Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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In legend, The Shackling Prison was the most dreadful place on Xianzhou, devoid of light or sky, so dark one could not see their hand before their face.

Only the ghostly messengers carried lanterns, providing rare glimpses of illumination.

To prevent escapes, the gravely convicted criminals imprisoned here for committing the Ten Unforgivable Offenses were restrained with countless indestructible chains.

These chains, forged from coral gold, were nearly impossible to break and maximally suppressed the prisoners' abilities. For particularly dangerous inmates whose status defied ordinary confinement methods, the Ten-Lords Commission would even custom-design specialized cells.

Su Jinyan was an exception—he had yet to be formally sentenced and voluntarily requested imprisonment in The Shackling Prison.

The Judge from the Ministry of Justice's confinement was merely symbolic; Su Jinyan wasn't imprisoned at the lowest levels of The Shackling Prison.

He remained unchained and confined to its highest tier.

Most inmates here were cultivators, secret disciples of Sanctus Medicus, who had committed unpardonable sins deserving capital punishment. However, their execution dates had not yet arrived, allowing them to cling to life for now. Should they atone through meritorious deeds, reductions in their sentences were not entirely out of the question.

[In the usual confines of The Shackling Prison, prisoners experience only solitude, darkness, and chill.]

[I believe your presence will undoubtedly bring a touch of warmth amidst this icy coldness.]

Five minutes elapsed, and Mind Control's effect wore off just as expected.

Su Jinyan swiftly regained consciousness, recovering his previous memories.

Excellent, just as I anticipated.

Since you've disregarded protocol and thrown me into The Shackling Prison,

don't blame me for giving you a taste of my unique outlaw flair.

Su Jinyan retrieved a protective talisman, placing it around his neck, then manifested his secondary form—the Fox Shaman Jianjia.

A beautiful foxfolk maiden appeared within The Shackling Prison, unnoticed by any prisoner.

Clearing her throat, she began singing melodiously, her sweet voice echoing throughout the prison:

House prices soar, holidays disappear, Yet life keeps getting better.

Overtime increases, income decreases, But bosses seem ever happier.

Quality diminishes, costs escalate, Still, our moods keep improving.

The sky grew darker, waters murkier; yet the situation only improved.

"Hey, come on now, hey, come on..."

"Getting better and better, hey, come on..."

In The Shackling Prison, some inmates couldn't take it anymore:

"Who's singing that? Who is it?! What the f*ck kind of sh*tty song is this?! Huh?"

"We're living like hell—how can it possibly be 'getting better'?"

The fox girl swished her tail, clearly smug. "Ah, you just don't understand."

"The worse things get, the more I must sing about Xianzhou's brighter side."

"With everyone here struggling so much, imagine if I sang its decline instead!"

"This... How did you even end up here?" someone asked.

"You might not believe me, but I killed one of the secret Disciples of Sanctus Medicus," the fox girl replied.

"And then?"

"As he lay dying, he falsely accused me of being another such disciple, so they threw me in here," she explained.

From the cell to the right came bursts of hearty laughter.

"Wonderful, wonderful! Never thought ten years locked away would reveal such a transformed world outside."

"It's utterly delightful, see? This is the fate awaiting those who become lackeys of the Monster Bow."

"The consequence for lacking faith in the Benevolent Medicine King."

Soon, inmates from neighboring cells chimed in with their agreement.

These were severe criminals who had violated the "Ten Unforgivable Sins," belonging to the inner circle of the Benevolent Medicine King's disciples. The more miserable and tormented the immortal cultivators' lives became, the greater their delight.

Well, well, I've hooked my fish. Just as I suspected—aside from myself, what kind-hearted souls could possibly end up imprisoned in The Shackling Prison?

Su Jinyan glanced around, but amidst the darkness, he couldn't see anything clearly.

Perfect, there shouldn't be any issues now.

Borrowing the fox girl's body, Su Jinyan deliberately mimicked Xueyi's tone and voice quality. In that moment, he resembled a bewitching demon:

"Hmph, you dare to be so audacious!"

"Did I permit such reckless slander against the Arrow of Fate?"

"The Ten Kings decree judgment!"

Gripping his coiled dragon spear tightly, Su Jinyan unleashed the combat skill Thunder Punishment.

This skill inflicted massive lightning damage on up to three targets within a specified range.

