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Starwatcher Avenue was the most bustling street in Central Starskiff Haven, lined with shops extending uninterrupted, their lights glowing day and night. Though many establishments appeared to be run by different proprietors, they were, in truth, all owned by Tingyun.
Sushang had often spotted Tingyun frequenting these shops, wondering just how wealthy this young lady must be, given her prodigious spending habits. Only after becoming close friends with Tingyun did Sushang learn that, indeed, these businesses belonged to her...
March 7th chatted animatedly with Stelle as they walked, recounting their extraordinary experiences within the Memory Palace.
"How fascinating! I wish I could have gone too," Stelle remarked enviously.
Noticing Stelle's admiration, March 7th couldn't help but smile faintly.
"It's actually pretty mundane and not that interesting," March 7th dismissed with a nonchalant wave.
Despite her casual demeanor, inside, she was bursting with joy. Though they were good friends, as fellow beauties, a bit of friendly competition was inevitable.
Jealous? Only a gorgeous maiden like me could experience such thrilling adventures.
Once back home, I'll definitely write this down in my diary.
Stelle couldn't help feeling slightly outdone.
Alright, alright, playing it that way, huh? Just wait until we test the Simulated Universe next time—I'm bringing Su Jinyan along then. We'll see how envious you get.
Giggling merrily, the two beauties strolled around, paying no heed to others' gazes.
March 7th, especially, stopped at every enticing sight or treat to snap a photo first.
At The Eternal Night Marquis Teahouse...
Storyteller Xi Yan took a sip of tea before continuing his eloquent narration of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. As the girls searched for seats, they unexpectedly spotted a familiar face already there—Silver Wolf.
"Silver Wolf?" March 7th looked at her cautiously.
"Hey, what a coincidence! You're here too? Have a seat." Silver Wolf greeted them without even pausing from her handheld game.
Absorbed in her handheld game, Silver Wolf greeted them without even looking up.
After a moment's thought, Stelle and March 7th took seats next to Silver Wolf.
Stelle couldn't resist asking, "What brings you here too?"
Silver Wolf's lips curved slightly. "I've been free from missions lately, enjoying some downtime."
"I'm planning to collaborate with A-Yan on a massively multiplayer turn-based strategy card game—'Turmoil of the Three Kingdoms.'"
"Did you hear the storyteller recounting tales just now?" she continued. "Our card game will be adapted from this epic narrative."
"Is it fun?" asked Stelle.
With fierce determination, Silver Wolf manipulated the joystick and pounded the buttons. "How could it not be fun?" she replied. "If it isn't, that guy is dead meat."
It was precisely because Silver Wolf had taken the bait thrown by Su Jinyan that she found herself constantly busy, sacrificing much of her gaming time—and even enduring his glare-induced stress. Having already invested so much, Silver Wolf felt unwilling to give up easily.
March 7th whispered, "She seems really resentful, doesn't she?"
"Women who feel abandoned often harbor deep resentment," Stelle agreed quietly.
Unhappily, Silver Wolf set down her handheld console. Why was this fighting game designed to be so challenging? She had lost yet again to the AI.
They say I appear filled with resentment? How could I not be?
In Elio's original script, it mentioned that Su Jinyan had prepared a surprise for everyone.
A surprise? Did he secretly complete "Turmoil of the Three Kingdoms" without my knowledge?
Was he waiting to capture Phantylia so we could all happily play together afterward?
Silver Wolf eagerly anticipated this event throughout.
Only at the last moment did Silver Wolf realize that the supposed surprise wasn't about playing games; instead, it was making everyone pregnant simultaneously.
What kind of surprise is that?!
Just then, Xueyi approached with two Underworld Military Officials in tow, heading directly toward the Nightless Marquis.
Silver Wolf's eyes widened in surprise.
An Imperial Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission? What could she be doing here—could it be to apprehend me?
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Silver Wolf vanished silently before their very eyes.
"Hm," March 7th remarked, "Did you strike a sensitive nerve with Silver Wolf?"
"Lies do not wound; truth is the sharper blade," Stelle replied mildly.
"Toying with young girls' hearts, Su Jinyan truly deserves severe condemnation."
In the past, March 7th would have eagerly joined in this scathing critique of Su Jinyan. However, after hearing Stelle's words, she found herself defending him instead:
"Don't be so harsh. From what I've seen, Little Su'zi isn't such a bad person, really?" She continued, perplexed, "If you ask me, Silver Wolf and he likely share a pure friendship without any romantic entanglements."
"But didn't you previously describe her as a scorned woman, abandoned?" Stelle asked, puzzled.
Silver Wolf raised an eyebrow.
