Just as Xu Lingyin was speculating about Chen Pingchuan's true intentions, he offered a mysterious smile. He then lightly tapped the side of the second glass, and its appearance, originally similar to "Paradise Bliss," instantly transformed. It became a strange, deep purple, with wisps of white vapor wafting from its surface.

"Miss Xu, please make your choice."

Chen Pingchuan bowed slightly, his tone carrying an inscrutable meaning.

Xu Lingyin's brow furrowed. Her eyes, full of doubt and vigilance, studied the unfamiliar drink, and she hesitated to reach for it.

"What kind of wine is this? Why is it this color?"

A nearly imperceptible arc formed on Chen Pingchuan's lips as he said softly, "Miss Xu, the wonders of this world are not limited to Paradise Bliss. I call this drink 'Break of Dawn,' for it symbolizes shattering the darkness and welcoming a new life."

"Aren't you tempted to taste something different?"

A stir went through Xu Lingyin. A part of her was intrigued by this novel explanation, yet another part felt a vague sense of unease. She recalled the fleeting indifference in Chen Pingchuan's eyes and unconsciously clenched the hem of her skirt. But she had always been proud and was unwilling to show fear in front of him, let alone pass up any opportunity to control someone.

After hesitating, she finally extended her hand and gently picked up the "Break of Dawn."

The liquid entered her mouth, and an intense bitterness instantly exploded on her taste buds. Xu Lingyin nearly retched. Just as she was about to lash out in anger, she realized she couldn't control the overwhelming nausea. The churning in her stomach threatened to bring everything up. But with so many guests around, vomiting here would be utterly humiliating.

Her cheeks turned deathly pale, her gaze turning fierce. She forcefully suppressed the bile rising in her throat and exclaimed indignantly, "What... what did you put in the wine?"

As shock and anger flooded Xu Lingyin, the smile vanished from Chen Pingchuan's face, replaced by an icy coldness.

He slowly approached her and whispered, "Miss Xu, you should be grateful for your choice."

"Since fate has spared you, perhaps you truly aren't meant to die. Our debt is settled!"

Xu Lingyin's eyes widened. She struggled against the surging force within her body and said through gritted teeth, "What are you talking about? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you!"

Chen Pingchuan shrugged noncommittally. "Stop threatening me and just go throw up."

"Oh, and you should call a servant. After you vomit, you'll enter a one-day period of weakness during which you won't be able to move."

Seeing the fire in Xu Lingyin's eyes, Chen Pingchuan chuckled lightly.

"I told you the bartender's story, but you didn't believe me. Of course, if I had wanted you dead, you would have died without ever knowing what hit you."

Chen Pingchuan spoke slowly, and the more she listened, the colder she felt, a chilling sensation creeping through her body. Things are spinning out of my control.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "Did you poison that drink?"

Chen Pingchuan shook his head. "Not at all. On the contrary, it's the antidote."

"Now, go and rest. Don't worry, I'll allow everyone to keep their dignity, just as you allowed me to keep mine."

At this point, Xu Lingyin's endurance had reached its limit. She couldn't be bothered with him any longer and immediately turned and ran toward the front courtyard.

As the drinking went on, the guests' laughter grew louder, their amplified senses immersing them in a false state of euphoria.

The banquet lasted for an entire day, and Chen Pingchuan was busy for its entire duration. Strangely, whether it was because Xu Lingyin hadn't found the time or because she had actually taken his words to heart, she surprisingly sent no one to bother him. Chen Pingchuan was glad for the respite.

That night, Chen Pingchuan lay in bed, pondering whether he should run the simulation again. The last one had been costly, but it hadn't left him completely broke. To use an analogy from his past life, it was like a billionaire buying a priceless, appreciating heirloom, only to be left with just his initial startup capital.

The reason he considered it was an instinct, a gut feeling that the Divine Tree was calling to him from a great distance. As long as he could get to that place, he could rest easy. According to the information from the simulation, it was a special domain capable of blocking all forms of technology. This meant that as long as he kept a low profile there, he could avoid the risk of a nuclear attack. So, as long as he teleported there at the precise time indicated in the simulation, he would be safe.

Don't move. Don't change anything, Chen Pingchuan decided. Just lock in on the time and wait.

He was planning to enjoy a pleasant evening when a thought suddenly occurred to him.

Hmm? I still have one Divine Tree fruit left. Maybe I should eat it and see what it does. After all, as long as the general plan is sound and the timing is right, I'll definitely be transported to the Divine Tree Domain anyway.

After a moment's hesitation, Chen Pingchuan decided to eat the fruit right away.

With a gentle wave of his right hand, a black spatial rift opened directly above his head. The next moment, a green, apple-like fruit shimmering with golden light fell into his hand.

Chen Pingchuan slowly brought the Divine Tree fruit to his lips.

The fruit melted the moment it entered his mouth, and a strange, warm current instantly suffused his entire body. Immediately after, detailed information about the "Portable Space" innate ability flooded his mind, as if the knowledge had been with him since birth.

Chen Pingchuan closed his eyes and focused, carefully perceiving the influx of information.

This ability was like a portable bedroom. The space was about ten cubic meters, serene and orderly inside. The flow of time within it was almost at a standstill, meaning any items placed inside would remain in the exact state they were in at the moment of storage.

Of course, this ability was not without its limits.

Firstly, it could only store inanimate objects. Anything with a life sign would be repelled by an irresistible force upon touching the entrance to the space.

Secondly, opening and closing the space required Chen Pingchuan to concentrate and control it with his will. If he was mentally exhausted or under severe interference, the space's response would become sluggish or even temporarily uncontrollable.

Lastly, the size of the Portable Space was directly linked to Chen Pingchuan's strength. Its volume would increase with each breakthrough he achieved in his power level.

However, compared to these benefits, the negative aspects of the Portable Space were not to be underestimated. It consumed his own energy, his Spirit, and his stamina.

Chen Pingchuan felt the side effects of the new ability and was left speechless. He had spent one hundred thousand simulation points just to get such a garbage ability.

"I'm sorry, Simulator. I was wrong about you," he muttered, apologizing to himself for his earlier behavior. "I thought you were a con artist, but it turns out you're actually an honest vendor."

The next moment,

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