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The moment the Golden Opera House dissipated, the audience members sequentially returned to their original locations.
However, the Aeons Aha, Yaoshi, Fuli, and Nanook—the Aeons of Joy, Abundance, Remembrance, and Destruction respectively—had not yet departed Jepella Planet.
A hint of confusion appeared in Nanook's majestic golden eyes, as if He couldn't comprehend why He would find Himself on this vibrant planet.
What puzzled Him even more was that this brat Su Jinyan had become Destruction's Emissary.
However, Nanook didn't dwell too deeply on this matter.
As the Aeon governing the Destruction Destiny, and the embodiment of Destruction's will, revoking the position bestowed upon Su Jinyan as Destruction's Emissary would be effortless.
In the instant Nanook vanished, He simultaneously retracted Su Jinyan's status as Destruction's Emissary.
Su Jinyan spat out, "Real petty, isn't it?"
At least for a long time to come, Nanook would remain blissfully unaware of this dark history. Ordinary individuals wouldn't casually joke about matters concerning the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook.
Even Lord Ravager, utterly devoted to Nanook, wouldn't seek embarrassment by voluntarily bringing up such sensitive topics.
While the Emissaries of Destruction relish bringing ruin to others, it doesn't mean they desire their own destruction.
Before departing, Fuli also cast a gaze at Su Jinyan.
"Su Jinyan, ah-ha! You, the Trickster Emanator, with your black skin—when we were young, Luofu Sect always brought you around..."
Su Jinyan was utterly baffled, unable to comprehend what Fuli was saying. What exactly are you trying to convey?
Each word spoken by Fuli made sense individually, but when strung together, they formed gibberish, utterly incomprehensible.
Despite this, the narration promptly provided a hint:
[The memory Aeon, Fuli, has imprinted your memories with his mark. Within the Garden of Recollection, your status is equivalent to that of an Emanator.]
Su Jinyan gradually grasped Fuli's intent. Seeing his evident closeness with the Aeon of Joy, Aha, it was likely that Su Jinyan would become the Envoy of Joy. Consequently, Fuli could not openly appoint him as the Envoy of Memory in front of Aha and instead bestowed only a nominal title.
Yaoshi gazed at Aha, eyes calm yet seemingly questioning,
"[Elation], why have you tampered with him?"
As Yaoshi tirelessly shaped world after world without pause, never had He stopped to concern Himself with the lives blessed under His influence. It wasn't until encountering Su Jinyan again that Yaoshi discovered this grave issue.
The blessing Su Jinyan sought from Yaoshi had been altered by the Aeon of Joy, Aha, resulting in a flawed version of Abundance's blessing.
From the moment Aha emerged from the Golden Opera House, they wore an exuberant smile that never faded.
As Yaoshi raised their question, Aha couldn't help but burst into uncontrollable laughter.
"Yaoshi, I understand him better than you do. He didn't wish to become like that."
Yaoshi's golden eyes remained devoid of emotion as slender, ivory fingers gently touched Su Jinyan's forehead.
With a soft snap—
Yaoshi lightly flicked his brow and quietly departed.
In an instant, a profoundly frenzied vision unfolded within Su Jinyan's mind:
He saw vines growing wildly out of control, covering the ground with wailing evil creatures.
He witnessed an enormous palm, seemingly eclipsing the sky, descending upon the earthbound horrors.
He beheld the towering Medicine Buddha, seizing countless evil beings, devouring them ravenously, the crunching sounds making one's teeth ache.
Su Jinyan shuddered, rubbing his throbbing forehead. "Is Yaoshi angry?"
Aha shrugged. "Isn't it because you once declared, 'I harbor a grand aspiration, vowing to cleanse the Abundant Evil Creatures; O Yaoshi, grant me thy blessing'?"
"Yaoshi believed you would enlighten the suffering multitudes across worlds, hence bestowed upon you the glass heart."
"Now that you lack a glass heart, He's taking it out on Aha. Do you think Yaoshi isn't angry?"
"However, according to rumors, Yaoshi has never refused any prayers, being unable to bear the sight of decay and suffering among the Aeons."
"Next time you see Him, why not propose marriage? See if He would decline then."
Su Jinyan shook his head. "No need for that; one must fulfill their duties within their role."
