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[Kafka has invited you to join the "Stellaron Hunter Family" chat.]
Su Jinyan felt puzzled; did Kafka invite the wrong person? How am I suddenly a Stellaron Hunter?
[Kafka: You read it right, the invitation is indeed for you.]
After a brief moment of thought, Su Jinyan modified his nickname and accepted the invitation.
[System Notification: Everyone's Favorite Dad has joined the chat. Greet him warmly!]
[Silver Wolf: Grow up, when will you become as mature as me?]
As he typed, Silver Wolf forcibly changed Su Jinyan's group nickname.
[Kafka: Hi, Grand Diviner Su, long time no see.]
[Silver Wolf: Welcome, welcome! Our big family has a new member.]
[Blade: Are you going to be mean to a little kitten? (Cat Emoji)]
Uh, it was hard to imagine Blade sending such adorable cat emojis—playing with contrasts, huh?
Su Jinyan couldn't resist and responded with a gif of petting a cat's head.
Instantly, Blade replied with a silly panda meme.
[Blade: Eldest Brother, Swinging on a Swing.JPG]
Without exchanging a single word, they engaged in a fierce emoji battle within the group, volleying back and forth.
[Silver Wolf: This dog of a group member is infuriating.]
[Silver Wolf: Stop flooding the chat with memes; let's talk about something serious.]
[Su Jinyan: Who would've thought that beneath Blade's icy demeanor, seemingly bloodthirsty exterior, lies quite the secretly playful character.]
[Blade: Cute (Cat Emoji)]
[Silver Wolf: Blade usually doesn't use his phone; just now it was Sam playing around.]
[Su Jinyan: Sam?]
[Kafka: Indeed, Sam is also one of our Stellaron Hunters.]
[Su Jinyan: Then let me ask you this—since you call Blade "Bladie," do you usually address Sam as "Sammie"?]
[Silver Wolf: Seriously, that's not even remotely funny.]
[Su Jinyan: Come on, aren't you smart enough to appreciate my humor?]
[Kafka: Grand Diviner Su, do you know why I added you to this group?]
[Su Jinyan: Of course, I have the Stelle in my possession. If you want it, trade Silver Wolf for it.]
[Kafka: That's not what I meant.]
[Su Jinyan: Ah, honestly, I didn't mean it maliciously. My apologies for unintentionally making light of your pregnancies. Go ahead and have them; I'll take care of them.]
[Silver Wolf: No, that's still not it. Can we please stick to serious matters?]
[Su Jinyan: As a distinguished official of Xianzhou, blessed by Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker, may I inquire why you Stellaron Hunters dragged me into this chat? Are you harboring some nefarious intentions?]
[Kafka: No, I merely wanted to inform you. In the coming days, there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate.]
[Su Jinyan: Collaborate?]
[Kafka: Yes, haven't we had a pleasant collaboration before?]
[Silver Wolf: Pleasant? Not so much from our side, I'd say!]
[Su Jinyan: You wish to enlist my help in hunting Stellarons, don't you?]
[Kafka: Precisely, it would be a mutual endeavor where each party gains their desired outcome.]
[Su Jinyan: Please elaborate.]
[Silver Wolf: You know well that learning the truth at the wrong time can render long-standing efforts futile.]
[Kafka: Grand Diviner Su, at least we've never been your enemies.]
Su Jinyan gently furrowed his brow.
This statement was indeed accurate; so far, the Stellaron Hunters had consistently followed their predetermined script.
Kafka and Silver Wolf continually displayed goodwill towards him, and Blade only fell into Mara's influence due to Dan Shu's manipulation.
The crucial point, however, was that he couldn't think of any compelling reason why he should cooperate with Kafka and her group.
[Su Jinyan: What benefits would I gain from collaborating with you?]
[Kafka: Hmm... Silver Wolf, it's up to your persuasive skills whether we win over Grand Diviner Su or not.]
[Silver Wolf: Of course there are benefits. The reward will be playing arcade games together—a privilege few others enjoy.]
[Su Jinyan: Is this more of a reward for me or for you?]
[Silver Wolf: ...]
[Kafka: As per Silver Wolf's mention, Stelle is with you now, isn't she?]
