"Xiao Ping, did you come to Beiyuan on urgent business?"
Back in the living room of the Rong Family Main Residence, Rong Bao finally asked about his business, his face wreathed in smiles.
Su Ping nodded.
"Yes, there are indeed some things I need to do."
Seeing that Su Ping did not elaborate, Rong Bao did not press him. Instead, he turned to another concern.
"A Beast Tide is breaking out along Beiyuan's border. Never mind the small cities near the frontier-even in Beihan City, practically every weekend, all the citizens take part in evacuation drills!
"Your status is special. Just don't take any reckless risks!"
Su Ping pinched his younger cousin Rong Chan's baby-fat cheek and nodded. "I know what I'm doing. How has Chan'er been lately? Any signs of awakening?"
Rong Chan giggled and planted her hands on her hips. "Cousin, Grandpa said I might awaken my talent early! Maybe even earlier than Second Brother!"
"Really?"
Su Ping glanced at Rong Bao in surprise, and the plump old man nodded.
"Chan'er's talent is indeed quite good. Moreover, she is exceptionally compatible with the Eclipse Moon Toad you gave her. Although they haven't formed a Soul Contract, she has benefited a great deal from being with it."
Su Ping smiled. "That's good. Keep working hard, Chan'er!"
The little girl, not yet an adolescent, clenched her fists. "I will! Don't worry, Cousin!"
"All right, go play. When we have time later, let me see just what that Eclipse Moon Toad looks like."
Only after watching his little cousin skip away did Su Ping stand up.
"The Snake Saint must have been waiting a while, right? Let's go talk to it first. Tonight, I'll get together with you and Uncle, Grandpa."
"No hurry, no hurry. Let's go see the venerable Snake