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March 7th hesitated, "Huh? That's not really appropriate, is it?"
Dragging Miss Tingyun out from her private booth on the teahouse's second floor was already quite bullying. Would adding further trouble for her now be taking things too far?
Stelle spoke urgently, "March, even if we want to apologize, we must escape first."
"Have you considered the consequences if the Judge catches us?"
"If you keep hesitating, they'll overtake us any moment."
"But Little Su'zi knows Xueyi; he can surely protect us."
Xueyi clearly held back due to the pedestrians on Starwatcher Avenue. Once they were cleared away, she wouldn't hesitate to act decisively against them.
This... sounded quite reasonable...
"Hold on, it was your mistake," March protested. "Why should I have to run with you?"
"Because we're good friends, and true friends share both joys and burdens."
"You have a point. Just make sure to include me when things go well too."
Fwizz, fwizz—
Two arrows made of hexaphase ice struck the ground beneath Tingyun and Xueyi's feet one after another.
Instantly, the impact area froze over with a slick layer of thin ice.
Tingyun stumbled, narrowly avoiding a slip.
"Tch! You'll pay for this!" She pursed her lips, feeling somewhat wronged—why was everyone picking on poor little Tingyun? Such mistreatment could not be left unaddressed. Upon returning home, she would surely seek justice from her benefactor, teaching these ruffians a harsh lesson.
"What now? Miss Tingyun seems quite upset."
"I'd be upset too." Stelle managed a polite yet awkward smile.
"How can you still laugh? Hurry up and think of something!" March 7th waved her tiny fists fiercely.
As they ran, Stelle pondered their options. It seemed their only choice was to seek outside assistance. After all, Xueyi was an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission; surely she wouldn't harm innocent bystanders, right?
"Judge Xueyi, do you recognize this move? Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers!"
In a flash of inspiration, Stelle pulled out a handful of Credit bills from her pocket and vigorously tossed them into the air.
The nearby onlookers instantly surged forward, scrambling to snatch up the money.
Even for an Underworld Military Official, dispersing these people would take considerable time—a crisis averted with ease.
March 7th was left speechless, eyes wide with astonishment. "Hey, who did you learn that trick from? So many Credits—aren't you worried about losing them?"
Stelle glanced around furtively and whispered, "Well, I learned it from Su Jinyan."
"Heh heh, I specifically bought Credit-only bill paper..."
March 7th stared, momentarily at a loss for words.
Credits were the currency used by the Interastral Peace Corporation when settling transactions with clients, now widely accepted as hard currency across interstellar travel. For convenience, Credits existed in both physical banknote form and digital numbers. Thanks to the widespread circulation of Credits even on Xianzhou, they were granted an opportunity to escape.
Xueyi frowned slightly and with a graceful leap, effortlessly avoided the thin layer of ice on the ground.
Trying to trick me with such amateurish tricks? As she watched the distant immortal cultivators scrambling for credits, Judge Xueyi couldn't help but furrow her brow lightly.
It had to be said, this move was truly cunning.
Initially, Xueyi's plan was merely to apprehend these two fugitives, focusing on reprimanding and educating them.
Now, that option was no longer feasible.
Scattering credits or using Strales to incite public frenzy, disrupting public order, and endangering public safety were all punishable offenses. Depending on the severity, penalties ranged from warnings and fines to detention.
Just as Xueyi prepared to continue the pursuit, she suddenly heard Sushang's panicked voice behind her:
"Waaaah! Get out of the way—quickly!"
Inconveniently, both Tingyun and Xueyi maintained their steady footing.
Only Sushang tripped on the thin ice, propelled by inertia, sliding recklessly towards them.
Judge Xueyi remained composed, unfazed. This newcomer cloud rider clearly lacked proper training; unless she—
Thud!
Sushang's forceful slide directly targeted Xueyi's lower body, causing her to abruptly tumble to the ground.
Xueyi was momentarily speechless.
Sushang frantically helped her up, flustered. "Hey, hey—are you okay?"
Taking a deep breath, Xueyi replied calmly, "I'm fine."
"Oh, good, as long as you're alright." Relieved, Sushang abruptly let go of her hands.
Caught off guard by Sushang's sudden release, without even a hint beforehand—
Thud!
Xueyi fell to the ground once again, unprepared. Thankfully, she managed to catch herself with her hands just in time, avoiding a more embarrassing tumble.
"Lady Xueyi, how could you be so careless?!" Sushang chided. "I only let go because you said you were fine—it's not my fault!"
