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Bailu couldn't resist asking as well, "Yeah, where did you hear it?"
As soon as these words were spoken, both girls inadvertently turned their attention towards Bailu.
March 7th had no resistance against adorable things. Seeing Bailu engaging with them voluntarily, she couldn't help but feel inclined to tease her further.
March 7th squatted down in front of Bailu, smiling mischievously, "And just where did this little one come from? Where's your dad?"
Bailu gently shook her head. "I don't have a dad."
March 7th's charming expression froze. "Ah? What about your mom?"
Bailu continued to shake her head. "I don't have a mom either."
Feeling guilty, March 7th scratched her head, unable to respond.
Stelle softly consoled her, "March..."
Still remorseful, March 7th muttered, "Stelle..."
Stelle raised her thumb with a radiant smile. "You're truly hopeless."
"Excuse me?" March 7th exclaimed, taken aback. Is that how you talk to someone?
Bailu placed her hands on her hips and huffed, "I understand now."
"You see my small stature and assume I'm just a little girl sneaking out from under my parents' watch."
"But remember, this is Xianzhou—don't judge by appearances, young lady from the short-lived realms!"
"We Vidyadhara are self-sufficient through reincarnation; we don't need parents!"
"I've been studying medicine since emerging from the water at birth, and even within the Alchemy Commission, I am a fully accredited physician!"
March 7th was utterly astonished. "While Belobog children still play with mud underground, here, kids already excel at diagnosing ailments."
Stelle's expression turned serious. "When Belobogians are asleep, Immortal Boat residents continue working diligently."
"Thus, Belobogians are quite lazy—that's why Belobog can never rise to prominence."
March 7th's lovely eyes flickered subtly. "Hey, what about when Belobogians work diligently while Immortal Boat folk are asleep?"
Stelle responded with disdain, "Belobog lacks balance between labor and leisure; they only know relentless competition. Ultimately, they'll never surpass Xianzhou."
March 7th fell silent.
Bailu urged them, "Don't just talk amongst yourselves!"
"Where did you hear that news earlier?"
"It's been spreading like wildfire on Xianzhou—how could this missy not have heard?" Stelle boasted triumphantly.
"You haven't heard because it's perfectly normal," she continued smugly. "I made it up myself."
Bailu stared, bewildered. March 7th echoed her confusion.
Bailu glared at Stelle indignantly, "At such a young age, already engaging in mischief."
"The fabrication was so convincing even I believed it!"
Stelle clarified, "But the first part is true indeed."
"Fu Xuan accepted Su Jinyan's marriage proposal; she is now his official wife."
Bailu sighed deeply, "Ah, Big Sister Tingyun ultimately lost to Grand Diviner Fu after all."
"Just this morning, she still seemed..."
Intrigued, Stelle asked, "What else did she say?"
Bailu shot her a cautious glance and fell silent. As a medical professional with integrity, I thought, how could I reveal Su Jinyan's secret about his virility?
It was indeed peculiar; when I took his pulse, it had been steady, showing no signs of weakness or deficiency.
So why would Miss Tingyun claim he lacked vigor? Could this be some rare ailment that even I, with all my experience, have never encountered?
March 7th sighed as well. "Seems like we've pushed Lady Fu Xuan too far."
"Yet clearly, Lady Fu Xuan mentioned before..."
"That her refusal of Little Su's proposal was meant to discourage us from pursuing him further," March 7th added.
"You two also have feelings for Su Jinyan?" Bailu queried.
Stelle pointed at March 7th. "I don't, but she does."
Panicking, March 7th waved her hands frantically. "I...I-I-I don't either."
Stelle turned to Bailu, "Do you believe that?"
Bailu shook her head, "I don't."
Stelle nodded, "Then neither do I."
March 7th remained speechless.
Bailu looked puzzled and asked, "If Lady Fu Xuan agrees to his proposal, would it really make you both back down?"
Stelle also appeared perplexed, "If we were truly inclined to retreat at the first sign of difficulty, why would we even need Lady Fu Xuan's agreement for his proposal?"
Both Bailu and Stelle exclaimed, "Ridiculous!"
March 7th's expression twisted with distress. "Regardless of what you say, we've already made a promise to Lady Fu Xuan."
