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Despite his frustration, Fu Xuan refrained from overly blaming Tingyun.
Jingliu was once the Swordmaster of Luofu and part of the High-Cloud Quintet, as well as the architect of the Cloud Knights' undefeated reputation.
Given Jingliu's prowess, if she truly intended to flee, no one aboard Xianzhou Luofu could have stopped her.
Fu Xuan gazed sternly at Tingyun's face, radiating authority. "Hmph, this venerable one had instructed you to report your location earlier. Why did you fail to do so?"
Tingyun's eyes filled with sorrow. "Lady Fu Xuan, there seems to be a misunderstanding."
"In truth, I was attempting to resolve the situation on my own," she explained earnestly. "That way, Lady Fu Xuan wouldn't need to concern herself."
To me, Jingliu is like a cunning jackal, but isn't Lady Fu Xuan akin to a ruthless tiger? Even if I were to incite conflict between the tiger and the jackal, unless they both emerge weakened, this fox would gain nothing from it. Moreover, although the jackal aims to spoil my plans, once sated, there might still be room for me to partake in that delectable feast.
However, involving Lady Fu Xuan, a tigress, would likely result in her leaving not even scraps or broth for this humble fox.
Fu Xuan lifted her small face, her beautiful eyes expressing displeasure. "Tingyun," she said sharply. "Are you maligning this venerable one in your thoughts?"
With sincerity, Tingyun replied, "Lady Fu Xuan, instead of dwelling on my mistakes here, let us consider how best to protect our Benefactor's chastity."
Fu Xuan hesitated before retorting, "...Can that traitorous disciple even claim innocence?"
Tingyun replied, "The way Jingliu looks at Benefactor is filled with tender affection, unwilling to linger anywhere but on him for even a moment. This humble one fears that if left unchecked...by tonight, Jingliu might forcefully take advantage of Benefactor."
A blush spread across Fu Xuan's delicate, fair cheeks; whether from anger or embarrassment was unclear. "Rest assured, this venerable one will never allow such a thing to happen!"
Just an hour earlier, Fu Xuan had delivered her wedding sentiments at the Divination Commission's Conclave Hall, formally announcing her acceptance of her traitorous disciple's marriage proposal.
And now, mere moments later, Jingliu brazenly snatched away her own disciple right under her nose.
On their wedding day, her fiancé had been openly abducted by another woman.
At this rate, isn't this venerable one becoming the protagonist of a tragic romance novel?
Tingyun couldn't help but ask, "Lady Fu Xuan, this humble one doesn't understand. Can you not locate either Benefactor or Jingliu? Then our Anti-Jing Liu Alliance could confront them together and demand justice. Wouldn't it be better to collectively pressure Jingliu into releasing Benefactor?"
With an expressionless face, Fu Xuan responded, "Do you think this venerable one hasn't tried?" She continued, "Jingliu uses a unique jade divination tablet, making it impossible to pinpoint his location."
"As for A-Yan's jade divination tablet," Fu Xuan replied, "with the Silver Wolf concealing his location, this venerable one is currently unable to pinpoint him."
Tingyun frowned. "So there's nothing we can do...?"
What a pity about the medicinal tea brewing, meant to enhance their Benefactor's spirits—now it seemed unlikely to serve its intended purpose.
"Hmph, worry not," Fu Xuan assured them. "This venerable one has a clever plan already in place."
"There aren't many renowned inns on the Xianzhou Luofu; just a handful suffice."
"I'll send Qingque and her companions to stake out these inns like snares waiting for prey. We won't miss Jingliu."
"What if Jingliu seeks excitement tonight," Tingyun ventured cautiously, "and opts for the wilderness instead..."
Fu Xuan retorted indignantly, "Jingliu once held even higher status than this venerable one."
"Choosing an inn would be the extent of her compromise."
"She wouldn't demean herself further by doing as you suggest."
"But if indeed she follows your scenario, then this venerable one will accept defeat!"
Jingliu's stature was unparalleled; she was the very architect of the Cloud Knights' undefeated renown. To put it bluntly, even combining Fu Xuan and Xueyi's military achievements wouldn't match Jingliu's feats.
