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"Jingliu... Big Sister..."
As Su Jinyan gazed at Jingliu's exquisitely beautiful face, his expression abruptly turned mournful and desolate.
The wound from Jingliu's sword was minimal.
Yet, Su Jinyan forcibly made himself cough up a spray of blood, staggering forward unsteadily.
Both Jingliu and Sampo were utterly bewildered.
Even Sampo couldn't help but think, "Dude, I know you want Jingliu to feel guilty, but at this rate, your injuries will heal within half a minute tops. How do you plan to continue the act then?"
It must be said, Su Jinyan is ruthless with others, but even more so with himself. His dedication to the performance left Sampo genuinely impressed, despite everything.
Jingliu dared not withdraw the bone-chilling Tanhua Sword from Su Jinyan's chest, fearing it would cause him even greater harm.
Yet, Su Jinyan gripped the icy hilt and forcefully pulled it out.
Instantly, blood gushed forth like a fountain, splattering both Sampo and Jingliu with crimson droplets.
Jingliu's scarlet eyes trembled violently, haunted by distressing memories.
With a thud, Su Jinyan collapsed onto the ground. His self-destructed pill organ led to his life force rapidly fading away.
At this moment, Su Jinyan chose to seek Fu Xuan's aid.
Apologies, Shizun, just allowing myself a small act of defiance.
Sampo hesitated, "Miss Jingliu, he's dying..."
"Xiao Didi—!" Panicked, Jingliu rushed to help him up.
However, before she could reach him, Fu Xuan materialized beside Su Jinyan, swiftly cradling his body in her arms.
"Shizun..."
"Traitorous disciple..." Sadness filled Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes as she gently caressed his cheek, as if she had foreseen this scene long ago.
Jingliu's lips trembled, unable to form words.
Despite knowing that Su Jinyan wouldn't truly perish, she had every justification for striking him with her sword. After all, she was known as "Flawless Flying Light," the former sword leader of the Xianzhou Luofu. The person who violated both her body and dignity deserved a deeply agonizing punishment.
Yet when this scene unfolded before Jingliu's eyes, she realized that her guilt towards Xiao Didi far outweighed her desire to discipline him.
He could have easily avoided it. Why didn't he?
"Jingliu-jiejie..."
"It's not your fault; I deserved this strike."
"Cough, cough, cough... You've destroyed my pill organ now; we're even..." Su Jinyan managed weakly.
Jingliu stared at the frail Su Jinyan, utterly astonished. She never anticipated that her sword would so precisely pierce his pill organ without deviation.
With trembling, blood-stained hands, Su Jinyan gently grasped Fu Xuan's delicate fingers.
Fu Xuan's lashes fluttered slightly, pulling Su Jinyan closer.
"This venerable one warned you long ago not to indulge in worldly desires."
Su Jinyan gasped for breath, his eyes filled with deep remorse.
"Shizun once told me... If I continued indulging in women's charms, there would come a day when they'd bring me harm."
"I foresaw the beginning, but never predicted this ending."
With tenderness, Fu Xuan wiped away the blood from his lips. "Every action has its consequence, all predetermined by fate."
"This venerable one had warned you long ago, yet you wouldn't listen," she chided softly. "Wayward disciple, have you learned your lesson?"
Silently, Su Jinyan pressed his cheek against Fu Xuan's chest, feeling her heartbeat. "Shizun... Let's go home."
Fu Xuan leaned down and gently kissed him on the lips. "Yes, let's go home."
Lying in Fu Xuan's arms, Su Jinyan opened his hand to reveal a knowledge berry he had been clutching, then quietly closed his eyes.
Fu Xuan pursed her lips, sniffled, and whispered, "Let's go home."
Sampo, witnessing this scene, was utterly awestruck.
Suddenly feeling dizzy, Jingliu hastily stepped forward, attempting to grasp Su Jinyan's already icy-cold hands.
A bone-chilling coldness emanated from Fu Xuan's beautiful gaze as her lips parted slightly. "Step back."
Jingliu's steps involuntarily froze on the spot. In her eyes, Fu Xuan radiated an icy aura that warned others to keep their distance.
The very sword leader known as "Flawless Flying Light," Jingliu, halted at the rebuke of a junior—a sight that would surely astound anyone who witnessed it. Yet, this was the undeniable truth.
In Fu Xuan, Jingliu saw echoes of her own past self. If she dared take another step forward, attempting to approach Su Jinyan, Fu Xuan would undoubtedly strike without hesitation.
