"Blue-Shade, you really gave me face this time, huh? Killing people left and right on my turf—don’t you think you owe me an explanation?" Tao Dream, Sect Master of Freewind Sect, said with a smile. Not a trace of anger on his face.
"Tao Dream, what kind of explanation do you want? I came to your turf and you didn’t even bother to welcome me, fine, but you actually sent people to try and kill me. Shouldn’t I be asking you for an explanation instead?" Blue-Shade God-Venerable laughed.
"Enough, both of you! We’re all old friends here, why ruin the mood with this kind of talk? Let’s just let it go—Freewind Sect was in the wrong. I’ll apologize to Blue-Shade on our behalf right now!" Monica said, stepping in as peacemaker.
Tao Dream shot Monica a look. Seriously, his little sister was growing up and siding with outsiders now. "Well, since Monica’s already said so, we’ll drop it. So, this must be the man Monica’s interested in, huh? Not bad, looks the part, but your cultivation is a little weak, don’t you think?"
"Greetings, Sect Master Tao! Monica and I are just friends. It’s not what you think, so please don’t misunderstand!" Evan Lin replied calmly, not daring to act out in front of a late-stage God-Venerable.
"Evan, what are you saying? Aren’t you worried I’ll get mad?" Monica whispered, slightly annoyed.
"Alright, alright! Sometimes a good fight is the best way to make friends. Clearing up years of confusion is worth a few dead bodies, don’t you think? Come on, let’s head to Freewind Sect and let me play host for once." Tao Dream chuckled.
Evan Lin and Blue-Shade God-Venerable exchanged a glance but didn’t say anything more. The five of them quickly left the Slave Ward, and after about half an hour, they arrived at Freewind City, the core stronghold of Freewind Sect.
"I’ve already heard the whole story about what happened. It was all just a misunderstanding. I’ll have the people you need brought to you as soon as possible so you can handle it yourself. Let’s put this behind us—I don’t want any grudges between us, especially since you might become my brother-in-law someday." Tao Dream said with a smile in the grand main hall.
The main hall of Freewind Sect was just as grand and imposing as Rainbow Court’s. At the moment, only a handful of people remained inside—clearly, Tao Dream had asked everyone else to leave so they could talk privately.
"Since Sect Master Tao has spoken, of course I have no objections. But as for Evan Lin becoming your brother-in-law, that’s still a ways off—we’ve only just met, and it’s a bit early to talk about marriage." Evan Lin said, still intent on keeping his true identity hidden.
"Naturally, I understand. For Monica to take interest in someone is truly rare. In all these years in the God Realm, aside from Lord Frostbane, she’s never liked another man. But after Frostbane fell in the War of the Gods, she suffered for a long time." Tao Dream replied.
"Now that she’s finally stepped out of Frostbane’s shadow, it’s worth celebrating. Monica is my only sister, and I won’t let anyone bully her. If someone dares, I’ll show them what Tao Dream is capable of. I’m sure you’re smart enough to get my meaning." Tao Dream said, his voice steady.
Evan Lin couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. "If only you knew your sister and I are already husband and wife! Bully her? How could I ever bully my own woman?" he thought. But out loud, he said, "I understand, Sect Master Tao. If Monica and I truly come together, I’ll treat her well. You have my word."
"Good! That’s what I wanted to hear. By the way, your name is Evan Lin, right? Funny coincidence—there was someone named Evan Lin who won Rainbow Court’s Zoe Marriage Tournament. You wouldn’t happen to be that Evan Lin, would you?" Tao Dream suddenly asked.
"Brother, he is that Evan Lin. But he never actually married Zoe, so maybe it’s fate that he’ll end up as my husband instead!" Monica said, her cheeks turning slightly red and making her look even more beautiful.
"Monica, you’re getting less and less reserved these days. How can a girl say things like that so casually? Looks like the man you picked really is something special! Alright, let’s move to the side hall and have a proper drink to welcome you and Blue-Shade." Tao Dream said, rising to his feet.
When they reached the side hall, the food and wine were already laid out—every dish was exquisite and delicious, clearly prepared by Tao Dream himself.
"Tao Dream, it’s been what, tens of thousands of years since we last met? Doesn’t look like your cultivation has improved much. What have you been up to all these years—just enjoying yourself in Freewind Sect?" Blue-Shade God-Venerable teased.
"At our level, breaking through is basically impossible. Maybe only that guy in closed-door seclusion has a shot at reaching the next realm. Might as well enjoy what years we have left. If he does break through, the God Realm will be in chaos." Tao Dream replied.
"That’s right. With his ambition, if he ever breaks through, he’ll unify the God Realm for sure. His faction was already number one in the realm—no one would be able to resist. Didn’t expect you to be so laid-back about it!" Blue-Shade God-Venerable laughed.
After filling everyone’s cups, Monica raised her glass. "Today’s a day worth celebrating! Blue-Shade, having you here at Freewind Sect brings us honor. Sorry again for any offense earlier—I hope you won’t hold it against us. And meeting Evan Lin is honestly the happiest thing for me. Here’s to all of you!"
"Haha, Monica’s like a whole new person today. She never used to drink, but now she’s pouring for everyone! I’ll toast you all as well. Let’s wipe away any old grudges with this cup—after today, we’re real friends. If you ever need my help, just say the word." Tao Dream declared.
"Sect Master Tao, you’re too kind! I’m honestly a little overwhelmed. If I ever need help, I won’t hesitate to ask." Evan Lin said, feeling both honored and surprised.
The four of them chatted happily over the banquet. Evan Lin’s remarkable performance amazed Tao Dream—after all, Evan was only at mid God-Emperor, yet he’d managed to kill four late-stage God-Emperors. That was unheard of in the God Realm.
Tao Dream was sure that Evan Lin would someday become a true powerhouse. If Monica stayed with him, she’d definitely be happy. Maybe he already considered Evan one of his own—such was the insight of a strong cultivator.
"I doubt you came to the Slave Ward just to wander around. Is there something important you need? I might be able to help!" Tao Dream asked.
"We’re actually on our way to Stormtower. We just passed through here and thought we’d take a look—never expected to run into old friends. Truth is, we’re heading to Stormtower to look for some people, but they’re masters of disguise, so they’re hard to find." Evan Lin explained.
"That does sound tricky, but if you’re determined, you’ll find them. Who exactly are you looking for?" Tao Dream asked.
"A woman named Jade, another named Roxanne Lin, and one more named Yvonne Xuan. They’re very important to me. If Freewind Sect hears anything about them, please let me know right away!" Evan Lin said.
"Don’t worry, Evan. Freewind Sect’s eyes and ears are everywhere. We’ll definitely help you find the people you’re looking for." Monica promised with a smile.
Tao Dream, however, was full of questions. Evan Lin had only mentioned women, yet Monica showed no jealousy at all. Strange, really strange!