The Little Drama Queen

As night swiftly passed, the new day dawned with sunlight peeking over the mountains.

Chen Ping'an stretched lazily as he woke, feeling refreshed. "Having cultivation really makes a difference," he mused. "I didn't sleep much, but I feel completely rested."

Su Ling was already up and greeted Chen Ping'an before cheerfully preparing breakfast. Her excitement stemmed from knowing Chen Ping'an would be away for a while, giving her free rein to indulge in her whims.

Chen Ping'an observed Su Ling's enthusiasm with confusion.

After breakfast, Chen Ping'an spent time with Su Ling, teaching her poetry and idioms to memorize, and playing with her for a bit.

Su Ling's gaze kept drifting towards the land beyond the courtyard. Her mind raced with thoughts of what to eat today, or perhaps cultivating a small plot of land while her brother was away. She considered buying seeds for different fruits, knowing there was enough fertilizer left.

As Chen Ping'an was teaching a poem, a voice called from outside, "Senior, are you there?"

Chen Ping'an went to open the door. "Elder Gong, what brings you here?"

Murong Gong was about to answer when he noticed Chen Ping'an's newfound cultivation level - Foundation Establishment! However, seeing the laws of nature surrounding Chen Ping'an, he didn't dwell on it. The thoughts of a master were beyond his comprehension.

"Senior, I've come to give you something," Murong Gong said, producing a purple-gold token.

This was the token Bai Gufeng had given their sect during its founding. Initially, Murong Gong had thought to use it himself, as it offered a 90% discount at the Treasure Gathering Hall. But he suspected it might actually be meant for Chen Ping'an, which is why he came.

Chen Ping'an's eyes lit up upon hearing about the token's power. "Elder Gong doesn't want it?"

Murong Gong pondered Chen Ping'an's meaning, unable to decipher it. Finally, he decided to be honest. "Actually, I do want it - who wouldn't? But I thought you might need it, so I came to ask."

Chen Ping'an was momentarily stunned, wondering if Murong Gong knew about his trip to the Warlord Kingdom. Deciding not to dwell on it, he nodded. "Since Elder Gong knows I need it recently, I'll borrow it for now and return it to you later."

Murong Gong exhaled in relief, feeling proud of his insight.

Feeling indebted, Chen Ping'an invited Murong Gong to stay for a meal, but the elder declined hastily. When offered fruit instead, Murong Gong glanced at Su Ling nervously before quickly taking his leave.

As Murong Gong departed, Chen Ping'an remarked, "Elder Gong is truly a good man!"

At noon, after lunch with Su Ling, Chen Ping'an prepared to return to the Warlord Kingdom.

Su Ling put on a show of reluctance. "Brother, are you leaving me again?"

Chen Ping'an, seeing Su Ling's seemingly genuine distress, felt he had misjudged her earlier enthusiasm for his absence.

"Alright, I'll cancel my plans just this once and stay home with you," Chen Ping'an decided, prioritizing family.

Su Ling's heart skipped a beat. She had overplayed her hand!

"Brother, it's not good to break promises. I'll be fine, really. I can always visit Grandpa Lang if I get bored," Su Ling said with a sweet smile, her little fangs peeking out.

Chen Ping'an patted her head. "Su Ling has grown up and become so understanding! Okay then, I won't go tomorrow. I'll spend the whole day with you instead."

Su Ling nodded vigorously in agreement.

She saw Chen Ping'an off at the door, maintaining her facade of reluctance until he was out of sight. Then, she jumped for joy, rolled up her sleeves, and began cultivating new land.

Chen Ping'an, realizing he forgot to change clothes, returned to the courtyard. Opening the door, he was stunned to see Su Ling happily swinging a hoe.

"Little Ling, your acting skills are impressive!"

Su Ling froze upon seeing Chen Ping'an. "Brother, would you believe me if I said I was just really bored?" she asked meekly, poking her fingers together.

Chen Ping'an stared at her in exasperation. It seemed he was no match for fruit in his sister's eyes!

After changing, Chen Ping'an left Su Ling to her own devices and teleported to the Warlord Kingdom.

Meanwhile, in another part of the mortal realm, ten formidable figures in red robes appeared in the sky.

"This mortal world will do. Each of you, choose cities in different corners. Return here when you've collected enough blood," commanded a gloomy-looking middle-aged man.

The other nine nodded and vanished instantly. The gloomy man lay down in the air, waiting patiently.

Of the nine, one soon appeared in the northern region, specifically above the royal city of the Warlord Kingdom!