[That child has been under your care, occasionally coming up with surprising ideas. I hope you don't mind.]
[If you have time tonight, bring Stelle along for a casual dinner here.]
[Su Jinyan: How could I mind our daughter, Mother Kafka?]
After sending these messages, the group chat quickly fell silent.
[Silver Wolf: This darned chat is always like this, people vanish mid-conversation.]
[I'm logging off too. A-Yan, remember to continue working on our Three Kingdoms Killer game.]
Su Jinyan fell into deep thought, it seemed Kafka tacitly agreed.
Honestly, having a mom like Kafka was indeed Stelle's fortune.
Kafka undoubtedly wouldn't let our daughter go hungry; she would ensure ample nutrition for her.
Tsk, speaking of which, Su Jinyan realized he was genuinely feeling a bit hungry.
Although receiving the Benevolent Medicine King's blessing had granted him the ability to abstain from food, old habits die hard when it comes to three meals a day.
Seeing Su Jinyan put down his phone, Xueyi tilted her head and asked, "Who were you chatting with?"
"Does it bother you?" replied Su Jinyan.
Xueyi whispered softly, "Do you think I should be bothered?"
"I must admit, it does bother me somewhat. But if you believe there's no need for concern, then I won't be bothered."
"Big Sister..."
Hanya observed this exchange, feeling slightly bitter inside.
As Big Sister gradually regained her human emotions, Hanya ought to have been happy.
However, Hanya still couldn't accept it.
How could her beloved Big Sister Xueyi act so timid around Su Jinyan?
If only there was a way to make Su Jinyan lose interest in other women and remain devoted solely to her sister, that would be ideal.
In that case, even if Hanya served as a backdrop to their affection, it would be worth it as long as it made her sister happy.
Su Jinyan gently held Xueyi's delicate hand and said, "No, you certainly have every right to feel upset."
"Xueyi, there's no need for you to accommodate my feelings in our relationship."
"If you do something wrong, I will discipline you."
"And likewise, if I make mistakes, you can also discipline me."
Hesitantly, Xueyi asked, "Then... who were you chatting with?"
Su Jinyan replied, "Kafka and Silver Wolf. They were expressing gratitude for the help they received recently."
Xueyi, puzzled, inquired, "Help?"
With a serious expression, Su Jinyan explained, "Yes, I helped them experience the profoundness of maternal love."
"They are deeply grateful and wished to continue feeling this sensation."
"But I declined," Su Jinyan continued sternly. "Such opportunities are rare, and I don't want to reward them unnecessarily."
A hint of surprise flickered in Hanya's eyes. "The Stellaron Hunter's interests truly stand out."
"In my encounters with numerous criminals, quite a few shared similar inclinations," Su Jinyan remarked dismissively. "For them, pain is oddly pleasurable."
"That's just twisted," Su Jinyan stated disdainfully.
"Such twisted fetishes genuinely disgust me."
"At least I only enjoy the sight of young girls' white-socked feet gently stepping around."
Hanya remained silent.
Do you really have the right to mock them?
Coincidentally, Xueyi was also wearing pure white stockings, her sensual yet slender legs elegantly crossed.
Upon hearing Su Jinyan's comment, Xueyi couldn't help but recall the day they spent alone together.
Back then, although Su Jinyan's demeanor was somewhat harsh, he treated her beautiful white-stockinged legs with utmost reverence, as if they were precious treasures not to be desecrated.
So, he's a leg fetishist...
Feeling slightly reassured, Xueyi responded calmly, "If thou truly desires it, later, I shall strive to fulfill thy wish."
Hanya grasped Xueyi's delicate hand, her lovely eyes filled with concern. "Big Sister, there's no need to compromise yourself for him."
"You've only recently regained your emotions, and I believe that in any relationship, giving should be mutual."
"It shouldn't be one-sided, with one person constantly demanding while the other merely gives..."
Su Jinyan, dissatisfied, retorted, "Who are you calling out? Who do you think only knows how to demand?"
"While it's true I haven't known Xueyi for long, nor can my feelings match yours as her sister,"
"I still rushed to her side immediately when I learned she was in danger that night."
