Chapter 11: Dancing on the Blade’s Edge—I’ve Set My Eyes on That Girl!

So, the young people you wanted to talk to are really that "young," huh! That face changed too quickly. My relationship with them isn't close enough to use such familiar terms. But over there, they're all smiles, and the two of them barely know each other! People truly are different. Like flipping a mask.

Yan Chen realized he was in big trouble—he'd been sold out! Even though he understood the reality, escaping was impossible. He could only hope this brat didn't have murderous intentions toward him. If he did, Yan Chen wouldn't mind making him pay some price!

"Well then, let's be off," Ling Tian said, turning away before Xiao Ding could speak again. The rest would be handled by others.

"When you get there, don't be stubborn. Listen, have your fun, and come home when you're done... And keep that storage ring safe; inside are your cultivation resources and spare clothes..." Xiao Ding looked at Xiao Ling'er, who was about to leave his side, and gave her a heartfelt admonition, the quintessential image of a doting father.

Xiao Ling'er was moved at first, but then Xiao Ding added, "Even when you're there, you can't neglect your cultivation..." Her little face fell—so it was still the same old story. Just like a parent forcing a child who hates homework to write it.

Xiao Ling'er replied with a perfunctory, "Got it," then turned and left. As for whether she truly understood, who could say.

Yan Chen was helpless. Even his master, who resided in his ring, hadn't said anything about taking him away, so he had no chance of escaping alone. The two of them followed Luo Changsheng's group and departed.

Xiao Ding watched them leave for a long time before coming to his senses, his expression one of genuine happiness. Luo Changsheng had just pulled him aside to explain: Xiao Ling'er possesses the Phoenix bloodline of exceptional quality. The Emperor had noticed her talent and even promised to help her awaken it.

Xiao Ding understood immediately—this matter was far from simple. He knew his daughter had the Phoenix bloodline, but it couldn't be awakened, likely due to her mother. If she could, it would be an enormous boon.

And since Luo Changsheng made it clear that bringing Ling'er was the Emperor's wish, it meant the Emperor had taken a liking to his daughter. Perhaps, she might even become the Emperor's disciple. With that protection, he wouldn't have to worry about the safety of his sect or Ling'er. As the Saintess of a sect or a disciple of the Emperor, Xiao Ding was no fool—he knew what choice to make.

Thus, he agreed. Ah well, this should count as a great opportunity for her... And that boy's talent was monstrous, too; maybe...

With that thought, Xiao Ding shook his head and left.

...

"I'm finding you more and more intriguing, boy... You're no ordinary youth. That girl, if she awakens her bloodline, will be quite rare," Luo Qingqiu said, her beautiful eyes falling on Ling Tian as they traveled. "I'm very curious—why did you seek them out?"

Luo Qingqiu pulled Ling Tian in front of her, continuing, "You don't seem like a blind cat that stumbled upon a dead mouse. In fact, your actions appear quite deliberate. Otherwise, you wouldn't have sent me those messages."

Indeed, everything Luo Qingqiu had done was prompted by Ling Tian's secret transmissions. But this wasn't the usual spiritual sense transmission; rather, it was a unique technique from her "Chaos Heavenly Emperor Manual," which Ling Tian had learned. This method only worked if both parties had the same Dao Embryo constitution, making it quite limited, but it was perfect for Ling Tian. He had yet to begin formal cultivation; even spiritual sense was unavailable to novices.

"Do you want the truth or a lie?" Ling Tian looked at Luo Qingqiu, a smile playing on his boyish face. Sometimes, teasing her was rather enjoyable. After all, she was no ordinary figure—this was an Emperor, someone who could wipe out countless lives with a single thought. Ling Tian was dancing on a knife's edge, courting death, and it was... exhilarating.

Ah, he loved seeing her want to get rid of him but being unable to do so.

"Oh?" Luo Qingqiu gave him a meaningful look, pinning him in place with one hand, her palm landing firmly on his bottom, as if she might spank him the very next instant.

Ling Tian's hair stood on end, remembering the terror of last night’s lesson.

