Smooth Return

1/19/2026

Hearing that laughter, Evan Chu immediately knew who it belonged to. But just then, two agonized screams rang out—two middle-aged men had their dantian destroyed, and their tendons in hands and feet severed, turning them into utter cripples. Evan Chu didn’t spare them a glance, instead heading directly toward the owner of that laughter.

"You came back without even notifying me—have you already forgotten your big brother?" the newcomer said, looking at Evan Chu.

"I just helped you solve your biggest headache! How are you going to thank me? Besides, I only just got back myself. I figured my dad would’ve sent someone to notify you, otherwise you wouldn’t have shown up here. Are you playing dumb with me because you’re itching for a beating? By the way, where’s Luna? Why didn’t she come with you?" Evan Chu asked.

"Luna’s still getting ready—she’ll bring the kid over in a bit. As soon as I heard you were back, I rushed straight here, didn’t even bring my attendants. Isn’t that brotherly enough?" Skylar Yule replied.

"You two already have a kid? That’s fast! I can’t believe I’m an uncle now—time really flies." Evan Chu laughed. He was genuinely happy that Luna Yule had a child.

"Skylar, I didn’t expect you really were a prince! I thought you were joking back then," Lynne Nie walked over and said.

Soon, all the women walked over. Skylar Yule naturally knew them all. After some brief greetings, he changed the subject: "What happened with those four? Why did you cripple them? That’s a big loss for the Heavenly Dragon Empire."

"A loss, huh? Should I compensate you? They actually dared to threaten me—letting them live is already merciful. Come on, let’s head back to the Great General’s Manor for a drink. Let Roxy and the others keep shopping. If anyone else tries anything, just kill them—no need to care about their status." Evan Chu said.

Skylar Yule rolled his eyes at Evan Chu and said, "You show up and immediately cause trouble. Tomorrow’s court session is going to be chaos for sure. Let’s go drink first—tomorrow’s problems can wait until tomorrow."

Evan Chu ordered his guards to raid the two men’s estates, expel every single person—man, woman, and child—from the Imperial Capital, and ban them for life. If any of them are found inside the city again, they’re to be executed without mercy.

In an instant, Evan Chu had destroyed two major figures of the imperial court. Only now did people in the Imperial Capital realize that everything just now was an act—he’d been toying with them all along, never taking them seriously. Many who’d once held prejudices against Evan now turned to outright admiration.

After Evan Chu and Skylar Yule returned, it wasn’t long before Gavin Wei, Rowena Luo, and General Roland Lowell arrived as well. Naturally, they spent some time catching up, and all were shocked to learn that Evan was now one of the highest-tier experts alive.

Selena Yale and the other women shopped freely all over the Imperial Capital, buying anything that caught their eye. Though many people were curious about their identities, after the incident with the Minister of Rites, no one dared show them disrespect—most kept their distance, afraid of getting into trouble.

When the women returned, Luna Yule arrived too, carrying a child just over one year old. Seeing Luna’s child, Evan Chu was all smiles, and the banquet officially began.

Everyone kept offering Evan Chu toasts—including Rowena Luo, who had finally moved past her old emotional shadow. The laughter and conversation eased Evan’s lingering guilt.

At the end of the banquet, Evan Chu took out several Netherghost Violet Orchids and said, "These orchids are the key to breaking through to the Saint Martial Realm. They’re extremely rare even in the Netherworld, so keep them safe. Wait until you reach Ninth‑Layer Divine Martial before absorbing their energy to break through—I hope all of you can grow much stronger."

"Tomorrow I’ll be heading back to the Azure Tide Ruins. If you ever run into serious trouble, just come find me there. Even if I’m not around, someone from my side will help you out."

After that, Evan Chu handed one orchid each to General Roland Lowell and Rowena Luo, then gave Skylar Yule five—leaving him genuinely stunned. Finally, when it was Gavin Wei’s turn, Evan asked, "Are you coming back to the Azure Tide Ruins with me, or staying here? It’s up to you."

"I’ll stay here for now—my wife and kids are still here. Once I’ve fully restored the memories sealed in my mind, I might head to the Azure Tide Ruins to find you. Trust me, it’ll be a huge surprise when the time comes, but I’m not telling you anything yet," Gavin Wei said.

Evan Chu handed him an orchid as well, saying, "No matter where you are, you’re my brother. If you ever need help, just come to me—I’ll go through fire and death for you!"

Gavin Wei nodded—he felt it was worth a lifetime to have a brother like Evan Chu. He believed that once his memories were fully restored, he’d be able to help Evan someday. That persistent hope was one reason Evan’s reputation soared in the Immortal Realm…

Afterward, everyone reluctantly parted ways. Evan Chu felt a twinge of loss—no banquet lasts forever, and separation is inevitable. At that moment, he could truly empathize with how Princess Faye and the others felt, far away in the Netherworld.

That night, Evan Chu didn’t get close to any woman. With so many wives, it wouldn’t be fair to pick just one. Instead, he sat alone on the rooftop, lost in thought for hours…

Early the next morning, everyone was ready to go. Lily Tang and Rhea Yang were especially eager to reach the legendary Azure Tide Ruins, while Jenny Sima seemed a bit melancholy. Evan Chu understood why—he’d already decided to leave the City Lord’s Manor to his father, and had arranged for Skylar Yule to look after Roxanne Lin’s father as a favor.

Dominic Chu glanced over and said, "Feng’er, let’s go!" Since Dominic was the only one too weak to fly, Evan Chu had Goldwing transform into his true form so everyone could ride.

Goldwing’s strength had recently broken through, and his flying speed was much faster than before. In just half a day, they reached the mystical teleportation array leading into the Azure Tide Ruins.

The teleportation array only appeared at night—Evan Chu had already experienced this twice. With time to spare, he caught several fish from the river and showed off his grilling skills, earning everyone’s praise. He couldn’t help but laugh, remembering how he’d once used grilled fish to tempt Luna Dream and Lynne Nie.

Once they passed through the array, the group found themselves in the Monster Beast Forest. Goldwing kept up his rapid pace, and by afternoon they reached the Western Beast King Hall. Heaven Ape invited them to rest for the night, but Evan Chu declined—he wanted to hurry through the portal to Frostbane Sect, worried the dark organization might make a move. Sean Xiao, that wine-loving rascal, always lost control when drinking; Evan had to check up on him.

Heaven Ape didn’t insist, only urging Evan Chu to visit more often. Just as the group prepared to enter the portal, a boy of about ten appeared before Evan, smiled, and said, "Big Brother, you’re leaving without waiting for me?"

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