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Roughly prying open Sparkle's red lips, Su Jinyan stirred his calloused fingers inside.
"An apology? If apologies sufficed, what need would there be for the Cloud Knights?"
"You little brat, sign a contract with me at the inn and become my slave."
"Pip! The inn doesn't have contracts like that, though~"
Sparkle's beautiful eyes flickered as she gently took Su Jinyan's finger between her lips, softly sucking on it.
Unusual behavior always hinted at mischief—why would this troublemaker suddenly act so attentive? Eyeing Sparkle suspiciously, Su Jinyan seemed to realize something and slowly withdrew his finger.
"Pop~"
As he pulled away, Sparkle's lips released a suggestive sound.
Su Jinyan sniffed his finger, nearly fainting from the smell. He had just fed Sparkle three bottles of soda bean juice moments ago, almost reaping the consequences firsthand.
Damn, should've known she didn't mean well.
Sparkle's eyes curved with her smile as she gently pressed her lips together. "Little Su, don't I look adorable?" she asked coyly. "Are you feeling a little smitten now? How about rewarding yourself with a kiss?"
Pouting her red lips, Sparkle leaned in for a peck.
Ugh, is this a contest to see who can pull off the most outrageous act? Su Jinyan disdainfully pushed away Sparkle's face. "Save your tricks for someone else; I've renounced worldly desires."
Sparkle tugged at his sleeve, feigning innocence. "Wahh, just forgive me already," she pleaded. "Or should I strip naked and kneel down to apologize instead?"
"Hmph, no deal," Su Jinyan retorted. "I've said it before—Su Jinyan remains untouched by feminine allure."
Xueyi remained silent, expressionless.
Fu Xuan let out a cold laugh.
Hanya turned slightly redder, averting her pale, delicate face.
Who would believe such claims from him?
Especially Hanya, whose slender snow-white legs still trembled faintly, struggling to maintain balance. It was hard for others to imagine what exactly she and her sister had experienced the previous day.
The intensity of those sensations left Hanya hesitant to speak, certain that neither Tingyun nor Lady Fu Xuan could ever truly understand.
Only Jingliu nodded subtly, her breathtakingly beautiful face devoid of any emotion.
Su Jinyan could somewhat surmise Jingliu's thoughts at that moment: It seems my efforts to help Xiao Didi overcome his lust have been remarkably successful; he is indeed starting to show disinterest in women.
"Did you know? Sparkle is a member of the 'Masked Fools,' enigmatic and ruthless."
"She's a dangerous theatrical maestro, deeply immersed in her roles, possessing countless masks with myriad personas."
"Wealth, status, power... none of these matter to Sparkle. The only thing that motivates her actions is 'entertainment'."
"After repeatedly facing setbacks from you, Sparkle's desire to play tricks on you has grown stronger."
"To deceive you once, Sparkle decides to feed herself to the tiger, temporarily feigning submission."
"However, during your intimate moments, she will transform into the likeness of Abundant Evil Creatures, leaving you with an unforgettable psychological scar."
Upon hearing these narration cues, Su Jinyan became even more certain about one thing.
Sparkle was different from Sampo. Although old Sampo also sought amusement, he adhered strictly to his moral principles.
In contrast, Sparkle, driven by her pursuit of fun, had no ethical boundaries whatsoever.
Even at this point, Sparkle still thinks about playing tricks on me.
How unfortunate.
Despite her charm, considering the safety of others aboard the Luofu Immortal Boat, I must eliminate her.
"Sampo, do you have any master-servant contracts at the inn?" Su Jinyan asked.
Sampo shrugged. "Come on, as if I'd have something like that! You know we Masked Fools will resort to anything for amusement."
"Who would serve as the notary? Aren't you afraid they might break the agreement just for their own entertainment?"
Su Jinyan queried, "Aha, old man, could you step forward and act as our notary?"
Unfortunately, his question sank without a response, like a stone cast into the sea.
With adorable mischief, Sparkle parted her lips and deliberately exhaled towards Su Jinyan, attempting to suffocate him with her breath.
"You should've known already, how could the God of Entertainment agree to such a thing?