"Wait, wait! Don't hit me, I have something to say..." Ling Tian drooped, his voice full of resignation. His body was his greatest limitation—if only he were an adult, he'd make her pay. No, he'd spank her and let her experience such shame!

Smack!

"Forgot to tell you," Luo Qingqiu said with a dazzling smile, "that technique doesn't just transmit messages—it lets me know what you're thinking..."

To Ling Tian, her radiant smile looked rather sinister.

He thought, "There's something I want to say, but perhaps I shouldn't..."

But remembering Luo Qingqiu could read his thoughts, he decided to keep silent.

"Actually, I saw that girl with my Double Pupils and sensed she was unusual—that’s why I had the idea..."

Smack!

Before Ling Tian could finish, Luo Qingqiu's palm landed on his behind.

"You—!" Ling Tian's eyes widened; he wanted to fight back.

"Tell the truth..." Luo Qingqiu pinched his cheek, her tone lightly threatening.

"I thought she had good talent..." Smack.

"She looks like my cousin..." Smack.

...

"Fine, fine! The truth is, I took a fancy to her—I need a mount for my travels!" Ling Tian's face turned black, and he shouted.

Indeed, bringing Xiao Ling'er back served another purpose. As the son of an Emperor, he needed an impressive steed when going out. Otherwise, it would be a loss of face.

True, there were many choices, but in his opinion, those beast clans were too bestial, lacking any human touch. Xiao Ling'er was different—having lived among humans for years, she had picked up many human habits and possessed the Phoenix bloodline. Even if it was unawakened, she was still a fine choice.

She was about his age; they could even play together during their free time—very convenient.

"Now that's more like it," Luo Qingqiu nodded, apparently satisfied with the answer.

"So in your eyes, I'm that kind of person?" Ling Tian pulled off the mask from his face, revealing an imperial-grade treasure that could hide his aura and alter his appearance—a little trinket from his grandfather. It had proved quite useful.

"Little lecher," Luo Qingqiu quipped, not missing a chance to jab at him.

Ling Tian thought—it would have been better not to say anything!

"That girl's Phoenix bloodline is powerful, but awakening it won't be easy..." Luo Qingqiu cautioned.

"Sister, what do you think would happen if she did awaken?" Ling Tian changed the topic, his eyes twinkling.

"Oh? Are you suggesting..." Luo Qingqiu pondered.

"I'm asking—have you considered taking her as your disciple?" Ling Tian blinked mischievously.

Flick!

Luo Qingqiu rapped his head with her knuckle, scolding, "You little schemer! Why should I train your mount? Besides, if you ride her around, it won’t reflect well on me..."

She straightened her clothes, shook her head, and continued, "Besides, I never intended to take disciples. If not for your Chaos Dao Embryo and our special bond, I wouldn't have taught you either..."

Seeing no hope, Ling Tian gave up. Well, if he wanted a mount, he'd have to figure it out himself.

[Luo Qingqiu's affection: 25%.]
[Quest reward: Chaos Dao Body—Minor Achievement!]

A notification echoed in his mind, and Ling Tian sensed a change within himself. So, Luo Qingqiu hadn't lied—she really was more interested in him now.

"Hmm? Wait, you've broken through to the third stage of the Profound Pill Realm!" Luo Qingqiu's brows rose in surprise. "And your Chaos Body is at minor achievement!"

Ling Tian made no effort to hide his aura, and Luo Qingqiu could plainly sense the difference. Though unwilling to admit it, the facts were undeniable. Her face was full of shock; she was no stranger to talent, but this was monstrous. Never mind his cultivation—she herself had spent nearly a century reaching minor achievement in the Chaos Dao Body. Even with her experience, Ling Tian's speed unsettled her.

Could it be... her teaching was just that incredible?

"Heh, I told you—I’m a genius. By the way, sister, how long did it take you to reach minor achievement again? Because I—"

Ling Tian was fine in every way, except for his mouth.

In his memories, he’d been under immense pressure, a cripple, barely speaking a few words in a hundred years, almost mute. Now he made up for lost time with chatter.

Luo Qingqiu eyed him up and down, her smile cold as she said, "You've done very well... So your reward is to bathe with me!"