"Furthermore, before coming here, I had already prepared a gift for Xueyi."
"A gift, is it...for me?" Despite her even tone, joy was evident in Xueyi's eyes.
Su Jinyan nodded, "Yes, Xueyi. Considering your role as a Judge of Restriction involves potential dangers, I've prepared a Light Cone from the Flowing Light Court as your gift."
The advantage of an unsealed Light Cone lies in its ability to encapsulate a specific, real-life memory chosen by the user. Depending on the quality of the memory, the power awakened within the Light Cone can vary significantly. Once sealed, however, that particular memory cannot be repeatedly re-sealed.
Given this gift was intended for Xueyi's protection, Su Jinyan decided to encapsulate his most explosive and intense memory, hoping the Light Cone could withstand it.
A dazzling golden light flickered within the Underworld Palace.
However, the memory contained in the Light Cone began to destabilize, with the golden glow pulsating erratically, indicating signs of possible failure.
Suddenly, darkness engulfed Su Jinyan's vision, followed by the appearance of a hazy figure. Composed of mirror fragments, the figure's features were distorted by repeated refractions, becoming indiscernible.
Countless memories surged before Su Jinyan's eyes, swiftly flowing past.
The figure lasted for barely half a second before abruptly vanishing from Su Jinyan's sight.
Su Jinyan looked around uneasily.
Who was that just now?
Xueyi and Hanya remained completely oblivious to the strange occurrence.
[Fool, would you like to know what happened moments ago?]
[The Light Cone could not sustain this memory fragment. Fuli personally intervened to stabilize it.]
[And in doing so, He revealed a truth so hilarious it makes one burst out laughing.]
[I dare say, if word of this spreads, Nanook will undoubtedly become the universe's laughingstock once again.]
A truth so hilariously revealing?
Feeling puzzled, Su Jinyan couldn't help but glance at the Light Cone before him.
[Saint's Gaze]
[Rarity: ★★★★★★]
[Skill Name: Painful Demise]
[Effects below apply exclusively to those with the Destruction Fate]
[Skill Effect: Increases the wearer's attack power by 30%. Has a 10% chance to induce pregnancy and childbirth state on enemies.]
[For the next 5 minutes, they experience the extreme agony akin to repeated miscarriages; ineffective against powerful beings.]
[Light Cone Story: The Aeon of Destruction, Nanook, desperately wished to bring ruin upon His own pregnant belly but found Himself unable to do so, instead enduring the helpless pain of impending childbirth.]
[Despite causing countless worlds to wither and perish, extinguishing untold civilizations and species,]
[Yet for those who conform to Its will, even willingly embracing the "Destruction" fate path, It still provides a lifeline, postponing their doom.]
[It particularly delights in casting glances at powerful beings across various worlds who harbor impulses of destruction, marking them and bestowing upon them strength.]
[The capture of Its Emissary of Destruction, Phantylia, is inconsequential to Nanook, as annihilating the Roaming Immortal Ark would merely require a single thought.]
[However, you possess boundless potential. If you truly wish to embark on the "Destruction" fate path and follow Nanook,]
[It shall spare your life and elevate you as an Emissary of Destruction.]
[But Nanook never anticipated that its favored one would be subjected to such humiliation.]
Su Jinyan was left speechless, feeling both astonished and somewhat torn between laughter and tears.
What a pity, what a pity.
Had he known about Nanook's intentions earlier, he should have first accepted Nanook's blessing before glaring it into pregnancy.
Reading the description on the Light Cone, Xueyi and Hanya fell into silence.
"I've long heard that the Garden of Recollection's Light Cones possess immense power."
"As witnessed today, their reputation is indeed well-deserved."
"However, isn't giving such a precious Light Cone to me quite wasteful?"
Su Jinyan gently shook his head. "Keep it; its true potential can only be realized with you."
"I now hold a high position and must also consider my reputation," Xueyi murmured softly. "If someone were to witness me using such dark arts, it could have detrimental effects."
Hanya reassured her, "A-Yan, Big Sister and I will keep this matter strictly confidential between us. You shouldn't disclose it either, to avoid unnecessary gossip."
