If he'd just attacked me randomly, I would've surrendered right away. Too bad he gave up before I had the chance.
In the end, Grant "Unfeeling" Shaw took first place, Hugo Gunter second, and Roxanne Lin third. All three earned the right to enter Heavenly Dragon Academy.
Next came the prize distribution. This year's rewards were richer than any previous Family Tournament.
First place got not only one thousand Spirit Stones, but also a lower-grade Profound-tier martial art and three third-grade pills.
Pills are ranked from third to sixth to ninth grade—the very best are ninth-grade pills, but those have never appeared here. Even seventh- or eighth-grade pills are just legends.
Roxanne Lin received three hundred Spirit Stones, one third-grade pill, and a mid-grade spirit-tier weapon. But she barely cared about these things; all she really worried about was Evan Chu's safety.
Punishments from the City Lord's Mansion could be severe—her only hope was that at least Evan would survive.
Dominic Chu privately questioned Jenny Sima about Evan Chu's condition, but got only a vague, noncommittal answer. From Jenny's tone, he could tell Evan wasn't in immediate danger—for now.
Dominic Chu left with a heavy heart, leading his family home. He knew the Chu Family would soon face a bloody storm brought on by the Liu clan's hatred.
For two days, Jenny Sima didn't visit Evan Chu, though she sent clothes and even left a maid to serve him.
On the third day, Jenny finally appeared in person, dressed in tight black combat attire that accentuated her striking figure. Her heroic presence was impossible to ignore.
Evan Chu gazed at her calmly, as if appreciating a work of art—his eyes were clear, without a trace of indecency.
"Have you seen enough? You can leave now. But in ten days, you must come with me to Heavenly Dragon Academy."
Evan looked at Jenny, disbelief in his eyes. "I can really leave? You're not messing with me, right?"
"If you don't go soon, someone important might really leave. Don't forget what you promised me, or you'll deal with the consequences." Without waiting for Evan to reply, she left first.
Who's waiting for me? Could it be Roxanne? The thought flashed through Evan's mind, and he hurried outside.
In the distance, he spotted a girl in a pink dress, face veiled, standing at the gate of the City Lord's Mansion.
"Roxanne!" Evan called out, heart pounding as he quickened his pace.
"Evan!" Roxanne replied, her face lighting up with joy.
Evan grabbed Roxanne's hand and asked, "Why haven't you gone home yet?"
"I was worried about you!"
Though her words were few, they spoke volumes about Roxanne's feelings for Evan. With a wife like this, what more could a man want?
Evan pulled Roxanne into his arms. "Let's go. After everything that's happened, I have so much I want to tell you."
Being able to walk together with Evan was pure happiness for Roxanne. She couldn't help but smile, "Great! I wanted to get out for a stroll too. Where should we go?"
"How about the back mountain? It's quiet, no one will bother us there," Evan suggested casually.
But when Roxanne heard those words, her heart skipped a beat. Quiet and undisturbed? Was he planning something...?
Thinking of that night on the back mountain with him, Roxanne's pale face flushed red, her heart racing. She stammered, "Okay... let's... let's go to the back mountain."
The back mountain held so many memories for Evan Chu. The two walked slowly, chatting and laughing about little things as they went.
Not long after they left, the Liu Family received word that Evan and Roxanne had gone to the back mountain together. Harold Liu grinned when his scout reported in. "Today really is a great day. It's time to settle accounts with the Chu Family."
He immediately turned to a trusted subordinate. "Pick a few strong disciples and go to the back mountain. Make sure that brat disappears—leave no trace."
"Yes, Patriarch! I'll handle it right away. That brat won't know what hit him—I'll make it clean. Await my good news!" With that, the subordinate hurried off.
A predatory gleam flashed across Harold Liu's face. "Evan Chu, if you survive this, I won't believe it. No one could withstand the attack of five eighth-level Mystic Warriors."
He then ordered his spy, "Go notify Nathan Chu. It's time for him to get ready for the Liu Family patriarch's plan. Tell him to prepare himself."
"Also, inform the Gunter Family—the Liu are ready. Tell them to hurry up and get moving."
The spy nodded and vanished in a puff of smoke—his speed almost matched Evan Chu's Ripple Step.
In Flowing Cloud City's back mountain, Evan Chu and Roxanne Lin strolled leisurely, admiring the wildflowers and lush trees. The peaceful scenery soothed their hearts.
"Evan, thank you. It's because of you that I have this strength now. You showed me what it means to truly live. When the City Lord's people took you away, my heart almost shattered."
"Roxanne, don't say that. You're my woman—it's only right that I do whatever I can for you. With your talent, you should've taken first place. Did you only get third because of me?"
"If you couldn't go to Heavenly Dragon Academy, what would be the point of me going alone? Too bad that guy surrendered so quickly—he gave up even faster than I did!"
"Heh, I made things hard for you, didn't I?"
"You still have the nerve to laugh!"
Unable to help himself, Evan Chu pulled Roxanne Lin into a warm embrace.
Just then, Luna's voice rang out in Evan's mind. "Evan, quit flirting—trouble's coming. These guys aren't weak. You're in for a fight!"
Luna's warning snapped Evan back to reality. "Roxanne, we've got trouble. Hide behind that boulder and don't come out, no matter what. I'll handle this—just remember what I said!"
Evan's sudden seriousness confused Roxanne. "I can help you, you know. My strength won't drag you down."
"Just do as I say!" Evan insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.