March 7th shook her head slightly. "When it comes to exaggeration, you're clearly more skilled than I am."
As they spoke, Xueyi arrived at the Nightless Marquis's estate.
Under the anxious gaze of the proprietor Meng Ming, Xueyi revealed her identity.
"Miss Meng Ming, this is an investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission. Please evacuate all unrelated individuals."
Xueyi's efficiency was unexpectedly swift.
Initially, she had agreed to wait until Fu Xuan granted her some free time before summoning Tingyun for questioning. However, as mere hours passed, Xueyi grew increasingly agitated.
Though as an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, she ought not harbor such biases...
She had long heard that fox spirits possess insatiable desires, often luring married men without any restraint or understanding of moderation—the importance of a slow and steady approach.
To prevent Tingyun from committing a lifelong regret and safeguard Su Jinyan against her malicious intentions, Xueyi acted swiftly. The tracking device indicated that Tingyun was currently at the teahouse within the Nightless Marquis's estate.
Without delay, once Xueyi finished her other duties, she personally led Underworld Military Officials here, intending to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Tingyun.
Meng Ming hastily defended herself, "Judge, I—"
Xueyi gently shook her head and whispered, "This matter does not concern you."
"I have come to invite Miss Tingyun for a discussion at the Underworld Palace."
Meng Ming's expression shifted slightly as she signaled discreetly to one of her attendants. "Miss Tingyun, what wrongdoing has she committed?"
Comprehending Meng Ming's glance, the attendant promptly picked up his jade divination tablet, ready to alert Tingyun.
Meng Ming continued stalling for time. "Judge," she pleaded, "may I ask if you have an arrest warrant? Surely you cannot arbitrarily detain a lawful citizen of Xianzhou?"
"Especially since Miss Tingyun is a Shuttle Envoy of the Sky-Faring Commission, with no signs of being Mara-stricken—how detrimental would this news be to her reputation?"
Xueyi's voice chilled. "An arrest warrant? Then take a closer look."
One of the Underworld Military Officials stepped forward and showed Meng Ming the arrest warrant for Tingyun, bearing the seal of the Ten-Lords Commission.
Meng Ming's pupils contracted, and she covered her mouth, cheeks flushing red.
She never expected that Tingyun-jiejie...she actually violated such grave laws? Oh, Tingyun-jiejie, how could you! As a Shuttle Envoy of the Sky-Faring Commission, couldn't you have just endured it?
Even if she couldn't bear it, she could have easily used trade as a pretext to take Grand Diviner Su on an excursion—there were other options!
Meanwhile, the servant tasked with relaying messages was drenched in anxious sweat.
Ever since Judge Xueyi arrived at the Nightless Marquis estate, his jade divination tablet had become ineffective, unable to transmit any signals whatsoever. It wasn't just his device; even March 7th's camera was affected, rendering her incapable of taking photographs.
Xueyi's lips parted slightly. "Do you have any further questions?"
Meng Ming weakly replied, "No more..."
Fortunately, Judge Xueyi seemed mindful of Miss Tingyun's reputation and refrained from making this incident public. Had word spread, the consequences would have been dire—not only for Miss Tingyun but also for the Sky-Faring Commission's standing. The worst-case scenario could involve Miss Tingyun losing her position and being imprisoned in The Shackling Prison.
With a gentle nod, Xueyi entered the Nightless Marquis's teahouse.
Two Underworld Military Officials proceeded to clear away bystanders uninvolved in the matter.
March 7th and Stelle were also among those being urged away.
"Little March," Stelle whispered, "should we sneak inside to take a look?"
March 7th's beautiful eyes first sparkled with interest before she hesitated. "Isn't that...not quite right?"
"Judge Xueyi must be here for something important."
"But if we go in, wouldn't we interfere with their investigation?" Stelle prodded. "Don't worry, no matter what, we're esteemed guests of Xianzhou."
"What if we encounter some vicious criminal trying to resist arrest..."
"Then Judge Xueyi might even need our assistance!" Stelle continued. "As renowned detectives, aren't you naturally curious about such major cases?"
March 7th felt her excitement growing. "But won't they stop us?"
With a low chuckle, Stelle said, "We're honored guests of General Jing Yuan—no one would dare! If you're uneasy, let me handle it." Under March 7th's subtle gaze, Stelle strutted forward, attempting to engage the two Underworld Military Officials in conversation and win them over.
No matter how tirelessly Stelle spoke, the guards remained steadfast—entry was denied. Deflated, she retreated back to March 7th. "It seems even General Jing Yuan's influence doesn't work here. Perhaps we should try another approach."