Blinding bolts of thunder struck instantaneously, frying three cultivators to a crisp both inside and out. A heavy scent of charred flesh filled the air.

Under his stern guidance, the few Disciples of Sanctus Medicus who engaged with him, overwhelmed by shame, subsequently staged their own "suicides."

Although these cultivators possessed exceptional skills, they were restrained by chains, and crucially, they had lost their prized healing abilities. As a result, they could only helplessly watch as the sudden onslaught of lightning annihilated them.

Helpless, they could only watch as the sudden thunder strikes annihilated them.

"Any further slander against the Arrow of Fate will meet this fate," the fox girl declared coldly.

Fishing for offenses, fishing for offenses—this dog Judge is indeed baiting confessions!

Though deeply anguished, not a single cultivator dared to utter a sound.

The Shackling Prison was enveloped in endless darkness, illuminated solely by the underworld envoy's lantern.

No other light could penetrate this gloom, providing Su Jinyan with ample opportunity to frame and incriminate others.

What, you accuse me of murder? Who witnessed it?

After all, most of these cultivators were captured by Xueyi and recognized her voice well.

If their killer is Xueyi, what does that have to do with me, Su Jinyan?

"Hear this, those who doubt the Arrow of Fate face dire consequences," the fox girl proclaimed arrogantly.

Yet within The Shackling Prison, no prisoner dared to respond again.

"Pah, pathetic cowards, clinging to life."

"Still fearing death despite worshiping the Plagues Author?"

"Let me tell you, the Plagues Author means nothing to me; he's just a songstress, really."

Su Jinyan's taunts immediately triggered another Disciple of Sanctus Medicus, causing their defenses to crumble.

"Cultivator: 'Who the f*ck are you calling names at? The Demonbow Nemesis is more like a diva!'"

"Fox Girl: 'The Plagues Author is definitely a diva!'"

"Cultivator: 'No, the Demonbow Nemesis is the real diva! That f*cking Demonbow Nemesis embodies diva behavior from head to toe!'"

Enraged, the fox girl retorted, "Watch your filthy mouth! Can't you stop cursing?"

Cultivator: "???"

Damn, you're a woman, yet you curse even worse than me—have some decency, will ya?

Realizing he couldn't outswear his opponent, Su Jinyan grew increasingly furious and switched to using Xueyi's voice.

"Yes, yes, yes, do my words fall on deaf ears?! The holy verdict of the Ten Kings!"

With Judge Xueyi's righteous judgment executed, the cultivator engaged in the verbal spat met their untimely end.

Still unsatisfied, Su Jinyan continued to unleash curses throughout The Shackling Prison. However, having learned from two previous incidents, no matter how vehemently he swore until his throat went dry, not a single soul dared to respond.

Wait, aren't you all followers of the Benevolent Medicine King? Why are you still so afraid of death? Isn't it good for me to send you back into his embrace? Being a good person is tough; not a single one of those I've sent off would thank me. What kind of world is this?

Tingyun had faithfully carried out her promise—to exhaust every resource and connection at her disposal to secure Su Jinyan's release.

Unfortunately, she only managed the first part.

As soon as Snowclad returned to the Ten-Lords Commission, they encountered Tingyun, who had been waiting for quite some time.

A smile played on Tingyun's lips as she presented Snowclad with Ming Huo Trading Company's petition.

Seeing the densely packed names of Sky-Faring Commission officials on the petition, even though Snowclad was a mannequin, they couldn't help but feel immense pressure.

This wasn't good; the situation was escalating rapidly.

If Su Jinyan truly were a secret cultivator of the Benevolent Medicine King, it would imply that either everyone in the Sky-Faring Commission had been deceived by him or...that Luofu's Sky-Faring Commission had already been significantly infiltrated by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

Let's hope it's not the latter.

Snowclad gazed steadily at Tingyun. "Are you obstructing my investigation?"

"You misunderstand; I have no intention of hindering the Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission," Tingyun replied calmly. "I certainly wouldn't engage in any unlawful acts. The contents of this petition merely request that the Judge uphold the law impartially, handling the case according to due process. We all hope that Your Honor won't wrongfully accuse a good person based solely on the word of a disciple from the cult of the Medicine King."

Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, maintaining a composed tone.

With a stern expression, Snowclad responded, "We understand. For now, we will accept the petition. Miss Tingyun, please return."

"The Ten-Lords Commission will indeed handle this matter impartially, adhering strictly to the law without bias."