"If Lady Fu Xuan genuinely marries Little Su..."
"I wouldn't be one to steal someone else's love; I'd let him go."
Stelle once again glanced at Bailu, "Do you believe that?"
Bailu shook her head, "No, I don't."
Stelle continued, "Then I—"
March 7th quickly covered Stelle's lips, flustered, "Everything I said is true."
Confused, Stelle asked, "Little March, why so anxious? I'm not even worried yet."
March 7th huffed, "Oh, sure you're not! You have a thing for married men, and now Little Su perfectly fits your criteria."
Upon hearing this, Bailu stared shockingly at Stelle, "Little sis, are you seriously that twisted?"
Stelle's eyes deepened with concern. "How could you genuinely like a married man?"
"I was just joking around with you two."
"You see, I'm not particularly ambitious; little March is my best friend."
"Could I simply stand by and watch her fall into such a pitfall?"
Bailu pondered thoughtfully. "That does make sense."
Stelle gently shook her head. "My curiosity is quite strong, though."
"I am truly puzzled too - what exactly is so appealing about Su Jinyan?"
"Is this kind of man really worth the affection of multiple beautiful young women?"
"To find out, I've decided to personally win over Su Jinyan for closer examination."
"And, of course, it's also to prevent my dear friend, little March, from stumbling into similar pitfalls."
March 7th couldn't resist teasing, "Oh, you've certainly gone to great lengths for me, haven't you?"
Earlier, Stelle had claimed they wanted to practice social skills. Now, concocting various excuses to justify their interest in a married man, even forgetting what they're saying themselves.
With a serious expression, Stelle retorted, "Be grateful for having a friend like me! You should be shedding tears of gratitude!"
Bailu looked expectantly at March 7th. "Little Sister, have you made up your mind to give up on Su Jinyan?"
"Then I'll text Tingyun Big Sis right away," said March 7th earnestly. "I should congratulate her on having one less competitor."
"Just rest assured—I always keep my word," she continued.
"As long as Lady Fu Xuan marries Little Su,
"I'll immediately give up on him."
Buzz, buzz.
At that moment, March 7th received a new message:
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Check out this interesting scoop.]
[Dan Feng is so upset he's crying; he believes Bailu no longer deserves to be Xianzhou Luofu's Vidyadhara High Elder.]
[Dan Feng wagered with Jing Yuan—if more than half of the Vidyadhara support Bailu, he won't serve as High Elder anymore.]
[If fewer than half support Bailu, then after ten years, Imbibitor Lunae will reclaim the position of High Elder.]
[The bet has been sealed. Those backing Imbibitor Lunae must share this; failure to do so means you're not a true Vidyadhara!!!]
[Oh, and just in case you didn't know, Dan Feng is Dan Heng's past life.]
[Zhao Xiangji: What nonsense is this? Dan Heng isn't like that at all.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Mm-hmm, sure, but others still believe it.]
[Zhao Xiangji: Only fools would buy into such rubbish, right?]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: You're right, there are indeed too many fools.]
[Gimme Dan Heng's contact info; I want to invite him out for a proper chat.]
[Zhao Xiangji: Sure, message him privately. These rumor-mongers are truly despicable!]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Absolutely, they're horrendous.]
[Zhao Xiangji: Did you really propose to Lady Fu Xuan?]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: Indeed.]
[Zhao Xiangji: Well then, this young lady will gracefully bow out. We shouldn't interfere with someone else's love.]
[Fu Xuan's Dog: When were you ever involved? And just so we're clear, was it not Shizun who secretly kissed me last night?]
[Zhao Xiangji: Oh, right.]
[Zhao Xiangji: Close your eyes, A-Yan, it's me—your Shizun.]
In a soft voice, Stelle asked, "By the way, little sister, what's your name?"
Bailu placed her hands on her hips. "I'm Bailu, a medic from the Alchemy Commission. What about you, little sister?"
Stelle mirrored the gesture, placing her hands on her own hips. "I'm Stelle, Trailblazer of the Astral Express. How old are you, little sister?"
Bailu glared at her and retorted, "Older than you, that's for sure, little sister."
March 7th exclaimed in surprise, "Ah, so you're the Vidyadhara High Elder Bailu!"
The corners of Bailu's lips curled slightly upward. "Have you heard my story?"
