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The farce starring Sparkle finally came to an end.
Feeling refreshed and invigorated, Su Jinyan pushed open the dressing room door.
His gains exceeded all expectations.
Firstly, the most troublesome issue—the juvenile succubus Sparkle—had been resolved thanks to the combined efforts of himself, Fu Xuan, and Qingque. Upon returning, he definitely needed to express his heartfelt gratitude to little Que'er.
Additionally, Aha had generously rewarded him with a small bottle of Memory Loss Spray, Miss Topaz, and a Herta doll.
Although Miss Topaz requested a refund for being underage,
Su Jinyan believed he could still leave a favorable impression on her.
A true gentleman remains unswayed amidst temptation—that's me, Su Jinyan, personified. Once back at base, she'll undoubtedly be grateful towards me.
As a high-ranking official from the Interastral Peace Corporation, cultivating a connection with her could prove immensely beneficial.
Regarding the Herta doll, Su Jinyan planned to gift it to Silver Wolf, aiming to boost her favor towards him.
Biting her lip, Sparkle appeared teary-eyed as she cooed, "Darling~"
"You've filled me like a cream puff; walking is so uncomfortable."
"Giggles, I'm truly envious of our Shizun, must feel amazing to be constantly brimming under your touch?"
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Su Jinyan's expression remained cold as he turned away slightly. "Call me 'Master'."
Undeterred, Sparkle persisted, "Nope, I'll only call you 'Darling.'"
"Darling, Darling, Darling~"
Frowning, Su Jinyan reminded her, "Sparkle, don't forget about your bet with Qingque.
"You're my slave now, and you should be aware of the consequences for refusing to honor our agreement."
"Wahh, but I don't want to be a slave," Sparkle whimpered, her beautiful eyes misting over. She puckered up and kissed him gently. "Darling, can't I also receive your affection like Fu Xuan does? Please?"
"If it really bothers you, how about we each make a compromise?"
A faint smile played on Su Jinyan's lips. "A compromise? Let's hear your proposal."
Sparkle blinked cunningly with her lovely eyes. "How about you adopt me as your godmother? In private moments between us, you could call me 'Godmother,' and I'd still address you as 'Darling'."
Su Jinyan's face darkened. Is this what you consider a compromise? Trying to turn everything upside down here?
Fu Xuan looked puzzled, her delicate features reflecting uncertainty:
"Qingque, how is this rebellious imp still so defiant?"
"What about your bet? Has it not taken effect yet?" Qingque cleared her throat softly. "Sparkle, since you lost, it's time to fulfill your part of the wager."
"Will you choose to become A-Yan's slave or face death?"
Sparkle clung to Su Jinyan's sleeve, her face filled with anticipation.
"Darling, wouldn't it be lovely if I called you that every day from now on?"
"We're the most compatible Fools; let's turn the entire universe upside down together."
Under Sparkle's charming onslaught, even the stoniest heart would soften. Yet, Su Jinyan seemed made of iron, growing more unyielding the more she persisted.
Su Jinyan shook his head indifferently. "No, it wouldn't."
After a moment of silence, Sparkle pouted, looking somewhat hurt.
"Darling, I've never harmed anyone close to you, you know."
Su Jinyan remained silent.
Sparkle placed her hands on her hips and huffed, "Hmph, you clearly don't trust me, do you?"
"Well then... let me ask you a question too."
"Darling, we've shared intimate moments at least."
"If I were to kick the bucket, would you feel sad?"
Su Jinyan pondered briefly before replying, "No, not really."
Sparkle playfully stuck out her tongue and made a silly face at him, teasing, "Nyah~"
"A deceitful scoundrel, aren't you? Not sad, huh?"
"Hmph, from now on, no one will call you 'darling' anymore."
With a thud—
Sparkle's delicate body swayed, suddenly collapsing onto the ground as blood trickled from the corner of her mouth.
Fu Xuan stared, bewildered. Qingque, equally astonished, whispered with a pale face, unintentionally trembling slightly, "A-Yan."
