I walk sideways in the game world

Chapter 166 The King Returns with Glory

Marshal Hawke, the enemy's backbone, fell. His eyes, filled with disbelief, seemed to insist that the battle shouldn't have ended this way. However, Ren Xiaoyao's powerful blow completely shattered his pride and the enemy's morale.

"The Marshal is dead! We are finished!"

I don't know who shouted this, but the enemy soldiers who were still resisting stubbornly suddenly retreated like a tide. Fear spread among them, and they just wanted to escape from this place of death.

"Pursue victory and leave no one behind!" General Sun raised his sword high and shouted, and the imperial soldiers rushed into the enemy camp like tigers descending from the mountains, unstoppable. Their morale was high and their momentum was unstoppable, turning the enemy's rout into a complete defeat.

On the battlefield, shouts of killing shook the heavens, swords flashed, and blood and flesh flew everywhere. Ren Xiaoyao, spear in hand, led the charge, striking fear into the hearts of all enemies wherever he went. He was like a god of war, each swing of his spear taking a life, and no one could stop his sharp edge.

Charlene stood on a high slope in the distance, taking in the entire battlefield. A gleam gleamed in her beautiful eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, revealing a gratified smile. "You really didn't disappoint me," she murmured softly, her gaze never leaving the invincible figure on the battlefield.

The enemy army was defeated like a landslide. Ren Xiaoyao led the imperial army all the way, recaptured the occupied cities, and completely drove the enemy out of the empire's territory.

As the sun set, its blood-red setting sun illuminated the devastated battlefield, and the air was thick with the smell of blood. Ren Xiaoyao stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance with a deep and distant gaze.

"Xiaoyao, it's time for us to go back." Xia Lin walked to his side and said softly.

"Well, it's time to go back." Ren Xiaoyao retracted his gaze and turned to look at Xia Lin, a smile on his lips. "It's been a long time since we went back..." The afterglow of the setting sun cast a golden red glow on Ren Xiaoyao's bloodstained armor. He took a deep breath, his chest surging with the joy of victory, but more than that, a sense of calmness, a sense of relief.

"Yes, it's time to go back." Ren Xiaoyao turned to look at Xia Lin with a touch of tenderness in his eyes. "Let's go and see if this prosperous landscape is as magnificent as you remember."

On the return journey, the road was carpeted with flowers. People spontaneously came from all directions to line the streets to welcome the triumphant heroes. They cheered, leaped for joy, and threw their flowers into the air, creating a dazzling shower of blossoms.

"The general is mighty! Long live the empire!" The deafening cheers resounded through the sky and lasted for a long time.

Ren Xiaoyao rode his majestic horse slowly through the crowd. His eyes swept over the faces brimming with excitement and joy, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. These were the people he had risked his life to protect. Their smiles were the greatest compliment to him.

The procession marched forward in a mighty procession, finally arriving at the imperial capital. The majestic city gates flung open, and the emperor, clad in his dragon robes, personally came out to greet them, surrounded by civil and military officials.

"My dear minister, you've worked so hard!" The emperor stepped forward to support Ren Xiaoyao as he fell from his horse, his eyes full of admiration. "This great victory is thanks to your strategic planning. Only then were we able to preserve our empire's territory!"

"Your Majesty, you are too kind." Ren Xiaoyao lowered his head humbly. "This is all my duty."

"No, you've done far more than just your duty." The emperor took Ren Xiaoyao's hand and walked to the podium. Facing the dense crowd below, he announced loudly, "I have decided to confer the title of 'God of War to Protect the Nation' on Ren Xiaoyao. I will reward him with ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand acres of fertile farmland in recognition of his achievements!"

The audience suddenly erupted in thunderous cheers, and people raised their hands high, cheering for the young hero.

"The God of War who protects the country! The God of War who protects the country!"

Ren Xiaoyao stood on the high platform, enjoying this supreme honor, but he knew in his heart that all of this was inseparable from the silent contributions of those behind him...

Ren Xiaoyao listened to the deafening cheers, but without a trace of pride or complacency in his heart, he looked around at the faces flushed with excitement, and a heavy sense of responsibility arose spontaneously.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply unworthy of this honor!" Ren Xiaoyao stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply. "This victory is not the work of me alone, but the result of the bloody battles of all the soldiers and the concerted efforts of the people of this nation! This honor belongs to everyone who fights for the empire!"

