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Early morning.
Su Jinyan and Dan Heng arrived first at the Evernight Marquis Teahouse.
Soon after, March 7th and Stelle pushed open the door and entered.
Clearing his throat, Su Jinyan said, "I imagine you all have some doubts. Let me briefly explain—the rumors were disseminated by me."
Dan Heng remained silent.
March 7th chided him, "So that idiotic rumor was spread by you?"
"Why would you make up such nonsense?" she asked incredulously.
Stelle, however, seemed enlightened. "I understand now. You wanted Dan Heng on the inside while you worked from outside, aiming to unify the Vidyadhara clan."
"And then, using the Vidyadhara clan as leverage, swiftly overthrow Xianzhou Luofu?"
March 7th's lips parted slightly. "Ah?"
Dan Heng remained silent.
Su Jinyan's expression was cold and stern as he extracted a photograph of Bailu from his robes, slamming it onto the table forcefully.
"Do you recognize this person?"
March 7th nodded. "Isn't that the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady, Bailu?"
"We even had dinner with her last night—little Bailu is so adorable."
Stelle's face grew serious. "I see, now I understand. You wish to assassinate Bailu?"
"But she's the current Vidyadhara High Elder; that won't be easy. It'll require extra payment..."
March 7th's mouth opened wider. "Ah?"
"Let me name my price," Su Jinyan said mildly, "five million."
Excited, Stelle slammed his hand on the table. "Deal!"
Su Jinyan glared at him. "What deal? Don't jump to conclusions here."
"Here's how it stands—if Dan Heng were to reclaim the position of Vidyadhara High Elder, he could no longer continue traveling with you."
"Would you agree to that?"
March 7th shook her head firmly. "No way."
Sighing, Stelle gently patted Dan Heng's back. "Teacher Dan Heng, do visit often."
"How could you sell out Dan Heng like that?" March 7th chided angrily. "Apologize quickly."
Obediently, Stelle apologized, "Teacher Dan Heng, I'm sorry."
"You're right, little March," Su Jinyan agreed. "Selling you off so easily would indeed undervalue the Vidyadhara too much."
"You're worth at least this much!" With a serious expression, Stelle extended five fingers.
"Five million?" March 7th asked, puzzled.
Stelle grasped her small hand and vigorously shook it. "Deal!"
March 7th was momentarily speechless.
Dan Heng felt somewhat exasperated. "I have no intention of contending for the position of Vidyadhara High Elder."
Su Jinyan's demeanor turned grave. "Let me cut to the chase—I need your assistance. As far as I understand, the Dragon Master Parliament was initially established to maintain checks and balances with the High Elder. However, its power has now ballooned to extreme levels. They've become audacious enough to impose The Shacklebound upon the High Elder themselves."
Dan Heng frowned. "Impose The Shacklebound?"
With a brief summary, Su Jinyan updated them on Bailu's current situation before continuing, "Therefore, my goal is to make Bailu the true High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan, free from the oppression of the Dragon Master Parliament. Spreading this rumor also aims to expose the hidden dragon masters behind the scenes and bring them into the open."
"Bring them into the open?" March 7th echoed.
Su Jinyan chuckled lightly. "Both the Ten-Lords Commission and the Seat of Divine Foresight are investigating the originator of these rumors. After diligent pursuit, they successfully identified the culprit—the dragon master Suguang."
Stelle rubbed his chin, clearly unconvinced. "That seems too simplistic. Isn't your method rather elementary?"
Dan Heng offered his perspective, "Su-xiong, indeed, one might say this approach appears quite rudimentary."
"In Dan Feng's memories, the dragon masters feared their Vidyadhara secrets would be stolen by the Xianzhou Alliance," Su Jinyan continued. "As a result, high-ranking Vidyadhara officials rarely used jade divination tablets for communication."
"Given such an obvious frame-up, do you really think anyone would believe it?" Stelle asked skeptically.