"Sparkle... Sparkle isn't pretending this time..."
"She has fulfilled her part of the bet and ended her own life."
Fu Xuan gasped, "What?!"
Su Jinyan froze, his mind going blank, momentarily crashing.
Did Sparkle choose to fulfill the bet and end her life for real? Was she serious about this?
Wait, hold on...
Before now, Sparkle had already faked her death once, fooling us all.
Of course, we couldn't rule out the possibility that she might have done it again.
Su Jinyan feigned a threat, "Sparkle, if you don't get up soon, I'll take advantage of your vulnerable state while you're still warm."
"You wouldn't want to lose face in front of everyone, would you?"
"What will the other Fools at the inn think if word gets out?"
Qingque whispered softly, "A-Yan, what I'm about to tell you might be hard to accept, but it's all true.
"A voice in my mind informed me:
"Sparkle has fulfilled her bet with death."
[Let me share a secret with you.]
[In reality, Sparkle's defenses were not breached by Fu Xuan's Matrix of Prescience.]
[Her surrender was merely to give you both a way out.]
[She truly wished to commit suicide due to Little Su's indifference, leaving him haunted for life—Sparkle.]
Su Jinyan felt a lump in his throat, his expression extraordinarily conflicted.
You...
You wanted me to be haunted for life?
Fine, fine, fine, playing games, huh?
As a seasoned scoundrel, he absolutely refused to let the remainder of his life be consumed by thoughts of Sparkle.
The more Sparkle sought to burden him with lifelong regret, the more determined Su Jinyan became to defy her wishes.
Fu Xuan approached Su Jinyan and embraced him tightly. "A-Yan, does this upset you?"
Silently, Su Jinyan buried his face in Fu Xuan's warm embrace, quietly absorbing her tender care.
Qingque hesitated before asking, "I remember, can't A-Yan bring back the dead?"
Su Jinyan's earlier guise as Bailu and subsequent resurrection of the deceased Vidyadhara servant was no longer a secret within their small circle.
"I'm fine," Su Jinyan mumbled, "you don't need to worry."
"Sparkle's nature is stubborn; I couldn't control her anymore."
"Her decision to honor that bet was her own choice, unrelated to me or any of you."
Fu Xuan gently stroked his cheek. "A-Yan, there's no need to put up a front."
"A-Yan, why don't we leave here first?" Qingque suggested tentatively, "So you can have some quiet time?"
Su Jinyan picked up Sparkle's delicate body in a bridal carry. "It's alright, let's go..."
Shortly after, with Sparkle peacefully asleep in his arms, Su Jinyan leisurely emerged from the gift shop.
Fu Xuan and Qingque followed behind him, their expressions somewhat uneasy.
Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Minister Su, is the matter resolved?"
Jingliu's lovely eyes narrowed slightly. "Xiao Didi, what has she...?"
Why couldn't she sense any life force within Masked Fool Sparkle anymore?
Sampo grinned mischievously. "Hey there, buddy, did you knock her out by any chance?"
"Nice work! It's my first time seeing someone take such a hard hit from her."
Sushang's cheeks flushed; among those present, only she had experienced fainting due to Sparkle's actions before.
Bailu hesitated. "Why does it feel like this young lady just died?"
Unable to resist, Sampo burst out laughing. "Oh man, you sure know how to joke around, buddy."
"Why would anyone choose death when they can live perfectly well?"
Biting her finger, Bailu questioned dubiously, "Could it be that this young lady misjudged?"
Su Jinyan sighed. "Little one, your judgment was accurate."
In disbelief, Sampo rasped, "Ah, no way—she actually died?"
A hint of guilt clouded Su Jinyan's expression. "It's all my fault, truly shameful."
"I inadvertently fed Sparkle to the grasslands."
An avalanche of comments flooded the live stream chat.
[Zhao Xiangji: Seriously, don't make such jokes lightly.]
[Today's Trash Diving: Suddenly realizing, I now yearn more for pure emotional connections.]
