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I merely wanted to taste Bailu's dragon saliva, yet saying so could lead to Jingliu mincing me into stuffing? That intense, huh?
As everyone knew, Su Jinyan had a friend who particularly adored young girls like Bailu.
[Please write an essay of at least five hundred words describing your friend's favorite loli archetype and explain why it applies to Bailu.]
If Fu Xuan weren't present, Su Jinyan would have eagerly detailed Bailu's virtues to Jingliu.
Instead, he adopted a serious expression and said, "You mentioned Miss Bailu?"
"She is indeed my close confidante; we share a bond forged through life-threatening circumstances."
Jingliu sounded puzzled. "A bond forged through life-threatening circumstances?"
Fu Xuan was equally confused. When did this traitorous disciple develop such a bond with the Dragon Girl? How come this venerable one remained unaware?
Su Jinyan fabricated a tale on the spot. "You might not believe me, but during my pregnancy, Bailu served as my midwife."
Fu Xuan stared, incredulous.
After a moment of silence, Jingliu slowly responded, "Xiao Didi, if anyone else claimed this, I definitely wouldn't believe them."
"However, coming from you, it sounds quite convincing."
After all, this was the man who had spread the greatness of maternal love throughout the entire universe and even managed to impregnate the Embercalamity Ancestor.
For such a man, having a child seemed entirely plausible.
Su Jinyan asked, "Are you seeking Bailu's medical assistance to alleviate your Mara-Struck condition?"
Jingliu shook her head slightly. "Xiao Didi, just accompany me there; don't inquire about the rest."
Fu Xuan timely cleared their throat, interjecting, "Jingliu, speaking of which, you were once both the Swordmaster of Luofu and Jing Yuan's Shizun."
"Although A-Yan is technically your junior, this venerable one still expects you to maintain due respect towards him," they said sternly. "Stop calling him 'Xiao Didi'; address him as 'Diviner Su' or 'Su Jinyan' instead."
Jingliu's expression remained indifferent. "What, does it bother you how I refer to him?"
Needless to say, it did! The disobedient disciple lacked self-awareness, but must you show no restraint either? Regardless, isn't such a nickname far too intimate?
Fu Xuan's delicate face flushed inexplicably. "H-how could it possibly bother me?" they stammered. "Hmph, of course, this venerable one doesn't care. It's merely a reminder for you to be mindful of your position, nothing more."
"In that case," Jingliu replied mildly, "I'll continue using my usual name for him."
Fu Xuan fell silent.
Su Jinyan looked at Fu Xuan, still cradled in his arms, and said with a serious expression, "Shizun, she's showing you no respect."
Fu Xuan tilted her small face to meet his gaze. "And as this venerable one's disciple," she began, "shouldn't you take action on behalf of your master and teach her a lesson?"
Su Jinyan nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, she deserves a severe reprimand."
Eagerly, Fu Xuan asked, "So how do you plan to discipline her?"
Coldly, Su Jinyan replied, "I will make Jingliu pregnant, forcing her to experience the agony of childbirth."
Fu Xuan blinked, taken aback.
Jingliu remained composed, her expression unflinching. "How dull. Come back tomorrow instead."
Impressed, Su Jinyan remarked solemnly, "As expected of Jingliu, exhibiting such noble restraint."
"Despite hearing my intention to use such underhanded means against you, not only did you show no anger, but you graciously accepted it and even told me to return tomorrow..."
The bone-chilling Tanhua Sword suddenly pressed against his neck.
Jingliu spoke icily, "Xiao Didi, my patience has its limits. If you continue prattling before me, beware—I might 'accidentally' strike you—"
Jingliu had already surpassed her breaking point, hovering dangerously close to succumbing to Mara's influence. The reason for covering herself with black silk was precisely to avoid triggering these emotions, preventing further descent into madness and unleashing more chaos.
However, as the resplendent Treasured Radiance ascended, the tumultuous negative feelings within Jingliu were forcibly subdued.
Feigning confusion, Su Jinyan asked, "Strike me what?"
"Xiao Didi, you always manage to surprise me in unexpected ways."
"This is the ability you gained from the Plagues Author?"