March 7th shook her head gently. "No, but your tale has spread widely across the internet."
"Really?" Bailu responded, taken aback.
Meanwhile, at the Evernight Marquis Teahouse...
After compensating for the damage to the private room, Fu Xuan opened a new one and gathered Jingliu, Tingyun, and Sushang, preparing to interrogate Su Jinyan.
With a stern gaze, Fu Xuan activated the polygraph, directing her question at Su Jinyan.
"Traitorous disciple, there's been a question weighing on this venerable one's mind for quite some time now."
"Today, in front of everyone here, I must get a clear answer."
"So many people adore you, but who is your favorite among them?"
Su Jinyan's heart skipped a beat.
If asked privately, regardless of whether it was by Fu Xuan, Jingliu, or even Sushang and Tingyun, he would have unhesitatingly replied, "My favorite person is you."
But with so many witnesses present, answering this question could be his downfall. No matter whom he named as his favorite, it would disappoint the others.
Sushang initially intended to plead on Su Jinyan's behalf, saying a few words in his defense. However, upon hearing Fu Xuan's question, she felt relieved.
The answer to that query needed no further explanation; Jinyan-gege's favorite person undoubtedly had to be herself.
Jingliu's icy eyes flickered slightly. "I do not particularly care about who Xiao Didi's favorite person is," she said.
"It doesn't matter who he likes," Fu Xuan continued. "Once he overcomes his lustful desires, he'll become indifferent and unattached."
Su Jinyan glanced around furtively, ready to make a swift escape at any moment. With so many eyes on him, it was inconvenient to text Sushang for her cooperation. If only he possessed Long-Distance Transmission abilities...
Jingliu seemed to read his thoughts. Taking a few steps sideways, she conveniently blocked his best route for fleeing.
Speechless, Su Jinyan stared back at her.
Fu Xuan pursed her lips before smiling. "It appears this disobedient disciple is too bashful to admit it himself. Then let this venerable one speak on his behalf. In truth, A-Yan's favorite person is none other than myself."
The other maidens' gazes fixed intently on the polygraph, anticipating its alarm to sound. Unfortunately, it remained silent.
Developed by the Xianzhou Artisanship Commission, the polygraph-type jade divination tablet relied solely on subjective perception, incapable of discerning objective truth. It could only judge deception through capturing and quantifying physiological responses—pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate, heartbeat—to determine if an individual was lying.
As long as the person being tested genuinely believed their words were true—in essence, convincing themselves—the polygraph would not trigger an alert.
Last night, Su Jinyan had personally confessed to Fu Xuan that the person he could never abandon was his Shizun.
Based on this revelation, Fu Xuan genuinely believed that the traitorous disciple's favorite person was indeed her.
Su Jinyan couldn't help but glance at Jingliu more intently. Among those present, only he and Jingliu could potentially deceive the polygraph by cheating its effects.
Sushang courageously raised her concern, "Has Lady Fu Xuan tampered with this polygraph jade divination tablet somehow?"
Fu Xuan replied mildly, "This venerable one holds such deceit in contempt."
Tingyun, skeptical, asked, "Really no tampering? Then let me give it a try."
"I absolutely don't mind when Benefactor gets cozy with other women."
Beep—
The polygraph emitted a warning sound.
Tingyun's face darkened. "Did Benefactor truly say something like that?"
Fu Xuan calmly stated, "The victor has been decided; this venerable one has already entered an engagement pact with the traitorous disciple."
"Stepping aside now would still allow you both a dignified resolution."
Sushang raised her small hand, hesitantly saying, "Um, sorry to interrupt. Jinyan-gege also said he likes Shangshang the most."
With a scoff, Fu Xuan glanced sidelong at the polygraph.
The polygraph remained silent...yet unmoved.
Fu Xuan blinked, perplexed.
Jingliu shot a glance at Fu Xuan.
"The little girl speaks the truth as well; you've been deceived by your fickle-hearted brother."
Fu Xuan fell silent.
Tingyun couldn't help but stifle a laugh. "In that case, it seems I remember something too," she said. "Actually, Benefactor once told me himself that his favorite is Miss Tingyun."
The polygraph remained silent.
