Volume 2: Shenzhou Academy & The Battle of Venice
Chapter 185
Triumphant Return & The Hero's Medal
The wisps of morning mist lingering over Whale Sea bay were slowly torn apart as a blood-red sun crested the horizon. Brilliant bands of dawn light painted the myriad green waves in a shimmering gold, reflecting glittering points of light like ten thousand dragon scales rippling across the profound depths of the ocean.
Parting the azure waters, the magic cruiser warship numbered Whale Sea 01 proudly cut a path of pristine white foam straight toward the mainland. Following in its wake came a formation of three ash-gray armored heavy escort vessels, their towering masts flying the crimson flag of Shenzhou emblazoned with a cloud-coiling dragon claw snapping sharply in the sea breeze.
The morning wind sweeping across the deck carried the familiar, briny scent of the mainland, gradually dispelling the pungent stench of blood, the acrid smoke of destructive magic, and the gloomy aura of death that had shrouded Heavenly Harbor Island for an entire blazing night. The most formidable sacrificial stronghold of the Underworld Church in the southeastern waters had now been reduced to ashes buried deep beneath the waves, entombing the frenzied ambitions of the entire cultist sect.
Upon the spacious upper deck of the cruiser Whale Sea 01, over three hundred hostages gathered together.
They were traveling merchants once kidnapped on the open seas, arcane research scholars who had mysteriously vanished, and mostly impoverished fishermen along with innocent children dragged from coastal fishing villages and imprisoned in subterranean dungeons to serve as sacrifices for a false god. At this moment, each of them was wrapped in thick, warm woolen blankets, their trembling hands clutching steaming bowls of hot soup handed personally by military medics.
The slurping of soup mingled with sobbing outbursts of overflowing joy. Husbands and wives hugged fiercely, children burrowed into their mothers’ chests after the endless days of terror spent in the dark confinement. Every gaze turned toward the coastline of Modu, gradually emerging in the dawn light, where towering skyscrapers and massive magic spires began to blaze under the sunlight.
They had survived and returned. A miraculous escape from the jaws of death that no one dared believe was real.
Standing at the highest prow, isolated from the commotion of the passenger deck, Lin Feng leaned both hands against the cold alloy railing. The sea breeze whipped through his thick black hair, causing his gold-trimmed tactical cloak to snap violently. Traces of scorched fabric and dried dark blood from the massive python whose head he had cleaved away late last night still lingered across his chest and sleeves.
Following the explosive battle that had unleashed his full firepower, the magic energy within the Nebulae inside Lin Feng’s spiritual sea had gradually restored its stable equilibrium. The Primordial Dragon Pendant resting flat against his chest throbbed with a gentle, soothing warmth, acting like an underground spring continually watering his meridians and washing away all physical fatigue.
Beside him, Han Yue stood quietly leaning against the flagpole. The Ice Palace Sovereign had already discarded her shattered Ice Crane breastplate, wearing only an ash-gray military trench coat. Her delicate, porcelain-white face still retained a slight pallor from excessive mana consumption, but her glacial-blue eyes had recovered their pristine, composed composure.
“We’re less than three nautical miles from port,” Han Yue’s voice rang out clear and melodious, riding the morning breeze past Lin Feng’s ear: “Are you mentally prepared?”
Lin Feng turned his head to look at her, the corners of his lips curling slightly: “Prepared for what? A really deep sleep in the dormitory?”
Han Yue cast him a sideways glance, her thin lips curving slightly upward: “If you think you can sleep peacefully the moment you return to Modu, you’re far too naive, Captain Lin.”
Right then, Ye Lingtian stepped over from behind. Carrying a thick military-issue coat, she gently draped it over Lin Feng’s broad shoulders. Her slender hands carefully adjusted his collar, her voice carrying undisguised tenderness:
“Big Sister Han is right. The entire magic news network in Modu has been boiling over since three o’clock this morning. Heavenly Harbor Island’s campaign was a sweeping victory, over three hundred hostages rescued completely unharmed... You’re about to become the focal point of this entire country.”
