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Kafka and Su Jinyan were married with a daughter already? Such a poorly crafted lie made Fu Xuan laugh.
"Kafka, as a notorious fugitive skilled in manipulating hearts through Word Spirit Techniques, this venerable one has no interest in your words."
Kafka's gaze turned contemplative. "Is that so? Are you truly certain?"
Fu Xuan scoffed lightly, "Hmph, I don't even need divination for this."
"If you claim to have a daughter, then who is she?"
Kafka's eyes softened, gazing at Stelle nearby.
Fu Xuan's expression slightly darkened before he chuckled incredulously, "Just you? You're supposed to be A-Yan's daughter?"
Like a defiant child, Stelle vehemently denied it, "No, he isn't."
"A dad who can't burst gold coins doesn't deserve to be my father."
Unfazed, Su Jinyan pulled out a stack of credit notes from his pocket and scattered them into the air.
The fluttering bills instantly rained onto the ground.
"Call me 'dad,' and all these credits are yours."
Excitedly, Stelle dropped to her knees, gathering up the money.
"Haha, old Deng is such a fool. Once in my hands, it's mine for keeps."
"You think I'd call you 'dad' now? Not a chance."
"Mine, all mine."
March 7th and Welt were left speechless.
Su Jinyan snapped his fingers.
Instantly, the scattered bills disappeared from the floor.
The smile on Stelle's lips froze.
However, according to the law of conservation of smiles, smiles never vanish; they merely transfer to someone else's face.
Su Jinyan continued to wink exaggeratedly at Stelle.
"As the saying goes: No one knows a daughter better than her father."
"Stelle, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist picking them up."
Stelle remained silent, caught off guard.
March 7th covered her face with embarrassment, exclaiming, "So embarrassing!"
Welt adjusted his glasses and coughed, advising, "Ahem, child, don't fall for the illusion of easy gains falling from the sky."
"If you want Credits, it's essential to work hard and earn them through your own abilities."
Looking crestfallen, Stelle slowly stood up. "Uncle Yang, you're right."
"The only truth is earning money honestly by putting in the effort!"
Kafka smiled warmly at her. It seemed allowing her to join the Astral Express was indeed a wise decision.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Stelle briskly approached Su Jinyan and confidently held out her hand.
"Dad, give me a few million Credits, no joke this time."
Kafka remained silent.
Su Jinyan's expression showed satisfaction. "Silver Wolf, you know what to do, right?"
Understanding the meaning behind his gaze, Silver Wolf responded, "Got it. Check your account balance."
With anticipation, Stelle's breath quickened as she opened her Interstellar Peace Bank account and selected to view the credit balance.
Hiss—her account now boasted many more zeros.
The stark red digits were strikingly conspicuous—000,000,000.01
Unable to suppress her inner fury, Stelle exclaimed, "You scoundrel!"
Su Jinyan smiled mildly. "This is the second life lesson I impart upon you after Mr. Walter's teachings."
"Even those closest to you can deceive you, just like me—your father."
Initially, Fu Xuan thought Su Jinyan was merely playing along with Kafka's jest. But why did it increasingly sound off to him? Have you genuinely taken her as your daughter now?
If Fu Xuan remembered correctly, Su Jinyan was only twenty years old this year.
Considering the math, unless Kafka forcibly indulged in inappropriate behavior with him at a very young age—which would be highly inappropriate—how could he possibly have such a grown daughter?
As expected from the most notorious criminal adept at manipulating minds with Word Spirit Techniques—she even managed to affect this venerable one.
Fu Xuan dismissed such distractions, "Hmph, this venerable one only trusts the predictions of the Matrix of Prescience."
"Whether it's true or false, entering the Matrix will reveal all I need to know."
It was clear now that Kafka had not brought the Stellaron herself; there was no doubt about that.
What Fu Xuan truly wanted to ascertain was Kafka's real objective.
Kafka had already succeeded in unsettling her composure.
The Matrix of Prescience Ultima.
"Commence!"
Fu Xuan closed her beautiful eyes, her Dharma Eye shimmering with the radiance of Erudition and Fate, as she formed intricate hand seals with her delicate white fingers.
Every action and consequence, predetermined by destiny. With sufficient conditions known, one could deduce the outcome.