Before all else, Jingliu had been not only Sushang's idol but also someone Fu Xuan secretly admired. Given such a background, did Jingliu truly deserve Su Jinyan?
Fu Xuan believed she was unworthy—only this venerable one deserved such a traitor; no other woman could match him.
Although Fu Xuan held this belief,
she couldn't fathom that Jingliu, with her proud demeanor, would ever lower herself to be with the traitor.
Unless Fu Xuan witnessed Jingliu being utterly consumed like a cream-filled pastry, she refused to believe it.
However, the kissing photograph mercilessly shattered Fu Xuan's illusions.
Jingliu was truly prepared to take matters seriously now.
In the adjacent private room:
Buzz...
Buzz...
The cell phone discarded on the sofa vibrated incessantly.
Jingliu breathed softly, a hint of concern flickering across her brow.
Sometimes, the most dangerous place is also the safest.
Fu Xuan would never suspect that they were merely separated by a single wall.
Jingliu wasn't naturally inclined to subtlety or adept at caring for others.
At present, Su Jinyan lay nestled against her slender, snow-like legs, his head resting comfortably in her embrace.
As for Jingliu, she had never imagined forming such an intimate bond with a much younger "Xiao Didi."
"Xiao Didi, your Shizun believes I'll take your innocence tonight..." Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered as she quietly gazed at him. "What do you think?"
Su Jinyan looked up, feeling perplexed. "Can someone like me even claim to have any innocence left?" He added with a hint of sarcasm, "If anything, it would be more accurate to say that I might take yours tonight."
Jingliu gently shook her head. "Xiao Didi, you wouldn't do such a thing."
Su Jinyan sat upright, wrapping his arms tightly around Jingliu's waist and attempting once again to kiss her cold lips.
Turning away her exquisite face, Jingliu whispered softly, "Sorry, Xiao Didi. I'm not quite comfortable with..."
Su Jinyan stroked his chin, realizing that truly conquering Jingliu's heart was indeed challenging. If he disregarded her feelings and forcefully tried to dominate her, there was a high chance he'd end up losing both her body and her affection, resulting in a significant setback.
Jingliu proved to be incredibly difficult to win over. However, being a seasoned playboy, Su Jinyan certainly wasn't short on seduction tactics.
Hadn't he noticed that after his series of actions, Jingliu already felt guilty towards him? It was precisely this guilt that led her to offer her lips, allowing him to savor them as he pleased.
Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered slightly, and she gently parted her lips. "Xiao Didi?"
Su Jinyan remained silent, deeply pondering his next move to win over Jingliu.
Jingliu pursed her lips, her breath becoming somewhat rapid.
To women, men are often most alluring when they are silently focused. In that moment, Jingliu's heart, dormant for many years, unexpectedly began to race.
Jingliu did not appreciate verbal teasing or flirtatious behavior, especially if it involved humiliating remarks about her 'little brother.' Instead, she found a thoughtful and quietly contemplative 'little brother' far more appealing. If Xiao Didi were to kiss her lips now, she doubted she would refuse.
Jingliu couldn't help but wonder what question could captivate Xiao Didi's thoughts so intensely.
Why did Jingliu feel guilty? It stemmed entirely from her own misjudgment.
She had recklessly boasted about slaughtering dragon masters and their attendants, disregarding the consequences of such actions.
Upon hearing this, Su Jinyan harshly smacked Jingliu's snowy buttocks.
At first glance, it seemed like an act to humiliate Jingliu.
In truth, he intended to caution her that not all problems could be resolved through violence.
Following Su Jinyan's well-meaning reminder, Jingliu realized her mistake.
However, being publicly shamed by someone as junior as Su Jinyan was difficult for Jingliu to accept. Consequently, she drew her sword against him.
On the surface, her aim appeared relentless, seeking to inflict unbearable agony and make life seem worse than death. Yet, each strike deliberately held back, leaving room for restraint.
Jingliu had not anticipated that Su Jinyan would not only fail to evade her strike but actively meet it head-on. Moreover, he willingly destroyed his own pill organ, seeking final closure between them.
