The middle-aged officer at the head of the formation, his face resolute and a colonel's insignia on his uniform, abruptly raised his hand.
Whoosh!
Hundreds of officers and sailors moved in perfect unison, as though they were one!
The crisp snap of their salutes merged into a torrent of steel that soared into the heavens!
That overwhelming surge of force made Yue Xiaofei's heart give a violent jolt.
Yue Xiaofei knew perfectly well that this salute was not meant for him.
It was for the former captain of the Sea Dragon.
For the man who had defended the Dragon Kingdom's territorial waters with his blood and his life-
His second uncle, Yue Changhai!
Somehow, he could almost see that stirring, tragic scene from years ago: the dashing man standing on the bridge of the first Sea Dragon, resolutely giving the order to charge the enemy ship.
A scalding rush of emotion surged from his chest to his eyes.
Yue Xiaofei snapped to attention, raised his right hand, and returned an impeccable military salute to that sea of white!
The salute ended.
The colonel leading them strode briskly toward him, his steps steady and powerful.
Thud, thud, thud!
He stopped before Yue Xiaofei and solemnly extended his hand.
"Greetings, Comrade Yue Xiaofei!"
"I'm Ouyang Jian, the current captain of the Sea Dragon!"
"Welcome aboard the Sea Dragon-as the descendant of a hero and the nephew of our former captain!"
As soon as he finished, the hundreds of officers and sailors behind him shouted together once more, their voices shaking the heavens!
"Welcome, descendant of a hero!"
"Welcome, family of our former captain!"
"Welcome home!"
"..."
Those heartfelt cries exploded like thunder in Yue Xiaofei's ears.
He felt a little embarrassed. He had never expected them to arrange such an impressive welcome