Chen Yang lit a cigarette, gazing out the window.

In this life, one experiences great ups and downs. It's nothing to make a fuss about.

"Are you very sad?" Qin Qiu wriggled into Chen Yang's embrace.

He had fought for ten years. From a simple Martial Guard, he had advanced step by step to his current position, even being conferred the title of Zhennan Prince. How many could possibly understand the hardships he had endured, the blood and tears he had shed?

Now, without any warning, the order for his dismissal had been given. It is often said that life is full of disappointments. Great rises and falls are a normal part of life. But when it truly happens to you, how can you simply laugh it off? Even the most stoic person could not remain completely unaffected.

Chen Yang lowered his head, carefully brushed Qin Qiu's bangs aside, and tucked them behind her ear. "There's nothing to be sad about. A change of lifestyle could be nice."

"The most important thing is having you by my side."

Qin Qiu shook her head. "Although I want you to be with me forever, and I don't want to live in constant fear, those things are what you earned. No one has the right to take them away."

Chen Yang held Qin Qiu tightly, looking out at the bright sunshine through the window, and said no more.

After breakfast, Chen Yang told Qin Qiu he was leaving, then turned and called out, "Yang Hu, prepare the car."

There was no response. In the empty courtyard, only a gentle spring breeze stirred.

Chen Yang shook his head with a smile and walked toward the business van by himself.

Yang Hu, the man who had shared life and death with him for years, his constant shadow, was gone.

I hope you can find the love of your life, too.

Starting the car, he smiled. "A handsome man like you shouldn't have trouble finding a wife, right?"

"I'll wait for you to come back for dinner," Qin Qiu said, waving from the doorway.

According to his original plan, Chen Yang was supposed to visit the Elders' Court. Now, however, it seemed unnecessary. Things had already come to this. There was nothing left to say, and no need for pretense.

Turning the car around, Chen Yang headed to an external affairs office established by the Martial Department. This office, besides handling routine inquiries and recruitment, was also responsible for processing retirements for veteran Martial Guards.

The March wind was warm and soothing. Basking in the spring breeze was enough to make one drowsy. Seeing the crowded office, Chen Yang's lips curled into a slight smile.

There are always so many people eager to join the military and defend the country.

After he told the clerk at the window that he wanted to retire from service, the other people there to enlist all shot him surprised glances.

Retiring at such a prime age?

"I'd bet this guy is from logistics, probably a cook," a young man named Wang Shan commented, acting as if he had it all figured out. "He likely didn't have the guts to apply for the front lines or the ability to get promoted, so he had no choice but to retire."

His words earned nods of agreement from many others. Anyone who joined the Martial Department was expected to go to the front lines; a real man should be eager to face the enemy. And this man, so clean and neat, clearly wasn't cut out for that.

Consequently, many in the crowd began to snicker. Although they hadn't yet joined the Martial Department, they all aspired to go to the front lines. Naturally, they looked down on this man who so obviously seemed to be from logistics.

Wang Shan sauntered over with a smirk. "Hey buddy, which unit were you with?"

As he spoke, he raised his hand, apparently intending to clap Chen Yang on the shoulder.

Chen Yang took a subtle step aside, evading the hand. He ignored Wang Shan completely and pushed all his documents through the window slot.

"Whoa, pretty arrogant, aren't you!" Wang Shan chuckled, not taking offense. He continued cheerfully, "Looking at you, I bet you've never seen a real battlefield, right? Well, I'm definitely going to the front lines. I hope I get assigned to the Hanyun Valley Martial Guard!"

"Even though the Hanyun Valley Martial Guard isn't what it used to be, the Nine Gates Admiral is my idol. It'd be a dream come true."

Chen Yang's entire body trembled slightly.

He's right. With so many people gone from the Hanyun Valley Martial Guard, they'll certainly need a large number of new recruits.

The clerk at the window glanced at Chen Yang. "Take off your shirt. If you have any irreversible injuries, you'll be eligible for compensation."

Chen Yang knew the regulations. Without any hesitation, he took off his casual shirt right there in front of everyone.

"This guy must be some kind of pale weakling, right?"

"That's what they say about the guys in logistics."

The surrounding crowd watched with jeering smiles. In their minds, a Martial Guard was supposed to be a mass of toned muscle; anything less was a disgrace.