Xueyi remained silent, exasperated.
Sushang cautiously observed her. "Are you angry?"
Glancing at Sushang, Xueyi mumbled, "What do you think?"
Sushang sighed in relief, revealing an innocent smile. "That's great; I'm glad you're not upset. Otherwise, I wouldn't know how to face Jinyan-gege."
Xueyi, feeling suffocated, clutched her chest tightly. "Leave quickly! Do not interfere with my official duties!"
Her mannequin body was virtually indestructible, and while she hadn't sustained any physical harm, Sushang's antics were pushing her mental fortitude to its limits.
For a fleeting moment, Xueyi wondered if Sushang was merely acting. But she quickly dismissed the thought—how could anyone's performance be so effortlessly convincing?
Before this encounter, it had always been Su Jinyan who carelessly toyed with her emotions and manipulated her feelings.
Xueyi once believed that in this lifetime, she would never again meet someone capable of breaching her defenses—until she encountered Sushang.
Complicating matters further, there seemed to be an inexplicable and ambiguous relationship between Sushang and Su Jinyan. When Phantylia initially possessed Sushang, it was Su Jinyan who performed the Suiyang Purification Ceremony for her.
Sushang looked at Xueyi with concern. "Lady Xueyi, can you still walk? Be careful even while moving, don't be so careless anymore."
Xueyi remained silent. Don't you feel any shame saying such words?
As she watched Xueyi's retreating figure, Sushang scratched her cheek, feeling puzzled.
"Why didn't Miss Tingyun call Jinyan-gege about something so serious?" She hesitated. "Maybe I should inform him?"
Dialing his number, she soon heard the cold, mechanical busy tone on the other end.
Uh, why isn't it going through?
Frustrated, Sushang hung up but immediately tried calling back again.
Undeterred, Sushang persistently tried dialing numerous times until she finally got through.
"Hello, Jinyan-gege, mm-hmm, it's me, Shangshang~"
"I'm currently on Starwatcher Avenue and have something very urgent to discuss with you. Is it convenient for you to come over?"
"Sure thing, I'll send you my location right away."
On Starwatcher Avenue, chaos reigned with the arrival of the Nightless Marquis.
"Run! The Pregnancy Plague Calamity is here—you'll get pregnant just from his glare!"
"Mama, help me!"
"Don't come any closer!"
Panic ensued wherever he tread.
Two Underworld Military Officials watched with admiration in their eyes.
Even they had struggled to disperse these credit-hungry immortal cultivators. Yet this newcomer effortlessly sent them fleeing, proving more effective than merely invoking the title of Imperial Judge Wang. With minimal effort, he showcased the pinnacle of the Ten-Lords Commission's might—truly deserving of being known as the man who impregnated even the Doomsayer Calamity Ancestor.
Su Jinyan felt utterly perplexed. "Damn, am I really that terrifying?" he muttered. "But I clearly used Luocha's face that day."
"Just who leaked my true appearance? Better not let me catch you!" Su Jinyan fumed.
Sushang eagerly jumped up, waving her arms. "Jinyan-gege~ Over here, over here~"
Silver Wolf's figure materialized promptly. "Grow up, you're being childish."
Sushang, disgruntled, retorted, "Hey, who are you? What gives you the right to talk like that to me?"
Chewing gum nonchalantly, Silver Wolf replied with amusement, "It's perfectly normal not to know me. My name is Silver Wolf, and I'm a hacker."
"Oh—still don't recognize you!" Sushang exclaimed.
Silver Wolf gently stroked his snow-white abdomen, saying softly, "Ah, Su Jinyan used to be my son, you see."
Clearly taken aback, Sushang asked, "Really? Do you have any proof?"
Snap!
With a click of his fingers, Silver Wolf displayed a synthesized holographic scene before Sushang's eyes.
In the image, Su Jinyan was earnestly massaging Silver Wolf's back and feet, saying, "Mom, after all your hard work, it's time for you to rest." He continued, "Now that your son has grown up, he should properly honor and care for you."
"From now on, you'll live in this home."
The Silver Wolf affectionately stroked Sushang's cheek. "Good child, Mom isn't tired at all. Don't disturb me while I'm playing my game."
With that, the Silver Wolf continued to focus intently on her handheld gaming device.
Sushang was speechless.
Why did their conversation feel so incongruous? It seemed more fitting if the Silver Wolf were replaced by a kindly old woman knitting sweaters, wouldn't it?