Intrigued, Su Jinyan asked, "Unnecessary gossip? Hanya, are there many influential figures within the Alliance who dislike me?"
Hanya slightly shook her head. "Not at all. The higher-ups of the Xianzhou Alliance actually have great expectations for you."
"In fact, there's something I'm unsure whether I should mention or not."
Xueyi nodded, "Little sister, we'll be family from now on. There should be no secrets among family; feel free to share."
Hanya explained, "A-Yan, as a Judge of the Interrogation Division, I have priority access to information."
"As your elder, I typically receive information first and then share it with you," Hanya replied without hesitation, her words rapid-fire as she disclosed the matter concerning Su Jinyan.
The Xianzhou Alliance had always stood united, presenting a cohesive front against external threats for millennia. However, within its ranks lurked some stubborn old fossils with antiquated mindsets, and among them were those harboring ulterior motives.
The Vidyadhara clan was one of the three foundational pillars of the Alliance, their bloodline tracing back to the Imperishable Dragon itself. They possessed a rare mechanism of eternal life: at the end of their long lifespans, the Chi Ming would return to the Fossil Sea, forming pearl-like eggs where they quietly awaited rebirth.
Through this cycle, individuals of the Vidyadhara clan achieved immortality, albeit with the loss of most past memories upon each rebirth.
However, the Vidyadhara now lacked the ability to reproduce naturally; unless through spontaneous reincarnation, they could no longer undergo the cycle of rebirth.
To put it simply, every time a member of the current Vidyadhara clan died, their numbers diminished irreversibly.
On the day of the decisive battle against Phantylia, numerous Chi Ming viewers witnessing the live stream unexpectedly entered a state akin to pregnancy due to Su Jinyan's presence. The Dragon Masters of Light were ecstatic, eager to honor him as their esteemed guest.
Unfortunately, this was not true pregnancy in any meaningful sense.
After about an hour, the Chi Ming women's bellies deflated once more.
Following that day, the Vidyadhara appointed a Dragon Master to submit a formal request to the six rulers.
The content of the request was straightforward: the Vidyadhara Dragon Master sought to engage Su Jinyan as a consultant for their clan.
The Dragon Master hoped that with Su Jinyan's assistance, the Vidyadhara could restore their reproductive capabilities.
In itself, there was nothing inherently wrong with this proposal. However, the Dragon Master also wished for the Alliance not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Vidyadhara, allowing them complete autonomy in conducting this research.
Both the six rulers and the Ten-Lords Commission jointly rejected the request, issuing a stern warning to the Vidyadhara Dragon Master against harboring any ulterior motives.
The Xianzhou Alliance had a clear understanding of what the Dragon Master truly desired.
On the surface, under the guise of hiring Su Jinyan, the intention was to invite him to discuss restoring the Vidyadhara's fertility. But requesting non-interference from the Xianzhou Alliance raised intriguing questions about their stance.
The precedent set by Imbibitor Lunae still loomed large.
Thus, the Xianzhou Alliance's position was unequivocal—Enough is enough.
As long as no action was taken, they would tolerate whatever thoughts the Dragon Masters entertained.
Attempting harm against Grand Diviner Su would, at its gravest, constitute a violation of one of the Unforgivable Ten Evils—undermining alliances.
To prevent Su Jinyan from harboring distrust towards the Chi Ming people upon learning this, the Xianzhou Alliance kept it secret.
Hanya sighed with relief. "I've been hesitating whether to reveal this matter or not."
"Indeed, speaking it out feels much better now," she added.
Xueyi's beautiful eyes shimmered with coldness. "The actions of the Dragon Master of Light seem quite excessive."
"However, A-Yan, please don't equate all Chi Ming people with the Dragon Master of Light."
"The deeds of one individual cannot represent the entire Timing clan."
Su Jinyan waved his hand dismissively. "Of course I understand that distinction."
"I have previously interacted with the current Vidyadhara High Elder—the medicine-carrying Dragon Girl, Lady Bailu," Xueyi continued, her gaze softening.
"What was your impression of Dragon Girl Bailu?" she asked.