"Once Su Jinyan's innocence is confirmed, we will promptly apologize and release him."

Tingyun smiled slightly. "Then I extend my heartfelt gratitude, Lady Xueyi."

"Oh, may I request permission to visit my benefactor?"

"He left hastily; he likely hasn't had lunch yet. Conveniently, I brought some food with me."

Xueyi appeared somewhat hesitant before responding gravely, "Miss Tingyun, according to the regulations of the Ten-Lords Commission..."

"...visiting someone accused of grave crimes under the 'Ten Unforgivable Offenses' is prohibited."

Tingyun chuckled softly. "Rules are rigid, but people are not. Surely, Lady Xueyi understands this well."

"Moreover, my benefactor is merely suspected, not proven guilty of violating the Ten-Lords Commission's laws, correct?"

After a moment of hesitation, as if reluctant, Xueyi weighed her options once more and eventually agreed.

"Very well. You have only three minutes. Follow me."

Tingyun was unsurprised by Xueyi's concession. Once one yields for the first time, there inevitably comes a second. If she wasn't mistaken, Judge Xueyi must be under immense pressure right now.

Regardless, Tingyun remained steadfast in her belief: her benefactor was innocent.

Despite your long pursuit of the leader of Sanctus Medicus Disciples, you've shown no signs of capturing them yet. If Benefactor truly harbored malicious intent, could the Ten-Lords Commission genuinely uncover evidence of his wrongdoing?

However, when Xueyi led Tingyun to the temporary detention area where Su Jinyan had been held, they discovered that he was no longer there.

All that remained was an Aurumaton Spectral Envoy.

These Aurumatons served as enforcers under the Ten-Lords Commission, immune to the afflictions and temptations that plague mortal flesh. Unswayed by emotions, their hearts were steadfast like iron, unwavering in executing the directives of the Ten Lords.

Often, these golden lawkeepers subdued aberrant entities deviating from the natural order, escorting them to the Underworld Palace for judgment. At times, their authority even surpassed that of the Judges.

Their limitation lay in strictly adhering to pre-programmed responses based on stored information; they lacked adaptability.

Xueyi's heart sank abruptly.

Could it be that while she was away, Su Jinyan managed to break free from his chains and fled, fearing punishment?

It seemed unlikely—she could still sense Hanya's lingering aura here. With Hanya present, how could that man possibly escape?

"Where is Hanya?" Xueyi asked the Aurumaton Spectral Envoy.

"The Aurumaton Spectral Envoy replied, "I assume you wish to know 'where has Hanya gone'?"

"Lady Xueyi, Lord Hanya recently proceeded to The Shackling Prison."

"Considering the time elapsed, he should be returning soon."

The Shackling Prison?!

As ominous possibilities crossed her mind, Xueyi's expression darkened imperceptibly.

Oh no, could Hanya have already imprisoned Su Jinyan at The Shackling Prison?

Just then, a familiar figure approached from afar—it was Hanya, fresh from her return to The Shackling Prison.

"Hanya, Hanya—" Xueyi hurriedly waved her over.

At the first few calls, Hanya rushed toward them. "Big Sister, did you need something?"

"Where's Su Jinyan? Didn't I ask you to keep watch over him?"

"This is Miss Tingyun, here at the Ten-Lords Commission to visit Su Jinyan."

"Their relationship should be—"

"I am his fiancée," Tingyun interjected swiftly.

Xueyi subtly hinted, "Yes, she is Su Jinyan's fiancée."

"Did you perhaps take him inside for rest, Su Jinyan included?"

Hanya understood Xueyi's implication and was about to respond when the Aurumaton Spectral Envoy beside her preempted her:

"You wish to know where Su Jinyan has gone?" it said. "Su Jinyan, outlaw, male, age 20. Suspected of committing the grave sin of fratricide, as outlined in the 'Ten Unforgivable Crimes.' He was brought here under Judge Xueyi's custody. An hour ago, Su Jinyan voluntarily confessed and was escorted to The Shackling Prison by Judge Hanya."

Xueyi stared, bewildered.

Hanya also looked taken aback.

Tingyun's lovely face darkened abruptly. "Voluntarily confessed? Impossible."

"Could it be that you Judges forced our benefactor to 'voluntarily confess'?"