"I also have to adhere to the Xianzhou Alliance's political correctness; I can't put Jing Yuan and others in difficult positions."
The Xianzhou Alliance had repeatedly provided him with assistance, so there was no reason for Su Jinyan to test Yaoshi's stance by opposing them. Even if they couldn't truly do much to him even if he did so, such actions would undoubtedly cause embarrassment for all involved.
Aha nodded. "If Yaoshi were indeed to accept your proposal, it would certainly be quite intriguing."
"Well, farewell for now. Once you return to your starship, I'll send you another surprise."
Not long after Su Jinyan departed Jepella Planet, a swift beam of light shot from the distant reaches of the starlit sky towards Jepella.
With this, Jepella silently evaporated into the cosmos, leaving behind not a trace.
As soon as Su Jinyan returned to the starship "Carlos," Sparkle eagerly bounded into his arms.
"Oh, darling, I missed you so much!"
"Seems like I've successfully won my resurrection match?"
Simultaneously, Aha's manic laughter flooded into his mind.
[Little Su, originally, I intended for you to be just the Envoy of Joy.]
[But upon careful thought, considering the grand spectacle you orchestrated, offering only that would lack sincerity.]
[Become the Aeon of Joy instead, and I'll grant you a day to experience it fully.]
"Huh, what the f*ck?" Su Jinyan was utterly astonished.
In an instant, Elation surged through his body, overwhelming both his thoughts and physical being.
Before he could even refuse, he had already become the Aeon of Joy.
Topaz rubbed her temples, overwhelmed by the sheer number of events she had experienced this day. All she truly desired now was a good night's sleep.
Stelle couldn't help but grumble, "Old Deng, you finally show up."
"Can you control this one? This little brat is way too arrogant."
With hands on her hips, Sparkle huffed, "Well, my dear hasn't complained at all, so why are you getting so worked up?"
Silver Wolf raised an eyebrow, addressing Su Jinyan directly, "A-Yan, I despise this guy."
"You know, I detest anything related to Herta, and this imp is even worse than those black-hearted towers."
Sparkle blinked cunningly with her beautiful eyes. "Oh, don't be like that, Miss Silver Wolf," she cooed.
"You're just upset because I've surpassed you, gaining more affection by taking initiative."
"See, dearie adores me so much. Are you trying to make him feel torn?"
Su Jinyan frowned and sternly commanded, "Enough with the bickering, let me think properly."
Having witnessed Su Jinyan's capabilities, Silver Wolf and Topaz obediently fell silent, awaiting his decision.
Sparkle cast him a flirtatious glance. "Darling~"
"The night is short; why don't we discuss this privately in our room?" she suggested coyly.
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, gently lifting Sparkle's delicate chin.
Blushing shyly, Sparkle bit her lip, attempting to entice him further.
Su Jinyan surveyed the surroundings and spoke gravely, "I've given it serious thought."
"People rarely value what comes too easily to them."
"Just like this little deceiver, Sparkle."
"Heh, she thinks she has me wrapped around her finger..."
Sparkle fluttered her lashes innocently. "Isn't that true, though?"
"Darling, even if your words are tough, deep down, you're soft-hearted, aren't you~?"
Su Jinyan shook his head. "Little deceiver, cheating your way back doesn't count."
"I must have you face Lao Da again in a fair revival match."
Sparkle's charming face showed surprise. "Huh?"
Su Jinyan casually waved his hand, and Sparkle instantly vanished from the starship.
Stelle's lips couldn't help but curve upwards. "Old Deng, brilliant! Did you get rid of her for good?"
Rolling his eyes, Su Jinyan replied, "I'm not as ruthless as you might think."
Stelle expressed regret, "Too bad; dead Sparkle was cuter after all."
Intrigued, Silver Wolf asked, "A-Yan, where exactly did you send her?"
Su Jinyan snapped his fingers, and a virtual screen promptly appeared before everyone.
It displayed Tekam's laser tag arena.
The stadium buzzed with excitement, colorful flags fluttering...
An electrifying robotic ball competition was about to commence under the watchful gaze of the crowd.
Suddenly, both teams' players were mysteriously transported back to the spectator stands.
The fans fell silent, exchanging puzzled looks.
Wait, what happened to our players? Who the hell are these guys?
Unhappily pouting, Sparkle glanced around left and right.
