Right now, the news of the fierce battle between the Chu and Liu families was spreading like wildfire throughout Flowing Cloud City. In particular, the story of Evan Chu defeating an Earth Martial Realm expert had become common knowledge.
Inside the City Lord’s Mansion, a middle-aged man in a white robe was scolding a veiled young woman, his face twisted in anger.
"Jenny, how could you let the City Lord’s Mansion lose a third-level Earth Martial Realm expert just for some Chu family brat? Do you realize how big a loss that is for us?"
"Father, a third-level Earth Martial Realm expert is important, yes, but if we can recruit a peerless genius, then losing an expert like that is nothing in comparison."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Do you know what his cultivation is? If you knew the level he’s at and that he still managed to defeat a third-level Earth Martial Realm expert, you’d see that my decision was perfectly clear—even losing a few more experts would be worth it."
The middle-aged man stared at his daughter suspiciously. He knew her temperament well—steady, capable, never sloppy—which was exactly why he trusted her to oversee the family tournament.
"What level is he at? Don’t tell me he’s already reached third-level Earth Martial Realm. If that’s the case, it’s nothing special—as long as you have enough spirit medicine, it’s normal for someone his age to get there."
"Heh, if he was Earth Martial Realm, I wouldn’t bother. But he’s only at fifth-level Mystic Warrior Realm, and with that strength he actually defeated a third-level Earth Martial Realm expert. Do you think that’s worth it or not?"
"Fifth-level Mystic Warrior Realm? That’s impossible!" The middle-aged man’s jaw dropped in shock, as if he could fit an egg in his mouth. This completely overturned the world’s understanding of strength.
"Impossible things happen all the time. He’s the possibility in the impossible." Jenny Sima couldn’t help but smile at her father’s stunned expression.
"Jenny, are you serious? There’s really a genius like that in Flowing Cloud City?"
"Why would I lie to you? While you were away, Evan Chu’s name has become known to everyone in Flowing Cloud City. His performance at the Family Tournament has left a deep impression on everyone’s hearts."
Jenny Sima then told Titus Sima everything that happened on the arena, including Evan Chu’s battle against Elder Warren Wu.
After hearing Jenny’s account, Titus Sima’s face remained frozen in shock and disbelief for a long time.
After a long while, he finally blurted out, "Jenny, we have to recruit a genius like him no matter what it takes. Even if he wants you as his wife, you must agree!"
Jenny Sima’s expression changed; she hadn’t expected her father to value this guy so highly. Too bad he already has a fiancée—if she became his wife, wouldn’t she just be the second?
"Father, he already has a fiancée. I don’t think that’s a good idea," Jenny said helplessly. As for Evan Chu, she herself wasn’t sure how she felt—maybe it was a mix of love and hate.
"Who is this girl? Is she prettier than my daughter? We have to win over a genius like him, even if it means making him take you as a concubine. Maybe one day I can rely on him to enter the royal capital!"
Titus Sima’s tone was firm. After so many years in this small Flowing Cloud City, it was time to move on—and Evan Chu’s appearance was the key.
Jenny Sima didn’t answer. She was struggling inside, wondering whether she should really do whatever it took to build a good relationship with Evan Chu.
After a moment, she made up her mind and said, "Father, I know what to do now. Your daughter takes her leave!"
............
The happy farewell was brief. Heavenly Dragon Academy was thousands of li away from Flowing Cloud City. Reaching it within a month wasn’t hard, but any delay along the way could throw off their plans.
That day, Evan Chu and Roxanne Lin prepared to set off for Heavenly Dragon Academy. The entire Chu Family came to see them off, while Victor Lin had already left with the Lin Family due to clan business.
Early in the morning, the two of them, surrounded by well-wishers, arrived at the gate of the estate.
"Evan, out there you need to learn to take care of yourself. Be careful, don’t try to stand out too much, keep a low profile, and take good care of Roxanne. Your father is waiting for you to bring back a surprise." Dominic Chu said, reluctant to let his son go.
"Dad, I know. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Roxanne. You take care of yourself too—when I come back, we’ll have a real family reunion!"
"Young Master, take care of yourself. I’ll be waiting for you to come back!" Lily Lin mustered her courage and finally said what she most wanted to say to Evan Chu.
Evan Chu’s heart was a mess. Seeing Lily Lin’s tearful, reluctant expression,
He seemed to understand something.
But it all felt so unbelievable. He took a deep breath and said to Lily Lin, "Don’t worry, Lily, I’ll be back! Take good care of the patriarch for me!"
Parting was bittersweet. Evan Chu didn’t want to linger. He left without looking back, taking Roxanne Lin and several Chu Family attendants with him.
"Flowing Cloud City... I wonder when I’ll be able to return. Dad, all my Chu Family uncles, brothers, and sisters—take care of yourselves!" he muttered to himself.
There were three attendants traveling with him, and with Roxanne Lin, that made five. They hurried along for more than twenty days, and when they were still two hundred li from Heavenly Dragon Academy, they stopped because the sky suddenly darkened.
"Young Master, it’s about to rain. There’s a small city ahead—let’s go there to take shelter." one of the attendants suggested.
"Alright, everyone, let’s hurry up. We’ll get to the city before the rain hits, grab a bite, and rest for the night. You’ve all worked hard these past days."
Just as the heavy rain was about to fall, Evan Chu and his group made it into the city and quickly found a decent-sized inn.
"Guests, are you here to eat or stay?" The inn’s waiter hurried over to greet them as soon as they arrived.
"Both. Get us your best rooms—three for now. And bring out your best dishes." one attendant ordered.
"Alright, right away!" The waiter replied, then hurried off to prepare everything.
By now, the clouds overhead had grown thick and heavy, with flashes of lightning streaking through the sky.
Boom! A huge bolt of lightning split the sky above the small city, illuminating everything as if it were daylight.
Soon, the heavy sky released a downpour. Evan Chu sat by the window, lost in thought as he watched the torrential rain.
Roxanne Lin didn’t speak either, seemingly deep in thought. For a moment, everything was quiet.
The rain outside made the streets nearly empty. The waiter had already shut the inn’s door—no one expected much business in this kind of weather.
The food was soon served, and Evan Chu’s group began to eat. Every now and then, someone would add food to Roxanne Lin’s bowl, their care for her obvious without words.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, followed by a woman’s voice: "Open up, open up! Are there any rooms left? We need a place to stay."
The innkeeper was tallying the accounts at the front desk. Hearing guests arrive, he called out to the waiter, "Xiao Liu, go open the door! What are you standing there for?"
(Author’s Note: Dear readers, please leave your valuable feedback and reviews below! There are so few comments—please, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If we reach 100 reviews, I’ll post an extra chapter the next day!)