However, as everyone knows, recorded images cannot be faked—so this had to be true! Sushang became utterly convinced of what she just witnessed.
"Mama, please accept Sushang's respectful bow!" With a solemn expression, Sushang raised her hands in a gesture of reverence.
Is this person really that gullible? Silver Wolf clutched her stomach, trying hard not to laugh, feeling quite stifled.
Nervously, Sushang began, "Um, this humble maiden... ahem..."
"Do you approve of my marriage with Jinyan-gege?"
Silver Wolf maintained a serious demeanor and waved her hand. "Hmm, that will depend on your performance." She added, "But among those pursuing him, you certainly show the most potential, little Miss Sushang. I have high hopes for you."
Overwhelmed with excitement, Sushang exclaimed, "Really? Thank you, Mother!"
Ignoring Sushang's question, Silver Wolf continued, "However... I feel that Xianzhou's adaptation of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' hasn't yet gained enough prominence."
"It would be great if someone could stir up more interest for this 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' here on Xianzhou."
Sushang declared solemnly, "Mother, leave it to me, Sushang!"
Just then, Su Jinyan approached and couldn't help but ask upon witnessing the scene, "What are you two doing here?"
Struggling to contain her joy, Sushang rushed into Su Jinyan's arms.
"Jinyan-gege, Mother has approved of our engagement!"
Su Jinyan looked puzzled.
Silver Wolf finally couldn't hold back any longer and burst out laughing, clutching her sides as she gasped between fits of laughter.
"Well, goodbye! I'm logging off now."
She hastily transformed into quantum data and dissipated before Su Jinyan could expose her lie.
Alright, Su Jinyan had roughly figured out what was going on. But considering how adorable Sushang was, he couldn't bear to spoil the moment by revealing the truth.
What else could he do? Tell Sushang that she's been deceived, and Silver Wolf isn't actually his mother? If it upset her, he'd have to spend effort comforting her anyway, so let her continue believing this misconception.
Confused, Sushang asked, "Jinyan-gege, why is she laughing?"
Su Jinyan shook his head slightly, "Don't worry about it. My mom's always been like this; maybe she's developing dementia."
"She often speaks nonsense, just don't take her words seriously."
Sushang's beautiful eyes showed a hint of disappointment, "Oh... So then, when she said she highly approves of me, was that also not true?"
Su Jinyan shook his head again, "Why do you care what others think? What matters is that I like you, and that's enough."
"Once I have some free time, let's go back to the Yaoqing Immortal Boat together to visit our parents, how does that sound?"
Delighted, Sushang took his hand, "Sounds wonderful!"
"And at that time, we can get married under their witness," Su Jinyan added with a gentle smile, ruffling Sushang's hair affectionately. "Silly girl."
Sushang leaned against Su Jinyan's chest, stealing a quick glance at him before shyly averting her gaze upon being caught.
"Jinyan-gege, earlier, Miss Tingyun and I were enjoying tea and chatting here."
"Sushang mentioned that Miss Tingyun feels you've spent too much time with Lady Fu Xuan."
Su Jinyan chuckled lightly, "What else did the little fox say?"
Sushang scratched her small face hesitantly. "Miss Tingyun also mentioned wanting you to alternate where you stay..."
"But I think that would be too troublesome," she continued. "Why don't we just have Jinyan-gege live with Little Gui and me from now on?"
Su Jinyan asked, "Would Little Gui agree to us living together? After all, she's a pure maiden; wouldn't it risk tarnishing her reputation if anything were to happen?"
Sushang pondered for a moment. "I believe...Little Gui wouldn't mind."
"Thanks to your influence, she's now one of the Interastral Peace Corporation's top-promoted broadcasters," Su Jinyan noted.
"And if she ever encounters any challenging streaming scripts, you could guide her anytime, anywhere."
"You're right, Jinyan-gege," Sushang agreed. "We should definitely seek her opinion first."
On a tentative note, Su Jinyan asked, "So, if I were to live with both of you,
and let's say something causes friction between me and Little Gui, whose side would you take?"
Pouting slightly, Sushang replied, "Little Gui is my best friend, but Jinyan-gege is my favorite person.
With me around, such conflicts won't arise at all. But if they did, I wouldn't take sides. Jinyan-gege surely has ways to handle things with Little Gui."
Su Jinyan gently took Sushang's soft hand.
Despite Sushang's seemingly naive appearance, she never faltered during crucial moments. Her instincts always guided her to make the right choices.