Fu Xuan's face flushed red, grinding her teeth with resentment—this traitorous disciple...
Curious, Sushang asked, "When did he say that?"
Tingyun suppressed her smile, pausing for a moment before sighing, "About half a year ago."
"To be honest, the first person Benefactor confessed to was indeed myself."
Su Jinyan fell speechless.
Fu Xuan and Sushang stared intently at the polygraph, which showed no reaction.
Sushang, puzzled, remarked, "That's strange. If Jinyan-gege confessed to you, why aren't you together?"
Tingyun expressed deep regret, "You both know Benefactor's character well enough."
"At the time, I thought he was just joking around."
"I didn't even hesitate before rejecting his confession. Otherwise, how would any of you have had a chance?"
Su Jinyan nodded, saying, "You're right, I was indeed joking then."
Tingyun hesitated, momentarily taken aback.
Bip—
The polygraph beeped.
Tingyun gently covered her lips, barely able to suppress her amusement.
"However, perhaps my rejection at that time did hurt Benefactor's heart."
"For quite some time afterward, Benefactor avoided me," she added wistfully.
Sushang comforted her nonchalantly, "It's all right, Miss Tingyun. Your decision to reject Jinyan-gege was truly wise."
"Thinking about it now, we should actually thank you," Fu Xuan nodded in agreement.
"That's true, Tingyun," Fu Xuan affirmed. "Once this venerable one marries the traitorous disciple, I'll certainly give you a generous red envelope as a token of gratitude."
Tingyun swished her soft, fluffy tail, her smile tinged with bitterness. The Benefactor she had met back then was still an innocent young man—a cunning and shrewd individual, yet remarkably pure-hearted when it came to emotions.
Had she accepted Benefactor's proposal, neither Fu Xuan nor Jingliu might have ever caught his eye.
Jingliu spoke calmly, "I merely encountered Xiao Didi half a year earlier than you. Is there really such pride in that?"
"We first met thirty years ago, long before any of you." As she said this, Jingliu removed the protective charm from around her neck and placed it on Su Jinyan.
"Xiao Didi, cherish this amulet from your big sister; keep it safe always."
Fu Xuan snorted derisively. "Oh, so you're just bragging about knowing him thirty years earlier?"
"What use is it if you met sooner?" Fu Xuan continued. "In the end, the one who progressed fastest with that traitor was—was—" At this point, Fu Xuan's face flushed abruptly, seemingly struggling to find the right words.
Sushang suddenly realized what she meant. "Oh, you mean me? Thank you, Lady Fu Xuan, for speaking up."
Fu Xuan fell silent, unable to respond.
Tingyun echoed her silence.
Jingliu gently shook her head. "How uninteresting. I never intended to compete over such meaningless matters. But even thirty years ago, my relationship with Xiao Didi had already made significant progress."
To their collective surprise, the polygraph remained silent—no alarm sounded.
Fu Xuan sneered, "Jingliu, don't be vague. Who knows what kind of 'significant progress' you're referring to?"
With a cold expression on her exquisite features, Jingliu replied, "Exactly as you might imagine. Xiao Didi confessed his feelings to me, but I did not reciprocate. However, I entrusted everything to him—holding hands, kissing, embracing, and even my chastity..."
When someone like Jingliu lied, distinguishing truth from falsehood became nearly impossible.
With ease, she bypassed the Lie-Detecting Jade Crystal's mechanism, rendering it incapable of discerning whether her words were lies.
Facing the skeptical gazes of Fu Xuan and others, Su Jinyan couldn't help but cry out indignantly:
"I didn't! At that time, I hadn't even touched her hand; she's lying!"
The polygraph remained silent.
Their suspicious looks now turned towards Jingliu again.
Jingliu pursed her cold lips. "Am I truly lying here?"
"Xiao Didi, you know better than anyone else."
Su Jinyan retorted angrily, "Indeed, I do."
"My heart is crystal clear on this matter; no one knows better than me."
"Not just taking your chastity, even sharing a kiss required immense effort to..."
"Hmm?" Jingliu interrupted sharply.
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Chill seeping into Jingliu's beautiful eyes, she asked, "Xiao Didi, can I interpret this as your celibacy not being willingly embraced?
"All your actions thus far, have they merely been to deceive me? Were you only aiming to possess my body, is that correct?"