Su Jinyan's last words before death resonated deeply with Jingliu:
"Shizun once told me that if I continued indulging in women, one day they would surely harm me."
"Unfortunately, while I foresaw the beginning, I could never have predicted this ending."
If Fu Xuan calculated that Xiao Didi would indeed be harmed by a woman, perhaps it was also foreseen that this woman referred to me - and that I would hurt him.
Every action has its consequence, predetermined by fate.
Despite knowing he'd inevitably suffer at my hands, Xiao Didi remained steadfastly by my side without hesitation.
The depth of the wounds I inflicted on him led him to lose all memories of our past.
Jingliu's lovely lashes quivered slightly, feeling somewhat bewildered.
Can we ever reclaim the relationship we once shared?
What was certain now was that aboard the Xianzhou Luofu, Jingliu showed exceptional affection only towards Bailu.
To intensify his pursuit and win Jingliu's heart, Su Jinyan decided to leverage their connection through the adorable High Elder. Once Bailu truly ascended as the High Elder, free from the Dragon Master Parliament's constraints, the once serene and solitary fairy would be drawn into the earthly realm by human emotions and desires. Her moonlit purity would fade, replaced by worldly entanglements.
The once lofty Flawless Flying Light would inevitably fall for him. He would heal her emotional wounds, becoming an indispensable presence in her life henceforth.
Lost in thought, Su Jinyan remained oblivious to Jingliu's soft pink lips drawing perilously close. With just a slight lean forward, he could capture those inviting lips in a tender kiss.
Bzzz—
Another sudden text message interrupted his musings. Only then did Su Jinyan realize how intimately close Jingliu's exquisite face had come to his own.
Jingliu's hazy eyes instantly sharpened, and with a delicate, fair hand, she nonchalantly brushed aside his forehead locks.
"Xiao Didi, it must be Fu Xuan texting you," she said softly. "It seems your Shizun truly cares deeply for you."
Su Jinyan nodded gently. "My Shizun has always been the kindest person to me in this world."
Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered with a hint of chill as her lips parted, exhaling a refreshing and sweet breath, "Xiao Didi."
"Did you know that praising your Shizun in front of me is actually a severe taboo?"
"If Fu Xuan treats you so well, why do you still choose to stay by my side?"
Su Jinyan wore a faint smile, "I wouldn't have chosen it otherwise, didn't Big Sister forcefully abduct me here?"
Jingliu's heart skipped half a beat, "Hm? You remember that I abducted you now?"
Su Jinyan gazed intently at Jingliu's exquisite and breathtaking features, noting her slightly parted pink lips.
"I've remembered some parts, but not much," he replied softly.
Jingliu lifted her gaze to meet his, "You...are lying again, Xiao Didi..." As she spoke, there was evident tension in her voice.
A serious dilemma confronted her. She couldn't determine if Xiao Didi had fully regained his memories or just fragments.
If Xiao Didi had indeed recovered all his memories, how would her actions during this time differ from outright seducing a younger brother? How would Xiao Didi perceive her now?
Su Jinyan gently caressed Jingliu's soft, supple lips. "If Big Sister lets me kiss her once, I'll tell you everything honestly, okay?"
An unprecedented blush graced Jingliu's usually cool and flawless cheeks.
He's back...
Jingliu initially hesitated to be certain, but now she was almost convinced—the flirtatious little brother had returned.
Would he forgive me? How does he perceive me now?
In such close proximity amidst an intimate atmosphere, Su Jinyan could even feel Jingliu's breath gently caressing his cheek.
"You, um—"
There was no way he'd allow Jingliu the chance to refuse him. Since losing his memory, Su Jinyan found himself at a disadvantage, while Jingliu harbored feelings of guilt towards him.
Thus, he seized the opportunity for Jingliu to care for him, allowing her maternal instincts to shine. He fully embraced the role of the doting younger brother seeking comfort from Big Sister Jingliu.
However, once their relationship returned to normal, he knew he must regain control. It was crucial to maintain dominance before Jingliu, ensuring she never overpowered him again.