Silently, Jingliu sheathed Tanhua Sword and unwrapped the black silk cloth, revealing her captivating crimson eyes beneath.
Fu Xuan scrutinized Jingliu with caution, sensing an imminent threat.
However, this was merely treating the symptom, not the root cause—it provided only temporary relief for Jingliu's Mara-stricken condition. The multitude of negative emotions within her did not vanish but gradually subsided instead.
Should the thread of rationality snap within Jingliu's mind once more, she would again succumb to the Mara-Struck state.
Su Jinyan nodded approvingly. "Not bad, Jingliu," he said. "With your blindfold on, you exude a unique charm; without it, you look even more striking."
Jingliu sighed. "All I can truly hold onto are the sword in my hand and the lingering regrets of the past."
"Now that these tumultuous regrets have calmed, I find myself somewhat at a loss."
"It might be fitting to meet the Dragon Lady like this, though I wonder how long it will last."
Su Jinyan replied mildly, "When you feel close to breaking, come find me again."
"I'll replenish it for you, no need to hold back."
Jingliu gave him a deep look. "Cherish those before you, Xiao Didi."
Su Jinyan tightened his embrace around Fu Xuan's delicate and slender frame.
"Of course, I cherish Shizun more than anyone else," he affirmed.
Fu Xuan nestled within Su Jinyan's arms, face flushed with embarrassment, thoughts unfathomable.
It seems Jingliu is not this venerable one's enemy but rather a friend.
Indeed, this venerable one declares that for the next two hours, there shall be absolutely no hand-holding with this disobedient disciple.
However, this venerable one never said anything about forbidding embraces. He forcefully hugged me; what could I possibly do?
Su Jinyan lowered his head, gazing at Fu Xuan's youthful, picture-perfect visage, and couldn't help but recall a verse:
"If flowers bloom, seize them while they last,
Lest bare branches remain when blooms have passed."
Shizun's modesty was fragile, unable to let go of reserve, so sometimes, taking initiative falls upon me.
Irresistibly, he pressed his lips against Fu Xuan's.
Fu Xuan felt as if his small world had exploded.
His tiny fists, weak like raindrops, feebly pounded on Su Jinyan's chest in symbolic resistance, yet it proved futile.
"Disobedient disciple... You...you can't do this..." Fu Xuan stammered weakly, barely managing to form a complete sentence before Su Jinyan captured her lips once more, savoring them gently.
After a moment, Fu Xuan tentatively rose on tiptoe, responding awkwardly to his kiss.
A shy joy filled the maiden's heart.
What could this venerable one do when he insists on kissing me?
Strictly speaking, this was indeed her first kiss. Never had she imagined that after preserving it for hundreds of years, it would be stolen by her own disobedient disciple...
And considering he had previously kissed Tingyun and Xueyi, perhaps he should have rinsed his mouth beforehand.
Jingliu fell silent, feeling as if these two were completely ignoring her presence. They continued their embrace unabashedly right in front of her.
Aware of Fu Xuan's thin face, Su Jinyan deliberately sought an excuse for their actions. "In truth, I didn't intend to kiss Shizun."
"Jingliu, I hope you can gain insight from witnessing our intimate gesture," he said solemnly, gazing at Fu Xuan now limp in his arms. "There are still many things in this world worth cherishing."
Jingliu remained speechless.
Xueyi and the others couldn't quite grasp what enchantment Su Jinyan had cast on Fu Xuan during their absence. All they knew was that her gaze had significantly changed before leaving and upon returning.
Before departing, Fu Xuan's eyes held deep frustration towards Su Jinyan, as if disappointed by his perceived inadequacy. Yet upon her return, her gaze towards him was remarkably gentle, with newfound confidence etched between her brows.
Fu Xuan now seemed to disregard them entirely, as though convinced of her impending victory.
These two must have secretly done something we're unaware of.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Stelle raised her hand and asked, "Question: Did you guys hide some naughty business from us while you were gone?"
Fu Xuan shot her a disdainful look. "Hmph."
