Evan didn’t feel any rush of triumph after killing the guard. Instead, his heart was tight with anxiety—he’d just exposed his true strength right in front of Harrison Jin, and in the Immortal Realm, that kind of slip could mean disaster down the road. In a place where everyone’s scheming for survival, a moment’s carelessness could cost him his life. He had to play this smart, or he’d be the next one lying dead on the ground.
Thud! The guard’s severed head hit the ground with a gruesome echo, blood spurting from the neck as the corpse collapsed. The air was thick with tension and gore—a sight that would make any onlooker shudder, and a brutal reminder of how high the stakes were in this world.
“Kid, your strength is solid, and your defense is freakishly tough. But in the Immortal Realm, killing like this means you could get hunted down any time. You’re still way too reckless,” Harrison Jin said with a crooked grin, sizing Evan up with the eyes of a seasoned veteran.
With a blur of motion, Harrison Jin darted over and tapped the guard’s corpse. A surge of Immortal force blasted into the chest, and a chilling, infant-like wail burst out—then everything went eerily silent, as if the world itself was holding its breath.
In that instant, Evan’s mind snapped to clarity. Damn, I only killed the guy’s body, but the Immortal Infant was still intact. In the Immortal Realm, just snuffing out someone’s life isn’t enough—unless you destroy the Immortal Infant, your enemy can crawl back from the dead. How could I miss such a crucial detail? Sloppiness like this could get me killed.
“Thank you for stepping in, Senior. I was careless—won’t make that mistake again,” Evan said, trying to keep his voice steady. Deep down, though, he couldn’t shake the feeling that trouble was brewing—his actions in the mine might soon come to light. The fact that Harrison Jin had him kill the guard made it obvious: that guy was a watchdog for the Lord of Coldriver City. Evan’s gratitude was genuine, but beneath it, his nerves were stretched tight.
If that Immortal Infant had escaped, it could have run straight to the Lord of Coldriver City. Then, when the big shots showed up at the mine, even Evan’s monstrous strength wouldn’t mean squat. If word got out, he’d be facing a tidal wave of experts—and no amount of talent could save him from that.
“Glad you get it. I’m sure you hit some crazy stroke of luck in the mine—otherwise you wouldn’t have shot up to late Heavenly Immortal so fast. Don’t sweat it, I’m not here to hurt you. Meeting a genius like you is my damn good luck, Evan. No need to keep your guard up around me,” Harrison Jin said, his words blunt but full of warmth.
Evan gave a crooked smile. “Since you think so highly of me, Harrison, how could I not appreciate it? I’m all alone in this Immortal Realm—having a friend like you is more than I could ever hope for. In a place where everyone’s out for themselves, a true friend is worth more than treasure.”
Harrison Jin let out a hearty laugh. “Knew I was right about you. Coldriver City’s a mess right now—maybe only this mine is still a clean spot. But now that the City Lord’s spy is dead, you can bet Coldriver City’s so-called peace won’t last much longer. The waters are about to get choppy.”
Evan frowned—wasn’t it Harrison who told him to do it? Why the sudden change in mood? Was there something else going on here that he hadn’t caught? The whole situation felt off, and Evan couldn’t help but question Harrison’s motives.
"I know what’s on your mind, but take it easy. With my standing, the City Lord won’t dare mess with me. That guard was definitely his spy, but he could only report back every five years. I already know his tricks and can fake the reports myself. Right now, what matters most is you breaking through to Da Luo Golden Immortal within five years. That’s your ticket out of danger—and mine too."
Once you hit Da Luo Golden Immortal, the City Lord won’t dare touch you. Then you can head straight for the Martial Spirit Dominion—the real stage for top dogs. And when you make it, I’ll be right there catching some of your shine. I’m aiming for the city lord’s throne myself. That’s my bet.
Evan hadn’t expected Harrison Jin to be so open. Just as he was about to speak, Harrison cut him off, "I know this all sounds sudden, but that’s just how I roll. If you’re my friend, I’ll stake my life on you—no scheming, no half measures. If you’re not, I’ll cut you down early. Don’t call me Senior Jin anymore. If you don’t mind my average talent, just call me Big Brother. I don’t beat around the bush."
“Big Brother, please accept my respects!” Evan said, dropping to one knee with a deep bow. He really trusted Harrison Jin—if the guy wanted him dead, it’d be over in a heartbeat. Harrison’s honesty was rare in this cutthroat world, and Evan needed a friend more than anything. If someone was willing to open up like this, he’d meet them with equal sincerity. In this realm, a true brother was worth more than a mountain of Immortal Stones.
“Up, up! Meeting a brother like you is the best thing that’s happened to me in centuries. I’ve been stuck at late Golden Immortal for hundreds of years, just can’t break through. If you soar to the top, let your big brother bask in your glory!” Harrison Jin said, grinning from ear to ear, his tone full of hope and warmth.
Evan saw not a hint of deceit in Harrison Jin’s eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and Harrison’s were clear as day—he was speaking straight from the heart. Evan respected people like this, who said what they meant and never played games. It reminded him of Gus Bullard—straightforward, honest to the bone. That’s the kind of person Evan admired most.
“Don’t worry, Big Brother. If I ever really make it big, I’ll never forget you. I’m still too weak to help you, but I swear I’ll never forget this kindness. For now, I need to go into seclusion and push my limits. One day, I’ll pay you back in full.” Evan’s words were humble, but his resolve burned strong.
“Right now, you’ve only got one job—get stronger, fast. Five years. That’s all you’ve got. If you break through to Da Luo Golden Immortal, we’re both safe. If not, we’ll be hunted to the ends of the Immortal Realm by Coldriver City’s experts. Our fates are tied together now—that’s why I had you take out the guard,” Harrison Jin said, his voice urgent and full of conviction.
“Big Brother, you didn’t have to go that far. If we’d let him live, you wouldn’t be in danger. Only two meetings and you’re betting your life on me—how am I supposed to live up to that?” Evan said, half helpless, half awed. Harrison was either incredibly bold or just plain impulsive, and it put a heavy weight on Evan’s shoulders.
“I trust you, and I trust my own eyes. You won’t let your big brother down. The City Lord bleeds this mine dry—ninety percent of the stones go to him. I’ve had enough. Here, I’ve got some high-grade Immortal Stones I’ve stashed away over the years. Take them, and don’t hold back,” Harrison Jin said, his resentment and faith in Evan burning bright.
I’ve swallowed my anger for years, but you give me hope. You’re a once-in-a-lifetime genius, and I’m ready to bet everything on you—even if it means risking my life. In just four months, you shot from Earth Immortal to late Heavenly Immortal. If anyone can pull this off, it’s you. I’m all in—and if I lose, so be it.” As Harrison Jin spoke, a storage ring appeared in his hand, his eyes blazing with determination.
Honestly, Big Brother, I did dig up some high-grade stones myself. Didn’t hand them in because there weren’t many—hope you’re not mad. I wouldn’t have broken through so fast without them, but your stones are way too valuable. I just want to be straight with you.
“Mad? Not at all! Even if you found supreme-grade Immortal Stones, I’d only be happy for you. Just take these—don’t be so polite. You’ve got five years, so focus on cultivating. I’ll watch your back the whole way—don’t worry about a thing. Take care, little brother.” With that, Harrison Jin pressed the storage ring into Evan’s hand and strode away without a backward glance, leaving Evan standing there with a heart full of gratitude and resolve.