Simple and Straightforward, the Female Lead Appears
The Pingan Sect.
Some time had passed since the sect's establishment ceremony.
Murong Gong had sent everyone else away from the formation array.
After leaving, those people went to spread the news of what had transpired at the Pingan Sect that day.
The group from the Lianyujiao Sect also hurriedly departed.
They needed to bring back news of today's events to their sect.
For what had occurred here was truly shocking.
Feng Ye had abandoned all thoughts of reclaiming the blood essence.
After returning, he would have to order everyone in his sect that henceforth, upon encountering anyone from the Pingan Sect, or even someone remotely associated with them, they must immediately turn and leave!
If they inadvertently offended the Pingan Sect, who knew when that terrifyingly powerful divine artifact might suddenly appear hovering over their mountain!
At this moment, atop the Pingan Sect's mountain, inside a grand hall, Murong Gong had kept a few groups behind.
He had led a group of people into the hall.
Present were the grandfather and grandson, Bai Gufeng and Bai Xiaochun.
Luo Tianyu and Zhu Zhenwu were also there.
Luo Shaojie's family was present too.
Long Aotian, Zhen Dangteng, and others were gathered as well.
Next to Murong Gong was a black dog.
Murong Gong's expression was solemn. "I assume you're all aware of the existence of the Senior now?"
Hearing this, the group nodded in acknowledgment.
Murong Gong said, "Since you know of the Senior's existence, I must remind you not to carelessly seek him out! If you have any matters, you can come to me, and I'll convey them on your behalf."
Murong Gong was now aware of his previous foolishness. Only recently, after witnessing one formidable existence after another standing before the Senior like mere ants, did he truly appreciate the reverence the Senior deserved.
Certainly, he knew the Senior was benevolent, but the saying rang true - even Buddha had a semblance of wrath. Who could say they wouldn't inadvertently provoke the Senior one day?
So it was better to have limited contact.
Long Aotian and the others clearly understood the relationship between Murong Gong and Chen Pingan.
Among them, only Murong Gong had the closest ties to the Senior.
This was evident from the newly established sect being led by Murong Gong as the sect master, acting on the Senior's behalf.
Thus, when they heard Murong Gong's words, they all nodded seriously.
Such a Senior must indeed not be disturbed.
Murong Gong continued, "Alright, that's not the main reason I've gathered you here. I called you because the Senior wished it. Yesterday, the Senior foresaw we would convene, so he gave me a watermelon for us to eat now."
The previous day, Chen Pingan had given him two watermelons - one for Murong Gong and his granddaughter to eat, and another for them to have after the establishment ceremony.
Murong Gong naturally assumed this was the Senior's design.
After speaking, Murong Gong produced the watermelon.
He had washed it until it glistened, without a speck of dirt, as if even the rind were edible.
Murong Gong gently placed the watermelon on the table.
At that moment, everyone's eyes widened in astonishment.
"This! Is this a spirit herb?!"
"Unbelievable, is this really a watermelon?!"
"..."
Long Aotian and the others stared at the watermelon in shock.
Bai Gufeng quickly glanced at his grandson, Bai Xiaochun.
So it was true!
Upon seeing the watermelon, Bai Xiaochun's eyes shone like lanterns.
'I can break through again?!'
Murong Gong wielded his strongest weapon and began cutting the watermelon.
This one was half larger than the previous one they'd eaten, but there were more people this time, so each only got a slice.
After slicing, Murong Gong distributed a piece to everyone.
Those who had eaten this watermelon before could no longer contain themselves upon receiving their slices.
Murong Gong didn't care and secretly turned to eat his portion.
Murong Xue and the others also found a corner to eat their slices.
They ate quickly, finishing in the blink of an eye.
When they turned back, their hands were empty.
This time, Murong Xue and Murong Yunhai looked at Murong Gong with satisfaction.
No need to spit out the rinds this time.
Highly commendable!
After finishing the watermelon, Murong Gong and the others slowly closed their eyes to digest it.
The others had also eaten their portions, their faces gradually overtaken by shock.
Soon after, without exception, everyone closed their eyes.
Those who could gain insights did so.
Those who could break through their realms began the process.
As for the black dog, it had learned its lesson this time.
After eating the watermelon flesh, it glanced at the others with closed eyes and quickly started gnawing on the rinds.
The grand hall fell silent for a while.
It didn't take long before the group opened their eyes one by one.
The shock on their faces was even more apparent.
Bai Gufeng clenched his fists.
He realized he was on the verge of breaking through to the Spirit Infant Realm!
"Good heavens, a single slice of watermelon had such an effect. If I could eat the entire watermelon, wouldn't I instantly ascend?!"
Bai Gufeng's mind was in turmoil.
This Senior was truly terrifying!
Zhen Dangteng's thoughts mirrored Bai Gufeng's.
His cultivation was similar to Bai Gufeng's, perhaps slightly weaker.
After eating that slice of watermelon, he felt he was also nearing a breakthrough to the Spirit Infant Realm!
Recalling his previous offense against the Senior, he felt a lingering chill.
He was grateful once more for having kowtowed resolutely and wholeheartedly!
Otherwise, forget about gaining such an opportunity - his life might not have been spared.
"When I return, I must thank Zimo again!"
The reason he didn't bring Guo Zimo this time was because Guo Zimo was in secluded meditation, attempting to break through.
After the previous incident, Zhen Dangteng had come to regard Guo Zimo like his own grandson.
But he felt that wasn't enough!
Soon, everyone had fully digested the watermelon.
They looked at each other, wanting to share their astonishment.
However, when Bai Gufeng and the others noticed Murong Gong and his group had no watermelon rinds, they were taken aback.
Subsequently, they all secretly hid their own rinds without coordination.
...
Half a day quickly passed.
As dusk fell over Qingxuan Town, in a courtyard, Chen Pingan sat on a wicker chair, watching the evening glow.
For the past five years, whenever the sunset was particularly striking, he would sit in the courtyard to appreciate it.
It had become a habit.
And each time, he would reminisce about a song by his idol.
'The Faraway Her.'
Gazing at the two distant red clouds in the sky, he took out his bamboo flute and began playing.
The mournful notes drifted melancholic.
A breeze arose.
The two red clouds drifted further apart.
Chen Pingan's eyes brimmed with sorrow.
He thought of her again.
At that moment, Su Ling emerged from the house.
Hearing footsteps, Chen Pingan turned to look.
"Little Ling'er, go lie down and rest well."
Su Ling's complexion was somewhat pale as she approached Chen Pingan. "Big Brother, I'm so bored. The tune you just played sounded beautiful, but... after listening, I felt a little sad."
Chen Pingan gestured for Su Ling to sit beside him, gently stroking her hair. "I didn't expect you to perceive the beauty of the music. It seems you have a talent for it too."
Su Ling shook her head slightly, appearing somewhat weary. "Big Brother played so beautifully that I could sense you were thinking of someone in your heart."
With childlike innocence, Su Ling asked, "Big Brother, do I have a sister-in-law?"
Chen Pingan gently ruffled Su Ling's hair and nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, you do."