"If someone truly became your slave, they wouldn't be able to outwit or challenge you anymore."
"And then wouldn't the God of Entertainment lose their entertainment?"
Su Jinyan suddenly raised his hand and viciously slapped Sparkle's pert little buttocks. "Ambush!"
Smack!
Caught off guard, Sparkle received a hard smack on her backside.
Before she could react, Su Jinyan's eyes flashed with a peculiar gleam.
Sparkle's charming face froze, realizing it was too late to evade. "Eh?"
"Wah, this feeling is so annoying..."
As Su Jinyan anticipated, his feint maneuver succeeded brilliantly.
Under the effect of Pregnancy Gaze...
In mere moments, the charming and adorable Sparkle found herself with a pregnant belly, transforming from a petite maiden into a diminutive expectant mother.
Wailing softly, Sparkle endured the pain of impending childbirth and tearfully admonished Su Jinyan:
"Wahh, Little Su, you're breaking all rules of fairness!"
"You already had such an advantage; why sneak attack me like that?"
"Considering how cute I am, can't you have some decency?"
"Woe, it hurts so much."
"Now, in front of everyone, my belly's swollen because of Little Su's baby~"
Su Jinyan's voice grew urgent, "Attack now!"
These simple words caught everyone off guard.
Just a moment ago, Su Jinyan was playfully flirting with Sparkle in his embrace.
In the next instant, he abruptly turned on her, commanding others to strike.
How could they react swiftly to such sudden orders?
Only Sushang anticipated this, launching her attack without hesitation.
The others hesitated, as their independent thinking required them to ponder the reason behind the action.
Sushang needed no such deliberation; deep down, she believed unwaveringly in her Jinyan-gege's decisions.
"With three feet of water, clouds shall be severed!"
Immediately, Sushang formed a formidable sword array, blocking Sparkle's escape route.
She then unleashed her most potent attack—the Tai Xu Sword God.
The colossal Xuanyuan Sword, obscuring the sky, pierced through the clouds and locked onto Sparkle's delicate figure.
Sparkle's face paled with shock. "Hey, hey! Is this how you play?"
"Attacking pregnant individuals is utterly immoral!"
Whoosh—
Despite their fierce efforts, the sword array couldn't contain Sparkle.
In that instant, Sparkle moved swiftly, effortlessly evading countless flying swords, broke free from the array, and vanished before their eyes.
Su Jinyan's expression grew grave; Sparkle's performance unequivocally confirmed another suspicion he harbored.
Those struck by Pregnant Gaze were compelled to endure the agony of pregnancy and childbirth, with only the strongest able to somewhat resist its effects.
For ordinary individuals, being targeted by Pregnant Gaze typically rendered them incapacitated.
However, powerful beings like Jingliu and Sparkle, though unable to fully escape the pain, could still maintain some degree of mobility.
Just as Jingliu had managed to endure the torment and pursue him earlier, it indicated without doubt that Sparkle must possess at least near-Emanator level strength.
"Swift!" Sushang commanded, her piercing gaze accompanied by softly uttered words.
Miraculously, the massive Xuanyuan Sword changed direction, plummeting towards an empty area devoid of any presence.
No way, she guessed that accurately? Is this little girl cheating somehow?
As Sparkle endured the excruciating pain of simulated labor while evading the Tai Xu Sword God, she also began strategizing for a countermeasure.
She had the full capability to simply leave.
But Sparkle was truly unwilling; failing to tease Little Su would be her greatest regret. Aiya, Little Su was so intriguing, and their ways of mischief aligned perfectly—why must he avoid her?
From the depths of her heart, Sparkle believed that Su Jinyan's pursuit of elation resonated most with her own aesthetic. Having already been thoroughly tricked by him once, it wasn't surprising that the God of Entertainment held such high regard for him.
Just as the Tai Xu Sword God descended completely, Jingliu finally made his move.
A fierce blast of icy sword energy instantly froze Sparkle's delicate body.
Boom!
With this final impact, the Tai Xu Sword God obliterated Sparkle entirely.
Su Jinyan shivered, feeling as if someone gently nibbled on his earlobe.