Clutching her chest, Stelle stumbled backward several steps, disbelief written across her beautiful eyes. "I..." she stammered, "Lady Fu Xuan actually looked down on me? That gaze seems to say: 'Your romantic experience as a strategist isn't much, is it?'"
March 7th's expression turned subtle. "Um, just wondering...," she began hesitantly, "How do you manage to read so much into a single glance?"
Tingyun cautiously probed, "Benefactor~"
"Given how long you've been away with Lady Fu Xuan, I assume you must have resolved matters by now?"
"So when can we finally get married? This humble maiden is growing quite impatient."
Xueyi spoke slowly, "Miss Tingyun, though I'm unsure where your confidence stems from, don't you think victory might not be yours after all?"
Su Jinyan cleared his throat. "Everyone, listen up."
"The reason for my prolonged absence was to discuss solutions with Shizun."
Fu Xuan stood with her hands behind her back, her stern gaze sweeping over Tingyun and Xueyi.
"This venerable one will no longer interfere with your romantic freedom."
"Lady Fu Xuan, I didn't quite catch that. Could you repeat it?" Hanya discreetly activated the polygraph before asking aloud.
Fu Xuan looked at them contemptuously. "Hmph, did you truly not hear or are you just too excited? Very well, this venerable one shall say it again: I will no longer interfere with your romantic freedom."
Beeep!
The polygraph sounded loudly.
Xueyi and the others fell silent, thinking, Ah, such inconsistency indeed.
Fu Xuan's face stiffened, and she snapped angrily, "Who—who turned on the polygraph jade divination tablet?"
"Once this venerable one speaks, it's as irreversible as spilt water," Fu Xuan declared. "If I say I won't interfere, then there will be no interference."
Beeep—
Fu Xuan continued, "Well, perhaps just occasional meddling."
Beeep—
The polygraph went berserk with alarms.
Undeterred, Fu Xuan confessed openly, "Indeed, this venerable one simply cannot bear seeing you all with A-Yan. If you want a reason, it's quite simple: Only I am worthy of him; none of you deserve him."
Tingyun gently swayed her folding fan, responding, "Lady Fu Xuan, how utterly domineering." She paused before adding, "However, may I ask a question? Does our Benefactor share these sentiments?"
"If Benefactor also favors only Lady Fu Xuan, then without hesitation, I would gracefully withdraw from this game."
Beeep—
Tingyun's beautiful eyes narrowed, her demeanor turning defiant. "How could I possibly accept that?" she retorted. "I am indeed Benefactor's favorite. He once said he most enjoys sleeping while stroking my tail."
"Not even Lady Yukong herself, let alone Lady Fu Xuan, could deter me from vying for his affection."
In a hushed voice, Stelle whispered to March 7th, "Did you capture that on video? We can later present it to Yukong and claim our reward."
March 7th signaled her to keep quiet, shushing, "Hush, need you remind me? This young lady is already recording."
Tingyun looked puzzled, raising an eyebrow.
Xueyi silently glanced back at them, and instantly, their cell phones turned into unresponsive bricks, no matter how they tried pressing buttons.
With startled cries, both girls shot suspicious looks towards Xueyi.
Su Jinyan gently raised his hand, signaling for quiet before speaking slowly:
"Everyone, listen to me. I admit, my past promiscuity was wrong."
BEEP—
"But every prodigal son deserves redemption; I can change."
BEEP—
A wistful expression crossed Su Jinyan's face. "...Although I haven't truly considered changing, I indeed owe you all apologies."
"I believe it's time for me to make a decision." His gaze swept over each young woman present.
"Here's what I've decided: I intend to marry one of you as my wife."
"I must confess, this is a difficult choice, but a decision must be made."
Tingyun nervously lowered her beautiful eyes, her tail ceasing its wagging.
For just a moment, Tingyun couldn't help but think that despite his flirtatious nature, Su Jinyan seemed somewhat decent.
Benefactor, if someone else falls for you, I might still be able to win you back.
But if you truly fall in love with another, what could I possibly offer to reclaim your heart?
Xueyi promptly suggested, "A-Yan, can we hold a vote? Where the majority rules?"
Su Jinyan paused before responding, "Yes, as long as it's voluntary and no one is forced."