[Lady Herta's Sole Supporter: Oh my goodness, Su Jinyan's anti-fan club just gained another significant entry.]
[Numby's Daily Meal: I feel a surge of joy from narrowly escaping disaster.]
[Cracked Almond Shell: You should also be grateful that Su Jinyan didn't go even further.]
[Lady Herta: Su Jinyan, stop doing weird things to my dolls!]
[Once Fed Nanook as a Kid: Understandable, accidents happen to everyone. Even I accidentally fed Nanook when I was young.]
[Iron Tomb Monarch: Don't f*cking let me find your address.]
[Diting's Howling Companion: In my childhood, I too unintentionally fed Diting.]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: A-Yan, don't be too upset; it wasn't your fault.]
[Snowy Overcoat: Resolving the issue is what matters most. Additionally, please be mindful of your influence—don't tarnish our reputation as Underworld Judges.]
[Cold Crow: Hello, broadcaster. Considering your remarks have severely damaged the Ten-Lords Commission's image,]
[we hope you will promptly return to the Netherworld to face joint trial by Judges Xueyi and Hanya.]
Jing Yuan composed himself first, speaking gravely, "Minister Su, do not jest about such matters."
"The menace who disturbed Luofu should have been imprisoned in The Shackling Prison for endless punishment."
"However, as Minister Su is the Envoy of Rewards and Punishments, you possess the authority to act first and report later. Executing her falls within your purview," Jing Yuan reasoned.
With Jing Yuan going to such lengths to smooth things over, it wouldn't be appropriate for Su Jinyan to undermine him further.
"Cough, General, your words hold great truth," Su Jinyan conceded. "Nevertheless, I believe that executing such a serious offender too swiftly might be too lenient."
"And what do you propose...?" asked Jing Yuan.
[LovesOnlyLittleGui: Sometimes, dead people can be more useful than the living?]
[RaisedNanookInMyChildhood: There's still time to capitalize on this.]
[DidYouDumpsterDiveToday: Ha, creepy!]
[NumbyWonderingWhatsForDinner: Are all the people in this live stream perverts?]
[System Notice: User 'RaisedNanookInMyChildhood' has been muted by the moderator.]
"Folks, let's avoid discussing such sensitive topics anymore," Guinaifen interjected anxiously. "Let's focus on something happier instead."
At this rate, these trolls would inevitably get the live stream banned sooner or later.
Su Jinyan spoke slowly, "General, do you recall the bet between Qingque and Sparkle?"
"With Joyseeker Heavenly Monarch as their witness, they successfully entered into the inn's contract. I suspect her life was taken away by the terms of that pact."
Jing Yuan began to grasp the situation. "Do you mean there's still room for maneuver?"
Su Jinyan nodded. "Exactly. I won't let my captured prey slip from my grasp."
Upon hearing this, Topaz's delicate body involuntarily shuddered.
What did Su Jinyan mean by that? Was he hinting at me? Should I request the company's intervention to negotiate with the Xianzhou Luofu?
Su Jinyan softly spoke, "Those who offend the Immortal Ship have never met a favorable end, Sparkle included."
"Ladies and gentlemen, viewers, I invite you all to bear witness to a miracle.
"Next, I will strike a deal with Joyseeker, ensuring Sparkle wins this resurrection match."
Jingliu gently asked, "Xiao Didi, is it worth doing this?"
Fu Xuan sighed lightly, "This venerable one believes He might not necessarily agree."
Sushang queried, "Will she truly live?"
Su Jinyan's expression was resolute. "She will live."
Sampo shook his head slightly, skeptical about the outcome. "Don't count on it."
"No one can sway this; even Boss Aha may not consent."
What does Aha desire most? It's quite simple—elation, commonly referred to as sheer joy or pleasure.
Sampo had anticipated that Sparkle might take such drastic action. After all, if death could bring her ultimate joy, she likely wouldn't fear it at all.
Deep down, Sampo understood that despite Su Jinyan's grandiose words, he must be deeply distressed inside. And the more grief he felt over Sparkle's passing, the happier Boss Aha might become.
