flood accumulated for a hundred years, suddenly erupted, sweeping the entire heaven and earth!
"Welcome True Lord Tang! Triumphant return—!!!"
"Welcome True Lord Tang! Triumphant return—!!!"
Ten thousand people shouted together, the sound shaking the nine heavens!
Whether white-haired human elders, or unruly demon powerhouses, or elegant sea race nobles, at this moment all deeply bowed toward that young figure, offering the cultivation world's highest respect! Their eyes were hot and sincere—that was heartfelt gratitude and reverence for the hero who saved this world, ended the hundred-year demonic scourge! Countless gazes focused on Xiao Qi. Those gazes were filled with admiration, fervor, even a trace of viewing-legend-like awe. He had gone deep into the demon lair, executed the Demonic Lord, purified filth, brought this lost peace and light! His name was destined to be engraved on the monument of this world's history, admired for ten thousand generations!
Mu Qingfeng stood half a step behind Xiao Qi, watching this magnificent scene of ten thousand cultivators bowing, his eyes filled with relief and pride, but more with understanding and worry. He gently patted Xiao Qi's shoulder, whispering: "Xiao Qi, this is what you deserve."
Xiao Qi stood amidst those deafening cheers, bathed in countless reverent gazes, but not much joy appeared on his face. He slightly raised his hand, indicating for everyone to be quiet.
The cheers gradually quieted. Everyone held their breath, waiting for the hero's instruction.
Xiao Qi's gaze slowly swept across those excited and expectant faces before him. His voice was not loud, but clearly entered everyone's ears, carrying a calmness and world-weariness inconsistent with his age:
"The Demonic Lord's execution was not my achievement alone."
"This battle had my father Xu Zhan, enduring humiliation for a hundred years, sacrificing himself for righteousness, only then blocking the Demonic Lord in the past, buying me a chance at life."
His voice carried an imperceptible tremor. When saying that name, his heart still stung.
"There was Third Senior Sister Liu Yun, burning her essence blood and sword soul, severing the demonic chains, only then creating an opportunity to break the deadlock."
"There was Aunt Su, weeping blood and calling out, her soul scattering in demonic might, also to awaken my father's consciousness."
"There was Eldest Senior Brother planning strategically, there were three armies' soldiers fighting bloody battles, there were fellow daoists present, a hundred years of steadfast defense, one after another!"
"Today's victory was paved with countless martyrs' flesh and blood! Is the result of all righteous-hearted people's joint effort!"
He paused, his gaze becoming deeper, carrying a heavy entrustment:
"I hope everyone will not forget the weight of sacrifice, will not fail the preciousness of peace. The departed have gone; the living should inherit their will, guarding this hard-won clear mountains and rivers!"
His words fell. The field was silent. Many thought of relatives, fellow disciples who died in battle, eyes reddening. The previous fervor gradually transformed into a deeper, more solemn grief and sense of responsibility.
Xiao Qi said no more, slightly nodding to the crowd, then walked forward.
Mu Qingfeng immediately signaled the team to follow. Elite guard cultivators separated the crowd ahead, clearing a passage.
Xiao Qi walked through this silent corridor of respect formed by thousands of cultivators. The gazes on both sides still filled with reverence, but with less clamor, more solemnity. He walked step by step, his pace steady, his spine straight.
Sunlight cast his shadow long.
Around him was a sea of ten thousand cultivators' reverence, celebration of surviving calamity, a prologue to a new era's opening.
But his figure, amidst this noise and glory, revealed an ineffable... loneliness.
Father was gone. That father who would pat his head and call him "Xiao Qi" was forever left in that void.
Third Senior Sister was heavily injured and in deep sleep, life and death uncertain.
The Crimson Flame Sword broken, the wok damaged, companions all injured...
He had won the entire world's highest respect, but lost some of the most important people and things in his life.
This victory was too heavy.
This title of hero was too lonely.
He silently walked on, toward that world without father waiting for him, needing him to comfort, to rebuild. Ten thousand cultivators' reverent gazes were like thorns on his back, yet couldn't warm that cold void left by loss in the depths of his heart.