Jingliu's lashes fluttered slightly; she had initially intended to forcefully push away her little brother. In the end, though, she relented. Not only did she not push him away, but she also closed her beautiful eyes as if accepting her fate.
She reassured herself internally that this act served to make amends for her past shortcomings towards Xiao Didi.
Of course, it would be the last time.
She certainly wouldn't allow herself to be repeatedly undermined by her disciple like Fu Xuan, despite being their respected Shizun.
Su Jinyan fully savored Jingliu's sweet lips, embracing her slender waist tightly.
He knew well that such opportunities would be rare once he completely wins over Jingliu.
Without forcefully pushing boundaries and risking her disfavor, he aimed to seize every chance to advance their intimacy.
Unexpectedly, just as his restless hand began moving downward, there was a sudden crackle, and it froze solid like an ice sculpture.
Speechless, Su Jinyan stared at his immobilized hand.
Jingliu forcibly parted their lips, her breath slightly labored.
Her inner limits had been crossed, dissipating the flirtatious atmosphere instantly.
Jingliu anticipated that Xiao Didi might become angry or try to smooth things over with appeasing words. However, he did not react as expected.
Su Jinyan's gaze remained gentle, quietly observing her exquisite face without saying another word.
Jingliu also met his eyes, both of them silent, gazing at each other.
Gradually, the flirtatious mood began to return.
With a soft chuckle, Su Jinyan suddenly wrapped his arms around her slim waist again.
Jingliu's body tensed momentarily, but before she could react, her lips were captured by her little brother once more.
Another kiss! Jingliu felt dazed; hadn't they agreed it would be the last one?
Yet reality proved that no matter how cool and distant a woman may seem, her lips remain tender and soft.
Su Jinyan had personally experienced this truth.
Although their kisses were brief now, there would be ample opportunities for deeper exploration in the future.
To avoid stirring any resistance in Jingliu's mind, he composed himself and refrained from further advances. Instead, he maintained the intimate atmosphere, gently kissing her lips with tenderness.
This continued until Jingliu pushed him away, her beautiful eyes misty and breaths soft and labored.
Feeling slightly disappointed, Su Jinyan realized that Big Sister Jingliu was still unable to let go fully.
Jingliu pursed her glistening lips, remaining silent for a long moment, unsure of how to begin speaking.
Likewise, Su Jinyan wouldn't spontaneously confess his feelings to Jingliu just yet.
The timing wasn't right; expressing his affection now would almost certainly lead to rejection. He decided to first gauge her attitude towards him.
"Ah..." Su Jinyan's expression shifted, as he clutched his head in pain.
A clear panic surfaced in Jingliu's lovely eyes. "Xiao Didi, what's wrong?"
After a brief, exaggerated performance, Su Jinyan feigned surprise and asked, "Big Sister, why am I here?"
Jingliu hesitated, momentarily speechless.
Continuing, Su Jinyan questioned, "What is our relationship?"
With a sigh, Jingliu placed her cool, slender fingers against his cheek.
"Xiao Didi, don't play tricks on your big sister anymore."
"At your young age, you shouldn't be captivated by beauty; instead, focus your energy on your endeavors."
Su Jinyan gazed at Jingliu's soft, pink lips and nodded earnestly.
"Hmm, Big Sister Jingliu is right," he agreed. "I truly need to overcome this weakness, but my willpower is too frail, making it incredibly difficult."
"It would be great if someone could help me..."
"Big Sister Jingliu, I'm genuinely curious—how should I begin if I sincerely want to resist such temptations?"
Jingliu's lovely eyes showed surprise. She had always been instructing Xiao Didi not to succumb to beauty's allure. However, when Su Jinyan approached her with a humble demeanor, seeking advice, Jingliu found herself unsure how to answer.
With any other man, Jingliu could have easily severed their desires with a single sword strike. But attempting that with Su Jinyan would undoubtedly invite relentless conflict from Fu Xuan and the others. Moreover, she no longer wished to harm him even the slightest bit.
The thought of Xiao Didi looking at her with cold, distant eyes caused an inexplicable pain in Jingliu's heart.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, Su Jinyan said, "It seems Big Sister Jingliu isn't sure either."
