No matter if Sifuer intended to borrow his hand to kill or to introduce something, Pei Yan displayed exceptional magnanimity this time. After indicating that he would not pursue the matter since Lord Sifuer was unharmed, he waved for Leohard to quickly escort Kodwen, who was teary-eyed in gratitude and looking at him with deep emotion, out of his sight.

That evening, Pei Yan held a small meeting with Ye Ruozai and others. Firstly, they summarized the intelligence and lessons learned from the battle to prepare for future operations. Secondly, they discussed the arrangements for escorting the prisoners back. Fortunately, the two Disaster Pillars' territories they had captured had areas with weak space barriers, sparing them the trouble of breaking through to escort prisoners again.

After a round of discussions, Pei Yan and those present unanimously agreed that the prisoner escort operation should be conducted promptly. They decided to commence the escort action right after the celebration banquet the following day.

After resting for a day, finishing lunch, and getting ready to attend the celebration banquet organized by Sifuer, Pei Yan and his companions walked out of their residence and onto the main street of the shelter. They were immediately infected by the festive atmosphere around them. The looks from the surrounding Demon Race members directed at them carried less hostility and more respect; some even looked at them with fervor in their eyes.

Watching the enthusiastic female Demon Race members frequently casting coquettish glances at Pei Yan, Zhao Yuanhu couldn't help but say jealously, "Xia Yu, I finally understand why he didn't want to bring us along."

"Why is that?" Xia Yu smiled faintly and played along by asking in surprise.

"With all this tender beauty, he's planning on having a cross-dimensional romance here. If we came along, wouldn't we just be third wheels?"

"Yes, indeed! I noticed he had a thing for that Sifuer, risking his life to save her when she was in deep trouble! Afterwards, he even coughed up three liters of blood. Didn't you see how distressed it made Lady Lord? Her face turned into a tearful lament that moved even me!"

"Ugh!" Listening to the two women chattering non-stop, Pei Yan sighed deeply, feeling a bit overwhelmed. He then looked towards Ye Ruozai for some support, only to find him completely detached from the situation, seemingly fascinated by the Demon Race architecture on the roadside. All the while, he was exchanging candy for some handicrafts from Demon children to keep as souvenirs.

"Good heavens, you two are really wasting your talents not doing stand-up comedy!" Pei Yan declined the offer of a toast from a Demon maiden holding a wine pot, pleading, "Could you two little divas give me some peace and quiet, please?"

Zhao Yuanhu and Xia Yu chuckled and, without saying anything further, shrugged their shoulders, hooked arms, and left Pei Yan to wander off on their own path.

Accepting the wine bowl handed over by the toast-giving maiden, Pei Yan downed it in one gulp and nodded with a smile to acknowledge her before returning the bowl. As Ye Ruozai turned to Pei Yan with a smiling remark in his ear, he joked, "The kindness of beauties is hard to resist, truly enviable!"

With that, Ye Ruozai clapped his hands, laughed heartily, and swaggered away, leaving Pei Yan with a look of helplessness, surrounded by the enthusiastic Demon crowd.

Finally battling through the thickets and brambles to reach the Sifuer Mansion, Pei Yan saw his three unfaithful companions and the group of people from Sifuer already waiting there.

Despite their playful demeanor, this outing was ultimately centered around Pei Yan. So even though Xia Yu and the others arrived first, they did not heed the invitation to enter the banquet hall before Pei Yan. When they saw him arrive, the three stood respectfully behind him.

"The chief hero of this campaign, our great hero! My savior, Mr. Shitang Longsi! Only your arrival makes this celebration banquet truly deserved and glorious!" Decked in luxurious attire, the elegantly dressed Sifuer stepped forward, bowed slightly, extended her left hand, and greeted with a beaming smile.

Today, Pei Yan and his group were still wearing the standard attire of the Investigation Bureau, which was already the fanciest clothing they found after much deliberation. In his black attire with a cloak draped over his shoulders, Pei Yan removed his hat and gloves, handing them to Xia Yu beside him. He smiled, stepped forward, and took Sifuer's jade hand, responding, "Victory belongs to both sides. The valiant image of Mr. Leohard fighting bravely in the Bull Territory still lingers in my mind. We've all sacrificed greatly for this victory. Today is the moment for you and me to savor the fruits of victory."

With a gentle smile, Sifuer, her hand clasped in his, sidestepped slightly and made a gesture of invitation. Together, hand in hand, they entered the banquet hall amidst the crowd's embrace. As they stepped into the hall, grand music began to play. Everyone inside the banquet hall rose to their feet, bowing to give the highest honor to the pair.

Under Sifuer's lead, Pei Yan and she took their places behind the long table in the center of the banquet hall. After delivering an impassioned speech celebrating the victory of this campaign, which won thunderous applause, the banquet officially commenced. Exquisite delicacies were served to the long table by maids, and as glasses clinked, the banquet atmosphere gradually became livelier.

Seated at the long main table were only Pei Yan, Sifuer, Bailang, and Sifuer's younger sister, Reina, whom Pei Yan was meeting for the first time. Ye Ruozai and the other three were arranged at the nearest honored seats to the main table on the lateral long tables of the banquet hall. At this moment, Ye Ruozai was being toasted by his former adversary Leohard. The two were talking animatedly, sharing drinks and hearty laughter, though it was unclear what Ye Ruozai had said to evoke such camaraderie.

Watching this scene unfold, Pei Yan toyed with his wine glass, reflecting on how Ye Jiumu's brother was truly a remarkable individual. Not only was he exceptionally talented, but he also handled social interactions more smoothly than himself. Bringing him along undoubtedly added significant strength to his side.

Looking toward the other side at his two female companions' antics, Pei Yan could only offer a wry smile. Perhaps Sifuer had arranged this intentionally to ease tensions between the two sides. Sitting next to Zhao Yuanhu and Xia Yu, respectively, were Jena and Hel, dressed in formal attire for the occasion.

Jena, who was engaging in conversation, seemed to get along amicably with Zhao Yuanhu. However, Hel, who sat near Xia Yu, wore a sullen face, glaring viciously at her counterpart. Xia Yu, for her part, ignored her defeated opponent altogether, disregarding any semblance of ladylike image as she unabashedly indulged in the banquet delicacies before her.

From so far away, Pei Yan could still feel the awkward atmosphere, and he shook his head with a bitter smile. Sifuer, following Pei Yan's gaze and realizing the situation, chuckled and said, "Mr. Shitang, your subordinates are indeed straightforward people, whereas my maid is narrow-minded. Sigh, I've advised her many times, but she still harbors resentment over that crushing defeat." With a serious expression, Sifuer looked at Pei Yan and said, "Mr. Shitang, though she and I are nominally master and servant, she grew up with me as a close friend. If in the future, Hel offends you or your esteemed group in any way, I hope you can afford me some leniency and show mercy. We have no intention of provocation."

"No problem! No problem! You folks of the Demon Race have incredible resilience!" Pei Yan took a sip of his drink and expressed genuine admiration as he observed Hel's arm, fully restored after being reattached.