"Thank you, Shrine Master! Once I see my mother, I'll give everyone a real surprise." Evan Chu spoke calmly, but excitement surged uncontrollably in his heart.
"Evan, congratulations on getting them to agree so easily. But for true submission, you'll need to awaken your bloodline. Right now, freeing your mother is the most important thing." Sword Spirit Luna spoke up, her tone full of advice.
"I know. If it weren’t for Tom Chu’s help, there’s no way I could have made the Dragon Clan agree to my demands so quickly." Evan Chu smiled.
At this, the Golden Dragon Shrine Master addressed the crowd: "My sister has endured over twenty years of confinement. Today, she’s finally free. I hope none of you will look at her with strange eyes. Their reunion brings me great joy—let’s prepare a grand banquet and celebrate!"
"Thank you, Shrine Master, and everyone here. Evan Chu is truly grateful!"
"Grand Elder, please bring Celine Tang out yourself. It’s time for mother and son to reunite. When my father brought her back from the human world, her suffering was unbearable. As her elder brother, I could never bear it," said the Golden Dragon Shrine Master.
The Golden Dragon Grand Elder turned and left the hall. Meanwhile, Evan Chu couldn’t shake a nagging doubt. His father, Dominic Chu, had said it was his grandfather who took his mother away, but in this shrine, only his uncle seemed powerful. Where was this mysterious grandfather—could he be dead?
There was also that powerful seal my grandfather supposedly placed in my body, meant to unlock after I turned twenty. But I’m already past twenty and haven’t felt anything—what’s going on?
Seeing Evan Chu frown slightly, the Golden Dragon Shrine Master said, "Your name is Evan Chu, right? From today, we're family. No need to be formal—treat this place as your own home."
"Understood, thank you, Uncle." Evan Chu replied simply, his eagerness to see his mother obvious. The word 'Uncle' felt a bit forced in his mouth.
After a while, footsteps echoed outside the grand hall. Evan Chu's heart leapt into his throat as he stared at the entrance. The Golden Dragon Grand Elder slowly entered, leading a young, beautiful woman and a maid. Everyone held their breath, watching the three in silence.
"Shrine Master, I've brought Miss Tang," the Golden Dragon Grand Elder said respectfully to the Golden Dragon Shrine Master.
"Big Brother!" the young woman called softly to the Golden Dragon Shrine Master, her sweet voice pleasant to the ear.
"Little sister, you’ve suffered so much. It’s my fault—I may be the Shrine Master, but I couldn’t free you. You don’t blame me, do you?" the Golden Dragon Shrine Master said, voice full of regret.
"Big brother, you’re too harsh on yourself. I know how much you’ve sacrificed to keep me alive. How could I ever blame you? Without your care, I might have died long ago," Celine Tang replied, her eyes glistening.
Evan Chu stared at the young woman—she was exactly like the figure in Dominic Chu’s painting, unchanged by time. Her skin was fair as snow, her eyes clear as water, and her graceful, noble presence left him in awe and feeling unworthy.
This was his mother—her beauty rivaled any of his lovers. Now that his wish was finally fulfilled, Evan Chu felt utterly at a loss.
Celine Tang looked at Evan Chu, her face lighting up with surprise. The youth before her looked exactly like the person she’d dreamed of for years—her son, Evan Chu. She couldn’t believe she was seeing him in person and rubbed her eyes, afraid she might be dreaming.
Unable to hold back, Evan Chu rushed forward, knelt, and said respectfully, "Mother, you’ve suffered. Your son is late."
Celine Tang couldn’t hold back her excitement. She hurried forward, lifted Evan Chu, and hugged him tightly, choking with tears: "My son, you’re truly my son! I’ve waited day and night to see you again—heaven has finally answered!"
Evan Chu gently stepped back and said, "Mother, I’ve come to take you home. Soon you’ll be reunited with Father. I’m now the strongest among the humans—no one will ever dare bully you again."
Celine Tang’s heart was in turmoil at Evan Chu’s words. At just twenty-one, he had become humanity’s strongest—an almost terrifying talent. On the way here, the Golden Dragon Grand Elder said even he couldn’t match Evan, and everyone in the hall had submitted to him. Without that, she wouldn’t have been freed.
"Evan, I never imagined you’d improve so much. I’m proud of you. I know you clashed with the elders and protectors over me—please try to resolve those grudges if you can," Celine Tang said.
"Mother, I know what to do. Now that you’re free, just enjoy yourself. Today is a happy day—I’m sure Uncle has prepared a banquet. I’ll use the opportunity to apologize to everyone," Evan Chu replied.
Everyone entered the side hall of the Dragon Shrine, where several tables were set with food and drink. The Golden Dragon Shrine Master said, "Because of my sister, both the Silver and Azure Dragon Clans lost their chiefs. I deeply apologize. We all know strength rules—please, don’t hold a grudge. Our Dragon Clan has always respected strength above all."
"Shrine Master, that’s not quite right. The two chiefs had the honor of fighting the greatest genius of the humans and dragons—even if they died, it was a worthy death. We only submit to the strong," an elder said, rising from his seat.
Evan Chu felt uneasy—he’d killed two clan chiefs, yet no one blamed him. Instead, they insisted on submitting only to the strong. The Dragon Clan’s rules were truly bizarre.
"Thank you all for your support and understanding. Today, I offer this cup of wine to everyone—may all our past grievances vanish with it," Evan Chu said to the crowd.
"Cheers!" someone called out, standing up. "Cheers!" the crowd echoed.
Now that Evan Chu and his mother are reunited, and his strength is so great, I’m sure we’re all curious—can he transform into a true Golden Dragon? If he can, our clan will have produced a peerless genius!" the Golden Dragon Shrine Master said to everyone.