Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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On the Ethereal Immortal Ferry, within The Shackling Prison.

Blade, escorted by two cloud knights, slowly approached.

Jing Yuan gradually opened his slightly closed eyes. "Yanqing."

Yanqing respectfully stepped forward. "Yes, General."

"Shortly, observe this individual closely," Jing Yuan said mildly.

Daring not to neglect the task, Yanqing scrutinized the Stellaron Hunter before him with unwavering intensity, unwilling to miss any detail.

"Do you remember me?" Jing Yuan asked, standing with hands clasped behind his back and brow furrowed.

"I do." A cruel smile tugged at Blade's lips as he stared directly into Jing Yuan's scarlet eyes, speaking deliberately. "There were five of you, but only three paid the price. Jing Yuan, you were not among them."

Intimidated by the imposing aura emanating from Blade, Yanqing hastily drew his sword and positioned himself protectively in front of Jing Yuan.

Even for Yanqing, dealing with such a formidable enemy proved somewhat challenging. Just how did his teacher manage to capture Blade and imprison him here? Could it have been through coercion using those nefarious techniques? Perhaps something akin to threatening, If you don't surrender willingly, I'll release your humiliating public meltdown video online!

Yanqing's reverence for Su Jinyan grew even stronger; henceforth, he resolved never to cross his teacher under any circumstances.

If Yanqing provoked a formidable enemy, the worst outcome would be a glorious sacrifice. However, if Yanqing angered his teacher, what he would surely lose was his own reputation.

Just then, a cloud-mounted elite swiftly approached Jing Yuan and urgently reported, "General, sir."

"After conducting a search, the Cloud Knights discovered that the Alchemy Commission's cultivators had already preemptively destroyed all remaining 'Calamity Relief Powder' and 'Soul Restoration Virtuous Powder.'"

Both Calamity Relief Powder and Soul Restoration Virtuous Powder were medications used to alleviate symptoms of Mara-Strike affliction. The former could mitigate early-stage symptoms and slow the progression of Mara-Strike, while the latter could alleviate symptoms in its late stages.

These two remedies originated from the Alchemy Commission, which fell under their Demonic Yin Division. Now, they had completely destroyed all stocks of these medications.

With the Medicine King's secret teachings effectively defunct, only a handful of cultivators remained out of hundreds, yet Dan Shu's whereabouts were unknown. Considering the pills Dan Shu developed to induce Mara-Strike, the true intentions of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus became unmistakably clear.

Jing Yuan's brows furrowed deeply as he gave instructions: "Report this matter to Judge Xueyi immediately and urgently request access to the Ten-Lords Commission's medicinal supplies inventory.

"Order all uninvolved physicians and pill masters from the Alchemy Commission to expedite the preparation of this medication."

The cloud-mounted elite saluted with clenched fists. "Yes, sir!"

Buzz...buzz—

Jing Yuan's phone vibrated incessantly in his pocket.

So late at night, who could be sending messages? With curiosity, Jing Yuan opened his phone and glanced at the content, his pupils instantly contracting sharply.

Messages had come in from the Realm-Keeping Commission, Artisanship Commission, Divination Commission, and Sky-Faring Commission, one after another.

A Stellaron had detonated at Luofu.

Could it be...

Blade stood silently before Jing Yuan, his scarlet eyes devoid of any emotion.

Jing Yuan cast Blade a dispassionate glance, gradually clenching his fists before weakly relaxing them again.

"Yanqing, escort him to the Divination Commission and have Fu Xuan interrogate him using the Matrix of Prescience."

"Yes, General." Yanqing respectfully bowed with clasped hands.

At some point, various factions began observing a common phenomenon—

On the star routes created by the Trailblazing Faction, mysterious substances disrupted the flow of Imaginary Energy.

It was akin to encountering sheer cliffs while climbing or facing treacherous whirlpools during sea voyages...

What were once smooth interstellar journeys became fraught with peril, their outcomes uncertain.

This phenomenon exhibited extreme aggressiveness, continually invading neighboring worlds in the form of enigmatic objects known as "Stellar Cores," spreading like cancer cells throughout the universe.

The Interastral Peace Corporation labeled it the "Cancer of the Worlds" and warned travelers against harboring any false hopes.

Worlds ensnared by the Cancer of the Worlds were often beyond redemption, with few managing to escape such dire circumstances.

Some speculated that these Stellar Cores might be connected to Jinxing Huozu Nanook and His Antimatter Legion.

However, this remained mere conjecture, lacking concrete evidence to substantiate it.

The so-called "calamity of Luofu" that had long troubled Jing Yuan finally surfaced.

Fortunately, Su Jinyan's efforts were not futile. Under his relentless pursuit, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus teetered on the brink of annihilation, their leader Pillar Dan fleeing in disarray with whereabouts unknown.

