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In the dimly lit chamber,
Jingliu pushed open the door. "Luocha, Su Jinyan has arrived."
Luocha remained composed. "Do you wish to see him, Jingliu?"
After days of reflection, Luocha had emerged from his previous turmoil. The external slander, doubts, or any other criticisms no longer affected him; he regarded them all with indifference.
Jingliu nodded. "Of course, he still owes me a promise."
Su Jinyan had promised Jingliu that after resolving the Phantylia incident, he would personally deliver Blade to her. Now that Su Jinyan had voluntarily come to the Netherworld Manor, it was time for him to fulfill his pledge.
Luocha chuckled softly. "Xianzhou Luofu truly abounds with talent—first there's you, the esteemed Swordmaster of Luofu, a gem among peers."
"Then there's General Jing Yuan, the Divine Foresight, and the former High Elder, Imbibitor Lunae..."
"Now we have this new generation's Grand Diviner Su. In just one encounter, he pushed me to the brink, nearly causing my Dao heart to shatter."
Jingliu spoke slowly, "And let us not forget Jing Yuan's disciple, Yanqing. Though still emerging, his potential is indeed promising."
"However, without enduring bloodshed and countless battles, one cannot glimpse the true essence of swordsmanship."
"If given the chance, I might instruct him on what truly defines mastery."
Luocha pondered briefly before saying, "Jingliu, if you meet Grand Diviner Su, please convey a message from me."
"Just tell him, 'The riddle you posed to Luocha has been solved.'"
"And should you ever find yourself in a similar predicament as Luocha, how will you respond?"
With a slight nod, Jingliu opened the door and departed.
"...Unzip it," Hanya instructed.
As Tingyun burst into the Netherworld Manor, she just so happened to overhear this pivotal exchange at the most opportune moment.
Tingyun's lovely eyes chilled with frost. Thankfully, she had arrived in time.
Instead of diligently punishing sinners and rebuking wickedness as Lord Judges of the Ten-Tombs Commission, you dare to seduce this maiden's benefactor? Do you really think I'm that harmless?
Yet one aspect puzzled Tingyun greatly. Tempting her benefactor is one thing—but why hold a teapot?
Are you planning some novel game involving props, perhaps? Trying out new tricks with him?
Taking a deep breath, Tingyun sternly exclaimed, "Hold it right there—!"
"Judge Hanya, what do you intend to do to this maiden's benefactor?"
"If not for my timely arrival, you might have succeeded."
"You seem more fox-like than even me."
Hanya paused, visibly displeased. "Miss Tingyun, what exactly are you implying?"
"I'm merely following your benefactor's instructions."
"And besides, do you think I'd willingly comply?"
Su Jinyan, clearly dissatisfied, responded, "Hanya, you're being too distant."
"We'll be family eventually; pouring tea for me is hardly a burden. Why should you hesitate?"
Xueyi gently shook her head, "Little sister, it's just about pouring tea; no need to overreact."
Hanya's delicate, pale hands trembled slightly as she retorted with equal embarrassment and annoyance:
"Big Sister, is this truly just about tea?"
"You heard him earlier," Xueyi responded calmly, "A-Yan asked me to pour a cup of tea to 'fill...'"
Xueyi tilted her head quizzically, "...'Fill?'"
Hanya turned away coldly, suppressing her growing blush, "To fill what?"
"I believe he knows it all too well himself."
Su Jinyan was thoroughly bewildered by Hanya's reaction. "Wait, fill what else?"
"Haven't I already said it? Let's start with a warm cup of tea to fill..."
At that moment, Su Jinyan suddenly realized the issue.
Ah, now it makes sense! No wonder Hanya mentioned not wasting cups for tea—so that's the kind of Hanya you are!
Hanya finally understood, exclaiming, "What?! You meant to fill up, not to 'fill...'"
"What do you mean, 'fill'? What were you filling?!"
Just then, Stelle rushed into Netherworld Manor, dragging March 7th along hastily, and anxiously asked:
Su Jinyan replied curtly, "I told Hanya, 'Let's begin with a warm cup of tea to fill up.'"
Tingyun's charming face flushed red, her soft, fluffy tail swaying uneasily.
Upon hearing this, Jingliu quietly slipped away, deciding to take some time for herself first. There was no longer any need to relay Luocha's message.