It must be said, Xueyi's idea was quite naive. With her own vote and Hanya's, they would already have two tallied.
However, he doubted Fu Xuan and the others could be swayed by Xueyi's influence.
Stelle hesitantly raised her hand, "Um, excuse me..."
"I'm asking for my friend little March, does she count among those you mentioned?"
March 7th grumbled, "Hey, stop involving me in this!"
"I really don't care who he likes; let's just go."
Beep—
March 7th scratched her flushed cheeks awkwardly. "Why are you all staring at me like that? It's just natural for girls to be curious."
"Indeed, curiosity is quite normal for beautiful young ladies," Su Jinyan said slowly. "So let me clarify, the person I most wish to marry is—"
Fu Xuan proudly puffed out her small chest.
Xueyi's eyes narrowed, and with a graceful leap, she stood atop a stool, raising a stack of Credit notes high above her head.
"Raise your hands if you agree that Su Jinyan should wed me. The majority rules."
Hanya raised his hand without hesitation.
Stelle gritted her teeth, rushed forward, and eagerly jumped up to raise her hand as well.
"It's too high; I can't reach!"
"Lady Xueyi, could you please lower it a bit?"
March 7th covered her face, exclaiming, "This maiden has never been so embarrassed! I oppose this!"
Tingyun scowled indignantly, "How despicable, using such tactics, Judge! I also oppose it."
Fu Xuan sneered, "Hmph, this venerable one opposes it too."
"Now it's three against three, a tie in votes. What do you have to say now?"
"Xueyi, you're eliminated!"
Unfazed, Xueyi held up a small card triumphantly.
"This is a reward voucher Little Sister gifted me; with it, I can command her to do anything."
Fu Xuan scoffed disdainfully, "Ha, who would want such a thing? If this venerable one cannot handle something, neither can Judge Hanya."
Tingyun pursed her lips, also finding herself on the verge of laughter. "The ability to order Judge Hanya around is indeed tempting."
"But compared to our Benefactor, it seems utterly insignificant," she added.
March 7th nodded gently. "Yes, that doesn't truly interest me at all."
Stelle raised her small hand high and jumped even more eagerly. "Lady Xueyi, they don't want it, but I do!"
"I'll take it—quickly give it to me! I'd do anything!"
Whether it was Fu Xuan or Tingyun, a single reward voucher could not persuade them to abandon Su Jinyan.
A reward from Hanya? A spark flashed in Su Jinyan's eyes.
In the next moment, he seized Lady Xueyi's delicate white hand held aloft.
"Excellent, it's mine now."
Beneath Lady Xueyi's serene gaze lay an uncontainable joy. "Then the votes stand at four against three."
"From today onwards, I am officially A-Yan's wife."
Tingyun stared, bewildered. Fu Xuan echoed her surprise, equally taken aback.
March 7th stared, bewildered.
Hanya genuinely rejoiced for Xueyi. "Wonderful, Big Sister."
Wait, is this allowed?
Fu Xuan's expression froze. She had been almost certain that she would be the traitor disciple's chosen bride. With that status, she could legitimately push Tingyun and Xueyi away from him. Yet, Fu Xuan never anticipated that Xueyi would pull off such a move.
A vote to decide? Who do you think you are, dictating our wills?
Initially, both Fu Xuan and Tingyun dismissed it as nothing more than a jest. Now they realized that Xueyi didn't need to sway their minds; she only needed to influence Su Jinyan's.
Fu Xuan began to resort to stubborn defiance. "Ahem, this doesn't count."
Tingyun nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, indeed, I stand with Lady Fu Xuan on this matter." Turning to Judge Yanluo, she protested, "Your Honor, using threats and inducements is unfair. I refuse to accept this outcome."
Fu Xuan continued, "A-Yan, you must verbally declare who you wish to marry and explain why it should be this venerable one."
Tingyun looked puzzled.
Xueyi tilted her head slightly, remaining composed. "Are you attempting to renege?"
"A-Yan personally agreed to abide by the voting result; do you wish to entrap him in a position of dishonor?" Fu Xuan clenched her small fists, unwillingness evident in her heart. "Isn't this just another trick of yours?"