Bailu, not only lively and charming, but also possessed a healer's compassionate heart, akin to his own—they both shared a deep aversion to seeing patients suffer. When treating patients, Bailu often preferred to close her eyes.
In contrast, Su Jinyan emphasized swift healing, aiming to alleviate a patient's pain immediately and comprehensively.
It seemed peculiar, though; as the Vidyadhara High Elder, shouldn't Bailu have had the right to be informed and exercise veto power on such matters? Could it be that Bailu's authority was undermined, leaving her with the title of High Elder in name only, unable to rally the Chi Ming people?
He himself had benefited from Bailu's kindness before, having tasted her medicinal dragon saliva numerous times within the Simulated Universe. If he found the opportunity, he would need to clarify the situation with that little rascal Bailu, ensuring she wasn't unjustly mistreated.
With a serious expression, Su Jinyan stated, "Like me, Bailu embodies a healer's benevolent heart."
Xueyi looked puzzled.
Hanya asked, "A-Yan, you're also a healer?"
Su Jinyan smiled warmly, "Of course! I am a kind-hearted and compassionate priest."
"And this is acknowledged by none other than the Plagues Author himself."
"Xueyi, come with me later; the esteemed Priest wishes to examine your mannequin body."
With a pout, Xueyi hesitated before finally managing to say, "Thou truly... Thou truly redefines the profession of 'priest'."
"In my heart, priests were once considered very sacred."
Su Jinyan queried, "And now?"
Xueyi turned her face away reluctantly, "...Even more sacred now."
Hanya was astounded, speechless. "Big Sister..."
No, Big Sister, Hanya feels quite estranged from you now. Could you at least turn back when lying?
Su Jinyan wrapped his arm around Xueyi's slender waist. "Truth or lie?"
Xueyi tilted her head. "Wouldst thou prefer truth or falsehood?"
"Of course, the truth," Su Jinyan replied.
Xueyi couldn't help but gently caress her graceful, ivory legs, lightly biting her lip.
"The truth is..." she began, pausing for effect. "I wish for thee to promptly repair my mannequin body."
Su Jinyan's heart skipped a beat—was he being flirted with by Xueyi?
Outside the Underworld Palace, within a small pavilion, Tingyun pondered for quite some time before ultimately sending a text to Yukong.
Little Fox's Benefactor: Lady Yukong, what do you think of A-Yan as a person?
Fengyu Caihong 7854: Why ask such a question? Did you have a quarrel?
A-Yan's unconventional actions often invite criticism.
However, from my perspective, if Xianzhou Luofu is to rise again, his type of talent is indispensable.
Of course, if he has wronged you in any way, feel free to let me know; I will ensure justice is served.
Little Fox's Benefactor: That's not what I meant, dear lady.
Fengyu Caihong 7854: Oh?
Little Fox's Benefactor: There are so many wicked women lusting after our Benefactor's affections, it's overwhelming. What I mean is, when it comes to Lady Yukong, I wouldn't mind at all.
Lady Yukong, would you be bothered by Qing Ni having another father?
Inside the Palace of Astrum, Yukong's eyelid twitched, her anger simmering.
Qing Ni was the daughter of Yukong's friend whom she had adopted. Could it be that Tingyun, spending too much time with A-Yan, has forgotten my methods?
In her youth, Tingyun had been spirited and assertive, her actions bold and decisive. The older generation of Xianzhou residents often referred to her as a rebellious young maiden, with tales of her breaking six consecutive traffic lights—a remarkable feat.
At the age of two hundred forty-six, Yukong was well past her youthful indulgences; the thought of romance seemed utterly inconceivable to her. It was only due to her good-natured temperament that she tolerated such teasing from Tingyun. Had anyone else dared to jest like this face-to-face, Yukong would have sternly reprimanded them until tears welled up in their eyes.
Considering their long years of collaboration, Yukong chose to forgive Tingyun's audacity for now.
[Fengyu Caihong 7854: ...This matter must never be mentioned again!]
[I warned you last time to take initiative or risk missing your chance, yet it seems you didn't heed my advice at all.]
[With someone like A-Yan, you need to be proactive.]
[If he resists, just force him—make him experience such ecstasy day and night that he'll forget about other women entirely.]
