The Bog Island Caper: Reunion with Arthur

It was a question Du Chen found difficult to answer. Subconsciously, he wanted to continue the lie from years ago, but then Annie turned to face him, her eyes, tinged with sorrow, gazed at him forlornly.

After a long silence, Du Chen spoke with difficulty. "I'm sorry, I lied back then..."

Annie chuckled, her graceful, noble demeanor utterly captivating. She turned, her dress swirling like ribbons, and faced the sea, gently spreading her arms to breathe in the sea breeze. "Thank you. After three years, you've finally given me a genuine truth! The sea breeze today feels truly unique!"

That was all she said. Whether she felt anger, sadness, or confusion upon learning Du Chen had lied all those years ago, Annie concealed it all within her heart. It was as if all she ever wanted was a single truth from Du Chen...

Du Chen lowered his head in silence, truly unsure what to say. Yet, the Du Chen of three years later was no longer the naive youth who had hesitated over his feelings, the words of rejection caught in his throat.

He didn't know what Annie was thinking, but Avril had waited painstakingly for three years. He had to give her a clear answer! That silly girl shouldn't wait any longer!

Du Chen abruptly raised his head and smiled. "If you see Avril, please tell her that I was indeed lying three years ago! But three years later... my heart no longer has room for anyone else!"

Annie, who had been breathing in the sea breeze, turned back in surprise. "Do you truly have someone in your heart now?"

Du Chen nodded decisively.

Annie chuckled, "You said that for Avril, but also for me, didn't you?"

Her single sentence left Du Chen utterly awkward. Annie, however, spoke magnanimously. "I'm very happy. At least you're finally willing to tell me the truth! Francis, can you tell me one more truth?"

"What do you want to ask?"

"If... I mean, *if* there wasn't another woman in your heart right now, would there still be a chance for you and me?"

Du Chen looked at Annie in surprise. Was this girl still holding out hope?

Annie waved her hand, laughing heartily. "Don't misunderstand, we're adults. It's just a hypothetical question I asked while reminiscing!"

Du Chen pondered for a moment. "Unless you can promise to wait for me for a thousand years, like another woman has!"

Xue Ji's unique position in Du Chen's heart today stemmed precisely from that promise: 'I can wait for you for a thousand years!' Master Grape's malicious threat... what else could Du Chen do? His heart belonged, yet his actions were not his own. Looking at the tear-stained, melancholic face before him, he could only sigh dejectedly in the corner, muttering, 'Master Grape, this old man is risking his life doing good deeds!' What else could he do? Was he to make her a widow for life?!

Sometimes, a single sentence is the beginning of a relationship, even if it might not have an ending...

"Unless..." Annie mulled over the meaning of Du Chen's words, then nodded silently. She turned back to gaze at the sea, watching the large ship ahead cut through the waves. A horizon was already visible, and the shipping lanes to Emerald City were bustling on the eve of the celebration. Soon, a ship firing salutes passed by. Seeing this, Annie suddenly sighed, utterly weary.

"Almost home again... Francis, before I go home, can I lean on your shoulder for a moment?"

Du Chen froze.

The sea route from Bog Island to Emerald City was merely over a hundred nautical miles. At Belkus's speed, they arrived in just two or three hours.

Gazing at the verdant island before them, Du Chen awkwardly said, "Miss Annie, we've reached your family's waters..."

Annie lifted her head from Du Chen's shoulder. Her eyes were a little red and swollen, but she quickly regained her dignified aristocratic composure, smiling apologetically, "My apologies, I've just been so tired lately." With that, Annie soared back to the lead ship, stood at the bow, and softly commanded, "Inform the forward dock to fire salutes! Welcome the envoy of Du Chen's Divine Cult!"

"As you command, Miss Annie!"

Amidst the servants' affirmations, salutes boomed, and the Belkus sailed into the dock. An island city, lush with green palm trees, unfurled before Du Chen.

