Chapter 564: The Elves’ Rumors and the Nation’s Promise (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Ji Chen found himself perplexed by what he saw.

In any case, they set off, with Monica accompanying them on the ship, aiming for a swift return from the Kingdom of Bass to Lienhardt via sea travel.

In theory, if they followed the Kaiserven River downstream from Kaiserven City, returned to the ocean, sailed along the route back to Feiguang City, and then continued forward, they could reach Tressburg, which was also located by the sea.

This route would take approximately five days.

However, Ji Chen couldn’t afford to wait that long. Leaving behind the Kraken and the legions, excluding the Tyrant Azure Dragon, to protect the Elves of Vale, he immediately took Monica aboard the Tyrant Azure Dragon as their mount and sped up their journey, breaking away from the fleet.

Under the influence of Ji Chen’s Lord Talent and the power of the ocean, they arrived at the colossal blue and white city by the shores of the Inner Sea in just a little over two days.

When Ji Chen first laid eyes on this gigantic city, which was partly built on plains and partly on highlands, he couldn’t help but be amazed.

The white walls and blue-tiled roofs, characteristic of the Mediterranean architectural style, were a refreshing sight. The long stretch of white sandy beach, like a milky ribbon sandwiched between the deep blue sea and the green plains, exuded a romantic atmosphere.

As Monica gazed upon this city with a landscape rating at maximum level, a sense of pride filled her eyes.

The fame of Tressburg City was renowned even on the Northern Continent. This place was the cradle of her Valencia family’s rise to prominence. Starting as a mere baron in a vast territory once ruled by an ancient empire, they overcame challenges, expelled monsters, defended against invaders, and eventually established the powerful Lienhardt Grand Duchy. The story of their rise and fall, glory and shame, could fill thick volumes of history.

Ji Chen could sense Monica’s pride and admiration for her hometown. He complimented her on the beautiful scenery, adding to her sense of accomplishment.

However, before they could get much closer, a patrol boat swiftly approached them. Its cannons were already aimed in their direction, and a voice amplified by alchemical speakers warned them, “Strangers, you have entered the territory of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. State your intentions and immediately remain in your current location… Lady Monica!?”

The soldiers on the ship were taken aback. Based on the information they had received, Lady Monica should still be on her way back. How had she returned to Tressburg City so quickly?

The patrol boat drew nearer, and the soldiers cautiously inquired, “Your Highness?”

“Yes, it’s me. Lord Ji Chen graciously offered to accompany me on his fleet, which allowed us to arrive here more quickly,” Monica replied calmly.

The soldiers suddenly understood and cast curious glances at Ji Chen, their expressions showing a mixture of awe and admiration.

Was this the renowned Lord who repeatedly intervened and turned the tide of battle, single-handedly eliminating over a hundred thousand enemy troops and several enemy fleets?

He looked exceptionally young and handsome, standing next to their Princess Monica, giving off an aura of a perfect couple.

The soldiers shook their heads, putting aside these thoughts, and respectfully said, “If His Grace learns that Your Highness has arrived ahead of schedule, he will surely be delighted. Please come aboard, and we will escort you to shore.” Monica nodded and turned to Ji Chen with a smile.

“Lord Ji Chen, let’s go.”

Ji Chen nodded, gesturing to stop the soldiers from lowering the gangplank. With a wave of his hand, he conjured a series of water steps that extended from the back of the Tyrant Azure Dragon, reaching several meters high up to the deck. With Monica and a group of heroes, Ji Chen boarded the deck.

This unheard-of way of boarding left many soldiers staring in amazement.

They soon met the legendary Grand Duke Lienhardt in the castle perched on the steep cliffs, Julius Valencia. He was a man as sturdy as a lion, exuding the dignity of a high-ranking individual. After absorbing the power of the ocean, Ji Chen, too, could feel the strength flowing within Julius, as well as the overwhelming presence.

While Ji Chen observed Julius, the latter was also sizing up the young man standing next to his daughter.

Despite his scrutiny, Julius couldn’t find any faults.

His appearance was top-notch, even surpassing that of an elf. His demeanor was confident and poised, and his posture was upright, with an outstanding aura.

What surprised Julius the most was that he couldn’t gauge the depth of his strength, as if it were as profound and boundless as the ocean itself.

Who was this young man?

His daughter mentioned that Ji Chen was a Lord of Glory, but those Lords of Glory had only arrived a few months ago. Yet this Ji Chen managed to increase his strength to the point where he could single-handedly destroy tens of thousands of enemies within a few months?

Moreover, he heard that Ji Chen had painstakingly built a sizable territory and established thriving relations, even selling products to the elves. It was quite an accomplishment.

As Julius thought more about it, he couldn’t help but feel impressed, and his gaze became more appreciative.

Such a young and talented individual, even in Lienhardt, was a rarity!

Monica looked at her father’s changing expression and breathed a sigh of relief, smiling.

“Father, this is the Ji Chen I told you about.”

Julius also regained his composure and gave a hearty smile. “Indeed, he is the hero who has turned the tide of battle multiple times, just as I imagined.”

Ji Chen smiled modestly and said, “Your Grace, you are too kind. 1 have merely done what was within my capabilities; it’s not worth mentioning.”

Julius raised an eyebrow. “If killing tens of thousands of enemy soldiers, destroying and capturing several fleets of the Bass Kingdom, and even obliterating the Eiben Fortress in one blow are not worth mentioning, then perhaps there is no accomplishment worth boasting about.

To be honest, 1 am deeply grateful to you. First, you saved my daughter, and then you wholeheartedly joined a war that had nothing to do with you. You have even helped us turn the tide of the battle multiple times. You are a hero of our Lienhardt Grand Duchy,” Julius said with a very serious expression.

“In addition to the reward mentioned by Monica earlier, 1 can make you a promise. As long as it doesn’t harm Lienhardt’s interests and is within our capabilities, we can do something for you as a nation.”

This was his utmost sincerity towards Ji Chen, and even Monica’s expression changed slightly. She had not expected her father’s promised reward to be of such magnitude.

Ji Chen was also taken aback.

The entire nation doing something for him?

The weight and value of this promise were immeasurable in terms of money and resources.

Feeling the gravity of this commitment, Ji Chen nodded solemnly.

Julius’s expression softened, and his gaze became much gentler.

He chuckled and said, “Truly a dragon among men. You’ve accepted so easily. This is much more straightforward than those noble youths who receive medals from me and still hesitate and shed grateful tears. You are a Lord of Glory worth befriending for our Valencia family!

Monica is lucky to have accidentally entered your territory during her escape on the boundless sea, meeting such a talent.”

Ji Chen also smiled and replied, “1 feel very fortunate to have met Monica. Your Grace, having such a daughter who possesses both beauty and wisdom, is truly enviable.”

“You’re right! My daughter Monica is indeed outstanding!”

Watching her father and Ji Chen engage in a pleasant conversation, Monica felt a heavy burden lift from her heart. Hearing Ji Chen’s praise made her feel as sweet as honey.

At this moment, Monica looked around and asked with some curiosity, “Father, where is Mother?”

Julius’s expression paused for a moment. “Your mother has been ill for the past few days. She is currently resting and unable to come out to greet you.”

“What? How is that possible? She was perfectly fine when I left.”

“I don’t know either, but the court physician has examined her. It’s probably just a slight cold, nothing to worry about.”

Listening to the conversation between Julius and Monica, Ji Chen couldn’t help but feel a strange sensation wash over him..