Yet, when Chen Yang's bronze-skinned upper body was revealed, the mocking laughter died instantly. Everyone stared, wide-eyed and speechless.

"This... this..."

"Who in the world is this guy?"

HISS!

A chorus of sharply inhaled breaths filled the air.

Wang Shan, in particular, who had been sneering just moments before, now stood frozen. His expression of utter shock and horror slowly gave way to one of profound respect. He subconsciously stumbled back several paces.

Clearly visible on the man's body were dozens of scars, large and small. There were jagged wounds from blades, but most were from gunshots. The sight was shocking, enough to make one's blood run cold.

No one could imagine what kind of hellish firefights this man must have endured to be left with so many injuries.

Logistics? A cook?

This was a true soldier!

The staff member processing the paperwork saw the Great Seal and shot to his feet. He subconsciously raised his hand to his forehead, stammering with reverence, "Ad-Admiral, sir!"

The already silent hall fell completely still. The people around them stood frozen, like statues.

It turned out... he was the Nine Gates Admiral.

In an instant, everyone straightened up, their faces filled with solemn respect. Their eyes shone with awe.

"Salute!" someone shouted.

SWISH.

In unison, everyone raised a hand to their forehead, their gazes intense, their breathing heavy.

This was a War God, a true hero.

"I'm not anymore," Chen Yang said with a shake of his head and a small smile, slowly putting his shirt back on.

"You're all good men." Saying this, he patted Wang Shan's shoulder and walked out of the office under the watch of dozens of fervent gazes.

「Half an hour later. Elders' Court, Council Hall.」

Looking at the general's uniform, the Great Seal, and the nine general's stars laid out on the table, Wu Xing and Jin Zheng were both silent, their hearts filled with emotion.

Standing in the foremost position, the Great Elder clasped his hands behind his back. He shook his head with a light chuckle. "Does he have to be in such a hurry? Is his grudge really so deep that he won't even visit the Elders' Court?"

Wu Xing said nothing, simply turning to leave.

Jin Zheng read through the letter Chen Yang had left, then threw it in front of the Great Elder. As he turned to leave, he said slowly, "Where water flows, it leaves a trace. Even if you try to fix things afterward, perhaps they can never go back to the way they were."

The Great Elder clutched the letter, which read, "Regardless of the outcome, right or wrong, merit or fault—all are fleeting. I only wish for a world without conflict, a world with no more war." He stared out the window, silent for a long time.

「Shortly after.」

A notice from the Inner Court was broadcast on television, announcing to the entire nation: The Nine Gates Admiral, the Zhennan Prince, had retired from service.

One could still recall the television broadcast from just a few months ago that had announced the birth of the Nine Gates Admiral. Who could have predicted that this prince would step down so quickly?

「At the same time.」

The remaining members of the former Hanyun Valley Martial Guard all chose to retire from service.

This wasn't a rash decision or an act of pique. Ultimately, we are his men. Without him, our spirit is gone. What's the point of staying? If the day ever comes when you reclaim your throne, we will rush to your aid from a thousand miles away.

「...」

「Mountains Rivers Villa.」

Qin Qiu, having returned from grocery shopping, was in the courtyard watering the flowers. The former corporate CEO had transformed into the very picture of a perfect housewife. And Qin Qiu cherished it.

CREAK.

The courtyard gate was suddenly pushed open.

Qin Qiu assumed it was Qin Mo and Qin Gang returning, but the person who appeared before her was a strange young man.

The man was about thirty-one or thirty-two, radiating confidence. After a sweeping glance around the courtyard, his narrow, triangular eyes fixed on Qin Qiu. He nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad at all."

"Who are you?" Qin Qiu frowned, asking warily.

"My name is Guo Yang," the man introduced himself, then asked, "Is Su Ling here?"

"He's not here."

Guo Yang nodded. He pulled a business card from his shirt pocket and, with a flick of his fingers, sent it fluttering to Qin Qiu's feet. "There's a cocktail party tonight. You must be there."

Qin Qiu was speechless.

"Oh, right. I hear you have a female companion? Remember to bring her along."

"The address is on the card."

Guo Yang turned with a flourish. Raising a hand, he made a gesture. "Remember, seven o'clock tonight."

"If you dare not to show, I'll just have to send people to come and get you."

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