This was how the Grand Diviner's divinations worked: collecting all relevant factors, processing them through the Matrix of Prescience Ultima, and ultimately yielding divination symbols that foretold auspicious or ominous trends for humans to interpret.
For thousands of years, predictions made by the Matrix of Prescience Ultima had never proven incorrect, which is why Fu Xuan trusted its power implicitly.
In other words, the future union between herself and Su Jinyan was destined, unalterable.
However, from Fu Xuan's perspective, even if the outcome was predetermined, this venerable one would choose her own path to achieve it, rather than be manipulated by fate alone.
The mystical energy of the Matrix of Prescience Ultima lifted Kafka high into the air.
Fu Xuan's expression grew increasingly grave, while Kafka displayed no restraint in her mocking gaze. From start to finish, she maintained a playful attitude, allowing Fu Xuan to freely divine her intentions.
H-how could it be?!
Fu Xuan's face flushed red, her pupils contracting sharply.
Boom—
As the power of the Matrix of Prescience Ultima dissipated, Fu Xuan stumbled backward several steps, falling into Su Jinyan's arms.
"Are you alright, Shizun?" Su Jinyan asked with concern.
Blushing deeply, Fu Xuan softly panted, "I-I'm fine."
The vivid flashbacks flooding her mind were overwhelmingly shocking. After all, Fu Xuan, strictly speaking, was still an innocent young maiden.
Her most intimate contact with Su Jinyan had been limited to him kissing her toes and earlobes. As for the incident involving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, she had been unconscious at the time, so it hardly counted.
Kafka chuckled softly, "Well? Do you like this truth?"
Kafka anticipated Fu Xuan's discomposure; it was already scripted in the narrative. However, the blush of embarrassment on Fu Xuan's porcelain face puzzled Kafka somewhat.
Shouldn't you be showing shock instead? Why the embarrassment?
March 7th felt her heart race as if being scratched by a kitten, and she eagerly asked, "Grand Diviner, what did you see?"
To maintain her dignity before outsiders, Fu Xuan reluctantly extricated herself from the embrace, forcing herself to regain composure.
"Hmph, just as A-Yan predicted, the Stellaron Hunters have nothing to do with the Starlon itself," she said. "But you... It turns out it was actually you..."
Welt, perplexed, responded, "What about us?"
Xing Lue sounded slightly discontented, "Are you trying to speak in riddles?"
Logically, after being cleared of suspicion, the Astral Express Crew should have breathed a collective sigh of relief.
However, Fu Xuan's reaction left them intensely curious—just what had she seen to display such an expression?
Fu Xuan spoke calmly, "Go ask her yourselves; feel free to inquire as long as you wish."
"This venerable one has important matters to discuss with Grand Diviner Su and cannot accompany you further."
With that, Fu Xuan gestured for Su Jinyan to follow her.
Left behind were the bewildered Astral Express Crew and the Stellaron Hunter duo.
After obtaining Welt's agreement, the impatient Stelle sought out Kafka for clarification.
"Little March, want to come along?"
March 7th pouted discontentedly. "You go ahead. I have no interest in talking to that woman, ~"
"And remember to be cautious; don't let yourself get tricked by another mature lady again."
Feeling slightly indignant, Stelle retorted, "Come on, aren't you the one who falls for tricks most easily?"
March 7th proudly placed her hands on her hips. "Hah? This young lady is super vigilant."
"Besides, we don't know yet who just got duped into picking up money from the ground, right?"
Stelle earnestly warned, "Little March, if he tricks me, it's only for amusement's sake."
"You're the one who needs to watch out. If he deceives you, it won't be just your pride at stake—it'll involve your body too."
March 7th blushed. "Ugh, ugh, ugh! As if this maiden would be so shameless!"
"How could I possibly fall for his tricks that easily?"
"Hey."
Kafka spontaneously greeted Stelle.
"You... have changed quite a bit..."
"I'm truly sorry you had to see me in such a disheveled state."
Stelle gently shook her head. "Your appearance looks great, not disheveled at all. Among everyone here, who could be more disheveled than Silver Wolf?"
Silver Wolf blinked, puzzled.
