Inside the Timewheel Bracelet, the scenery was still as tranquil and beautiful as ever—clear mountains and flowing rivers. But there was one strange exception: not a single animal could be found. Evan Chu swept his god-sense through every corner and found nothing unusual.
Luna had said that once Evan’s cultivation reached a certain realm, he could enter the bracelet’s inner world with his physical body and train there. The time flow inside was drastically different: a hundred years inside was only one year outside. For cultivation, it was a heaven-defying advantage.
A mysterious energy filled the air inside the Timewheel Bracelet. Evan recognized it as the Immortal Essence Luna had mentioned, which he would be able to absorb in the future. Yet he couldn’t help but wonder why this artifact had no spirit of its own.
Withdrawing his god-sense, Evan smiled. “Luna, do you know what happened to the spirit of this bracelet? Why can’t I sense it at all?”
“There isn’t an artifact spirit in the Timewheel Bracelet. Not every treasure will have one. You’ve seen the inner world yourself—if you want greater power, you’ll have to train hard. Once you can enter it, you won’t be disappointed. Plant your Black Lotus Seeds there and let them absorb Immortal Essence; your cultivation speed will blow everyone else away.” Luna explained.
The more miraculous a treasure, the more people yearn for it. But Evan understood the truth: to physically enter the Timewheel Bracelet, he’d have to fully awaken his bloodline—and who knew how long that would take.
“To comprehend a domain, you have to master the power of heaven and earth. You’ve already learned instant movement, so that’s one part. There are many kinds of heaven-and-earth power—five elements, lightning, wind, and so on. Whichever element you’re best at, focus on that. For now, your five elements are quite solid; you could break through from there.” Luna said.
“I’ve got a good handle on the five elements, but I think lightning is promising too. I haven’t cultivated Thundershift yet, but I can already unleash some solid lightning attacks. If I can grasp the lightning domain, I’ll be way stronger than those guys.” Evan said confidently.
“Heh, lightning domain? You think domains are that easy to comprehend? Evan, you’re underestimating them. Without enough strength and years of insight, you can’t grasp a domain—especially lightning, the most violent of all. If you’d cultivated Thundershift, maybe you’d have a shot. Right now, it’s hopeless.” Luna said.
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I know I can do it. But time’s too short right now, so I’ll wait until after the wedding to go into seclusion and really focus.” Evan replied.
He then began to carefully observe the changes in the Thunder Pearl formed from his Five-Element Thunder Crystals in his dantian, soon slipping into a state of selfless focus.
For two days straight, Evan watched the energy fluctuations on the Thunder Pearl. He felt as if he’d found a faint thread of insight, but couldn’t quite grasp it. The frustration and anxiety gnawed at him.
Meanwhile, the City Lord’s Mansion was already ablaze with decorations. Red ‘double happiness’ characters hung everywhere, and guests from every race had arrived. The huge square was packed with banquet tables, all waiting for Evan and Princess Ivy to bow to heaven and earth as husband and wife.
“Evan, it’s time to change clothes. Most of the guests are here, and Ivy is ready. We’re just waiting on you!” Roxy’s voice called from outside the door. She pushed it open and walked in.
Evan opened his eyes. Two days hadn’t brought much progress, but he figured it was either too short a time or his strength wasn’t enough yet.
Glancing at Roxy, who was holding the groom’s robes, Evan smiled. “Roxy, are you mad at me? I’m becoming someone else’s groom in front of you again.”
“No, as long as you’re happy, that’s enough for me. I know you didn’t have a choice—this isn’t the Azure Tide Ruins, it’s the Netherworld. There are too many powerful people here, so you need a strong backing. On your own, you’d never be able to fight them all.” Roxy said.
Evan was deeply moved by Roxy’s understanding. “Roxy, I know it’s hard for you. You were my first woman, but you’ve never worn a wedding dress for me. I promise, when we get back, I’ll give you a grand wedding of your own.”
“I’ll wait for that day, Evan. But for now, hurry and change—everyone’s waiting outside. If you miss the auspicious hour, it’ll be bad luck.” Roxy urged.
Evan quickly took off his outer clothes and put on the groom’s attire. The transformation made him look even sharper and more spirited than usual. Already handsome, he now seemed almost mesmerizing, and Roxy couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances.
“Roxy, let’s go! Let’s check on Ivy and see how she’s doing.” Evan said.
By now, the main hall of the City Lord’s Mansion was filled with people. The top powerhouses of all five races sat at the highest seats. Faye Knox lounged against a middle-aged man’s shoulder, eyes half-closed, lost in thought.
Beside the Ghost King sat a young man, handsome and free of ghostly aura. He was the Ghost King’s son, already a First-Layer Venerable Martial expert.
Next to the Beast King sat the young man Evan had nearly killed. At that moment, his gaze landed on Faye Knox. He whispered to the Beast King, “Father, isn’t that the Netherkin princess? She’s gorgeous. Can you propose for me after Ivy’s wedding?”
The Beast King looked at his son and chuckled, “If you like her, I’ll help you. After Princess Ivy’s wedding, I’ll talk to the Netherkin ruler. I’m sure he won’t object.”
On the human side, there were three people—two men and one woman. The woman was about Roxy’s age and very beautiful, the delicate kind. One man looked to be in his thirties, while the other was about Evan’s age, quietly discussing something with the middle-aged man.
“Welcome, friends, to Nine‑Shade City for my beloved daughter’s wedding. I’m truly delighted! The auspicious hour is almost here, so let’s head out to the square and welcome the bride and groom together!” announced the Shade Lord.
The crowd began to file out of the hall. Princess Ivy, accompanied by Roxy, walked slowly alongside Evan, her red bridal veil especially striking.
Everyone’s eyes were glued to the pair as they walked. Suddenly, Faye Knox by the Netherkin ruler’s side lost her composure—because she’d finally spotted the man she’d been longing for day and night: Evan Chu, now standing as Princess Ivy’s groom.
Usually calm and reserved, Faye Knox couldn’t hold back anymore. In front of everyone, she rushed straight toward Evan… (My head really hurts, sorry—continued tomorrow)