"Good! Well said! Evan Chu, I promise you—I will definitely build this kind of squad for you!" Zack Zhao said, his voice full of excitement.
Before, all he did every day was train in martial arts, with no real friends at all. Only after meeting Evan Chu in the Monster Beast Forest did he learn what true friendship and true brotherhood meant.
Everyone had seen Evan Chu's character for themselves—he was someone worth befriending, someone worth risking your life for.
"Thanks, Zack. There will definitely come a day like that—just trust me," Evan Chu said confidently.
"Evan, if this place really isn't right for you, then just go. As for the task you gave me, I'll do my best to complete it!" Gus Bullard added, equally fired up.
"Big bro, I know. I'll definitely need your help in the future!" Evan Chu had not a shred of doubt about this honest brother.
Then he addressed the group: "Anyone who calls himself my brother, I'll treasure with my life; anyone who calls himself my enemy, I'll show no mercy. What I need are comrades who will share life and death with me, not fake friends. I hope you all understand."
"Boss, we get it! This life, we're following you—no matter where you go, through blade mountains or seas of fire, or even the jaws of death, we'll never hesitate. Brothers, am I right?" Gus Bullard roared, rallying the group.
"That's right!" the group echoed, their voices full of determination.
"Yes! We absolutely obey Boss, no matter what the conditions—absolute obedience!" everyone shouted in unison, their morale surging.
"Good! Gus, you said it well. While I'm gone, help me take care of our sisters-in-law—I don't want anything happening to them." Evan Chu's blood was boiling, and the sense of loss from Roxanne Lin's departure vanished in an instant.
"Boss, don't worry. I'll swear to protect our sisters-in-law with my life!" Gus Bullard said solemnly, pounding his chest with conviction.
"Alright, everyone else can leave. Zack Zhao, Gus Bullard, Simon Driftwind, and Sterling Yates, stay behind—I have other matters to discuss with you." Evan Chu instructed, his voice steady and commanding.
Afterwards, the rest of the group departed, leaving Jenny Sima and the other two women behind. Evan Chu pulled out several martial arts manuals and said, "These manuals were given to me by Elder Victor Xu. I'm handing them over to you now—they're all excellent techniques."
Also, I'll arrange for you to receive extra Starstones every month for your cultivation. The stronger you become, the greater your future achievements. Where we're heading, even the weakest experts are at the Heaven Martial Realm.
You should be mentally prepared. And pay close attention to Ryan Ouyang—try to befriend him. His background is very special, even he doesn't know the details. I hope he can become one of you.
Evan Chu handed the martial arts manuals directly to Zack Zhao. Zack nodded and said, "I know what to do, Evan. Don't worry—I won't let you down."
Martial arts manuals are extremely rare and precious—many can't be bought at any price. Yet Evan Chu generously handed them over, instantly raising everyone's opinion of him.
If anyone still had any lingering reluctance, now they've completely accepted him as their leader.
"Alright, you can leave too. Train hard and strive to help me as soon as possible," Evan Chu said, giving his team a final nod of encouragement.
"We will, Boss!" everyone responded in unison. Even Zack Zhao called Evan Chu 'Boss'—he had once been Heavenly Dragon Academy's number one, showing just how high Evan's status had risen in their hearts.
Only Jenny Sima, Lily Tang, and Rhea Yang were left. Evan Chu said, "Let's go back to the dorm. I have a lot to say to you."
What Evan Chu said today left the three girls feeling extremely heavy-hearted, especially Lily Tang and Rhea Yang, who had just welcomed him back only to hear he was leaving again. It was hard to bear.
They walked back in silence. Roxanne Lin was gone, her dorm empty, and Evan Chu's group of four entered.
"Evan, are you hiding something from us? What happened to Roxy? Why do you have to leave so urgently?" Jenny Sima finally broke the silence in the room.
Looking at the hopeful eyes of the three girls, Evan Chu said, "Roxy's mark has been removed, which means her bloodline has awakened. She has the Vermilion Bird Bloodline and is the Phoenix Saint of the Vermilion Bird Clan. She's fated not to stay here—today, people from the Vermilion Bird Temple have already taken her away."
This place really isn't suitable for me anymore. I have to become stronger—there are so many things waiting for me to do. Leaving like this may seem selfish, but I have no choice. It's especially unfair to Lily Tang and Rhea Yang, but don't worry—since I've recognized you as my women, I won't let you down.
It's just that your strength is too low right now—I can't take you with me. Besides, the road to the Royal Capital is extremely dangerous. Sea Dragon Academy's people will definitely look for a chance to kill me. I can't gamble with your lives.
The three girls' eyes filled with tears. "Evan, don't forget—you and I have a three-year promise. Since I've chosen you, you have to fulfill our agreement. If you don't come when the time is up, I might..." Rhea Yang's voice trembled, unable to finish.
Rhea Yang couldn't finish her words, but everyone understood what she meant.
"I know. I'll definitely make it. Please don't do anything foolish," Evan Chu said, his voice gentle yet resolute.
"Evan, even though I never made a promise with you, I know you're the one I've been searching for my whole life. No matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you. If I can't have you, I'd rather be alone forever," Lily Tang said, tears streaming down her face.
Evan Chu frowned. "Damn, that's really sentimental! I won't let you down."
Jenny, you're the oldest and have been with me the longest. I hope you'll take good care of them—and yourself too. You know my situation, and I can't avoid it." Evan Chu looked at Jenny Sima as he spoke.
"Evan, I understand. Don't worry—go ahead. We'll work hard on our cultivation and come find you in the Royal Capital as soon as we can," Jenny Sima replied, her voice steady despite the sadness.
The atmosphere in the room was heavy and lifeless. Evan Chu felt a tug at his heart but couldn't change anything.
"I'm going to find Elder Victor Xu and talk about some things. You girls stay here—don't be sad, your man isn't dead yet, so why cry? Give me a smile!" Evan Chu said, forcing a bit of levity.
The three girls couldn't smile, all glaring at Evan Chu. "Just go! We'll be fine!" they retorted, trying to put on a brave front.
After leaving the dorm, Evan Chu headed straight for Elder Victor Xu's office. Along the way, many students looked at him with eyes full of admiration, but Evan was used to it.
"Kid, you're back? I was just about to look for you. News from the Royal Capital—you need to get there as soon as possible. They're recruiting a new batch of Royal Capital Guards, and you made it just in time," Elder Victor Xu said when he saw Evan Chu.
"Royal Capital Guards? What do they do?" Evan Chu asked, a bit confused.
"Royal Capital Guards are responsible for protecting the safety of the Royal Capital. It's a great job—don't underestimate them. Only those with real strength can get in," Elder Victor Xu explained.
"Not interested. I couldn't care less about guarding the gates," Evan Chu scoffed, waving a dismissive hand.
"Do you even know what the Royal Capital Guards are? The pay is twenty mid-grade Starstones and five high-grade Starstones a month, plus some spirit medicines. People would do anything to get in, but you aren't interested?" Elder Victor Xu said, sounding exasperated.
"It's definitely tempting, but I'm still not interested!" Evan Chu said, though his heart was clearly moved.
Elder Victor Xu studied Evan Chu's expression and laughed. "Kid, since you're not interested, forget it. I was going to go with you, but I guess that's not needed now."