Kafka smiled with pursed lips. "That's good. I wouldn't want you to remember me as looking awful."
"On the train, I didn't speak with you because I knew we would have this private conversation here."
"So I thought, why not save everything for now? It seems like there are many things you wish to ask me." Stelle hinted subtly, blinking her beautiful eyes, "Kafka, do you genuinely have no intention of seeking a child through substantial payment?"
Kafka chuckled softly. "It was just one of Silver Wolf's pranks."
"And she has been punished for it, hasn't she?"
At this point, Kafka gently sighed, "As expected..."
Stelle asked, "What do you mean?"
Kafka replied softly, "Elio mentioned that after interacting with Su Jinyan."
"The questions you posed might not be among those original three."
"He's quite intriguing; whenever he has new ideas or whims, our script must adapt accordingly."
Confused, Stelle queried, "Isn't Elio capable of predicting the future?"
Kafka patiently explained, "The course of the future holds countless possibilities. Even the slightest change can alter its trajectory."
"Even for Elio, it is impossible to predict changes to a 'previously determined future' once they occur."
Recalling Su Jinyan's sly smile, doubts arose in Stelle's mind.
"Could it be that Su Jinyan truly possesses the ability to interfere with fate?"
Kafka lightly shook her head, "Elio didn't mention anything like that to me."
"But I suspect, perhaps he has a similar capability to Elio's."
"To intervene amidst the myriad possibilities of the future and bring about the best outcome as reality."
"But this 'best future' is only from his perspective."
Stelle pressed further, "So, do you Stellaron Hunters plan to collaborate with Su Jinyan?"
Kafka narrowed her beautiful eyes. "Elio hasn't expressed such intentions yet."
"However, I believe it's always better to be friends with him rather than enemies, wouldn't you agree?"
"How come? Are you particularly interested in him?"
Stelle quickly denied it, "No, but my friend little March is quite intrigued by him."
"That's why she specifically asked me to inquire about him."
With that, she waved towards March 7th nearby, calling out, "Oi, March~"
March 7th responded with an adorably radiant smile.
Poor little March was blissfully unaware of the shameless slander directed at her.
"As you can see, little March has been closely following our conversation."
Kafka didn't seem surprised at all. "It doesn't surprise me in the least that someone as innocent and naive as her would be drawn to him."
"In fact, your interactions with Su Jinyan were already part of our script from the beginning."
"Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"
Finally, Stelle asked the crucial question, "What did Fu Xuan witness just now?"
Kafka calmly explained, "The chaos surrounding Xianzhou's Stellaron has no direct connection to us."
"However, from Elio's perspective, it cannot be said that the Stellaron Hunters are entirely innocent either."
"We foresaw all this long ago but remained indifferent, only intervening when the opportune moment arrived."
"The reason Imperial Diviner Fu Xuan was so astonished is because she discovered three truths."
Stelle listened attentively without interrupting.
"Firstly, the Stellaron Hunters are not enemies of Xianzhou.
Secondly, someone else brought and activated the Stellaron aboard Xianzhou; there were both internal strife and external threats involved."
"That's all the Divination Commission knew, as even Elio didn't share the critical information with me."
"Because he anticipated they would use the Matrix of Prescience on me," Kafka clarified.
Blinking her captivating eyes, Kafka continued, "To prevent any mishaps, at this moment, I am aware only of what the Xianzhou Alliance should know."
"As for the third truth, I fear the Xianzhou Alliance wouldn't dream of it."
"The third fact is: if the Stellaron Hunters aren't behind all this, then why are we here?"
Stelle pondered silently.
Kafka smiled, revealing the answer, "It's for you."
Stelle fell into deep thought.
Kafka continued with a faint smile, "Sounds absurd, doesn't it? But the Matrix of Prescience cannot deceive. Hence, the answer is indeed quite intriguing.
"A'Ren's capture, my entrapment within this Matrix of Prescience, and Silver Wolf's defection—all were orchestrated to bring you—the Astral Express—to Xianzhou.
"The Astral Express was destined to arrive at Luofu, yes, and to accomplish something significant on Xianzhou itself.
"In the future Elio chose, The Hunt's power becomes indispensable. To achieve this, you must forge ties with the Alliance...