"Compared to you all, there's no way this venerable one could lose," Xueyi responded calmly. "But the truth stands, Lady Fu Xuan and Miss Tingyun. Regardless of your satisfaction, it won't change the fact that I will become A-Yan's wife."
Just then, Stelle slowly turned around with a long sigh. Under everyone's gaze, her figure appeared dejected and disheartened.
"My Credits, my reward coupons—all slipping away from me. This vote isn't worth casting anymore. I abstain!"
Xueyi struggled to conceal her astonishment, asking incredulously, "What did you say?"
Stelle faced them again, spreading her hands. "Judge, I abstain from voting."
March 7th couldn't help but burst out laughing.
No wonder, only you could pull this off! I knew you were the most unpredictable among us.
Come to think of it, this was the first time little March had seen such a flustered expression on Xueyi since they met.
Hanya felt compelled to remind her, "Young lady, once the vote is cast, abstaining is no longer an option."
Tingyun's beautiful eyes flickered slightly as she chuckled softly, "Is that so?"
"In principle, after casting a vote, it cannot be changed, nor can you abstain."
"But Lady Xueyi never explicitly stated the rules for voting, correct? What does Lady Fu Xuan think?"
Fu Xuan's mood brightened. "Indeed, you failed to clarify the voting rules beforehand; no one else is at fault here." Turning to Xueyi, she continued, "Judge Snowcloak, this venerable one advises you to save some face before it becomes embarrassing for all involved."
Xueyi frowned anxiously and pleaded, "Whatever you desire, I can fulfill your wishes."
Tingyun, also growing urgent, warned, "Miss Junshi, don't agree to her terms. Judge Snowcloak has a history of breaking promises."
"Beware, once embarrassed, she might secretly retaliate out of anger later."
Hanya retorted coldly, "Miss Tingyun, do not slander my sister."
"As a Lord Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, there's no way she would dishonorably go back on her word."
March 7th couldn't resist reminding them, "Is that so, Lady Hanya?"
"Would you like me to help refresh your memory? Just moments ago, Lady Xueyi took back the Credit points and reward vouchers, remember?"
Hanya fell silent.
Her sister had merely held up the Credit points and vouchers—it was Stelle who eagerly reached out to snatch them away. Besides, Big Sister never explicitly promised to give them to her.
Xueyi gently bit her lip. The situation, initially favorable, had dramatically shifted due to this girl's single decision.
Xing Mei's eyes sparkled, lips curving upwards as she asked, "Lady Xueyi, were you serious about your offer?"
"You'll grant me whatever I wish?"
"Absolutely true!" Xueyi affirmed.
Fu Xuan's tone grew urgent. "Stelle, if you vote against, this venerable one will double whatever reward Lady Xueyi offers."
Hanya stepped forward confidently. "If you vote in favor, I too will double the rewards Big Sister provides."
Stelle pondered for a moment. "Then I want..."
Fu Xuan and the others held their breaths.
March 7th gently tugged at her sleeve. "Hey, think carefully before speaking—you don't want to upset them. If we anger Lady Fu Xuan and the others, we'll have to run again."
Su Jinyan watched with keen interest; his recognized "well-behaved daughter" seemed quite clever indeed. With ease, she was manipulating Luofu's influential figures like puppets on strings.
It was fortunate they were in Luofu; elsewhere, without matching power, Stelle would surely face relentless retaliation from these prominent individuals after such actions.
A sudden idea struck Stelle as she pointed at Su Jinyan. "Then I choose Su Jinyan."
Su Jinyan looked perplexed.
After a brief silence, Xueyi firmly rejected, "Impossible."
Fu Xuan, shocked and furious, exclaimed, "Are you serious?"
March 7th lamented, "Didn't we tell you to think it through first?"
Tingyun smiled outwardly, but internally gritted her teeth, addressing Stelle, "Miss Strategist~ Choosing Credits or other valuable resources would be far better options."
"Give up this unrealistic idea already," Xueyi firmly stated. "The Benefactor will never grant it to you."
A hint of mischief curled Stelle's lips. "That's right, and that was precisely my intention. You won't back out now, will you?"
