"It actually worked..."
The young man murmured a gasp of surprise, his expression somewhat complicated.
There was relief, emotion, and even a sense of liberation.
The energy fluctuations that had been dormant due to the depletion of his bodily organs were now released from their seal and surged forth within him once more!
That powerful energy was sharp and pure, carrying a sense of innate superiority!
He felt the new changes within his body, as if everything was reborn.
As his senses returned along with his strength, the young man immediately sensed something and abruptly looked up.
His sharp gaze shot towards the doorway like a beam of light!
When his gaze was completely fixed on Li Yu's calm face at the door, his eyes suddenly narrowed and his pupils contracted slightly.
The next second, something completely unexpected happened—
He disregarded the fact that his hospital gown barely covered his body and walked unsteadily toward Li Yu.
He then stood still in front of Li Yu, straightened his body which had not yet fully recovered, and gave Li Yu a military salute in the unique style of the Jincheng Military Headquarters, his movements crisp and clean.
"Zhao Dezheng of the Zhao family of Jincheng greets the Tenth Star Lord."
A clear and powerful voice echoed in the quiet room.
"Zhao Dezheng?!"
The Hei brothers gasped almost simultaneously, their eyes fixed on the young man who was saluting.
Shock, realization, and disbelief were mixed on their faces.
It really was Zhao Dezheng!
The Zhao family's son is said to be exceptionally talented and brilliant.
However, he was envied by the heavens for his talent, and was born weak and suffered from a strange hidden illness, a "regret" that even the Zhao family could not undo despite their best efforts!
He was also the younger brother of General Zhao Deyang of Zhongzhou, who was twenty years younger than him, yet was deeply loved and expected by the entire family!
Based on his age, Zhao Dezheng should be in his thirties now.
But in reality, he still looks like a young man in his early twenties.
Although he looked weak and his complexion was pale from a long illness, his features were still handsome and there were few signs of aging between his eyebrows and eyes.
This might be a characteristic of Zhao Dezheng as a born Awakener, but he looks too young, which only adds to his mystery.
It is important to know that Zhao Dezheng is not only a born awakener, but also possesses enviable supernatural talents and unique energy characteristics.
He is also the son of the Zhao family patriarch, who had him late in life and cherished him as a treasure.
From a young age, he was given high expectations and received even more resources than his brother Zhao Deyang.
The Zhao family even once believed that, given time, the Zhao family might produce a marshal-level giant due to Zhao Dezheng's talent!
This truly laid the foundation for the family's enduring prosperity for over a century!
Unfortunately, Zhao Dezheng had a congenital defect in his body, and he was weak and sickly from childhood, with his vital organs gradually failing.
Because of his physical condition, no matter how talented he was, he was ultimately held back by his dilapidated body. He possessed powerful abilities, but his body could not bear the energy that matched them, as if he were cursed.
Otherwise, with the special training provided by the Zhao family, the Central Plains Military Command would probably have had more than just Zhao Deyang as a general, but rather a family with two generals or even more!
Rumor has it that Zhao Dezheng has been living a secluded life for many years due to his declining health, recuperating in the core area of Jincheng and almost never appearing in public.
Given his deteriorating health, it was widely believed that he wouldn't last much longer, and the Zhao family might soon face the tragedy of parents burying their children.
Unexpectedly, this Zhao family prodigy, who was already terminally ill and on the verge of death, appeared at the remote stronghold of Changshengmen and had just completed a transplant.
Thinking of this, the Hei brothers suddenly understood, and many clues from before instantly connected.
No wonder Zhao Jianan, a powerful figure from the older generation of the Zhao family, would appear at the Changshengmen stronghold and take a tough stance to help protect it.
No wonder the Longevity Sect can operate so brazenly here!
Now everything has an answer.
In order to prolong the life of the older generation Zhao Jianan, and also to help this "prodigy" who was regarded as the future of the family but whose life was not long, recover.
The Zhao family was indeed involved and reached some kind of deep deal with the Changsheng Sect!
As Zhao Dezheng's body gradually adapted to the new organs, the previously stagnant energy within his body suddenly began to circulate smoothly, and a special aura belonging to a naturally awakened person began to slowly emanate.
The three Hei brothers tensed up instantly, as if facing a formidable enemy, fearing that Zhao Dezheng might suddenly attack.
It should be noted that even before Zhao Dezheng fell seriously ill, he was already a formidable opponent among his generation.
Now that internal organs have "recovered," the threat they pose is immeasurable!
Now, Zhao Dezheng no longer appears to be on the verge of death.
Beneath his pale face lay a surging vitality, and his unsteady steps quickly became steady.
Compared to his previous frail physical condition, the difference is now like night and day. It seems that his body has perfectly adapted to the new organs and is beginning to recover rapidly!
Li Yu's gaze fell on Zhao Dezheng, his aura carrying a natural pressure, and he calmly spoke:
"You know me."
"Yes." Zhao Dezheng lowered his salute, maintaining a respectful posture, his eyes open and clear, looking directly at Li Yu without flinching.
“Tenth Star Lord Li Yu, although I was bedridden and rarely came into contact with the outside world, I had long heard of your name and deeds, and even admired you.”
Li Yu nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the newly healed marks on his body and the energy circulation flowing within him, though the imperfections of the adaptation phase were still evident.
Zhao Dezheng...
Li Yu silently recited the somewhat familiar name in his mind, and combined it with the shocked reaction of the Hei brothers beside him, he then asked:
"Who is Zhao Deyang to you?"
“He’s my older brother.” Zhao Dezheng answered without hesitation, clearly showing a special attitude towards Li Yu, even trust.
It wasn't just awe of the strong; there seemed to be something else mixed in.
“Zhao Jianan is dead,” Li Yu suddenly said, while watching Zhao Dezheng’s reaction.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Dezheng remained completely unmoved, showing neither surprise nor grief at the passing of his elder, and did not even inquire about the cause of Zhao Jianan's death.
He simply met Li Yu's gaze calmly, his tone as indifferent as if he were talking about something trivial that had nothing to do with him:
"Although he is an elder of the Zhao family, he has already joined the Longevity Sect and is naturally no longer related to the Zhao family."
"Moreover, he joined the Longevity Sect not for me, nor for the overall interests of the Zhao family; he only wanted to prolong his own lifespan."
Upon hearing this, Li Yu's gaze swept meaningfully to the other side, looking at the lifeless refugees in the corner, and asked in return:
"Then you should know where this is?"
"But you still came."
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