Boom! Boom! Boom. Boom! Boom!
A month later, in the northwestern region of the Endless Sea, Seven Cities Federation.
Under the blazing sun, ripples glittered across the calm sea surface. Salutes thundered without end, gongs and drums shook the air, and firecrackers crackled in chorus.
Beneath the arches of water blasted from the fireboats at sea, the Prosperity slowly departed the harbor and followed the shipping lane toward Central Earth.
Amid the festive music pouring from the loudspeakers, the mixed fleet of the Seven Cities Allied Defense Navy surrounded the Prosperity, seeing it off all the way.
All the way to the edge of the Seven Cities' waters.
Still reluctant to leave.
"Foster Father, please take good care of yourself on this journey!"
On the deck of the Prosperity, the local tycoon Minkler bid him a tearful farewell. He clutched Ji Jue's hand, their eyes meeting through tears, filled with boundless reluctance and longing as he sincerely tried to persuade him to stay: "It's only a matter of a few days. Why not stay in Seven Cities a little longer? Let me properly play host, and let me fulfill a bit of my filial duty as well?"
Though Ji Jue had long expected Minkler's shamelessness, the endless "Foster Fathers" rushing at him still left him a little dizzy. He really couldn't take this bastard anymore.
He wanted to hit someone.
But he couldn't. Minkler might be a dog, but he was a genuine suck-up.
You didn't slap a smiling face, much less a client who came running to throw money at you.
"...It's rare to see such sincerity from you."
Ji Jue hesitated for a moment, then finally made up his mind. "How about I take you with me?"
"Ah, well..."
Minkler's smile froze on his face. His expression twitched,