Evan Chu, Jade, and King Victor Zhao flew back to Serene Nether City. Because of King Victor Zhao’s heavy injuries, their flight was slow, and along the way, Evan and Jade chatted casually with him.
Chase Chu and Princess Ivy arrived only after Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao had already left, leaving them a bit disappointed. Still, from the crowd’s excited chatter, they confirmed that the mysterious visitor had indeed been Evan Chu.
Word quickly spread that Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao had gone far away to duel. The crowd could only wait anxiously to see who would return. But in Chase Chu’s heart, he was sure it would be his father—Evan Chu was, after all, an undefeated legend in his eyes.
Not long after Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao left, a violent spatial tremor rippled across the city. Everyone knew it was from their clash, but the tremor only happened once, leaving many puzzled.
Could that kid have been killed by King Victor Zhao in a single blow? With such weak strength, he’s not even qualified to challenge the king—what arrogance! That’s what most people were thinking.
Meanwhile, some people in the crowd quietly slipped away to secluded corners, took out jade transmission tokens, and sent messages about the events in Serene Nether City to the other three major powers.
These spies were agents planted in Serene Nether City by the three rival factions, constantly reporting every major event. This incident was sure to cause a stir.
Just as everyone was convinced Evan Chu would be killed by King Victor Zhao, the figures of Evan, Jade, and the king appeared before the crowd—chatting and laughing together. The entire audience was stunned.
No one was more shocked than Princess Serene, Chase Chu, and Princess Ivy. Their hearts pounded with tension—Princess Serene especially couldn’t believe her eyes.
Her father had actually returned together with that annoying guy, and they seemed to have become friends. Worse, her father’s injuries were clearly heavier than Evan Chu’s. What did that mean? It meant Evan Chu was stronger than her father—a fact she found simply impossible.
“Father, are you all right? What happened…?” Princess Serene asked in confusion.
“Let’s talk about everything back at the City Lord’s Mansion. Serene, you’re about to get a big surprise!” King Victor Zhao said with a laugh.
Evan Chu only smiled faintly and said nothing, but Princess Serene felt her scalp tingle at that smile. Could it be her father wanted to marry her off to this guy?
She found this guy insufferably annoying. If she had to marry him, she’d be driven mad! Her happiness was hers to fight for—even if it meant death, she’d never marry someone she hated.
If Evan Chu knew what Princess Serene was thinking right now, he’d probably be speechless. He prided himself on being a charming, elegant man—usually, beautiful women couldn’t help but fall for him. But Princess Serene was utterly cold toward him.
To him, she wasn’t like the other stunning beauties at all. In Evan Chu’s eyes, Princess Serene was just a little girl—she didn’t stir his heart in the slightest.
“Dad!” “Evan!” Suddenly, two beloved voices rang out in Evan Chu’s ears. To him, it was like music from heaven—happiness had come so quickly! Chase Chu and Princess Ivy appeared before him at that very moment.
“Chase, Ivy—you really are here! Let’s wait until we’re at the City Lord’s Mansion to talk.” Evan Chu said with a smile.
The sudden appearance of Chase Chu and Princess Ivy surprised everyone, especially Princess Serene, who stared at Evan Chu like he was a monster. She couldn’t believe he already had a grown son—how bizarre!
When Princess Serene glanced at Chase Chu, she realized this young man was just as handsome as Evan Chu, with an indescribable warmth and approachable aura.
At that moment, Chase Chu’s eyes met Princess Serene’s. For an instant, their gazes locked—Princess Serene’s cheeks flushed and she quickly looked away.
“Let’s go! I’ll host a welcome banquet for you all!” King Victor Zhao declared, ignoring Princess Serene’s and the others’ shocked expressions as he led the way toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
Soon, everyone arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion. Servants were immediately ordered to prepare a lavish banquet, and the group settled into the grand hall.
King Victor Zhao sat at the top seat, Princess Serene at his side, while the mansion’s elite experts filled the hall. Evan Chu, Chase Chu, Jade, and Princess Ivy sat below, savoring fine dishes and fresh fruit.
Unable to hold back any longer, Princess Serene blurted out, “Father, what’s going on? Weren’t you going to kill him? Why bring them back to the mansion?”
“Serene, don’t be rude! Greet Senior Chu at once!” King Victor Zhao scolded, shooting her a stern look.
Princess Serene was even more confused by her father’s sudden change in attitude. What had happened in their duel to cause such a dramatic shift?
Princess Serene wasn’t the only one puzzled—Chase Chu and Princess Ivy also exchanged confused glances with Evan Chu, unable to figure out what had happened.
Helplessly, Princess Serene turned to Evan Chu and said, “Serene greets Senior Chu. I was rude earlier—please don’t take offense.”
“No need to worry! Your father and I simply proved the old saying—no fight, no acquaintance. Honestly, I was the one who went too far. I hope King Victor Zhao can understand my reasons.” Evan Chu replied with a smile.
King Victor Zhao glanced at Evan Chu, then at Chase Chu and Princess Ivy, and laughed, “Now I get it! Your scheme was clever, dragging even me into the mix. You stirred up trouble at the City Lord’s Mansion just to find your son and your woman, didn’t you?”
“Exactly. With so many people in the city, finding them wasn’t easy—and I wasn’t sure if Chase would even join the selection tournament. Plus, every inn and tavern in Serene Nether City was packed. So, I figured the City Lord’s Mansion was my best bet.” Evan Chu explained.
It was a win-win situation, really! I hope King Victor Zhao won’t take it to heart.” Evan Chu laughed.
Princess Serene looked from Evan Chu to Chase Chu and said, “If you were just looking for someone, you could’ve said so! We all thought a real enemy had shown up. I want to know—what happened in your fight with my father, and why did you two end up friends?”
“That’s what they call ‘no fight, no acquaintance.’ Neither of us won or lost—does that make sense? Besides, the Netherworld only looks peaceful on the surface; in reality, it’s a turbulent time. The other three factions have always coveted Serene Nether City. If King Victor Zhao and I had fought to the death, it would’ve only benefited our enemies.” Evan Chu explained.
I came to Serene Nether City mainly to find Chase and Ivy, and also to see the excitement—especially to see what kind of husband the beautiful Princess Serene would choose.” Evan Chu teased.
“Evan, don’t tease Serene—she’s a shy girl and you’ll only embarrass her. The city may look calm now, but if I’m right, the selection tournament is bound to see something big.” King Victor Zhao said.
“Don’t worry, King Victor Zhao. With me in Serene Nether City, even the strongest from the three rival factions won’t be a problem. If they dare stir up trouble, they won’t be leaving alive.” Evan Chu said with a confident smile…