After pondering deeply, March 7th had a bright idea. "Got it—I'll show you my skills once again."
Inside a private booth at the teahouse of the Nightless Marquis, a gentle breeze wafted through the window, bringing a soothing comfort.
"Sushang, what do you think of Grand Diviner Fu?" Tingyun asked with a smile as she refilled Sushang's teacup.
Sushang blinked her lovely eyes, slightly bewildered. "Do you mean Grand Diviner Fu?"
"I find her quite pleasant—why do you ask?"
Tingyun patiently guided Sushang's thoughts. "Sushang, I don't believe you grasp my meaning."
"Don't you feel that Grand Diviner Fu spends rather too much time with our Benefactor?"
Sushang nodded seriously. "Yes, it has been indeed long; I haven't seen Jinyan-gege for days now."
"It would be wonderful if Jinyan-gege could always stay by my side," she sighed wistfully.
Tingyun gritted her teeth softly. Are you suggesting that he doesn't spend enough time with you? She thought to herself. As someone closest to him, clearly I should have the best chance to be intimate with our Benefactor.
Why had Sushang managed to take the lead instead?
Deeply regretful, Tingyun knew that foxfolk highly valued gratitude. Ever since Su Jinyan saved her, tender sentiments had quietly blossomed within her heart. However, due to her excessive reserve, she repeatedly missed opportunities, allowing Sushang to gain favor.
If only she had used her charms, both Lady Fu Xuan and Sushang would have been outmatched, leaving their Benefactor to dote solely on her.
"Sushang, given your closeness with our Benefactor, why not whisper sweet nothings in his ear?"
Sushang blushed, seemingly misunderstanding the suggestion. "Whisper sweet nothings?"
Miss Tingyun gritted her teeth and interrupted hastily, "Stop! That's not what I meant!"
"How about taking turns for him to stay at each of our residences?" she proposed instead. "One day at the Divination Commission, the next at my estate, and the following day at yours."
Sushang sounded perplexed. "Hmm... that seems quite troublesome. Wouldn't it exhaust Jinyan-gege constantly switching between places? After all, Little Gui Zi has already signed a streaming contract with him, making it convenient for him to provide guidance anytime during broadcasts."
Tingyun's beautiful eyes widened, her lips slightly parted, revealing a bitter smile.
After a long moment, she shook her fan with a sigh and took a small sip of tea, her delicate brows tightly furrowed.
No injustice—her defeat in that Dreamscape encounter was well-deserved. It seemed Tingyun had underestimated Sushang; whatever thoughts crossed Tingyun's mind, Sushang anticipated them too. And where Tingyun fell short, Sushang pushed even further.
All I wanted was to stay close to our Benefactor, hoping for his affection. But you, oh so clever, brought your friend along to take turns, didn't you?
Sushang looked at her innocently. "Miss Tingyun, what's wrong? Is the black tea not to your taste?"
"I have some green tea here. Come, let me pour it for you."
Tingyun's brows furrowed deeper. Was Miss Sushang subtly implying that I'm being 'green tea'? Or am I overthinking it?
Knock, knock, knock.
A tapping sound came from outside the private booth.
"Is Miss Tingyun inside?" Xueyi asked coolly.
Tingyun responded irritably, "Who is this impolite individual? This lady is discussing important matters within the booth."
"If you wish to discuss business with me, please make an appointment through the Sky-Faring Commission first."
Xueyi silently pushed open the door.
Tingyun's expression shifted slightly. "It's you?"
Sushang's eyes brightened. "Oh, I remember you," she said. "You were standing next to Jinyan-gege that day."
Xueyi nodded and introduced herself, "I am Xueyi, Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission. Miss Sushang, this is an official investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission; please do not obstruct it."
Confused, Sushang asked, "Eh, has Miss Tingyun committed some wrongdoing?"
Though naive and inexperienced, as a Cloud Knight, Sushang was well-aware of Xianzhou's laws. During an investigation, no one unrelated should hinder the Imperial Judges. Moreover, if requested, it was their duty to assist the Judges in their inquiries. Persistent obstruction could lead to punishment from the Ten-Lords Commission, depending on the severity of the offense.
Xueyi displayed the arrest warrant before Sushang and Tingyun. "Miss Tingyun, please accompany me," he said. "Considering this is your first offense and the circumstances are somewhat exceptional, the focus of the Ten-Lords Commission will be primarily educational. It won't detain you for long."
Swallowing nervously, Sushang stole a glance at Tingyun, too afraid to utter a word.
Merely contemplating a romance with her Jinyan-gege had already drawn warnings from the Imperial Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission.
