"You know about it? That’s really strange. I only learned about the Netherghost Violet Orchid after reading countless ancient texts, but you actually know it too."
"But perhaps such a thing still exists in the Azure Tide Ruins. If you ever have the chance to obtain it, you must do everything you can to get it," said the Mermaid King.
Evan glanced at the Mermaid King and asked, "Father, do you mean you want me to find the Netherghost Violet Orchid for you?"
"You misunderstood me. I don’t need it anymore. Although I can’t break through to the Saint Martial Realm, there are few in the Mermaid Kingdom who can match me. I hope that if you obtain it, you’ll use it for yourself in the future."
"In the Azure Tide Ruins, many experts are stuck at Ninth‑Layer Divine Martial Realm, but their Stellar Power is immense. In terms of strength, they’re no weaker than First or even Second‑Layer Saint Martial experts. You must be careful."
"I hope you can help me uncover the reason behind Claire’s poisoning. I feel this matter is connected to someone in the Mermaid Kingdom’s royal family," said the Mermaid King.
"Father, why do you say that? Has someone gone to the Azure Tide Ruins?" Evan asked.
"That’s right. In fact, I have an elder brother whose strength is formidable, but he’s always been ruthless and stubborn. Years ago, we fell out over the throne, and he disappeared. Some say they saw him heading toward the Azure Tide Ruins’ entrance."
"Plus, the poison afflicting Claire can only be found in the Azure Tide Ruins, so I suspect it was his doing," said the Mermaid King.
"Then why didn’t he harm you? Wouldn’t that make it easier and quicker to seize the throne?" Evan asked.
"I’m not sure either. That’s why I need you to get to the bottom of this. It’s always been a hidden danger for the Mermaid Kingdom, and as Royal Consort, it’s your responsibility to help," said the Mermaid King.
The Mermaid King then produced a scroll. "The person on this scroll is him. If you encounter him, try not to alert him—figure things out first, then act. If it really is him, I hope you’ll kill him. If it’s not, let him go."
"For the peace of the Mermaid Kingdom, I must be willing to sacrifice family for justice. I hope my worries are unnecessary!"
Evan took the scroll and put it into his storage ring, then asked, "Father, is there anything else? If not, I’ll take my leave."
"Go ahead. Tomorrow I’ll see you off," said the Mermaid King.
Evan went straight to Skylar Yule’s residence, where the four were waiting for him. Macy, the Violet Thunder Fox, had already transformed into a fox and was being held by Claire Ouyang.
Seeing Evan return, Luna Chu couldn’t help but ask first, "Evan, when are we leaving?"
"You shouldn’t go. Your strength is too low; you’d only be a burden. Just stay here and relax!" Evan said with a smile.
Luna Chu instantly fumed, "If you dare, I’ll flip out right now! How dare you call me a burden? Did you forget who took care of you when you were sick, who pleaded for you when you got into trouble, who—"
"Enough, Luna. Don’t bring up the past in front of your brother. I was just saying, why are you so worked up?" Evan said, speechless.
"Evan, when are we leaving? We’re all ready," Claire Ouyang asked.
"Tomorrow. The Mermaid King will see us off, so tonight let’s have a good drink together. Who knows when we’ll get back after leaving here," Evan said.
"Yeah, let’s hope our trip to the Azure Tide Ruins goes smoothly!" Claire Ouyang said with a smile.
The five of them chatted in the rear garden pavilion all afternoon. Claire had the servants bring wine and dishes to the pavilion, and the group ate and drank until late at night before retiring to their rooms.
Back in his bedroom, Evan naturally couldn’t help but have another round of intense dual cultivation with Claire. Of course, Claire wasn’t a match for Evan; before two hours passed, she was exhausted and fell asleep in his arms…
Early the next morning, Evan and his group assembled with the Mermaid King in front of the palace’s great hall. After some formalities and parting words, Evan and his companions left the royal palace and flew toward Joan He’s manor.
This time, Evan didn’t use Goldwing to carry the group. He personally carried Luna Chu in flight, while Skylar Yule struggled to keep up with everyone else.
Seeing Evan’s massive progress, Skylar Yule felt a mix of admiration and envy. By midday, the five landed from the sky and walked straight into Joan He’s manor.
Joan He wasn’t there. After asking the servants, Evan learned she had already left, but she had left a letter for him.
The letter read: 'Sect Master, I had urgent matters and returned to the sect. After you obtain the Water Spirit Pearl, if I haven’t returned, you can wait for me in the Mermaid Kingdom. If you’ve already broken through to the Divine Martial Realm, you can proceed directly to the Azure Tide Ruins.'
The Azure Tide Ruins are a gathering place for experts. There are hundreds of sects, and even the weakest among them have core experts at Seventh‑Layer Divine Martial Realm.
If the Sect Master comes, you must not cause trouble. Keep a low profile. This letter contains the location of the Azure Tide Ruins entrance and the Qing Frost Sect. Also, the woman by your side is Demon Clan—do not bring her into the Ruins, or countless enemies will hunt her down. This is a serious warning…
After reading the letter, Evan had already made up his mind. He glanced at Selena and thought, 'Thankfully I have Alex’s concealment art, otherwise I wouldn’t dare bring her along.'
Evan then explained the location of the Azure Tide Ruins entrance to everyone. The entrance is extremely hidden, about three days’ flight away, and is an invisible teleportation array that only appears for a few minutes under moonlight—making it very mysterious.
"We’ll set out now. The teleportation array will take some time to find, so let’s talk more when we get there," Evan said.
After instructing the manor servants, Evan summoned Goldwing and left.
Sitting on Goldwing’s back, Evan watched the scenery flash by and said, 'This trip to the Ruins will be extremely dangerous. I don’t know if I’m right to bring you all. If anything happens, remember—survival comes first.'
Don’t worry, Evan. We’re all here together. No matter what happens, we’ll stick together!" Luna Chu replied.
"That’s right! We’re not afraid of danger!" Skylar Yule said, full of fighting spirit.
With companions like these, Evan felt a surge of confidence and determination as they flew toward the Azure Tide Ruins.
PS: Finally, the map has changed! Fellow readers, have you been looking forward to this for a long time? Too bad today’s votes weren’t strong—so sad!