Compared to the expanded Durkes City, Emerald City seemed slightly smaller. However, its population density and prosperity far surpassed Durkes. A city that hadn't experienced the smoke of war for a thousand years exuded a unique tranquility. Especially the lighthouse-like green building in the city center, which reminded Du Chen of a TV tower from his previous life – both towering pillars with a flat disc atop them...

If one sentence were to summarize Du Chen's first impression of Emerald City, it would be... modern. Whether it was the 'TV tower,' the two-way paved roads, or the apartment-style pavilions, everything exuded a 'modern' feel, clashing conspicuously with the ancient, etiquette-obsessed Batuk Family.

"What a beautiful city!" Beibei was the first to run down the deck, followed by Deboning, Andy, and Alex. Du Chen walked last, the tear-stains on his shoulder now evaporated.

Annie, accompanied by her servants, approached formally. Before she could speak, a series of boisterous, almost insane laughter erupted from the sea. "Hahaha, Francis, you're quite fast! I was hoping to get in a few rounds of gambling with you on the way!" That characteristic 'Battle God Physique Plant-Type Hormone Disorder' laughter... needless to say, it was Annie's aunt!

Du Chen laughed back, "Lady Betty, I haven't gambled in three years; my skills have long since deteriorated!"

"Oh, cut the nonsense! This old granny has never heard of gambling prowess deteriorating. You haven't gambled in three years because no one dares to gamble with you anymore!" Betty, completely disregarding etiquette, leaped into the sea and ran across the water to Du Chen. Fortunately, the Sea King she was welcoming was also not one for formalities, following behind with a smile.

After exchanging a few polite pleasantries, everyone entered Emerald City together.

The Sea King walked alongside Du Chen, asking in a low voice, "Are you really not going back to Bog Island?"

Du Chen punched the Sea King's chest. "That's right. Thanks to Your Majesty's generosity these past few days, the negotiations went very smoothly. If I were to go back... wouldn't Your Majesty have to worry again?"

The Sea King burst into laughter. "Honestly, every day you were on the island, I worried my secrets weren't safe! It's good you're gone, haha! In the future, if you ever need the Sea Tribe army, just say the word. I, Seins, won't even bat an eyelid!"

Du Chen thought to himself, 'This Sea King... damn it, sometimes his magnanimity makes me want to share a drink with him, but then I remember what he does behind the scenes... and I want to stab him twice. What a strange man!'

Betty, rolling her eyes, interjected, "Oh, when did you two become such bosom buddies?"

"Just these past few days..." The Sea King's teasing words were cut short as he suddenly frowned, his gaze fixed on the 'TV tower' in the city center.

Du Chen also sensed it. The moment he and the Sea King stepped into the city center, an overwhelming surge of killing intent locked onto their group.

The Sea King squinted. "Lady Betty, it seems someone in the Exquisite Pagoda wants to eliminate me!"

Betty laughed gleefully. "Whose fault is it that your enemies are everywhere? There are quite a few guests at my house this time who want to settle accounts with you!" She paused, then said seriously, "Your Majesty, and Francis, this memorial ceremony is a millennium-old event for our family. The Old Master has spoken: no external grievances are to be brought into Emerald City. Until the ceremony concludes, anyone who causes bloodshed in Emerald City will be met with the Thunder Legion's own brand of bloodshed!"

Du Chen nodded with a smile. Betty's overt threats were far more palatable than the hidden daggers behind others' smiles.

The Sea King, however, scoffed disdainfully, turning his head to ask, "So, as long as there's no blood, it's fine?"

Betty clutched her forehead in exasperation. "Oh, heavens, you duel-maniac, you're not planning something again, are you? I'm warning you, absolutely no bloodshed, or else if the Old Master truly gets angry, no one can stop him!" From these few brief sentences, it was clear that the Batuk Family and the Sea King had an uncommonly good relationship – Betty dared to speak so casually with him, and Seins showed not a hint of his Sea King's haughtiness!