"Not at all, Miss Tingyun," Hanya explained hastily. "There's been a misunderstanding—"

"The Aurumaton Spectral Envoy cannot answer. My apologies; this is Aurumaton Spectral Envoy No. 34."

Hanya was speechless.

Who asked you?

She wished she could sew shut this Aurumaton Spectral Envoy's mouth with needle and thread. If only her sister were present, whatever the Reaper said wouldn't matter. But now, with Tingyun here—a Shuttle Envoy of the Sky-Faring Commission, known for her sharp acumen—the Aurumaton Spectral Envoy had unwittingly handed her a lever of control.

Hanya could only hope Tingyun wasn't familiar with the Ten-Lords Commission's procedures for detaining prisoners.

Tingyun's expression gradually composed itself. Yet unnoticed by others, the ivory fan clenched tightly in her hand bore visible cracks from her grip.

It was clear that Tingyun had done her homework before arriving, gaining some understanding of the Judges' responsibilities within the Ten-Lords Commission.

"Lady Xueyi, isn't your conduct inconsistent with proper detention protocols?" Tingyun queried. "Aurumaton Spectral Envoy No. 34, since you claim our benefactor has confessed, what crime did he admit to?"

Tingyun raised an eyebrow.

Xueyi looked puzzled.

Hanya's delicate features shifted slightly. "Hold your tongue!"

The Aurumaton Spectral Envoy responded, "Acknowledged. Until receiving new orders, Aurumaton Spectral Envoy No. 34 will not answer any questions."

Tingyun found the Aurumaton Spectral Envoy's reply hard to believe. "So according to the Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission, being an outlaw itself is considered a crime?

"Before coming here, I held great reverence for you esteemed Judges," she continued. "But now it seems my understanding was flawed. After all, if a Judge wishes to convict someone, they can simply invent any charge at will."

Xueyi replied calmly, "Thou hast misunderstood. Su Jinyan was apprehended due to substantial suspicion against him."

"He was accused by the deceased Shen Hai as a cultivator of Sanctus Medicus' secret teachings. Upon investigation, his chat records indeed showed unusual patterns."

"This has nothing to do with whether he is an outlaw or not."

"I suspect there might have been an error in Aurumaton Spectral Envoy No. 34's programming just now."

"I shall instruct it to perform a self-diagnosis—"

The Aurumaton Spectral Envoy's voice sounded again, "Beep, initiating self-diagnosis."

"Diagnosis complete. No errors detected in Aurumaton Spectral Envoy No. 34's programming."

"Judge Xueyi, would you like Aurumaton Spectral Envoy 34 to return to the 'Inquiry Division' for maintenance by the artisans?"

Xueyi sighed, "Indeed, it's time for thee to depart."

The Aurumaton replied, "Acknowledged. Aurumaton Spectral Envoy 34 will immediately return to the 'Inquiry Division.'"

Watching the departing figure of the Reaper, Tingyun remarked with deep meaning, "The more one speaks, the greater the chance for error."

"Aurumatons strictly adhere to their programming; they cannot deceive."

"Ladies, isn't your conduct clearly against regulations?"

"If I were to post today's events on Luofu's forum..."

"I'm sure everyone would gain a new perspective on the Ten-Lords Commission."

In a solemn tone, Xueyi asked, "Hanya, what exactly is going on here? How did Su Jinyan end up imprisoned in The Shackling Prison?"

Clearly, Hanya had not anticipated that Su Jinyan's fiancée would come to visit him, nor could she have foreseen such a dramatic turn of events.

Under Xueyi's scrutinizing gaze, Hanya reluctantly whispered her explanation, "Big Sister, it's not as you might think... I didn't subject Mr. Su Jinyan to any torture or interrogation; he insisted on going to The Shackling Prison himself."

"Only after consulting with the Judge from the Ministry of Justice did I send him there."

Xueyi nodded gently. "Miss Tingyun, if you wish to verify whether my sister's words hold truth," she said, "you may consider asking Su Jinyan directly.

"While visitation is against protocol, I can turn a blind eye this once."

"And one more thing, please refrain from posting about this incident on the forums—it's a personal request."

Tingyun smiled slightly. "Agreed, but in return, I have two requests myself.

"Firstly, your Judges must not subject our Benefactor to any form of torture; instead, ensure he receives good food and care.

"Secondly, I require at least two hours for visiting time."

Xueyi frowned deeply. "Ten minutes... No more than that..."

