"I already told you, so why keep asking? If you can spare someone, then spare them—don't push things too far. You're the big shot around here now, so what's the point of making everyone afraid of you? It doesn't help you at all. Besides, you're not the type who cares about fame or fortune." Selena said.
"Honestly, I didn't plan on going this far. I just wanted to scare Sophia Lin and Harold Zhu a little, but once the words were out, it was hard to take them back." Evan Chu replied with a helpless smile.
"Well, since it's already happened, just go with it. Take out a few main culprits and let the rest go—they're innocent. Leave the details to Titus Sima; he can handle it. Let's head back!" Selena glanced at the chaos in the Liu estate as she spoke.
Back at the City Lord’s Mansion, Evan Chu relayed Selena’s instructions to Titus Sima and let him deal with it as he saw fit, then went back to his room to rest.
The next day, news of the Liu Family’s confiscation spread throughout the city. At noon, Harold Liu and his son were executed at the public execution grounds, their heads put on display. The rest were expelled from Flowing Cloud City and forbidden to ever set foot here again.
Originally, Evan Chu had planned to wipe out the whole clan, but seeing they were fellow townsfolk, he showed rare mercy and spared their lives. The people of Flowing Cloud City ended up admiring Evan’s magnanimity—something he hadn’t expected at all.
Sophia Lin and Harold Zhu were released, but their relationship was shattered. Harold, having insulted Evan Chu, had his cultivation abolished and became a cripple. Sophia, meanwhile, was left mentally unstable and half-deranged—a fitting retribution for both.
Luna Chu spent her days glued to Skylar Yule, her intentions obvious to anyone with eyes. Ryan Chu, meanwhile, became fast friends with Gavin Wei, the two of them inseparable and telling each other everything.
As for Damon Lin, Evan Chu appointed him as the new City Lord of Flowing Cloud City—a gesture to honor Roxanne Lin.
After staying at the City Lord’s Mansion for two days, Victor Chu handed all Chu Family affairs over to Merrick Chu, effectively passing the patriarch’s seat to him. Victor had been reluctant to go to the Royal Capital, but Evan insisted he needed someone to manage the Prince’s Residence, so Victor finally agreed.
On the day of departure, Evan Chu’s group had grown much larger. Victor Chu, Titus Sima, and several capable family members joined the entourage, with Luna Chu and Ryan Chu naturally among them.
With so many people, it was impossible for Goldwing to carry everyone, so they all had to travel by horseback. Evan assured them that once they reached the Royal Capital, someone would be there to receive them, so they could relax on the road.
Gavin Wei was left behind to protect the group along the way. Even though Gavin was a thousand times unwilling, he had no choice but to obey Evan Chu’s orders.
Evan Chu, Skylar Yule, and the others returned to the Royal Capital ahead of the rest. Most notably, Luna Chu and Skylar Yule’s relationship had taken an unexpected turn—they seemed like long-lost kindred spirits, surprising both Evan and Selena.
"Second Brother, are you really set on heading to the Sea Regions tomorrow?" Skylar Yule asked Evan Chu in a hall.
"That’s right. I have to go to the Sea Regions. I’m leaving my father and the Chu clan’s affairs in your hands. Once I finish my business, I’ll come straight back," Evan replied.
"I might not be able to help with that, because I’m coming with you. You don’t mind, do you?" Skylar Yule said.
"You’re coming too? Do you realize how dangerous the Sea Regions are? I can’t agree to this—staying in the capital is much safer for you." Evan immediately objected. If anything happened to Skylar, he wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences—and his family would be dragged down too.
"It’s not my idea—it’s Luna Chu’s. I figured you’d listen to her, right?" Skylar Yule deflected, using Luna Chu as his shield.
"Luna Chu? Is that girl out of her mind? This trip could be life or death, and she thinks it’s a vacation!" Evan grumbled, itching to smack her right then and there.
"Heh, who said I’m going for fun? I’m going to temper myself, get some real training, and improve my strength." Luna Chu walked in with Selena just then.
The two girls had hit it off, and thanks to Evan Chu, they quickly became sisters.
Evan Chu looked at Luna Chu and said, "No way. You’re staying in the capital. Don’t even think about going to the Sea Regions."
Luna Chu was about to protest, but Selena pulled her back. "Let them come, Linfeng. The Sea Regions are dangerous, but as long as they don’t act recklessly, it’s manageable. Plus, having them around will make the journey more lively."
"You agree too? Selena, did Luna Chu bribe you or something?" Evan asked suspiciously. With Selena’s usual detached attitude, he was sure there was something fishy going on.
"Don’t overthink it. They’re all packed and ready to leave tomorrow. If you say no, you’ll really offend them. To go with you, Second Prince Skylar Yule spent half a day sweet-talking the Emperor on their behalf. You’re not going to waste all that effort, are you?" Selena laughed.
Evan Chu couldn’t figure out why Selena was so supportive, but he trusted she had her reasons. "If you’re on board, what else can I say? You’re the strongest among us—just make sure you keep them safe."
"Of course. As for your father and the Chu clan’s future in the capital, Skylar Yule has already made arrangements. When your family arrives, General Roland Lowell will personally handle everything for you. Just focus on your journey." Selena said.
Just then, the Sword Spirit’s voice echoed in Evan’s mind: "Linfeng, your little fox is about to hatch. Want to let everyone know?"
Hearing Luna’s voice, Evan was instantly overjoyed. He turned to the group and said, "Since everything’s settled, let’s all get some rest. I’m heading back to my room to absorb some Stellar Power."
Evan Chu made up a casual excuse and left, leaving the three others baffled. It was barely past noon—way too early to rest. Besides, he hadn’t cultivated or absorbed Stellar Power since coming back, so his behavior seemed totally out of character.
Back in his room, Evan hurriedly pulled out the monster-beast egg—the sealed form of the Violet Thunder Fox—from his storage belt. He saw that the eggshell was webbed with cracks, clear signs that hatching was imminent.
Placing the egg on the table, Evan stared at it, nerves stretched tight. It had been a whole month—a full month of waiting to see Alex, the fox who always stuck to him, calling him Big Bro.
Minute by minute, time crawled by. Outside, Selena and the other two quietly crept to Evan’s window, peeking in to see the monster-beast egg sitting on the table.
Suddenly, a streak of violet lightning flashed before everyone’s eyes. Instantly, a palm-sized violet fox leapt out of the cracked shell, her fur crackling with purple thunder.
The little violet fox appeared with four tails right away, which stunned the three onlookers. Just then, the tiny fox suddenly spoke, nearly making them fall over in shock.
"Big Bro, you’ve worked so hard—I finally made it out. Alex missed you so much…"