But Evan Chu’s Earthsplitter still couldn’t split open the Nether Viper’s skull in one go—he’d need Heaven-Cleave for that. Luckily, Earthsplitter didn’t drain much Chaos Dragon Force, so after a few consecutive strikes, he finally broke through.
Of course, the noise of splitting open the Nether Viper’s skull snapped Faye Knox out of her meditation. She opened her eyes and saw the impossible: the skull she couldn’t cut had been split by this little thief.
But that wasn’t even the craziest part—this guy had just been seriously injured, bones shattered all over, and now he moved like nothing happened. If he was really fully healed, she wouldn’t believe it even if she was beaten to death.
"Wifey, come check this out! The Phantasite in this thing’s head is huge!" Evan Chu called out to Faye Knox, pulling a rice-bowl-sized Phantasite from the Nether Viper’s skull.
Faye Knox’s face instantly darkened when Evan Chu called her 'wifey.' "Are you looking to die? How can you be so disrespectful? Believe it or not, I’ll kill you right here!"
"Heh, who are you trying to scare? With your strength, you’re no match for me. But don’t worry, I wouldn’t fight you—I’d feel bad if you got hurt!" Evan Chu wasn’t fazed by Faye Knox’s anger, still tossing out words that made her fume.
At this point, Faye Knox was truly helpless. She’d never met anyone so shameless and so insanely strong. Worst of all, he’d done unforgivable things to her—she couldn’t beat him, couldn’t outrun him, and his mouth was even sharper than his sword. She really didn’t know what to do.
"Thanks for saving me this time. We’re even now—don’t let me see you again, or it’ll be you or me who dies!" Faye Knox spat, her eyes practically spitting fire.
"Leaving already? I don’t think so! Here, take this Phantasite—it’s my apology for being rude earlier. Honestly, I didn’t mean to see anything, but to be fair, your figure is incredible—you’re a total knockout." Evan Chu grinned, handing the Phantasite to Faye Knox.
"You! You—!" Faye Knox was so furious she couldn’t even speak, almost drawing her sword on the spot.
Evan Chu knew if he kept pushing, he’d only make her angrier, so he laughed, "Alright, alright, I admit I was wrong. You’re the bigger person, okay? I’m giving you this Phantasite sincerely—it wasn’t easy to get, so keep it safe!"
Faye Knox eyed Evan Chu suspiciously. "Why are you giving me Phantasite? Nobody gives something for nothing—spill it!"
"Haha, Miss Faye, you really are sharp—you saw right through me. Yeah, I do have a motive. I need something, and maybe you have it." Evan Chu instantly switched to a serious tone, dropping the playful act.
Faye Knox seemed to realize something. "What do you want? Is it the Netherghost Violet Orchid?"
When Faye Knox mentioned the Netherghost Violet Orchid, Evan Chu’s heart leapt, but he kept his face blank and even frowned. "You and I both know how rare the Netherghost Violet Orchid is. I have a sister who’s reached Ninth-Layer Saint Martial, but without the orchid, she’s on the verge of going berserk."
I joined the Ghost Clan trial just for it. I know you have Netherghost Violet Orchid—if you’d give me one stalk, I’d be eternally grateful, and I’d do anything for you in return."
"Evan, are you crazy? How can you just promise something like that? What if she becomes your woman and demands you ditch all your other lovers? Do you ever think before you talk?" Luna’s voice rang out in his mind.
"Relax, Luna. No way my woman would do that to me. I just want the Netherghost Violet Orchid—everything else can wait." Evan Chu replied in his heart, full of confidence.
"I do have Netherghost Violet Orchid, but I’m not giving it to you. You harassed me, stole a kiss, and now you want my orchid? Nice try! Not happening." Faye Knox glared at Evan Chu, though inside she was secretly delighted—finally, she had the upper hand.
"Come on, Miss Faye, don’t be so heartless! We went through hell together, and I even gave you Phantasite—what more do you want?" Evan Chu put on a helpless face, though inside he snickered, 'She thinks she can act tough? Someday I’ll work her so hard she won’t get out of bed for three days.'
“Three days in bed? Are you even human? How can you say stuff like that! Let me show you what’s what!” Luna scolded instantly, and a wave of searing pain shot through Evan Chu’s mind. He couldn’t help but clutch his head and squat down.
His face twisted in agony, muscles contorting into a savage grimace. Faye Knox was startled by the sight and rushed over. "Hey, thief, what’s wrong with you?"
"I think I’ve been poisoned by the Nether Viper after all. Didn’t expect the venom to kick in now, and I don’t have any antidote. Looks like my time’s almost up," Evan Chu said, putting on a look of utter despair.
"Don’t worry, I have antidote! I’m not letting you die!" Faye Knox said firmly, pulling out a red bottle.
Evan Chu looked at the red bottle and said, "We’re not related—don’t waste such rare medicine on me. Just let me die, that way your reputation stays intact."
"I said you’re not dying, so you’re not dying! Swallow this pill, now!" Faye Knox poured out a pill from the red bottle and ordered.
"Don’t waste it. I’m already running on fumes. You really think I’m healed? I just used a secret art to stabilize my injuries for now. I only helped you split open the Nether Viper’s corpse because you couldn’t do it yourself." Evan Chu kept up the act, marveling at how good he’d gotten at bluffing.
He wondered what would happen if she found out he was lying—but right now, he could only keep bluffing.
"Why are you doing this? Is it to make up for your past mistakes? If that’s the case, I don’t need your pity!" Faye Knox snapped.
But Evan Chu suddenly noticed her eyes were misty—she was actually tearing up for him. What the…? How could this be possible…?