Shock! Everyone in the grand hall was stunned. No one expected this kid to actually dare challenge the Grand Elder—he truly was a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, ignorant to the extreme and completely unaware of life and death.
Princess Ivy panicked instantly. "Lin Feng, do you know what you're saying? You actually want to challenge the Grand Elder? Are you trying to get yourself killed? What do you expect me to do?"
"Ivy, don't worry. Since I dared to say it, I'm confident I can do it. Do you really think I'm reckless? I know your father has been putting up with that Grand Elder for a long time. I'm sure he'll be grateful to me." Chu Linfeng sent this secret voice transmission to Princess Ivy.
Princess Ivy looked at Chu Linfeng half believing, half doubting. She wasn't sure if she should trust what he said, but when they first returned, Chu Linfeng's speed had genuinely shocked her—just for that, she thought it might be possible.
At that moment, Chu Linfeng turned to the Shade Lord and said, "I know you want to test my real strength, and you don't like that Grand Elder either. If I can cripple him, would you be grateful to me?"
"You really are different from the rest. Ivy's judgment is impressive. With my strength, I still can't see through you. I hope you can give me a surprise—if you do, I'll make sure you're satisfied. As for the Grand Elder, just spare his life." The Shade Lord also sent a secret voice transmission to Chu Linfeng.
At this, the Grand Elder shouted angrily, "Kid, I'm waiting for you to challenge me. If you really manage to beat him, I'll give you an unexpected surprise—hope you like it when the time comes."
"Heh, just as you wish. Hopefully you'll still be around to drink my wedding wine," Chu Linfeng laughed.
After getting the Shade Lord's approval, Chu Linfeng immediately said to the Protector, "We're not going to duel here, are we? I'm afraid I'll flatten the place with one blow. Is there anywhere more suitable?"
"Our Shade Clan has a unique place called the Ghostveil Labyrinth. It looks small on the outside, but inside it's a boundless realm. Since we're going to duel, let's go there. I'm really curious what kind of surprise the consort Ivy picked will bring me." The Shade Lord spoke up.
"Shade Lord, the Ghostveil Labyrinth is a forbidden ground for our Shade Clan. Only the clan chief can enter—no one else is allowed. If you do this, isn't it..." protested the Second Elder.
"Rules are dead, people are alive. Second Elder, don't worry about it. Let's go—everyone, to the Ghostveil Labyrinth," said the Shade Lord.
The crowd filed out of the grand hall, and whispers broke out everywhere. People speculated whether Evan Chu could survive even two moves against the Second Protector, and called his challenge to the Grand Elder sheer arrogance.
Soon, everyone reached the rear garden of the City Lord’s Mansion. The Shade Lord waved his hand, splitting the artificial rockery, and a fog-filled passage appeared before them.
Evan Chu instantly recognized this passage as the entrance to the Ghostveil Labyrinth. He was amazed the Shade Clan possessed such a mysterious place. "Everyone, head inside. The Ghostveil Labyrinth is enormous—just don't get lost or you'll have a hell of a time getting out," the Shade Lord warned.
"Evan, the Ghostveil Labyrinth is basically an illusion realm. Inside, you have to be careful—it's not just about strength, but also your mind. Don't get fooled by hallucinations," Luna suddenly warned.
"An illusion? I'm not worried. With you here, Luna, just remind me if anything weird pops up," Evan joked.
"I knew you'd say that. Did I owe you in a past life or something? Just be careful, okay?" Luna grumbled, exasperated.
Once inside, the entrance sealed itself behind them. They found themselves in a vast plaza-like space; the mist had thinned, but visibility was still barely a li. The Protector stepped forward and called out to Evan Chu, "Can we start now? I can't wait to see how strong you really are, you arrogant brat—challenging the Grand Elder, huh?"
Evan Chu glanced at him and replied, "If you beg for mercy now, I might spare your life. Otherwise, you won't get another chance."
"You're courting death!" The Protector snapped, unable to bear Evan Chu's cold taunts any longer. He drew his longsword and lunged at Evan with blinding speed—one moment he was across the plaza, the next he was right in front of him.
But Evan Chu acted as if he hadn’t even noticed. The wind-and-thunder sword-qi was less than a foot away when he instantly teleported, reappearing high in the air.
"That speed! How is this kid so fast? Maybe he really does have the strength to take on the Grand Elder?" someone in the crowd exclaimed.
"Maybe he's just relying on his speed to bluff. I bet he'll be dead soon," another person muttered.
Meanwhile, the Shade Lord’s lips curled into a faint smile. Evan Chu’s speed had clearly impressed him—almost rivaling his own. If Evan really could kill the Grand Elder, then judging by this speed, he must have at least Third-Layer Venerable Martial strength.
To have that kind of power at such a young age was unheard of. If Evan Chu became his son-in-law, the Shade Clan could easily become the strongest of the Five Netherworld Races in no time. He had to nurture this kid at all costs.
The Protector was stunned that his attack missed, unable to believe Evan Chu dodged so easily. He quickly ascended into the air, preparing another strike.
"Kid, you're quick on your feet, I'll give you that. But if you've got guts, fight me head-on—don't tell me you're scared!" the Protector shouted.
"Fine, since you asked so nicely, I'll grant your wish. Wouldn't want to disappoint you, now would I?" Evan Chu replied with a crooked smile.
"Die!" the Protector roared, his longsword erupting with a three-meter blade of sword-light. The temperature dropped in an instant—snowflakes began to swirl, and countless shards of Mystic Ice formed on the sword’s tip. The surrounding space trembled violently. No wonder he was a Ninth-Layer Saint Martial expert.
Evan Chu was a little surprised—not by the power, but by the Protector’s mastery of the water element. To instantly conjure Mystic Ice was a first for him, though he himself could do it easily.
Without hesitation, Evan Chu surged Chaos Dragon Force through his meridians and unleashed Heaven-Cleave. Five elements and lightning fused into the blade, and now, with the Thunder Pearl’s support and the fusion of his Five-Element Thunder Crystals, the lightning was even fiercer. Arcs of thunder danced within the sword-qi.
He understood the change perfectly—it was the result of his breakthrough and the fusion of the Five-Element Thunder Crystals. Their techniques collided in the blink of an eye.
Almost simultaneously, a terrible scream burst from the Protector’s lips. When the dust settled, only Evan Chu remained, motionless in the sky. Before him, a drifting mist of blood slowly spread outward...