The Mermaid Kingdom's princess was holding a public husband-selection, and all four of them found it pretty bizarre. If she's really the number-one beauty in the whole kingdom, why would she choose such a strange way to pick a husband? The whole thing just didn't add up.
Normally, the sons of nobles and ministers would be falling over themselves to marry her. But what if the winner ends up being some wrinkled old man, or someone hideous beyond belief—would the princess really go through with it?
All four of them were filled with suspicion. This so-called husband-selection couldn't possibly be as simple as it looked—maybe there was some kind of scheme or trap behind it.
Just then, Joan He walked over and addressed Evan Chu, "Sect Master, the food and wine are ready. Let me welcome you with a proper feast!"
Evan Chu shot her a cold glare. "Didn't I tell you to call me Lin Feng from now on? Stop with the 'Sect Master' stuff. I don't want my identity exposed—let's not have a next time."
Joan He nodded at once, then led Evan Chu and the others into a uniquely decorated room. Aside from a round table and a few chairs, there was nothing else—except the table was already covered with a mountain of delicacies.
A young woman in her twenties stood quietly to the side. Whenever someone finished their drink, she would step forward to refill their cup, then silently retreat to her post.
Evan Chu and his companions didn't stand on ceremony—they tore into the food with gusto. Joan He explained that every dish was a rare delicacy from the Sea Regions, hard to come by even for locals.
Halfway through the meal, Evan Chu asked, "Aunt Joan, what's the real story with this Goldscale Coat you mentioned? Now that we've had a few drinks, why not tell us everything?"
Joan He stood up and said seriously, "The Goldscale Coat is one of the Mermaid Kingdom's greatest treasures. Legend says it was forged from the scales shed by a mermaid who had just broken through to the Saint Martial Realm, mixed with ten-thousand-year Blackgold. Its origin alone makes it priceless."
Once you put it on, the Goldscale Coat generates an energy shield about half a meter thick around your body—strong enough to shrug off attacks from anyone below the Saint Martial Realm. Its defensive power is absolutely terrifying.
If you want to enter Weakwater, you have to wear the Goldscale Coat. The pressure inside is as deadly as a full-power strike from a Divine Martial seventh-layer expert or higher—one wrong move, and you're dead.
Evan Chu felt a chill run down his spine. At first, the idea of an energy shield made him happy—he remembered how Alex, the Violet Thunder Fox, once made one for Jenny Sima. But that shield was nothing compared to this. If Alex tried again, the shield would shatter the moment he touched Weakwater, and he'd be fish food before he even took a breath.
"So how do I get the Goldscale Coat, Aunt Joan? This is life or death for me," Evan Chu pressed, unable to hide his urgency.
Joan He replied, "Right now, the Goldscale Coat is kept in the Mermaid Kingdom's palace—most likely worn by the Mermaid King himself. Getting your hands on it won't be easy. The Mermaid King is a Divine Martial eighth-layer powerhouse—no one dares to mess with him."
"No one's ever managed to take it from him. That Coat can even withstand blows from Divine Martial ninth-layer experts. Unless you have a Saint Martial powerhouse on your side, it's basically impossible." Joan He shook her head, clearly frustrated by the odds.
Evan Chu and his friends instantly felt their hopes deflate. It sounded like a complete dead end, and disappointment clouded the whole group.
But then Joan He offered a glimmer of hope. "We might not be able to take it by force, but there's another way. The Mermaid King dotes on his daughter—the Mermaid Princess. If you could become her royal consort, you might just be able to borrow the Goldscale Coat."
"Royal consort? You mean you want us to join the Embroidered Ball Match?" Evan Chu immediately caught on, his eyes lighting up with sudden understanding.
"Exactly. It's the only real chance we've got. You should give it a try," Joan He said, her tone both earnest and encouraging.
Evan Chu hesitated. "But Aunt Joan, the Mermaid Princess is the kingdom's number-one beauty. The competition's bound to be fierce. What if I lose?"
Joan He smiled. "The Embroidered Ball Match is open to everyone, but the Mermaid Princess isn't just looking for looks or status—she wants someone with true skill and character. You've got a real shot, Evan."
Skylar Yule chimed in, "If you really want that Goldscale Coat, this is your best bet. Besides, who knows? Maybe you'll win her heart."
Selena added, "Don't forget, we came all this way for Weakwater and the Starstone. Winning the Embroidered Ball Match could solve everything at once."
Luna, the Sword Spirit, spoke up, her voice echoing in Evan Chu's mind, "You can't back down now. The Goldscale Coat is your only ticket into Weakwater. If you miss this chance, you'll regret it forever."
Evan Chu clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. "Alright, I'll join the Embroidered Ball Match. For the Goldscale Coat, for Weakwater—and for all of you!"
Joan He nodded approvingly. "Good. I'll get you an entry token for the competition. With that, you'll be eligible to participate."
Evan Chu accepted the token, feeling a surge of anticipation. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to face whatever came next.
Joan He gave a few final instructions, then let the group rest for the night. Tomorrow, the Embroidered Ball Match would begin—and everything would change.
As dawn broke over the Mermaid Kingdom, Evan Chu and his companions set out for the Royal Capital, their hearts pounding with excitement and nerves.
The streets were packed with people from all corners of the Sea Regions, each one eager to witness the legendary Embroidered Ball Match and catch a glimpse of the Mermaid Princess.
Evan Chu clutched his entry token tightly, weaving through the crowd with Skylar, Selena, and Luna at his side.
When they arrived at the competition grounds, the place was already buzzing with excitement. Countless young heroes from all over had gathered, each one determined to win the Mermaid Princess's heart.
Evan Chu scanned the crowd, sizing up the competition. Some looked strong, others arrogant, and a few even seemed to radiate mysterious power.
Skylar Yule whispered, "Keep your guard up. The Embroidered Ball Match isn't just about romance—there's bound to be danger lurking beneath the surface."
Selena nodded. "We need to stay sharp. The Mermaid Kingdom is full of secrets, and not everyone here is playing fair."
Luna, the Sword Spirit, added, "Trust your instincts, Evan. If anything feels off, don't hesitate to act."
Just then, a loud gong sounded, signaling the start of the Embroidered Ball Match. The crowd erupted in cheers as the Mermaid Princess stepped onto the stage, her beauty dazzling everyone present.
Evan Chu felt his heart race. This was it—the moment that would decide everything.
The Mermaid Princess raised her embroidered ball high and announced, "All participants, step forward! Let the match begin!"
One by one, the participants stepped forward, each hoping to catch the Mermaid Princess's eye and win the embroidered ball.
Evan Chu took a deep breath, then strode onto the stage, his resolve unwavering.
The Embroidered Ball Match had begun. The fate of Evan Chu and his companions hung in the balance.