Chapter Fifty: Successor to the Chief of Heroes

The year was 2117, January 23rd. Shanghai Harbor.

After several uninterrupted hours of flight, Yinglong finally brought Hua Feng and his companions to Shanghai. As they neared the shore, they traveled on the wind to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to Yinglong’s true form. Seven days later, the submarine carrying the rest of their party also returned to Shanghai.

Having received a signal from Master Zhang, Shen Qiu of the Shennong Hall, along with representatives from Wudang, Longhu Mountain, and various other prominent sects, had gathered early at the harbor to welcome them. The journey had been long and perilous; returning unscathed and rescuing so many was no small feat.

“Look, they’re here,” Shen Qiu called out, inviting everyone to gaze towards the sea. The six members of Hua Feng’s group landed beside them as gracefully as swallows.

“Hall Master Shen, fellow Daoists, thank you for waiting for us here,” Dan Qiusheng said gratefully.

“You’re too polite, Alliance Leader. You held off our pursuers, giving us a chance at survival. Now we must return to our sects to heal our wounded. We’ll take our leave for now, but will certainly visit to express our gratitude another day,” the real man from Wudang pressed his hands together in thanks, speaking sincerely.

Dan Qiusheng dispensed with further formalities. “Then let us meet again in the future. Go home, recover well, and rest.”

“Since I’ve brought you safely back, my work here is done. Until we meet again,” Yinglong also rose to take his leave.

“Thank you for all you’ve done! If ever you need the Daoist Alliance or the Association of Practitioners, just say the word,” Dan Qiusheng promised.

“And the Celestial Master’s Mansion as well,” Master Zhang pledged.

“The same goes for the Farming Clan,” Hua Feng added.

“Goodbye, handsome! Thank you for everything along the way!” Xiao Li said with a smile. After several days of recovery, Panda Mozart had finally awakened. Xiao Li had escorted him back to Sichuan before hurrying back herself.

“Until we meet again.” With a graceful leap, Yinglong soared hundreds of yards and disappeared into the sea.

“Alliance Leader, Master, I suppose I’ve completed the Elder Council’s test for the Farming Clan. I must return and report my results, and officially assume the role of Hero-Chief,” Hua Feng said.

“In that case, we won’t keep you at the Celestial Master’s Mansion. Go ahead, Brother Hua Feng,” Master Zhang patted him on the shoulder. “I have high hopes for you.”

Dan Qiusheng smiled and nodded.

“Thank you, seniors! Farewell!” With that, Hua Feng and Xiao Li boarded the car Shen Qiu had summoned and set out for the Shennongjia.

On the way, Hua Feng couldn’t help but ask the nine-tailed celestial fox Xiao Li, who was sitting beside him, “Why are you so insistent on coming back to Shennongjia with me?”

“Because I can’t return to the Demon Realm for now, and you seem cute enough, so I might as well tag along. Why, you don’t want me around? Let me remind you, I’m a celestial fox! That’s the equivalent of your human Primordial Emperor rank. Isn’t it good to have a Primordial Emperor at your side for free?”

“Fine, do as you like. I don’t mind, but I’m worried the others in the Farming Clan might have opinions about you.”

“Don’t worry, boss. Once you officially inherit the title of Hero-Chief, you’ll have the greatest authority in the clan, second only to the Six Sages’ Tomb of the Flame Emperor. No one will dare question your decisions,” Shen Qiu chimed in from the front seat.

“I didn’t know it worked like that. All right, then.”

“Exactly! Besides, don’t you have a Primordial Emperor’s pact with the Snow Lord of the Northern Territories? With my help, you’ll improve even faster!” Xiao Li said, naturally hooking her arm through Hua Feng’s.

“Uh, ahem…” Shen Qiu coughed awkwardly as he glanced at the scene in the rearview mirror.

“…This isn’t right, sister! If Xiao Meng finds out, she’ll kill me!” Hua Feng protested as Xiao Li pressed herself against him, her softness making him break out in a nervous cold sweat. Even with his growing strength of will, the temptations of a celestial fox were almost too much to resist.

Along the way, Hua Feng and Xiao Li became more familiar. He learned that half a year ago, out of boredom, she’d snuck out of the Demon Realm for some fun. During her wanderings, she’d met Panda Mozart, who had lived in the mystical world of Sichuan for generations. Kindred spirits, the two had adventured together, only to unexpectedly run into aliens.

The light released by their spaceship seemed to possess the power to suppress demonic energy, rendering even two Primordial Emperor-level monsters utterly defenseless. Had it not been for Hua Feng and his friends drawing attention and giving Xiao Li the chance to unleash her innate powers, they would still be imprisoned in the dungeon.

Xiao Li often said that Hua Feng had saved her life, so she was determined to help him establish himself as Hero-Chief, master the Flame Emperor’s legacy, and reach the Primordial Emperor realm, so he could see Yun Meng as soon as possible.

Though helpless, Hua Feng could only quietly appreciate her sincerity and accept her presence by his side.

After another day and night of travel, Hua Feng and his party finally returned to the Farming Clan’s headquarters, deep within the primeval forests of Shennongjia. He instructed Shen Qiu to hand over Deputy Hall Master Zhou, who had tried to assassinate him, to the Hall of Enforcement, and then went directly to the Elder Council with Xiao Li.

Inside the familiar council chamber, the atmosphere was a little awkward. The Grand Elder and his companions had never expected Hua Feng to return alive—let alone with a Deputy Hall Master and a branch leader rescued. He had successfully thwarted Deputy Hall Master Zhou’s assassination attempt and now stood before them, stronger than ever.

“Truly, heroes are made young! Brother Hua Feng, your trial was completed perfectly, and your journey to Australia has brought great honor to our clan,” said the Grand Elder in his gray robes, breaking the silence. Seeing no response from Hua Feng, he continued, “After our deliberations, we have decided that Hua Feng shall succeed as the thirtieth Hero-Chief and inheritor of the Flame Emperor’s legacy, bearing the Flame Emperor’s mark and… all the resources of the clan.”

“I will strive to fulfill my master’s wishes, to carry the legacy forward, and use the power of Shennong to benefit all living things,” Hua Feng replied.

The elders each harbored their own thoughts, but regardless of their feelings, the new Hero-Chief had been chosen. Some were unwilling, but there was nothing they could do. As elders at the Sovereign Emperor level, they could not change the outcome—especially since Hua Feng now had a Primordial Emperor as his supporter. Any thoughts of opposing him would require a careful assessment of their own strength.

Thus, the brief turmoil dissipated. As the others left, Hua Feng returned to his room and sent a message to Yun Meng: All is well. I have passed the Hero-Chief succession trial. Take care. Don’t worry.

Relief finally washed over him after days of tension. Shen Qiu moved in to guard the left wing, while Xiao Li insisted on staying nearby and took the right wing. Fortunately, the Hero-Chief’s residence was spacious enough that housing everyone was no issue.

At last, with all his affairs settled, Hua Feng lay on his bed, reflecting on the past half year’s experiences. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.