After the war ended, the soldiers from various regions who had come to support Yanjing were supposed to return home, whether to fight or to farm. This was a very important matter, but the headquarters still needed to issue commendations. Rewards for the military were easier to handle; they would arrive sooner or later. However, for civilian forces, rewards had to be given immediately. This was to show their stance and acknowledge the contributions of local forces.
Thus, for the next few days, Yanjing City was abuzz with discussions about the reward distribution. Rewards were to be allocated based on the extent of contributions. The primary rewards were weapons and medicine. As for food, many regions were facing shortages, and there would be no food support as rewards.
Among these, the rewards for ability users were the most significant. For many days, the media had been relentlessly following and interviewing the ability users who participated in the decapitation operation, meticulously detailing the combat process and specifics. The public also held these ability users in high esteem, viewing them as great heroes who had saved Yanjing.
Following Chu Chaoyan's reminder, Shen Feng began to live a secluded life, spending his days reading in his quarters. He largely avoided reporters' interviews and was interviewed far less frequently.
Consequently, the media shifted their focus to the members of the Ability Administration Bureau, particularly Qin Kewei and Xiao Sheng. As the captain and vice-captain, they had directly participated in the decapitation operation, making them the most suitable individuals to recount the battle. Xiao Sheng was accommodating, readily accepting interviews and sharing his heroic tales over a cup of water.
The other members of the Ability Administration Bureau were similarly receptive, sharing their accounts of past events.
For a time, newspapers across the city were filled with the photographs of these great heroes, with new pictures appearing daily. Some even sought out the residences of Xiao Sheng and others, bringing flowers, chocolates, and even love letters. It was as if they had become the dream lovers of many young women.
Under these circumstances, the headquarters decided on the rewards for the ability users: the most esteemed honor, along with a sufficient amount of evolution base.
The headquarters selected ten individuals who had performed exceptionally in the decapitation operation, summoning them to headquarters to be awarded medals. They were also permitted to bestow titles upon themselves.
Shen Feng arrived at the Yanjing headquarters and, upon seeing Xiao Sheng and the others, couldn't help but ask, "What kind of titles do you all want? And isn't the headquarters being a bit stingy, only giving us medals and titles? Isn't that just empty glory?"
Xiao Sheng walked up to Shen Feng, clapped him on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "We receive what we're given. Don't get so worked up about it. Besides, honor is also good. Wherever you go, people will greet you warmly. As the saying goes, 'Why fear that the road ahead is without friends? Who in the world doesn't know you?'"
Shen Feng looked around and asked Xiao Sheng, "I heard you only handed over twenty-odd zombie king heads. What are you planning to do with the rest?"
Xiao Sheng quickly covered Shen Feng's mouth and scolded, "Are you trying to get yourself killed? Talking about this at headquarters, are you worried this matter won't be exposed?"
Shen Feng was displeased and pulled Xiao Sheng's hand away, saying, "What are you afraid of? This hall is empty. Who can eavesdrop under our noses? You're too timid!"
Xiao Sheng helplessly lowered his voice and told Shen Feng, "We plan to turn the remaining zombie king heads into ability potions, one for each person. Whether we sell them later or keep them for our relatives, it'll be a good choice."
Shen Feng nodded, understanding Xiao Sheng's intentions. These people were no longer entirely obedient. With the emergence of the Chosen Bureau, they too began to consider their own interests and wouldn't foolishly continue to follow their superiors' orders.
However, upon careful consideration, this was a reasonable choice. When superiors channel resources to competitors, they shouldn't be surprised when those below have opinions.
Among the ten people selected by headquarters were Shen Feng, Xiao Sheng, Jin Zijue, Qin Kewei, Yue Hengyi, Zhang Zi, Fang Qinghao, Chai Kefu, Lu Yizhen, and Zhang Jue. Except for Shen Feng, who was from the civilian force, the other nine were members of the Ability Administration Bureau.