Su Jinyan's face filled with sorrow as he subtly activated Mind Control. With a long sigh, he said, "Jingliu, you actually doubt me."
"Yes, indeed, I'll lay it all out now.
"I deliberately destroyed my pill organ to make you feel guilty."
BEEP—
"My previous amnesia was also feigned; Shizun asked me to forget you, playing along with our charade."
BEEP—
"That's right, I never intended to abstain from desire alongside you.
"All I wanted was your heart, craving your body, loving you deeply—it makes me despicable."
BEEP—
"Indeed, everything was just a ruse for sympathy. Are you satisfied now?"
BEEP—
Jingliu stared at Su Jinyan, a hint of guilt flickering across her beautiful eyes. Every word he spoke was true.
Once again, without intending to, I've hurt Xiao Didi's fragile and sensitive heart.
Fu Xuan's expression turned icy, desperately wanting to smash this faulty polygraph on the spot.
At that moment, Fu Xuan finally realized something—the Lie-Detecting Jade Crystal could only be effective against ordinary individuals.
For someone like Jingliu or even a traitor, such apologies were utterly meaningless.
"Sorry, Xiao Didi..." Jingliu took a step forward, intending to hold his hand as a gesture of remorse.
However, Su Jinyan silently retreated half a step, hurt evident in his eyes.
Jingliu froze, taken aback - was that retreat genuine?
Tingyun's lovely gaze held unhidden concern.
Before anyone else could react, Tingyun swiftly moved closer and enveloped him in a deep embrace. Gently stroking Su Jinyan's head, she cooed, "My dear Benefactor~"
"Has Jingliu hurt you again? How pitiful. Don't worry, my love for you surpasses that of any other."
"Come to my home, where I'll take excellent care of you, ensuring I never harm you like Jingliu does."
Jingliu remained speechless.
Su Jinyan nestled closer, then lifted his gaze and said softly, "Tingyun, I'm feeling quite weary now."
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed slightly, unable to suppress a tutting sound.
Understanding his cue, Tingyun smiled warmly with a gentle curve at the corners of her lips. "Then it's all the more reason for you to come home with me."
"I'll embrace you and heal all your weariness~"
Ha! Embrace my benefactor? As if! Of course, I must thoroughly drain him instead, ensuring no other women stand a chance.
Lady Yukong was right; once I completely exhaust Benefactor, he won't harbor any stray thoughts again.
BEEP—
The polygraph sounded its alarm.
"Honestly, this Lie-Detecting Jade Crystal must be broken."
"Why would it go off at such an inappropriate time?"
Tingyun feigned indignation, raising her folding fan with a playful pout. "Let me fix it for you."
CRASH!
Instantly, the polygraph shattered into pieces.
Feeling somewhat hurt, Su Jinyan asked, "Tingyun, why are you deceiving me too?"
Tingyun averted her gaze guiltily. "No, not at all. This humble maiden truly has no ulterior motives."
"Did you know, Tingyun brewed a medicinal tea just for you? It's placed in the adjacent private room."
"If you could sip even one cup of that herbal tea, it would greatly benefit you."
Sushang, puzzled, queried, "Miss Tingyun..."
"Weren't we discussing who Jinyan-gege likes the most just now?" Tingyun gently waved her fan. "Sushang, do you think debating this topic all day will yield a clear winner?"
Of course," Sushang replied matter-of-factly.
"Because Jinyan-gege's favorite person is me."
Tingyun momentarily choked on her words before responding, "Alright, as long as you're happy."
Su Jinyan chimed in at this opportune moment, "Tingyun, I'm feeling quite thirsty. Could you bring over a pot of tea?"
"I have more important matters to attend to shortly."
Tingyun's eyes sparkled, and she cheerfully left the private booth.
"Oh, why didn't you say so earlier? This humble maiden has been brewing a medicinal tea for our dear Benefactor all along," she exclaimed gleefully. "I almost thought it wouldn't be needed today."
"Let's go home and enjoy it there."
Jingliu's gaze turned cold.
The fox's pupils rapidly contracted, lips grew dry, and heartbeats quickened—something was definitely amiss with that medicinal tea. Jingliu suspected Tingyun had tampered with it, intending harm towards Xiao Didi.
