Roxy had changed into a pink dress, and after Evan Chu's intimate touch just now, she looked especially radiant and beautiful—so much so that even Princess Ivy standing nearby felt a twinge of envy.
But Ivy thought it was only natural—if Evan was so handsome, of course his sister would be beautiful too. "Roxy, with your looks, you’ll definitely find a husband as amazing as your brother one day."
Roxy chuckled, "Oh, you’re just happy for yourself, aren’t you? You landed a genius like my brother and now you’re showing off in front of me. Just wait, I’ll tell my brother and see what you do then!"
"No way, you’re still holding a grudge over what just happened? I already apologized, Roxy, so please don’t tell your brother, okay?" Princess Ivy blurted out, genuinely worried Roxy would snitch to Evan.
Roxy laughed, "I’m just messing with you! Serves you right for how you treated me earlier—let’s see if you dare act like that again next time!" Seeing Princess Ivy so nervous made her feel much better.
"What are you two talking about that’s got you laughing so happily? Mind letting me in on it?" At that moment, Evan Chu pushed open the door and walked in.
"Do you really think you should be listening to girls’ talk? Anyway, Evan, did you get anything from the Ghostveil Labyrinth this time? My father comes out empty-handed every time—I'm hoping you’ll be the exception." Princess Ivy asked.
"Come on, do you know who I am? Of course it was a breeze for me. There was a Mirage Immortal Grass inside the Ghostveil Labyrinth, and I managed to get it. But it wasn’t easy—it cost me a lot of soul power to obtain." Evan Chu replied.
"Mirage Immortal Grass? You actually got the legendary Mirage Immortal Grass? Evan, you’re incredible! Do you even know how important that is to the Shade Clan? It’s a spiritual treasure that can push illusion arts to the absolute peak!" Princess Ivy exclaimed excitedly.
"Oh, I honestly didn’t know. But I’ve already given the Mirage Immortal Grass to your father—as your betrothal gift. He was very pleased with it," Evan Chu said.
Princess Ivy was deeply moved. "Evan, thank you. I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Being your woman is the greatest happiness of my life."
Roxy couldn't take it anymore. "You two are way too mushy! This is my room—if you want to flirt, go do it somewhere else!" she huffed, then stormed out.
"Wait up, Roxy! Since we're all free, why don't we go out for a stroll?" Evan quickly suggested.
"Evan, you're about to marry Ivy. You should probably lay low for now. Who knows what could happen during the wedding? It's better to focus on consolidating your strength," Roxy advised.
Evan knew exactly what she was worried about—the Ghost Clan and the Netherkin, especially Faye Knox. If she shows up, who knows what kind of mess she'll stir up. And then there's the Netherworld King, who might recognize me and start a war.
There's another scenario: if Faye Knox flips out over me marrying Ivy, she might expose what I did in Grimchart City. Then I'd be facing the Ghost King and Nether Monarch Ming at once.
Even with the Shade Lord's backing, my current strength can't match the top experts from any race. I need to stay cautious.
"Roxy's right. Ivy, why don't you and Roxy go check out the city, see if anything catches your eye? I'll use the next two days to recover and stabilize my realm—after all, the Ghostveil Labyrinth drained me. Just don't disturb me, okay?" Evan said.
Ivy was a bit reluctant, but since Evan insisted, she could only agree. "Alright, Roxy and I will head out. You just focus on your cultivation!"
Evan stayed in Roxy's room while the girls went out. "Aren't you bringing any guards?" Roxy asked Ivy.
"Are you kidding? This is my turf—who would dare touch me? Relax! In Nine-Shade City, everyone knows Princess Ivy," Ivy laughed.
"That's only true if people recognize you. You're always in disguise when you go out—who would know it's you? You're gorgeous, so why worry about being seen?" Roxy teased.
"Haha, I almost forgot! I'll disguise myself before heading out—no need to deal with all those annoying flatterers. Want to disguise yourself too?" Ivy asked.
"No need for me—disguising takes forever. I want to see if I can find something special for you two as a wedding present," Roxy replied.
Ivy quickly disguised herself as a young servant, even changing outfits. Roxy was impressed—if she hadn't known, she wouldn't have recognized Ivy at all.
After leaving the City Lord's Mansion, the two headed straight for Nine-Shade City's bustling market, chatting and laughing along the way, soon forgetting their earlier worries.
News of Princess Ivy's wedding was everywhere. Shops hung lanterns for the celebration, and more and more people poured into Nine-Shade City. The whole place was buzzing with excitement.
The streets were packed, inns and restaurants overflowing. Most folks were here just to catch the spectacle—after all, the princess's wedding was a huge deal for the Shade Clan, drawing crowds from all over.
"Ivy, I'm jealous—so many people are here for you before the wedding even starts. You really are a popular princess!" Roxy joked.
"It's not about me—it's my father's reputation. He's the Shade Lord, the City Lord of Nine-Shade City, and the strongest of the five great races. Of course my wedding would be a big deal," Ivy laughed.
Soon they found themselves in the middle of a crowd. A young man was ordering his followers to beat up a street vendor, laughing all the while. The vendor, despite appearances, was actually a Seventh-Layer Saint Martial cultivator.
The vendor was already bloodied and battered, but the young man showed no sign of stopping, making the crowd more and more upset.
Roxy was furious but held back, turning to a bystander. "Who is that guy? How can he just bully people like this?"
"Keep your voice down—you'll get in trouble if they hear you. That guy's the Beast Clan's second prince. He's fighting over a jade stone the vendor was selling, and apparently refused to pay any Netherstones," the bystander whispered.
"Oh, I see. Got it," Roxy nodded.
At that moment, Ivy strode up to the young man. Her temper was always fiery, and seeing someone bully people in her own city made her snap. "Stop right now! This is Nine-Shade City—how dare you start a fight here? Are you tired of living?" she shouted.