"Peep, Little Su, I told you I meant no harm, ne~"
"Do come back to tease me more next time, okay?"
As the dust settled,
Sparkle vanished without a trace, disappearing from everyone's sight.
Sushang wiped the sweat from her forehead and eagerly ran over, seeking praise with delight:
"Jinyan-gege, how did Shangshang perform today?"
Su Jinyan ruffled Sushang's hair. "Good girl, your reward will be waiting when we return."
"Ah, it was meant to be my cousin's funeral."
"I never imagined that the wicked Masked Fool would impersonate her! Truly knows no bounds!"
Jing Yuan asked with a smile, "Minister Su,
"Shouldn't you return the collected contributions to us now?"
Su Jinyan's expression stiffened momentarily before he sighed.
"Alas, those damned Masked Fools.
"In truth, I had let down my guard completely..."
"And as a result, the imposter posing as my cousin absconded with all your gift money."
Sampo quickly understood the implication and chimed in, "Well, old Sampo here has something to say about that.
"When my cousin woke up, the offering box at the memorial hall vanished without a trace."
This involved half of old Sampo's Credit points; I must find a way to salvage this lie, come what may.
Su Jinyan cleared his throat. "Indeed, just as Minister Su said."
Jing Yuan nodded. "Hmm, you're right, there's nothing we can do now.
"Let's deduct our gift money from your dividends once you return from Jepella, then."
Su Jinyan remained silent, thinking, Even this outcome was anticipated by you? Truly impressive.
Jing Yuan chuckled and said, "In any case, since Fu Xuan and the others are already yours, it's merely transferring from one hand to another."
"But surely you must return the gifts intended for Yanqing, myself, and our esteemed master, right?"
Jingliu interjected at the opportune moment, "Jing Yuan, there's no need to return mine either.
"In fact, after yesterday's public trial, Xiao Didi has become mine."
"Ah?" Jing Yuan exclaimed. "Ah?" Yanqing echoed. "Huh?!?" Fu Xuan blurted out, reacting most intensely upon hearing this news.
Fu Xuan knew that Jingliu was destined to be with Su Jinyan. The Matrix of Prescience's predictions about the future were unalterable, as they signified events bound to occur. However, human intervention could cause subtle shifts or delay the arrival of such futures. For instance, when Fu Xuan previously persuaded Su Jinyan to forget Jingliu, it was an attempt to postpone that dreadful outcome.
What Fu Xuan never anticipated was that instead of delaying the future, it had f*cking accelerated ahead.
Fu Xuan rested his forehead weakly against his palm, murmuring, "This venerable one... I refuse to believe it; this can't be true..."
"Jingliu, don't try to sway this venerable one's resolve," he continued. "A-Yan indeed didn't return last night, but I've questioned others about it."
"Hanya—"
"Didn't you say you were studying the remains of that Masked Fool with A-Yan?" Jingliu's beautiful eyes remained impassive, as if discussing something trivial. "Is there a need for such surprise?"
"Hanya is human, and humans have their selfish desires."
Hanya silently pursed his lips. After a moment, he softly defended himself, "I'm sorry, Lady Fu Xuan. Due to my momentary negligence, I forgot to wear a protective charm." He continued, "As a result, upon leaving the isolation chamber, Phantylia affected my mind." With a sudden impulse, I..."
Fu Xuan listened in silence.
Completely defeated, Fu Xuan hadn't anticipated being outdone by Hanya. To spare her some dignity, Hanya refrained from elaborating further.
If only Lady Fu Xuan knew that both Big Sister and Phantylia were involved yesterday—
It might truly shatter Lady Fu Xuan's Daoist resolve.
Jing Yuan stiffly turned his neck towards them. "You gave it to her?"
Su Jinyan explained, "She insisted."
"And because she insisted, you just handed it over?" Jing Yuan pressed.
Su Jinyan shrugged. "What could I do? It wasn't like I had a choice."
Jing Yuan asked sternly, "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you for playing with my master's emotions?"
Su Jinyan's voice deepened with sincerity. "General, you know me well. I have always believed in exchanging genuine feelings for genuine feelings."