Su Jinyan chuckled. "I understand your concerns. However, simplicity is the essence of truth; profound sounds are seldom heard, and grand forms often unseen. The effectiveness of a tactic lies not in its sophistication but in its utility."
This principle also applied to corporate warfare—the higher-stakes the battle, the more straightforward and absurd the strategies became.
What one might expect in high-level corporate warfare: Hiring bots to attack rival servers, causing their stock prices to plummet.
In reality, high-level corporate warfare could involve: Hiring security guards to pull network cables, employing cleaners to douse money trees with water, or seizing control of company seals.
Still unconvinced, Stelle pressed, "Old Deng, you sound awfully confident."
Su Jinyan took a sip of tea before responding, "Very well, let me pose a question to all of you. Which do you consider more important—right and wrong, or benefits and consequences?"
March 7th replied, "Right and wrong."
Dan Heng stated, "Benefits and consequences."
Stelle added, "Both are important."
Su Jinyan nodded. "In the world of adults, there is no right or wrong, only benefits and consequences. In this regard, little March, you're quite adorable. Please keep nurturing that childlike innocence."
March 7th's charming face twisted in confusion. "Are you complimenting us or teasing us?"
Dan Heng spoke calmly, "Initially, the reason the Vidyadhara joined the Xianzhou Alliance was—"
"It was because they lost the power bestowed upon them by the Dragon Ancestor."
"The Tomé Sea became treacherous, no longer suitable for the Vidyadhara's survival, and external threats loomed over their people."
"Facing internal strife and external dangers, the five lineages of the Vidyadhara joined the Xianzhou Alliance to face common enemies together."
"The five High Elders of the Vidyadhara pledged to suppress the Longevity Plague outbreaks on behalf of the Xianzhou Alliance."
"In return, the Xianzhou Alliance offered sanctuary and protection to the Vidyadhara, even granting them autonomy within Fang Huo Immortal Ship."
Su Jinyan continued slowly, "To put it nicely, this alliance allowed the Vidyadhara and Xianzhou to support each other through mutual reliance."
"To be less diplomatic, it was simply about meeting each party's needs."
March 7th seemed puzzled. "Uh, I still don't quite understand."
"You mean that for personal gain, everyone would accept something as right, despite knowing it's wrong?"
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that often the case?"
"After defeating Supreme Guardian Cocolia in Belobog, there arose a disagreement over whether to reveal the truth."
"Is disclosing the truth inherently wrong? Not necessarily, right?"
"That hits the nail on the head," March 7th agreed.
Su Jinyan gently tapped the table. "But concealing the truth proved more advantageous amidst Belobog's harsh conditions, wouldn't you agree?"
Dan Heng spoke firmly, "In such circumstances, withholding information was indeed the best choice."
Su Jinyan shrugged. "See, this is just how the adult world works."
"Let me pose another question to everyone."
"Imagine, disregarding gains and losses, if the Xianzhou Alliance continued their investigation."
"What if they discovered that I was the mastermind behind it all?"
"Now, guess—would the Xianzhou Alliance choose to conceal the truth to protect me..."
"...or reveal the truth to safeguard the dragon masters?"
March 7th and Stelle exchanged glances before answering simultaneously, "Protect the dragon masters."
Dan Heng pondered for a moment before saying, "Protect Brother Su."
March 7th seemed puzzled. "But Dan Heng, didn't Little Su make a mistake here?"
Su Jinyan chuckled. "Yes, indeed, I made a mistake."
Stelle also felt confused. "If we're not considering gains or losses..."
"You recklessly disrupted the larger plan and sowed discord among allies. If I were the Xianzhou Alliance, I'd definitely give you hell."
Su Jinyan cleared his throat. "Please refrain from personal biases. Let me explain further then."
"In normal circumstances, right or wrong doesn't matter, nor does profit; what's crucial is whose side you take."
"Did the dragon masters do wrong? No, they acted with the Vidyadhara clan's dragon lineage continuation in mind."