Fu Xuan seemed to be growing increasingly inept; how could she fail to foresee such a plot? As the Diviner of the Divination Commission, this oversight was truly disappointing.
"Jingliu, what are you glaring at this venerable one for?" Fu Xuan glared back, visibly displeased. "This venerable one hasn't even confronted you yet, and here you dare to stare daggers?"
Jingliu let out a wry laugh. "Fu Xuan, haven't you noticed something off about Tingyun?"
"I've already warned Xiao Didi about her intentions."
"Tingyun harbors ill will towards him; she must have tampered with the tea."
Fu Xuan frowned. "Enough! If you genuinely like this traitorous disciple of mine, compete fairly."
"Using such petty tricks repeatedly—do you truly think this venerable one fears you?!"
Su Jinyan couldn't help but shake his head. "Jingliu-jiejie, please stop talking," he said softly. "I genuinely don't understand why you harbor such animosity towards Tingyun. She would never harm me." Sushang chimed in earnestly, "Speaking ill of others behind their backs is not right. Miss Jingliu, if you continue like this, I won't want your autograph anymore."
Taking a deep breath, Jingliu replied, "Very well. Since all of you believe that, we shall soon find out when it's put to the test."
Moments later, Tingyun entered carrying a pot of medicinal tea, pushing open the door with a cheerful tone, "Benefactor, here's your tea~"
With swift reflexes, Jingliu snatched the pot from her, tilted back her snow-white neck, and drained it in one gulp.
Tingyun stared, bewildered.
"Ah?" Su Jinyan echoed, surprised.
Fu Xuan was astounded, mouth agape. "Jingliu, wh-what have you...?"
Sushang nodded thoughtfully. "Now I understand. After secretly kissing for so long, Jingliu must be quite thirsty indeed."
Jingliu pursed her pink lips firmly and declared, "No need for further words; there's definitely something wrong with this medicinal tea."
Tingyun's lovely eyes filled with panic, her soft, fluffy tail swaying incessantly. How did Jingliu discover the issue with the tea?
Bailu had prescribed seven doses for Tingyun, instructing her to follow the course of treatment and take no more than one dose at a time. However, due to the Calamity Ancestor's earlier blessing, which bestowed upon their benefactor an undying body, he might exhibit resistance to the medication.
Thus, defying medical advice, Tingyun secretly increased the dosage by adding all seven tablets into the tea pot.
Her original plan was to completely drain Su Jinyan tonight. Yet as always, unforeseen circumstances seemed to disrupt her meticulously laid schemes, as if some unseen force was determined to thwart them.
Whenever Tingyun thought victory was assured, mysterious variables would inexplicably emerge, throwing her plans into chaos.
Just like now, Jingliu, convinced that something was amiss with Tingyun's medicinal tea, swiftly seized it and drained the entire pot without hesitation. The fox maiden couldn't even react in time—how infuriating!
Seeing the resolute look in Jingliu's eyes, Su Jinyan couldn't help but stroke his chin, pondering deeply.
The narrator chimed in, If I could just have a sip of that medicinal tea, it would undoubtedly benefit me greatly.
Jingliu insisted, "Tingyun tampered with this tea; she harbors ill intentions towards you."
Is it possible that Tingyun indeed altered the tea? But did she do so intending to benefit me?
Feeling defensive, Tingyun hastily explained:
"Don't unjustly accuse the fox, Miss Jingliu."
"Then tell me, what could possibly be wrong with this medicinal tea?"
Jingliu replied mildly, "I have already accelerated its potency within her bloodstream; we need only wait a moment to see the effects."
Since Bailu prescribed this medicine specifically for men experiencing virility issues, it should affect only males, right? Probably...
Tingyun lightly bit her lip, feeling deeply troubled.
The reason I created this remedy was out of concern that during our intimate moments, unforeseen disruptions like the Silver Wolf might arise again. Or worse, interruptions from Lady Fu Xuan herself. If Benefactor hesitates once more, my plans would surely crumble yet again.
However, after consuming this medicinal tea, things will change. With such arousal and a beauty in his arms, how could he resist? I fear Benefactor would promptly sweep me off my feet and indulge passionately, regardless of even Lady Fu Xuan's presence.
