Evan Chu realized this place was no longer safe. The attack power of God-Venerables could easily penetrate his position, so he quickly chose to flee.
After stealthily traveling for nearly an hour, he finally stopped. Rapid movement through the soil consumed a lot of energy, and he wasn't sure how far he'd gone—hopefully far enough to escape their line of sight.
He dove another several dozen meters before slipping into the Timewheel Bracelet. Meanwhile, on the surface, the East Sea Domain Palace squad was fuming—the God Infant of Protector Mi had just appeared before them.
Protector Mi, what happened? How did you end up like this, with only your God Infant escaping?" the Grand Elder asked in shock.
Grand Elder, I've really been defeated this time. I didn't even see the enemy's face before he split my body with a single sword. Please, Grand Elder, avenge me!" Protector Mi's God Infant said, agitated.
Take your time and explain. What exactly happened? Your earth escape is renowned in the Sea Regions—there are only a handful stronger than you. How could someone split your body with one sword?" the Grand Elder pressed.
It's my fault for being careless. That kid's control over the earth element is even stronger than mine—he could fully merge his body into the soil, making him impossible to guard against. That's how he ambushed me," Protector Mi's God Infant said helplessly.
So we really can't catch him? What now? With you so badly injured, if East Sea Domain Palace can't kill that kid, how will we establish our authority in the Sea Regions? If the other three Domain Palaces hear about this, they'll laugh us out of existence! Where will the Palace Lord's reputation go?" the Grand Elder said, frustrated.
Grand Elder, don't worry so much. With so many of us, surely we can catch him! Even if he's hiding in the soil, we have ways to force him out!" said another middle-aged man.
What method? Are you saying we should all burrow into the soil? Besides Protector Mi, who else here can use earth escape?" the Grand Elder glared at the middle-aged man.
The solution is actually simple—we just need to spread out the encirclement. I'm sure that kid isn't in his original spot anymore; he might've escaped hundreds of miles, or even farther.
But with our divine sense, we can easily cover this whole area. We just need to spread out and watch for his movements. I bet he'll come out soon to scout the situation—then we can kill him," the middle-aged man said.
That's a decent plan, but isn't it a bit slow? What if he stays underground for three to five years—are we supposed to wait here that long?" the Grand Elder immediately retorted.
Since he knows we're with East Sea Domain Palace, he'll want to escape our territory as soon as possible. I'm sure he'll show up soon. Of course, if you have a better idea, let's hear it!" the middle-aged man said.
The Grand Elder fell into deep thought, and the other seven also pondered the issue. At that moment, the woman said: "Maybe I can help lure him out when the time comes!"
Protector Ouyang has a plan? Tell us! If we don't kill that kid, I won't be able to sleep, and we can't answer to the Palace Lord!" the Grand Elder said, his face dark.
I can use Illusory Melody to draw him out from the soil, but I need to know his exact position. If he's lost direction, I can't help. Also, casting Illusory Melody consumes a lot of Divine Power," the beautiful woman said.
That's a bit troublesome. After casting Soul-Net Search Art once, it'll take me a long time to recover. To use it again, I need at least ten days. So let's set up a barrier across a thousand miles—if the kid shows up, we kill him immediately.
If he doesn't appear, I'll use Soul-Net Search Art to check his exact location, then Protector Ouyang can use Illusory Melody to draw him out," said the Grand Elder.
Everyone agreed this plan could work. After a brief discussion, each took out a supreme-grade Water Spirit Crystal and handed it to the Grand Elder to help him recover his Divine Power faster, then they dispersed and flew off.
When Evan Chu entered the Timewheel Bracelet, he saw Mina's father—or rather, her uncle—rapidly absorbing divine aura, just like Silver Dragon. Only Mina wasn't; she sat by a lakeside, mesmerized by the vibrant scenery.
What are you thinking about, Mina?" Evan Chu asked. His sudden appearance startled Mina so much she nearly fell into the lake.
Young Master, you're back! This place is like a paradise. Is this world the same as your mainland?" Mina asked.
Pretty much the same, but there aren't any birds or beasts here yet, so it's missing a bit of vitality. Once I handle things, I'll bring some in—then it'll really be a paradise," Evan Chu said with a smile.
Young Master, you're amazing—you even broke through the space barrier between the Sea Regions and the mainland! The divine aura here is so rich, I really want to absorb it, but I know my current condition won't let me," Mina said, frustrated.
Mina, let me take you somewhere—there are a few people closest to me there. Being with them might help you feel better," Evan Chu said.
He took Mina's hand and flew toward the cave where Nina and the others lived. When Evan Chu grabbed Mina's hand, she trembled slightly—a strange feeling made her heart race uncontrollably.
It was the first time a man had ever held her hand. The feeling was so strange, and before she could savor it, Evan Chu let go—because they'd already reached the cave entrance.
Come in! They're all my women," Evan Chu said calmly.
His words shocked Mina. Inside were four women, each as beautiful as a goddess—just one glance would make anyone jealous. Mina couldn't believe what kind of man Evan Chu was, to have such stunning women by his side.
Evan, you're back! Did you break through the black hole? Who is this young lady?" Nina asked Evan Chu.
Mona and Lynne were still absorbing divine aura, eyes closed. Lena Zhong, however, opened her eyes and was surprised to see Evan Chu bring back a fish-headed girl. She couldn't help but ask, "Evan, is this another one of your women?"
Lynne, what are you saying? We're just friends. She's in trouble, so I brought her into the Timewheel Bracelet. Don't jump to conclusions!" Evan Chu glared at Lena Zhong.
The two women smiled gently, their radiance like sunlight. But Mina felt a pang of disappointment—Evan Chu's "we're just friends" made her heart ache.