Fu Xuan's serene gaze remained fixed as she cradled Su Jinyan in her arms and began walking slowly ahead.
"Jingliu."
"My disciple has quite the flirtatious nature; he falls for every person he meets, racking up emotional debts left and right—truly a despicable character."
"While he often infuriates me, leading me to call him 'wayward disciple,'"
"even so, I hold immense affection for him and could never bear to harm him in the slightest."
Jingliu fell silent.
Fu Xuan glanced back at her, her beautiful eyes devoid of emotion. "Indeed, the lofty Flawless Flying Light cannot tolerate being touched by strangers."
"He wronged you first; he deserved ten thousand deaths. Now that his pill organ is destroyed, he has paid the price owed to you, and your debts are settled."
"From this day forth, please do not approach my A-Yan again."
Jingliu's cold lips felt parched as she murmured, "He could have dodged that sword originally."
At that very moment, Su Jinyan's limp hand, cradled in Fu Xuan's embrace, fell lifelessly downward.
A sudden sensation of suffocation overwhelmed Jingliu, as if her throat were being squeezed by feeble hands. She could have easily pushed them away, but instead, she allowed those fingers to tighten around her snow-white neck.
Jingliu's words seemed meant to justify herself, or perhaps even convince her own conscience. Yet all they elicited was Fu Xuan's derisive laugh and the sight of his retreating back.
Silently, Jingliu felt her heart wrench with unbearable pain.
"You tell me, did I err?"
"Huh?" Sampo responded, bewildered.
Jingliu's eyes lost their focus, as if on the brink of succumbing to Mara-Struck transformation. Sampo glanced frantically around, only to realize with despair that there was nowhere for him to flee.
"Sir, you're the esteemed Flawless Flying Light—how could you ever be wrong?"
"That brat Su Jinyan daring to disrespect you deserves a thousand deaths."
"I, old Sampo, can't stand such individuals! I must catch up and give him a piece of my mind!"
After delivering this righteous denunciation of Su Jinyan, Sampo turned to make his swift escape.
Jingliu's beautiful eyes chilled as she raised Tanhua Sword, leaping high and instantly blocking Sampo's path.
"No, I was indeed wrong!"
"I shouldn't have taken advantage of your distraction during our conversation to ambush Xiao Didi."
"How disgraceful, for Xiao Didi to have a friend like you, a sycophant!"
"Just watch me kill you!"
Sampo forced a smile uglier than tears, stammering, "I-I-I...I misspoke just now..."
"You truly did err."
"But misunderstandings between lovers are quite common."
"Afterward, simply apologize and reassure him; he'll forgive you, dear sir."
Coldness radiated from Jingliu's gaze. "No, I did nothing wrong!"
"He disrespected me, so killing him was entirely justified!"
"As his friend, it's natural for you to speak on Xiao Didi's behalf."
"Hmph, twisting facts and spouting nonsense—you won't leave alive!"
Sampo fell silent, at a loss for words.
If you want to kill him out of anger, just say so.
Jingliu donned her black blindfold, softly panting as she spoke.
"But for his sake, I'll grant you a chance at survival."
"Once Xiao Didi recovers, have him meet me at the Evernight Marquis Teahouse."
"Our plan is not yet complete..."
Sampo nearly burst into tears. "Aiyo, spare me, please!" he pleaded. "My poor Uncle Su has just endured such calamity; shouldn't we let him rest first?"
"What merits or abilities do I, old Sampo, possess?" Jingliu countered.
"You mean risking the Grand Diviner's wrath by summoning him here?" Sampo hesitated but couldn't resist reminding her.
Jingliu's murderous intent flared. "Are you implying that my presence brings disaster to Xiao Didi?!"
Sampo hastily raised his hands in surrender, trying to clarify, "No, that's not what I meant."
"Shouldn't you handle this crucial matter personally?"
"Consider this, esteemed elder—Lady Fu Xuan is his Shizun after all."
"What if Lady Fu Xuan whispers ill advice into his ear while they're close?"
"Not only would you be further disliked, but our plan to rescue the Dragon Lady could also crumble, wouldn't it?"
Jingliu's icy gaze acknowledged the truth in his words. Regardless of how Fu Xuan viewed her, she needed to see Xiao Didi herself and seek his forgiveness. If Fu Xuan indeed whispered discouraging words, it wouldn't bother her much. The real fear was that Fu Xuan might go beyond mere whispers.