Jing Yuan glanced at Jingliu, then back at Su Jinyan, his expression filled with profound satisfaction.
"Master, it seems you've truly moved on?"
"Rehashing past events is like stirring murky waters, only inviting further distress."
"I had feared you were trapped by your vengeance, unable to escape its grip."
"It appears now that love indeed serves as the best remedy for all afflictions."
Jingliu neither confirmed nor denied this sentiment. "Don't misunderstand, Jing Yuan. My determination to avenge Bai Heng remains unwavering."
"However, I now have new concerns close to my heart."
"With Xiao Didi by my side, I can temporarily suppress the lingering resentment and ceaseless desire for retribution."
"But afterward, it still leaves me with an endless sense of emptiness."
Jing Yuan's expression softened. "Among everyone I've encountered, Minister Su holds the greatest potential and is undoubtedly the most exceptional."
"If anyone could bring about a truly bright future, I believe it might be him."
Su Jinyan never presumed to convince Jingliu to abandon her quest for revenge. Doing so would unquestionably trample upon her belief in The Hunt and disrespect her steadfast perseverance over the years.
Whenever Jingliu needed him, he would steadfastly stand by her side.
At the same time, he required ample time to grow and develop his abilities.
Given enough days, if he truly unraveled the mysteries of the Aeon and became the pure love Aeon,
reviving Bai Heng perfectly, without any lingering imperfections, might no longer be an insurmountable challenge.
Su Jinyan's eyes were deep and resolute. "No matter when, I will forever be your most unwavering support."
"The unfulfilled regrets of the High-Cloud Quintet shall rest upon my shoulders; let me bring them to their conclusion."
Jingliu's lovely gaze softened as she subtly intertwined her fingers with Su Jinyan's. Her once icy heart had already opened wide, entirely occupied by her little brother.
Hmm, perhaps more than just her heart was taken by him.
Yanqing watched enviously at Su Jinyan. "Teacher, you don't need to repay the gift money," he pleaded.
"I want to learn that sword technique from Miss Sushang—it looks incredibly cool."
Su Jinyan waved Sushang over and briefly explained the situation to her.
Sushang scratched her head, looking somewhat troubled. "Jinyan-gege, it's not that this miss doesn't wish to teach you."
"For bashing people, this miss learned naturally on her own."
"However, teaching others is something I've never experienced before."
Jing Yuan chuckled heartily. "That's quite alright, provided Miss Sushang doesn't mind."
"You can create a memory bubble of your sword training," Su Jinyan suggested. "With Yanqing's exceptional talent, his superb sword embryo and martial bone, he should have no trouble learning even without direct instruction."
Sushang nodded lightly. "Mm, that could work."
"However, I do have one condition—Jinyan-gege must spare some time to go on dates with me."
Jing Yuan glanced at Jingliu, his expression hovering between a smile and something else. "Master, Yanqing is my prized disciple."
"You wouldn't be as petty as Fu Xuan...would you?"
The corners of Jingliu's lips twitched slightly. "I have no objections."
Just as a hint of joy surfaced on Yanqing's face, he heard Jingliu's cold voice:
"However, mastering the art of the sword requires shedding blood and countless lives taken; there's no other way to glimpse its true essence.
"Yanqing, I will find time to assess your progress, so it would be best for you to mentally prepare yourself. Rest assured, I won't be as gentle as Jing Yuan has been with you.
"In our sparring sessions, even the slightest misstep could prove fatal."
Jing Yuan remained silent, as did Yanqing.
It seemed Shizuo Jingliu was indeed feeling jealous after all. It was well-known that when women became jealous, they might lash out indiscriminately, even slapping any passing dog twice over.
Ah, swords truly were the best companions. People may betray you, but a sword never will. Yanqing resolved to spend the rest of his life surrounded by his collection of fine, renowned blades.
As if struck by a sudden thought, Sushang pulled out a close-up photo featuring herself and Su Jinyan. "Big Sister Jingliu, could you please sign this?"
"I've admired you since I was very young."
Jing Yuan and Yanqing couldn't help but feel profound respect.