"And so, I had to deceive you into coming here. I needed you to directly interact with General Luo Fu, assist them in resolving the chaos caused by the stolen Stellaron, and earn the Alliance's gratitude.
"This way, in the distant future, at the most critical moment, Xianzhou will lend you their support."
"How surprising is that, isn't it? The notorious Stellaron Hunter orchestrated all this just to make you the hero of Xianzhou—no one could have predicted such a script," Kafka mused.
Stelle couldn't help but ask, "Then why was Fu Xuan blushing?"
Kafka smiled patiently and answered her question, "As I mentioned earlier, Elio did not reveal the crucial information to me."
"The possibilities for the future are infinite. Knowing the right thing at the wrong time could render our long-standing efforts futile."
"Regarding the future, there's only one thing I can tell you: in both the best and worst scenarios, you will ultimately confront Nanook, the Destruction Aeon."
Stelle's expression shifted; she could never forget the chilling gaze of the Destruction Aeon, Nanook. Before an Aeon, the utter frailty and insignificance of mortals were laid bare. Facing Nanook directly seemed unimaginably perilous.
With sincerity, Kafka said, "When that moment comes, you'll need every possible aid available."
"It will be a brutal battle on the level of Aeons themselves."
"That level is beyond the reach of you, me, and even the Astral Express. In most futures, our fate ends right at that moment."
"But if we follow Elio's script," Kafka continued, "there might be a sliver of hope."
"Did you know, Stelle? Even Aeons can be killed." Seeing Stelle's uneasy expression, Kafka offered some reassurance.
"Lastly, I have one more piece of advice for you. Would you like to hear it?"
Stelle took a deep breath. "Go ahead, Kafka."
Kafka imparted her counsel, "Regardless of your willingness, becoming friends with Su Jinyan is the best choice."
"As for why... even Elio didn't reveal it to me..."
"He only said that all mysteries will unravel just as your journey on the Xianzhou comes to an end."
"At the same time, Su Jinyan will present us with an unimaginable surprise."
Stelle pondered over this profound statement, "An unimaginable surprise?"
It certainly wouldn't be something as mundane as Credits, but what could it be?
Upon entering the library, Su Jinyan glanced at the wall clock and felt somewhat puzzled.
"Is Qingque late again today? It's already this late, yet she hasn't arrived."
Mentioning this only fueled Fu Xuan's irritation.
"I had planned to assign her more work today," Fu Xuan grumbled. "But wouldn't you know it, just my luck—Qingque called in sick."
"I'm starting to wonder if Qingque can somehow evade my divinations?"
In the past, Fu Xuan would have insisted on a doctor's note from Qingque without hesitation. However, after experiencing last night's silent water magic, she empathized with the challenges Qingque faced. Having gone through such an ordeal, Fu Xuan couldn't deny her request for leave.
"Sigh, falling ill is quite common, after all."
Feeling guilty, Su Jinyan shifted his gaze away, silently distancing himself from any blame. He hadn't spent much time playing with little Que'er last night, and certainly not enough to tire her out completely. Her sick leave was undoubtedly an excuse to skip work and play cards instead.
Buzz buzz—
At that moment, his phone vibrated.
Su Jinyan picked it up to see a message from Qing Zhu:
[Qing Zhu: Grand Diviner Su, mission accomplished! I've successfully obtained the Dragonfire Incantation.]
[Qing Zhu: By tonight at the latest, I'll be back on the Ethereal Immortal Ferry.]
[Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: Well done.]
[Qing Zhu: Just to mention, your online name is truly unique.]
Fu Xuan asked cautiously, "Who sent you that message? Which woman?"
"It's from Qing Zhu," Su Jinyan replied casually. "She says she obtained the Dragonfire Incantation, so we can proceed with our plan tonight."
"Oh right, what did you see within the Matrix of Prescience Ultima earlier?"
Fu Xuan slightly shook her head, "Not much, just somewhat surprising.
"The Stellaron Hunters went to great lengths to divert the Astral Express to Xianzhou Luofu, and their purpose was..."
"To make us indebted to the Astral Express."
"Is that it?" Su Jinyan questioned skeptically. "Nothing more?"
Fu Xuan hesitated before asking, "What do you think of Kafka?