At the very least, Su Jinyan and Luocha exhibited entirely different levels of ruthlessness. Not only was Xiao Didi merciless towards others, but he was even more brutal with himself—in the most extreme way possible.
He dared to publicly instruct someone to scald his vital parts with boiling water as a means to strengthen his will.
Luocha might harbor deep animosity towards Su Jinyan, but considering their shared ideologies, Jingliu felt compelled to dissuade him from such thoughts. After all, individuals as exceptionally ruthless as Su Jinyan were rare.
If he could inflict such pain on himself today, tomorrow he wouldn't hesitate to do the same to others. Should Luocha provoke him, there was a chance Su Jinyan would indeed use a similar method to publicly humiliate Luocha live on stream.
And by then, what scalds Luocha might not be just boiling water, but lava...
"Thrilling!" exclaimed Stelle.
March 7th remained utterly perplexed. "What's so surprising about that?"
Su Jinyan shrugged. "Exactly, little March, isn't it quite normal?"
Stelle's golden eyes sparkled with intense interest. "If possible, I must witness this firsthand!"
Alright, alright - so tea can be used this way too? Truly impressive, Su Jinyan.
Until now, she only knew that the steel wool's floral language signified wealth and resilience. As for tea's floral language, Stelle had never even considered it; after all, steel wool was bizarre enough on its own.
Only Su Jinyan could come up with such a twisted requirement as using tea to satisfy hunger.
Today, this Trailblazer is truly broadening her horizons!
Su Jinyan glanced at Stelle, feeling slightly puzzled—Why are you interested in everything?
"Sir Hanya," Stelle urged, "can we speed things up here?" She added, "If you're not capable, let me handle it."
With unwavering determination, Hanya thrust the teapot into her hands. "Then go ahead."
The corners of Stelle's lips curled upwards as she raised the teapot, ready to pour over his crotch.
"A-Yan, it might be a bit hot, but bear with it, it'll pass quickly."
"Hold it—" Tingyun and Xueyi exclaimed simultaneously.
Sweating profusely, Su Jinyan gripped Stelle's wrist in terror. "Wait, you're actually going through with this?"
At first, Su Jinyan thought Stelle was joking, but her eager demeanor suggested she might actually follow through if not stopped.
March 7th belatedly reacted, grabbing Stelle's wrist and pulling her away.
"How utterly embarrassing! Quickly, let's leave this place."
"Please, just indulge my curiosity," Stelle pleaded.
Su Jinyan pounded his chest in distress. "Oh, what wickedness!"
Kafka, your "well-behaved daughter" certainly has some peculiar ideas popping up now and then. This is f*cking too devoted—holding a pot of hot tea ready to pour at any moment. Even as her "father," I struggle to handle these bizarre notions.
March 7th, face flushed red, scolded sternly, "What's with all this curiosity? Come back with me right now!"
"With how despicable he is, many women would come after you if you caused harm here." Still unwilling to leave, Stelle persisted, "March, as courageous Trailblazers..."
"We embody the spirit of adventure, daring to accomplish what others cannot, forging new worlds."
"That's precisely the mission of Aeon Akivili!"
Those words sounded so convincing, but... hell no! "Akivili would turn over in his grave hearing this!"
"Go forth and blaze new trails—just what kind of 'new world' have you been blazing?" March 7th desperately tried to pull Stelle away, but she clung tightly to the doorframe, refusing to let go.
Tingyun's face darkened with frustration. "Lady Xueyi," she said, "this one is far too dangerous; we should lock her up."
Xueyi pondered for a moment. "By protocol, all present here today ought to be detained for a day."
"Miss Tingyun, especially, your repeated misconduct towards A-Yan clearly violates Xianzhou's laws."
"Were it not for A-Yan's intervention, I would have imprisoned you long ago."
Tingyun nearly burst out laughing in anger. "Fine, I admit my interest in our dear benefactor's body was improper."
"According to Xianzhou's laws, indeed, I am guilty."
"But Lady Xueyi, as a Lord Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, shouldn't knowingly breaking the law carry its own consequences?"
"There is no such provision in Xianzhou's laws," Xueyi replied mildly. "Is there truly a rule against mannequins falling in love with youths under two hundred years old? I doubt it."
"If you don't believe me, feel free to review the statutes yourself."
Left speechless, Tingyun momentarily paused. However, upon spotting Hanya, she swiftly redirected her ire at her.
"Well then, surely Lady Hanya isn't a mannequin?"