“No matter how the world chatters, as long as everyone returns safely, that’s what matters,” Lin Feng smiled lightly, his hand instinctively brushing the back of Lingtian’s soft hand, feeling the gentle warmth spread through him.
“Hehe! Big Brother is always so modest!” Gu Xiaowei skipped over, her twin braids swaying with every step. The little girl raised her small fist toward the sky, her expression brimming with extreme excitement: “Do you know how terrified those remaining cultists were last night when you dropped that Thunder-Fire Wrath strike that crushed the Grand Deacon and that poisonous snake? They knelt right down on the ground and kowtowed begging for mercy like their lives depended on it! In all my life, I’ve never seen a battle so utterly satisfying and exhilarating!”
Following behind Xiaowei was Xie Zhaoyuan. The burly guard youth was hugging a heavy shield covered in deep claw marks from fierce beasts, and though his face was still wrapped in gauze bandages, his smile was radiant to the extreme: “That’s right, Lin Feng. Coming back this time, our squad’s reputation will undoubtedly shake the entire academy and military region. Just thinking about the dumbfounded expressions of those bastards who used to look down on us makes my heart feel indescribably refreshed!”
The five of them looked at each other, their hearty laughter echoing through the breezy expanse, completely driving away the fatigue and haunting memories of the life-or-death night just past.
WOOOO——!
At that exact moment, three deep, resonant steam horn blasts echoed from the naval watchtower, shaking the entire expanse of sea and sky.
Ahead of the bow, the two colossal titan-alloy magic sea-border sealing gates of the Modu Naval Port slowly swung wide open in opposite directions. The coast guard forces lined up in two ceremonial rows across the water, while dozens of magic water cannons shot towering columns of water into the air to form a dazzling seven-colored rainbow stretching across the morning sky to welcome the triumphant fleet.
And the moment cruiser Whale Sea 01 glided past the arched gateway and entered Pier One, the sight that greeted everyone aboard left them completely stunned.
A sea of people!
A dense, packed sea of people stretching endlessly from the main pier all the way out to the multi-kilometer-long Haiphong Avenue!
Tens of thousands of Modu citizens, victims’ families, arcane youth league members, and hundreds of reporters from Shenzhou’s largest media agencies had gathered here since midnight. Crimson banners fluttered fiercely in the wind:
”Welcome back, brave sons and daughters!”
”Hail the Coastal Corps and the Shenzhou Academy Team!”
”Thunder Campaign total victory! Eradicate the Underworld Church lair!”
RUMBLE RUMBLE RUMBLE——!!
As the ship’s hull bumped against the dock’s buffer pads, the entire ground shook with thunderous cheers. Fresh flowers were tossed into the sky, and daytime magic fireworks burst into gorgeous multicolored smoke plumes overhead. Applause, excited roars, and broken sobs blended together into a breathtaking wave of ecstatic sound!
The gangway leading from the ship deck down to the ground was just lowered, and deeply emotional scenes instantly unfolded.
Groups of hostages stepped down the pier. Right below, thousands of family members waiting behind security barriers could no longer contain their emotions. They broke through the barricades and rushed forward to embrace their flesh and blood.
“Ming’er! My son! You’re really alive!” A middle-aged woman hugged her skinny son tightly, streaming tears soaking through the boy’s shoulders.
“Dad! We thought we’d never see you again...”
Grievous cries, heart-wrenching names called out, mingled with suffocating, fierce embraces. Tears rolled down haggard faces, washing away days and nights spent in utter despair. Life had conquered death. The light had pulled them back from the darkest abyss of captivity.
Amidst the choking thronging crowd, a young mother holding the hand of a boy around five years old suddenly broke away from the crowd, trembling as she walked toward the base of the gangway—where Lin Feng and the four squad members had just stepped down.
The woman’s complexion was pale from exhaustion, but her eyes brimmed with profound gratitude. Reaching Lin Feng, ignoring the mud beneath her feet, the mother immediately collapsed to her knees, pulling her young child down to bow with his forehead touching the ground:
“Benefactor... Captain Lin! Please accept my family’s kowtow for saving our lives!”
