Heroes Return

“He is indeed not Zero.” Zhu Xian’er, Jue Xian, and Xian Xian, three peerless beauties, descended from the sky at this moment. When they saw Lin Jie, their faces remained calm: “He is not Zero. We were once Zero’s weapons, and he was once Zero’s ally. It’s just that this time he was also deceived by that imposter.”

"Huh???" Upon hearing Zhu Xian'er's words, Lin Jie once again wore an expression as if he were mentally challenged. What were these people talking about! He couldn't understand a single word! Had his intelligence been drained along with his power?

“That’s right, we are Zero’s weapons. As immortal swords, do you think we would actively attack our master?” Jue Xian finally spoke.

"Tch, this guy is nothing more than Zero's errand boy. He doesn't deserve to be called Zero." Xianxian added mercilessly, "All along, he's been helping Zero cover up his secret identity without anyone noticing."

"Huh?" Although he didn't understand what they were saying, Lin Jie clearly felt that he was being looked down upon. However, upon hearing Zhu Xian'er and the others' words, almost everyone's gaze turned to Lin Jie.

Zero's ally? This person has actually been supporting Zero all along, Zero's ally? That's why he has such considerable strength? That's why there's no record of him in the past? He was also fooled by that fake Zero this time? What a joke! They were fighting this person to the death just minutes ago! How did this enemy suddenly become a hero?!

A barrage of questions simultaneously flooded the minds of everyone present. As the true core and executors of the Hero Association, almost all the heroes, including those from the floating island, wore strange expressions.

Could it be that Leng Yan, who has always regarded Zero as the greatest threat, is actually protecting Zero?

Just as everyone was lost in thought, another change occurred on the sea tribe's side. Haina was awakened by a powerful member of the sea tribe using a special method. Although her face was a little pale, she seemed to be fine.

After hearing the sea creatures' reply, Haina simply smiled and nodded: "It seems that's really the case!"

"Your Majesty?" Upon hearing Haina's words, the sea general looked puzzled. "But to us, Zero is clearly that person."

"He was indeed very strong in the past, and he even helped me. But according to the records from the Sea Clan at the time, he didn't seem to be as powerful as Zero. Besides, his weapon wasn't the Sword of Judgment, was it?" Haina said with a smile to the Sea Clan generals. "And this matter is indeed a bit too much. Why would Zero, as the guardian of humanity, suddenly jump out and do such a thing? It's really illogical! The only explanation seems to be that Zero was still an imposter. Combined with Mr. Leng Yan's statement, it does make sense."

"But Your Majesty, they have no evidence."

"Forget it, you know that sometimes you don't need evidence to judge certain matters, right? Besides, it seems unnecessary for the Hero Association to deceive me with such a forceful method at this time." Heina still had a smile on her face: "This is a desert, which is not suitable for us sea creatures. Well, I think it's about time we left this place."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Upon hearing Haina's words, the sea tribe generals simply nodded and then began preparing to wake the others.

After calming the sea generals down, Haina turned to Leng Yan: "I apologize for my subordinates' rudeness. However, our friendship with humans will not be destroyed because of this. Please rest assured."

“No one wants war, and heroes are beings who strive for peace.” Leng Yan said with a smile, “This is the best existence, because in this era, people can turn what others once considered unrealistic or overly idealistic into reality through hard work. I believe that as long as heroes exist, war will never break out between us again.”

"It's nice to talk to you. By the way, can I say something to Lin Jie? After all, we're good friends." Although Haina asked, she had already walked towards Lin Jie.

"Hey, long time no see."

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lin Jie.” Haina leaned down and said to Lin Jie, “We have made up our minds not to live in the past, but to look to the future. We hope that Mr. Lin Jie will no longer care about the past. After all, no one likes war. After what Mr. Lin Jie did this time, the Sea Clan will no longer care about your past identity as Zero’s comrade.”

After saying this, Haina turned and walked towards the sea tribe.

"She's really matured a lot in this time. It seems like Thirteen is going to be in trouble." Lin Jie couldn't help but say as he watched Haina leave.

Regarding the concepts of letting go and transcending.

Because many people have asked about the reasons for transcendence, I've decided to provide some further explanation here. (Although I've already clearly explained the concepts of these two realms in earlier chapters of the novel.)

First, there's the state of letting go. This state doesn't belong to any system, nor does it have any levels. Simply put, it's a state that doesn't belong to any hierarchy. Furthermore, don't confuse the state of letting go with the state of transcendence, because these are two different states. Therefore, the state of transcendence that comes with letting go won't exist in novels.

This realm itself was created due to certain changes in Lin Jie's state of mind, so it has no levels.

