First time stepping into the city and I run into this kind of mess? Evan Chu was honestly at a loss for words. What the hell went wrong? He’d gone through all the trouble to change his face, and still got flagged as a wanted man! Was it the Assassin Guild that leaked his identity? No way, that didn’t make sense either. The more he thought about it, the more confused he got.
The moment Evan got outside the city, he fired up Shifting Position and shot off into the distance. Honestly, if he wanted, he could wipe out all these ordinary guards in a heartbeat—no effort at all. But what’s the point?
But if he really started killing, wouldn’t that just bring out even scarier experts? Then things would get ugly for real. No way he was going to dig himself a deeper hole.
Ever since he broke through to the eighth layer of the Earth Martial Realm, Evan’s speed was on a whole new level. Twenty meters in a flash—he could shift in and out like a shadow. In just a few minutes, the guards behind him were nothing but dust in the wind.
He picked a deserted spot, ripped off his disguise, and pulled out a pristine white robe from his storage ring. Once he put it on, he looked like a whole different person—refined, elegant, every bit the young master. Not a trace of the fugitive left.
No way anyone’s gonna recognize me now, right? Gus Bullard’s dead—time to bury that name and come up with a new one. Evan muttered to himself, heading back to the main road, mind racing for a fresh alias.
The road was packed with travelers, but everywhere Evan went, people couldn’t help sneaking glances at him—too handsome, too noble-looking. The more they stared, the more his skin crawled. Couldn’t these people mind their own business?
He even walked right past some of the guards who’d just chased him. Not a single one batted an eye—like he was invisible. Evan finally let out a breath. Looks like the disguise worked.
Soon enough, Evan was back at the Royal Capital’s gate. Some of the guards from before were there, but he kept his cool, strolling straight up to the inspection point and stopping, like nothing had ever happened.
The guard gave Evan a slow, suspicious once-over, just like last time, then asked the usual questions. Evan coolly pulled out a high-grade Starstone from his storage ring and declared, "Logan Zhao, Phoenix City, eighteen years old."
The guard’s eyes flicked from Evan’s spotless robe to the high-grade Starstone in his hand, and his jaw nearly dropped. Was this some big-shot young master? No way he was just an ordinary traveler. "Entry’s ten Starstones. Pay with regular ones—if you hand over a high-grade Starstone, we’re not making change," he said, trying to sound professional but clearly impressed.
"Don’t worry about change. The rest’s for you, brother—go buy yourself a drink! I’ll be staying at the best inn in the capital for a few days. If you’ve got time, come find me—I’ll be under this name." Evan flashed a generous grin, making sure everyone nearby could hear.
The guard was floored—who just tossed out a high-grade Starstone like pocket change? His eyes lit up. "Absolutely! If I get the chance, I’ll come have a few drinks with you, brother. Go right in!" he said, voice full of excitement. The other guards watched with envy, wishing they were the lucky ones.
Evan nodded, striding into the city with the confidence of someone who owned the place. The inspectors stared after him, faces green with envy. Ninety Starstones in one tip? That was months—no, years—of wages for them!
Inside the Royal Capital, Evan took in the scene—main avenue hundreds of meters wide, vendors hawking their wares, crowds everywhere. But with so much space, even a bustling throng looked scattered. The city’s grandeur hit him like a wave.
Before long, Evan spotted Gavin Wei at a vendor’s stall, poking through the goods. Evan walked right up, slapped him on the shoulder, and said, "Let’s go find a place to drink! First time in the Royal Capital—how can we not celebrate?"
Gavin jumped at the sudden slap, spun around, and his face lit up with recognition. The moment Evan’s voice rang out, Gavin burst into laughter, "Big Brother Tian, I knew you’d pull something off! You never disappoint!"
Evan chuckled, giving Gavin a meaningful look. "This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s walk and catch up—lots to discuss."
"Big Brother Tian, how did you end up getting mistaken for that wanted criminal?" Gavin asked, scratching his head as they walked, confusion written all over his face.
