Evan Chu looked around at everyone and said, "Frostbane Sect has been in decline for so many years; it's finally time for us to rise again. Those who bullied Frostbane Sect in the past—we must pay them back double. And those who have shown us kindness, we will do our utmost to repay them.
Right now, what Frostbane Sect needs most is to expand—make Frostbane Sect the number one sect in the Azure Tide Ruins. This goal might seem daunting, but I believe that as long as we work together, we can definitely achieve it!"
"Sect Master, expanding the sect will require tremendous manpower and resources. Given Frostbane Sect's current condition, it might be very difficult to realize such a grand vision!" said an elderly man with white hair.
"There's no need to worry about that. I've already prepared six hundred million Starstones for rebuilding the sect. Joan He will handle the details, and of course, all the other elders must do their utmost to cooperate and help her complete this task.
In the past, Frostbane Sect was a scattered mess, but with me here, that will no longer be tolerated. Now, report all matters of sect management to me—I need to understand our situation." Evan Chu said.
When everyone heard Evan Chu was using six hundred million Starstones to rebuild the sect, many in the main hall felt as if they'd been struck by lightning. That number was astronomical—selling the whole Frostbane Sect probably wouldn't even fetch six hundred million Starstones.
Selena Yale was also stunned. Evan Chu's Star Crystal wealth had already amazed everyone, but spending such an enormous sum of Starstones was simply unimaginable—no one could fathom just how rich he really was.
"Sect Master, I used to handle the sect's finances. Because Frostbane Sect has declined over the years, most of our businesses have collapsed. Now our expenditures far exceed our income, and we've already had to close several shops," reported a middle-aged man.
"Sect Master, I'm the second elder in charge of disciple training. Currently, we have just over seventy Divine Martial Realm disciples, more than three hundred at Heavenly Martial Realm, over five hundred at Earth Martial Realm, and the rest are at Spirit Martial Realm. Altogether, Frostbane Sect has about fifteen hundred people—which is far too weak compared to other sects," said another elder.
"Mm, well done. Starting today, Frostbane Sect will recruit disciples aggressively. Anyone willing to join will receive fifty high-grade Starstones per month for cultivation. Post notices everywhere—I want everyone in the Azure Tide Ruins to know about this," Evan Chu declared.
Evan Chu then reorganized the tasks and positions of everyone in the main hall, from elders to protectors, hall masters, helm masters, stewards—everything was arranged clearly and methodically.
Even though there aren't many people right now, he believed that the numbers would definitely grow in the future.
Joan He was appointed as an elder, while Selena Yale became the sect's guest elder. Naturally, no one objected to Evan Chu's arrangements. Afterward, Evan and Joan He left the main hall to tour the unfamiliar Frostbane Sect.
As he walked along the road, Evan Chu saw the reverent gazes of many disciples, and couldn't help but feel emotional. Thinking back to when he was a despised waste in the Heavenly Dragon Empire's Chu family, he never imagined he'd enjoy such glory today.
The memories were vivid—his promises to the women, the three-year martial marriage challenge with Rhea Yang, which required a Heavenly Martial Realm suitor. Now, he could probably just stand there and let people attack him, and they’d tire themselves out without hurting him at all.
A smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his mouth. Seeing this, Selena Yale couldn't help but ask, "What are you smiling about? Are you super excited to be sect master now?"
Evan Chu glanced at Selena Yale and said, "What's there to be excited about? I'm smiling because I managed to 'trick' a great sect master into becoming my woman—my pick-up skills are pretty impressive."
"Are you itching for a beating? Believe it or not, I'll give you one right now," Selena Yale shot back, rolling her eyes at Evan Chu.
"Heh, I'd actually like it if you beat me up. So, have you thought it over yet? Our situation is extremely dangerous—things may look calm on the surface, but what's coming is terrifying. We can't just sit and wait for disaster. I really need your help," Evan Chu said, suddenly serious.
"Why are you bringing this up again? Didn't I tell you I needed two days to think? You're making me really uncomfortable," Selena Yale said, exasperated.
Evan Chu and Selena Yale took a full tour of Frostbane Sect, spending the most time in the Book Repository. The martial arts manuals here were dazzling in variety, but not a single one was high-grade—the best techniques were only mid-Earth-rank, which was a serious bottleneck for the sect's development.
When it came to martial manuals, Evan Chu was at a loss. The higher the grade, the rarer the book—even with money, you might not be able to buy one. Seeing the worry on his face, Selena Yale said:
"Everything takes time. Where in the world can you reach the top in a single step? Even my Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion took centuries to get where it is now. You're just too impatient."
Just then, a sect disciple came in and said to Evan Chu, "Sect Master, Elder He says the banquet is ready. Since this is your first time back at the sect, all the disciples have prepared a welcome feast for you. Tomorrow, there will also be a formal succession ceremony."
Evan Chu gave a wry smile—he hated these tedious formalities the most, but as sect master, he could only grit his teeth and face them.