As Tingyun read Yukong's messages, her lovely cheeks flushed with embarrassment, gently biting her lip.
I understand your intentions, Lady Yukong, but forcing him without romance seems rather unappealing.
This reflects Tingyun's inherent nature. Most foxfolk, when young, are mischievous and charming, prone to vigorously tugging at others' hair upon meeting them.
But not Tingyun. This little girl with pointed ears always exuded a gentle demeanor. Not only did she refrain from pulling anyone's hair, even if someone teased her locks, she would respond with an innocent, carefree smile and softly urge them to stop in her delicate voice.
It was precisely her warm temperament and exceptional talent that led to Luofu's fleet losing an aerialist yet gaining a brilliant new star in trade history.
Through Tingyun's diligent efforts, she established trade delegations connecting sixteen worlds and renegotiated reciprocal agreements with the Interastral Peace Corporation.
Unlike other foxfolk, Tingyun approached relationships with utmost sincerity. She believed that love should naturally unfold like water finding its course. When emotions deepened, it would organically create romantic memories for both parties.
Honestly, Tingyun initially had the best chance of taking the lead.
If not for Silver Wolf's deliberate mischief that night, her benefactor would have long been thoroughly devoured by now.
Who knows what chance Fu Xuan, Qingque, and Xueyi might've had then?
Hee hee, with just a bit more effort tonight, enticing my benefactor could seal the deal.
A seductive smile graced Tingyun's lips as she licked them delicately with her pink tongue.
The Trailblazer was absolutely right; whoever establishes the relationship first must guard against other ill-intentioned women. Although Lady Xueyi seems to be winning now, once I capture the Benefactor's heart, her chances will crumble entirely.
Tingyun gracefully rose from her seat, apologetic. "Ladies, please excuse me momentarily."
"I believe the Benefactor is still waiting for me at the Underworld Palace."
Xing Mei gently shook her head, stopping her. "Miss Tingyun, I advise you not to go there right now."
"Eh? Why?" Both March 7th and Tingyun looked curiously at her.
With solemn eyes, Stelle said, "Miss Tingyun, do you truly wish for me to reveal this harsh truth?"
"In my opinion, since you're so fond of Su Jinyan, it might be best if you part ways with him."
Tingyun chided her, "What do you mean by that?"
As Stelle quoted wisely, "'Rather tear down ten temples than disrupt one marriage.'"
"Are you saying you don't want to see this humble maiden happily in love with our Benefactor?"
March 7th chimed in, showing her agreement: "Yeah, why don't you just explain yourself?"
"Even I think your reasoning is quite unreasonable," March 7th added.
Stelle pursed her thin lips, exuding sympathy for their plight. "I fear Miss Tingyun won't shed tears until she sees the trash heap herself."
"I'll ask you directly—how skilled is Little Su'zi in that aspect?" Tingyun blushed and lightly scolded, "This humble maiden hasn't tried it yet."
With a hint of malice, Stelle suggested, "Unless he has some unspoken issues in that department."
Tingyun firmly dismissed the notion, "Impossible! Our Benefactor is exceptionally talented."
March 7th's cheeks flushed red, torn between covering one ear or both.
Sighing, Stelle said, "Just look at Judges Xueyi and Hanya."
"But they're sisters; their bond enhances their abilities."
"We've been away for so long; barging in now would be terribly awkward, wouldn't it?"
"Must you wait until Lady Xueyi turns into a cream-filled pastry before you're satisfied?"
Confused, Tingyun furrowed her brow, "What does 'cream-filled pastry' mean?"
"I don't quite understand this. Could you explain it further?"
Stelle's eyes widened dramatically. "Miss Tingyun, are all the foxes on Xianzhou as innocent as you?"
"Eh?" Tingyun replied, puzzled.
March 7th hastily pulled Stelle aside. "Hey, stop filling Miss Tingyun's head with such unhealthy knowledge."
"Just imagining myself in Miss Tingyun's shoes breaks my heart," Stelle lamented.
Tingyun's charming face gradually grew somber. "Although I still don't fully grasp it..."
"I can roughly guess what you're discussing."
