The Mermaid King saw Evan Chu supporting Claire Ouyang as they approached, and immediately asked, "Claire, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?" His tone was filled with concern.
Claire blushed, unsure what to say. At that moment, the Mermaid Queen laughed and said, "Claire is fine—just needs a couple days' rest. Newlyweds are always a bit intense, it's perfectly normal. Or do you not want to see your royal grandchildren soon?"
As soon as the Mermaid Queen finished, Evan felt his face burning with embarrassment—he really hadn't thought about that. Claire's face turned even redder.
Looking at the Mermaid Queen, Claire said, "Mother, you're making me feel so embarrassed! Grandchildren and all that—I haven't even thought about it yet!"
"Hahaha! Enough! Now, what brings you here? Don't tell me you just came to see us!" The Mermaid King looked at Evan and Claire.
"Father, I want to go to Weakwater tomorrow to search for the Water Spirit Pearl. Claire said I'll need your pass token to enter, so we've come to get it!" Evan said.
"Evan, you really want to go to Weakwater? Even though you have the Goldscale Coat, Weakwater is extremely dangerous. I went down there myself years ago—the undercurrents are fierce, and even with the Goldscale Coat, it's nearly impossible to move. You'd better be prepared." The Mermaid King warned.
"I understand, Father. No matter how dangerous it is, I have to get the Water Spirit Pearl. Please rest assured—for Claire's sake, I won't let anything happen to myself!" Evan said seriously.
"You're my son-in-law and a prince of the Heavenly Dragon Empire—neither identity is simple. I believe you can accomplish this task, but remember: even if you can't get the Water Spirit Pearl, you must come back alive." The Mermaid King said.
He then took out a golden token. Evan accepted it and saw that one side was engraved with the character '令' (order), while the other bore a picture of a human upper body with a fish tail.
"This token allows three people to pass through. Choose your companions, but Claire must stay in the palace—her body is still weak, and I won't be at ease otherwise!" said the Mermaid King.
"Father, I want to go with Evan! Don't you know I've just broken through in cultivation? Among the younger generation in the Mermaid Kingdom, I shouldn't have any rivals now!" Claire immediately protested.
The Mermaid Queen looked at Claire in confusion and said, "Claire, even if you've broken through, it's no use. Weakwater isn't like other places—don't be so stubborn. Just wait in the palace for Evan to come back!"
"That's right, Claire. This time, I'll only bring Selena with me to Weakwater. I'll leave Skylar Yule and Luna Chu in your care, and my little sister mustn't be disturbed either—these are your responsibilities!" Evan said.
Claire looked at Evan and nodded helplessly, agreeing to his arrangement. Then the two left the Mermaid King's chambers and headed straight for Selena and the others' guest quarters.
Luna Chu had been bored these past few days, spending all her time pestering Skylar Yule with nothing else to do. Selena often sat alone, lost in thought, clearly troubled by something.
At that moment, Selena was sitting on a stone bench in the rear garden, quietly dazing off—so lost in thought she didn't even notice Evan and Claire arrive.
"Selena, what are you thinking about so deeply? Don't tell me you're thinking about this bad guy!" Claire teased.
Selena snapped out of her trance, her face instantly flushing red. Looking at Evan and Claire, she said, "Why are you two here? Is something going on?"
"That's right. I'm going to Weakwater tomorrow, and I want you to come with me. Weakwater is extremely dangerous—only with you by my side can I feel at ease!" Evan said.
Selena looked at Evan and said, "Evan, you've finally broken through. I can't believe you jumped several realms in just two days—it's really surprising."
At this, Claire said, "We're going to talk to Luna Chu—you two take your time!"
Claire's generosity left both Evan and Selena feeling a bit embarrassed. "Selena, is something bothering you? You seem unsettled," Evan asked gently.
"No, it's nothing—maybe I just haven't been sleeping well lately. Evan, no matter what happens in the future, let's promise not to fight each other, okay?" Selena said.
From her words, Evan could tell she was definitely hiding something from him, but since she didn't want to say, he couldn't force her.
"I understand. You're my woman—I'd never hurt you. I know the Demon General must be showing up in the Mermaid Kingdom. I can promise I won't go looking for him, but if we meet, I won't hold back!" Evan said.
"I'm just afraid you'll run into him. Right now, he's already recovered to the third layer of the Divine Martial Realm. If he keeps getting stronger, you'll be in real danger."
"And he already knows your true identity as the reincarnated Lord of Frostbane. I don't know how he found out, but I'm really worried—one side is my uncle, the other is my lover. I don't know what to do." Selena said, her face full of distress.
"Don't worry, Selena—even if he's at the ninth layer of the Divine Martial Realm, he can't do anything to me. Don't forget, I've got the Goldscale Coat. Look at you, all worried—you're not even pretty anymore!" Evan joked, then walked over and gently pulled her into his arms.
They stood there quietly for a long time before Selena finally stepped away from Evan and said, "They're coming over. You should get some rest too. I hope you succeed in getting the Water Spirit Pearl tomorrow!"
Less than a minute after Selena finished speaking, Skylar Yule and Claire walked over—Claire had already told them about Evan's plan to enter Weakwater tomorrow.
"Second Brother, you must be extremely careful in Weakwater. If you're really not fated to get the Water Spirit Pearl, don't force it—there are other places in the world. We're all waiting for you, so don't make us worry!" Skylar Yule said.
"I understand, don't worry! You and Luna Chu just wait here these next few days—Claire will come by to keep you company!" Evan said.
"Evan, you better come back to me—or else I'll never let you off!" Luna Chu threatened.
"Alright, it's getting late. Claire, let's head back! Selena, wait for me outside the palace gates tomorrow!" Evan said, leaving with Claire.
After returning, Evan spent the night absorbing stellar force to consolidate his current realm. Claire, affected by Evan's breakthrough, went to bed early.
At dawn the next day, Evan saw Claire still asleep, so he quietly slipped out. With a thought, Goldwing appeared before him. Evan mounted Goldwing and flew toward the palace gate—Selena was already waiting there for him...