Within The Shackling Prison, darkness reigned without a hint of light, creating an oppressively somber atmosphere.

"It's so dark here; I can't see anything at all," Xueyi lamented.

"Lady Xueyi, can you navigate this path?" Tingyun couldn't help but ask.

"Just wait a moment."

Xueyi walked to a corner, picked up a lantern emitting a faint green glow, and handed it to Tingyun.

"The Shackling Prison is an abyss devoid of daylight. Ordinary light cannot illuminate this place; only the lanterns of underworld envoys can pierce the darkness."

"Hanya, do you know where Su Jinyan is being held? Please lead the way."

Hanya nodded gently. "Of course, Big Sister."

Hanya was well aware that Su Jinyan had committed no sins, unlike those serious offenders. Thus, she had intentionally separated him from the remaining Abundance Remnants linked to Sanctus Medicus. Not only did she assign him a spacious and comfortable cell by himself, but she also refrained from shackling his limbs with chains forged from coral gold.

She believed there should be no issues with these arrangements.

However, after walking for some distance, Tingyun suddenly halted her steps.

Confused, Hanya asked, "What's wrong, Miss Tingyun?"

Tingyun's delicate features shifted uneasily. "Pardon me for asking..."

"You wouldn't have subjected my benefactor to torture, would you?"

Compared to immortal cultivators, foxfolk possessed innate advantages. Their senses of smell and hearing, reaction speed, agility—all these surpassed those of their human counterparts significantly.

Thus, Tingyun detected the faint scent of burning before either Judge could notice it. This was why many foxfolk served as aerialists or archers in the Xianzhou Alliance, while few immortal cultivators held such roles.

However, strengths often came with weaknesses; foxfolk lifespans were far shorter than those of immortal cultivators.

Xueyi's expression shifted subtly, clearly having also caught the burnt odor. "Hanya, could some misguided underworld envoy have dared to brand him?"

Hanya hastily denied it. "No, Big Sister. I truly didn't inflict any punishment on him, nor did I order anyone else to do so."

"Let's think positively," she continued. "It might not necessarily be an issue with Su Jinyan himself; perhaps something happened to someone else."

How could she possibly make such a grave mistake?

Tingyun took a deep breath. "Judges, for your sake, better ensure you haven't tortured our benefactor. Otherwise, what you'll face won't just be my personal wrath but the combined fury of the Seat of Divine Foresight, Sky-Faring Commission, and Divination Commission."

Xueyi's voice quickened with urgency. "Take me to him immediately! Let's hope nothing truly disastrous has occurred!"

A flurry of hurried footsteps echoed through the silent and secluded depths of The Shackling Prison.

When Hanya reached Su Jinyan's cell first, he was rendered speechless by the sight before him.

Su Jinyan appeared unharmed, his eyes bright and undiminished. However, the neighboring cells' inhabitants were not so fortunate.

The air reeked heavily of burning.

Several cultivators had been horrifically struck by lightning. From afar, they resembled grotesquely oversized chunks of Oreo chocolate bars—how else could one describe it?

Hanya muttered, "How... How is this possible?"

Xueyi hastily pushed open the prison door and knelt down to examine the charred bodies of the cultivators.

"Although these cultivators died from lightning strikes," Xueyi observed, "I sensed a familiar power emanating from their wounds. Yes, it bears the mark of interference by a Fate Traveler of Abundance."

Tingyun anxiously pounded on the cell door. "Benefactor, are you injured?"

Sighing, Su Jinyan replied, "Of course I'm injured; my tender psyche has suffered severe trauma. Can you imagine being surrounded by mountains of Oreo chocolate from every direction?"

"Do you know what it feels like to be surrounded by Oreos from all directions?"

"It's an overwhelming suffocation, despair enveloping me—"

Xueyi, with a stern expression, interrupted, "Su Jinyan, were they all killed by you?"

Su Jinyan continued sighing, "Look at you, accusing without evidence or proof, trying to malign an innocent person."

"Why don't you ask these prisoners in The Shackling Prison who truly murdered them?"

No one dared to speak up within The Shackling Prison; internally, cultivators silently cursed, What damn performance are you putting on here?

Everyone knew that as a Judge, you orchestrated this charade with a young girl through entrapment tactics. It was just that, fearing your wrath and humiliation, no one dared to voice their thoughts.

To further accuse other cultivators now? The Imperial Judges truly have no shame left.