"As a Lord Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, Lady Xueyi, you mustn't show favoritism towards family."
"If you wish to apprehend me, you must capture her first."
Xueyi shook her head slightly. "Miss Tingyun, indeed I am not a mannequin."
"However, she does not reciprocate A-Yan's feelings; everything you witnessed was forced upon her by him," Xueyi continued. "As for using tea as sustenance, it was purely a misunderstanding."
Tingyun tearfully complained to Su Jinyan, seeking his intervention.
"Benefactor, they're both bullying me."
"They twist truth and justice, leaving me unable to reason with them."
"I clearly met Benefactor first, and it was also I who fell for you initially."
"But why..."
Watching Tingyun cling to him, feigning distress and pouring out her grievances, Su Jinyan pondered briefly. Deciding to seize this opportunity, he chose to reprimand Xueyi accordingly.
"Xueyi, do you acknowledge your mistake?" he asked sternly. "Have I not told you repeatedly to stop bullying Tingyun?"
"I recognize my error," Xueyi replied obediently.
Su Jinyan's voice deepened. "It is said, 'A nation has its laws, and a household its rules.'"
"As your superior, Xueyi, according to the Ten-Lords Commission's regulations, what do you think should be your punishment?"
In a soft tone, Xueyi responded, "Sir Envoy, as a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, I should never knowingly break the law or oppress innocent young women."
"I request that I be taken to the interrogation room for two hundred lashes, to be carried out immediately."
Su Jinyan readily agreed, "Very well, you said it yourself."
Hanya urgently called out, "Big Sister!"
Xueyi raised her hand to stop her, saying calmly, "Little Sister, there's no need to dissuade me; this is what I deserve."
Tingyun's lips parted slightly, her beautiful eyes wide with dismay, feeling somewhat regretful.
Though she intensely disliked Xueyi and Hanya, even grinding her teeth at their presence, hoping they would keep away from her Benefactor—deep down, Tingyun remained that kind-hearted little fox. She truly didn't wish to see Xueyi endure such a severe whipping.
Tingyun couldn't comprehend why, given the relationship between her Benefactor and Xueyi, such harsh punishment was deemed necessary.
"Benefactor, might I suggest lightening the penalty?" Tingyun asked softly, blinking her lovely eyes.
Su Jinyan stroked Tingyun's fox ears, giving her a gentle smile.
Before he could respond, Xueyi interjected firmly, "No, official matters must remain separate from personal affairs."
"In private, I am A-Yan's exclusive mannequin," Xueyi explained. "But during work, I am still a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, and A-Yan holds authority as an Envoy of the Ten Kings. He has the right to impose penalties upon me. Two hundred lashes, not less, only more if needed."
Hanya glared angrily at Su Jinyan.
"Hanya," Su Jinyan rebuked sternly, "there shall be no disrespect or insubordination. Do you also wish to receive the lash?"
Hanya shrank back half a step and whispered softly, "Um... please go easy on your big sister..."
"She's only regained her emotions recently; I'm afraid she might not handle it."
Tingyun felt increasingly guilty. They shared a deep bond as sisters—had she gone too far? "Benefactor, this humble one..."
Stelle clung to the doorframe, growing more anxious by the moment.
This couldn't continue! At this rate, Miss Tingyun would surely lose everything. Stelle had secretly placed a bet with Qingque, wagering a million credits on which of these maidens, aside from Sushang, would win Su Jinyan first.
Stelle had put her money on Tingyun, while Qingque had chosen Fu Xuan.
Who could have anticipated that despite Miss Tingyun's promising start, she'd bungle such a favorable situation so completely? If only Stelle herself were in her place, she would've already swept all rivals aside, leaving Su Jinyan utterly bewitched.
No matter what, Xueyi mustn't claim him first, or how would Stelle earn those credits from Qingque?
"Miss Tingyun, stop acting coy," urged Stelle. "Listen to the Strategist: just go for the kiss—it'll be more effective than anything else."
March 7th, exasperated, retorted, "If you keep giving such reckless advice, young lady, I will call Uncle Yang."
With determination, Stelle declared, "Even if Uncle Yang and Big Sister Himeko were here today..."
"...they couldn't deter my resolve to strategize for Miss Tingyun."
"Miss Tingyun, what are you still hesitating about?"
"Love thrives amidst strife; what if Su Jinyan's whipping sparks romantic feelings between him and Xueyi?"
