Triumphant return!

A day later, the allied forces crossed the national border demarcated by Wanxuan.

It was just past seven in the morning. After a night's rest, Yang Wenqing had come to the observation deck on the upper level of the flagship Zhenhai for some fresh air. Lan Ying had shrunk down and perched on his shoulder, her sapphire-blue eyes gazing ahead.

The moment they crossed the border, the protection granted by the national Divine Arts descended upon them, bringing an indescribable sense of comfort.

Lan Ying ruffled her feathers on his shoulder and let out a contented croon.

Yang Wenqing swept his gaze over the fleets on either side, and a thought suddenly rose in his mind: This is what coming home feels like.

Just then, the cabin door behind him opened. Liu Qin hurried out and reported, "Director Yang, a message has come from war zone headquarters. They want us properly dressed. There's a triumphant return ceremony ahead, and the material recorded there will be printed nationwide for publicity."

Yang Wenqing nodded. "Have every fleet prepare."

"Yes," Liu Qin answered, then turned and hurried back to the Command Center.

As soon as the orders reached the command terminal aboard each flagship, the fleet's formation began to change.

The combat groups, previously spread out in cruising formation, gradually drew together according to the predetermined review sequence. The large flying boats were the first to take their positions, with four arrayed on each flank of the Zhenhai. The rune light bands at their bows brightened from their dim standby state to full illumination.

At the same time, two flags rose to the top of each large flying boat's mainmast. On the left flew Wanxuan's National Fortune War Banner; on the right flew the Fifth War Zone's emblem flag, its gray-white field embroidered