Evan laughed, shaking his head. "If I told you the whole story, we’d be here all day. I’m getting chased left and right, and you’re just standing there like nothing’s wrong—pretty gutsy, huh?"
Gavin looked serious. "You’ve got it all wrong, Big Brother Tian. I was worried too—really worried! But what could I do? If I ran out, they’d think I was your partner and drag me off for sure. Then you’d just have to come save me, right? I know what you’re capable of—those city guards couldn’t catch you if their lives depended on it. That’s why I waited here for you to come back and scoop me up."
Evan grinned, shaking his head. "Didn’t expect you to have so much foresight. So, any news on the Royal Capital Guard?"
Gavin shrugged. "Not yet. The Royal Capital’s huge—walking from here to the imperial palace takes half a day at least. The Guard recruitment’s probably at the training field outside the palace, but info’s pretty scarce around here."
"Why not just head to the training field ourselves and see for real?" Evan suggested, eager for action.
"No need! This city’s crawling with all kinds of people—if you want news, just hit up a teahouse or restaurant. I know a spot where the rumors fly faster than the wine." Gavin winked.
The two strolled down the streets, passing rows and rows of buildings—layered, tangled, and bursting with life. The capital’s prosperity was on full display, every step a new sight.
Soon, they stopped outside the Lingering Fragrance Restaurant. Gavin pointed, "Big Brother Tian, this is the best spot for news in the capital. Meals are cheap—five Starstones a pop. Cultivators, wanderers, all kinds hang out here just to eat and gossip."
"Sounds perfect. Let’s hope we get some real scoop." Evan said, and together they headed inside, anticipation building.
Inside, the place was a madhouse—hundreds of tables, packed to the brim. It took forever to find an empty seat, and even Evan was taken aback by the sheer energy of the crowd.
Waiters darted everywhere, at least a dozen of them hustling from table to table. Business was booming, and the air buzzed with voices.
After they sat down, a waiter zipped over. "What can I get you, sirs? Our specialties are famous—Kung Pao Chicken, Husband-and-Wife Lung Slices... you name it!" The energy in his voice matched the restaurant’s chaos.
Evan cut him off with a wave. "Just bring us a few of your best dishes and a pot of wine. No need for the sales pitch—we’re starving!"
"Right away, sirs! Coming up in no time!" The waiter dashed off like his feet were on fire.
Evan watched him go and couldn’t help but comment, "That waiter’s got some real strength."
Gavin leaned in, lowering his voice. "Of course. All the waiters here are martial artists—if you’re not at least seventh layer Earth Martial Realm, you can’t even get hired. With so many rough types around, the staff double as the restaurant’s muscle."
Just then, a middle-aged man at the next table leaned over, voice loud enough for half the room. "Heard at the city gate today—Evan Chu, the one who killed the Sea Dragon Third Prince, tried to enter the capital! The guards spotted him right away. Wonder if they’ve caught up by now?"
Someone snorted, "Those gatekeepers catching him? What a joke! But you gotta admit, Evan Chu’s got guts—coming to the Royal Capital with a bounty on his head."
Another voice chimed in, "Honestly, nothing to be scared of. I actually admire the kid—takes real nerve. If I could, I’d want to meet him myself!"
A cautious man clinked his cup. "Drink up, drink up! Best not to talk too much—if the wrong ears hear, you know what happens. The capital’s not a place for loose tongues."
Evan and Gavin exchanged a wry look. Just like that, Evan had become the storm at the center of every rumor in the capital. Wasn’t life just full of surprises?
The restaurant was alive with chatter, rumors swirling like smoke. Dishes and wine arrived, and just then, a youth about seventeen or eighteen walked up to Evan and Gavin, eyes bright. "Excuse me, would you mind if I joined you? The place is so crowded, there’s not a single free seat left."
Evan looked up, and in that instant, his heart skipped a beat. This ‘young man’—no, wait, something was off. The features, the eyes, the way she moved... It was a girl in disguise. Definitely a girl! What was her story?
Evan stared, mind racing. A girl dressed as a boy, showing up at his table in the busiest restaurant in the capital? Was this fate, or just another twist in his already chaotic day?