The core of letting go is releasing the burdens in your heart, truly facing everything from the past, and simultaneously letting go of the dependence on power. Simply put, as long as a person carries the burdens of the past in their heart, and as long as they harbor a desire or wishful thinking for power, they cannot enter the state of letting go; this is a contradictory state. The more one craves power, the less likely they are to obtain it, while those who are indifferent and go with the flow are the ones who can become the strongest.

As for transcendence, literally, transcendence itself means transcending the universe, breaking free from the constraints of all cosmic rules, and becoming a higher-dimensional being that no civilization in the universe can comprehend.

Simply put, it's the highest realm of cultivation achieved in fantasy novels. Of course, all those who reach this highest realm and ascend to immortality cannot remain in this world, because they have already transcended it.

This is the realm that Dao Qizhan has always pursued—a realm that can even surpass the Heavenly Dao. Of course, those who truly reached this realm have all vanished into the universe, becoming incomprehensible beings.

Moreover, transcendence itself is not something that just anyone can easily achieve. Otherwise, so many great beings, each a genius among geniuses, would have cultivated diligently for tens of thousands of years and almost no one would have succeeded.

Because understanding that realm cannot be achieved simply by accumulating power; it requires an understanding of the entire universe, and ultimately, an understanding that transcends the entire universe.

Of course, Dao Qizhan's cultivation method is an exception. He doesn't cultivate the Dao of understanding, but rather the Dao of destruction, cutting through all that is incomprehensible, advancing relentlessly, a breakthrough method of annihilation with a single sword strike. From the origins of the mythological era, in the entire world of heroes, only Dao Qizhan has comprehended this Dao. His Dao is to defeat all other Daos.

This is the difference between the two states of being. Therefore, the state of letting go and the state of transcendence are not the same state of being. The state of letting go has no levels, while the state of transcendence has the highest level.

Chapter 39

Looking at Leng Yan in front of him and seeing the bewildered expressions on everyone's faces, even if Lin Jie was stupid, he would understand what was going on.

Without a doubt, Leng Yan was protecting him, which is why he fabricated this fact. Bai Yu, who was equally intelligent, was also willing to do this to Lin Jie for a simple reason: he just didn't want Lin Jie to speak first and ruin things.

When Lin Jie reached this conclusion, a look of surprise appeared on his face. He hadn't expected Leng Yan to choose to protect him this time. Although he didn't know what Leng Yan was up to, Lin Jie's gaze couldn't help but turn to Leng Yan. This guy seemed to be a representative of the 'zero threat theory' as judged by the media. Unexpectedly, this guy stood up to protect him at the first opportunity.

Lin Jie was also surprised by Zhu Xian'er and the others. As immortal swords, Lin Jie never expected that they would lie through their teeth, knowing that few of their masters had a good ending.

"Hahaha! Leng Yan is right, that was indeed a god impersonating Zero." The Captain of Justice's laughter suddenly broke out at this moment: "Actually, we've been fighting a fake Zero all along. Hammer Man has told me everything. The real Zero was seriously injured in the battle with the god and it seems unlikely that he will be able to appear for a long time."

"Club Hero my ass! I should have just picked a random name!" Lin Jie muttered to Captain Justice with annoyance, but his expression turned relieved. He noticed that after the sea people left, almost everyone who saw him was smiling.

Indeed, everyone looked at him with friendly smiles. Most of the heroes still awake had already realized what was happening. As heroes, they should have upheld the truth, but this time, for the first time ever, everyone actually went along with Leng Yan's words. This act, which went against the norms of heroes, was now agreed upon by everyone.

Everyone remained silent or agreed with Leng Yan's words.

From this moment on, the farce had completely transformed into a conspiracy by the gods to impersonate Zero and ruin his image.

As for Lin Jie? What does your search for that fake Zero have to do with me, Lin Jie? This time, not only will he not be arrested, but he will also be rewarded as a hero. Of course, at this moment, Lin Jie had no idea that he would actually be rewarded; otherwise, he would definitely have awkwardly disappeared into the shadows.

"Alright, that fake Zero has been defeated! This time, it's still a victory for the heroes!" Sky King nodded and addressed the crowd. The other powerful figures beside him all nodded in agreement.

The cursor on the floating island flashed and reappeared in front of Lin Jie.

"I'm sorry, this incident caused you to lose your powers." The cursor said apologetically to Lin Jie, "You're Zero's companion, right? In that case, could you help me convey a message to Zero? The people of the Floating Island will no longer hate humans. Although we are superpowered individuals, we are not heroes. Even so, we can distinguish right from wrong. After all, it was Zero who saved us and gave us everything on the Floating Island! Please help me convey these thanks to him. If he's willing, all the superpowered individuals on the Floating Island are willing to help, just by giving the word. Furthermore, we welcome you and Zero to visit the Floating Island anytime; we will treat you with the highest level of hospitality."