The woman’s voice trembled violently, choked with tears: “Last night... if you hadn’t struck down that thunderbolt and executed that black-robed monster, my son would have been thrown into the sacrificial blood cauldron... You gave him a second birth! This grace, our family will carve into our bones and hearts for the rest of our lives!”
The five-year-old boy raised innocent, round black eyes to look at Lin Feng. His tiny, dirt-smudged hand raised a sprig of white begonia flower still glistening with morning dew, speaking in a lisping voice:
“Big Brother... this flower is for you. Mommy says you’re our guardian angel!”
Seeing that scene, Lin Feng’s footsteps halted. He hurriedly stooped down, using both hands to gently raise the young mother to her feet, then squatted down to eye level with the little boy.
Lin Feng accepted the sprig of white begonia and tucked it into his breast pocket, his hand gently stroking the child’s soft hair with extraordinary warmth:
“Auntie, don’t do this, please stand up. This was our responsibility. The villains have been destroyed, and from now on no one will ever be able to harm the two of you again. The little guy was very brave, grow up to be a strong man to protect your mother, okay?”
The boy nodded vigorously, breaking into a radiant smile like the sunshine.
Witnessing Lin Feng’s noble gesture, thousands of surrounding citizens choked up with emotion. The crowd erupted once more into prolonged, thunderous applause. Hundreds of magic camera lenses and live broadcast devices flashed continuously, capturing the humble yet deeply humane moment of the teenage hero.
Standing beside him, Ye Lingtian gently raised a hand to wipe away a tear of emotion from the corner of her eye. Han Yue also smiled slightly, her gaze fixed on Lin Feng filled with heartfelt admiration.
That was not merely the power of a peak mage. That was the character and dignity of someone truly worthy of bearing the peace of this world.
WOOOO——!!
At that moment, military bugles sounded deep, solemn, resonant notes.
A neat, armored military honor guard bearing long-stock magic rifles marched in uniform steps, splitting the crowd to open a red carpet leading straight up to the honorary viewing platform erected right in the center of the naval port plaza.
On the flower-adorned platform, a delegation of high-ranking generals from the Shenzhou Coastal Military Region stood solemnly waiting. Leading them was Lieutenant General Lu Haojun—the square-jawed Frontline Commander with weather-beaten, slightly graying hair and a chest full of illustrious combat medals.
“Attention! Salute!”
The booming command of the commanding officer rang out. Thousands of soldiers along both sides of the platform simultaneously stomped their boots, raising their hands to the brims of their caps in the most solemn military salute.
Under the guidance of the protocol officer, Lin Feng led the Expeditionary Squad—consisting of Han Yue, Ye Lingtian, Gu Xiaowei, and Xie Zhaoyuan—steadily walking up the red carpet toward the reviewing platform. The five of them formed a single horizontal line before the weathered Lieutenant General.
Before entering the main ceremony, Lin Feng stepped half a step closer to Lieutenant General Lu Haojun. With a discreet movement, he pulled from his pocket the freezing Xuantie token carved with a grotesque three-eyed skull recovered from the blue-robed Grand Deacon’s corpse last night, handing it directly to the Commander:
“Reporting to the Lieutenant General, this is an artifact confiscated from the cult commander. It has encoded signals regarding ‘Black Tide Plan... Seventh Demon God... Sea Abyss Blood Sacrifice.’ Heavenly Harbor Island seems to be merely one stepping stone prepared for a much larger conspiracy out in the open sea.”
Lu Haojun’s calloused hand gripped the pitch-black token tightly. Feeling the malevolent, gloomy aura radiating from the three-eyed pattern, the old general’s expression hardened in a flash. He swiftly stored the token in a secure magic pouch, nodding slightly to Lin Feng with eyes showing deep appreciation mixed with high vigilance:
“Providing priceless strategic intelligence, you’ve done exceptionally well! The Coastal Corps will immediately activate its highest-tier intelligence network to thoroughly investigate the Sea Abyss waters. And now, receive your well-deserved reward!”
Lu Haojun turned and stepped before the magic microphone linked to the entire media network of the Shenzhou Federation. His resolute gaze swept across tens of thousands of citizens holding their breath in anticipation, his resounding voice echoing like rolling thunder:
“All compatriots and soldiers!”
