Evan Chu's words gave everyone quite a shock, but at this moment, no one doubted him anymore. In their hearts, he was already seen as a true powerhouse—someone whose strength was no weaker than King Victor Zhao.
"Hahaha! With Brother Linfeng in Serene Nether City, I feel much more at ease. Tonight, let's drink heartily and celebrate your arrival!" King Victor Zhao laughed.
"Of course, Linfeng will drink with you till the end. But I wonder if King Zhao's wine is enough—I'm quite the heavy drinker!" Evan Chu replied.
Then, everyone left the main hall and headed to the side chamber where the banquet was already prepared. King Victor Zhao had arranged a lavish feast, with all kinds of delicacies—a special welcome for Evan Chu.
During the banquet, Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao drank and chatted happily, sharing many words. Meanwhile, Chase and Princess Serene gradually grew more familiar with each other. Their interactions were noticed by both Evan Chu and King Victor Zhao, and the king was quite satisfied with Chase.
Like father, like son. King Victor Zhao believed that Chase Chu must also be an outstanding talent and would surely bring him great surprises. If Princess Serene truly ended up with him, it might be the best possible choice.
The banquet lasted a long time. Princess Ivy and the Emerald Immortal Empress Jade were assigned to separate rooms. The two women didn't say much, since they weren't familiar with each other. Princess Ivy assumed Jade was one of Evan Chu's women from the Immortal Realm. She wanted to be friendly, but didn't know what to say.
Chase Chu was led by Princess Serene to the rear garden of the City Lord's Mansion. She was extremely curious about Evan Chu's true identity, but didn't dare ask him directly. Her only breakthrough was Chase, whom she was already fond of.
Maybe she could learn something about Evan Chu from Chase's mouth. But Chase didn't know Princess Serene's intentions—he wasn't foolish, and there were some things he wouldn't reveal lightly.
Evan Chu, meanwhile, was taken by King Victor Zhao to his study. "Brother Linfeng, I've always been curious about your identity. Now that we're alone, you can tell me, right? I've never heard of anyone like you in the Netherworld."
"I knew you'd ask. Honestly, I don't mind telling you, but you have to keep it a secret for me. Right now, Serene Nether City is in a turbulent period. If someone with ulterior motives finds out, it'll bring you trouble. Of course, as long as Linfeng is in the Netherworld, I can handle those troubles for you," Evan Chu said.
He didn't directly reveal his identity, but his words carried hints. King Victor Zhao was no fool; he wouldn't have become the lord of Serene Nether City otherwise.
Hearing Evan Chu say this, King Victor Zhao's expression changed. He looked at Evan Chu in confusion and asked, "You're not from the Netherworld? Are you a powerhouse from the Immortal Realm or the Demonic Realm?"
Seeing the shock on his face, Evan Chu replied, "That's right, I'm not from the Netherworld. I came here because I was worried about my wife and son, so I wanted to check on them. That's why I caused such a stir at the City Lord's Mansion."
"So where are you from, and how did you break through the Netherworld entrance? You know, no one's found the Netherworld entrance for tens of millions of years, let alone broken it open. I'm getting more and more curious about your identity," King Victor Zhao said.
"I'm the Palace Lord of Frostbane Imperial Palace in the Immortal Realm—or you could say the number one expert of the Immortal Realm. I've even unified the immortal beast clans. Rest assured, I have no malice toward the Netherworld. I came here just to see my wife and son. If Serene Nether City needs Linfeng's help, just say the word and I'll help you without hesitation," Evan Chu said.
"Number one expert in the Immortal Realm? Then what level are you at, and why haven't you ascended to the God Realm?" King Victor Zhao asked in astonishment.
"I'm just at mid-stage Immortal Emperor, but my true strength allows me to easily kill demigod-ranked experts. You should understand: it's best for the Immortal Realm and Netherworld to coexist peacefully for tens of millions of years. I actually hope this barrier never opens.
But the Demonic Realm and Immortal Realm will go to war in a little over a thousand years. This time, the war might break out much sooner—it's worrisome!" Evan Chu said seriously.
"The Demonic Realm will attack the Immortal Realm too? How is that possible? In a thousand years, the Demonic Realm is also supposed to attack the Netherworld, and the timing might move up. But every time, the Demonic Realm is crushed in defeat. Is it because they split their forces that they lose?
If they only attacked one side, then neither realm could stop them. The Demonic Realm's power is truly terrifying!" King Victor Zhao exclaimed.
Evan Chu was just as shocked. He hadn't expected the Demonic Realm to attack both the Immortal Realm and Netherworld at the same time. Only the Demonic Realm could be so warlike—its strength was indeed fearsome.
Just as King Victor Zhao said, if the Demonic Realm focused all its forces on a single target, any realm could suffer a disastrous defeat. This was something to be wary of.
"I wouldn't have known if you hadn't mentioned it. Where is the entrance between the Demonic Realm and Netherworld? Are there any signs?" Evan Chu asked.
"There's nothing yet. The Netherworld has stationed hundreds of thousands of troops at the suspected entrance. If anything happens, a devastating war will erupt. There are still a thousand years of peace left, but it's only superficial. The other three forces have long been preparing to attack my Serene Nether City.
If not for fear of my army's strength, they would have attacked already. But now that Brother Linfeng is here, I have nothing to worry about," King Victor Zhao said.
"If King Zhao wants to wipe out the other three major forces, Linfeng can help you kill their key figures—as long as you treat my wife and son well. Let me be blunt: if anything happens to them, I can destroy Serene Nether City with a single move.
Your strength may be top-tier in the Netherworld, maybe even invincible, but in my eyes it's very weak. If I wanted to kill you, one move would be enough. I'm not trying to scare you—it's just the truth. Otherwise, I couldn't be the Immortal Realm's number one expert, nor could I subdue the immortal beast clans. Their strength is on par with your Netherworld.
But rest assured, I won't do anything to the Netherworld. Peaceful coexistence is best. I hate war. After the Immortal–Demon war, I'll solve the root problem so the Demonic Realm won't invade the Immortal Realm or Netherworld again," Evan Chu said.
"Of course I believe Brother Linfeng. I never expected the Netherworld would see the Immortal Realm's top expert appear here. Only someone like you could break through the Netherworld entrance. As for the other three forces, I've always held to the idea: if they don't offend me, I won't offend them.
If they really cross the line against Serene Nether City during the selection tournament, maybe this time I'll show them what we're made of. When that happens, I'll be counting on your help, Brother Linfeng," King Victor Zhao said.
"Just say the word and I'll help you wipe out those three forces. But losing them would also weaken the Netherworld a lot. If the Demonic Realm's armies attack after that, it could be very dangerous," Evan Chu said...