"Darling, why have you brought me to Tekam's laser tag arena?"
Silver Wolf's mouth slightly parted as he looked at the scene with bewilderment.
"A-Yan, am I sensing this correctly, or..."
"Why does it feel like you're using Ether Editing abilities?" Su Jinyan tapped on a virtual keyboard, responding, "Your perception is correct; I'm indeed utilizing Ether Editing to create game rules."
"With my current capabilities, developing something entirely new is well within reach." The Silver Wolf's beautiful eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked, "It couldn't be Three Kingdoms Killer, could it?"
Su Jinyan chuckled softly, "Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
Silver Wolf slightly furrowed her brow, pursing her lips, then gently kissed his cheek, fleeting like a dragonfly skimming water - touching just briefly before pulling away.
She knew not to let him have too much satisfaction, lest he push further next time.
Su Jinyan wrapped his arm around Silver Wolf's slender waist and pressed a firm kiss on her snow-soft cheek.
"Dummy, of course it's not Three Kingdoms Killer," he teased. "Since we've brought everyone here to the field, it has to be an even more exciting game."
"Ew~" Silver Wolf feigned disgust, wiping at her cheek where he had kissed.
"You're the one who's d-d-dummy. Why did you suddenly kiss me?"
"Are our relations that close now?" Stelle observed their interaction, feeling amused internally. Go ahead, keep up your aloofness—it only works to my advantage.
Soon, Kobe emerged from Tekam's laser tag arena. With deep brown eyes reflecting determination and decisiveness, his dark skin conveyed an innate confidence.
Naturally, to ensure fair gameplay balance, Su Jinyan needed to provide Sparkle with equally reliable teammates.
As for why he chose the mobility ball, it was undoubtedly due to his mischievous inclination.
On the other hand, he couldn't give Lao Da's team too much of an advantage.
This soccer match differed significantly from conventional games because it was a revival match—a crucial contest with only one revival slot available. If Sparkle's team secured the revival spot, Kobe would have to wait for the next round of revival matches. Conversely, if Kobe's Prison Team won, Lao Da's team would lose their revival eligibility.
"Miss Topaz, I still need an experienced, highly professional, and well-informed sports commentator."
"Do you know anyone suitable? Ideally, someone familiar with the Xianzhou Luofu."
Topaz pondered briefly, "Let me think... We have many talented individuals within our Interastral Peace Corporation."
"But when it comes to familiarity with the Xianzhou Luofu, I'd particularly recommend Jimi."
"Jimi is a snowy owl and also one of my subordinates."
"Although he often slacks off, his capabilities should be quite good."
With a gentle tap from Su Jinyan, the scene inside Jimi's office was projected onto the large screen.
The white owl Jimi, wearing his signature bowler hat, was gossiping with several other Topaz Group members.
"Do you think Miss Topaz will seize this opportunity?"
"Seize what opportunity?"
Jimi chided them, exasperated, "Idiots, of course I'm talking about her chance for rapid advancement."
"I've looked into Mr. Su Jinyan, who is close to Miss Topaz."
"Heard he's had intentions towards Miss Topaz for quite some time now."
Su Jinyan and Topaz both stared in surprise.
Group members: "Really? Is that true?"
Jimi proudly puffed out his chest. "Of course it's true! Rumor has it, Su Jinyan is insatiable when it comes to women."
"No beauty he sets his sights on can escape him."
"If our Director Topaz secures a connection with Su Jinyan, she might even advance to P46 rank."
Topaz's face flushed red with anger, and she immediately called Jimi.
"Jimi, leading idle gossip during work hours violates company rules."
"I'm deducting your performance bonus for this month. If I catch you again, it's instant dismissal!"
Jimi hastily pleaded, "No, Miss Topaz, please! It won't happen again..."
Topaz hung up, her anger still simmering.
"Hmph, if caught once by me, they must have gossiped behind my back countless times."
"How dare they embarrass me in front of important clients? Insufferable."
Su Jinyan called Dan Heng, "Dan Heng, fancy coming to Tek-Ammonia Star for a game of football to unwind?"
Dan Heng sighed, "Many thanks for your concern, Su-xiong, but I prefer napping in the archives."
Su Jinyan didn't press further, "Ah, well then, make sure to watch the live stream later. Blade will be playing too."