Fu Xuan's face remained cold as she stubbornly carried Su Jinyan all the way to the Divination Commission's Conclave Hall.
Witnessing this scene, the predictors cast puzzled glances at each other and couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
Good heavens, has our Grand Diviner experienced some sort of shock?
Fu Xuan parted her lips with unwavering authority. "This venerable one has an announcement to make."
"Just moments ago, A-Yan knelt before me and proposed," she declared.
The once bustling Conclave Hall fell instantly silent, so quiet that even a pin dropping would be audible.
Ah?
Diviner Su proposed to Grand Diviner Fu? While it was inevitable eventually, given Lady Fu Xuan's character, why would she announce it publicly? Could it be that something's off with her today?
Despite their confusion, no one hesitated to burst into applause. The thunderous clapping filled the hall once more.
Satisfied, Fu Xuan nodded gravely. "This venerable one has always believed that matters of love should not be rushed; they must progress naturally."
"However, considering A-Yan's profound affection, it would be remiss to deny him."
"Of course, this venerable one reluctantly agrees."
"And so, from this day forth, I hereby declare A-Yan as my chosen husband."
Su Jinyan stood speechless.
The applause swelled even louder, showing no signs of abating. Among the crowd, several predictors' eyes turned red with envy; they had witnessed firsthand Su Jinyan's rise from the lowest ranks to his current position.
A shy yet sweet smile graced Fu Xuan's lips. "This venerable one is his rightful wife, remember that well," she declared. "As for other women, they have voluntarily signed declarations relinquishing their claims on A-Yan under this venerable one's authority."
"If you ever encounter any woman acting ambiguously or intimately with A-Yan in the future," she continued, "know that it signifies their shamelessness and betrayal of trust. Is that understood?"
Everyone present nodded tacitly, fully comprehending her message.
Understood, we certainly do understand. After all, esteemed Lady, you've gone to such lengths to assert your dominance—how could we not grasp your intentions?
Su Jinyan dared not speak further, remaining silent as he leaned against Fu Xuan's chest. Shizun rarely indulged herself, so let her have this moment.
In the library's attic, Qingque was abruptly jolted awake from her deep slumber by sudden commotion.
"Shizun...mmph..."
Fu Xuan forcefully pushed Su Jinyan to the ground, compelling him to yield to her fervent kisses.
"Do you want to literally drive this venerable one to death?"
"Why didn't you avoid it? Why let that woman destroy your pill organ?"
"You may not care, but I certainly do!"
Tears welled up in Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes, and her delicate face conveyed a heart-wrenching concern.
Su Jinyan embraced Fu Xuan's soft, fragrant body, gently patting her back as he soothingly whispered reassurances.
"Shizun truly possesses Divine Calculations, foreseeing events with uncanny accuracy."
"As you predicted, I indeed suffered at the hands of a woman."
"At least everything you foresaw has come true, hasn't it?"
"Now, you can finally set your worries aside; this incident signifies my passing through calamity."
"Since I'm safe now, shouldn't you be relieved and happy?"
Fuming, Fu Xuan demanded, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Taken aback, Su Jinyan asked, "What do you mean, 'why'?"
Fu Xuan's expressive eyes flashed with indignation. "This venerable one has taken the initiative to kiss you, yet why do I see no response?"
"Have you been cheating frequently elsewhere?"
"Already drained by other women?"
Su Jinyan paused briefly before explaining, "Shizun, it's just that your kissing technique is rather poor."
Fu Xuan blinked, puzzled.
In the past, Fu Xuan had always passively followed Su Jinyan's lead during their kisses. Guided by Su Jinyan, when emotions ran high and the atmosphere was right, their kisses felt immensely satisfying.
But now, Fu Xuan attempted to take control. The resulting technique was genuinely clumsy beyond measure. Despite several awkward collisions of teeth, Su Jinyan remained silent. Yet here Fu Xuan was, asking why he showed no reaction—how could there be any response when it felt utterly devoid of pleasure?
Fu Xuan's small face flushed red with frustration, delicate white feet kicking furiously at Su Jinyan. "You fool! If this venerable one must initiate everything, what's even the point of having you around?"
Gazing at Fu Xuan's delicately flushed cheeks, Su Jinyan responded earnestly, "If Shizun were to assertively make a move on me instead, I would definitely feel more responsive."
"Shizun, if there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask me or seek my guidance."
