On his second day back in the Divine Realm, Lin Chen rose early.
He stood at the edge of the raised platform outside the Divine Realm's main hall, looking beyond the tiers of halls and towers below at the silhouettes of the enormous warships docked in the distant starport.
Morning light was slowly climbing into the Divine Realm's sky. Immortal spirit energy flowed gently between heaven and earth, and everything seemed peaceful and serene.
Soft footsteps sounded behind him. Cai'er ran over, clutching her cloth rabbit, and sleepily tugged at the hem of his clothes. "Big brother," she mumbled.
Lin Chen bent down and picked her up, letting her rest against his shoulder. "Why are you up so early?"
Cai'er buried her face against his neck and said in a muffled voice, "I had a dream. You went away and kept walking. You didn't want me anymore."
Lin Chen paused, then gently patted her back. "I won't leave. And if I do, I'll take you with me." After a moment's thought, he added, "Long Haochen still owes me a bowl of hot soup. I'll take you along when I go to collect."
Only then did Cai'er nod in satisfaction and settle down, her arms around his neck.
After breakfast, every seat at the long table in the Divine Realm's main hall was occupied.
The last time everyone had gathered so fully around the same table to discuss affairs was when the Federation's stellar territories had first been established.
This time, however, no one came with curiosity or anticipation. Everyone vaguely sensed that Lin Chen had brought back more than good news from Holy Demon Star.
Lin Chen dispensed with pleasantries. Standing at the head of the long table, he swept his gaze over every familiar face before turning to the