Dan Heng grew serious, "Please ensure I'm included; I want to face him on the field."
Dan Heng had researched Tek-Ammonia Star's grand stadium. The football played there wasn't ordinary—it was a "mobility ball".
The mobility ball had a diameter of 35 centimeters and weighed approximately 30 kilograms. Made from a blend of carbon fiber and stainless steel, it represented cutting-edge technology.
The mobility ball relentlessly pursued the shifting phase spirit fire, its unpredictable movement adding an element of surprise to the game.
Sports equipment specialists contributed to its design, developing standard propulsion armor for the mobility ball. This allowed cutting-edge sports and medical enterprises to showcase their expertise, ensuring sustainable revenue and safe competition.
Dan Heng was already envisioning delivering a powerful flying kick, sending the approximately 30-kilogram mobility ball straight into Blade's face.
Unbeknownst to him, Blade harbored the same thought.
Blade initially had no desire to play mobility ball at Tek-Ammonia Star's dome either.
However, upon hearing that Dan Heng would also participate, he promptly agreed without hesitation.
Dan Heng, I'm determined to unleash a soaring kick, slamming both you and the mobility ball against the stadium wall, making it impossible to pry off.
Under Su Jinyan's meticulous organization, the teams for the match at the Tekelon Dome quickly took shape.
Prison Team: Kobe, Jing Yuan, Blade, Yanqing, Fu Xuan (goalkeeper), Guinaifen, Bailu.
Hua Huo Team: Sparkle, Dan Heng, Jingliu, Qingque, Tingyun, Sushang, Sampo (goalkeeper).
Referee: Aha.
Announcer: Mr. Jimi.
Reporter: Su Jinyan.
Additionally, as the organizer, Su Jinyan pledged one billion Credit Points as the prize for the winning team.
As soon as the "Roaming Spirit Grand Prix" was announced, it instantly became the center of attention across the Galaxy.
This was the first event organized by Su Jinyan after becoming the Aeon of Joy, and it had to be nothing short of spectacular.
Of course, only he and Aha were aware of this true intention; others remained oblivious.
Inside the Tekelon Dome,
The competition followed the initial version of 'Tekelon Ball Competition Rules,' albeit with modifications made to the track and field layout.
At Old Wreck Harbor, sightseeing ships filled the docks, while bustling crowds gathered on streets illuminated by lights and advertisements before gradually streaming into the dome.
Spectators confirmed their seats, looking around amidst colorful banners and malted foam splashes, as the bright track stood silently under the searchlights.
The spectators from the Luofu Immortal Ship roared enthusiastically, filling every seat without a single vacancy.
They shouted team names, cheered for familiar players, and their thunderous applause echoed incessantly.
Amidst this cacophony, the first match was about to commence.
Su Jinyan approached Lao Da, microphone in hand, for an interview.
"Lao Da, how do you feel about today's game? Will you win?"
Kobe flashed a confident smile. "Definitely."
"But let me ask one question, which bastard called me here to play in this revival match?"
"Sure, I'm skilled at basketball and even among basketball stars, I'm the best at kicking."
"But seriously, making me kick a stainless steel ball? Isn't that pushing it too f*cking far? What the hell?!"
Su Jinyan explained, "That's not an issue; all our players have identical physical attributes."
"Moreover, we provide professional protective gear to ensure the safety of each player."
Next, Su Jinyan approached Sparkle for an interview.
"Miss Sparkle, before the game begins, I have a few questions for you."
Blushing coyly, Sparkle blinked her beautiful eyes. "Darling, go ahead and ask."
With that, she glanced around furtively and leaned close to whisper in Su Jinyan's ear:
"I can secretly tell you, white with lace trim."
Su Jinyan's face darkened. "Who asked you about that?"
"Cough, cough. Regarding today's match, is there anything you'd like to say?"
Sparkle smiled cheerfully. "It's very exciting, darling, I truly enjoy it.
"I will definitely win this match for my dear."
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you worried about losing in the revival match?"
Sparkle's beautiful eyes deepened with emotion. "Darling, have you ever seen Exalting Sanctum at 2 A.M.?"
"Every day, at 2 A.M., when darkness still envelops Exalting Sanctum, I rise and walk its shadowy streets."
"One day passed, yet the darkness on the streets remained unchanged; two days passed, with no alteration whatsoever."