If Lady Xueyi were to learn about this maiden's true intentions, wouldn't she surely be dragged off to The Shackling Prison, locked away until the end of time?
Dammit, what should I do? Must this maiden forever forego any intimacy with Jinyan-gege?
Tingyun leisurely sipped her fragrant tea, her soft and fluffy tail swaying gently. "Lady Xueyi," she said, "accompanying you is not out of the question, but as before, I insist—produce your evidence. Without proof, even as an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, you have no authority to convict me."
"Certainly, you seek evidence?" Xueyi replied calmly. "Of course there is some."
To prepare for this moment, Xueyi had meticulously gathered various proofs of Tingyun's transgressions.
Firstly, before Su Jinyan received the blessing of the Plagues Author, Tingyun had claimed herself as his betrothed. Now that Su Jinyan possessed nearly inexhaustible longevity, no longer belonging to a short-lived species, their relationship ought to undergo a transformation accordingly.
Firstly, according to tradition, marriage requires parental consent and a matchmaker's involvement. Although Su Jinyan's parents were no longer present, his shizun, Fu Xuan, effectively served as such.
Without Fu Xuan's approval, it was inappropriate for Tingyun to claim the title of Su Jinyan's fiancée.
Tingyun clicked her tongue. "Very well, henceforth I shall no longer acknowledge this 'fiancée' status." She then added, "But isn't that one point insufficient on its own?"
Xueyi stared coldly at Tingyun and continued presenting evidence:
Secondly, under the username "[Little Fox's Benefactor]," Tingyun repeatedly expressed affection towards Su Jinyan through live stream comments and forums, clearly indicating her amorous intentions.
Thirdly, Tingyun recently purchased books like The Art of Intimacy from Sanyu Bookstore, suggesting ulterior motives.
Fourthly, Tingyun persistently influenced the naive Sushang, attempting to persuade her to involve her friend Guinaifen in violating Su Jinyan together.
Sushang looked bewildered.
Tingyun's face flushed red as she defended herself, "That last point is unwarranted."
"Pray tell, when did I ever do such a thing?"
"No matter what, I would never have someone else violate my Benefactor; if anything, I'd prefer to do it myself."
Xueyi waved the jade divination tablet, ending the recording. "Very well, Miss Tingyun," she said sternly. "You have already admitted your intent to violate Su Jinyan."
"With this evidence before you, what more is there to say? Come with me!"
Indignant, Tingyun retorted, "This is clearly entrapment! Coercing confessions is against the rules!"
"Tingyun, thus far, it was only out of respect for him that I've been courteous with you," Xueyi replied gravely. "If you persist in resisting, my patience will run out."
At that moment, rustling sounds emerged from behind the Nightless Marquis Teahouse.
"Are you sure you can do this?"
"Just watch me—I'm unmatched when it comes to tossing ropes." With unwavering confidence, Stelle continuously swung the securely tied rope through the air.
With a swift swoosh, the rope flew inside through the open window.
"It's in, it's in!" March 7th exclaimed excitedly.
"Hush, keep your voice down—don't let the Cloud Knights hear us," Stelle whispered, lowering her tone.
"Did you catch anything? Be careful not to make too much noise," March 7th murmured softly.
"If you accidentally pull down something like a chair and the Cloud Knights see it, they might think we're stealing!"
Stelle cautiously tugged on the rope, her eyes brightening. "It's heavy—looks like I got it. Let's hurry up."
Watching as the rope suddenly swooped through the window, perfectly lassoing around Xueyi's waist, Tingyun felt a wave of suspicion wash over her. "What is this?"
Xueyi's expression shifted with alarm. "Not good! The suspect is trying to escape!"
"Eh?" Sushang exclaimed.
"Hm?" Tingyun uttered.
In the next instant, an unimaginable force violently yanked Tingyun out of the second-floor window at the Nightless Marquis Teahouse.
"Yikes!" Overwhelmed by sudden weightlessness, Tingyun let out a shriek.
As March 7th and Stelle watched Tingyun being dragged from the private booth's window, they both fell silent. Was there still time to make their escape?
Tingyun, curled in Stelle's arms, gritted her teeth and said, "Honored guests, don't you think this has gone too far?"
Before their words could evoke any guilt in Tingyun, Xueyi approached the window, casting them a disapproving gaze.
"Run—!"
Unhesitatingly betraying her companion, Stelle flung Tingyun from her grasp.
March 7th swiftly followed suit, looking back apologetically while running. "Sorry, Miss Tingyun! We didn't mean to! We'll apologize properly later—!"
Thud.
Xueyi leaped after them, landing gracefully below.