"The fact that all of you are vying for Su Jinyan proves just how exceptional he is."
"Whether it's Credits or reward vouchers, even more precious items can't compare to Su Jinyan."
"With Little Su'zi by my side, what could I possibly lack?"
"Little March, don't look at me like that; tell me, am I not making sense?"
March 7th hesitated before responding, "Well, yes, but—"
Stelle cut her off, "There you go!"
Su Jinyan, caught between laughter and tears, pleaded, "Enough with the jokes, let's stop here."
"I had already decided on who to marry, but given this situation, it seems I need to reconsider carefully."
Tingyun and the others collectively sighed in relief.
This outcome worked in their favor. While Su Jinyan pondered his decision, they could deepen their bond with him gradually, perhaps even finding opportunities to make a decisive move.
Stelle's expression turned bewildered. "Huh?" Wait, did you plan this from the start? Were my thoughts also part of your calculations?
She tentatively raised her hand and asked, "Um... Is it too late for me to choose Credits now?"
In response, she received only exasperated eye rolls from Fu Xuan and the others.
We're being lenient enough by not giving you a beating, and you still want Credits? What nonsense are you thinking!
Yet the reality was that Su Jinyan could never publicly announce whom he intended to marry.
No matter who he chose, it would break the hearts of the others deeply.
Postponing the decision for as long as possible seemed like the best course of action.
In his heart, he had already made up his mind—to choose all of them, ensuring none among Fu Xuan and her friends were left out. Even without this farce, Su Jinyan would have stated his indecision, needing more time to consider his options. While it might provoke their discontent, it would leave room for reconciliation later.
The chaos instigated by Xueyi provided him with a plausible excuse to delay further.
Regretfully running her fingers through disheveled hair, Stelle reluctantly departed the Netherworld Manor under March 7th's urging.
Fu Xuan also pulled Su Jinyan away, leaving no immediate chance to install the jade-dawn circuit in Xueyi's automaton.
Watching Su Jinyan and Fu Xuan depart, Tingyun's resolve to make him move intensified.
Seeing the Benefactor constantly smitten with Lady Fu Xuan, how could she possibly remain indifferent? For all Tingyun knew, Lady Fu Xuan might have already claimed the Benefactor behind closed doors—how infuriating! With favorable circumstances, advantageous resources, and popular support all on Lady Fu Xuan's side, surely not everything should go her way?
That night at Yuchen Inn, Stelle received a text from an unknown sender.
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: Are you free? Come to the Divination Commission; I have a surprise for you tonight.]
[Today's Trash Diver: TD]
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: ?]
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: It's not spam, it's genuine.]
Stelle rubbed her chin, pondering this bizarre username. After some thought, among all the people she knew, only Su Jinyan seemed fittingly eccentric.
"March, Su Jinyan has invited me for a rendezvous at the Divination Commission."
"Well, this proves that I'm indeed more charming than you," March 7th remarked smugly after glancing at the message content. "But how is this even a date? He just mentioned a surprise, that's all."
"Hey, don't tell me you've actually fallen for that annoying guy?" Stelle teased with a mischievous grin. "Is little March getting jealous?"
March 7th pouted, "Not at all! As if I could ever like someone like him!"
[Today's Trash Diver: Care to explain what kind of surprise this is?]
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: If I told you, would it still be a surprise?]
[Today's Trash Diver: Oh, mighty Diviner Su, daring to invite a minor on a nighttime outing? You're busted.]
[If you don't clarify this, I'll forward these texts to Tingyun, Fu Xuan, and others.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Fool! Trying to threaten me now? You've barely tasted salt compared to the rice I've eaten.]
[Today's Dumpster Diving?: Alright, alright, you're just taking advantage of my youth and lack of experience, right?]
[Fine then, from now on, I'll consume one jar of salt each day until it kills me. Once I become a ghost, expect me to visit you every single day.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Enough mischief. Wouldn't you like to see Kafka?]
[Kafka has invited us over to her home tonight. Are you coming?]
Kafka invited me to her house as a guest?
Stelle furrowed her brow deeply. "March, what do you think I should do?"