Whose subordinate is this? How remarkably bold!
Jingliu stared coldly at Sushang, as if aiming to wound not just physically but emotionally as well. Every word exchanged carried a hidden barb. Had anyone else dared speak to Jingliu like this, they would have faced her sword swiftly drawn.
Yet, Jingliu sensed no malice from Sushang; she genuinely revered him. This young maiden's skill in openly challenging someone in public far surpassed Fu Xuan's.
Sighing, Jingliu finally accepted the photograph from Sushang.
"Do you only need my signature or should I include a message of blessing?"
Sushang's beautiful eyes sparkled brightly. "Yes, please write—'May Shangshang and Jinyan-gege cherish each other forever.'"
Jing Yuan and Yanqing drew in sharp breaths.
An urge surged within Jingliu to tear the photo to shreds.
Blinking innocently, Sushang asked, "What's wrong?"
With a flick of her finger, Jingliu channeled it into a sword glare, using its energy to inscribe her signature and the requested message. In a frosty tone, she said, "Xiao Didi, tonight, I'll continue your training session. Don't slack off."
Yanqing gazed admiringly at Su Jinyan.
"As expected of our teacher. Despite already being so strong, he never stops honing his skills."
"Yanqing needs to keep pushing forward too."
"I've decided—to add another two thousand swings to today's training schedule."
Su Jinyan hesitated, sensing that Yanqing might be misunderstanding something. The sword techniques he practiced were entirely different from those Yanqing focused on. However, despite their divergent paths, both forms served the same purpose—providing stress relief after wielding a blade.
Fu Xuan clenched her fists in dissatisfaction and pulled Qingque aside, whispering, "Qingque, according to you, how should this venerable one handle this?"
"Of course, by forgiving him, Lady Fu Xuan," Qingque softly replied. "It might be better to think of it as A-Yan honing his skills."
Fu Xuan lightly bit her lip. "But this venerable one is unwilling."
Qingque comforted her, "Then why not take a day off, Lady Fu Xuan? You deserve some rest too. Here, I have two tickets to Exalting Sanctum's amusement park. Invite A-Yan later; he won't refuse."
Seeing Fu Xuan still hesitant, Qingque added, "If you keep hesitating, Tingyun will win over him next."
"And after losing to Tingyun, you'll lose to Miss March 7th, then to the Stellaron Hunters, until there's no chance left."
At that moment, seemingly intentionally or not, "Tingyun" gently waved her folding fan while casting a glance at Fu Xuan. A subtle smile played on the corners of her lips.
A sense of urgency overwhelmed Fu Xuan, making it hard for her to breathe. Qingque was right—there were numerous predatory women eyeing this venerable one's beloved disciple. She decided to discreetly avoid others and privately invite A-Yan to the amusement park later.
A hint of amusement played on Kafka's lips. "Darling, with such fierce competition, aren't you going to ask him out?"
"If someone else snatches him first, don't regret it later."
Silver Wolf feigned nonchalance. "Oh please, as if I'd regret it?"
Kafka chuckled softly, "Really? That's what you think? From what I've observed, he seems quite invested in you."
Silver Wolf's cheeks flushed slightly. "Aiya, just ignore it," she protested. "I've emphasized this many times—we're merely very close friends."
Kafka pursed her lips, her laughter turning teasing. "Hmm, from what I know..."
"Most 'very close friends' eventually end up having intimate relations with him, you know?
"A-Yan is quite skilled at playing with people's hearts; be careful not to fall under his spell."
"Oh, look, you're blushing now?"
Using Ether Editing capabilities, Silver Wolf subtly adjusted the data, changing the blush on her cheeks to composure. "It's your imagination."
"Kafka, haven't you noticed?" she continued proudly. "I already have A-Yan wrapped around my finger."
"Really?" Kafka responded, intrigued.
With hands on her hips, Silver Wolf looked supremely confident. "That day, he was kneeling and pleading with me, begging me to let him touch my feet."
"Hah, see? That's typical otaku behavior," she scoffed. "Give them just a taste of affection, and they'll be eternally grateful."
Kafka fell silent for a moment, sighing inwardly.