Anyone with eyes could understand that his words were clearly directed at Lin Jie.

Hearing Guangbiao's words to Lin Jie, his face flushed, Nianxin's eyes widened in surprise. Looking at Lin Jie sitting in the desert, and recalling everything Ling had done in the past, Nianxin couldn't help but nod. A hero who had saved the world so many times shouldn't be arrested or punished. Everyone makes mistakes; since no one died this time, what's wrong with forgiving Ling this time?

After the cursor finished speaking, without waiting for Lin Jie's reply, the cursor turned around and disappeared again.

"Seriously, is this guy a tsundere after all?" Erin, standing next to Kira, patted Cloud, who was also standing to the side.

“Alright, we can go back now. It’s a bit of a shame we didn’t see the real Zero. But since it wasn’t Zero who did all this, I’m actually relieved.” Claude smiled and replied to Irene.

Just as he finished speaking, a portal appeared.

"Let's leave the rest to the Hero Association," Kira said calmly. "Let's take everyone from the floating island back."

After saying that, Kira walked into the portal.

"Thank you for everything you've done." The Miracle Master's figure appeared beside Lin Jie once again: "As Zero's assistant, you've been quietly upholding justice all along. Thank you for your hard work."

"Ugh, I feel really embarrassed by what you're saying!" Faced with the Miracle Master's words, Lin Jie finally couldn't take it anymore.

“I can’t sense any fluctuation of power from him.” Fenrir, now back in human form, coldly fixed his gaze on Lin Jie. If the other heroes intended to protect Zero, Fenrir would never do so. But when Fenrir truly looked into Lin Jie’s eyes, his entire tail involuntarily stood on end. That feeling of fear didn’t stem from any perception of power; it was merely the instinct and intuition of a beast.

Fenrir had wanted to say something, but at this point she had to shut her mouth. In fact, she dared not say anything more.

"Congratulations." Zhu Xian'er's voice rang out once again. Standing before Lin Jie, the girl actually smiled. The unchanging iceberg of ten thousand years melted away at this moment, as beautiful and intoxicating as the radiance of spring.

"Did you already guess this would happen?" Hearing Lin Jie's words, Zhu Xian'er's smile gradually calmed down: "Is this kind of ending so hard to predict?"

"Oh no! How could it be easy to guess? At least I didn't guess it!"

“Isn’t that how everything is? People’s minds are hard to fathom.” Leng Yan said as he came to Lin Jie’s side: “I think that the zero that appeared this time was a real zero, not a fake zero, and he deserves everyone’s respect and forgiveness.”

"Hey! That's not the real Cold Flame, is it? When did that guy become like this?" Isabel laughed as she spoke to her sister. "And besides, isn't he just..."

"Shut up, you idiot sister!" Isabella said, stomping on her sister's foot in annoyance.

"Huh? It was fake after all? That god is incredibly powerful." Shi Kong looked at everyone, and after listening to their words, tilted her head and thought for a moment before believing Leng Yan's explanation. Of course, she was probably the only one among the awake and powerful individuals present who truly believed Leng Yan's words.

At that moment, the World Government's support team began to rush towards the scene, carrying almost all the unconscious people onto rescue aircraft along the way.

"Ah! I really didn't expect that I would end up owing such a big favor." Standing up from the ground, Lin Jie couldn't help but look at Leng Yan.

Although Lin Jie didn't know Leng Yan's true intentions, there was no doubt that he owed Leng Yan a favor this time. It's important to understand that manipulating something of this level of importance requires more than just manpower and resources. It demands a significant amount of time, extremely complicated arrangements, and very high levels of secrecy.

“You don’t owe anyone any favors.” Leng Yan suddenly spoke up to Lin Jie at this moment. “Zero’s existence is ultimately a good thing for the world. Although I sometimes feel that Zero is a threat, it’s because I know that Zero is ultimately a person with feelings, and people with feelings are bound to make mistakes.”

However, similarly, for the world, Zero can never be a criminal, and never will be! Because Zero is the symbol of this heroic age. Whether Zero himself likes it or not, a symbol of justice for an era must never be tainted. For the people and the world, they need an invincible symbol and guardian to embody their dreams. Without this symbol, the heroic age will also lose its dreams.

"Hey, hey, is it really that serious?" Lin Jie broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing Leng Yan's words.

