Evan Chu pondered deeply, working out how he could flawlessly win Lillian Zhang’s trust, draw close to her, and ultimately force the powerful soul lurking within her body to the surface.
The Emerald Immortal Empress’s method was clever, but certain details still wouldn’t work. Evan had no idea what kind of appearance would convince the invader that he truly was Evan Chu.
He replayed Lillian Zhang’s words in his mind, recalling how she insisted Evan Chu couldn’t possibly be a teenager. That meant he needed to look like a young man—or even a mature adult. Only by changing his appearance could he pass her test.
Once the idea clicked, Evan hurried to the banquet where Faye Knox, Princess Ivy, and the others were gathered. He explained his plan to appear at the City Lord’s Mansion, asking all four to play along and fully cooperate. For now, the original plan to leave was cancelled—the real show was about to begin.
The four were startled by Evan’s sudden proposal, but none let it show. They kept drinking and chatting at the banquet as if nothing had changed. Evan, meanwhile, slipped out of the Mansion, found a deserted corner, and used his disguise technique to transform into a mature man—older than a youth, but not quite middle-aged.
His new face was strikingly handsome, but what truly set him apart was the aura of a supreme expert that radiated from his body. Only by exuding such power could he convince anyone he was Evan Chu. After all, he’d left the Netherworld more than a century ago—few people from that era even remained.
As long as Faye Knox and Princess Ivy didn’t expose him, nobody would suspect Evan was in disguise. With that confidence, he strode straight up to the gates of the City Lord’s Mansion.
“Go summon your City Lord. Tell her an old friend has come to see her!” Evan said coolly, his overwhelming presence pressing down so hard that the gate guards nearly suffocated.
Faced with such a formidable powerhouse, the guard didn’t dare utter a word of protest. He dashed inside to report to Lillian Zhang, who, upon hearing that an old acquaintance had arrived, was left utterly baffled—she couldn’t think of anyone who fit the bill.
Faye Knox and Princess Ivy, however, immediately realized Evan had arrived. Faye smiled and said, “Let’s go see who this old friend is. He made it all the way to the City Lord’s Mansion but won’t come inside himself. Judging by how pale that guard looks, the visitor must be no ordinary expert.”
Lillian Zhang hesitated briefly, then said, “Let’s go see who it is. There’s been no shortage of surprises today.”
Moments later, everyone was at the City Lord’s Mansion gate. Evan Chu stood with his back to them, but the overwhelming aura he radiated sent chills down their spines—this was the unmistakable presence of a truly formidable expert.
The three women stared at his back. Lillian Zhang asked, “Who are you? And why do you claim to be an old friend of mine?”
Evan Chu slowly turned around. Faye Knox and Princess Ivy immediately cried out together, “Evan Lin! Is it really you?” and rushed to throw themselves into his arms.
“Ivy, Faye, what are you doing here? Have you been well lately?” Evan asked gently, then released them from his embrace.
Lillian Zhang was momentarily stunned. Another Evan Chu had appeared, and this one seemed all too real—the sheer force of his aura alone proved he was a master, and she could feel powerful Immortal Spirit Force rippling from him.
Seeing Faye Knox and Princess Ivy’s faces streaked with tears—clearly tears of joy—made it even more obvious that this was the legendary Evan Chu of the Netherworld, her own man.
Evan Chu stepped directly up to Lillian Zhang and said, “Lilli, how can you see your husband and not react at all? That’s not like you. Am I so shocking that you’re too stunned to move?”
Lillian Zhang quickly recovered and replied, “Evan Lin, your sudden appearance really is too much—I can hardly believe it. It feels like I’m dreaming, so of course I’m a little out of sorts. You aren’t angry, are you?”
With a mischievous grin, Evan Chu pulled Lillian Zhang into his arms and kissed her deeply. After a few breaths, he let her go and laughed, “My Lilli still tastes the same—I like it! Hahaha! You’ve managed the Human Clan well. Come on, let’s go inside and talk.”
Faye Knox and Princess Ivy found Evan Chu’s bold move amusing, thinking that Lillian Zhang must be frustrated—forced to pretend she was thrilled at being kissed by a stranger.
Once inside, Lena Chu, Cole Chu, and Chase Chu eyed the unfamiliar middle-aged man. Lena and Chase knew it was their father in disguise, so they kept quiet to avoid giving him away.
Evan Chu, still holding Lillian Zhang’s hand, led her to the three children. Lillian’s cheeks flushed slightly. Faye Knox nudged Chase Chu, “Chase, why are you just standing there? That’s your father! Aren’t you going to greet him?”
Chase Chu put on a surprised face. “Mom, is he really my dad? Are you sure you’re not tricking me?”
“Faye, is this really our son? I can’t believe how much he’s grown—and his cultivation’s impressive! I came back in a hurry, but take this mid-grade Immortal Stone as your meeting gift.” Evan Chu handed Chase the stone.
Chase Chu glanced at Evan Chu, then bowed respectfully. “Chase greets Father!” He took the Immortal Stone and turned it over in his hands.
Princess Ivy scolded Lena Chu, “Lena, don’t you know the rules? Do you need your mother to teach you etiquette?”
Lena Chu immediately bowed to Evan Chu. “Lena greets Dad! I never thought my father would be so handsome—Dad, what gift did you bring me?”
Evan Chu thought for a moment, then took out a jade tablet from his storage ring. “Lena, this is a top-tier cultivation method. It’ll help you when you ascend to the Immortal Realm.”
Lena Chu accepted the jade tablet and put it in her storage ring. “Thank you, Dad! Every time Mom talked about you, she said you were a great man and a peerless expert. I’m so happy I finally got to meet you today.”
Lillian Zhang, careful not to reveal anything, quickly urged Cole Chu, “Cole, your father gave them gifts. You should greet him too—I’m sure your dad’s present for you will be even better!”
Cole Chu’s expression flickered. He glanced at Lillian Zhang and asked, “Mom, is he really my dad? You’re not all in on another prank, are you?”
Lillian Zhang snapped, “Who else would he be if not your father? Do you really think I’d lie to you?”
Cole Chu smiled, bowed, and said, “Cole greets Father. Please don’t blame me for being rude. My two aunts brought a fake earlier to mess with us, so I was just being cautious.”
Evan Chu laughed, “So that’s what happened! It’s fine, it’s fine. Here—this is my meeting gift for you. This pill is extremely precious; if you’re ever in danger or badly hurt, it can save your life.”
“Thank you, Father!” Cole Chu said respectfully. Only then did Evan Chu finally breathe a sigh of relief—his plan was halfway complete at last…