Evan Chu and Old Man Xu entered a city about the same size as Flowing Cloud City. The streets were packed with vendors hawking their wares, each stall displaying its own goods.
Evan swept a casual glance and found nothing worth buying—just low-grade herbs and weapons, with the best being a mere third-tier Magic Crystal.
"Old man, didn’t you say you wanted a drink? Where is it? Hurry up and take me—I haven’t had a real meal in ages. Come on, show me where the good stuff is," Evan said.
"Kid, looks like we’ll have to wait on that drink. Trouble’s already here—you see that veiled guy in the bamboo hat behind us? He’s here for you." Old Man Xu chuckled, not seeming too concerned about the stalker.
Evan glanced back and sure enough, someone was sneaking after them. He couldn’t help wondering, How does this guy know it’s me? I’m disguised—even Jenny and Lily couldn’t recognize me, and this guy’s never seen me before.
"Old man, are you sure you’re not mistaken? Maybe he’s not after me. I look totally different now," Evan said.
"That’s an Assassin Guild guy. Even with your disguise, I’m sure he’s already figured you out," Old Man Xu replied.
"Why? Can he see through disguise techniques or something?" Evan was dubious.
"It’s not about you—it’s about me. Think about it: the dean of Heavenly Dragon Academy traveling with a single youth? I’m basically announcing you’re the one I’m protecting," Old Man Xu said.
Evan was speechless. "Old man, seriously, couldn’t you have disguised yourself too? I feel totally exposed hanging around you! Is the Assassin Guild really that strong?"
"Most of them are seventh to ninth layer Earth Martial Realm, with a few at the Heaven Martial Realm. Don’t be scared!"
"Scared? As if! You handle that guy—I’m off for a drink. If you don’t deal with him, don’t bother showing your face to me!" Evan snapped, then led his Windfiend Colt toward a decent-looking restaurant nearby.
Old Man Xu watched Evan stride off and couldn’t help but laugh. "This kid really is something. If the Assassin Guild is showing up, there’ll definitely be trouble elsewhere too. Maybe it’ll be good for him to eat a little pain and learn a lesson."
The sharp-eyed waiter spotted the Windfiend Colt Evan was leading and immediately pegged him as loaded—anyone who traveled with a Windfiend Colt was sure to be rich. He hurried over to greet him.
"Honored guest, are you here to dine or stay? Our restaurant is famous in these parts—great service, fair prices, all kinds of delicious food, guaranteed to please!"
"Both—food and a room," Evan replied curtly. He couldn’t be bothered with small talk from a waiter this sharp, so after handing off the Windfiend Colt, he said, "Take good care of it. If anything goes wrong, I’ll tear this place down myself."
The waiter nodded at once. "Don’t worry, sir, everything will be perfect." Then he led the Windfiend Colt to the stable behind the restaurant.
After entering, Evan glanced around. There weren’t many diners, so the spacious restaurant felt a bit empty.
Evan picked a seat by the window. A pot of Four Seasons Orchid sat on the windowsill, looking beautiful and making the spot feel especially cozy. Here, he could eat and keep an eye on the street outside.
The waiter quickly came over and asked, "Sir, we’ve got braised beef, steamed softshell turtle, spicy pork kidney, kung pao chicken… all signature dishes. What would you like?"
The waiter rattled off nearly twenty dish names, leaving Evan speechless. "Just bring a few, whatever. And a pot of wine. Get me a top room and a bucket of hot water—I need a bath later!"
"Right away, sir. The food will be ready soon, I’ll take care of everything," the waiter said, hurrying off.
Evan kept watching the people passing by outside. Just then, Luna’s voice echoed in his mind: "Evan, quite a few people are watching you. You’re in trouble this time."
"Who are they? They shouldn’t recognize me, right?" Evan asked, startled.
"I checked. There are five people in this restaurant here for you, and they’re all strong—the weakest is seventh layer Earth Martial Realm, the strongest ninth. Don’t get careless," Luna warned.
"Guess I’m really worth something now. Sea Dragon Academy’s got some skills—if they dare come, I’ll make sure they never leave," Evan muttered.
Evan glanced around at the other diners and noticed a few people staring straight at him. He figured those must be the ones Luna meant.
Soon the waiter brought out the food, and Evan poured himself a cup of wine and started eating alone. He didn’t bother thinking about Old Man Xu at all.
"Little brother, where are you headed? Interested in joining me for a drink?" a voice called out to Evan.
Evan looked up to see a bearded middle-aged man walking over with a wine cup. So these guys couldn’t wait, huh? I just started eating—if you want to fight, at least let me finish first. Evan was thoroughly annoyed.
"Not interested. I don’t know you," Evan replied after glancing at the man.
"Where are you from, little brother? Where are you headed?" the man pressed.
"None of your business. What are you, a census officer? Do I look like we’re close?" Evan snapped.
"You’re from Heavenly Dragon Academy, aren’t you? I’ve heard you’re the number one student there—so young and already so strong. Impressive!" The man ignored Evan’s attitude.
Evan had planned to hold back until he’d finished his meal, but this guy just wouldn’t take a hint. He was too annoying, so Evan finally snapped:
"None of your damn business! Get lost before I get mad, or don’t blame me for what happens next."
"So you really are Evan Chu. Kid, today’s your death day." The man hurled his wine cup straight at Evan.
Evan dodged instantly—the cup smashed through the tabletop, showing just how much force the man had used.
Evan pulled out the Frostbane Sword from his storage ring and said, "Assassin Guild punks, come on out. If you can recognize me even like this, you’ve got some skills."
As soon as Evan spoke, a few people from other tables got up and approached, all keeping their guard up. Word was that Evan had ninth-layer Earth Martial Realm power and was extremely dangerous.
"Kid, if you were alone, maybe we wouldn’t have figured it out. But you’re traveling with the dean of Heavenly Dragon Academy—even if you look different than the intel says, we can still guess it’s you."
You’re the only one rushing to the Royal Capital and needing protection. After all this talk, kid, maybe you can die with your eyes closed," the man sneered.
"Get him, boys!"
Once Evan understood, he swung his sword fast. The restaurant was cramped—not a good place for a fight—and Old Man Xu still hadn’t come back. He needed open space, so he flashed out the window.
"After him!" the man shouted, and the others chased after Evan...