To convince Boss Aha to agree, there was only one way—provide Him with an even greater source of amusement. It seemed daunting, incredibly so.
This sentiment wasn't unique to Sampo; others shared his thoughts as well. Many believers spent their entire lives without ever having the chance to meet the Aeon they worshipped.
[Single-minded Fan of Lady Herta: Su Jinyan seems overly confident.]
[Herta Forever: Does he really think the Elation Aeon will grant him an audience?]
[Billgates: Exactly! I can't even meet Lady Herta, and yet he expects to see the Elation Aeon?]
[Lady Herta: Don't mistake ignorance for uniqueness, please. She adores Daddy Su Jinyan the most.]
[Single-minded Fan of Lady Herta: ?]
[Herta Forever: ?]
[Billgawa: ?]
[Lady Herta: Silver Wolf, do you not want your gaming account anymore?]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Don't blame everything on me.]
Contrary to their expectations, the detractors' hopes were dashed.
Not long after, an Elwe-style tavern mysteriously appeared within the amusement park.
The inn buzzed with activity as Fools clinked glasses and reveled in a lively atmosphere.
Sampo whispered discreetly, "Good buddy, take care of yourself; I won't join you there."
"But let me warn you, not all Masked Fools are as easygoing as old Sampo here."
"Some Fools have no boundaries in their jokes, utterly shameless."
"Don't end up being escorted out for not appreciating their humor."
Su Jinyan nodded gently, put on the Fool's Mask, and swiftly walked towards the Elwe-style tavern, carrying Sparkle.
As soon as he entered, the drinking Fools turned to look at him, breaking into laughter.
A burly Yaviran man whistled at Sparkle in his arms:
"Hey, Fool, I've got a riddle to test you."
"What is soft and fluffy, neither speaking nor moving?"
"The answer is—"
Before the brawny man Aweila could reveal the answer to his riddle, Su Jinyan snapped his fingers.
A surge of destructive power swept forth, instantly igniting the man's flesh.
Boom!
The brawny man Aweila exploded into a pool of bloody pulp, splattering onto the inn's walls, bar counter, and floor.
The jovial atmosphere in the Eluvian-style tavern fell silent.
Yet, Su Jinyan burst out laughing.
He glanced around, then with a puzzled expression asked, "Everyone, why so serious? Did I solve the riddle incorrectly?"
"The answer, naturally, is—Yavira jam."
"Just a little humor for you all."
After a brief moment of silence, laughter and screams erupted again in the tavern, accompanied by continuous applause.
Barmaid Blanche looked up, smiling, "You cheeky fellow, puns here come at a cost, you know."
Su Jinyan sat down at the bar. "Long time no see. You should already know why I'm here."
Blanche continued wiping glasses. "Of course. Lord Aha has been waiting for you in the room at the end of the inn."
Su Jinyan walked straight to the room at the inn's farthest point and pushed open the door.
Inside the pitch-black room,
a one-eyed dealer's metallic prosthetic leg was entwined with the Neldis card table, while his torso stood upright from a central hole in the table, surrounded by pinball-like spheres orbiting around his waist.
The one-eyed dealer's eye swiveled to look at Su Jinyan before giving him a gentlemanly bow.
"Fool, I've been waiting for you quite some time."
With ten mechanical arms, the dealer began distributing chips and elegantly shuffled the cards.
"There is a certain chance that upon turning over these cards, you will uncover the most beautiful memories in existence."
"You may also glimpse hidden secrets, things not meant to be known."
"And if your luck runs out, the consequences could be perilous."
Su Jinyan silently directed a Pregnant Gaze towards the one-eyed dealer.
"Ughhh... You f*cking..."
The dealer's expression turned menacing as he abruptly raised his ten mechanical arms.
Unfazed, Su Jinyan calmly picked up the Memory Loss Spray and aimed it directly at the dealer's face.
Fssshh—
The one-eyed dealer froze on the spot. "Who are you? What was I supposed to do?"