Su Jinyan asked, "Could drinking this medicinal tea have any adverse effects on Jingliu?"
[Let me keep you guessing for now, consider it a surprise.]
Su Jinyan rolled his eyes; this annoying entity sure knew how to build suspense.
Tingyun assumed Su Jinyan was addressing her and hastily responded, "Benefactor."
"I assure you, I would never harm you."
"If Miss Jing Liu suffers any ill effects from this tea, I willingly accept punishment under Xianzhou's laws."
Su Jinyan waved Tingyun closer. "Come here, come here."
With hesitation, Tingyun approached Su Jinyan.
In the next instant, he abruptly pulled Tingyun into his embrace and playfully tugged at her fox ears.
Tears welled up in Tingyun's beautiful eyes as she panted softly.
Su Jinyan's tone turned coarse. "Can't I f*cking trust you if not others?"
Jingliu's lovely gaze dimmed slightly.
He continued, "Of course, Big Sister Jingliu is right too; I believe there must be something peculiar about this medicinal tea."
Jingliu's eyes brightened, while Tingyun's grew somber.
"But drinking this tea will undoubtedly benefit me," Su Jinyan added.
Tingyun's eyes lit up, whereas Jingliu's darkened once more.
Unable to maintain the suspense, Su Jinyan finally said, "Alright, enough talk. Let's see the outcome."
Both Tingyun and Jingliu remained unconvinced, each suspecting the other of ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, Fu Xuan sat leisurely in Su Jinyan's arms, enjoying the spectacle unfold before her.
Meanwhile, Sushang had only done one thing.
She rushed to Meng Ming, the teahouse owner, and requested a cup of Immortal's Delight with dual straws, then handed it to Su Jinyan.
"Jinyan-gege, have some tea." Sushang parted her lips and took hold of one straw between them.
Fu Xuan's mouth slightly gaped, unable to suppress widening her lovely eyes. "Y-y-you..."
What about me? Sushang blinked innocently, slurping audibly from the Immortal's Delight.
All you care about is bickering; no one even spares a thought for Jinyan-gege.
I'm truly such a virtuous maiden.
After enough time had passed for an incense stick to burn:
Tears welled up in Tingyun's beautiful eyes as she threw herself into Su Jinyan's arms, crying out in indignation, "Benefactor, l-look! It's been an incense hour, yet Miss Jing Liu is still lively and well."
"If this humble one truly meant harm to you, could she possibly be standing here now?"
Jingliu remained silent.
Fu Xuan pushed Tingyun away disdainfully. "Move aside—can't you see this venerable one sitting right here?"
Apologetically, Tingyun responded, "My apologies, Benefactor. Your presence is simply too imposing."
"As a result, I failed to notice Lady Fu Xuan's delicate figure."
A hint of irritation flickered across Fu Xuan's small face. "Don't think this venerable one can't hear through your veiled insult," she retorted.
"You're indirectly insulting this venerable one for being short!"
Tingyun blinked her lovely eyes. "Aiya, I didn't say anything at all."
"Jinyan-gege, shall we have another cup? Should I request some more?" Sushang gently produced a handkerchief and dabbed at the milk tea stains on Su Jinyan's lips.
Fu Xuan remained silent.
Tingyun was equally speechless.
The two exchanged glances, their already sour moods worsening further.
Just what were they fighting over in the first place?
Sushang's cunning was truly terrifying—she must not be allowed to linger!
Another incense time passed.
Jingliu's delicate body showed no signs of change. However, only she knew that within her icy pill organ, a potent and intense medicinal energy had been suppressed.
As for when it might erupt from her pill organ and circulate through her meridians, Jingliu could not yet tell.
She was certain of one thing: this fiery medicinal energy posed no harm to her.
If harmless, then it likely indicated a restorative elixir.
Well, her initial biases must have clouded her judgment, leading her to unfairly dismiss Tingyun all along.
Slowly rising, Jingliu approached Tingyun. "Miss Tingyun, my apologies—I misunderstood you."
Tingyun let out a charming snort. "Realizing your mistake now?"
"A surface apology isn't enough, is it? What about something meaningful?"
"What do you desire?" asked Jingliu.
Tingyun declared, "I want you to leave Benefactor."
Jingliu gently nodded. "Very well."
