"Ethan has already promised that he will never harm our daughter," Max said after a long silence.

"I think… it's feasible."

His voice was steady, but the weight behind those words was heavy.

Bella did not answer immediately. She lowered her gaze, thinking for a moment, then nodded slowly.

"Let's ask Elara first," she replied.

"If she is willing, we will agree directly."

"Alright," Max said, exhaling softly.

Their exchange was brief, carried out through silent transmission.

A moment later, Bella's voice reached Elara.

On the other side of the arena, Elara frowned slightly when she received the message. Her gaze unconsciously drifted toward Ethan's previous position.

She fell into thought.

Ethan had left a good impression on her. Calm, restrained, unfathomable. Compared to Bruce's overwhelming dominance, Ethan felt… stable. Someone she could accept.

Moreover, he was powerful. Handsome. A Supreme who had made even the commander of the Heavenly Palace hesitate.

Few women would truly dislike such a man.

More importantly, the situation left her no real choice.

Between marrying someone she felt no connection to—someone whose presence endangered her family—and choosing Ethan, the answer was obvious.

"Mother," Elara replied after a brief pause, "there's no other way. Agree to him."

Bella hesitated.

"Elara, are you certain?" she asked gently.

"Our Sky family has always placed the family's interests first… but your mother still hopes that you can marry someone you like and live happily."

Elara's lips curved into a faint smile.

"Mother, I believe I can live a good life with Ethan."

There was no hesitation in her voice.

Bella closed her eyes briefly, then nodded.

"Alright," she replied softly.

"If that's your choice, we will agree to Ethan's request."

She paused, then added firmly, "If he ever bullies you in the future—even if he becomes a Perfect Supreme—your mother will still stand up for you."

Elara smiled.

"Don't worry, Mother. My intuition tells me Ethan is a good person."

"…Mm," Bella replied.

On the arena, Bruce looked toward Elara with a confident smile.

"Miss Elara," he said politely, "have I passed your test for recruiting a son-in-law?"

Elara lifted her gaze calmly.

"According to the rules, your qualifications are sufficient."

Bruce's smile deepened.

"But," Elara continued, her tone steady, "there are still several days remaining. Who will ultimately become my Dao companion must be chosen from all those who pass the test."

Bruce chuckled lightly.

"Don't worry, Miss Elara," he said confidently.

"No one else will pass."

Elara's eyes narrowed slightly.

"I admit you are strong," she replied calmly.

"But there are always people stronger than oneself. Especially during this special period in Blue-Wave City."

"So I advise Mr. Bruce to be cautious with his words."

Bruce laughed, unconcerned.

"Miss Elara is right," he said. "But I will prove it in my own way—whether anyone here is qualified."

He turned abruptly and looked across the entire arena.

The next moment, his voice boomed like thunder.

"Everyone!"

"If you want to participate in the recruitment of a son-in-law, stop hiding!"

"Today, I, Bruce of the Heavenly Palace, Palace of the Four Cycles, will stand right here."

"If anyone can defeat me, I will give up this position immediately!"

"If you don't dare to step onto the stage, then abandon all thoughts of participating!"

"I believe Miss Elara does not like cowards or weaklings. I hope everyone present has some self-awareness!"

Silence.

Absolute silence.

The entire arena fell deathly still.

The words "Palace of the Four Cycles" and "Heavenly Palace" were heavier than mountains.

In Blue-Wave City—no, in the entire northwest of the Demon Territory—who dared to openly challenge the Palace of the Four Cycles?

That was no longer bravery.

That was suicide.

Unless one possessed strength comparable to that White Fox Demon Lord—someone who could make even the commander of the Heavenly Palace hesitate—no one here was qualified to stand against them.

Whispers arose briefly, filled with anger and resentment, but they quickly faded.

No one dared to speak loudly.

No one dared to move.

Bruce swept his gaze across the crowd, savoring the fear and inferiority written on their faces.

A faint smile of satisfaction appeared on his lips.

Below the stage, Tyler nodded faintly.

Good.

This was how people of the Palace of the Four Cycles should be.

Arrogant—because they had the strength to be arrogant.

Bruce turned back toward Elara.

"Miss Elara," he asked with a smile, "what do you think now?"

"Since no one dares to step forward, I suppose there's no need to continue this recruitment, right?"

Elara's expression remained calm.

"Mr. Bruce," she replied evenly, "there are still several days before the recruitment concludes. Please wait patiently."

Bruce was not angered.

"In that case," he said lightly, "I'll wait."

A purple spear appeared in his hand.

He slammed it into the arena floor with a heavy clang, folded his arms, and leaned against it, closing his eyes.

The posture was relaxed, domineering, and impossibly confident.

He looked like someone who had already won.

At the same time, Elara cast a helpless glance toward her parents.

Bella did not hesitate.

"Mr. Ethan," she transmitted urgently, "I agree to all your requests. Please help."

"Don't worry," Ethan's voice replied calmly. "Leave this matter to me."

The next instant—

Ethan vanished.

There was no fluctuation of energy. No warning.

He simply disappeared.

Max and Bella froze.

Even as Ultimate Supremes, they had not clearly seen how Ethan left.

"So fast…" Bella whispered, eyes wide.

"This speed…" Max inhaled sharply. "Terrifying."

"Is this truly the speed of an Intermediate Demon Lord?"

He shook his head slowly.

"No. Ethan is hidden far too deeply. His true combat power may not be much weaker than Tyler's."

Shock rippled through them—followed by relief.

Their tense hearts finally eased.

If Ethan possessed such strength, then Tyler could not act recklessly.

Tyler was one of the strongest combatants in the Palace of the Four Cycles. If even he hesitated, then ordinary Ultimate Supremes would fare no better.

As for a Perfect Supreme?

The Palace of the Four Cycles had one, Valerius.

But he would not easily intervene.

Thus, Ethan had more than enough power to establish himself in Blue-Wave City.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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