"If one day, this venerable one asks you to choose between Kafka and me, who would you pick?"
Su Jinyan responded without hesitation, "Definitely Shizun. I'm really not close with Kafka."
To emphasize how highly he regarded Fu Xuan, Su Jinyan swiftly lifted her petite figure, holding her high above his head.
Without hesitation, Su Jinyan lifted Fu Xuan's petite frame high above his head.
Fu Xuan, embarrassed and indignant, struggled vigorously, her white silk-clad legs kicking wildly. "Traitorous disciple! What do you think you're doing?"
Su Jinyan replied earnestly, "Shizun's position in my heart is just like this—lofty and supreme."
"Go to hell!"
With a swift kick to Su Jinyan's face, Fu Xuan sent him crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
"Is such a dramatic display necessary to express your respect for this venerable one?" Fu Xuan scoffed. "Hmph, we know you're full of ideas, so let me ask you: Is there any subtle way to embarrass Kafka without provoking her too much?"
Su Jinyan pondered, considering how to humiliate Kafka without eliciting a strong reaction from her.
"I've got it. How about I make Kafka pregnant?" Su Jinyan suggested.
Fu Xuan looked at him as if he were mere trash. "Are you certain this level of humiliation won't provoke her? Or perhaps, is humiliating Kafka merely a facade while coveting her beauty is your true intent?"
Su Jinyan assured her solemnly, "Shizun, you're overthinking it. My affection lies solely with someone pure and unadorned like yourself. Kafka is too mature; she holds no interest for me."
Fu Xuan lifted her delicate white foot and kicked him down once more, indignantly exclaiming, "Don't use this venerable one as your example!"
"Is it appropriate for you, my disobedient disciple, to jest about such flaws?"
Su Jinyan mumbled indistinctly, "It's not a flaw."
"It is simply the blessing bestowed by the Imperial Bow's Bill of Life."
"As a law-abiding citizen," he continued, "I appreciate Shizun adhering to these regulations."
Choking back tears, Fu Xuan flushed red and declared, "Enough! This topic must never be brought up again!"
"And forget about humiliating Kafka; consider it mere venting from this venerable one's momentary anger."
Kafka was a notorious Stellaron Hunter, warranting immediate arrest upon setting foot on any Xianzhou.
Given that she hadn't caused harm to the Xianzhou thus far, Fu Xuan could choose to overlook past transgressions and let her depart unimpeded.
Su Jinyan grasped Fu Xuan's tender hand firmly, his expression serious. "No," he said resolutely. "Disrespect towards you is disrespect towards me. Don't underestimate my reputation now—it may seem insignificant at present."
"In just a few days, I'll make the name 'Su Jinyan' resound throughout the universe, showing them that I'm not to be trifled with."
Fu Xuan gently caressed Su Jinyan's cheek, her beautiful eyes revealing a hint of amusement.
"A-Yan, beware arrogance and impatience; this venerable one has long known you're destined for greatness beyond ordinary confines."
"Your time to shine will come, but it is not yet now."
Her disciple was still too young, and his high aspirations were entirely natural. However, there are always those superior to oneself, as vast skies extend beyond horizons. Even aeons can fall, let alone mere mortals.
Once they've navigated through these pressing times, this venerable one must impart broader wisdom upon him, lest his pride lead to provoking entities he shouldn't.
Yet Fu Xuan remained oblivious to how much Su Jinyan's audacity had surpassed her imagination. She only knew that he had received blessings from the Plagues Author, unaware of what exactly he had said to the Calamity Ancestor.
What Fu Xuan failed to realize was that among those soon to experience Su Jinyan's renown, she herself would also be included.
At noon, in Aurum Alley.
According to Sushang's calculations, within half a day at most, the World Tree would begin its resurgence.
Sushang lifted her flawless, snow-white face, gazing intently at the azure sky. For centuries, Phantylia had yearned for an indestructible and everlasting body, seeking freedom from the fear of "Destruction."
Yet no matter how many corporeal forms she seized, her wish remained unfulfilled, much like those futilely chasing after elixirs of immortality.
She knew deep down that this was an eternal dream, forever out of reach.
Phantylia had witnessed countless worlds devoured by Nanook's raging flames, herself once being part of those very flames. She danced at His fingertips but understood all too well that when the fuel runs out, so will the fire extinguish.
