Sitting atop Goldwing, the wind whistling past his ears, Evan Chu felt completely at ease. He turned to Shadow beside him and asked, "Shadow, how much longer do you think it’ll take for you to break through to the next realm?"
Shadow glanced at Evan and smiled. "Big Brother, why are you suddenly so concerned about me? My current realm is already pretty impressive, right? But compared to you, I’m way behind. To break through again, I’ll need even greater energy. This kind of thing can’t be rushed; it’s best to let it happen naturally."
Evan laughed, "My little Shadow has really grown up—speaking so maturely now. Does that mean you’ve fully awakened your inherited memories?"
"It’s not that easy," Shadow replied. "I only know I have the bloodline of an ancient sacred beast. Someday, I might evolve into an ancient divine beast bloodline. When that happens, I’ll be truly powerful—and I can become your right hand, helping you shoulder the burden."
Goldwing’s speed was astonishing. In no time, the Heavenly Dragon Empire’s Royal Capital appeared before them. To keep a low profile, Evan dismounted and had Shadow and Goldwing return into his body, then entered the city directly.
Evan’s appearance startled quite a few people in the capital. Just days ago, he’d crippled two high-ranking officials on the street, and now he’d shown up again—who knew what would happen this time? Though everyone knew he was the Grand Protector-General of the Realm, he was still a mysterious figure, rarely seen and hard to predict.
Evan went to Skylar Yule’s Second Prince’s manor. His arrival surprised both Skylar and Luna Chu. "Evan, why are you back? Is there something you need to handle?" Skylar asked from the main hall as Evan sipped his tea.
"I came back this time to see the brothers who once fought life and death alongside me. Last time, I left in such a hurry that I forgot all about it. Could you send someone to notify them for me, Big Brother?" Evan set down his teacup and said.
"Evan, you’re not planning to take Gus Bullard and Gabe Goldstone away from the capital, are you?" Luna Chu walked in, holding her child.
"If they’re willing, I hope they’ll come with me to the Azure Tide Ruins. After all, they’ll have much better opportunities for growth and power there. If the empire ever needs them, they can always come back. I’m cultivating talent for Big Brother, you know—shouldn’t you be thanking me?" Evan glanced at Luna Chu as he spoke.
"I’ll arrange it right away. Tonight, you brothers can have a proper reunion. As for whether they’ll go with you—that’s not my business," Skylar said.
After Skylar left the hall, Luna Chu said, "You’re already a super expert now—honestly, it’s hard to believe. Just think, you used to be the clan’s ‘trash,’ and now look at you. This time, I’m going to ask for something in return, since who knows when you’ll come back again."
"We’re siblings, no need to be so formal. Just say what you want. If it’s Netherghost Violet Orchids, I can only spare two more," Evan replied.
"What do you mean siblings? It’s clearly older sister and younger brother—you always get that wrong! I don’t want Netherghost Violet Orchids. I want you to leave some Starstones and good martial techniques for me. I want Rui to have the best training from the start, so one day he can become a top expert like his second uncle," Luna Chu said, glaring at Evan.
"That’s simple—I’ll give them to you in a bit. But you got one thing wrong: I’m Rui’s big uncle, not his second uncle. Also, aside from one place where you’re bigger than me, you’re smaller in every other way. Remember, I’m your elder brother, not your little brother—don’t get it mixed up, or it’ll be embarrassing," Evan joked.
Luna Chu blushed. "You never change—always taking advantage of your sister. But for Rui’s future, I’ll let you off this time. As his big uncle, you’d better give your nephew the very best."
Evan’s face darkened—he’d been outmaneuvered again. He took out dozens of supreme-grade Starstones and a Star Crystal from his storage ring. "These Starstones and Star Crystal are encouragement from his big uncle. I’ll also leave him two Heaven-tier martial techniques—let him study them when he’s ready. Remember, cultivation should be step by step; don’t rush it."
Luna Chu took the Starstones without hesitation and smiled. "Looks like you’re a pretty generous uncle after all. I’ll give you a special toast later to thank you!"
After chatting for a while longer, footsteps sounded outside the hall. Evan slowly stood up as several young men about his age entered.
"Boss!" "Boss!" "Brother!" The newcomers immediately called out to Evan, their voices full of emotion.
The newcomers were Gus Bullard, Zack Zhao, Gabe Goldstone, and Sterling Yates. "Long time no see! Looks like you’re all doing well. So, have you gotten married yet?" Evan asked casually.
Gus Bullard laughed, "Boss, you’re always joking. With looks like mine, who’d ever want me? Not like you, with all your wives and concubines—makes us all jealous."
"Can’t start a family until you’ve made something of yourself. That’s a ways off yet!" Zack Zhao chimed in.
Sterling Yates and Gabe Goldstone stayed silent. Evan glanced at them and laughed, "Looks like you two are already married. Why didn’t you bring your wives over to meet your brothers?"
"Don’t tease us, Evan. Our wives are pretty plain—too embarrassed to show them off. By the way, why did you come back this time? It can’t be just for a simple reunion, right?" Gabe Goldstone asked.
Evan was genuinely grateful to Gabe—if not for his gift of the Blue Frost Sword, Evan wouldn’t be where he was today. "I really did come back just to drink with you all. What’s wrong with that?"
"Alright, alright! If it’s drinks you want, my prince’s manor has plenty. Let’s go get drunk together!" Skylar Yule said.
Everyone headed to a special guest wing in the prince’s manor. The food and wine were already set out—the royal chefs were fast, and the spread of delicacies made everyone’s mouth water.
During the banquet, Evan explained his intentions to Gus and the others. Gabe and Sterling politely declined—now that they had wives and children, going to the Azure Tide Ruins was inconvenient. But Zack and Gus agreed without hesitation.
Evan didn’t push them. He took out two Netherghost Violet Orchids and handed them to Gabe and Sterling. "These might help you break into the Saint Martial Realm one day. I got them from the Netherworld after all kinds of hardship—keep them safe."
The two felt the gift was too precious and tried to refuse, but Evan insisted they accept. He also gave them a pile of supreme-grade and high-grade Starstones. For the sake of brotherhood, he’d help as much as he could...