"We can progress gradually, practicing slowly—starting with kissing." Fu Xuan seemed determined. "No, that would be too slow."
"Qingque, this venerable one knows you're hiding in the honor guard station. Come out immediately."
Qingque timidly peeked her head out. "Grand Diviner, please act normal; I'm scared."
Fu Xuan's expression remained stern. "Qingque, you have ample experience in sneaking treats."
"In consideration of our alliance, this venerable one will overlook your past transgressions," he said. "Now, there is a question I wish to ask you. How can A-Yan swiftly forget about the wicked woman who hurt him?"
With a serious demeanor, Qingque replied, "Grand Diviner, anyone daring to harm A-Yan shall forfeit their life!"
Deeply moved, Su Jinyan exclaimed, "Little Que'er, you truly care for me so much."
Qingque embraced Su Jinyan warmly. "Between us, there's no need for formalities. Just tell me, who hurt you? I'll help you take care of them."
Su Jinyan responded, "Jingliu."
Qingque blinked her lovely eyes and patted her chest confidently. "Jingliu, you say? Leave it to me... Tell us how she wronged you; let me ponder it for a moment, and I'll help you vent your anger."
Fu Xuan's voice chilled as he spoke, "This traitorous disciple violated Jingliu first, causing her immense humiliation. Consequently, she destroyed A-Yan's pill organ."
Su Jinyan guiltily glanced at Fu Xuan, refraining from saying more. It would be terribly awkward if his shizun discovered that Su Jinyan had deliberately ruined his own pill organ to make a lasting impression on Jingliu.
Qingque's expression turned solemn. "That's quite serious."
"Let me think," she continued. "Jingliu is our general's esteemed mentor, and also a former member of the High-Cloud Quintet. We can't retaliate against her directly."
Fu Xuan rolled his eyes. "I hardly needed you to point that out."
Qingque stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Currently, I have three strategies—upper, middle, and lower—for the Grand Diviner to choose from."
"The upper strategy emphasizes letting nature take its course, with no interference."
"Given that Jingliu hurt A-Yan and feels guilty about it, she will undoubtedly come to apologize."
"At that time, we could negotiate additional compensation for A-Yan."
Fu Xuan retorted angrily, "Neither this venerable one nor A-Yan need such paltry recompense."
Embarrassedly, Su Jinyan interjected, "Shizun, actually, I'm still rather lacking. Let Jingliu provide proper compensation."
Fu Xuan forcefully covered his mouth. "No, you're not lacking."
Qingque carried on unperturbed, "The middle strategy focuses on soothing the emotional wounds."
"I believe only sweet friendship can help someone forget their pain."
"As A-Yan's best friend, I won't shy away from this responsibility."
"Could you please step out for now, Lady Fu Xuan? You're welcome to return tonight."
Are you challenging this venerable one's authority?
Fu Xuan glared at Qingque and sneered, "Then why not let this venerable one handle it?"
Qingque pouted indignantly, "But even you don't understand these matters, old lady."
"If you need A-Yan to teach you how to kiss, attempting to soothe his wounds might just add more distress," Su Jinyan said sternly. "It'd be fortunate if you didn't worsen them further."
"Shizun, I have a suggestion," he continued seriously. "Why don't both of us work together to alleviate my heartache instead?"
"Out with your alternative plan!" Fu Xuan snapped angrily.
Qingque sighed, "Fine, the alternative aligns with your thoughts, old lady."
"In other words, making A-Yan forget about Jingliu entirely."
"But personally, I find it quite foolish."
Fu Xuan remained expressionless. "That's your idea? Do you have any better suggestions?"
Looking troubled, Qingque replied, "As you know, the Alchemy Commission's Everlasting Indifference Pill has severe side effects.
"If taking it makes A-Yan devoid of emotions and desires, wouldn't that leave me enduring a loveless existence?"
"Hmm?" Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow.
Qingque hastily explained, "What I mean is, wouldn't it leave you, dear elder, enduring such a fate..."
Su Jinyan frowned. "This approach seems rather inappropriate."
Legend had it that the Everlasting Indifference Pill would sever all emotions and desires until its user's natural death.
If he truly took this pill, Tingyun and the others would undoubtedly come after Shizun with vengeance on their minds.
Fu Xuan pursed her lips, pondering aloud. "What about Limbo Wine?"
"This venerable one has heard that consuming the Ten-Lords Commission's Limbo Wine gradually erases unpleasant memories."