"How about this? I'll search online for answers to your question."
"If it proves useful, I'll share the findings with you too, Jingliu Big Sister."
Jingliu gently nodded. "That sounds good."
Su Jinyan picked up his phone and glanced at the incoming messages from Fu Xuan and the others.
[Heartless Divination Machine: Apostate, swiftly distance yourself from Jingliu; she wants to kill you!]
[Little Fox's Benefactor: Oh, Benefactor, how could you heartlessly leave this maiden alone to wallow in sorrow?]
[Is it perhaps my excessive chatter that annoys you, causing our estrangement...?]
[Playing with Fate: A-Yan, having fun with Jingliu?]
[Snowy Coat: Don't let her near, she has Mara possession. We fear she might harm you.]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: A-Yan, is the former Luo Fu Swordmaster's lips as sweet as they sound?]
[Zhao Camera: Little Su, please send some naughty pics—of you, thank you.]
[Zhao Camera: Damn it, Stelle just snatched my phone; ignore that last message—it wasn't sent by me.]
[Today's Dumpster Dive: Old Deng, don't listen to little March; she only craves your body, obsessed with those risqué fantasies.]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Jinyan-gege, I saw photos of you kissing Jingliu.]
[Shangshang's Heart Hurts, Needs a Rub.]
After pondering for a moment, Su Jinyan decided to reply first to Sushang.
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: Shangshang, don't misunderstand—it was Jingliu lusting after my looks and forcibly kissing me.]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Mm-hmm, I knew Jinyan-gege wouldn't hide anything from Shangshang. You're the best, aren't you? ~]
Su Jinyan clutched his chest; how should he deal with this nagging guilt gnawing at his conscience?
[Shangshang's Sole Account: It's been so long since Shangshang last saw Jinyan-gege, feeling quite lonely.]
[Lady Fu Xuan's Dog: Shangshang, let me share my location with you. Come secretly without telling anyone, okay?]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Okay.]
A sense of crisis—this was the second emotion, following guilt, that Su Jinyan aimed to instill in Jingliu. Their relationship had already grown increasingly intimate, verging on that of romantic partners, but it wasn't enough yet.
He wanted Jingliu to realize that many others coveted his little brother.
If Jingliu didn't cherish him, someone else would gladly take care of Xiao Didi in his stead.
At the Exalting Sanctum, within the Stellaron Hunter's residence:
"Hmph, why isn't he responding to my messages?"
As Silver Wolf observed Su Jinyan and Sushang's affectionate chat history, he let out an irritable snort.
Not replying to me, huh? Fine then, I won't help you anymore; go indulge with your Shangshang.
Instantly, the blocked location tracking on Su Jinyan was unsealed.
Jingliu, puzzled, asked, "Xiao Didi, did you find an answer?"
Su Jinyan fiddled with his phone and replied solemnly, "I found one."
"Look, it says here: 'When faced with beauty, we cannot adopt a resistant approach.' Often, the more one resists, the greater the unintended consequences," he continued.
Jingliu quietly leaned closer to Su Jinyan, reading from the content on his phone screen, "Rather than resisting beauty, it's better to employ desensitization training, as used in psychology."
"To begin, one requires an exceptionally beautiful person. Through gradual stages of simple physical contact—such as holding hands, embracing, etc.—the individual can adapt to the allure."
"Once the patient adjusts to basic contact, deeper stimulation can be appropriately introduced: kissing, caressing..."
Su Jinyan looked at her mischievously, "Jingliu Big Sister, why did you stop reading?"
Jingliu's eyes remained expressionless. "The answer you found is incorrect."
Su Jinyan explained, "See, it states that the reference source is from the Intelligentsia Guild."
"A paper written by renowned scholar [Veritas Ratio]."
Jingliu appeared unconvinced. However, when she took the phone to search and browse herself, she discovered that many other answers were unreliable. Some suggested drastic measures like surgical removal for permanent cure, while others proposed genetic modification...
Surprisingly, the most suitable solution for Xiao Didi was indeed the article they had just read.
Su Jinyan continued unprompted, "Speaking of which, my Shizun is an absolute beauty."