Xueyi swiftly approached one of the cultivators. "I ask thee, answer truthfully: How did these prisoners meet their demise?"

The cultivator seemed close to tears. "Judge, am I really allowed to say such things?"

Xueyi's expression remained cold. "If thou dost not speak, I have ample ways to punish thy crimes."

Too cruel, this Judge is far too ruthless. Killing should merely require a nod of acknowledgment, yet you're devising methods to torment us, aren't you?

With caution, the cultivator asked, "Judge, could there be a possibility that those individuals committed suicide?"

Su Jinyan nodded solemnly. "Mm-hmm, they committed suicide."

"They all took their own lives; I believe you now."

Xueyi abruptly grabbed the cultivator by the collar. "Do you think we're so easily deceived? Speak the truth or face the consequences!"

"Hanya, did you bring a polygraph-type jade divination tablet?"

Hanya considerately handed over the polygraph device. "Yes, Big Sister."

Xueyi spoke coldly, "I will ask, and you shall answer. If you deliberately withhold information, be aware of the repercussions."

Nervously swallowing, the cultivator answered Xueyi's questions truthfully.

However, his responses were largely based on conjecture, aligning perfectly with Su Jinyan's narrative.

"Impossible—!"

"It can't be true!"

After hearing the cultivator's account, Xueyi's immediate reaction was disbelief—it sounded like a lie.

Clearly, she had been investigating Su Jinyan at the Realm-Keeping Commission, so how could she have gone on a killing spree in The Shackling Prison?

But the problem lay in the fact that he was just an ordinary cultivator, lacking any ability to evade the polygraph's detection mechanism.

Signs of emotional instability began surfacing in Xueyi; she refused to accept this absurdity.

Determined, she approached another cultivator and interrogated them using the polygraph once more.

The response received was nearly identical to the previous cultivator's.

Indeed, every deceased cultivator had been killed personally by Xueyi herself.

Spreading his hands, Su Jinyan declared, "See? Just as I said, it wasn't me—I'm innocent."

"And you, Lady Xueyi, did you kill these cultivators and then attempt to frame me?"

Xueyi pressed her hand against her forehead, her mannequin body swaying unsteadily.

Could it be true, as Su Jinyan claimed, that he was indeed an upright, virtuous individual? And I, am I merely a mannequin judge controlled by murderous impulses?

Not only have I wrongfully accused Su Jinyan, but have I also secretly entered the abundance fate path, killed these cultivators, and tried to pin the blame on him?

Am I truly not fit to serve as an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission?

"Big Sister, are you alright?" Hanya noticed Xueyi's wavering mental state and hurried over to support her.

Xueyi let out a soft breath. "My mannequin form is fine; no major issues."

"But I must know—when did this level of The Shackling Prison gain an additional young woman?"

Facing Xueyi's suspicious gaze, Su Jinyan appeared somewhat exasperated.

"Lady Xueyi, how long will you continue doubting me?"

"I'm right here anyway, unable to escape. If necessary, feel free to check my pants for verification."

"Just see for yourself if I'm male or female, okay?"

Tingyun grew impatient waiting. "Honored Judges," she interjected.

"May we open the cell door so this humble maiden can speak with her benefactor?"

Hanya hesitated briefly before waving the Heavenly Script of Prophecy, causing the cell door to swing open promptly.

Tingyun smiled faintly, approaching Su Jinyan with the meal box. "Benefactor, you must be famished."

"I've prepared some food for you," she continued. "Would you like to try it?"

Su Jinyan accepted the meal box, perplexed. "Um, esteemed Judges, why are you still standing there?" he asked. "This is The Shackling Prison; shouldn't you be leaving instead?"

Xueyi raised an eyebrow—trying to take charge now?

In a hushed tone, Hanya said, "Mr. Su Jinyan, I wish to apologize for my sister's rash actions. It was her unwarranted reliance on the remnants of Sanctus Medicus' secret teachings that led to this situation."

"Big Sister, please also offer your apology to Mr. Su Jinyan."

Due to mismanagement by the Ten-Lords Commission's judges, several prisoners with unexpired sentences had prematurely died in The Shackling Prison.

While they were ultimately destined to perish due to their punishments, it should not have happened yet. This constituted a grave error, and if discovered by the Ten Kings, would undoubtedly result in severe punishment for Hanya.

