Every time Chen Yuan returns to Ping'an County, his feelings differ, and this time, it's especially unique; previously, he has returned either as a government official or as a rising star in Jianghu.

But this time, he returns as the largest rebel king of the current world.

In other words, now Ping'an County is already his private domain, and half of the Central Plains is under his control, all these... are his subjects.

Chen Yuan's return to his ancestral home is naturally grand, with over ten thousand soldiers escorting, a majestic spectacle as far as the eye can see, young maids surrounding the royal chariot.

Tens of thousands of voices constantly echoed:

"Long live the Prince!"

"Long live the Prince!"

If it were an ordinary prince, the people daring to shout long live would certainly be guilty of a great crime, subject to family eradication, clan extermination, and exile, but for a rebel king like Chen Yuan.

Yet it was perfectly fitting.

It couldn't be considered a transgression, for the purpose of a rebel king is rebellion, aiming to sit on that throne called 'long live'.

Chen Yuan raised his hand, signaling those below him to rise; among those kneeling, he noticed many familiar faces: Zhao Nanshan, Wu Qingfeng, Wang Ping, and numerous old acquaintances.

"Rise!"

The accompanying subordinates shouted loudly.

Only then did Wang Ping and others dare to lift their heads to look at the figure above the royal chariot, seeming shrouded in a layer of blurred light, impossible to see clearly.

"Thank you, Prince!"

"Thank you, Prince!"

Chen Yuan stepped down from the chariot one step at a time, treading on air to stand before Wang Ping and others, even though it hadn't been long since their last meeting.

Yet it felt as if a long time had passed, and the relationship between them had undergone a vast change.

"Wu Qingfeng, greeting the Prince!"

"Old Zhao Nanshan, greeting the Prince!"

"Wang Ping, greeting the Prince!"

The few immediately saluted, Wang Ping and Zhao Nanshan's expressions remained calm, for they knew Chen Yuan's disposition well, even though his status had risen, creating a gap between them. His past deeds still proved he was someone who cherished old friendships, and he would not vent anger on them.

But Wu Qingfeng was different; he was very uneasy, having had only a mediocre relationship with Chen Yuan, merely giving him advice when he left Ping'an County.

Before, he even specifically targeted him; now, as a surrendering official, a mere word from him could strip Wu Qingfeng of his official position or even sentence him to death.

"Old Zhao, Wang Ping, still prefer to hear 'Brother Yuan' or 'Young Yuan'," Chen Yuan smiled faintly.

Wang Ping and Zhao Nanshan were momentarily stunned by Chen Yuan's words, then they too smiled; the Chen Yuan they remembered hadn't changed!

...

After the grand welcome ceremony, Chen Yuan, accompanied by Wang Ping and Zhao Nanshan, entered Ping'an County. He then issued an order to hold a banquet for three days on the streets of the four districts in Ping'an County.

All people and soldiers could enjoy it to their heart's content, immediately eliciting even greater cheers.

To the affluent families, meat was nothing special, they could even have the chance to eat food containing Spiritual Energy, but to the average folks, a chance to eat meat for free was quite rare.

And this was a common trick of those in power.

With a small price, it was enough to gather more people's hearts.

Outside, the banquet was lively, while Chen Yuan, Wang Ping, and Zhao Nanshan returned to the backyard of the Sanhe Boxing Club, drinking a few cups of wine, talking about past events.

Once upon a time, Chen Yuan was just a small constable in Ping'an County, gradually getting involved with Zhao Nanshan and coming to rely on him.

In his younger days, Zhao Nanshan helped him a lot, and he repaid him, not only avenging Zhao Nanshan by destroying the Dragon Tiger Sect, but also fetching the Black Fish Discontinuity Ointment to reconnect his meridians.

Now, Zhao Nanshan had regained his cultivation, even his gray hair had turned significantly darker, making him look younger.

Reflecting on the past, he spoke with relief, thankful for his ability to recognize talent back then, otherwise, he would have missed such a latent dragon as Chen Yuan, and would not have later received such return.

Wang Ping candidly exposed his secret, saying back then he cast a wide net, merely having the luck to encounter Chen Yuan, in fact, many had benefited from him.

Chen Yuan laughed heartily, teasing that Zhao Nanshan was an old fox.

The three of them chatted happily as if they had returned to the time years ago when he was a constable, a time when he often drank with Wang Ping.

Chen Yuan brought superior Spiritual Wine, not only strong in alcohol, but also rich in Spiritual Energy; after drinking a jar, Wang Ping and Zhao Nanshan, both Martial Artists of the Gang Condensation Realm, found the liquor too potent and slumped over the stone table.

Standing up, Chen Yuan surveyed the familiar scene, memories flooding his mind; he stood for a moment and then left the Sanhe Boxing Club, walking along the streets of Ping'an County.

At this moment, many soldiers were setting up tables in the street, countless common folks wore smiles long unseen on their faces.

But the commonality was that no one noticed Chen Yuan's presence.

He wandered aimlessly, while the memories sealed in his mind became clearer; it was not his first return, nor his first stroll on the street. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

But no time seemed to have felt like this.