Shen Feng himself was indifferent. He believed that Lu Xian and Yang Chang also wouldn't care about empty glory. In any case, they had obtained ten zombie king heads, which was substantial enough. An extra title or two wouldn't be of much help. It was more important to receive the headquarters' rewards as soon as possible and return to Yuzhou.
Soon, someone came to coordinate with them in the hall. It was a middle-aged man who said as he walked, "You ten heroes have finally arrived. Please be understanding. When you return, explain to your companions that it's not that the headquarters is stingy, but that they cannot commend everyone who participated in the decapitation operation. Selecting you ten is a last resort, as your merits are outstanding, allowing you to stand out from many excellent ability users!"
Xiao Sheng quickly responded, "How could we blame the headquarters? We have no complaints about the headquarters' rewards. Moreover, we are deeply honored to receive officially recognized medals and titles. From now on, we will surely unite around the headquarters and eliminate all enemies."
Xiao Sheng's reply was very official, so watertight that no fault could be found.
The middle-aged man took out a form from his person and handed it to everyone. "We've invited you here today to discuss your titles. Tomorrow, we will publicly award the medals and titles live on television. Please dress neatly. For such an occasion, you must exude your charisma."
Xiao Sheng took the form and readily agreed, "Alright, alright, we will definitely be dressed neatly tomorrow. As for my title, I'll call myself Zhurong. It's said he's the God of Fire, and I happen to use flames."
Jin Zijue also filled in his title, "As for me, my title will be Zeus."
Seeing how casually these two chose their titles, Shen Feng also relaxed. It seemed titles were just optional things. He took the form and wrote "Grass in the Wind." He actually wanted to write "God of Wind," but it felt a bit arrogant, so he changed it to a title with a simple meaning: "Strong winds reveal tough grass."
The most important point was that Shen Feng had enjoyed reading manga before, including Hong Kong comics. The title "God of Wind" had already been used by someone else. If he used it again, it would be considered plagiarism.
The remaining individuals also filled in their titles. They appeared nonchalant, but in reality, their chosen titles were more impressive than each other. Zhang Zi wrote "Ice Snow Queen," Qin Kewei wrote "Daughter of the Earth," Fang Qinghao wrote "Poseidon," Yue Hengyi wrote "Strongest Gravity," Chai Kefu wrote "Regenerating Prophet," Zhang Jue wrote "Fallen Angel," and finally, Lu Yizhen, who wrote something simple: "Heavenly Eye."
After finishing, they continued to tease each other. "Zhang Jue, why call yourself Fallen Angel? Why not just call yourself Birdman?"
"Nonsense. You guys can only play with water or fire, yet you dare to call yourselves Zhurong and Poseidon. That's true arrogance."
"I think Shen Feng's title is a bit too simple. What's so praiseworthy about a blade of grass?"
"Nonsense. In school, beautiful girls are called campus beauties, and men are called campus studs. How is that not good?"
"Then do you want to be a kept man?"
The group bickered and bantered in the headquarters hall, the atmosphere very cheerful. Unbeknownst to them, Gong Changfa, hidden in the shadows, was gritting his teeth, "Just you wait, your joy won't last long."
Gong Changfa looked at the group in the hall, filled with resentment. If the decapitation of the zombie kings had been carried out by his Chosen Bureau, then his side would be basking in glory. It was a pity that now he could only watch a bunch of country bumpkins reveling in their success.
There are people who don't care if they themselves are doing well, but they absolutely cannot stand to see others do better than them. Gong Changfa was undoubtedly one such person. Previously, he had tried every means to replace the Ability Administration Bureau and become an indispensable organization for the headquarters. Now, he was still planning to ambush the ten heroes in the hall.
After Shen Feng and the other nine received relevant training at headquarters and learned about the next day's conferment ceremony, they soon parted ways. Before leaving, Chai Kefu returned the small vial he wore around his neck to Shen Feng.
As Shen Feng left headquarters, he put on sunglasses and a mask, then wrapped a scarf around his neck. He didn't want to be targeted by a swarm of reporters as soon as he stepped out. It was better to keep a low profile for now.