The banquet was set up in Frostbane Sect's training field, with nearly two hundred tables covered in drinks. By the time Evan Chu arrived, almost everyone from the sect was already there.
Looking around, Evan Chu saw that there were more than two hundred women in the sect—many of them pretty and refined. He didn't say much to them, just gave a general compliment and then started drinking heartily.
Evan Chu came across as easygoing, without any airs of a sect master, making everyone feel he was quite approachable. After three rounds of drinks, Evan Chu and Selena Yale left for his private courtyard.
(This chapter isn't over yet ^.^, please click next page to continue reading!)
The courtyard was about five hundred square meters—not huge, but very peaceful. There were many flowers and plants, a rockery in the center surrounded by a pond, and lotus roots growing in the water.
Although the lotus blooming season had passed, the lush green leaves still gave a soothing feeling—especially with little red fish and koi swimming around in the pond.
"This is the perfect environment for secluded cultivation. I’ve decided to go into closed-door training here for a month. After the sect expansion is finished, I’ll marry the three of you. What do you think?" Evan Chu said.
"A month of closed-door training? Are you just going to ignore the sect's affairs? As sect master, you have a ton of things to deal with every day. If you think you can just slack off, that's impossible," Selena Yale retorted.
Evan Chu sat on a stone bench by the rockery and said, "If only I could spend every day talking to the woman I love in this peaceful, beautiful place—how wonderful that would be. I’ve longed for a life like this for ages, but who knows when it’ll ever come true."
With that, Evan Chu took out a few green crystals from his storage ring. "These are great for restoring strength. Do you know where I got them?"
"What are these? I sense a powerful life force from them," Selena Yale said immediately.
"These are the energy cores of a thousand-year tree demon. Getting them was a near-death experience—I almost died at the hands of a Saint Martial Realm powerhouse. Killing Zhang Weiping of Mist Rain Pavilion was pure luck; if he'd self-destructed, the consequences would have been unimaginable," Evan Chu explained.
"Self-destruct? You think every Saint Martial Realm cultivator can do that? You're mistaken. For humans, it's extremely difficult—unlike monster beasts. Honestly, even if I were facing death, I wouldn't be able to self-destruct," Selena Yale said.
Evan Chu looked at her, puzzled. "Why do you say that? Is there some kind of restriction on self-destruction?"
"That's right. As everyone knows, breaking into the Saint Martial Realm requires the immense energy of Nether Orchid. But if that energy leaves a purple vein on your Saint Star Pellet, it limits further growth."
After reaching the Saint Martial Realm, advancing just one level is incredibly difficult. That fruit auctioned in Golden Ram City—the one that supposedly lets you instantly break through to a higher realm—is actually useless to Saint Martial experts. If it really worked, do you think you’d have been able to buy it?
If you want to self-detonate, you have to break through the restriction of the purple pattern. Power always comes at a cost—even Saint Martial experts are limited in their own ways. If the Stellar Power in their Saint Star Pellet is ever completely depleted, it’s extremely hard to recover. No one would be foolish enough to drain themselves dry unless they’re truly desperate.
And even if someone tries to self-detonate, they first have to shatter that purple pattern from within. But how many people can actually do that? The pain is beyond words—and self-detonation means certain death. Monster beasts are different: once they reach the Eighth-Layer Divine Martial Realm, an inner core forms in their bodies, gathering vast Stellar Power, just like the Divine Star Pellet or Saint Star Pellet in humans.
That’s also why monster beasts can transform into human form, but humans can’t turn into beasts. When a beast self-detonates, it’s really igniting the energy within its inner core—the resulting power is enough to destroy worlds. That’s why humans in the Azure Tide Ruins have always maintained a non-aggression pact with the Monster Beast Forest.” Selena spoke like a wise elder, sharing everything she knew with Evan.
"So that’s how it is. Back then, I almost died to a beast’s self-detonation. You remember Bear King Bran, right? The Bear King of the Southern Beast King Hall died that way too." Evan said.
"You actually survived in the Monster Beast Forest? That’s seriously impressive. Most beasts there kill humans on sight—so what were you even doing in there?" Selena asked, a look of genuine curiosity on her face.
Evan looked up at the sky and smiled, "It’s getting late. We’ve been apart so many days—don’t you miss me? Whatever it is, let’s talk after I’ve... satisfied you."
As soon as Evan finished speaking, he scooped Selena up into his arms. She was so startled she blurted out, "Put me down! Put me down—right now!"
Selena pinched Evan’s back hard. Even with his monstrous defense, a Saint Martial expert’s pinch still hurt. He couldn’t help but grit his teeth and bear it.
"Evan, can’t you be a little more gentle with me? It’s always like this—you’re so forceful. Sometimes I really hate you." Selena said, half-complaining, half-resigned in his arms.
She thought back: the first time, Evan had immobilized her and taken control; the second time, he dragged her into the river for a long, exhausting struggle; and now, here he went again. She really wondered if he had a thing for roughness.