Qingque muttered quietly, "A-Yan might forget you first, old man."
Fu Xuan bristled. "What do you mean by that, Qingque? My disobedient disciple always finds our interactions quite pleasant—it's you who should be forgotten."
Su Jinyan cleared his throat emphatically. "Stop arguing; let me speak."
"Actually, I have a way to completely forget Jingliu," Su Jinyan said, aligning with Fu Xuan's thoughts.
The next step to enter Jingliu's heart was temporarily forgetting her. Jingliu possessed the ability to detect when someone is lying, making pretending to forget her impossible.
Therefore, Su Jinyan planned to use Mind Control to hypnotize himself momentarily, allowing him to briefly forget Jingliu's existence.
Of course, the effect lasted only five minutes, requiring renewal once the time elapsed. This short duration, paradoxically, offered greater control over its application. When the time limit approached, Su Jinyan could choose whether to extend the effect or not.
Shortly thereafter.
Jingliu stealthily entered the Divination Commission's library without alerting any diviners. She needed to meet with Su Jinyan—to apologize and mend their strained relationship.
Feeling deeply remorseful, Jingliu quietly infiltrated the library.
Despite her utmost caution, she inadvertently startled Su Jinyan, who was in the midst of kissing Fu Xuan.
"Who's there?" Su Jinyan asked, instantly on guard.
Fu Xuan wiped his glistening lips, casting an unhappy glance at Jingliu. "What brings you here?"
Jingliu approached Su Jinyan slowly, her expression gentle. "Xiao Didi," she said softly, "I've come specifically to apologize."
Su Jinyan looked genuinely puzzled, showing no signs of feigning ignorance. "Hello, do we know each other?"
Jingliu's heart suddenly clenched with pain. She could tell that this time, Su Jinyan wasn't pretending; Xiao Didi had completely forgotten about her. What exactly had happened?
Desperately, Jingliu grabbed Su Jinyan's sleeve. "Don't you remember me?"
Intrigued, Su Jinyan replied, "Have we met before somewhere?"
Jingliu, disheartened, bit down hard on her lip. He didn't remember—she couldn't believe he had entirely forgotten her.
"Fu Xuan, what did you do to Xiao Didi?" Jingliu asked coldly.
Fu Xuan's voice was icy as he spoke, "Must this venerable one spell it out for you to accept reality?"
"A-Yan trusted you so deeply, yet you hurt him grievously."
"His memory protection mechanism has been triggered; he has completely forgotten you."
Jingliu stared intently at Su Jinyan's features, her hands quietly clenching into fists.
Fu Xuan stood up with a sigh. "Leave now. This venerable one will escort you part of the way."
"Do not disturb my beloved disciple again. He has suffered greatly at your hands, and I must make amends for his pain."
Jingliu fell silent.
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes remained composed. "Are you determined to force a complete rupture between us, Jingliu?"
Taking a deep breath, Jingliu seemed to reach a firm decision. "I'm sorry... Fu Xuan..."
I cannot let Xiao Didi forget me like this.
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Before Fu Xuan could react, Jingliu took Su Jinyan's hand, their figures vanishing in a flash.
Right under Fu Xuan's watchful gaze, Jingliu had abducted Su Jinyan from the library!
Stunned, Fu Xuan's lovely eyes filled with fury as they chased after them, shouting, "Jingliu!"
In the honor guard station above the library, Qingque sighed helplessly. "Didn't I warn you this was the worst course of action?"
"Ah, what misfortune—a capable strategist saddled with an inept lord."
At the Evernight Marquis Teahouse, Su Jinyan scrutinized the icy beauty before him with confusion. "Did we know each other before?"
He sensed no hostility from Miss Jingliu.
Instead, her gaze held a profound sense of guilt.
Jingliu nodded slightly. "Yes, we did."
Su Jinyan asked, "Then what was our relationship like before?"
Jingliu hesitated for a moment. "I'm not sure how to describe it."
As he gazed at Jingliu's cold lips, Su Jinyan couldn't resist the urge to taste their sweetness. "Have we kissed before?"
"Kissed?" Jingliu replied. "We have, but—"
"And were there any instances of intimate physical contact between us?"
"Intimate physical contact?" Jingliu continued. "There were, but—"
Bang!
Su Jinyan forcefully slapped the tea table, exclaiming with excitement, "Case solved—we used to be lovers!"
Jingliu looked puzzled.