Junior sister, keep forbear for a while, I almost become invincible as soon!

Chen Shixian felt like she was reeling.

First, the Moon God really had gotten involved with Chen Pingping.

Second, what the Moon God said made too much sense. She tried to rebut several times, but how could she? What could she say? It was as if this woman could read her mind, seeing her thoughts with crystal clarity—oh, she must have understood human nature thoroughly.

The Moon God said no more, just looked at her with a smile.

After a long while, Chen Shixian finally came to her senses. She took deep breaths and said, "Next topic."

Since she couldn't outtalk her, she decided not to speak further. She chose to evade.

The Moon God shrugged. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, swaying in the breeze, somewhat disheveled, but it didn't detract from her ethereal beauty. She walked over from the summit and spoke softly, "Why haven't you broken through to King Tao yet?"

Chen Shixian remained silent. Just like Chen Pingping, utterly hopeless.

Helplessly, Chen Shixian replied, "I have a major tribulation in King Tao that I haven't been able to overcome."

"So? No breakthrough?"

"Yes!"

"What are you thinking now?"

"I plan to cultivate slowly, letting things settle and accumulate. If I can't break through, so be it. I'll find another way," she answered.

"A good approach. I want to know about this other way of yours."

"He said that by focusing on cultivating a single realm, one can reach the Transforming Realm, unlock the Human Body Treasure, and thus verify the Tao and become an Emperor."

"Do you believe that?"

"I do!" Chen Shixian shrugged. I've already made progress with it, why wouldn't I believe it?

And this method of cultivation seemed even more terrifying than conventional ones. Just the first Light Door alone—although not fully opened, merely a sliver—released enough Spirit Qi to crush many geniuses of the same age. It was overwhelmingly strong. She could hardly believe it; if she fully opened the Light Door, then verifying the Tao would be within easy reach.

Thinking this way, Chen Pingping doesn't seem so detestable anymore.

The Moon God smiled. "He truly is very powerful—his realm, combat strength, foundation—all aspects are superior to others. I've seen countless peerless geniuses, but none can compare to him."

Without waiting for Chen Shixian to speak, she continued, "You should cherish him."

"Nonsense!" Chen Shixian shook her head and said sternly, "I've said it before, I won't fall for him."

"Mm, I believe you," the Moon God chuckled lightly. "Do me a favor."

"What favor?"

"Stop him from contacting the Heavenly Road. If possible, take him away. Whatever means you use, absolutely do not let him enter the Central Continent."

"Why?"

"He'll die." The Moon God sighed softly, an inexplicable sadness arising within her.

No one understood the strength of the Ming Tribe's First General better than she did. If the two of them were to meet and Chen Pingping insisted on protecting Zi Ji, he would undoubtedly die.

The Moon God didn't explain further and slowly turned to leave.

Puzzled, Chen Shixian remained behind. Although she didn't understand, seeing that the Moon God had no intention of explaining, she didn't press further. Just thinking about Chen Pingping being involved with the Moon God made her heart feel somewhat agitated.

That jerk! Chen Shixian secretly bit her lip. Just you wait.

「...」

ACHOO!

Chen Pingping sneezed and muttered to himself, "Who's cursing me?"

"Brother Chen, come, come, drink up..." Meng was very enthusiastic, especially after learning Chen Pingping's identity. His enthusiasm was such that he practically wanted to devote himself to him.

The few young women nearby also joined in the lively atmosphere.

They rarely got together; the last time was three years ago. In a flash, three years had passed. Only after Sima Kong came out of seclusion did they have this opportunity, so naturally, they wanted to cherish it.

Chen Pingping drank while asking, "What kind of place is Peach Blossom Mountain?" He was curious.

Meng glanced at Sima Kong, who remained silent, then said, "A powerful cultivation ground, hehe!"

"Then," Chen Pingping asked again, "you mentioned earlier that Liuli has a sweetheart. Where is he? I haven't seen him." He was primarily curious. Liuli had gotten drunk earlier and rambled on, spilling a torrent of words. About ninety percent of it was about her 'sweetheart,' and though she said it was all in the past, it was obvious she hadn't let go.

Someone else answered, "They were in love for many years, but it came to nothing. That's a source of heartache for Liuli."

"How many years?" Chen Pingping was astonished.

"Ten years. They've been separated for over three years now. That guy was originally just a cultivator with mediocre talent; Liuli provided all his cultivation resources. Later, to help his cultivation, Liuli even introduced him to the Sect. But after he achieved some success, he abandoned her. Ai..." The man sighed. "Liuli gave up so many opportunities for him. If not for that, with her cultivation talent, she might have already stepped into the Divine King Realm by now."

Chen Pingping believed this. Among the group present, Liuli had the best cultivation talent. He had been wondering why she hadn't broken through to the Divine King Realm. So that was the reason!

Chen Pingping narrowed his eyes. According to how these plots usually go, that guy has probably already hooked up with some talented girl from the Sect, right? First, he used Liuli to help his own cultivation, and then he looked for someone else.

He scoffed. Thinking of this, Chen Pingping suddenly felt annoyed. How can such a scumbag still be alive?

"Come, come, let's drink! It's not easy for us all to get together!" Meng was very lively and kept drinking. Though he had a high tolerance, he was also getting tipsy. His handsome face was flushed. He picked up a cup of liquor, slung his arm around Chen Pingping's shoulder, and said, "Brother Chen, you're the strongest among us here. If you run into that guy, you have to kill him and avenge Liuli!"

"Alright!" Chen Pingping felt a lingering sense of indignation.

Although he had known Liuli, Meng, and Sima Kong for only a short time, their sincerity deeply touched his heart. It made him feel as if he had returned to the 'old days,' before he transmigrated—drinking with his brothers, feasting on meat, and talking about beautiful women. Those days were carefree. It was wonderful!

Unfortunately, he had transmigrated. In this world, there was only endless cultivation. Only after coming to South of Huainan and meeting them did Chen Pingping feel like he was reliving those past scenes.

He, like Meng, raised his cup and downed the liquor in one gulp, effectively agreeing to Meng's request.

"What's his name?" Chen Pingping asked.

"Lu Wushuang."

Sounds decent enough, Chen Pingping thought.

Meng, flushed and tipsy, added, "When you kill him, make sure Liuli doesn't find out. She wouldn't be able to bear it."

What a devoted fool, Chen Pingping thought, nodding and pouring himself another cup of liquor.

It wasn't until dusk that the gathering finally dispersed.

People left Phoenix Tower one after another. Chen Pingping, however, stayed until the end, staring at the leftovers on the table and then at the sunset outside the window. A wave of bitterness swept over his heart.

Suddenly, a figure appeared in his line of sight: Chen Shixian! She was walking quickly, apparently in a great hurry.

Chen Pingping raised his eyebrows, noting that her aura fluctuations had grown stronger. He rested his chin on his hand, pondering. Can it be that this girl has actually managed to cultivate it? This 'single realm,' 'reaching the Transforming Realm,' 'unlocking the Human Body Treasure,' 'verifying the Tao to become an Emperor,' and so on... All that stuff was just from novels I've read. As for whether such things actually existed in this world, I truly didn't know.

If Chen Shixian could succeed with this cultivation method, it would at least be a proper outcome for her. If not, he didn't know what he would do.

WOOF WOOF!

Hei suddenly barked excitedly at the window.

Chen Pingping slapped it down with his palm. "Shut up!"