Evan grinned, "To handle a powerful woman like you, I have to use extraordinary means. Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle when it matters. Doesn’t your hand hurt? You nearly tore the skin off my back."
"If I pinch you to death, even better! That’s what you get for always bullying me," Selena grumbled.
"Are you still worried about that martial technique? I honestly don’t know if I can do it—hurting you would make me miserable." Selena said softly.
"Do you know how important this technique is to me? Do you know my real identity? Do you know the mission I carry? Selena, there are so many things you don’t know. I’m not just anyone—the blood in my veins isn’t ordinary. If I appear here, the whole Azure Tide Ruins might be thrown into chaos."
I can’t afford to lose. If I fail, I’ll lose Frostbane Sect, lose you, lose Serena and Lynne. In the end, my true enemies are the Demon Generals and Venerable Solus—not the Freewind Palace Lord or Sacred Sword Sect Master. Those guys aren’t even worth fearing." Evan said, his tone bitter.
"I know you’re Lord Frostbane reborn, but even so, why do the dark forces have to target you? Besides, the Nine Great Sects aren’t exactly weak—why should you be afraid?" Selena asked, puzzled.
Evan gave a bitter smile. "Yes, I’m Lord Frostbane reincarnated, but I haven’t awakened his memories. Right now, I’m just a little stronger than most martial artists. My body carries divine dragon blood—I’m descended from both dragons and humans, but my bloodline hasn’t fully awakened. Honestly, I’m still way too weak."
You’ve never experienced the Divine Battlefield. Back then, even Third- or Fourth-Layer Saint Martial experts were like ants before the six Demon Generals. If those Demon Generals recover, they could wipe out a sect in minutes. I’m not exaggerating—that’s the truth.
That’s why I have to become much stronger—to stop them, to protect all of you. Do you really think I’m naturally promiscuous? If you didn’t have the Nine Yin Constitution, I never would’ve gone so far with you.
If Serena Dream didn’t have the Gold Yin Constitution, I wouldn’t insist on marrying her. As for Lynne Nie, she’s not just a supporting character—she’s important too, but what I really need is your yin energy to strengthen my power.
Right now, I need you to seriously injure me—push me to the brink of death. Only then can I break through.
With my current defense, even you’ll have to go all out to hurt me that badly. It won’t be easy—I need your help, and only you can do this for me.
Evan’s flood of revelations left Selena stunned, especially the part about him being a dragon descendant. She was speechless for a long moment, struggling to process it all.
The dragon race has been gone from this world for ages. Ever since the Divine Battlefield war, they vanished completely. Now Evan claimed to be their descendant—Selena was utterly shocked.
After a long pause, Selena looked at Evan and said, "Evan, I don’t even know what to say. All I can promise is that I’ll do my best."
"I want to break through right now. There should be a secret chamber in this room—let’s look for it. I don’t want to cause a commotion; it’s safest in a hidden chamber." Evan said, getting up to search the room.
After searching for a while, he noticed a peculiar painting on the wall—a wax plum tree with a magpie perched on its branch. Oddly, the magpie’s wing had a single red feather, making the painting seem mismatched. If you didn’t look closely, you’d think it was just a plum blossom.
Evan focused his divine sense on the magpie’s red feather and discovered it was made up of countless tiny characters.
Without careful inspection, you’d never spot a single flaw—the artist’s skill was truly masterful.
Selena saw Evan staring intently at the painting and found it suspicious. But after a long look, all she could notice was the magpie’s odd feather—she couldn’t see anything else unusual.
Just as Selena was about to ask about the painting, Evan laughed, "Come on, let’s go outside. The secret chamber isn’t here—looks like very few people know Frostbane Sect’s real secrets."
Selena shot Evan a suspicious look but still followed him outside. He stopped by the rockery and pond in the courtyard.
"Selena, Frostbane Sect’s true secret is actually beneath this rockery and pond. If I’m right, there’s something incredible down there—and if it’s what Lord Frostbane left behind, our sect could become the number one power in the Azure Tide Ruins in no time!" Evan said, his voice brimming with excitement.
"How do you know that? Was it the painting?" Selena asked.
"That’s right, it was the painting. The red feather on the magpie was actually covered in tiny, artfully arranged characters—I only found it by accident.
It said that beneath the pond is the secret training ground used by Frostbane Sect masters for centuries—only the sect master may enter." Evan explained.
"Now that we know the chamber is under the pond, how do we get in? It’s already dark—there’s no way to find the mechanism." Selena said, sounding a bit troubled.
Evan was a bit helpless too—the inscription didn’t explain the entrance, only vaguely said it was near the rockery. If you’re lucky, you’ll find it; if not, even flipping the rockery upside down might not help.
But for Evan, this was a minor problem. "I’ve got another way. Close your eyes and hold me tight—you’ll see soon enough."
Selena didn’t really get why Evan said that, but she did as he asked—hugging him tightly and closing her eyes. Evan activated his Chaos Dragon Force, then instantly used Earthshift, and the two of them vanished from the surface, tunneling down into the earth...