The newcomer shot Evan Chu a look, then glanced at Princess Serene. "Serene, are you alright? What's going on here—someone actually dares to stir up trouble in my Serene Nether City?"
Evan Chu and Jade sized up King Victor Zhao, the Lord of Serene Nether City. A faint haze of Nether qi cloaked him, making his presence hard to read—his true power was hidden, and even Evan's Icefire Eye couldn't see through it.
Still, he was at least a peak late-stage Immortal Emperor, maybe already half-step demigod—a real monster. If they weren't careful, a clash could erupt, and neither Evan nor Jade wanted that right now.
After all, they'd come to the Netherworld to find Chase Chu and Princess Ivy. Things were already loud enough—so long as their names got out, that was enough. No need to escalate into a life-and-death battle.
"Father, these two are insanely strong. They've already hurt our Third Elder and killed City Lord's Mansion guards. Their identities are a mystery—they won't answer and keep embarrassing me. You have to stand up for me!" Princess Serene said, indignant.
King Victor Zhao gave Evan and Jade a cold look. "Who are you, and why are you causing trouble in my Serene Nether City? Do you think my city is so weak you can stir up trouble whenever you want? Who do you take me for?"
"We don't mean any harm to Serene Nether City. We're just here to watch the selection tournament—there are so many people, so we thought we'd visit the City Lord's Mansion. But your guards looked down on us, treating us like nobodies they could bully, so we had to teach them a lesson.
Of course, if King Victor Zhao thinks we're here to pick a fight, that's fine too. Whatever you've got, bring it on—I, Evan Chu, won't back down." Evan deliberately spoke his name loud enough for the crowd to hear, hoping Chase and Princess Ivy would notice.
King Victor Zhao frowned at Evan's words. "Evan Chu? Never heard of a Chu clan youth with your strength in the Netherworld. Who exactly are you, and what's your real purpose here? If you don't explain, you won't be leaving today.
The dignity of Serene Nether City isn't something you can trample. No one has ever dared act so arrogantly in front of me. But since you two are such outstanding talents, I'll give you one last chance—better seize it."
I have no ulterior motive—just came to see the selection tournament. If King Victor Zhao insists we have some hidden agenda, then bring it on. I, Evan Chu, fear no one, not even the top experts of the other three factions." Evan said seriously.
Good, very good! Let me see what you're truly capable of, daring to be so arrogant. It's been a long time since I fought—many have forgotten what Serene Nether City's strongest is really like." King Victor Zhao said.
Young Master, let me handle King Victor Zhao. I believe my strength is about equal to his—there's no need for you to intervene." Jade said.
Although her words were spoken softly, King Victor Zhao clearly heard them. The fact that this young woman claimed her strength was equal to his was shocking enough, but she also called the youth 'Young Master,' making his strength and background seem even more unfathomable.
I'll handle King Victor Zhao myself. If you two end up hurting each other, that's no good—I don't want to see you injured. Or are you worried about my safety? In the Netherworld, I haven't put anyone in my eyes yet." Evan Chu said.
These words again reached King Victor Zhao's ears without missing a beat—this was a direct slap in the face, and in front of so many people, his face flushed with embarrassment. In his heart, he had already sentenced Evan and Jade to death; even if he didn't know their identities, he was determined to kill them.
At this moment, news of the battle between Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao spread among the crowd. No one knew where this mysterious youth came from—only that his name was Evan Chu and his strength was terrifying. Everyone watched the two figures in the sky with curiosity.
The news spread rapidly throughout Serene Nether City, from one person to ten, ten to a hundred. Taverns, teahouses, and inns all buzzed with discussion. In a small tavern, at a table, a young man and a beautiful young woman were quietly eating their meal.
Hearing the talk in the tavern, the young man was startled. "Mom, do you think this Evan Chu could be my dad? I feel like it really might be him—only my dad would have the strength to challenge the Netherworld's top experts. Should we go take a look?"
"Chase, this is the Netherworld—are you confused? The entrance between the Netherworld and the Immortal Realm has been sealed for tens of millions of years. Do you really think your dad could appear here? Maybe it's just some reckless kid who happens to share your dad's name," the woman said.
"Impossible—my dad is a true peerless powerhouse. Maybe he really does have the ability to open the passage between the Netherworld and Immortal Realm. There's no harm in checking it out anyway; there are still a few days before the selection tournament," the young man said.
After hesitating for a moment, the woman said, "Maybe it's really possible. Lena and your mother have ascended to the Immortal Realm; maybe he heard we ascended too, but couldn't find us there, so he came here. Your dad is truly capable. Let's go take a look now."
The two finished eating, paid the bill, and left the small tavern. These two were exactly the Princess Ivy and Chase Chu whom Evan was searching for—his and Jade's strategy had worked perfectly.
At this point, King Victor Zhao told Princess Serene and the others to leave. When top experts fight, powerful energy storms can erupt, and accidental injuries would be too great a loss.
"Boy, if you truly have the ability, then follow me. I don't want my Serene Nether City destroyed by our attacks—the citizens are innocent. You wouldn't want to be cursed as a villain for life, would you?" King Victor Zhao said.
"Lead the way! I hope you won't disappoint me!" Evan Chu said calmly.
King Victor Zhao instantly teleported away, and Evan Chu and Jade immediately followed.
King Victor Zhao seemed to be testing Evan Chu's strength, teleporting at incredible speed. But no matter how he tried, Evan Chu and Jade remained right behind him—he couldn't shake them off.
Only now did he truly understand—these two were extremely troublesome opponents. If they joined forces against him, it could spell big trouble.
After half an hour, King Victor Zhao came to a stop. They were in a desert—dry climate, fierce winds whipping up sand everywhere. But it was the perfect place for a battle, since it was deserted and no innocents would be harmed.
Evan Chu and Jade stopped thirty meters in front of King Victor Zhao, calm and unruffled. Evan said, "Don't worry—I won't kill you. Feel free to use your full strength; if you can defeat me, that'll prove your true ability."