"Hiss... My stomach hurts so much..."
Su Jinyan pursed his lips and reached forward to gather the neatly arranged Neldis cards from in front of the dealer.
As he flipped open the first card, Su Jinyan was confronted with a blush-inducing scene:
Fu Xuan lay prone across a desk, every inch of her delicate body kissed by him. Even her tender, snow-white feet were held in his mouth, savored like ice cream...
As he flipped the second card, Su Jinyan saw Qingque entering the room, prompting him to hastily hide under the desk.
With her face flushed, Fu Xuan slapped the table, suppressing her discomfort as she demanded why Qingque had not submitted his report yet.
Noticing something amiss from the commotion, Qingque visibly sensed the anomaly and leaned down, their red-cheeked gazes meeting across the floor.
On the third card, Qingque and Fu Xuan began playing a stacking game with him...
Just as he was about to reveal the fourth card,
Sparkle, nestled in his arms, extended her delicate hand to stop him.
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, asking, "Oh, did you win your resurrection match?"
The scene around them gradually transformed, with Sparkle replacing the one-eyed dealer and sitting opposite him.
Her lashes curved gracefully, lips slightly upturned, exuding happiness. "Fool, long time no see."
Su Jinyan gazed intently at Sparkle's face. "Are you... Aha the old man?"
Aha, possessing Sparkle's body, crossed her arms, blinking her captivating eyes. "Indeed, I know why you've come here.
"And you should also be aware of what I desire." Su Jinyan produced an urn and placed it on the table. "My great-grandmother's ashes."
Aha nodded gently. "Accepted, thank you."
Next, Su Jinyan pulled out a fake dong, holding it up for display. "Look, a fake dong."
Aha gently shook his head. "I only accept Luocha's possessions."
Su Jinyan produced a wad of white silk. "Here's my Shizun's silken thread."
Aha chuckled softly. "Completely worthless. Keep it and savor its scent yourself."
Leaning forward, Su Jinyan whispered, "Old man, let's skip the riddles."
"Just say it—I want Sparkle back by my side."
"The more you value her," Aha replied, "the higher her worth becomes to me.
"And consequently, the greater the amusement I'll require from you."
"By the way," he added, "even until death, she yearned to clear up your painful misunderstanding.
"It was your suspicion and coldness that drove her down this tragic path."
Su Jinyan remained impassive. "Stop increasing her significance in my eyes; I fear I might not be able to afford it."
Aha laughed delightfully. "Fool, perhaps others would worry about such matters,
"But you needn't concern yourself, isn't that right?
"As long as you live, there will be an endless supply of entertainment for me."
"I'm concerned," Su Jinyan said mildly, "that your threshold for elation may gradually rise."
"One day, those amusements will become commonplace to you."
Aha laughed heartily. "Fool, you've made an error. Considering how well we seem to get along, I'll offer you some free advice.
"Remember this point for the future: never interpret other Aeons from the perspective of organic or inorganic lifeforms."
Su Jinyan pondered this counsel thoughtfully.
"In due time, I shall present you with another unparalleled and exquisite humor."
"This time, my actions might be even more radical and frenzied—much, much more so," Aha said softly, smiling.
"Of course, I eagerly anticipate it," Su Jinyan replied gravely.
Before departing, Su Jinyan asked, "Is there anything else you'd like to say to me?"
Aha made a comical grimace. "May you find joy in life's pleasures as your days unfold.
"Seek happiness amidst the razor-sharp turns of fate, my friend."
As evening approached, Su Jinyan successfully departed from Elwe's tavern.
No one could clearly see his expression.
However, the viewers in the live stream managed to catch the crucial information:
The Sparkle cradled in his arms remained unconscious—he had failed.
Thus, amidst the boundless cosmos and its myriad corners, a frenzy among his detractors began to unfold.
Fu Xuan spoke first, "A-Yan, how did it go?"
Su Jinyan glanced at the expressions on everyone's faces and chuckled softly. "Don't look so somber, all of you."
