Sailorpes chose to ignore the matter concerning the song actor. Although she had heard about it, her only concern now was the severity of Xiao Xun's injuries, and she insisted that if he hadn't given her his safety vest, he wouldn't have been so seriously hurt.
The Deep Sea Legion had plundered vast amounts of wealth, recruited many talented individuals, and obtained numerous treasures.
Among these was the Spear of Lonas, a deep crimson double-edged spear, which the King of Arrogance had yearned for.
Upon receiving Sailorpes's report of her return, Xiao Xun immediately instructed the flying squad to prepare a helicopter.
He struggled with the decision of whether to bring Salophini back with him. If he did, he genuinely had no idea how to introduce her to Sailorpes.
While such a situation might be considered normal in this world, in another world, especially in his own country, it would be deemed immoral and irresponsible.
Furthermore, the Empress was an absolute strong woman in the other world. She would certainly not permit a polygamous relationship, let alone her being the empress of this world, where such a display would cause significant embarrassment.
However, if he left her here alone, he felt an unbearable pang of guilt. After all, this was a time of war and conflict, and this parting might very well be their last.
As Xiao Xun pondered his dilemma, Salophini said to him, "You should go back with peace of mind. I can manage here on my own."
Seeing Salophini's understanding nature, Xiao Xun felt even more reluctant to leave her.
Xiao Xun pushed Salophini into the helicopter, thinking to himself, "Whatever happens, happens. I'll just blame Duke Sancho for it. It was his doing anyway."
The magic stone's energy was limited. Although its range was more cost-effective and convenient than refueling, its flying altitude and speed were severely restricted.
Besides the pilot, it could only carry two to three additional passengers, depending on their weight. Any extra weight would prevent it from taking off. If there were more people, carrying luggage was out of the question.
Bai Yang and the pilot sat in the front, while Xiao Xun and Salophini occupied the rear seats.
He left the two armored corps and the flying squad with Duke Sancho. The remaining Phoenix Army was led by Delvana as they marched towards the capital of Saint Roman.
The soldiers of the Phoenix Army were exhilarated upon hearing the news, as they were finally returning home.
However, they were also apprehensive, knowing that the order to return meant their homeland had suffered a severe blow from the enemy.
They all wished for the safety and well-being of their elders and children at home. Thus, without any prompting from Delvana, they marched at a brisk pace, no slower than four-wheeled chariots.
Xiao Xun, seated in the magic helicopter, could accurately feel the magic stone continuously supplying energy to the helicopter's specially designed propulsion and transmission systems.
They departed during the day, and by the time they reached their destination, it was already evening.
Due to the special factory markings on the helicopter, the vigilant guards at the city gate did not intercept them.
After all, such aircraft were unique to Saint Roman, and their occupants were not ordinary individuals.
The pilot asked Xiao Xun, "Shall we land directly at Her Majesty's castle?"
A helipad had been constructed in the castle gardens specifically by Sailorpes's order, to make things more convenient for Xiao Xun upon his return.
Xiao Xun declined, instructing the pilot to fly to the military academy instead.
The pilot complied without questioning the reason.
The helicopter landed slowly at the military academy. It was the time for the students' evening study sessions, and upon hearing the rotor blades, they all craned their necks to peer out.
Seeing Duke Swain, they all cheered enthusiastically and tipped their hats in salute.
Witnessing this, Xiao Xun also removed his military cap and returned the salute with a raised hand.
The commotion alerted Lorgerd, who was in his office. He was overjoyed to see Swain appear before him unharmed, as he had heard reports of serious injuries at the front lines and had been deeply worried.
Seeing him standing before him, full of vigor, Lorgerd rushed forward and greeted Xiao Xun with the military academy's unique salute.
Xiao Xun inquired about the recent situation at the academy. As Lorgerd spoke, his gaze was drawn to the beautiful woman descending from the helicopter. Even in the capital, he had never seen such a stunning woman.
Although it was already dark, her features were as radiant and dazzling as the stars twinkling in the sky.
"Who is this?"
Xiao Xun did not answer Lorgerd's question. Instead, he told Bai Yang, "Take her to the Palace of Virgo in the Twelve Palaces of Time and Space and arrange for her to stay there temporarily. After you've settled her in, come find me here."
Bai Yang nodded in agreement, waved his hand, and with a hexagonal formation, he and Salophini vanished from the spot.
Then, Xiao Xun turned to Lorgerd and asked, "What were you asking?"
Lorgerd snapped back to attention, his old face blushing, and quickly replied, "Nothing, nothing."
Xiao Xun asked Lorgerd to show him around the academy and observe the students' studies and living conditions.
Upon hearing that the dean was coming to inspect, every class stood at attention, feeling as though they were sitting on pins and needles in their classrooms, a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
They were excited to see their idol, but nervous about what would happen if their idol asked them a question they couldn't answer, or if their performance was unsatisfactory.
Lorgerd, the acting dean, was also known for his strictness. Under his management, the entire military academy had achieved true military-style discipline.
After settling Salophini, Bai Yang returned to Xiao Xun's side and whispered, "Salophini said she has a house in the capital of Saint Roman."
Xiao Xun looked at Bai Yang and asked, "And then?"
"Nothing else. I was just repeating what she said. She's still in the Palace of Time and Space at the moment."
Xiao Xun waved his hand dismissively, deciding not to dwell on the troublesome matter. "Alright, let's leave it at that for now. We can discuss it later."
He then said to Lorgerd, "I won't be looking at anything else. Her Majesty is waiting for me, so I'll be heading back."
Lorgerd quickly bid him farewell, feeling that his own send-off was not grand enough. He organized the entire faculty and student body to come out and bid farewell to the former dean, the glory of the empire.
Mu Jiahe hadn't expected Xiao Xun to return at this time. She was lying in her bedroom, preparing to return to her original world.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Xun suddenly pushed open the bedroom door, giving her a pleasant surprise.
Mu Jiahe stood up and rushed from the bedside, embracing him tightly. "When did you arrive?"
"Just got back a moment ago. I went to the military academy first."
Nestled in Xiao Xun's arms, Mu Jiahe acted shyly. "You didn't even let me know in advance that you were coming back."
Xiao Xun gently stroked Mu Jiahe's hair. "How could I let you know in advance? The moment I received your command, I rushed over without delay."
"I heard you were injured and was terribly worried. Are you alright?"
Xiao Xun spread his arms wide. "See? I'm standing right here in front of you. This is a magical world. A minor injury is nothing to worry about."
Mu Jiahe began to undress Xiao Xun and snapped her fingers towards the fireplace. The fire in the fireplace immediately flared up.
Xiao Xun did not resist, allowing Mu Jiahe to remove his clothes. She gently caressed the shocking scars on his body, especially the one on his abdomen, which looked like a colossal earthworm.
Mu Jiahe was heartbroken. "How did you get all these?"
Upon mentioning this, Xiao Xun appeared nonchalant. "Oh, just forget it. The Heavenly Calamity Legion found some people who used some future weapons, and one shot came our way. I couldn't teleport away, so this is how I ended up."