Perhaps they are waiting at the airport entrance. Although Ling Zhenfei is not afraid of them, given that he hasn't fully recovered his strength, he cannot afford any conflicts right now no matter who it is.

Sure enough, at the airport entrance, Ling Zhenfei spotted a few familiar figures; these were people he had seen at the Watanabe Family estate, evidently waiting here for him in advance.

Dressed like this, Ling Zhenfei smoothly passed through their blockade and successfully entered the airport interior.

At the airport, waiting was still a necessity. Ling Zhenfei was long used to it, so he just found a secluded spot to wait.

He had no idea how long he had been waiting when suddenly someone sat beside him. Ling Zhenfei was slightly taken aback, as he sensed that this person was seemingly a cultivator as well, carrying spiritual energy.

Ling Zhenfei was shocked deep down. What on earth was this person up to? Have cultivators become so common now that they seem to be everywhere?

At this moment, that cultivator actually started to speak, "Hello, are you Mr. Ling Zhenfei?"

Ling Zhenfei was momentarily stunned, thinking how what he feared had come to pass, unable to believe he was discovered even though he was so thoroughly disguised.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Sir, you must be mistaking me for someone else?" Initially not admitting his identity was a tactic to test the person's reaction.

"Sir, please don't misunderstand. I'm neither from the Ittō-ryū nor the Iga-ryu, let alone the Kai-style, just someone who has been keeping an eye on you."

"Then why are you looking for Ling Zhenfei?" Ling Zhenfei was puzzled as to why this person, who wasn't from any of the three parties, wanted to find him.

The man asked, "Are you familiar with the Shogunate?"

Ling Zhenfei nodded lightly and said, "I've heard a bit."

The man explained, "The current Shogunate is not the same as it used to be. Now it's merely an organization that serves His Majesty the Emperor, and I am someone from the Shogunate."

Ling Zhenfei nodded, "Tell me your purpose."

The man said, "My name is Heigen Yori, an aide in the Shogunate, specifically tasked with protecting the Emperor. His Majesty, the Emperor, was very pleased to hear that the Divine Doctor Ling came from Huaxia to Japan and wishes to invite you to the Imperial Palace for a meeting."

Ling Zhenfei pondered for a moment. The last time at the Watanabe house, Watanabe Nagayumi and Kai Itta had talked about the genetic issue of the Japanese Imperial Family.

Because of consanguineous marriages, the remaining children of the Japanese Imperial Family were deformed. The Japanese Emperor wanted to find someone to solve this problem.

Therefore, Watanabe Nagayumi thought of Divine Doctor Ling, wanting him to resolve this issue for the Emperor, with the payment being treasures from the Emperor's vault.

It's likely that the Shogunate has come to find him for the same reason now, although this person hasn't explicitly stated it.

Heigen Yori said, "There is someone seriously ill in the Imperial Palace, and they wish for you to take a look, saying only someone of your stature can resolve this issue."

Ling Zhenfei thought it over and said, "So that's the reason." Ling Zhenfei knew that Heigen Yori wasn't telling the whole truth. It made sense; you couldn't just blurt out the whole situation to Ling Zhenfei publicly.

If he directly mentioned the genetic issues in the Royal Family and asked you to treat hereditary diseases, that wouldn't be possible; saying someone is seriously ill is already quite a concession.

"The thing is, you know, it's almost the Lunar New Year, and I wish to return home for the festival. As for the royal family's ailment, let's leave that for after the festival."

Heigen Yori gently smiled and said, "His Majesty the Emperor is of the same mind, and only sent me here in advance to let you know so you can be prepared."

Ling Zhenfei nodded, "It seems the Emperor has thought things through quite thoroughly."

Heigen Yori said, "In that case, sir, see you after the festival then!"

"Alright, see you if there's a chance." In his heart, Ling Zhenfei thought, it's uncertain if I'll return. I don't plan to come back to Japan. The only reason I agreed just now was to give the Emperor some face.

Heigen Yori added, "By the way, there was a group of people outside the airport trying to cause trouble for Mr. Ling. We've already handled them, ensuring you won't be disturbed before returning home."

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback; the Emperor's people truly did things impeccably. They even dealt with Kai and the others, wrapping up a concern, which gave Ling Zhenfei some relief and joy.

"Thank you, Mr. Heigen."

"You're welcome, Mr. Ling. Happy Lunar New Year, but please don't forget our agreement."

After speaking, Heigen Yori left, looking very dashing as he walked away.

Just as Heigen Yori said, Ling Zhenfei indeed encountered no disturbances and boarded the plane very safely.

The plane taxied gently, began its run, then took off, heading towards Huaxia.

The flight's destination was the Provincial City's international airport. Finally, Ling Zhenfei was on his way home.

Reflecting on the days spent in Japan felt truly surreal, like experiencing a lifetime. His time there was like having nine lives, sustaining injuries twice at Watanabe Kazushi's hands, yet also escaping death twice.

Ling Zhenfei felt quite fortunate, as his strength had evolved from the Zhiyi Realm's advanced late stage to the fourth level of the Realm of Reaching Wisdom, rendering his power incomparable to before.

Additionally, he had witnessed the customs and traditions of Japan and shared some beautiful memories with several young women.

After a brief rest with closed eyes on the plane, it landed, and Ling Zhenfei safely arrived at Huaxia's airport.

Following a series of cumbersome procedures, Ling Zhenfei finally returned to a familiar place.

For Ling Zhenfei, everything about the Provincial City was so familiar — the familiar streets, buildings, and the sky.

Upon returning to the Provincial City, the first thing Ling Zhenfei thought about was his restaurant there, wondering how it was doing now.

He hailed a cab and headed straight to his restaurant, which was still under intense renovation.

At the site, Ling Zhenfei saw Luo Juan supervising the work, with extremely strict requirements for the quality of the renovations.

Seeing Ling Zhenfei, Luo Juan almost couldn't recognize him, as the quality emanating from him had significantly changed from Zhiyi to Dawen.

"Boss Ling, what brings you here?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "I came to see how the renovations are going here?"

Luo Juan replied, "The progress here is okay. With me overseeing the whole process, rest assured I'll ensure the maximum speed in progress."

Ling Zhenfei glanced at the progress and said, "Doesn't look like it will be finished before the New Year, right?"

Luo Juan nodded, "Not before the New Year, the workers have already told me. They also want to go home for the festival; finishing it will have to wait until after the New Year."

Ling Zhenfei nodded, "It's the end of the year; it's tough for everyone. Since it can't be completed, don't rush it. Safety is the priority. Let them go home for the festival early."

"Alright, Boss Ling, that's what I've been telling them too." Luo Juan looked very pleased with the expression on Ling Zhenfei's face.

"How are the other restaurants doing?" Ling Zhenfei asked about the situation with the other restaurants.

Luo Juan said, "The restaurant in Modu has already completed its renovations and is preparing to open in the next couple of days. The one in the Capital City is still being remodeled but is a bit quicker than here. They are working on the interior now."

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