"Understood!" The Sea King roared, suddenly exploding into a horizontal flight, charging towards the top of the Exquisite Pagoda he mentioned. "Which audacious fellow dared to lock onto me, Seins, the moment I entered the city!?"

Du Chen, also curious about who this person was, watched the spectacle with his children, a smile on his face.

A clear, resonant laugh echoed from the top of the Exquisite Pagoda. "Seins, you and I have conversed spiritually for three months, and today I finally get to see the true face of the Sea King. This meager gift is hardly a token of respect, but please accept it with a smile!"

No sooner said than done, a swathe of silver-black sword light suddenly burst forth from the pagoda's apex, sword shadows raining down like a deluge, directly confronting the incoming Sea King Seins!

"A fine gift!" Seins smirked coldly. With a backhand, a surge of water condensed into the shape of a trident, rising to meet the attack. The myriad sword lights converged into one, clashing with the trident in a resounding crash. The Sea King's trident head was shattered, its form dispersed, while the sword light fractured into countless pieces, scattering with the wind.

The Sea King hovered in the air, roaring with laughter. "Not bad! You can't defeat me, but merely touching the power of a Tenth-rank Titled Battle God makes you worthy of a conversation with me! The one who has conversed spiritually with me these past three months... haha!" A series of wild laughs followed. "Come out, Marshal of the Renault Northern Fleet... Crown Prince Arthur!"

A figure in black shot down from the Exquisite Pagoda. As he flew past the Sea King, he didn't pause, merely turned his head to offer a faint smile. "The gift has been delivered, Your Majesty the Sea King. I await your return gift!" With that, he gracefully landed before Du Chen, his feet smashing the paving stones beneath him with a resounding thud, leaving the Sea King hanging in mid-air!

Three years had passed. Arthur had grown much taller, his figure handsome and upright. Golden hair cascaded casually over his shoulders. He wore the black form-fitting chainmail of a Grand Marshal, topped with a dark robe. Strapped horizontally across his back was a colossal black greatsword, a palm's width and a man's height, which, combined with his cold, proud countenance, made him appear even more imposing and heroic.

Gode, the Little Prince, walking behind Du Chen, suddenly flinched, shrinking his neck. "Gods, Master, is *that* the little brat I chased after back then!?"

Arthur also spotted Gode. His cold gaze swept over, making Gode shiver, yet he chuckled, "Francis, he calls you Master?"

Du Chen strode forward, laughing heartily. "By seniority, he should call you Junior Martial Uncle! What, you're not planning to settle old scores with your junior martial nephew, are you?"

"When have I ever been so petty? If there are scores to settle, I'll settle them with *you*, the Master!"

The two walked towards each other, then suddenly raised their fists and clapped them together with a 'thud,' bursting into laughter.

Looking around, the paving stones where Arthur had walked were all shattered; not a single one remained intact!

The Sea King, seeing the situation from the sky, shrugged. "Lady Betty, it seems no one is paying attention to me anymore. Won't you invite me into the Exquisite Pagoda to catch up with the Old Master? Arthur, the Old Master is waiting for me, so you'll have to wait a while longer for my 'return gift'!" Betty offered a knowing smile, leading everyone into the towering Exquisite Pagoda.

Du Chen instructed Deboning to lead the others with Betty to their accommodations, then turned to Arthur with a laugh. "I hear you're leading a grand army in a standoff against Seins's Garrison Fleet. That takes guts!"

"Not like you, though! The Battle of Star River, where the Durkes City Defense Army became renowned throughout the world, three thousand against a hundred thousand! *That* was true courage. I have two hundred thousand troops under my command; if I still didn't dare challenge the Sea King, wouldn't I become a laughingstock?"

The two bantered back and forth, then simultaneously pointed to a small tavern by the roadside. "Too lazy to fight you. How about a drinking contest?" "Afraid of you? Never!"

