The rest of the crowd’s opinion of Evan Chu had completely changed. Especially Zander Xiang, Ghost King, and Beast King—all three now envied the Shade Lord for gaining such a heaven-defying genius as a son-in-law, while also worrying about the fate of their own races.
Although Evan Chu was human, he was now the Shade Clan’s son-in-law. If a war ever broke out between the humans and the Shades, no one knew which side he’d choose. Most likely, he’d help the Shade Clan—after all, men usually listen to women. What kind of chaos that might cause was simply unimaginable.
As for the Netherkin, they’d made enemies with the Shade Clan this time for sure. Neither side had openly declared it yet, but Evan would definitely repay that palm strike. Besides, he’d already made it clear when the Nether Monarch left.
Princess Ivy, accompanied by Roxanne Lin, entered the great hall with Evan Chu. The hall had suffered some damage, but overall it was still intact. Even so, everyone’s mood was a bit down after what had just happened.
A perfectly good wedding had turned into a mess—frustrating, to say the least. But compared to millions of Netherstones, this bit of damage was nothing. The Shade Lord sat calmly atop the dais, showing no anger at all over the incident.
“Today is my daughter’s happiest day. There was a bit of unpleasantness just now—please forgive us. I’m grateful that everyone gave me the honor of attending Ivy and Evan’s wedding. Once again, thank you all.” said the Shade Lord.
“Shade Lord, you’re too polite. To have such a genius for a son-in-law is truly enviable! If only I had a daughter myself,” the Ghost King laughed.
“So even the Ghost King thinks this kid is impressive? Looks like my judgment is pretty sharp—or rather, it’s Ivy’s taste that’s truly outstanding. Enough talk! Let’s prepare for the wedding ceremony. Everyone, drink to your heart’s content later!” said the Shade Lord.
Evan Chu smiled at the guests, then began the wedding rites with Princess Ivy. But among Zander Xiang’s entourage, a young man and woman wore scornful expressions—especially the woman, whose beautiful face was twisted with anger.
“Senior brother, this guy’s a human and yet he’s marrying into the Shade Clan? He’s disgracing our whole race! I’ve seen enough—he’s nothing special, so why does the Shade Lord favor him? It’s ridiculous.” the woman said.
“Keep your voice down, junior sister. It’s bad if anyone overhears. Didn’t you see how much the Shade Lord values him? Escaping the Nether Monarch’s strike isn’t something just anyone can do—he’s not as simple as you think. He might be our race’s greatest rival. Don’t provoke him, or you’ll bring trouble on us all,” the young man replied.
These two were Zander Xiang’s personal disciples. Though Zander was a top human expert, he’d never married or had children—mainly because of his cultivation technique. Zander practiced the Golden Child Body, which forbids all contact with women for life. That’s one reason he’d become the strongest among the humans.
After the ceremony, Princess Ivy was escorted to the bridal chamber by Roxanne Lin, while Evan Chu stayed behind to drink with the guests. Naturally, plenty of people tried to curry favor with him—being the Shade Lord’s son-in-law meant his status in Nine‑Shade City was sky-high.
Some of the Shade Clan’s elders and protectors had especially changed their attitudes toward Evan Chu. Back in the Ghostveil Labyrinth, he’d already shown terrifying strength—now, he’d won over everyone present.
Once the wine had flowed for a few rounds, many guests retired to their rooms in the City Lord’s Mansion to rest. The Ghost King chatted with a middle-aged man in his quarters.
“Ghost King, I feel there’s something off about that kid. I have a bad feeling. He’s so strong and so young, and he knows Faye Knox too. I suspect he might be the one who destroyed Grimchart City back then.”
The Ghost King was startled. “Second Elder, I hadn’t really thought about it, but now that you mention it, it’s possible. Faye Knox is the Nether Monarch’s daughter, and she was with the guy who destroyed Grimchart City. She’s usually low-profile and rarely leaves Hellsward City, but this young man’s power is terrifying. I’m willing to bet he’s the one who wiped out Grimchart City.”
“So, Ghost King, what do you plan to do? Should we get to the bottom of it? This is the Shade Lord’s turf—we can’t just act recklessly. The Shade Lord’s strength is mysterious and unfathomable. Better to be cautious,” said the Second Elder.
“I know what I’m doing. There’s no rush—we’ll investigate slowly. If we confirm it’s him, I’ll demand an explanation from the Shade Lord. No matter how strong he is, the Shade Lord won’t dare mess with me then,” the Ghost King said.
While the Ghost King was growing suspicious of Evan Chu, the Nether Monarch back in the Netherkin’s territory was also having doubts. Evan’s face seemed far too familiar, and his way of speaking and handling things reminded him of someone.
“Faye, do you know where that kid comes from? Your father needs the truth—don’t hide anything,” the Nether Monarch asked Faye Knox.
“Father, I don’t know either. You’d better investigate yourself. My mind’s a mess—I don’t want to talk about him,” Faye Knox answered immediately. She only knew bits and pieces about Evan Chu; there was a lot she didn’t understand, and her father’s questioning clearly had its reasons.
“Forget it, I’ll look into it myself. From today on, you’re to stay in the Netherkin’s domain—no wandering off. After what happened, I’m furious. My reputation’s been ruined today,” the Nether Monarch said angrily.
Meanwhile, Evan Chu returned to Princess Ivy’s bridal chamber, surrounded by envious and jealous stares. Roxanne Lin hadn’t left yet—Princess Ivy had asked her to stay, saying there was something she wanted to ask in front of Evan.
Roxanne Lin didn’t know what Princess Ivy wanted to ask, but she had a feeling it was about her and Evan Chu. Had Ivy figured something out and started to suspect?
When Evan Chu entered, he saw Princess Ivy had already removed her bridal veil. He asked, “Ivy, why did you take off your veil? Don’t you know that’s not proper?”
“Proper or not, I’ve been your woman for ages—why should I care about that? Linfeng, I want the truth: what’s going on between you and Faye Knox? She had the nerve to say she liked you in front of everyone!” Princess Ivy asked seriously.
“Ivy, it’s a long story. Today’s supposed to be our happiest day—can’t we talk about this later?” Evan Chu replied at once.
Princess Ivy’s eyes filled with tears. “Linfeng, you promised you’d only have me. Now Faye Knox says she loves you, and you don’t even deny it. Am I really just a tool for your cultivation?”
Evan Chu stepped forward and hugged Princess Ivy tightly. “Ivy, you’re my woman, not a tool. No matter what happens, I’ll protect you. As for Faye Knox, I’ll give her an answer—but you’re the one I married today.”