Tingyun, no longer wavering, rose on her tiptoes and kissed him directly.
Stelle turned to glance at March 7th. "March, could it be that beneath your adorable exterior lies a mischievous heart? Are you eagerly anticipating seeing Su Jinyan lash Lady Xueyi with his whip?"
March 7th hastily waved her hands. "Not at all, not at all! How dare you slander me!"
Stelle nodded. "That's good. I'm merely trying to save Lady Xueyi from this predicament."
Xueyi's beautiful eyes remained composed, but her fists quietly clenched. "...An obstacle."
"Huh?" Did Stelle just hear Xueyi call her an obstacle?
After a long moment, their lips parted.
Panting softly, Tingyun gently said, "Benefactor, I too have been remiss."
"If punishment is necessary, let it be meted out privately once we return home...just between us." As she spoke, Tingyun caressed her lips, feeling slightly anxious.
For some reason, this kiss with her benefactor didn't feel as comfortable as their previous encounter.
Xueyi's voice chilled. "Shuttle Envoy Tingyun of the Sky-Faring Commission's merchant group, do not bring ruin upon yourself."
"You're interfering with matters of the Ten-Lords Commission."
"Even if the general himself were here today, he couldn't stop me from accepting my punishment."
Tingyun shot a provocative glance at Xueyi. "Oh~ Lady Xueyi, could it be that you have a penchant for masochism?" she teased. "Or perhaps seeing this humble one being intimate with our Benefactor makes you jealous?"
Xueyi's beautiful eyes grew colder.
Su Jinyan realized that this little fox was both inexperienced and prone to mischief. If only Tingyun had seized the opportunity to grab him and make a run for it, he wouldn't have objected. Instead, she insisted on provoking Xueyi further.
Leaving aside whether Tingyun could outmaneuver Xueyi in such a situation, there was also Hanya present. Pushed too far, Xueyi could easily call upon Hanya's assistance.
Whizz—
Several azure chains materialized out of thin air, swiftly binding Su Jinyan. With a tight grip, Xueyi yanked on the chains, pulling him directly to her side.
"Benefactor—!" Tingyun glared at Xueyi, demanding, "Lady Xueyi, what is the meaning of this? We were having a pleasant conversation; why suddenly attack our Benefactor?"
Xueyi stood on tiptoe, expressionless. "Tingyun, your earlier words were indeed correct," she stated calmly.
"Seeing you so intimate with A-Yan truly troubles me."
"Now, I must erase your traces from his lips."
Tingyun stared, bewildered.
As she spoke, Xueyi leaned in for a deep kiss on Su Jinyan's lips.
March 7th was left utterly dumbfounded, never expecting such a move from Xueyi.
"Not... Lady Xueyi, how shameless..."
Tingyun turned pleading eyes toward Stelle.
Looking exasperated, Stelle sighed, "This is beyond my control."
"Our opponent is too formidable; they've completely abandoned human decency."
"Oh no, she's a mannequin to begin with, so those feelings likely don't apply to her."
"Miss Tingyun, there's nothing I can do unless you can summon an ally..."
Tingyun's lovely face showed confusion, and her gaze slowly shifted from Stelle to rest upon March 7th. An ally?
Sushang had Guinaifen, Lady Xueyi had Hanya, but this humble maiden stood alone, without any allies.
March 7th hastily waved her hands, declining, "Don't look at me. There's absolutely no way I'll be your ally."
Tingyun's beautiful eyes dimmed. "Then Miss March, does that make you my enemy?"
"And Strategist, what about you?"
Stelle also gently shook her head. "As is widely known, Strategists do not take to the battlefield."
"If you lack allies," she continued, "perhaps you can hope for an even stronger adversary to defeat Xueyi instead.
"At least then, no one would obtain Su Jinyan."
Tingyun angrily stamped her foot. "In that case, this maiden might as well pray to the Arrow of the Emperor's Decree, hoping our Benefactor changes his mind!"
Despite their passionate kiss, doubts arose within Xueyi's mind. Why did it feel less satisfying than before? Could it be due to insufficient stimulation?
With this thought, Xueyi removed her boots and delicately lifted her pale, silk-like feet. Her arms, wrapped around Su Jinyan, gradually slid down to his waist. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xueyi gracefully leaped into Su Jinyan's embrace, her tender jade feet securely hooking around his back.
Whispering softly into Su Jinyan's ear, Xueyi said, "Everyone must face punishment for their mistakes, including me.