This was one of the reasons Su Jinyan liked Sushang—she was cute, affectionate, and knew how to charm him without causing any trouble.
Speaking of trouble, it gave Su Jinyan another headache.
When he was escorted to The Shackling Prison by Xueyi, the little fox had remained steadfastly by his side, taking meticulous care of him. Now that Tingyun faced Lady Xueyi's interrogation, he couldn't simply turn a blind eye.
"Sushang, since you were with Tingyun earlier, do you know why Xueyi targeted her?"
"Oh yes, because you're not yet two hundred years old," Sushang nodded matter-of-factly. "Miss Tingyun wanted to violate you and even tried to involve me and Little Gui in it too."
"In the laws of the Xianzhou Alliance, such behavior is considered extremely serious."
"So, Lady Xueyi came to arrest her."
Su Jinyan blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Wait, there's a lot to process here; let me catch my breath first.
Was the little fox truly so considerate? Imagining Tingyun, Sushang, and Little Gui willingly submitting to his every desire sent a thrill through him. This only strengthened his resolve to rescue the little fox.
Privately, Xueyi belonged solely to him as a mannequin companion. For her to arrest Tingyun without even notifying him clearly showed a lack of respect—it was getting out of hand.
Xueyi's disobedience demanded a proper lesson. Conveniently, he had just commissioned Master Gongshu to create a jade divination tablet for emotional responses tailored to his mannequins. He'd promptly install it on Xueyi later.
By arresting Tingyun, Xueyi was essentially stealing from my home.
Wouldn't it be fair then, if I raided hers in return? Time to head to the Underworld Palace and apprehend Hanya.
With this thought, Su Jinyan spoke up, "Sushang."
"I plan to visit the Underworld Palace. Would you like to come along?"
Sushang gently shook her head, her beautiful eyes filled with hopeful anticipation for the future. "I'll pass this time."
"I need to have a serious talk with Little Gui'zi."
"Little Gui'zi will definitely agree. Then, Jinyan-gege, why don't you move in with us?" she suggested playfully.
Su Jinyan's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Sushang enthusiastically envision their future together, imagining the blissful life they could share as three companions.
The live streaming platform was akin to a vast dye vat; few broadcasters remained untainted by its influence. However, he greatly admired Guinaifen's dream—Little Gui'zi aimed to earn money honestly and become a respected artist.
Little Gui'zi possessed both pride and talent. Since Sushang and Little Gui'zi were close friends, Su Jinyan was more than willing to protect and support Gui'zi's aspirations. This was precisely why he signed Guinaifen that day.
As a pure white blossom, even solely for Sushang's sake, he felt compelled to safeguard Little Gui'zi diligently.
In the Underworld Palace, Hanya, engrossed in writing karmic judgments, suddenly felt her eyes covered by a pair of warm hands.
A cool voice whispered near Hanya's ear, "Little Sister, don't turn around—it's your Big Sister."
Hanya paused... Her sister would never say such words. Nor would she go so far as to gently blow against her earlobe while speaking.
Of course, if her sister were indeed like this, it might not be unwelcome. However, there was no need to dwell on it; only one person could freely come and go in the Underworld Palace with such mischievous intent—Su Jinyan.
Hanya icily pried away those hands. "What do you want...huh?"
The sight before her left Hanya stunned.
Behind her, covering her eyes, unmistakably stood her big sister.
Su Jinyan gently lifted Hanya's chin. "Little Sister, why such a surprised expression?"
Hanya furrowed her brow. "Big Sister, that's my question for you," she replied. "Something seems off about you today. Did something happen? And, since you mentioned going out on a mission, how did it go?"
Su Jinyan placed a finger over Hanya's lips. "Don't speak, Little Sister. Close your eyes, please. I just want some quiet time in your embrace."
Due to her constant work using dream divination, enduring the relentless barrage of Mara-related karma and information, Hanya had long grown indifferent to worldly affairs. Only when interacting with her fellow Judge, Big Sister Xueyi, did moments of genuine emotion surface.
Su Jinyan's warm hands caressed Hanya's smooth, porcelain-like back, her cheek softly resting against Hanya's chest, breathing evenly.
Hanya gently stroked his cheek, murmuring almost dreamily, "Big Sister..."
"Little sis," Su Jinyan slurped, "...slurp."
Hanya's patience snapped. "Can you please stop licking my fingers, Grand Diviner Su?!"
Su Jinyan fell silent.