Dan Heng sighed. "Yet, they did err, failing to consider the perspective of the Xianzhou Alliance."
Su Jinyan slammed his hand on the table. "Yes, did I err? Indeed, I did. But I acted from the perspective of the Xianzhou Alliance, standing behind me were—"
At this point, Su Jinyan's eyes deepened as he struck Commander Ikari's iconic pose.
"Not just myself, but the entire Xianzhou Alliance."
"The Xianzhou Alliance can bear the cost of losing the Vidyadhara clan. However, the Vidyadhara absolutely cannot withstand the consequences of severing ties with us."
"Dan Heng-xiong, you should understand this better than anyone."
Even if, taking a massive step back, the Ten-Lords Commission sought to convict him, there would still be room for negotiation.
If the conviction leaned heavily towards severity, it could mean inciting discord against alliance treaties, resulting in imprisonment by The Shackling Prison under Lord Judges' jurisdiction.
However, if viewed more leniently, it might merely be seen as spreading rumors and causing trouble, leading to detention and fines handled by the Realm-Keeping Commission—at worst, a symbolic penalty of drinking three cups of wine.
Turning her head, Stelle asked, "Teacher Dan Heng, what is your take?"
Dan Heng sighed. "I am not Dan Feng. Yet, ultimately, the sins committed by Dan Feng must be borne by me." He continued resolutely, "Should there be anything within my power to assist, Su-xiong need only ask."
Su Jinyan responded solemnly, "Dan Heng, calling it assistance makes it sound distant; we're friends after all. Honestly, if Bailu weren't under the dragon masters' control, I wouldn't feel comfortable troubling you."
With a hint of resignation, Dan Heng said, "Whether it's a trouble or not comes secondary."
"Considering you address me as 'Dan Heng,' that already shows your respect," replied Dan Heng. "Everyone else on this Xianzhou still sees me as Dan Feng..."
Su Jinyan nodded. "You're right; it indeed isn't fair to 'Dan Heng.'"
"It's a tangled mess, with each of us bearing our own burdens."
"But once Bailu becomes the true Vidyadhara High Elder," continued Dan Heng, "I imagine Dan Feng's influence within the Vidyadhara clan will gradually diminish."
March 7th's lips curved slightly upward. "Aiya, Little Su, stop beating around the bush," she said. "If there's anything we can help with, just let us know."
Her words left the others staring at her in surprise.
Su Jinyan was taken aback. "Little March, I didn't realize you knew phrases like 'beating around the bush'!"
Stelle pulled out his baseball bat, eyeing her warily. "Begone, Phantylia scum!"
March 7th pouted, clearly discontented. "What's up with you guys?" she asked. "Do you seriously think I'm that clueless?"
Dan Heng looked at March 7th with surprise. "Just as one's character is influenced by their company—"
"March has been doing quite well lately; keep up the good work."
March 7th fell silent. Why did she feel like everyone thought she was dim-witted, despite clearly not being so?
Su Jinyan continued, "I still have much to accomplish. Soon, Silver Wolf will help create trending topics on the forums.
"You two can assist by posting online and further fueling the rivalry between the two High Elders."
"Leave it to me," said March 7th confidently.
Stelle asked, "After Bailu ascends, will we be considered instrumental in her rise?"
"Hmm, regarding Dan Heng-xiong..." Su Jinyan replied, "I suspect those dragon masters supporting you won't remain idle for long. However, with so many eyes watching them, they dare not act recklessly yet. If anything unusual occurs from your side, inform me immediately."
Dan Heng, ever concise, simply said, "Agreed."
After Dan Heng and his group departed, Jingliu quietly approached Su Jinyan and placed Dragonmaster Suguang's seal on the table.
"Xiao Didi, I've taken care of what you asked me to do."
Su Jinyan gently curled his fingers. "Well done. Sit down, I'll give you your reward."
