"You don't need to worry about that. The Netherworld may have four major powers, but it also has the Hidden Clans. These are the true main force in times of war. During the Nether–Demon War, we mostly just direct things; it's rare for us to personally clash with the Demonic Realm army." King Victor Zhao said.
Hearing this, Evan Chu was a bit surprised. So King Victor Zhao really is a fierce tiger—one that usually doesn't attack, but when it does, it's a fight to the death.
"Does King Victor Zhao intend to wipe out the other three powers?" Evan asked directly, wanting to see Victor's true attitude now that such an opportunity had arisen.
"To be honest, I've never considered destroying them. As long as they can coexist peacefully with my Serene Nether City, I'm satisfied. But if they push too far and try to destroy my city, I will fight back—and wiping them out would be justified." King Victor Zhao replied seriously.
"I see. Well, let's wait until the selection tournament ends before we talk about all this. Why did you come up with the idea for the tournament? Are you scheming something?" Evan asked.
"Honestly, it's just to recruit outstanding talents and strengthen Serene Nether City. Of course, this will make the other three powers unhappy, but I also want to use the tournament to see how they react." King Victor Zhao said.
"What if all three oppose you or make a move? This is Serene Nether City—if they really wanted to destroy it, wouldn't that be easy?" Evan asked.
"They won't destroy Serene Nether City. At most, they'll fight a major battle against me. In the Netherworld, there's a rule: cities can't be casually wiped out, or the Hidden Clans will step in. The Hidden Clans are at least as strong as us four monarchs, and there are more than just four of them.
In other words, the real holders of life-and-death power in the Netherworld are the Hidden Clans. They normally stay out of worldly affairs, but whenever something big happens, they show up. They're the most terrifying hidden force in the Netherworld, and everyone fears them." King Victor Zhao said.
Evan Chu understood that the Netherworld's structure was actually similar to the Immortal Realm. The difference was, in the Immortal Realm, he held supreme authority; here, true power lay with the Hidden Clans.
"Are all the participants in this selection tournament youths from Serene Nether City? Or are there contestants from other powers as well?" Evan asked.
"This tournament is open to anyone in the Netherworld who wishes to join, so of course the other three powers have sent people. Their key figures will also attend as judges. Actually, this isn't the first time we've held such a selection—this is the third time.
Every five hundred years, the Netherworld holds a selection tournament, and this cycle it's Serene Nether City's turn. To attract more participants, I had Princess Serene choose her future husband from among the outstanding talents. Honestly, it was a last resort." King Victor Zhao said.
"What if someone from the Three Great Forces becomes Serene's husband? Would that mean you'd have to make peace with them? Maybe they'd use Princess Serene's marriage as an excuse to cause trouble for your city, giving them a legitimate reason—even the Hidden Clans might not be able to intervene." Evan asked.
"That won't happen. The Hidden Clans will send their own powerhouses as judges to prevent anything like that. You don't need to worry. In fact, I want you to be a judge too. I sincerely hope your son can become my son-in-law—then I'd have nothing to fear from them." King Victor Zhao said.
"In that case, I won't ask any more. If anything happens, you don't need to worry while I'm here—I'll make sure justice is done. If they dare go too far, they'll never make it out alive." Evan laughed.
"Then I'll thank you in advance! Let's hope things go as we wish!" King Victor Zhao said. Then the two of them left the study.
Evan Chu went to Princess Ivy's room, while King Victor Zhao retreated to a secret chamber to heal his injuries. He was still deeply shocked by Evan's true identity.
Evan and Princess Ivy naturally had a passionate night together, leaving Ivy exhausted and breathless.
Time flew by, and a few days later, the selection tournament officially began. Serene Nether City was packed with people. The venue was a massive plaza behind the City Lord's Mansion, large enough to hold tens of thousands—about the same size as Frostbane Imperial Palace's martial training grounds.
In the center of the plaza stood a massive arena platform, surrounded by dozens of viewing stages. To watch the tournament, spectators had to pay enough Netherstones for a seat—so Serene Nether City made a hefty profit.
Evan Chu and Princess Ivy sat together on the VIP platform with King Victor Zhao. The dozens of other honored guests found these two strangers puzzling, unable to understand why they were given such prominent seats.
Over ten thousand people had entered the selection tournament—both men and women, though men made up about nine thousand and women a little over a thousand. The Netherworld's finest young talents had all gathered here.
At this moment, King Victor Zhao stepped onto the arena and addressed the crowd: "Thank you all for coming to Serene Nether City for this talent selection tournament. This is the third Netherworld-wide tournament, and this time it also serves as the husband-selection event for my daughter, Princess Serene. I hope all the outstanding talents will give it their best.
The rules are the same as before: first a Literary Gate, then a Martial Gate. The elimination will be brutal, so everyone should be prepared. Only those who pass both gates may fight on the arena stage.
Anyone who reaches the arena will be heavily valued by Serene Nether City, and will also become a candidate for Princess Serene's husband. I look forward to seeing who can surprise me."
As King Victor Zhao finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers. Many of the young men were thrilled, while the young women were less interested—but they still looked forward to being chosen as key talents by Serene Nether City.
King Victor Zhao then stepped down, and an elderly man appeared on the arena. He was not from Serene Nether City, but from one of the Hidden Clans—specially invited to preside over the tournament.
"All disciples participating in the tournament, you should already know the rules. Now we'll begin the Literary Gate test. Soon, a giant Testing Screen will appear above the arena.
A question will appear on the screen, and you must inscribe your answer on a special crystal. Each of you received one when you registered. Good luck to everyone—the Literary Gate test officially begins now!" the elder announced loudly...