"A-Yan, please bring me to the interrogation room; I deserve the lash."
Tingyun's cheeks flushed red, rendered speechless by this blatant overstep. "Benefactor, don't let that wicked woman deceive you!" In desperation, she rushed forward, trying to pry Xueyi off Su Jinyan. "Get down right now, you vixen! The Benefactor belongs to this maiden."
March 7th murmured sympathetically, "Poor Miss Tingyun."
"Little Su'zi is truly going too far," Stelle muttered while rubbing her temples. "He should at least make it clear who he likes."
"Tingyun, you're definitely the most ineffectual fox I've ever seen," she added.
"In both books and movies, Miss Tingyun ought to come out on top," Stelle continued.
Tingyun's charming face stiffened as she glared through teary eyes, silently conveying, After all my suffering, you still choose to stab me in the heart, huh?
Of course, Su Jinyan wouldn't simply walk to the interrogation room with Xueyi in his arms like this. Doing so might risk losing favor with Tingyun. Instead, he wanted to observe how Tingyun would handle the situation.
With tears welling up in her beautiful eyes, Tingyun considered her best strategy for intimidation. Her plan involved capturing an intimate moment between Xueyi and Su Jinyan, threatening to post it online to force Xueyi away.
However, Judge Xueyi could effortlessly disable Tingyun's jade divination tablet with a mere thought.
A sudden idea struck Tingyun; she grasped Xueyi's delicate feet and gently tickled them with her tail.
As a Judge, your greatest mistake was regaining emotions—something you should never have done.
Xueyi looked puzzled. Although feeling slightly ticklish, why did it seem...not quite as unbearable as expected?
While Tingyun subjected Xueyi to this torment,
Thump, thump, thump!
The sound of something heavy rolling across the Netherworld Manor's eaves echoed abruptly.
"Who's there?!" Xueyi's charming face tensed, and she hastily jumped off Su Jinyan.
Hanya urgently whispered, "Big Sister, someone is eavesdropping from the roof."
Judges were strictly forbidden from forming close relationships with members of the six divisions—a clear directive within the Ten-Lords Commission. If word spread about this encounter, it would be disastrous for both Xueyi and Hanya, who could expect severe punishment.
Su Jinyan forced herself to remain calm. "Don't panic; I know who it is."
Tingyun's lips parted slightly as she noticed that her usually fearless benefactor seemed somewhat anxious. For someone capable of eliciting such unease...
This young lady had a hunch about who might have arrived.
Oh no, now she feared even the soup dregs would be out of reach.
As the dust settled, a petite figure clad in pink slowly approached the Netherworld Manor.
"Hmph, Xueyi, Hanya, Tingyun," Fu Xuan began sternly. "Well done, hiding your mischief from this venerable one and recklessly mistreating my beloved disciple. Had not this venerable one felt uneasy and performed a divination, revealing danger upon my disciple, you truly might have gotten away with it."
Fu Xuan strode forward, her diminutive frame exuding an indisputable aura of authority. "A-Yan, come to this venerable one's side."
Su Jinyan cast a puzzled glance at Fu Xuan. Why was there a trace of shimmer on Shizun's lip? Was she just waking up?
Noticing Su Jinyan's gaze, Fu Xuan raised her eyebrow and chided him, "Well? Hurry over here."
Su Jinyan obediently stepped closer to Fu Xuan and whispered near her ear, "Shizun, your lip."
Subtly, Fu Xuan wiped away the glistening trace at the corner of her mouth.
Hmph, if not for this disobedient disciple, would I have lost my composure like this?
"Xueyi, as a Lord Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, you know the law yet break it," Fu Xuan scolded. "This venerable one clearly instructed you to supervise Tingyun, preventing harm from befalling A-Yan. How dare you exploit your position for personal gain! Explain yourself—why did you molest this venerable one's disciple?"
Under Fu Xuan's scrutiny, both Tingyun and Hanya shifted their gazes guiltily.
Xueyi defended, "Grand Diviner Fu, there seems to be a misunderstanding; I was not molesting your beloved disciple. Rather, I was extracting evidence of Miss Tingyun's misconduct towards A-Yan."
Tingyun trembled with anger—twisting facts, turning truth upside down, were there no laws aboard this Xianzhou anymore?
Fu Xuan retorted indignantly, "Yet this venerable one distinctly saw you initiating kisses with A-Yan."