Jingliu appeared somewhat hesitant, but before she could decide, Su Jinyan pulled her close for an intense embrace.
At that moment, the searing medicinal energy dormant within his pill organ suddenly surged, only to quickly settle again.
With a cool expression, Jingliu gently pushed Su Jinyan onto the sofa under his puzzled gaze.
"You're mistaken, Xiao Didi," she said softly. "It's not you giving me a reward; it's me rewarding you. I've been watching your actions these past few days—you've worked hard."
"Today, I will continue helping you abstain from lust." Despite Jingliu's cold demeanor and assertive nature, her lips offered him a sense of softness.
Wrapping his arms around Jingliu's waist, Su Jinyan couldn't help feeling slightly troubled. Big Sister Jingliu was overly dominant with a strong desire for control, often trying to pin him beneath her during their kisses, leaving him reluctant to resist. Whenever Su Jinyan attempted to switch positions, Jingliu would firmly press him back down every time.
This issue was too personal, making it difficult for Su Jinyan to discuss it with Jing Yuan.
Despite himself, Su Jinyan couldn't help but imagine how such a conversation might unfold:
Su Jinyan: General, I wanted to ask you something about Jingliu's behavior.
Jing Yuan: Concerning your master? Go ahead, speak your mind.
Su Jinyan: Every time we kiss, Big Sister Jingliu insists on pinning me down and won't let me resist. Do you have any suggestions to resolve this?
The mere thought of Jing Yuan summoning the Divine Monarch to strike him down after hearing that left Su Jinyan apprehensive.
With a sudden crack, just as Su Jinyan contemplated getting even more intimate with Jingliu, his restless hands were frozen into ice sculptures once again.
Licking her moist lips, Jingliu gripped his chin firmly and said coldly, "Xiao Didi, haven't I told you before? When kissing, you must follow my lead."
"If you don't want 'Xiao Didi' to downgrade to 'Little Pervert,' behave yourself."
Su Jinyan feigned innocence, looking at her with wide eyes. "Big Sister Jingliu," he pleaded softly, "I think we should move on to the second phase of abstinence training."
Jingliu shook her head slightly. "Xiao Didi, when to progress to the next phase is entirely my decision."
"You were so affectionate with Tingyun, Sushang, and Fu Xuan yesterday—kissing and hugging them all."
"It's clear that our abstinence training with kissing has been insufficient and needs to continue," Su Jinyan said earnestly. "Therefore, I declare today's abstinence practice concluded; it's time for more pressing matters."
With these words, Su Jinyan decisively pushed Jingliu aside and busied himself, seal in hand.
He forged a handwritten decree from Dragonmaster Suguang, encompassing three main points:
Remove the Shimu Binding Chains from Bailu's dragon tail.From now on, the Dragon Master Parliament shall honor Bailu as High Elder, showing her utmost respect without neglect.Given recent turmoil within the Vidyadhara clan, in cases where conflicting orders arise, all must prioritize directives from Su Ziya, Chief Attendant of the Dragon Monarch.
After completing the High Elder's decree, Su Jinyan pressed the dragon master seal firmly onto the document, then released a messenger pigeon carrying it.
Watching Su Jinyan's focused profile, Jingliu rubbed her cold lips, feeling inexplicably restless.
"Jingliu-jiejie, please return this seal to its original place without letting Dragonmaster Suguang notice any discrepancies," Su Jinyan turned his face slightly, smiling softly. "Coincidentally, I also need to visit the Ten-Lords Commission. Just wait for me at the Nightless Marquis residence when you come back, Jingliu-jiejie."
Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered. "I remember Judge Xueyi shares quite a close relationship with you, don't they?"
Su Jinyan responded earnestly, "Indeed, our relationship is very close. You know my depth, and I know your length."
Jingliu's tone carried a profound meaning, "Xiao Didi, during your abstinence period, don't secretly engage with other women without telling me."
"I don't want all your progress in abstaining to go down the drain, understand?"
