"A flying demonic beast covered in flames? Are you sure it was a flying beast?" Evan Chu was so excited he jumped to his feet and pressed the question.
"It was definitely a flying beast. At the time, I just felt the temperature around me shoot up, like the air itself was about to catch fire. When I saw it, I didn't even dare breathe, afraid I'd be spotted and lose my life right then." The man in black said.
"Where did you see it? I mean, which valley? Was there a cave or anything unusual there—otherwise, how did that flying beast just show up?" Evan Chu asked.
"I didn't see clearly at the time, but I'm sure there weren't any caves nearby. It was like it just appeared out of thin air. That valley is really far from here—if Young Master Chu wants to go, I can take you. But even on horseback, it'd take dozens of days to get there." The man in black replied.
Right now, Evan Chu was so happy he almost jumped for joy. If he'd killed these two just now, he might never have gotten a clue to the Phoenix Clan's whereabouts.
A flying beast that can appear out of nowhere, and is covered in fire—aside from the Phoenix Clan, he couldn't think of any other beast like that. It's really true: sometimes you plant flowers and nothing grows, but let a willow sprout by accident and it flourishes.
"After Tang Sect's marriage trials are over, we'll go. Don't worry, I won't shortchange you. But you'd better not lie to me, or you'll die a miserable death." Evan Chu warned.
"Rest assured, Young Master Chu! Every word I said is true. Even if I had the guts of a dragon, I wouldn't dare trick you!" the man in black replied.
"Alright, you two should leave now. Once the Tang Inn people wake up, they're bound to cause trouble. No need to get dragged into it." Evan Chu said.
The two men left right after. One of them whispered, "Big brother, are you really going to take that guy to the valley you mentioned? What if he kills you there?"
"Do I dare refuse? He's the Grand Protector-General! If he killed even someone as weak as me, he wouldn't be a real general. I'm sure following him will lead to a bright future." The man in black whispered.
The words were quiet, but Evan Chu's spiritual sense was so strong he heard every word. "Smart move. If you really help me find the Phoenix Clan's entrance, you'll be set for life," Evan muttered to himself.
Rhea Yang glanced at Evan Chu, puzzled by how excited he got when the man in black mentioned a flying beast. "Lin Feng, what's the deal with this flying beast? You seem awfully happy about it."
"Of course it's related. I've been searching everywhere for a flying beast like that. If it's covered in fire, it has to be from the Phoenix Clan. You know Roxy, right? She was taken away by the Phoenix Clan." Evan Chu explained.
"Lin Roxy? Why did the Phoenix Clan take her? I'm getting more and more confused," Rhea Yang asked.
"Roxy is the Phoenix Clan's Saintess. Back then, I found an Iceflame Crystal and broke the seal on her, awakening her Phoenix bloodline. I have to find her—only then can I enter the Netherworld." Evan Chu said.
"Netherworld? Why do you need to enter the Netherworld? And why do you need Roxy—can't we go ourselves?" Rhea Yang pressed.
"It's too complicated to explain all at once. Just remember, I'm going to the Netherworld to get stronger. Don't worry about the rest—there's still time before dawn, so focus on absorbing the Stellar Power in your Star Crystal!" Evan Chu said.
Seeing Evan Chu didn't want to say more, Rhea Yang stopped asking and continued absorbing the Stellar Power from her Star Crystal. She felt herself on the verge of a breakthrough—the power was so strong it felt like a dream.
At dawn, Rhea Yang finished cultivating. She had broken through to the ninth layer of the Earth Martial Realm in a single night—a leap she never dreamed possible, but it had truly happened, leaving her almost unable to believe it.
After chatting with Rhea Yang for a bit, Evan Chu saw daylight break. Leaving their room, he walked to the inn counter—only to find dozens of identically dressed middle-aged men standing outside, all at least Heaven Martial second layer or higher. Clearly, these were Tang Sect elites.
Evan Chu ignored them and asked the shopkeeper, "How much for the room?" The shopkeeper—actually yesterday's arrogant waiter—smiled and said, "Not much, just ten high-grade Starstones."
A bunch of guests also came to the counter to check out and leave—after all, today was Lily Tang's attack-power marriage trial, and everyone wanted to get there early.
But hearing the shopkeeper name that price, everyone knew he was deliberately making trouble. The real cost was only a few ordinary Starstones—charging so much was obviously picking a fight.
Evan Chu smiled, "Isn't that a bit much? You're not purposely targeting me, are you?"
"Kid, I'm absolutely targeting you! You dared to kill people in my Tang Inn—don't even dream of leaving alive today. But if you pay up, maybe I'll spare your friend. As for you, you have to die!" The shopkeeper sneered, utterly arrogant.
"Rhea, honestly, I didn't want to kill anyone today, but these flies keep buzzing in my face—it's just too annoying. Looks like I'll have to swat a few after all." Evan Chu said with a laugh.
He said it loud enough for everyone to hear. Even the two men who'd broken into Evan's room last night were in the crowd, both around thirty years old. They thought to themselves, "Looks like Young Master Chu might demolish Tang Inn today."
"You're way too cocky, kid—but you won't be for long!" the shopkeeper snapped at Evan Chu, then waved his hand. Instantly, the dozens outside rushed in and surrounded Evan and Rhea.
"Hey, if I kill these guys, do you think Lily Tang will be mad? Or will she think I did the right thing?" Evan Chu asked Rhea Yang, not even glancing at the attackers.
"I have no idea. You can try and see—honestly, the way you kill people is really beautiful. I love it," Rhea joked.
With a thought, Evan Chu summoned the Frostbane Sword to his hand. Instantly, a massive wave of sword-qi swept out, cutting down several of the men surrounding him.
But Evan Chu didn't stop there. He unleashed wave after wave of sword-qi, slaughtering all the attackers until not one was left—except the shopkeeper, whose pants were now soaked with fear.
Then Evan Chu said, "Anyone not involved, get out now. If you think your life is long enough, you can stay."
His words sent the onlookers fleeing the inn, terrified of getting hurt. Evan Chu turned to the shopkeeper: "Weren't you the one who wanted my life? Well, come and take it—I'm waiting."
The shopkeeper seemed scared out of his wits and collapsed to the ground. Evan Chu didn't even look at him—he just left the inn with Rhea Yang, then flicked his hand. A single Tyrant Cleave exploded forth, flattening the entire Tang Inn. At the same moment, he wrapped his arm around Rhea and teleported away, vanishing from everyone's sight...