The two walked arm-in-arm into the tavern. Du Chen had too many questions he wanted to ask Arthur.

Over these past years, Du Chen had been striving on the Aethelgard Continent, while Arthur had forged an illustrious reputation on the Azure Heaven Continent! After their parting years ago, Arthur went to Golden Sands Cape to join the military. Casting aside his Crown Prince identity, he started as an ordinary Commander, fighting over sixty battles, big and small, in three years. He was virtually invincible, conquering all foes and rising through the ranks to become General. Half a year ago, the Sober Empire and the Renault Empire once again erupted into a massive war. With the Sea King's support, the Sober Empire routed the Renault navy at sea, driving them back a thousand li. Amidst this crushing defeat, Arthur, leveraging his Crown Prince status, rallied the scattered forces, turning the tide. Seizing this opportunity, the Lionheart King promoted him to Grand Marshal of the Northern Fleet, a move that garnered no complaints from the veteran generals within the Renault army! Currently, the two great empires, Renault and Sober, were locked in a desperate struggle on the northwestern landmass of the Azure Heaven Continent. It was at this critical juncture that the strategic importance of the northwestern seas of Azure Heaven became apparent. The Sober Empire, leveraging the Sea King's support, relentlessly launched naval raids to harass Renault's rear, provoking Alonso to furious rage. Arthur's mission, therefore, was to counter Seins and the allied forces of the Sober Empire at sea! Today, Arthur had arrived for the Batuk Family's celebration, ostensibly representing the Lionheart King to observe the ceremony. However, the number of secret missions he carried in secret was beyond precise explanation. His earlier 'Show of Strength' against the Sea King was likely not merely a display of defiance and bravery.

Listening to Arthur recount his past experiences, Du Chen suddenly became very interested in the colossal sword on his back. He reached out to try and weigh it, barely managing to hold it steady. "Good heavens, this sword must weigh at least a thousand catties! No wonder you can shatter paving stones just by walking, and you can't even sit on a chair when you drink!"

Arthur chuckled, "Twelve hundred and twenty-four catties, forged by eighteen of Renault's top artisan masters from compressed glacial profound iron! I can't compare to you Battle Gods who carry sacred artifacts; I can only carry this clumsy fellow with me!"

Du Chen raised an eyebrow and asked, "That last strike of yours already had the aura of a Titled Battle God! Your progress is truly beyond my imagination!"

"So you don't know either!" Arthur drained his cup. "I was just about to ask you. For some reason, after I broke through to the Six-Star Battle God realm, my body suddenly began to change. My physique didn't alter, but my speed and strength grew wildly. As you saw just now, I flew up and down the hundred-meter-tall Exquisite Pagoda... all thanks to the power of these two legs!"

Du Chen's heart sank. Was Arthur still human? How could the body refining methods of his Rogue Sect cultivate such a non-human powerhouse!?

"You must have helped me develop an unknown domain of power, right?" Arthur looked slightly disappointed, glancing at his jade-like hands, then smiled faintly. "But no matter what, I love how I feel now, and I love the power you've bestowed upon me!"

Indeed, in this world where strength commands respect, having power was all that mattered, regardless of its origin. And now wasn't the time to study power. Du Chen asked a more pressing question: "Arthur, did the ancestral empress of your Renault Empire, Empress Aro, leave behind any information about your paternal ancestors?"

A flicker of confusion crossed Arthur's eyes. "Why do you ask? It's fine if only you ask this, but actually, our ancestor, Lady Aro, was a widow who adopted a child from an unknown origin as her heir..."

Du Chen wagged a finger. The Water Veil Shield flew out, isolating all sounds from their private drinking room. "Have you heard the name Wolf?"

Arthur looked at Du Chen quizzically, slowly shaking his head.

Du Chen spun his fingertip around the rim of his wine cup, then asked, "Regarding your parents... how much do you know?"