"Hmph, do you know? In this past month, there have been 230 upheavals around the world, and 95 Hero Associations have been destroyed. Some Hells have even issued decrees to support Zero's actions, and have even pressured members of the World Congress. I was almost impeached." Leng Yan said calmly, "But with the defeat of this fake Zero, this time, everything is over."

"Uh..." Upon hearing Leng Yan's words, Lin Jie fell silent. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.

“Zero is too lofty. The last war completely elevated him to a god-like status, making him a legendary, mythical being. But isn’t it better for a legendary god to remain a legend?” Leng Yan said, and then boarded one of the special aircraft with everyone present.

As for Lin Jie, he could only shake his head as he watched the crowd being helped onto the aircraft.

"By the way, Mr. Lin Jie, what are your plans for the future? After all, your power can never be regained." Torus suddenly came to Lin Jie's side and asked him, "How about coming to work for the Hero Association and witnessing firsthand the hero era you single-handedly changed? Trust me, we'll arrange a good clerical job for you."

“Speaking of which, I really can’t continue being a hero! Your suggestion is not bad, but my cultural level doesn’t seem to be very high,” Lin Jie said to Torus.

"Don't worry, we all want to help you."

"How about this, give me a regular office job? Being an ordinary person isn't a bad thing for me." Lin Jie said to Torus with a smile, "I want a job with lots of holidays, preferably one where I can slack off all day, even a doorman job is fine. It needs to have the five social insurances and one housing fund, plus holidays and rest days, and the salary probably can't be low! Oh, and I also need four days of paid leave every month, excluding public holidays."

Torus: "..."

P.S.: The Heroic Chronicles series has been running for over two years now, and the next volume will be its final one. It's hard to say goodbye, but every story eventually comes to an end. Also, I hope you readers will support my new book, "I'm No Longer a Villain." It's the story of Nicholas DouDou and Guanggunsi a hundred years before the Heroic Age.

-------------Chapter Dividing Line---------------

Although this incident caused a considerable impact, the whole world breathed a sigh of relief when the Hero Association's final investigation results were released. Especially after the news that Zero was actually a fake, many people around the world calmed down. Although some conspiracy theories still existed, most people were willing to believe that Zero was a fake.

Many people believe that someone who has saved the world multiple times would not do such a thing.

Meanwhile, the Hero Association and the news media also recognized those who contributed to this event. Lin Jie himself was also on stage; although he didn't want to go, his younger sister ultimately used a powerful over-the-shoulder throw to send him soaring onto the podium.

Lin Wan's voice only rang out after Lin Jie awkwardly stepped down from the podium and returned backstage.

"As the culprit who single-handedly created this chaos, you're now standing on the parts platform. How does that feel, bro?" Lin Wan, with a stern face, approached Lin Jie as she spoke.

"Stop talking! It's so embarrassing I want to die!" Hearing Lin Wan's words, Lin Jie put his head on the table next to him: "Right now, I just want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into."

"I'm so ashamed! As your sister," Lin Wan said to Lin Jie with dissatisfaction, "Honestly, you could have achieved great success, so why do you always think about ruining your reputation? Why hurt yourself? Do you really enjoy it that much? You masochist!"

"Um... I'm still your brother, can't you give me a little face? It'll be embarrassing if you try to cover it up for me." Looking at Lin Wan's unhappy expression, Lin Jie knew exactly what was making her angry. But since he'd already done it, Lin Jie didn't say anything more. Anyway, his little sister wasn't ignoring him, she was just being a bit rude. He could just take it as her being a little tsundere.

Just as Lin Jie was thinking this, Gear's figure appeared in the room: "Alright, don't make things difficult for your brother anymore. Now I need to borrow your brother for a while."

"You are... a gear?" Upon seeing the gear appear, Lin Wan's face lit up with excitement: "Use it however you like, as long as you don't ask us to compensate for the loss of that huge machine, you can take whatever you want, brother."

"Hey! Don't make it sound like I'm selling myself." Hearing the other person's words, Lin Jie finally showed a dissatisfied expression. But to Lin Jie's surprise, the next second, Gear's hand started to grope Lin Jie's body.

"Hey! What are you trying to do to my brother?!"

"It's nothing, just a check-up. Mr. Lin Jie's muscle strength seems outrageous! For someone like me with extensive knowledge of biology, a simple observation makes it clear that even without his strength, his physical strength still surpasses the limits of human capabilities! In other words, this physique wasn't enhanced by some super strength, but rather through training and growth! It's truly fascinating." Gear smiled and said to Lin Wan, "I'm now very interested in your family's genetics. Speaking of which, what kind of growth genes could produce such a physique? And I'm curious whether your current gene sequence is still human."