Evan Chu and Lena Chu flew for a while above Chushade City before arriving at a riverside. The river wasn’t very wide, but its waters were swift and chilly. The banks were dotted with wild grass and scattered flowers, but not a hint of green could be seen.
"Lena, your father is of the Golden Dragon bloodline—your mother should’ve told you, right? You’re a Golden Dragon too. Once you awaken your bloodline power, your strength will soar. It’s a shame there’s no blood pool here; if I could put you in one, you might ascend immediately upon awakening your bloodline." Evan Chu said.
"Dad, I know ascending is important, but I really want to spend more time with Mom. She’s had it rough all these years without you around." Lena said.
"Here are some mid-grade and high-grade Immortal Stones, enough for you to absorb and ascend. There are also a few supreme-grade stones and a Jadeheart Lotus. These are all extremely precious. When you ascend, you’ll understand their value. But for now, you absolutely must not absorb anything higher than high-grade stones.
The energy is way too strong—you could literally explode and die. You have to remember what I’m telling you. I’m not joking about this." Evan Chu warned.
Taking the Immortal Stones from Evan, Lena smiled and said, "I’ll remember, Dad. Don’t worry!"
After handing over the stones, Evan glanced at the river in front of them, then—with a thought—leapt straight into the water. Lena was baffled, having no idea why her dad had suddenly jumped in.
A few breaths later, Evan shot up from the river, holding two fat, hefty fish in his hands. "Lena, let me make you some grilled fish. It’s absolutely delicious."
Lena glanced at Evan, noticing that his clothes weren’t even the slightest bit wet. It was so strange! Before she could ask, she saw Evan pull out a short sword and quickly clean and gut the fish. The water, of course, was conjured by his Watershift technique, which left her even more amazed.
Next, he rubbed spices and salt onto the fish, then held them in his hand. A gentle flame appeared in his palm, just the right temperature for grilling. In no time, the aroma of grilled fish wafted out, making their mouths water.
"Try it, Lena!" Evan handed the grilled fish to Lena, then continued grilling the other one. Not long after, the second fish was ready.
Lena took a gentle bite and found the fish incredibly tasty—better than anything she’d eaten in a restaurant. She couldn’t help but ask, "Dad, how did you make that flame appear in your palm? It’s amazing!"
It wasn’t that Lena didn’t know people who’d mastered fire element could conjure flames—but those flames always vanished instantly or burned way too hot. You couldn’t grill fish with them; either they wouldn’t cook, or they’d burn to a crisp in seconds.
"That’s my Fireshift technique. Eat up—we’ll need to head back soon, or your mom and the others will worry if they wake and don’t see us." Evan said with a smile.
The two of them wolfed down the fish, leaving nothing behind. "Let’s go, Dad! I’m stuffed—if only life could always be this peaceful." Lena said.
Evan grabbed Lena and teleported them straight to the City Lord’s Mansion training yard. He yearned for a peaceful life too, but knew it was just wishful thinking.
When they got back, Princess Ivy and Faye Knox were already up, chatting in the main hall. Chase Chu was there too; when he saw Evan and Lena enter, Princess Ivy asked:
"You two disappeared first thing in the morning. Spill it—what were you up to?"
"Dad took me out for breakfast—he cooked it himself, and it was delicious." Lena replied.
"Dad’s so biased! He didn’t take me out—does having a daughter mean you don’t want a son anymore?" Chase Chu joked.
"Don’t be silly, Chase. If you’d gotten up earlier, you could’ve joined us. It’s not our fault you weren’t called." Evan Chu said.
Faye Knox stood up and laughed, "Evan, when are we heading to the Human Clan? Don’t forget, you’ve got another woman in the Netherworld. She’s probably close to ascending—maybe you can help her out."
"I was just about to bring that up. My time in the lower realm is running out, and there are still things I haven’t settled. How about we head to the Human Clan today and check on Lillian? Besides, you girls haven’t all gathered together in ages." Evan Chu said.
"Whatever you want—we’ll follow your lead!" Princess Ivy chimed in, sounding completely devoted to Evan’s arrangements.
"If that’s settled, let’s not waste any time—we should leave now. Flying from here to the Human Royal Capital will take a while, so let’s not delay." Evan Chu said.
"Funny how you get all fired up the moment Lillian’s mentioned. You really do play favorites!" Princess Ivy teased.
"I—I..."
After Ivy finished giving instructions, the group set out. They flew fast, and by dusk, they’d reached the Human Royal Capital.
The Human Royal Capital still looked the same as ever. Evan Chu and his group entered the city, where the streets were packed with people and the inns and restaurants were bustling. You could hear waiters shouting out their specials everywhere.
When they reached the royal residence gates, the guards stopped them. Lena Chu flared up: "Go report to your City Lord right now—the City Lords of Chushade City and Moonwell City are here! How dare you block us? Are you tired of living?"
Lena’s fiery temper flared up again, but Evan Chu quickly said, "Lena, don’t be rude. You’re a girl—act a little more refined, or people will laugh at you."
Just then, a handsome young man walked out from the City Lord’s Mansion. As the guard was about to announce their arrival, he saw the youth and immediately greeted him respectfully, "Young Master, they said they’re..."
Before the guard could finish, Cole Chu interrupted, "Cole greets my two Aunties! Aunties, please come in!" Then he turned to Lena and Chase: "Lena, Chase, you should’ve let us know you were coming so we could prepare a proper welcome."
Just as he finished speaking, Cole noticed Evan Chu and paused, then asked, "And who’s this?"
"I’m your father! Surprised, aren’t you? Is your mom inside?" Evan Chu said bluntly.
"You’re my father?" Cole Chu asked in shock, glancing at Faye Knox and Princess Ivy. If Evan could say that in front of them, it was probably true—otherwise, he’d be accused of deliberately causing trouble.
"Cole, he really is your father. If you have questions, let’s talk inside." Faye Knox said.
With that, everyone entered the City Lord’s Mansion. The youth was Cole Chu, Evan Chu and Lillian Zhang’s son, now at Sixth-Layer Venerable Martial Realm—a true martial prodigy.