His voice, resonant and sincere, echoed throughout the square. The people were stunned at first, then erupted in even louder applause and cheers. They admired the young general's achievements and were even more moved by his humility and broad-mindedness.

The emperor looked at Ren Xiaoyao with satisfaction, his eyes full of admiration. He knew that Ren Xiaoyao was not a man who sought fame and reputation, and that his heart always held the empire and the people in his heart.

"Well said! Well said!" the emperor laughed heartily. "Your Excellency's generosity is a blessing to the Empire! I am deeply pleased!"

Xia Lin stood in the crowd, silently watching the radiant figure on the stage, her eyes filled with pride and happiness. She knew how much sweat and effort Ren Xiaoyao had expended to reach this point. Every scar on his body was a medal of honor; every victory he achieved was inseparable from his extraordinary wisdom and courage.

"Brother Xiaoyao, you did it..." Xia Lin said silently in her heart, "You became the person you wanted to be and protected everything you wanted to protect..."

General Sun, who was in the crowd, looked at Ren Xiaoyao and couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. He knew that Ren Xiaoyao's growth and transformation were inseparable from Xia Lin's silent support and dedication behind the scenes.

"Congratulations, Miss Xia Lin." General Sun walked up to Xia Lin and said softly, "You've finally waited for this day."

Xia Lin smiled slightly and turned to look at General Sun, tears glistening in her eyes. She knew that General Sun, like the soldiers who died on the battlefield, wanted to see Ren Xiaoyao return triumphantly and enjoy the glory.

"Yes..." Charlene said softly, "We've all been waiting for this..."

At this moment, Eunuch Qian stepped out from behind the emperor and announced loudly: "By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: General Ren Xiaoyao, the Protector of the Nation, is a man of both wisdom and courage, loyal to the emperor and patriotic. In this battle to quell the rebellion, he made strategic plans, won battles thousands of miles away, defeated the enemy, and protected our land. He has made outstanding contributions and is hereby commended! He is granted ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand acres of fertile land, and the title of a marquis. He is also granted a grand banquet to celebrate the victory to comfort the soldiers and to congratulate them on their triumphant return!" Eunuch Qian's shrill voice resounded throughout the square, reading out the Emperor's decree.

The people were once again in an uproar, their cheers and applause resounding like thunder. Ren Xiaoyao knelt again to express his gratitude, and the emperor lovingly helped him up, patting him on the shoulder with an expression of admiration that was beyond words.

As night fell and the lights came on, the palace was ablaze with light and filled with melodious music. To celebrate this great victory, the emperor specially set up a celebratory banquet in the Imperial Garden to reward the triumphant soldiers.

Ren Xiaoyao, dressed in a purple brocade robe and with a sword at his waist, stood at the gate of the Imperial Garden with a heroic presence, welcoming the guests arriving for the banquet. Xia Lin, dressed in a pale pink palace dress, was elegant and refined. She stood beside him, a happy smile on her face.

"Brother Xiaoyao, congratulations." Xia Lin said in a low voice, her eyes full of tenderness and sweetness.

"All of this is inseparable from your help." Ren Xiaoyao held Xia Lin's hand and said sincerely.

The two smiled at each other, held hands, and walked side by side into the brightly lit imperial garden. Their figures appeared particularly harmonious and beautiful under the light, as if they had become the most glorious page in the history of the empire.

However, behind the lively banquet, there was a subtle shadow. Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin did not know that while they were enjoying the joy of victory, a huge conspiracy was quietly brewing.

"Prime Minister Zuo, are you sure you want to do this?" A dark shadow flashed by and appeared behind Prime Minister Zuo, asking in a low voice.

"Hmph, the victors take the cake. Now that Ren Xiaoyao's achievements have become so great that the old emperor is already wary of him, if we don't take action, do we have to wait until he's fully grown and replaces us?" A stern look flashed in the Left Prime Minister's eyes as he spoke coldly, "Just follow the plan. When it's done, you'll definitely get the benefits!"

The shadow nodded, and with a flash of his body, he disappeared into the night. Prime Minister Zuo looked at Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin, a sinister smile playing on his lips. He thought to himself, "Ren Xiaoyao, enjoy this last bit of glory to the fullest. Soon, everything will belong to me!"