Arthur stroked his chin. "Francis, what do you know? My father, Choba, was personally killed by my grandfather. Although everyone in Renault tried to keep this from me, it wasn't a huge secret, and I knew it long ago. If it's for that, you wouldn't be so serious... Do you know about my mother?" He suddenly leaned forward, fixing his gaze on Du Chen, and urgently asked, "Do you know who my mother is? Tell me quickly!"

To this day, Arthur knew nothing about his maternal lineage! The reason was simple: the knowledgeable Lionheart King hadn't told him, and he lacked the Crystal-tier qualification of the Papal Curia to access vast quantities of top-secret texts!

Du Chen sighed, slowly beginning, "Your mother was a personal disciple of Margaret of Water's Embrace Lake..." From the story told by Mas, supplemented by the Blade of Heaven, and finally the secret learned from Xue Ji, Du Chen revealed everything.

Arthur listened in silence, his expression still cold and proud. But upon hearing that Margaret had personally killed his mother, with a 'snap,' the wine cup in his hand shattered.

Du Chen explained the past events in the simplest terms, speaking quickly. But after he finished, both men fell into a prolonged silence.

After a long moment, Arthur shook his head with a complex expression. "My grandfather killed my father; this enmity leaves me utterly bewildered, unsure how to confront it! But Margaret... that old alluring woman must pay the price!" As he spoke, the killing intent in his eyes became impossible to hide. His piercing gaze actually made Du Chen a little hesitant to meet his eyes!

Compared to Du Chen, Arthur's hatred for Margaret was even more deeply etched into his bones! Because he had truly lived as a waste for over a decade, enduring endless mockery and scorn! Because that deceased disciple of Water's Embrace Lake was his true birth mother! Because to this day, he still didn't know what a Battle Soul was, how to communicate with a sacred artifact, and perhaps... he would never know in this lifetime! And Du Chen, for his part, could not truly comprehend this suffering!

After a momentary outburst of rage, Arthur quickly calmed down. "What do you think we should do first now?"

This coolness made Du Chen secretly approve. "With our current strength, confronting Margaret is sheer fantasy. Not to mention her own power, even the Water's Embrace Puppet Legion alone is enough to give anyone a headache! So, revenge *must* be exacted, but not now!"

Arthur nodded slowly. "Yes, keeping the hatred in our hearts is enough for now!"

Du Chen continued, "Currently, I'm investigating the disappearance of the Gods' remains and also need to uncover what our ancestor Wolf did after going to the Azure Heaven Continent... Furthermore, I still want Bog Island!"

Arthur looked slightly surprised, but didn't press Du Chen for why he wanted Bog Island. After a moment of thought, he said, "Leave the matters concerning ancestor Wolf after he went to Azure Heaven to me. You handle the Gods' remains. However, Bog Island is Seins's Darling..." Seeing Du Chen's confident smile, he also chuckled. "Go ahead and do it. My two hundred thousand troops will march north overnight. Just give me the word!"

A simple promise. That was enough!

Du Chen drained the last bottle of wine, shook out his robe, and stood up. "Many thanks! I should also go pay my respects to the Old Master of the Batuk Family!"

"Wait a moment!" Arthur suddenly lowered his head, his voice also hushed. "The things you just spoke of, can they remain strictly between us two? Especially, don't let my grandfather know!"

Du Chen asked curiously, "Although the Lionheart King had many dealings with your father, he is still a descendant of Wolf and Aro, after all. Why..."

"Sigh!" Arthur let out a desolate sigh. "As the rumors across the Three Continents say, the current Lionheart King truly is a toothless old lion now..."

Du Chen had heard this rumor countless times, and he had already received even more detailed information from the Holy Church's intelligence network – the Lionheart King's grand ambitions had been completely worn away by a woman! Arthur's words also confirmed the rumors Du Chen knew. "Anything my grandfather knows, that woman will also know. But I can't see through that woman's mind, so it's better to hide it from grandfather as well!"