Chapter 83: The Empress of Great Tang Pays Her Respects to the Human Emperor

"The plane is here!"
"The boarding stairs are in place!"
"The cabin door is open!"

Cameras flashed wildly.

Lin Fan, whose body had only just begun to recover, walked off the plane in a daze. He truly hadn't expected such a grand reception! For a moment, Lin Fan felt embarrassed to step off the aircraft.

"Old Jin, did you arrange this?" Standing at the entrance of the cabin, Lin Fan turned to Old Jin, utterly bewildered.

Old Jin chuckled, "Isn't this a surprise for you?"

Seeing Lin Fan's conflicted expression, Old Jin patted his shoulder. "This time, you've rendered great service to Daxia. You deserve this honor!"

Lin Fan nodded helplessly, cradling the Phoenix Cloak, and took a deep breath.

The instant he stepped onto the boarding stairs, the flash of cameras was so intense he could barely keep his eyes open, yet he maintained a gentle smile as he slowly walked out.

Behind him, the members of the Godslayer Army's First Squad followed.

At this moment,

Lin Fan's face appeared on screens everywhere!

"Is that him?"

"He looks familiar... Wait, isn't that—"

"Don't you remember? That's the commander, the one who slew the general with a single blade!"

"My god, it really is him."

"This legend was a high school student before? Killing the general was impressive enough, but now he's brought back a national treasure..."

"Wait, does he look injured? And those behind him—are they from the Godslayer Army's First Squad? They seem wounded too!"

"That guy's arm is broken and bandaged—could it be..."

"They must have fought their way out!"

All of Daxia's viewers suddenly realized that Lin Fan and his team bore wounds. Gongshu Ming's left arm was even severed at the root, wrapped in fresh bandages—a clear sign it had only just been cut!

They must have battled fiercely to return!

Everyone watching guessed the truth: the return of the treasure was far less simple than imagined!

Some instantly recalled the inexplicable accusations from the Free Nation against Daxia not long ago.

"I think I understand now... Lin Fan is truly fierce!"

"A real powerhouse!"

"Why are you still calling him Lin Fan? He's the Commander-in-Chief now, Daxia's Grand Marshal—call him Commander Lin!"

The barrage of comments swept across the screen, all echoing: "Commander Lin, fierce!" or "Salute to Commander Lin!"

Under everyone's gaze, Lin Fan, holding the Phoenix Cloak, walked the red carpet toward the National Seat.

The National Seat smiled gently.

The cameras focused on Lin Fan and the Phoenix Cloak, especially giving the cloak a close-up.

Exquisite, delicate, and soft.

Despite countless years, it remained as brilliant as new, its blood-red hue captivating!

The gilded phoenix on it spread its wings, as if ready to sing, its eyes like flowing flames!

"The craftsmanship is extraordinary!"

"This is truly Daxia's national treasure!"

"Commander Lin, incredible!"

On the livestream, comments flooded the screen.

Beside the National Seat, Chen Yan led a group of researchers and specially invited historians, all breathing heavily in excitement.

"Old Chen, this—this can't be fake, right?" a researcher asked in disbelief. "How does it look brand new?"

Before Old Chen could answer, a historian glared at the man, almost ready to slap him if not for the occasion.

"You study biology, what do you know!"

"This is a national treasure!"

"Our ancestors' craftsmanship—hundreds of years are nothing. If properly preserved, it would remain pristine for thousands!"

"A national treasure, absolutely!"

Several historians spoke with trembling voices, "Beyond its scientific value, its cultural significance makes it truly a national treasure!"

Lin Fan, holding the Phoenix Cloak, stopped before the National Seat.

Looking at the smiling elder before him, Lin Fan stood tall and declared loudly, "Reporting to the National Seat: I have fulfilled my mission. The national treasure, the Empress’s Phoenix Cloak, has returned to Daxia today!"

His voice echoed across the land.

At that very moment,

The Empress’s Phoenix Cloak suddenly glowed, streams of flame surging forth, transforming into a phoenix!

A hundred-meter phoenix!

Its blazing flames illuminated the sky!

The phoenix spread its wings, letting out a clear cry that pierced the clouds!

Lin Fan, the National Seat, and everyone present were stunned by this sudden phenomenon.

And it was all captured by the cameras.

The comment section exploded!

"My god, a phoenix!"

"Does the livestream have these kinds of special effects now?"

"Special effects? No way—I live nearby, saw it from my window! This is real!"

"The national treasure reveals its spirit—the Phoenix blesses Daxia!"

"A good omen! A great omen!"

"Wait, wasn’t the livestream at Jingzhou Airport? How come I feel like I heard it from Nangguang?"

This near-mythical scene sent ripples through everyone's hearts!

In Jingzhou, Daxia, the phoenix sang!

Its clear, resonant cry seemed to carry boundless power, audible throughout Daxia!

The National Seat’s face changed.

As the National Seat, entrusted with the nation's fortune,

Though a mortal, he could see what others could not.

At the instant of the phoenix's cry, he clearly witnessed a phoenix of destiny, coiled around the Phoenix Cloak, spreading its wings and soaring, diving as if into the embrace of a colossal lion, merging within!

That lion was Daxia’s national fortune!

The towering lion roared, growing stronger, leaping from twenty-eight thousand feet to thirty thousand!

A thirty-thousand-foot lion.

Thirty-thousand-foot national fortune!

"Lin Fan, you are Daxia’s hero!" The National Seat looked at Lin Fan with heartfelt emotion, patting his shoulder. "The supreme treasure has returned—Daxia’s fortune will henceforth flourish!"

National fortune will flourish!

This was spoken by the National Seat himself!

Immediately, all those who had come to greet the arrival shouted in unison, "From this day forth, Daxia’s fortune will flourish!"

The comment section frantically echoed the phrase:

"From this day forth, Daxia’s fortune will flourish!"

The thirty-thousand-foot lion roared skyward.

Yet, in the next moment,

Something even more astonishing occurred.

The flaming phoenix, after its cry, did not dissipate.

Instead, it descended, its flames swirling, and the Phoenix Cloak in Lin Fan’s hands moved without wind, merging into the fire.

In the next instant,

A woman’s figure emerged from the flames.

Elegant and regal!

Majestic without anger!

Her graceful form was supremely beautiful, yet none dared harbor impure thoughts. Her flawless face bore a commanding aura that could rule the world!

The woman walked toward the National Seat.

"Be careful, National Seat..." Two staff members immediately stepped forward to intercept her, but the National Seat waved them aside.

The old man looked at the woman draped in the Phoenix Robe, his eyes complex, as if he understood something.

The woman stopped before the National Seat, scrutinizing him for a few seconds before suddenly asking, "Are you the Human Sovereign of Daxia now?"

Her voice rang like a phoenix's song.

"Daxia has no emperor now," the elder replied with a smile. "I am simply a Daxia citizen who has devoted his life to the nation."

"No emperor?" The woman was slightly taken aback. She glanced around at the familiar yet strange homeland, smiled, and said, "Much has changed, but... Daxia now is very good. I like it very much."

The National Seat looked at her, surmising, "You are..."

"I am the Empress of the Great Tang, Daxia’s Guardian Vermilion Bird, Wu Zetian. Greetings, Human Sovereign."