After all, these events unfolded only after Hanya brought Su Jinyan here.

Hanya wasn't afraid of facing the Ten Kings' wrath herself but feared that her sister might shoulder the blame. Without question, Su Jinyan now held significant leverage over both sisters.

Sometimes, one must learn to compromise—a crucial lesson for anyone entering society as an adult.

Unyielding, Xueyi insisted, "Hanya, I am not at fault!"

"Even if he could evade your ability and bypass the truth-seeking jade divination tablet, he cannot escape my eyes," Xueyi continued. "I have already discovered encrypted chat records between Su Jinyan and a suspicious individual within the Realm-Keeping Commission's investigation."

Su Jinyan remained silent, almost wanting to laugh.

He eagerly anticipated Xueyi's reaction upon seeing the decrypted chat logs. In fact, he had meticulously planned for this contingency long ago.

Sorry, you might not know or realize:

Silver Wolf, one of the universe's top-tier hackers, is actually my close friend.

Did you truly think Silver Wolf wouldn't help me cover my digital tracks? Feel free to take your time deciphering those carefully prepared chat records I left behind.

"Tingyun, I'm feeling a bit thirsty."

Tingyun, well-prepared, retrieved a warm bottle of float milk from her robes.

"Benefactor, would you like me to feed you?"

Tingyun gazed at him expectantly, her soft and fluffy fox tail gently brushing against his chest.

Su Jinyan chuckled lightly, "Sure, then I'll trouble you—"

"Hm?"

Before he could finish speaking, Tingyun took a sip of warm float milk, pursed her pink lips, and leaned in for a kiss.

Su Jinyan was momentarily taken aback.

Breathless, Tingyun whispered softly, "This humble one believes it makes the sheep's milk even more fragrant and sweet."

Su Jinyan's heart raced as he stroked Tingyun's beautiful, supple fox tail, hesitating to respond. He felt that Tingyun's advances had become somewhat intense lately. Somehow, at this moment, he sensed Tingyun beside him was more alluring than ever before.

If things continued like this, he might truly struggle to maintain control. With just a bit more temptation from Tingyun, he could easily go along with the flow and take her right there.

But if he couldn't resist, wouldn't it give Fu Xuan ample reason to reject him?

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Tingyun's lips, barely perceptible.

Currently, Su Jinyan's benefactor had been falsely accused by schemers and imprisoned in the upper levels of The Shackling Prison by an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission. Coincidentally, she also encountered the cultivator's execution orchestrated by the same judge, who later framed her for the crime.

Despite appearing unperturbed on the surface, deep down, her benefactor must be feeling quite uneasy, no?

According to the "Suspension Bridge Effect" theory, Tingyun needed to stay close by her benefactor's side and actively show affection towards him. By doing so, he would undoubtedly grow fonder of her.

Hmph, could Lady Fu Xuan, whom her benefactor admires, be here with him now?

"Benefactor," Tingyun began softly, "I often hear people say: 'Adversity reveals true character.' Only friends and family who remain steadfast by your side during hardships truly deserve your genuine care." She nestled against his chest, blinking innocently with her beautiful eyes. "Do you think I qualify as such?"

Tingyun continued, "No matter what challenges Benefactor may face in the future, this humble one will always accompany you, never leaving nor forsaking you. Is that alright?"

Warmth filled Su Jinyan's heart as he gently cupped Tingyun's charming cheeks.

Her eyelashes fluttered slightly before she shyly closed her lovely eyes.

Just as Su Jinyan was about to lean in for a kiss—

Xueyi knocked on the cell door, her voice cold. "Time's up, Miss Tingyun. Please return."

Tingyun blinked, taken aback.

Even Hanya looked puzzled and confused; she had been thoroughly engrossed in their interaction. Why did Big Sister suddenly interrupt?

Tingyun eyed Xueyi suspiciously. "Did we really have exactly ten minutes?"

With no emotion, Xueyi replied, "I kept precise time—no more, no less, it was exactly ten minutes."

Tingyun lightly gritted her teeth. "Lady Xueyi, couldn't you grant even just one extra minute?"

Xueyi nodded gently. "No."

Tingyun nearly burst out laughing at Xueyi's inflexibility. This Imperial Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission was unbendingly rigid, devoid of any human warmth or compassion.

Slowly rising to her feet, Tingyun approached Xueyi, her words strained through clenched teeth. "Fine, fine, fine."