Only by obtaining an immortal, undying body could she resist self-destruction.
To avoid detection by other Monarchs, Phantylia stealthily infiltrated the Ruo Fu Immortal Ship, ensuring none of her subordinates were aware of her movements.
It was truly ironic; plans can never keep pace with unforeseen changes.
Even if she managed to seize the World Tree's eternal form, it would be difficult to withstand such formidable enemies.
Therefore, before transforming Su Jinyan into the "Harbinger of Cataclysm," Phantylia needed contingency measures in place.
Just moments ago, she planted a Destruction Beacon aboard Ruo Fu.
This Destruction Beacon serves as a signal to summon the Antimatter Legion, initiating their attack on the Ruo Fu Immortal Ship.
Only Lord Ravager held the authority to activate the Destruction Beacon.
By tonight at the latest, the Antimatter Legion would heed her command and converge on the Jade World Gate.
As the saying goes, "Of thirty-six stratagems, retreat is often best."
To sow discord among these formidable enemies required time, but Phantylia feared she couldn't afford any delays.
She did not intend to confront such overwhelming forces head-on; instead, she planned to abandon battle and flee. The Antimatter Legion's vast army of Voidrangers served as sacrificial pawns to distract Jing Yuan and his allies.
All she needed was until tonight, when the World Tree would awaken. Then, she would compel Sushang to forcefully convert Su Jinyan into a Harbinger of Cataclysm.
Once she seized the World Tree's body, she could escape from Luofu unimpeded.
Su Jinyan, meanwhile, would remain her hidden pawn within Luofu, ready to be activated at a critical moment.
However, despite all her meticulous planning, Phantylia overlooked one crucial variable—Fu Xuan.
Being a superior Emanator of Destruction, Phantylia remained beyond Fu Xuan's divinatory reach. Yet, the Antimatter Legion presented a different scenario...
Suddenly, Guinaifen lightly tapped Sushang's shoulder from behind. Without a word, Phantylia switched control back to Sushang.
"Shangshang, come watch this video I filmed for you some time ago," said Guinaifen eagerly. "I finally edited it today—let's see if you find it entertaining." She draped her arm around Sushang, holding out her phone towards her.
"She barely exerted herself yet reached the pinnacle of all Cloud Knights."
"That's right, she is none other than Sushang of the Immortal Boat's Cloud Knights."
"Legend has it that at Sushang's birth, thousands of swords resonated, and the entire Yaoqing Immortal Boat echoed her name."
"The former Swordmaster of Xianzhou Luofu, Jingliu, once remarked: 'Given only a wooden sword, she could evenly match with Xianzhou Luofu's strongest swordsman.'"
"With an iron sword, she would effortlessly claim the title of Swordmaster."
"If armed with the Xuanyuan Sword, even the Plagues Author himself would kneel before her."
"And if the Imperial Bow's Bill of Life were to make me face her as an enemy, I'd rather turn my sword against the Bill of Life itself."
"Darn you, Little Gui! What kind of edit was that? Always trying to smear this young lady," Sushang exclaimed indignantly, pinching Guinaifen's cheeks.
Guinaifen retaliated by gently squeezing Sushang's delicate face, both giggling amidst their playful scuffle, completely oblivious to the menacing man approaching behind them.
Smack!
Out of nowhere, Guinaifen felt a sudden kiss on her cheek.
"Huh?"
Realizing what had happened, Guinaifen touched her damp cheek and hastily turned around.
"My apologies, I kissed the wrong person." Su Jinyan feigned remorse, but his hands swiftly moved to embrace Sushang, giving her a firm peck on the cheek instead.
"Jinyan-gege~"
Overjoyed, Sushang nestled affectionately into his arms, nuzzling contentedly.
"What do you mean, 'kissed the wrong person'?!"
Indignant, Guinaifen waved her small fists and exclaimed, "That was highly inappropriate, Little Su'zi!"
"And Sushang, with him taking advantage like this, shouldn't you say something as my best friend?"
Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Sushang responded, "Right."
"Jinyan-gege, from now on, only kiss me, not Little Gui'zi, okay~?"