“At forty minutes past three this morning, Operation Thunder, coordinated by the Coastal Military Region Command and the Shenzhou Magic Academy, concluded in a brilliant, resounding victory!”
“The Underworld Church branch stationed at Heavenly Harbor Island—one of the most dangerous evil strongholds threatening coastal security over the past five years—has been uprooted! All underground lairs, sacrificial altars, and enemy magic transport vessels have been completely razed to the ground!”
“Most notably, three hundred and twenty-one compatriots held hostage were rescued with absolute safety, without the loss of a single life!”
BOOM——!!
The cheers of ten thousand people erupted once more like a tidal wave. The deafening applause drowned out the sound of the ocean waves in the bay.
Lieutenant General Lu Haojun raised his hand to signal for quiet. His sharp eyes shifted toward the five youthful figures standing solemnly before him, glowing with boundless pride:
“This illustrious feat was forged by the extraordinary courage of these young heroes. Five elite students of the Shenzhou Magic Academy courageously charged into the tiger’s den, using their own bodies as the vanguard to pierce the enemy’s defensive grand array!”
An aide stepped forward, opening the first red velvet box:
“By order of the Ministry of National Defense of the Shenzhou Federation, announcing the special combat commendation decree!”
“Student Xie Zhaoyuan, Student Gu Xiaowei, Student Ye Lingtian—having achieved outstanding merit in annihilating enemy cult reinforcements, destroying magic potion stockpiles, and ensuring hostage safety, are awarded: Third-Class Military Merit Medal, promoted to the military rank of Reserve Second Lieutenant, accompanied by a reward of twenty thousand military merit points!”
Enthusiastic applause rang out as the generals stepped forward to pin medals to the chests of the three. Lingtian, Xiaowei, and Zhaoyuan proudly accepted them, chests puffed out with pride.
The officer continued to announce the second box:
“Student Han Yue—Deputy Team Leader and battlefield containment pillar, single-handedly holding off thirty cult suicide fighters and the Myriad-Footage Ice Sealing Formation, securing the team’s retreat route, is awarded: Second-Class Military Merit Medal, promoted to the military rank of Reserve First Lieutenant, accompanied by a reward of forty thousand military merit points!”
Han Yue stepped forward, receiving the silver medal inlaid with blue glaze jade from the Deputy Commander’s hands. She saluted solemnly according to academy protocol, her demeanor arrogant yet dignified.
And finally, the entire plaza plunged into an absolute, solemn silence.
Lieutenant General Lu Haojun personally walked over to a golden-silk-covered tray carried by two female officers. Inside lay a box made of pure gold carved with images of a blazing Phoenix and a Divine Dragon clutching a sword, radiating a dazzling halo that blinded onlookers.
The general picked up the microphone, fixing his gaze squarely on Lin Feng, his voice growing unusually deep and emotional:
“And the one who achieved top merit in this great campaign... the one who single-handedly broke through the core of the Underworld grand array, using supreme thunder and fire to execute the Dark Eye Grand Deacon, severing the head of the Commander-level Blood-Scaled Python beast, and rescuing over three hundred compatriots moments before their execution...”
“First-year student of the Fire Department: LIN FENG!”
The sound struck straight into the eardrums of tens of thousands. The crowd began chanting his name like a rolling wave: “Lin Feng! Lin Feng! Lin Feng!”
Lu Haojun solemnly opened the lid of the pure gold box, extracting a sun-shaped medal radiating in eight directions, cast from pristine Divine Metal alloy, with a blazing Golden Star Crystal inlaid at its center—the pinnacle of all military honors:
“On behalf of the Federation Chairman, the Ministry of National Defense of Shenzhou, and all coastal citizens, I solemnly award you:”
“FIRST-CLASS MILITARY MERIT MEDAL!”
“Furthermore, bestowing the national honorary military title: ’COASTAL YOUNG HERO’!”
“Special rank promotion: CAPTAIN OF THE SHENZHOU MILITARY RESERVE!”