Alas, even my beloved Silver Wolf has fallen into Su Jinyan's meticulously crafted trap. But what exactly was Elio thinking? The script didn't provide any insight.
In the Netherworld's funeral hall, amidst Sampo's expectant expression, Su Jinyan extracted fifty thousand Credits from a thick stack.
Sampo appeared somewhat disgruntled. "Only fifty thousand Credits?"
Su Jinyan replied firmly, "I, Su Jinyan, have always valued fairness."
"If we agreed on a fifty-fifty split, then it stands as such."
Sampo seemed incredulous. "Wait, do you even understand what a fifty-fifty split means?"
Taken aback, Su Jinyan said, "Brother Sampo, could there be some misunderstanding?"
"That's not what I meant; by fifty-fifty split, I actually intended—"
"You take fifty thousand Credits, and I'll take half of the remaining plus any leftover Credits."
Resigned, Sampo accepted the fifty thousand Credits.
"Fine, but let's hope they're not just made to look like real money."
Su Jinyan fell silent, momentarily speechless.
Seeing Su Jinyan's expression, Sampo also realized the implication.
"No way, did f*cking old Sampo hit the nail on the head again?"
After a moment of thought, Su Jinyan mimicked Aha's tone and telepathically whispered to Sampo:
["Hey hey hey, dear Fool, it's your most revered Aha~"]
[Take these Credits, my benevolent gift to you.]
Sampo nearly burst out laughing in frustration. "Sparkle already tricked me with this once."
"Did you not know that Joyseeker's revelations to each Fool are unique?"
"Fools at the inn constantly trick one another; it's rife with internal competition."
"To deceive a Fool, you must combine 'Revelations' with 'Divine Manifestations.'"
Su Jinyan clicked his tongue and once again transformed a stack of banknote paper into Credits, handing them over to Sampo.
"If even this couldn't fool you, you've truly improved, my friend Sampo."
Sampo proudly accepted the banknote paper. "You really underestimated old Sampo too much."
"Using the same tactic twice would naturally make others cautious."
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Heh heh, Sampo is so easy to tease.
Sampo reminded him, "Oh right, dear, there's something I should tell you.
"The Masked Fool Sparkle didn't actually die, as you're well aware, aren't you?"
Feeling somewhat exasperated, Su Jinyan replied, "Of course I know."
"Sparkle is a dangerous Drama Mistress, obsessed with roles and wielding thousands of masks, capable of assuming myriad personas."
"I can't reveal her survival to them just yet."
"Once seeds of suspicion are planted, they will take root and sprout within everyone's hearts."
Sampo sighed, "That woman is indeed quite troublesome. Even old Sampo isn't a match for her."
"However, from what I've seen, she doesn't seem to harbor any malice towards you," Su Jinyan added.
"It would be wonderful if conflicts could turn into harmony instead."
Su Jinyan remarked, "I have always been kind-hearted, often unable to hold back tears at the sight of deceased small animals."
Sampo shook his head, "There you go again, spouting nonsense."
With a serious expression, Su Jinyan continued, "Let's get back on topic. I have no intention of seeking Sparkle's demise either.
"But how should I put this about her? She'll stop at nothing for the pursuit of amusement.
"She is truly too dangerous.
"I certainly don't want her endangering my friends and loved ones."
Sampo pondered, "Hmm, that indeed poses a problem.
"But dear, did you know?
"Although each Fool adheres to different aesthetics of pleasure,
"in front of a Fool who possesses influence, determination, distinctive charm, and unique insights into the aesthetics of pleasure,
"regardless of how boundless other Fools' limits may be, they will still respect him to some extent."
Feeling skeptical, Su Jinyan asked, "Why do I sense you're complimenting me?"
Sampo chuckled, "Ha~ You sure are quite narcissistic~"
"Oh right, dear, I heard that Jarilo VI will soon host an Interstellar Victory Celebration."
"Are you interested in giving it a try?" Sampo asked.
Su Jinyan replied, "I'm not interested in Belobog."
"What about Penacony?" queried Sampo.
"In no time, Penacony will host a grand feast, and invitations are currently being widely distributed by The Family."