Stelle murmured to herself, "Once upon a time, I was also an incredibly naive and beautiful maiden..."
"Until I met my life mentor, little March—"
Embarrassed and flustered, March 7th pleaded, "Stop! Please, it wasn't even me who taught you these things!"
Gently taking her snow-white hand, Stelle continued, "Honored Teacher March, those hidden romance novels opened up a whole new world for me."
March 7th, cheeks flushed, avoided eye contact. "Those were romance novels ordered by a friend of mine."
"I only borrowed them out of curiosity, mind you."
Slyly activating her phone's recording feature, Stelle offered March 7th an easy way out: "The friend you mentioned, isn't it Su Jinyan?"
"Did you get all these unhealthy romance novels from Su Jinyan?"
March and Stelle shared their hearts; Stelle used her wits for March.
Little March, don't blame me—blame this filthy world.
March 7th's lips parted slightly, but she swallowed back the words about to spill forth.
"No... It wasn't him..."
"It was purely out of my own curiosity that I subscribed to those books," she clarified.
Shocked, Stelle paled. "March, oh little March."
"What kind of love potion has Su Jinyan fed you?! Would you rather face social death than pin this on him?" Stelle exclaimed incredulously.
March 7th blushed deeply. "No, it's not like that," she insisted. "It simply wouldn't be moral to blame such matters on a friend." She paused before adding firmly, "I wouldn't speak ill of anyone behind their back, even if it were you."
Feeling ashamed, Stelle bowed her head. "Saint..."
"Saint?" echoed March 7th.
Stelle abruptly clasped March 7th's small hands. "Saint March! Miss Saint March, your pure and flawless radiance purifies my tainted soul!"
March 7th pursed her lips, exasperated. "Oh come on, can't we just act normal for once?"
"Huh? Where did Miss Tingyun go?"
While they were engrossed in their conversation, Tingyun had quietly slipped away.
Stelle's expression shifted slightly. "Oh no, Miss Tingyun might be going to catch them in the act."
"Quick, quick! We can't miss this exciting spectacle."
March 7th looked puzzled.
A few minutes earlier, at the Netherworld Manor.
Xueyi bit her lip gently, pulling taut a thin white silk until it stretched to its limit, then releasing it.
Snap!
The white stocking snapped onto her slender, fair legs with a crisp sound.
"It seems this area is getting somewhat rusty too."
"Would you accompany me to the side room for some maintenance?"
Xueyi's gaze remained composed, yet her soft, delicate body slowly drew closer into his embrace.
"Or perhaps, have little sister step aside, and we can do it right here?"
Hanya blinked, puzzled.
Su Jinyan stood frozen, unable to respond.
Undeniably, Xueyi's proposition was incredibly tempting. However, it was far too risky. Outside the Netherworld Manor awaited Tingyun, little March, and his "devoted daughter" Stelle.
If he accepted Xueyi's offer for maintenance and were caught by Tingyun, there would be no easy explanation. Su Jinyan waved his hand politely declining, "Let's talk about this later; Tingyun and the others are still waiting outside."
"Hanya, could you please bring me a cup of hot tea first? I need something to quench my hunger."
Hanya's beautiful eyes widened, momentarily stunned. "Wait, I might not have heard correctly... Could you repeat that?"
Taken aback, Su Jinyan hesitantly asked again, "Could you bring me a cup of hot tea to satisfy my hunger?"
Xueyi looked at Hanya, puzzled. "Little sister, why haven't you gone to pour the tea yet?"
Hanya's expression turned complicated. "Well, aren't you particular about cleanliness..."
Su Jinyan blinked, utterly bewildered.
This request was truly outrageous. Having experienced countless Dreamscapes, Hanya had witnessed a myriad of human behaviors. Yet, such an absurd demand was something she'd never encountered before. Even more baffling was that her own big sister seemed to side with A-Yan, urging her swiftly to serve the tea.
With these thoughts, Hanya took a deep breath and reluctantly picked up the teapot, narrowing her eyes as she said, "Let's not waste cups. A-Yan, unzip your jacket."
Su Jinyan stared, dumbfounded.
Xueyi also looked on, equally perplexed.
Just then, Tingyun burst into the room.