“Accompanied by a special reward: One hundred thousand military merit points—equivalent to one hundred million gold coins, and Priority Access Rights to the Tier 1 National Magic Treasury to select a supreme resource or magic manual!”
RUMBLE——!!
The entire naval port seemed to explode in a sea of emotional fire!
First-Class Military Merit Medal!
That was the highest honorable reward in the entire Shenzhou military system bestowed upon an individual. For the past thirty years, not a single student—let alone a freshman barely turning eighteen—had ever touched this legendary medal!
One hundred thousand military merit points, equivalent to the immense fortune of a mid-tier major clan. But even more precious was the access right to the National Magic Treasury—where primordial relics, top-grade soul seeds, and earth-shattering forbidden techniques were stored, things money could never buy!
Lieutenant General Lu Haojun carefully pinned the blazing gold medal onto Lin Feng’s left chest, right above his Rank 2 Shenzhou Battle Ranking badge.
The two medals—one representing academy strength, the other representing blood, sweat, and national defense achievements—shone together brilliantly under the bright sunlight, radiating an unprecedented dazzling halo upon an eighteen-year-old youth.
Lu Haojun patted Lin Feng’s shoulder firmly, his eyes brimming with profound trust: “Young man, this country is proud to have you. Keep moving forward, the sky out there is vast!”
Lin Feng stood straight, his right hand placed over his chest, saluting in solemn military fashion: “For the peace of Shenzhou, this disciple shall never step back!”
Tens of thousands of citizens burst into thunderous applause. Magic fireworks shot up once more to the nine heavens.
The image of the youth clad in battle robes stained with gunfire and flames, wearing the First-Class Medal proudly standing amid the naval port platform, was instantly broadcast live across all four directions.
From the lavish capital of Yanjing, the harbor city of Whale Sea, to prestigious magic academies across the twelve prefectures... the name LIN FENG had exploded like a Category 12 storm!
He was no longer merely a genius of Shenzhou Academy. He had become a living idol, a symbol of strength, courage, and pride for the entire young generation of Shenzhou!
The solemn award ceremony concluded in the early afternoon.
The specialized armored magic airship of the Shenzhou Magic Academy gently transported the five hero squad members away from the naval port, gliding across the skies of Modu to return to the academy.
When the airship landed at the Central Plaza of the academy, the atmosphere there was no less fervent than down at the sea port. Thousands of students from the Fire, Ice, Thunder, and Wind departments packed both sides of the path, waving colorful flags to welcome the triumphant heroes. The cheering cries of “Lin Feng! Ice Emperor! Lingtian!” echoed across the lecture halls.
Yet, amid this joyful sea of celebration, a familiar figure draped in a blazing red cloak suddenly appeared in mid-air.
Without a sound, Fire Department Dean Xiao Yan gently landed before Lin Feng.
The aged face of the grand mage glowed with undisguised pride as he looked at the dazzling First-Class Medal on his disciple’s chest. Yet, deep beneath his eyes lay an unusual gravity and solemnity.
“Dean!” Lin Feng and the four cupped their hands in salute together.
“Good! Very good!” Xiao Yan nodded in praise, his large hand patting Lin Feng’s shoulder heavily: “Your Heavenly Harbor operation was magnificent. The entire academy council and Ministry of National Defense have been showering you with endless praise. You didn’t disappoint this old man!”
Saying that, Xiao Yan’s expression reined in its smile. He glanced at the cheering crowd of students around them, then spoke in a deep voice to Lin Feng:
“Lin Feng, come with me. There is a matter of utmost importance that requires your immediate attention.”
Sensing the abnormality in the Dean’s tone, Lin Feng signaled for Lingtian and the others to rest first, then set off alone to follow Xiao Yan.
The two swept through the wind, in the blink of an eye stepping onto the highest floor of the Fire Tower—where the Dean’s private study overlooked the magnificent scenery of the entire Shenzhou Academy.
CLACK!
The magma stone doors slammed shut. Dean Xiao Yan instantly flicked his sleeve, releasing four orange flames that completely sealed the surrounding space, establishing an absolute magic soundproofing barrier.
