"It's not really a hardship for him. His main goal is to find Chase and his wife. That battle with me was just a way to draw everyone's attention, so he could track them down. But his true identity is terrifying." King Victor Zhao said.
"Identity? Isn't he from the Netherworld? Did he come from the Immortal Realm?" Princess Serene asked, her face full of shock.
"That's right. He really is from the Immortal Realm—and not just anyone, but the strongest expert in the Immortal Realm. If King Warren Lin and King Grant Gu dare to stir up trouble in Serene Nether City, they're finished. Just wait and watch the show!" King Victor Zhao said.
"That powerful? The strongest in the Immortal Realm? How is that even possible? No one has known the entrance to the Immortal Realm for tens of millions of years—how did he get in? Besides, King Warren Lin, King Grant Gu, and the Beast King are all top-tier Netherworld experts. He can't possibly defeat them, right?" Princess Serene asked.
"Whether he can or not, I can't say for sure. But one thing is certain—if they cause trouble, they definitely won't be coming back. Just do whatever you want; no one can threaten you now. Do you understand?" King Victor Zhao said.
After hearing King Victor Zhao's words, Princess Serene's heart was already surging with emotion. To become the wife of the Immortal Realm's number-one powerhouse was truly something to be proud of. Even if the secret couldn't be made public for now, she was still honestly, solidly happy.
After that, Evan left Chase's room and returned to Princess Ivy's quarters. Upon entering, he found Jade there as well, so he said, "Jade, I'll have to trouble you tonight. Go and secretly guard Chase. I'm worried some petty villains might try something against him. If anything happens, send word immediately—and make sure none of them ever come back."
"Don't worry, Young Master. Jade knows what to do! There's sure to be a big fight tonight, so you should get some rest early. Tomorrow is Chase's big day!" Jade said.
"You be careful too. Open attacks are easy to guard against, but sneak attacks are hard to avoid! Once Chase's business is settled, we'll go home!" Evan said.
Jade didn't say anything else and quietly slipped out, while Evan lay down and began to rest with his eyes closed.
Chase stood in the crowd, knowing today was the real showdown. Grant Gu Jr. was there too. Thanks to Evan’s help, Chase’s wounds had mostly healed. Right now, he wasn’t even looking at Princess Serene—his attention was locked on Grant Gu Jr., standing not far away.
"We'll talk about it when the time comes! Maybe I'll take both of you with me. How about your husband takes good care of you tonight?" Evan said with a smile.
Princess Ivy's face instantly flushed red. "I'll stay with you to the end!" she replied.
The two of them tangled in a long, passionate embrace, their fiery love igniting the room. Evan, ever thoughtful, cast an energy barrier outside so Princess Ivy’s moans of pleasure wouldn’t escape beyond the walls.
Their passionate union lasted deep into the night, only ending when Princess Ivy collapsed, breathless and spent, against Evan’s shoulder. "Evan, being with you makes me feel so lucky. Now that Chase is old enough to marry, I realize—we’re getting on in years, aren’t we?"
"Getting on in years? Ivy, don’t be ridiculous! You look just as young as ever. If you want me to praise your beauty, just ask—no need for all these roundabout words!" Evan teased, laughing.
"You’re such a tease! You knew, so why say it out loud? I’m ignoring you now!" Princess Ivy huffed, turning away with a pout.
The night passed peacefully—no one tried anything against Chase after all. It seemed Evan had worried too much. Early the next morning, everyone returned to the plaza, but this time King Victor Zhao and Princess Serene personally stepped onto the arena.
Princess Serene had dressed up especially for the occasion and even removed her veil, revealing her true face. Her breathtaking beauty drove countless admirers wild—all of them were people who loved her. Every gesture and smile was so enchanting that most eyes in the crowd were drawn to her.
Chase was also standing among the crowd, since today was truly the main event. The purple-robed youth was there too. Thanks to Evan's help, Chase's injuries had mostly healed. Right now, he wasn't paying attention to Princess Serene, but was focused entirely on the purple-robed young lord standing nearby.
"Thank you all for coming to Serene Nether City's Talent Recruitment Tournament. Now that the tournament is over, Serene Nether City has selected fifty-six outstanding candidates. I will do my best to nurture them and help them reach their full potential." King Victor Zhao paused as he spoke.
As his words fell, a wave of applause swept through the crowd. Many faces were filled with excitement and joy, though some were unimpressed—like the purple-robed young lord, for example.
"Next comes the moment when my daughter Serene will choose her husband. This is her own decision—I'm not involved. Whoever becomes her chosen consort, we'll all witness it together!" King Victor Zhao announced loudly.
Immediately, the crowd erupted in sharp screams and heated discussions, all guessing who Princess Serene would choose as her husband. Some said it would be the purple-robed young lord, since his looks, temperament, and strength were all top-notch. Others said it would be Chase, but very few believed that.
After all, he had transformed into a Golden Dragon, which meant he possessed beast clan blood. Marriages with the beast clan have always been rare, and as the princess of Serene Nether City, Serene couldn't just marry into the beast clan. Plus, Chase's Golden Dragon identity was even more mysterious—so most people didn't think he stood a chance.
Princess Serene glanced at the crowd below and smiled slightly. "Thank you all for coming to Serene Nether City. I know my choice may disappoint many who admire me, but there's only one Serene—I can't satisfy everyone's hopes, so I hope you'll understand!"
Her voice rang out like silver bells in everyone's ears, making many of the passing boys spurt nosebleeds; cries of amazement rang out again and again from the crowd.
Princess Serene gently pressed her hand down, signaling for silence. "Choosing a husband is a lifelong matter, so I must be careful. After much consideration, I've decided to choose the first-place winner of the Martial Gate as my husband!"
As soon as she said this, everyone was stunned—some were disappointed, some were dejected, others were furious or driven mad with jealousy. All eyes turned to Chase, wishing they could tear him to pieces.
Grant Gu Jr. was especially furious, his face turning almost black with rage. The moment he saw Princess Serene’s devastating beauty, his heart shook violently. He swore to himself: No matter what, he would make her his—and make her cry out for him on their wedding night.
But to his utter disbelief, this stubborn girl actually chose a nobody—someone with no status, no background—over him! It was a slap in his face, and in his father King Grant Gu’s face. This humiliation was intolerable.
"Don’t get cocky, Chase Chu! What makes you think you deserve Serene’s favor? If you’ve got the guts, fight me—winner gets Serene, loser backs off for good! Do you dare?" Grant Gu Jr. roared.
Chase shot him a sideways glance and smirked. "Fight you? That’s child’s play, but I’ve got better things to do. Go challenge someone who cares."
"You—you!" Grant Gu Jr. was so enraged by Chase’s words that he nearly lost control, fists clenching as his fury boiled over...