"Sparkle's passing is indeed cause for celebration aboard the Xianzhou Luofu."
"There's no need to worry about my feelings."
Jingliu silently sighed, stepping closer and burying her cheek against his snow-like, full bosom. "Xiao Didi, I can sense your inner sorrow; stop deceiving yourself."
"Let me soothe your heart's pain."
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes remained composed. "A-Yan, don't listen to this woman. Tonight, let this venerable one keep you company through candlelit conversation."
Tingyun, with a pitiful charm, added, "Seeing Benefactor in anguish pains me even more, as if stabbed by a thousand knives."
"Benefactor, why not visit my home tonight? Let us soothe each other's wounds together."
Qingque interjected, "Miss Tingyun, licking wounds is best left to actual injuries."
Sushang raised her hand and asked, "I have a question—does one plus one equal two?"
Everyone present fell deep into thought over this profound philosophical query.
Guinaifen covered her face with embarrassment. "Shangshang, such elementary questions aren't worth asking."
Sushang turned to Tingyun and, with a startling suggestion, said, "Wouldn't it be more efficient if we all participated together?"
Tingyun hastily retreated, stammering, "That...that seems far too progressive."
"I must respectfully decline..."
Next, Sushang looked at Jingliu.
Jingliu coolly turned away. "I'm returning to the Netherworld."
Then, Sushang directed her gaze towards Guinaifen. "Little Gui, you're my dearest friend..."
Guinaifen's cheeks flushed as she stepped back repeatedly. "Too fast, Shangshang! It's just too much for me!"
"This is still overwhelming for me right now; let's discuss it another time."
Sushang then turned to Fu Xuan. "And Lady Fu Xuan..."
Before Fu Xuan could respond with her furrowed brows, Qingque answered on her behalf, "No problem.
"Tonight, leave it to me and Lady Fu Xuan."
Confused, Sushang asked, "What about me?"
Qingque urged, "Hurry and apologize to Little Gui Zi."
"She's your best friend; wouldn't you hate to see a rift develop in your friendship?"
Sushang nodded. "You're right... Then I'll trust Jinyan-gege to your care."
Meanwhile, Su Jinyan was texting Jing Yuan:
[Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: General, please declare war against the Annihilation Gang in the name of the Xianzhou Alliance!]
[Posting Under Real Name: Understood, I was just about to discuss this with you.]
[Just recently, the company approved the proposal to suppress bandits and is willing to contribute fifty billion credits to assist you in eliminating the Jepella Brotherhood.]
[If you capture any Stellaron Hunters, the company will additionally reward you according to the bounty amounts.]
[Miss Silver Wolf's Dog: Excellent. I'll set off for Yepele Planet tomorrow.]
In the Divination Commission's Conclave Hall, within Fu Xuan's office...
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes misted over as Su Jinyan forcefully pressed her against the desk, hungrily savoring the fragrance of her soft, pink lips.
What captivated him most about Shizun was the harmonious blend of youthful innocence and the commanding allure of a mature woman.
During their private moments together, Shizun would open up to him, revealing her most vulnerable side and seeking comfort in his embrace.
And when he needed solace, Fu Xuan radiated maternal warmth, gently accepting all of him.
This was the unique allure of his Shizun—Fu Xuan's exclusive charm.
"Rascal, be gentler..."
"Tonight, this venerable one has sent Qingque away; there's no need to rush."
Su Jinyan leaned down, removing Fu Xuan's shoes and holding her delicate feet.
Just then, Qingque conveniently pushed open the door, "Grand Diviner, may I come in?"
With her cheeks still flushed, Fu Xuan rebuked, "Who allowed you to enter? Qingque, didn't this venerable one clearly state that until you finish writing those overdue reports, you're not permitted to... uh... sniff..."
Qingque evidently heard the commotion beneath the desk.
"Oh, Grand Diviner, you're being quite unfair." Blushing, she knelt on the floor.
After exchanging glances with Su Jinyan hidden under the desk for a moment, Qingque quietly asked, "A-Yan, can I join in?"