Abyss Summoner-Chapter 214 - 209: Buried Memories

Evening.

In a banquet hall specially built by Feng Zhiyong, countless dignitaries and doomsday socialites dined together. The atmosphere was truly heated, filling a total of twenty tables!

The bright red menu was written in vertical traditional script, bound with golden thread, giving it a unique feel when unfurled. Numerous ingredients, long out of circulation outside, were neatly arranged on the tables.

Any single dish on this table could cause a bloody riot if taken out to the streets, and if the whole table were set outside, it would be no surprise if a riot broke out.

It was also a way to welcome the hero's return.

However, unlike the frugal roar of the daytime, this celebration could be called luxurious.

Those seated here were not the genuine wealthy or high officials of the past, but adventurers! In peaceful times, some might have been workers or farmers, never dreaming of attending such a luxurious gathering, but the apocalypse and the awakening of superpowers changed their futures and their statuses drastically.

Their past inferiority became today's pride as they talked, laughed, and ate, sweeping away humble pasts to become the most powerful group in Eastern Bridge.

The luxurious food and beautiful banquet, things that shouldn't exist in this era, contrasted sharply with the starving humans outside the streets.

Yet they felt no guilt, laughing loudly, believing such corruption and decay were justified because they possessed power completely different from those ants.

Besides these fine foods, bottles of expensive liquor were placed on the table.

In the apocalypse, for some drinkers, liquor was more precious than food.

Chen Feng did not raise his glass.

He always believed that alcohol was the culprit that numbed people's minds. In the apocalypse, he needed to keep his mind clear, so he abstained entirely.

At this moment, Chen Feng sat calmly at the forefront table. Everyone at this table were top figures of the pro-war faction, including Zhou Xian, Tian Xuefeng, Feng Zhiyong, and so on...

"Chen Feng, seeing you again today fills me with emotion. No matter what, I must thank you," Feng Zhiyong looked at Chen Feng, stood up from his chair, and said softly.

Who was Feng Zhiyong?

The leader of the pro-war faction, though an ordinary person, held a deep bond with the people, surrounded by highly capable individuals.

"No need for thanks, the situation came suddenly that day, and I was just fulfilling my duty." Seeing Feng Zhiyong's calm demeanor, Chen Feng remained unmoved and unflustered.

Although Feng Zhiyong's influence was immense, Chen Feng now wielded an entire Order, making their positions equally matched.

In a world where strength ruled, who cared about identity or status?

While Chen Feng was pondering about Feng Zhiyong, the latter was also observing Chen Feng. Feng Zhiyong, master of the pro-war faction's destiny of tens of thousands, had long developed a calm and steady heart.

However, knowing the unification of the Economic Development Zone was achieved by his former savior stirred his heart somewhat.

The once stern young man had grown into someone who could stand beside him, an upheaval that felt like a dream to Feng Zhiyong.

Chen Feng.

He now represented not only himself but a vast power. If an alliance could be formed, the conservatives might not act so wantonly.

However, such matters could not be openly discussed; it needed to be a private secret.

Feng Zhiyong shifted his gaze from Chen Feng and looked into the distance.

Today, Chen Feng was not the star of the event. For the entire Eastern Bridge New City, the purpose of today's banquet was solely to welcome the triumphant return of the army of tigers and wolves.

Outside the building, a neat legion stood fiercely on the massive streets, escorting countless insects.

On both sides of the street, the elite of the troops stood solemnly, their faces marked with seriousness.

Behind them, the idle survivors roared like an avalanche, and the cold wind turned scorching.

Xu Hongzhuang walked in front, showcasing the trophies from the hunting trip, including the slain exotic beasts and insects, as well as a massive living creature bound in chains dragged by dozens of strong men.

Titan Giant Insect.

This enormous insect, as big as an elephant, was covered in fat, with a pair of insect eyes glaring malevolently ahead, glittering with a human-like gleam.

This insect once hid in the Western Bridge Earth Realm, possessing a super fertility rate, birthing dozens of larvae daily. During the apocalypse, its offspring fed exclusively on humans, with over three thousand dying directly or indirectly by its hand!

Terrifying numbers!

This insect occupies Bridge West and has made a market its nest. In the past, Bridge East attempted several strong offensives, but they were scattered by the insect and even lost over a hundred elite warriors.

This time, Xu Hongzhuang was tasked with exterminating it. Indeed, she lived up to expectations, and in just half a month, she uprooted it, with the team skillfully cooperating to slaughter over a thousand larvae and even capturing the Insect Mother alive.