Frustrated, Guinaifen retorted, "Whose side are you really on? You silly Shangshang!"
Moreover, hadn't she always called him 'Little Su'zi'? Why the sudden change in nickname?
Guinaifen strongly suspected that while she slept last night, Sushang had secretly snuck up to engage in online romance with Su Jinyan.
Otherwise, why would there be such an unexpected shift in address without any warning?
Proudly, Sushang declared, "Of course I'm on Jinyan-gege's side, dear~"
Guinaifen, nearly driven mad, shouted, "How long have you even known him?"
"Does our friendship mean less than just one man?"
Sushang earnestly replied, "Little Gui'zi, what kind of question is that? You're my very best friend."
"Then he—" Guinaifen began.
"But Jinyan-gege is someone indispensable in my life," Sushang interrupted.
Guinaifen fell silent, feeling somewhat hurt as she sensed her best friend slipping away to Little Su'zi's influence.
Su Jinyan spoke up at just the right moment, "Little Gui, don't fret; let me explain it to you."
"Did I kiss the wrong person earlier?"
"Yes."
"After apologizing, you're still very angry?"
"That's correct."
Smack—
Su Jinyan kissed Guinaifen again.
Touching her damp cheek, Guinaifen was utterly bewildered.
Su Jinyan raised his thumb confidently, "Now, did I get the right person? Are you satisfied?"
Any ordinary person would have chased after this lecherous individual, beating him until breathless. Unexpectedly, Guinaifen had a sudden flash of inspiration and pulled Sushang close for a kiss instead.
Su Jinyan blinked in surprise.
Sushang, equally taken aback, asked, "Little Gui, why did you kiss me?"
Grinning mischievously, Guinaifen replied, "Shangshang, isn't it obvious? Since your Jinyan-gege took advantage of me, I must seek compensation from you."
Slightly indignant, Sushang retorted, "Well then, this maiden got kissed for nothing! Isn't that unfair to me?"
With that thought, she hastily pecked Su Jinyan on the lips.
In turn, Su Jinyan swiftly kissed Guinaifen.
Seeing this, Guinaifen realized, Little Gui'zi here is at a disadvantage again—no way, gotta kiss back.
The trio began taking turns kissing each other.
Damn it, these three idiots, Phantylia cursed silently.
Fortunately, Aurum Alley was sparse with people; otherwise, anyone witnessing this scene might assume they were engaged in some peculiar game.
"Hey, you lot, what are you doing there?" Doctor Bailu covered her delicate white eyes with one hand, leaving ample gaps between her fingers to peek through as she observed their kissing spree.
How did Bailu catch them? Realizing the situation's impropriety, Su Jinyan promptly stopped and forced a friendly smile. "Oh, if it isn't Doctor Bailu."
"What brings someone esteemed like yourself to Aurum Alley?"
Bailu placed her hands on her hips. "Just now, I went to the Divination Commission looking for you," she said. "The Imperial Diviner informed me you had come here."
"And so, this young lady made a special trip over."
During her acrobatic performances, Guinaifen often sustained injuries and occasionally sought remedies from Bailu.
Over time, she became well-acquainted with Bailu.
Guinaifen couldn't help but ask, "Miss Bailu, what brings you here?"
Bailu feigned seriousness, nodding her head. "Hmm, as a healer, it's my duty to check if his illness has been cured," she replied. "If he's recovered, then this young lady can be at ease."
Confused, Guinaifen asked, "Illness? What illness?"
"The curse of Buli Ren Leader, woe is me—" Bailu began dramatically.
Before she could finish, Su Jinyan hastily covered Bailu's mouth and pulled her aside into a corner.
"How did you know about the Buli Ren Leader's curse I suffered?" Su Jinyan looked stunned. Could it be that Bailu and the others within the Simulated Universe were real individuals all along?
Bailu scratched her cheek, perplexed. "This young lady isn't sure either."
"Well, it felt like I had this incredibly long dream."
"Yanqing, Miss Tingyun and others are all here."
"After waking up, it seemed so real, as if I truly experienced it myself. There was no sense of unreality at all."
"I came to check on you out of concern for your well-being, dearie."
As Su Jinyan listened, his expression gradually turned serious.