"With your status, you undoubtedly have the qualifications to attend in Penacony."
"It's quite entertaining there. Want to give it a try?"
Su Jinyan showed little interest. "Maybe later."
"I have deep sentiments for the Xianzhou Luofu and don't wish to be away from Luofu for too long right now," he replied.
Sampo seemed somewhat disappointed. "I always feel like you're limited by Luofu, unable to fully unleash your potential. If you went to Penacony, who knows what intriguing experiences might await? You could even potentially encounter a charming older sister in a splendid chance meeting," Sampo teased with a wink.
Smiling, Su Jinyan responded, "In a few days, I'll be heading to Jepella planet instead."
"The Jepella Brotherhood is a branch of the Annihilation Gang."
"I plan to stir up some excitement for old man Aha while I'm there. Care to join me?"
Sampo hesitated momentarily before shaking his head. "Jepella? No thanks. Old Sampo here isn't interested in bullying novices."
After leaving the Netherworld's mourning hall, Su Jinyan clapped his hands and instructed the Aurumatons to dismantle the funeral arrangements.
At that moment, Fu Xuan approached, proudly puffing out his modest chest.
"O disobedient disciple, this venerable one forgot to mention—"
"Your performance yesterday was commendable; you've earned the right to kiss these lips."
Su Jinyan momentarily froze. Was Shizun praising my handling of Jingliu? Is this perhaps Sparkle in disguise?
Seeming to sense something amiss, Fu Xuan glared at Su Jinyan with slight irritation. "Did you misinterpret that?" he asked angrily. "What this venerable one meant is, by defying all opposition and furiously executing the dragon masters, you did well."
The corner of Su Jinyan's mouth twitched as he feigned deep sorrow. "Shizun," he began mournfully, "I have some bad news to share with you."
Fu Xuan hesitated briefly. "Speak, for this venerable one will bear your burdens alongside you."
"You may not be aware," Su Jinyan explained, "after Big Sister Jingliu abducted me, she continuously subjected me to abstinence training."
"Thanks to her, my emotional threshold has significantly increased—a great deal, actually."
"Now, I no longer find kissing appealing."
"Then...this venerable one's white stockings...?"
"I'm no longer interested."
"And more intimate kisses...?"
"No interest there either."
Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly, her heart wrenching as if struck by lightning out of a clear sky.
Completely defeated, utterly humiliated—this venerable one has lost miserably.
Despite barely engaging in such intimate acts typical of couples, her disobedient disciple had already grown weary of them.
Fu Xuan tilted her small face upward, gazing at him with hopeful eyes. "So about our date this afternoon..."
Su Jinyan began, "I'm also not int—"
Fu Xuan bit her lip, tears welling up in her beautiful eyes.
Realizing he might have teased her too far, Su Jinyan hastily embraced Fu Xuan and kissed her softly on the lips. "Don't cry, I was just joking with you."
Frantically wiping away the tears from her lovely eyes, Fu Xuan chided, "D-d-disciple, who's crying?"
"This venerable one took a day off for this date; if we don't go through with it, then I'll simply return."
Su Jinyan felt somewhat overwhelmed. He had just agreed to meet Shangshang this afternoon, so now it seemed he'd have to juggle both dates simultaneously.
In a corner, hidden from view, Sparkle watched discreetly, her captivating gaze shifting thoughtfully.
"Hmph, a date?" Sparkle pondered. Should she interfere? Oh, dear Little Su... Let me, your Sparkle, have some fun at your expense.
[Did you know? It seems Sparkle plans to transform into either Fu Xuan or Shangshang during your date, just to tease you thoroughly.]
[Seize this opportunity and turn the tables - give her a taste of her own medicine.]
Su Jinyan readily agreed, "How could I refuse when Shizun rarely initiates dates?"
Fu Xuan suppressed her inner delight with great effort, responding calmly, "Excellent. Two o'clock this afternoon, Exalting Sanctum's amusement park—meet you there without fail."
Sparkle's lips curved slightly. Little Su, two o'clock, Exalting Sanctum's amusement park—see you then, no excuses.