Initially, Xueyi had feared Su Jinyan might reprimand her for this incident. Now, however, she had ample reason to arrest Tingyun.
As an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, personally summoning the Sky-Faring Commission's Shuttle Envoy Tingyun for investigation seemed entirely justified, didn't it?
Little did she expect that Tingyun had already colluded with two outlanders, stubbornly resisting and acting on her own whims.
If Xueyi failed to apprehend Tingyun now, it would be difficult to justify her actions.
Tingyun's face paled as she rubbed her sore rear end, quickly rising to flee. As she ran, she dialed Su Jinyan's number.
Xueyi's beautiful eyes glinted coldly. "Don't even think about escaping!"
Sushang hastily jumped from the window after them. "Hey, wait for me!"
A frigid mechanical busy tone echoed through Tingyun's jade divination tablet.
Her custom-made device from the Sky-Faring Commission should never have experienced signal issues or busy tones.
Tingyun glanced back at Xueyi, startled. She had heard rumors that wherever the Judges went, all machinery and jade divination tablets ceased functioning.
To think these whispers were true...
The Imperial Judge certainly held a grudge; it seemed her earlier remarks had deeply offended her, prompting this deliberate confrontation.
Had Miss March not interfered, Tingyun wouldn't have been forced to make such a hasty escape. Why couldn't she have just waited for her benefactor to resolve the situation?
"Quickly, Tingyun, return with me to the Ten-Lords Commission for interrogation!" Xueyi urged sharply.
Ignoring her calls, Tingyun continued running. "Catch my accomplices first before worrying about me!"
Chewing gum and blowing bubbles, Silver Wolf watched with keen interest, recording short clips to send to Su Jinyan.
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Check this out, it's hilarious.]
[Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: ???]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Ha ha ha, doesn't it look like catching someone red-handed?]
[Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: ...
Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: Why can't I get through on their phones? Can you help me? Tell Xueyi to stop chasing them.]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: I'm a Stellaron Hunter; do you want me to walk right into her trap?]
Upon receiving the video from Silver Wolf, Su Jinyan at the Artisanship Commission immediately called Xueyi. However, all he heard was the icy, robotic busy tone. He tried dialing March 7th and Tingyun separately, but received the same result each time.
Su Jinyan's face darkened, wishing fervently to drag Silver Wolf over for a sound beating right then.
He picked up the custom-made emotional module for Master Gongshu's jade divination tablet and spoke hastily, "Master Gongshu, there's an urgent matter I need to attend to, so I'll have to leave now."
"Don't forget about the issue at the Divination Commission," Master Gongshu warned, his attitude brusque as he glanced at Jinyan. "Hurry up and get lost already."
The incident involving pregnancy still rankled Master Gongshu, who hadn't shown him any kindness since that day.
If not for the fact that several other Artisanship Commission apprentices were also pregnant, Master Gongshu would have been mortified to the point of succumbing to Mara's influence on the spot.
He couldn't fathom what this lad was up to. Instead of pursuing Tingyun, the perfectly lovely young lady right under his nose, he insisted on commissioning Su Jinyan to create a jade-divination emotional feedback module for a mannequin.
Under normal circumstances, Xianzhou's combat-type mannequins strictly prohibited the use of such jade-divination circuits. However, Master Gongshu suspected that Su Jinyan might have purchased a companion model from Interastral Peace or some other source. If it were merely for companionship and alleviating loneliness, there wouldn't be any violation; thus, after giving it some thought, he agreed to provide the module.
Had Master Gongshu known that Su Jinyan intended to use it on the Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission...
Even if granted ten thousand times more courage, Master Gongshu would never dare to go through with it, even at the risk of having a blade at his throat.
On the bustling Starwatcher Avenue, Tingyun's pursuit with March 7 and Stelle immediately caught the attention of passersby.
Tingyun and her companions were already well-known figures in Luofu, making it nearly impossible for their chase not to draw notice. The two Underworld Military Officials trailed behind them, dispersing bystanders as they ran, urging everyone to swiftly clear the area.
As a foxfolk, Tingyun possessed innate agility; she had simply chosen to become a Shuttle Envoy for the Sky-Faring Commission due to her dislike of combat. Once fully focused, she effortlessly overtook March 7 and Stelle, leaving them behind.
"You little ones, go play along with Judge Xueyi—excuse me, I must take my leave!" As Tingyun swept past, she gracefully flicked her fan, creating a languid gust that instantly sent a tingling current through both girls. Their bodies prickled slightly, causing their pace to slow down.
Stelle's beautiful eyes widened. "Is this a race with power-ups now? Little March, quickly deploy hexaphase ice!"