He began to understand—the Bailu, Yanqing, Tingyun, Sampo from the Simulated Universe, even possibly Sushang's parents—could have been drawn into that experience alongside him and Sushang.
Together, they participated in the simulated journey.
Su Jinyan gently patted Bailu's small head.
"Don't mention this casually to anyone else, and I'll treat you to something delicious."
Bailu beamed with delight. "Deal! Then this miss wants to eat—"
"Steamed lamb, bear paws, deer tails, roasted duck, young chicken, suckling goose, braised pork, halved duck, marinated chicken, cured meats, pressed sausage..."
Su Jinyan stared in disbelief. Are you performing a stand-up comedy routine?
That night, deep within the distant paradisiacal realm, the miraculous World Tree, withered for millennia, began its rebirth and surged towards the heavens as if to pierce the celestial vault.
Passersby were gripped by panic.
"Did you hear something?"
"Hey, quick! The World Tree is being reborn..."
"How could this be?"
News of the ancient, withered World Tree's revival swiftly spread throughout Xianzhou Luofu, stirring many ill-intentioned individuals into action.
Within the Seat of Divine Foresight, upon receiving this information, Jing Yuan smiled faintly. "It's time for you to make your decision, old friend."
Dan Heng shook his head slightly. "Let me reiterate, General, you should be aware of Timing's nature regarding reincarnation and rebirth."
"The waters of the Fossil Sea have cleansed Dan Feng's sins completely. The person who once stood here alongside you no longer exists."
"I am Dan Heng. Whether that Dan Feng was a hero or a sinner bears no relevance to me."
"I have already borne his punishment and accepted perpetual exile—without any complaints. However, when you look at me, General, please leave behind the shadows of the past."
Jing Yuan's expression remained cold. "But those friends you brought aboard the train to Luofu, lured here by the Stellaron Hunters, are now deeply entangled in this vortex."
"Can any egg remain unbroken beneath a toppled nest?"
"If you help me one last time as Dan Feng, once this matter is resolved, I will allow him to die and revoke your exile."
"I assure you, from then on—at least aboard Ruo Fu—you will no longer be anyone's shadow."
Dan Heng fell silent for a moment before slowly responding, "What Dan Feng could achieve may not necessarily be within my capabilities."
Jing Yuan's voice deepened with urgency. "You must succeed; otherwise, none of these promises will hold true. Blame it on your past self—if he hadn't committed such a reprehensible act back then.
"If the power of dragon transformation had been fully passed down, I wouldn't need to compel you at all."
At that moment, Fu Xuan's holographic projection from the Divination Commission appeared.
"General, the Cloud-Viewing Mirror has detected the Antimatter Legion approaching Ruo Fu Immortal Ship rapidly.
"On their current trajectory, they will reach the Jade World Gate in approximately ten system hours."
Fu Xuan felt immense relief internally, grateful she had earlier advised the general to alter Ruo Fu Immortal Ship's course, avoiding a direct encounter with the Antimatter Legion.
Otherwise, following the Antimatter Legion's trajectory, they would have reached the Jade World Gate within less than half a system time.
By then, Ruo Fu Immortal Ship would not have had enough time to prepare.
Jing Yuan remained composed, taking a sip of tea. "No need to rush. What did Minister Su say?"
Fu Xuan's face looked gloomy. "He said he's about to accomplish a great feat tonight—sauteing Phantylia—and instructed this venerable one not to disturb him."
Pffft!
Jing Yuan spat out the tea he had just sipped and hastily stood up. "Who? Sauteing whom?"
"Phantylia," replied Fu Xuan.
Jing Yuan pondered for a moment. "Given Minister Su's nature, he wouldn't undertake anything without being confident in its success."
"Hmph, after this battle, regardless of Luofu's fate, the Alliance will be locked in an unyielding conflict with the Legion until only one remains standing."
With internal strife and external threats plaguing Luofu, it was high time for Jing Yuan to take decisive action as well.
At that moment, Fu Xuan's projection suddenly changed, replaced by Silver Wolf's image.
Chewing gum, Silver Wolf raised an eyebrow and said, "Hey, Jing Yuan, need some help?"
Jing Yuan narrowed his eyes. "The Stellaron Hunters... Is this part of your plan too?"