"As soon as I return tonight, I'll go find her..."
Jingliu silently extended her slender, ivory-like fingers to place them gently on his lips.
"Clearly, Xiao Didi, your judgment seems flawed," she said softly. "Either there's something wrong with this article, or Fu Xuan isn't quite as beautiful as you imagine."
"Otherwise, you should have overcome such allure by now."
Su Jinyan quietly gazed at Jingliu's lips without responding.
With a cool gesture, Jingliu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Xiao Didi, I have great confidence in myself," she assured him. "I will help you undergo desensitization training."
Feeling uneasy, Su Jinyan protested, "That might not be a good idea. What if Shizun misunderstands and thinks we're becoming intimate...?"
Gradually, Jingliu leaned closer to Su Jinyan's face. "Xiao Didi, innocence speaks for itself," she whispered. "Throughout my life, I've never needed to justify my actions to others."
Her icy yet sweet lips swiftly pressed against his.
Holding hands and embracing were no longer sufficient for this Xiao Didi. His desensitization training had instantly jumped to a level beyond mere kissing.
Su Jinyan could distinctly sense that Jingliu's eyes held no trace of desire or passion.
However, allowing Jingliu to completely abandon all emotions and desires would hardly align with his initial intentions, would it?
Su Jinyan subtly wrapped his arms around Jingliu's slender waist, no longer content with just kissing.
As their lips parted, Su Jinyan moved to gently kiss Jingliu's delicate earlobe.
Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered, her suppressed emotions suddenly surging within her heart.
"Xiao Didi, you're being naughty again," she murmured huskily, pushing Su Jinyan back onto the sofa.
"Lie still and don't move."
Su Jinyan shook his head slightly. "If it's about kissing, I want to be on top; that's my bottom line."
Jingliu gave him a cool glance and rebuked firmly, leaving no room for argument, "Don't let your mind wander, Xiao Didi. This is merely desensitization training, not actual kissing."
Both of them were well aware whether it truly was mere desensitization or something more.
Su Jinyan understood he must never explicitly acknowledge this underlying connection, lest all the hard-earned progress in seducing her would regress.
In a soft voice, Jingliu said, "Xiao Didi, let's establish three rules."
"Firstly, during future desensitization sessions, you must follow my instructions."
"If I tell you to lie down, you absolutely cannot stand."
"Secondly, avoid contact with Fu Xuan and others throughout this process; we don't want to undo all our progress."
"Thirdly, the desensitization training must proceed gradually, step by step."
"I will determine when to advance the level; you must not overstep."
"And most importantly, remember that I'm helping you overcome your fixation on beauty, not engaging in intimate encounters with you."
Su Jinyan subtly furrowed his brow.
Jingliu was far too assertive, even for a simple kiss wanting to straddle him. If he couldn't take the initiative early in their relationship, it would be difficult to regain control later.
"I've changed my mind," Su Jinyan muttered. "I'd rather remain a hopeless addict of beauty..." He struggled to sit up.
Unfazed by Su Jinyan's resistance, Jingliu firmly held onto his wrists.
"Xiao Didi," she whispered, her voice chilling despite her soft lips near his ear. "Do you think you can simply quit or change your mind whenever you please? What do you take me, the former Swordmaster of Luofu, for?"
Jingliu's soft, pink lips breathed icy air near his ear, her crimson eyes tinged with a sinister scarlet hue.
"Things have gone too far; it's no longer your choice."
"Xiao Didi, I must help you overcome lust, and nothing will stop me."
Su Jinyan's heart skipped a beat.
This is bad.
His words inadvertently provoked Jingliu, pushing her dangerously close to entering her Mara-Struck form.
Just then...
Sushang's knocking echoed outside the door.
"Jinyan-gege, I'm coming in now~"
Su Jinyan glanced once more at Jingliu.
A cold smile played on her lips as her delicate white hand gripped his shirt tightly.
"Xiao Didi, this is your punishment for being naughty."
"I hope there won't be a next time."
"No—!" Su Jinyan protested.
Rip!
Shreds of the pure white shirt flew through the air.
At that precise moment,
Sushang turned the doorknob again.