Su Jinyan waved his hand dismissively, "It's no big deal; interacting with women isn't harmful."
"But what if your abstinence fails?"
"Then we start over from scratch."
Failing at abstinence was just too f*cking common.
He couldn't believe that nobody ever had their abstinence calendar filled with 'Day 0' entries.
Abruptly, Jingliu cornered Su Jinyan against the wall, her icy lips exhaling moist breaths as she whispered, "Xiao Didi."
"Abstinence is arduous, and I wouldn't want your efforts to be wasted. If I discover you've been disobedient, engaging intimately with other women..."
"I dare not imagine what I might do in my impulsive state."
"I dare not even imagine what I might do under the grip of such impulse."
Su Jinyan affectionately nudged Jingliu's upturned nose with his finger. "Little silly, I'm brave enough to consider it."
Jingliu blinked, momentarily unsure of herself due to Xiao Didi's unexpected response.
Even Jing Yuan had to constantly guard against her, fearing she would succumb to Mara and unleash further carnage. Wasn't Xiao Didi afraid as well? Although his Treasured Radiance could calm her emotions, if she suddenly transformed into her Mara-stricken form at a critical moment, few could adequately prepare for it. She doubted even Xiao Didi could react swiftly enough.
With a teasing tone, Su Jinyan said, "Jingliu-jiejie, I've never experienced what your lips taste like when you're under Mara's influence."
"If given the chance, I definitely want to find out."
Jingliu's voice turned colder. "Little pervert. Don't underestimate the Mara-Struck state."
The Struggle for Dragonlord between Dan Feng and Bailu had become the hottest topic on the Roaming Immortal Ark over the past few days.
With certain individuals fanning the flames, "Struggle for Dragonlord" soared to the top of Xianzhou Luofu Forum's trending topics within its general discussion section.
Many Vidyadhara members eagerly contributed their thoughts beneath this popular thread.
[Galaxy Bat Hero: I strongly support Dan Feng reclaiming her position as High Elder.]
[The current High Elder is utterly unreasonable, frequently ditching responsibilities to go play.]
[Brazen Bald Medic: To the commenter above, please show the basic respect due to the Dragon Lord.]
[She is the rightful leader of the Vidyadhara after Dan Feng!]
[Moreover, I believe she performs far better than that so-called great hero.]
[It's precisely thanks to the Dragon Lady's extraordinary talents that our alchemical research has advanced significantly.]
[Sun Xiaochuan: The High Elder isn't just a mascot; they must embody the dignity of the role.]
[Have any of you witnessed the impressive valor with which that esteemed figure fought? Now that is true High Elder spirit!]
[Super-duper-awesome me ☆: Yes, and then he got locked up.]
[How many clansfolk lost their chance at rebirth because of his single decision?]
[In my view, although the current High Elder lacks achievements like purging evil or vanquishing great malefactors and does not involve herself in clan conflicts...]
[Her efforts to heal the sick and save lives surpass those of any dragon master elder or so-called hero by countless times!]
[Nanook, Once Pastoral: The High Elder's role should rotate; this year it's our turn.]
[Why can't we aspire to be High Elder when Dan Feng and Bailu have held the position?]
[I propose implementing a "High Elder Election" system: Let all Vidyadhara citizens vote every three years, with the candidate receiving the most votes becoming the new High Elder.]
[Snowy Coat: The internet is not beyond the law; please choose your words carefully.]
[Playing for Stakes: The Vidyadhara are still bickering over who should be the High Elder.]
[But I'm different—in my heart, there will always be only one Diviner, and that's Diviner Su.]
[Diting Watch + Howl-Friend: Click here for Diting videos? Cute clips? Affordable quality!]
[Nanook Watch + Uncle Han Tui & Howl-Friend: Click here for Nanook videos? Cute clips? Affordable quality??]
[Diting Watch + Howl-Friend: Who the f*ck would watch Nanook's videos?]
