Evan glanced at Lena and said, "Of course the bet stands. No cheating. I bet you picked up plenty of good stuff too, right? If my Violet Cloud Crystals hadn't crushed yours, I'd have lost for sure."
Evan's sudden appearance sent a jolt through the crowd. Nobody expected the owner of VIP Room 28 to be a kid like him—average strength, plain looks, but loaded with Violet Cloud Crystals and totally unknown, not affiliated with any of the Ten Great Powers. The questions just kept piling up.
"Lots of people want you dead, but don't worry—Stormtower's got your back. Just think about my offer. You're smart enough to know what's best, so I won't repeat myself. Seize the chance." Lena said.
Evan glanced around at the crowd and said, "I've got my own plans. Whether I join Stormtower or not, I appreciate it. Tomorrow's Rainbow Court's Marriage Tournament—let's go check out the excitement!"
His voice wasn't loud, but every God Realm elite nearby heard Evan's words crystal clear. The surprise star of the auction was actually Stormtower's pick for recruitment—no one could figure out what Stormtower saw in him, and it left everyone scratching their heads.
"This kid's not simple. Stormtower almost never throws out an olive branch, especially so publicly. If they mess this up, it'll cause a huge uproar. Let's just wait and see." a middle-aged man quietly said to the elder next to him.
"Young master, let's go. You're Rainbow Court's VIP, and I bet the Mistress will show up soon. If anyone makes trouble for you, they're making trouble for Rainbow Court itself. Nobody here would be dumb enough to try it!" Kimmie said.
Evan smiled and walked forward with Kimmie and Lena, eyes sweeping the crowd for their reactions. He knew his arrival had stunned everyone, and while they all wanted answers, it wasn't the right moment. Everyone was hoping someone would step up and break the ice.
Several sharp gazes locked onto Evan, full of killing intent. If this weren't Rainbow City, they'd have already attacked.
"Evan, let me take you to meet my father!" Lena said. She knew Evan needed Stormtower's protection, and everyone had to see he was under Stormtower's wing—so they'd think twice before trying anything.
Master Wan greeted Evan and the others as they approached. Before Evan could speak, Master Wan said, "So you're Evan, huh? Lena's spoken about you many times. Have you thought about my offer?"
Master Wan didn't spell it out, but Evan knew what he meant. "Evan greets Master Wan. It's an honor to have your attention—joining Stormtower is a dream for countless people. But I still need some time. Once I've made my decision, I'll let you know."
Master Wan just smiled instead of getting angry. "I hope you won't disappoint me. Lena will stay by your side, if that's alright. With her there, you'll be safe. I trust you get what I'm saying."
"Thank you for your concern, Master Wan. Having Lena look after me is a huge help. If I offended anyone at the auction, please forgive me." Evan replied, respectful but not servile.
Then Master Wan turned to the crowd and declared, "Evan is a friend of Stormtower. If anyone tries to harm him, they're making an enemy of Stormtower. If you've got a problem, come at me instead—I'll be waiting on the Duel Platform in Rainbow City."
His words only deepened the crowd's confusion. So few people in the God Realm ever get Master Wan's personal protection, but this mysterious young man did. Those who wanted Evan dead had no choice but to hold back—they'd have to wait until he left Rainbow City to make a move.
Just then, Dominic Bai returned, this time flanked by two late-stage God-Lord youths. It was clear they weren't here for friendly reasons—they were after Evan's blood.
"Evan, you said a late-stage God-Emperor picking on a mid-stage God-Lord is unfair. Well, these two are late-stage God-Lords—dare to face them on the Duel Platform? You screwed me over at the auction and I can't let it go. If you're a real man, accept the challenge. Hiding behind Stormtower's protection doesn't count for much!" Dominic Bai shouted.
Master Wan shot Dominic Bai a glare and said, "If you touch him, I'll take your life myself. Azure Moon City isn't even worth my attention. Try me if you dare."
"Well, Master Wan, aren't you bold! If Azure Moon City doesn't matter to you, does Rainbow City not matter either?" A bell-like laugh rang out as a beautiful woman descended—the Mistress of Rainbow Court herself.
"Rainveil, we've been friends for years—no need for harsh words. This is your Rainbow City, and no matter how arrogant I am, I wouldn't cause trouble here. But your subordinate's words were way out of line. Evan's my friend, so of course I'll defend him." Master Wan said.
"You know Dominic Bai is my subordinate, Master Wan. As host, I won't take sides. Rainbow City has its own way of settling disputes. Since Dominic wants to use the Duel Platform, that's the best solution—unless Evan doesn't dare accept?" Rainveil said.
"Mistress, Evan spent the most at this auction—shouldn't you protect him with everything you've got? What are you saying now? Are you planning to abandon Evan now that he's spent his money?" Master Wan laughed.
"Of course I know that. Evan's Rainbow Court's honored guest. But if someone challenges him, I can't just block it—that's our rule. His challengers are at a similar realm. If the gap was too big, I'd never allow it. Don't you want to see how this boy everyone is talking about performs on the Duel Platform?" Rainveil said.
Evan glanced at the two of them and asked, "What are the rules on the Duel Platform? Is it a fight to the death?"
"Once you're on the Duel Platform, the fight only ends when one side admits defeat. Death or serious injury is normal. You can refuse, and no one would dare force you." Rainveil said.
"I'll accept the challenge, but I have one condition—after this, I don't want people lining up to hassle me. If everyone with a grudge challenged me, I'd never get a break." Evan said calmly.