Flowers, meat, wine, and music lined the way from the entrance to the banquet hall, allowing these triumphant warriors to indulge at their leisure. However, not one member of the team fell behind to eat and drink, silently proceeding forward, adding to their imposing momentum.

Xu Hongzhuang walked at the forefront of the crowd, with the Holy Beast supporting her, exuding an aura of purity and beauty beyond imagination.

"Plop..."

Reaching the entrance, Xu Hongzhuang dismounted gracefully from her horse and stood tall at the gate.

Before Xu Hongzhuang entered the venue, Feng Zhiyong had already left his seat and approached the door. In Bridge East, there were fewer than five people who could warrant such treatment from him.

The banquet fell silent, professionals stared at this proud Martial Goddess, unsure how to express themselves. Even Zhou Xian and other elites felt dazzled, as Xu Hongzhuang's achievements at such a young age created complex emotions they couldn't articulate.

Bam!

A gunshot rang out, and Feng Zhiyong rose directly, saying, "Xu Hongzhuang has lived up to expectations, slaying monsters and capturing the Insect Mother alive. This is an earth-shattering accomplishment! Today, not only do I reward all soldiers involved in the battle, but I also have an important announcement: from today, Xu Hongzhuang is appointed to the rank of Major!"

Upon his order, all soldiers outside immediately fired a salvo in salute, even the clouds were seemingly dispelled by the murderous aura, disappearing without a trace.

A grand welcoming ceremony had truly come to a close at this moment.

"Hongzhuang, it's been a tiring journey, today you must have a good meal," Feng Zhiyong looked at Xu Hongzhuang, a hint of warmth in his eyes.

This was no false affection of a higher-up; it was a genuine expression. The pro-war faction was currently in decline compared to the conservative faction, an undeniable reality.

Amid such circumstances, some long-standing followers of Feng Zhiyong were swayed and defected to the conservative side, but Xu Hongzhuang, a peerless talent, remained unwaveringly loyal, with no ill intentions towards Feng Zhiyong or the entire pro-war faction. It is precisely because of this that Feng Zhiyong took special care of Xu Hongzhuang, going to great lengths to cultivate her into a rising star using vast resources!

But at this moment, Xu Hongzhuang shook her head, "Colonel, I won't be attending the banquet. The journey was quite taxing, and I'd like to return and rest early."

Throughout her journey, the tension in Xu Hongzhuang's heart not only persisted but increased. She felt anxious, only wanting to rest quickly.

However, Feng Zhiyong gained interest, loudly saying, "Hongzhuang, rest is not urgent. I will introduce you to a remarkable talent. You're of similar age and both of unparalleled genius. Come with me."

Feng Zhiyong gave no chance for Xu Hongzhuang to refuse, striding toward the main table. Xu Hongzhuang found it hard to decline and could only follow.

Xu Hongzhuang absent-mindedly followed, having reached such a position where interpersonal relationships were no longer important. Her heart held only one obsession: vengeance for her family, for all those killed by monsters!

Walking unhurriedly forward, she ignored the reverent and covetous glances cast her way. She was stunningly beautiful and never short of admirers.

But her heart was filled with hatred and she wouldn't let romantic distractions affect her advancement. Despite having suitors, she never accepted anyone.

"Hongzhuang, this is the talent I wanted to introduce to you: the commander of the Economic Development Zone, Chen Feng, Lieutenant Chen!" Feng Zhiyong's sudden introduction sounded in Xu Hongzhuang's ear.

She raised her head, maintaining a facade of casual interest. But in the next moment, her complexion changed drastically, her tender body trembling slightly.

A face, one she could never forget, appeared in front of her.

Xu Hongzhuang's pupils constricted, narrowing to a slit. This face, she could never erase from her memory, the culprit awakening her from nightmares countless days and nights.

Why...

Is he here?

"We seem to have met somewhere before..."

The man spoke calmly, his face composed, gazing at the girl with interest.

Xu Hongzhuang felt herself sweating, a woman who showed no fear even when facing Titan Giant Insects, now resembled a thief caught red-handed, trembling slightly. Hidden memories of humiliation surged over her like a flood.

"Master..."

The seeds buried in her heart took root at this moment. She sorrowfully realized she didn't even know his name, only vaguely recalling those burning words whispered in her ear.

"From now on, you are my personal possession..."