"Over a decade has gone by, but even now, the darkness of Los Angeles' streets at 2 A.M. is still unyielding."
"But me? I've transformed into a robust athlete, endowed with stamina, strength, and a high shooting accuracy."
Kobe couldn't help but curse out loud, "F*ck, those were all my lines, goddammit!"
"You mentioned 'Los Angeles,' right? Don't sour grapes taste bitter?"
"And what part of being muscular, energetic, powerful, and having high shooting accuracy applies to you, exactly?"
With hands on her slender hips, Sparkle sighed softly. "Well, that's just how it is."
"No need to nitpick the details, Lady Sparkle embodies such diligence!"
Su Jinyan nodded. "Thank you, Miss Sparkle, for your insightful remarks."
The professional commentator, Jimi, cleared his throat. "Ahem."
"Regardless of whether your world has the concept of day and night, let me wish you good morning, afternoon, or evening!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, you may not be aware of the prestigious status of these match players."
"But that's all secondary; what truly matters in any competition is the fun factor!"
"The upcoming Tekam mobility ball game will feature the Hua Huo Team versus the Prison Team. Who will secure the crucial victory? Let's watch and find out!"
Whistle!
A loud whistle echoed throughout the Tekam mobility ball arena.
Referee Aha promptly signaled the start of the match with his whistle.
As soon as the game began, Kobe, clad in protective gear, burst forth like a swift cheetah. Amidst whistling winds and collision sounds, he kicked the mobility ball past his teammates.
Kids, I must win this revival match to rightfully return to the field.
At that moment, Blade executed a slide tackle, stealing the mobility ball from beneath Kobe's feet.
Despite wearing protective gear, Kobe stumbled and felt aches all over his body.
"F*ck! What the hell is wrong with you? Aren't we teammates?"
Blade kicked the mobility ball underfoot, glanced back coldly, and revealed a bloodthirsty grin.
"Don't get in my way, or I'll take you down too."
Kobe was taken aback, bewildered.
"Booo—"
"Booo—"
The Tekam stadium erupted with loud boos from the spectators.
Who tackles their own teammate? Even in a friendly match, it seemed highly unprofessional.
Kobe adjusted his stance, determination shining in his eyes as he stood up again. Sparks flew from his roller skates as he began chasing after Blade.
Focused solely on moving forward, Blade didn't anticipate Kobe catching up to him.
Whack!
Kobe delivered a swift elbow strike to Blade, then swiftly kicked the ball away, passing it to Yanqing.
Blade stared, caught off guard.
How intriguing! Despite his fierce warning, Kobe still dared to elbow him and disrupt his gameplay.
Well, never mind that now; eliminating Dan Heng takes precedence.
Blade cast a menacing glance at Kobe before resuming his pursuit of Yanqing, intent on stealing the ball from beneath his feet.
"General, catch the ball!"
Yanqing swiftly kicked the tech ball towards Jing Yuan's feet.
Sparkle and Sushang rushed to intercept, converging on Jing Yuan.
Jing Yuan snorted, trapping the ball between his legs, then leaped up and flicked it behind him, letting it fall back down ahead of himself, successfully evading both opponents.
With a graceful swing of his right foot, he launched a powerful volley kick through the air.
Whump—
The sparkling tech ball hurtled towards Sampo's goal net.
Sampo made a flying leap, attempting to catch the incoming tech ball.
Unfortunately, he was just a step too late.
"Shot!"
"It's a goal!!!" Jimmy exclaimed excitedly. "General Jing Yuan executed a stunning Rainbow Over move, bypassing Sparkle and Sushang effortlessly."
"Then with a soaring aerial strike, even the opposing goalkeeper, Sampo, couldn't react in time—the ball had already scored."
Kobe enthusiastically waved his arms, cheering, "Great job, kids!"
Frustrated, Sparkle confronted Sampo, "What kind of goalkeeper are you being?"
Sampo scratched his head, "There wasn't much I could do—it happened too fast. Next time, I'll definitely be more attentive, okay?"
Sparkle huffed, "Our team members are all novices; I need to come up with something—we can't afford to lose this match."
The elbow strike Kobe just performed gave Sparkle an idea.
He decided—later, he would use an elbow strike to leave Kobe unable to get back up.