The tender caress on Su Jinyan's cheek abruptly turned into a firm grip, pulling his face outward.
Her big sister would never act so childishly or lick her fingers like a puppy. It was utterly disappointing—simply appalling.
Despite possessing such exquisite illusionary skills, capable of perfectly replicating Big Sister's appearance and figure, this portrayal was riddled with flaws. It felt like a desecration to Hanya's beloved sibling, spoiling her mood entirely.
Did you know? Hanya truly adores her sister; she is unapologetically a siscon.
Hanya and Xueyi have relied on each other since childhood, inseparable with a deep bond.
If you could find a woven floral wreath for Hanya and personally place it upon her head, her affection towards you would significantly increase.
Reluctantly, Su Jinyan pulled away from Hanya's embrace. "I'll definitely come back, little sister."
Exhausted, Hanya waved him off. "Don't bother returning."
"I know you came looking for your big sister."
"Big Sister isn't here; she's out on a mission. It's uncertain when she'll return."
Su Jinyan fell silent and quietly departed.
Hanya mentally gave Su Jinyan a poor rating. With such a despicable character, only skilled at manipulating others' emotions, did he truly think he could be with Hanya's sister?
Hanya harbored a certain bias against Su Jinyan.
If only Su Jinyan would stay away from Xueyi, Hanya would undoubtedly treat him with utmost respect, serving him attentively to ensure his complete satisfaction. After all, he was Big Sister's savior, and that fact alone merited Hanya's gratitude.
However, as an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, Xueyi should have severed personal relationships entirely.
Moreover, Hanya didn't want her sister tainted by Su Jinyan's influence—she'd rather bear any burdens herself in Xueyi's place.
Shortly after...
Su Jinyan returned, stealthily covering Hanya's eyes.
"Little sister, don't turn around—it's me, Xueyi."
"Grand Diviner Su, how many times will you play this tiresome game?" Hanya turned, displeasure evident in her beautiful gaze. "I still have work to do. If you're bored, why not go find Huohuo to play with?"
"That child is quite timid; perhaps she can satisfy your perverse enjoyment of teasing others." Su Jinyan rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
Is Huohuo really that timid? If I suddenly appear behind her and give her a scare, would she burst forth with Hoegarden beer?
Su Jinyan dropped the act, speaking directly in his own voice, "Hanya, I want to surprise you."
Hanya's brow furrowed deeply. "Please continue using my sister's voice when talking to me," she said, visibly uncomfortable. "Seeing you like this makes me feel very uneasy."
"Little sister," Su Jinyan gently urged, "close your eyes, alright? I have a surprise for you."
Obediently, Hanya closed her beautiful eyes, hoping Su Jinyan would leave soon.
With a soft touch, he placed a floral wreath on Hanya's head.
"You can open your eyes now, little sister. See the surprise I've prepared for you." Su Jinyan lifted a bronze mirror, his voice tender.
Hanya opened her eyes, staring in amazement at her reflection. "Big Sister..."
Su Jinyan lightly clasped Hanya's delicate, ivory-like hands, intertwining their fingers. "Little sister."
Hanya pursed her lips, her lashes quivering slightly, unable to contain her inner joy.
"Close your eyes again, please, little sister," Su Jinyan whispered softly. "I have another surprise for you."
Hanya gently shut her eyes once more.
Smiling faintly, Su Jinyan revealed his true appearance, preparing to kiss Hanya's lips.
Just then, Xueyi arrived at the Underworld Palace with Tingyun and the dejected group in tow. Witnessing this scene, Xueyi's expression changed dramatically, her lips trembling as she murmured, "Little sister..."
Hanya sounded puzzled, "Hmm? Big Sister?"
Lost in memories of past happiness, Hanya failed to notice the approaching footsteps from afar.
She also completely overlooked that this time, her sister's voice was coming from a distance away.
Had Hanya opened her eyes promptly, she would have realized that her true sister had returned.
But she did not—
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow at Xueyi, silently saying: Xueyi, consider this your punishment for being disobedient.
Tingyun's lovely gaze shifted slightly, clearly understanding Su Jinyan's lip movements.
Initially, Tingyun wanted to intervene but hesitated, fearing it might displease her benefactor and lead to unfavorable consequences.
The little fox's expressive eyes darted, as a plan formed in her mind. Suddenly, she swiftly smacked March 7th's plump rear.
"Yikes!"
Caught off guard, March 7th couldn't help but exclaim loudly.