Tingyun stared at Jingliu, astonished. "You agreed so easily? Then hurry and depart!"
Jingliu took Su Jinyan's hand, pulling him closer.
"I never specified when I would leave, Xiao Didi," he said. "How about this—once Xiao Didi successfully abstains from lust, my mission will be complete, and I can withdraw from his side."
Tingyun bristled. "You're clearly playing with words!"
Jingliu shook his head slightly. "It's simply that you weren't clear enough; blame no one else. Xiao Didi, we've had our fun and caused quite a stir—it's time for serious business, don't you think?"
Su Jinyan nodded. "Next, you must steal Dragonmaster Suguang's imperial seal. As for me, I'll go find Dan Heng and Bailu. Let's split up and proceed accordingly."
Fu Xuan abruptly stood, looking at him with alarm. "You traitorous disciple! What do you intend to do by stealing the dragon master's seal?"
Her concern was not unwarranted. This treacherous disciple always remained idle until striking with grand schemes.
Previously, to entangle Xueyi in his schemes, Su Jinyan had kept everyone in the dark, ultimately even alarming the Ten Lords. More recently, he single-handedly enabled trillions of sentient beings across the universe—both organic and inorganic—to experience maternal love.
The Dragonmasters were esteemed elders within the Vidyadhara clan, holding high regard among their people. These stubborn old fools excelled at sticking together and manipulating political dynamics.
As an Etheral Ferryman, A-Yan's status was no less than that of the Dragonmasters. Acting rashly against them could potentially violate one of the Unforgivable Ten Evils—"Sowing Discord Among Allies."
Jingliu also seemed puzzled. "Must we really steal the seal? Can't your illusions forge written commands instead?"
Su Jinyan shook his head. "I need tangible evidence to back it up. Shizun, rest assured, I understand that targeting the Dragonmasters is indeed inconvenient. However, I must first gauge their stance."
"Only then can I decide how many Vidyadhara Masters should be spared," Su Jinyan continued.
Fu Xuan looked perplexed.
Under Su Jinyan's orchestration, a remarkably idiotic rumor swiftly spread across the Xianzhou forums:
[Dan Feng is so incensed he's in tears; he believes Bailu is unfit to be Xianzhou Luofu's Vidyadhara High Elder.]
[Dan Feng wagered with Jing Yuan that if more than half of the Vidyadhara support Bailu, he will relinquish his title as High Elder.]
[If less than half support Bailu, then upon the completion of ten years, Imbibitor Lunae will reclaim the position of High Elder.]
[The bet has been sealed—those backing Imbibitor Lunae must share this post! Refusal means you're no true Vidyadhara!]
The original thread was promptly deleted by forum moderators for spreading malicious rumors.
However, despite its apparent idiocy, this rumor gained widespread circulation among the Vidyadhara people. No longer confined to the forums, it began circulating offline through flyers, text messages, and cards throughout Xianzhou Luofu.
Not only did many Vidyadhara individuals share the rumor, but numerous Etheral Ferriers joined in as well. Even those not part of the Vidyadhara found forwarding such gossip quite entertaining.
This incident was far from trivial, quickly reaching the attention of three key institutions—the Dragon Master Parliament, the Seat of Divine Foresight, and the Ten-Lords Commission.
Within the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan scowled deeply before slamming his hand on the table. "Send a letter to the Realm-Keeping Commission, instructing their technicians to conduct a thorough investigation."
"Find out who originated this rumor!"
At Netherworld Manor, Xueyi and Hanya also wrote to the Realm-Keeping Commission, demanding swift action to identify the user spreading these rumors.
By evening, amidst their frantic work, the overburdened technicians finally traced the source—a location within Scalegorge Waterscape, the user identified as Dragonmaster Suguang.
The Seat of Divine Foresight and Ten-Lords Commission were incensed. Each promptly dispatched elite agents to infiltrate Scalegorge Waterscape for covert investigations.
Meanwhile, at the Dragon Master Parliament, the Pro-Dragon and Anti-Dragon factions engaged in heated debate, with no dragon master inclined to investigate the rumor's origin.
The moment for Vidyadhara revolution had arrived, like receiving just the right support when one needed it most. The dragon masters were too delighted to worry about anything else.