Ryan Ouyang didn’t even spare a thought for his own injuries—he just gaped at Evan Chu, stunned and indignant. “No way! How could you come out of my strongest attack without a scratch? I refuse to believe it. You must’ve pulled off some secret technique, right?”
It was obvious Ryan couldn’t accept this reality—Evan had shattered his pride yet again. Azure Moon White Tiger stepped up, checked Ryan’s wounds, and said, “He didn’t even fight back. All the damage you took was just from his defense. Now do you finally get how terrifying his strength is?”
Ryan wiped away the blood at his lips, half-doubting as he glanced at Azure Moon. “Defense? I’ve never heard of defense this freakish before. He’s a monster—back at Heavenly Dragon Academy, he was already insane, but now he’s even scarier. I guess I’ll never catch up to him.”
Evan heard the discouragement in Ryan’s voice and grinned, “Don’t lose heart. My ridiculous defense didn’t just happen—it was hammered out by surviving near-death again and again. Skywind Valley on the Divine Battlefield nearly killed me, and the Nine-Heaven Divine Thunder in the Thunder Pool almost blasted me out of existence. You wouldn’t believe the hell I’ve been through.”
You think locking yourself in a secret room, training without food or water, counts as ‘hard work’? If you don’t weather the storm, how will you ever see the rainbow? What you need now is real tempering—and the Divine Battlefield is the perfect trial by fire. Trust me, I wouldn’t steer you wrong!”
“Evan Chu, you’re something else! I promised you, so I won’t break my word. Have you found everyone else yet?” Ryan said, stubborn but loyal.
“You’re the last one. Once we reach the Azure Tide Ruins, you’ll see—Ethan, the Obsidian Tortoise heir, is just as proud and stubborn as you, but he’s already learned to let go of pointless rivalry. I hope you can too. Go get ready—we’re heading back to the Heavenly Dragon Empire!” Evan replied, encouragingly.
Azure Moon White Tiger saw the blood Ryan spat and said, “He’s hurt by the rebound force. I think he should rest a day before we leave—otherwise, I’ll be worried sick!”
“Azure Moon, don’t make a fuss. You know as well as I do this isn’t serious. One night of meditation and I’ll be good as new. Just wait—I’ll surprise you when I get back!” Evan said, then left the chamber to give them space to talk. He knew they had things to say in private.
After a while, the two emerged from the chamber. Azure Moon handed Ryan over to Evan, his tone solemn: “Evan, I’m trusting you with Ryan. You’d better keep him safe. If anything happens to him, I’ll hold you responsible!”
“Don’t worry, Azure Moon. With me around, nobody’s going to lay a finger on him. Besides, Ryan’s not weak—hurting him won’t be easy anymore,” Evan reassured.
Azure Moon White Tiger gave Ryan a few more words of advice before finally letting him go with Evan. At the Teleportation Gate, Evan pulled out two Star Crystals and slotted them in, feeling a pang of regret at burning such precious resources just to travel.
A surge of spatial force yanked them through realms, dropping them inside the Heavenly Dragon Empire. On the way, Ryan piped up, “Evan, can I go with you into the Netherworld this time?”
“Why do you want to go to the Netherworld? That place is deadly—even I have to watch my step. I really think you should sit this one out.” Evan shut him down, remembering how even the Nether Monarch’s avatar could go toe-to-toe with him. Just thinking about it sent a chill down his spine.
“Fine, don’t bring me—but you don’t have to rub it in. One day, I’ll make it in there myself. Just wait and see!” Ryan shot back, a little disgruntled.
Just then, Luna the Sword Spirit chimed in: “Evan, you actually have to bring Ryan with you—plus Roxanne and Ethan. I totally forgot about this before.”
Evan was floored—Luna knew exactly how dangerous the Netherworld was, so why insist on dragging them along? Wasn’t that just extra baggage and trouble? He blurted out:
“Luna, what’s the deal? What did you forget?”
“Evan, the Netherworld entrance needs all Four Divine Beast heirs and the Sun, Moon, and Star Stones to open. But once it’s open, it seals shut. So how do you get out? You’ll need the Four Divine Beasts to open it again from the inside. Get it now? The Netherworld’s a deathtrap, but if you’re careful, you can survive,” Luna explained.
Evan hadn’t expected this curveball. He could only accept it and said to Ryan, “Alright, you can come to the Netherworld—but you have to follow my lead. There are tons of Saint Martial experts at the seventh and eighth layer in there—one wrong move and we’re dead.”
“Don’t worry. You might be cold sometimes, but I know how to handle myself. Let’s go! I really want to see what the Azure Tide Ruins are like,” Ryan replied, determined.
Evan didn’t use instant movement to carry Ryan—Ryan’s flying speed was blazing fast now. In just one day, they reached the hidden Teleportation Gate to the Azure Tide Ruins.
“Take a breather and restore your Stellar Power—I know you burned through a lot getting here. And heal up your wounds, too. Here, swallow this top-tier healing pill!” Evan said, handing over a precious pill from his storage ring.
At midnight, moonlight spilled through the valley as they passed smoothly through the Teleportation Gate. Evan wanted to check on Claire Ouyang, but time was too tight—and if he detoured to the Heavenly Dragon Empire’s capital to see Rhea Yang and Lily Tang, he’d lose even more time. He forced himself to move on.
Once inside Monster Beast Forest, Evan warned Ryan, “This is technically part of the Azure Tide Ruins, but it’s all monster beast territory. Don’t underestimate it—there are plenty of beasts here you really don’t want to mess with.”
Ryan didn’t say a word, just took in the unfamiliar landscape. After half a day’s travel, they reached the Teleportation Gate near Western Beast King Hall.
This time, the gate’s guardian beast recognized Evan and greeted him with deep respect. “Lord Evan, are you heading back to the Azure Tide Ruins? Should I notify the Hall Master for you?”
“No need. I’ll drop by when I have time. Just guard the gate well—don’t let anyone from the dark organization slip through.” With that, Evan stepped into the Teleportation Gate.
The guardian beast nodded nonstop, clearly both terrified and honored that Evan had placed such a heavy trust in him.
When Evan and Ryan arrived back at Frostbane Sect, everyone came out to welcome them. Ethan had already returned to Freewind Palace. Upon hearing that Freewind Palace had been wiped out by the dark organization, Ethan flew into a rage and almost dashed out for revenge, only to be forcibly held back by the Palace Lord.
Only now did Ryan truly grasp how high Evan’s status stood. In strength and position, Evan was on a whole other level—and the breathtaking beauty and talent of the women around him made Ryan feel even more ashamed of his own shortcomings…