Shen Feng walked along, swinging the small vial in his hand. He was still thinking if there was an opportunity to salvage meteorites from the sea. If he could salvage meteorites, wouldn't that provide enough extraterrestrial elements? Then, he could cultivate as many ability users as he wanted!
"Even if meteorites fall into the sea, to salvage them, we'll definitely need a boat. That's quite troublesome," Shen Feng muttered to himself.
Just then, a hoarse voice suddenly reached Shen Feng's ears, "Shen Feng, do you have time tonight?"
Shen Feng was startled. He hadn't expected to be recognized even after disguising himself like this. Turning his head, he realized he was passing by an alley, where a person in a black cloak stood, seemingly waiting for him for a long time.
"You... are you Mu Ying? You scared me. Next time you look for me, can you not be so startling?" Shen Feng recognized him. Mu Ying coming to find him now, could it be that he wanted Shen Feng to complete a mission?
Mu Ying repeated in his hoarse voice, "Shen Feng, do you have time tonight?"
Shen Feng quickly shook his head and said, "No time, no time. I have to attend the conferment ceremony tomorrow, and I need to prepare tonight. Do you need something?"
Shen Feng had accepted Mu Ying's gift, so he felt bad about just taking money and not doing anything. Thus, he wanted to ask what task he needed to do.
Mu Ying did not answer this question but continued to ask, "Then do you have time tomorrow night?"
Shen Feng thought carefully and replied, "I shouldn't have anything planned for tomorrow night."
Mu Ying seemed satisfied with this answer and nodded slightly, saying, "Then, how about this? I'll treat you to drinks tomorrow night. Please do me the honor. I'll book the hotel, and you'll be notified tomorrow. Also, tomorrow I will tell you what the mission is. After it's accomplished, there will be a gift as well."
Shen Feng nodded, understanding, and quickly said, "Alright, I understand. I'll be there on time tomorrow. Depending on the situation, I might bring one or two people along, as my alcohol tolerance isn't great, and they can carry me back."
Mu Ying nodded and said, "Yes, you can bring people to the banquet."
Upon returning to the military camp, Shen Feng began to select clothes for tomorrow. After all, it would be broadcast live on television, and people from all over the country and even the world would see him. How could he not dress impressively to live up to such a good opportunity?
In the past few days, Li Keyi had been sleeping in Shen Feng's tent. She had entered an evolutionary state and had been unconscious for five days. By her calculations, she should be waking up soon. Shen Feng, helpless, moved to another empty tent to live. He didn't want to take advantage of her situation.
There was another reason: Shen Feng wasn't exactly a gentleman either, but to avoid gossip, especially with Chu Chaoyan watching in the military camp, if any trouble arose, she wouldn't be someone to trifle with.
As for the person to help Shen Feng choose his attire, it naturally became Chu Chaoyan. After all, she was from a prominent family and had received a good education since childhood, possessing excellent taste and experience in selecting clothing.
Chu Chaoyan examined Shen Feng carefully, believing that a regular suit wouldn't showcase his true charisma. She paired him with a white shirt and straight, ankle-length trousers. Over the shirt, she added a black waistcoat, and on top of that, a wolf fur cloak. At first glance, Shen Feng appeared tall and sturdy. Coupled with his frequent combat, the shirt and waistcoat accentuated his firm physique. The cloak on the outside immediately exuded an aura of dominance.
Shen Feng felt a bit uncomfortable wearing the cloak; it felt strange. It wasn't quite a cape, nor was it a coat, seeming to exist solely for show.
However, Chu Chaoyan said, "Shen Feng, you must wear this tomorrow. Stand tall and don't crack a smile. When you walk onto the stage, flick your hand and throw open the wolf fur cloak. This will surely captivate thousands of young girls."
Shen Feng, having no other reference, reluctantly agreed to Chu Chaoyan's suggestion and decided to wear this outfit for the conferment ceremony.