Upon entering the Netherworld Manor, Xueyi's expression was visibly displeased, clearly troubled by matters related to the Struggle for Dragonlord.
As soon as Su Jinyan arrived, Xueyi's beautiful eyes softened noticeably.
"Thou hast come; I have something I wish to ask thee."
Su Jinyan smiled lightly. "I too have a question on my mind."
"The Ten Lords oversee night vigils, impose penalties on criminals, and restrain evil through justice."
"So, if a Vidyadhara Master violates the laws, what would be their punishment?"
Xueyi replied mildly, "If a Vidyadhara Master transgresses Xianzhou's laws, they shall face the same consequences as any other offender."
"And what if the offense carries an unforgivable death sentence?" Su Jinyan continued.
Without hesitation, Xueyi answered, "They would be judged for annihilation, compelled to reincarnate anew."
Su Jinyan gently shook his head. "It's not enough, it's still not enough..."
"Xueyi, I am aware of the unique circumstances surrounding the Vidyadhara clan," he said softly. "However, when the Xianzhou Alliance was formed and the Ten-Lords Commission established, its purpose was to oversee vigilance, enforce penalties, and uphold justice against wrongdoing."
"Surely, given the gravity of unforgivable offenses, shouldn't there be a more severe judgment even for the Vidyadhara?"
"I understand thy concern," Xueyi murmured quietly.
"You mean that if others commit crimes warranting execution by annihilation, the Ten-Lords Commission would indeed sentence them to be extinguished," Su Jinyan began. "But if a Vidyadhara commits such a capital offense, they are instead sentenced to reincarnation and rebirth—is this not somewhat unfair?"
Su Jinyan nodded affirmatively. "That is precisely my concern."
Xueyi sighed softly. "In truth, you are well aware of the Vidyadhara's predicament; they have lost their ability to propagate."
"As a result, the Vidyadhara cannot bear the cost of any unnatural deaths among their kin."
"By sentencing them to reincarnation, the reborn Vidyadhara lose all memories and return to the egg state."
"The newly born Vidyadhara becomes a distinct individual from their previous self."
Undeterred, Su Jinyan persisted with her question: "What if the Vidyadhara's crime..."
"...severely undermines the unity and stability of the Xianzhou Alliance?"
"And further involves collusion with grave offenders, intending to overthrow Xianzhou—what punishment should they face?"
After a moment's thought, Xueyi took Su Jinyan's hand and led her to the Ministry of Justice.
Upon informing the Judge there, Xueyi slowly approached a piece of execution equipment draped in red silk cloth. With a swift motion, she lifted the cover.
A formidable dark-golden dragonhead guillotine stood imposingly before them.
The entire blade was crafted into the shape of a dragon's head, its visage raised high with a fierce and piercing gaze. Intricate detailing depicted the texture of dragon scales, each exquisite feature brought to vivid life, exuding an aura of relentless brutality.
Xueyi's lovely eyes remained serene as she softly spoke, "The dragonhead guillotine—its appearance signifies grave consequences."
"It is reserved solely for those Vidyadhara who are universally despised, their sins beyond forgiveness."
"Since the founding of the Xianzhou Alliance, only one Vidyadhara has incited the fury of both the Ten Lords and the six rulers, prompting preparations to employ the dragonhead guillotine for execution—the Imbibitor Lunae."
"If not for General Jing Yuan's unwavering advocacy during the Six Rulers' Assembly..."
"The Imbibitor Lunae would have been the first Vidyadhara beheaded by this guillotine—with no chance of reincarnation or rebirth for all eternity."
Su Jinyan slowly wiped away the dust from the dragonhead guillotine. "Excellent."
"Xueyi," he commanded, "order the golden statues to carry the dragonhead guillotine to the Netherworld Manor."
"I have a premonition that it will soon witness bloodshed."
Xueyi tilted her head, expression solemn. "Will you use it to execute the dragon master?!"