Chapter 400: Returning Home (Wishing Book Friends a Happy New Year)

Early the next morning, Miaoying came to visit again, and she handed a spherical creation containing vast energy into Sinuoli's hands. This long-desired treasure and the white-haired Longnü complemented each other, and for a moment, Sinuoli was mesmerized.

Kairos Fateweaver had long since witnessed the prowess of the Terracotta Sentinels, and at the very beginning of the invasion, it had arranged for personnel to sabotage these national treasures of Zhendan. The Astromancers within the Tongtianlou were a disaster zone of Tzeentch's corruption, and the traitors caused massive damage to two of the sentinels.

While taking inventory of the losses, the Nangao Princess made a stroke of her pen, recording the destruction of one core as the fault of the Chaos demon army. After this battle, five or six out of every ten Astromancers in Weibei were gone, and the remaining ones would have to undergo layers of scrutiny to prove their innocence before returning to their posts, so naturally, no one could question her decision.

After receiving permission, Sinuoli was carried by the Anvil Guard to tour the Nangao workshops. The Engineering Guild, Blacksmith Guild, and Rune Smith Guild of the Dwarf Realms each operated independently, but in Zhendan, the best firearms and cold weapons were all produced in Nangao.

Biaolong Miaoying was different from her younger brother Zhaoming; she believed more in her own power as a True Dragon and neither needed nor was skilled at military manufacturing and its management. Therefore, the industrial zone elected nine elders known as the "Nine Elders" to be responsible for operations, who then reported directly to the Storm Dragon.

The manufacturing methods for the Fire Rain Rocket Battery and the Sky-Junks were one thing, but Sinuoli was more interested in this management system. Compared to having to mediate personally every time, building a system that could reduce internal friction and encourage innovation was a permanent solution.

"Fifth sister once said you planned to go to the Tianting to pay respects to Father and Mother. Now that the end of the year is approaching, why not stay a few more days and go together?"

"Yes, yes! You have performed such great deeds; when the time comes, Father will surely not be stingy with rewards!"

Two days later, in front of the boarding bridge at the Mooring Tower, Miaoying and Chenlong Shenzhu, who had rushed over from Xingpo upon hearing the news that Sinuoli had been seriously injured, saw him off together.

"My thanks to both Princesses for your kindness! A sudden emergency has arisen in my country, and I must return. There will be plenty of time in the future; it will not be too late for me to seek an audience later. Please take care of yourselves, and if you ever have leisure, the Mountain Kingdom will always welcome you."

Sinuoli had completely "recovered" after Shenzhu's treatment; he cupped his hands to bid farewell to the two sisters while stepping onto the Sky-Junk. In reality, he had not received any particularly urgent news; it was just that as a rational gambler, he felt he had already won enough, and it was time to cash out and hurry home.

What could he get from an audience with the Dragon Emperor and Moon Empress? Official titles were but empty names, peerages were but honorary, and at most, they might add one or two precious materials—could they possibly betroth Miaoying to him directly? But if they saw the clues on the collar, he would lose a layer of skin even if he didn't die!

Miaoying watched the Sky-Junk sail away, remaining silent for a long while. She felt a never-before-experienced emotion arise in her heart—was it regret for the departure of an interesting fellow with whom she could barely communicate as an equal?

"Second sister, he invited me, can I..."

"No!"

"Hmph! Boring. By the way, you didn't go to Aomeng Pass at the time; what were you doing?"

"Little girl, don't ask about things you shouldn't!"

"Eh, why are you wearing a necklace? It's so pretty, where did it come from? Can I..."

"Hmph!"

The Storm Dragon, who was already somewhat restless, was annoyed by her chattering sister. She raised her fair hand and a gale followed, but in the end, the elder sister still felt for her younger sister, and her hand remained raised for a long time without falling.

Traveling by Sky-Junk directly from the air to Fuzhou City, Sinuoli had already informed his subordinates left behind via Communication Rune to prepare the warships and cargo for the return voyage, and by the time they arrived, they were basically ready to depart.

Out of basic courtesy and respect, the Dwarf King still had to bid farewell to Minglong Yin. The Bi Hai Nuzhu watched his sudden change in attitude and his firm intention to leave, and she could not help but feel suspicious.

To her probing, Sinuoli employed Taiji techniques, vaguely brushing off several relatively sharp questions. The Minglong wanted to bind him and the Southlands tightly to her own chariot; how could Sinuoli not see the mystery in that?

Fortunately, the Dragon Emperor's Princess still had a grand perspective, and even though she had suspicions, she did not make things difficult for him. Three Ironclads escorted the massive Dreadnought as it sailed out of the mouth of Jingpo Lake, and watching the crowds spontaneously seeing him off on the shore, he still felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Since ancient times, a mass base has been an extremely precious thing, especially in this world where one could obtain extraordinary power by absorbing faith. Although he had not yet figured out the specific operations, laying the groundwork in advance was never wrong.

"Any progress?"

Buluokesen and Altman had been squatting in the cabin with several high-level engineers studying that core ever since they boarded the ship, and the mysteries of this object had them forgetting to eat and sleep.

Sinuoli was also very concerned about the progress; the Dwarf Realms lacked giant units, and while such things sometimes seemed a bit like a chicken rib, they had the effect of settling the outcome in specific situations.

"There has been a certain breakthrough, but..."

"In the name of the honored god Mogelimu, it has brought us great inspiration!"

"That means not yet, then. No rush, we have plenty of time; the sages of the Engineering Guild and the Rune Smith Guild have been pondering it for thousands of years."

The engineers displayed their linguistic artistry; participating in the repair of the Rune Colossus would greatly enhance their reputation and status. Being rated as an Engineering Master was only the first step, and competing for the leadership of the guild was not something they couldn't look forward to.

"You all keep busy, just ask if you have any needs!"

Sinuoli shook his head and pulled the cabin door shut. He planned to take advantage of the return voyage to study and familiarize himself with the system's new functions and the two Authorities he had obtained; personal strength was always the capital for survival.

Among the Chaos Four Gods, he had already made a name for himself before three of them, and at this rate, offending the Skull King and gaining the qualifications to compete for the "Everchosen" title was only a matter of time.

Besides the threat to his survival, emotional aspects also required him to improve his strength as soon as possible. If he wanted to become a Dragon Knight in a dignified manner, not to mention surpassing Miaoying, the status of a Demigod was definitely essential.

The two Authorities he already possessed were quite good; Storm was a branch of wind, and wind, as one of the four major elements of "Water, Fire, Wind, and Earth" in the Western Lands corresponding to the five elements of Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, covered a very wide area. Heavy Strike also possessed extremely strong versatility.

But from the perspective of a transmigrator, they seemed to have no advantage in absorbing faith, and how to develop them specifically still required careful consideration.

"The atmosphere doesn't seem right. My king returns from a long journey and there isn't even a welcoming formation. Does Balin not want to work anymore, or has he prepared some surprise?"

After a long voyage, the coastline of the Southlands gradually became clear. Sinuoli stood on the bridge and turned his telescope to focus, only to find that the port, which was usually bustling with people, was unusually quiet today.