The spacious room suddenly grew suffocatingly quiet.
Xiao Yan walked over to the black stone desk. Turning his back to Lin Feng, looking through the glass window toward the Floating Island suspended among the clouds in the distance, he let out a heavy, profound sigh:
“In the Heavenly Harbor Island campaign, you proved your practical combat prowess to the entire world. This glory, you fully deserve to enjoy.”
“But Lin Feng... the glory out there has just closed, and the greatest test of all for you right here in Shenzhou Academy... has officially knocked on your door.”
Lin Feng stood straight, his eyes calm as he looked at the Dean’s back: “Please speak frankly, Dean. This disciple is all ears.”
Xiao Yan slowly turned around. He reached out to open a secret magic-stone drawer beneath the desk, carefully retrieving a deep purple envelope.
The moment the envelope appeared, the temperature in the room seemed to drop sharply by several degrees!
The surrounding air instantly filled with the sharp fragrance of lightning and formless spatial ripples. The envelope’s surface was not sealed with ordinary wax, but locked by a Thunderbird Spatial Seal spinning lazily. Tiny purple-silver lightning arcs flickered across the paper surface, bending even the light shining through it!
A tyrannical, peerless coercive pressure radiated from the envelope, causing even a Advanced mage like Xiao Yan to furrow his brow slightly.
“This is...” Lin Feng narrowed his eyes, the Thunder Nebula within his body suddenly vibrating violently like encountering a lifelong arch-rival.
“This letter arrived on my desk at precisely nine o’clock this morning, right when the news of your flattening Heavenly Harbor Island reached the capital.”
Xiao Yan held out the envelope toward Lin Feng, his voice as deep as a bronze bell echoing in the dead of night:
“The sender... is none other than the one reigning supreme atop the Shenzhou Battle Ranking for the past three years.”
“Ye Lingtian!”
Lin Feng stepped forward to receive the deep purple envelope.
The moment his fingertips brushed the thick paper, the Thunderbird Spatial Seal instantly flashed brilliantly!
WHOOSH——!!
An extremely pure and tyrannical Thunder-Spatial mana burst from the envelope, automatically floating suspended in the center of the room. Razor-sharp characters resembling swords carved in blazing purple lightning appeared vividly before Lin Feng’s eyes:
”Lin Feng!
Three hundred hostages returned safely, Heavenly Harbor Island reduced to ruins under your thunder-fire. You used the enemy’s blood to prove you aren’t someone who climbed to Rank 2 of the Battle Ranking purely by luck.
My throne as Number One of Shenzhou... has gathered cold dust for three years because no worthy opponent could be found.
Now, finally, someone qualified enough has appeared for me to draw my sword at full force!
Three days from now, exactly at Noon.
At the Heavenly Demon Arena atop the Floating Island.
I await you for a decisive battle to contend for the throne of the NEW KING OF SHENZHOU!”
Challenger: YE LINGTIAN.
SNAP!
The letter finished broadcasting its entire message before bursting into a purple-silver spark and completely dissipating into the void, leaving only spatial ripples still vibrating softly in the room.
Three days from now!
The Heavenly Demon Arena atop the Floating Island!
The peak decisive battle between Rank 1 and Rank 2 of the Battle Ranking! The most anticipated duel in the hundred-year history of the Shenzhou Magic Academy was now officially set!
Xiao Yan looked straight into Lin Feng’s eyes, speaking in a low, reminding tone:
“Lenting has been in closed-door seclusion for the past six months at Mystic Thunder Canyon. Emerging this time, his strength has touched a realm that even Advanced instructors must guard against. You’ve just been through a major war, if you feel you need more preparation time, this old man can step in to postpone the duel date...”
“No need, Dean.”
Lin Feng gently interrupted. He slowly clenched his five fingers into a fist.
Against his chest, the Primordial Dragon Pendant suddenly glowed brightly through his clothes, emitting a low dragon roar rolling with battle intent, resonating with the blazing fighting spirit burning in his bloodstream.
The corners of the youth’s lips curled into an arrogant smile, his dark eyes burning with proud golden fire:
“This battle... this disciple has waited far too long as well!”