The only remaining threats to Luofu should be the adverse effects following the Stellaron's eruption and the lurking Emissaries of Destruction hidden in the shadows.

However, these concerns were no longer his burden. After all, General Jing Yuan himself had declared, "My presence alone suffices."

In terms of high-level martial prowess within our Xianzhou Luofu, we have General Jing Yuan, his foremost disciple Yanqing, and Imperial Judge Wang of the Ten-Lords Commission.

For strategy, our esteemed Shizun Fu Xuan rivals thousands of troops singlehandedly.

And when it comes to leisure and enjoyment, nobody surpasses Qingque and me—this victory is practically assured, don't you think? It's as good as won!

Fu Xuan lifted her slender, pale hand slightly, releasing a dazzling amethyst glow from between her palms. "Arise!"

A profound and intricate formation materialized, gradually lifting Blade's body into the air.

Su Jinyan and Qingque, carrying chairs they'd fetched, sat front-row to watch the spectacle, slurping audibly at their Immortal's Delight tea.

Fu Xuan remained silent, unperturbed by their antics.

Qingque licked milk residue from his lips. "This is what 'the capable bear greater burdens' means," he remarked casually.

"Don't be fooled by our Divination Commission's abundance of talent; at times like these, we still need to rely on the Grand Diviner herself."

"You know no one else could manage it, right? They simply lack the ability."

Su Jinyan sighed, "Indeed, that's true."

"Despite her diminutive stature, remember, she is the backbone of our commission," Qingque continued.

"Rightly so," Su Jinyan agreed.

"If heaven itself were to collapse, the Grand Diviner would hold it aloft for us," Qingque declared.

"Absolutely," Su Jinyan concurred.

"But what if there comes a day when even she can't bear its weight?"

"True, and then what?" Su Jinyan echoed.

"Well, should such a day arrive, it'd mean the Grand Diviner's back has finally snapped," Qingque concluded.

"Honestly, I've never heard anything more absurd!" Su Jinyan exclaimed.

Fu Xuan remained silent, acutely aware that this banter was only possible because she couldn't intervene while divining the future. Otherwise, they would surely experience firsthand the taste of her iron fist.

Soon, Fu Xuan ceased Blade's interrogation. After a brief respite, she instructed the cloud-mounted elite forces to accompany Judge Xueyi and escort Blade back to The Shackling Prison.

Fu Xuan leisurely approached Su Jinyan and, amidst his puzzled expression, flicked him sharply on the forehead.

"Disobedient disciple, why didn't you mention knowing a Stellaron Hunter earlier? While this venerable one was interrogating Blade, I learned that Silver Wolf informed you about the Stellaron Hunter."

"Daring to conceal your close friendship with her from this venerable one?"

Su Jinyan rubbed his forehead, responding, "Well, it's not like you asked, my lady."

"What is it, Lady Fu Xuan? Did he truly bring the Stellaron into Luofu?"

Fu Xuan's countenance grew solemn. "No, someone else brought the Stellaron into Luofu. He merely acted as instructed, assisting you in purging the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus along the way."

"As for the individual who smuggled the Stellaron onto the Xianzhou, based on this venerable one's deduction, it is highly likely to be Stellaron Hunter Kafka."

Su Jinyan sighed. "So if what you say holds true, the Stellaron's explosion aboard the Xianzhou must be the work of the Stellaron Hunter, right?"

Fu Xuan slightly shook her head. "This venerable one obtained limited information from the mind of this particular Stellaron Hunter."

"As of now, it's not yet certain that the Stellaron Hunters were directly responsible, but they cannot be absolved from involvement," Fu Xuan continued. "This venerable one has deduced that Stellaron Hunter Kafka is already lurking in the shadows. With Blade imprisoned in The Shackling Prison, given Kafka's nature, she may seize any opportunity to rescue her companion."

Su Jinyan couldn't help but ask, "Shizun, that's The Shackling Prison we're talking about. Surely orchestrating a breakout isn't as simple as you make it sound?"

Fu Xuan pursed her lips slightly. "It's indeed not straightforward, but neither is it as difficult as you might imagine. The Ten-Lords Commission wouldn't create a specialized prison solely for detaining one Stellaron Hunter. If the Stellaron Hunters are determined to rescue him, by paying a significant price, they could still manage his escape."

In Fu Xuan's view, The Shackling Prison was not truly impenetrable as rumors suggested.

Once before, Luofu Sword Leader Jingliu had infiltrated The Shackling Prison and rescued Blade, subsequently killing him repeatedly over a thousand times—an incident known to very few.

While this information held true, if Blade's Demonic Yin affliction had manifested tonight, resulting in the slaughter of cloud riders instead of Disciples of Sanctus Medicus...

Thus, Blade's remaining days were destined to be spent confined within a custom-made cell in The Shackling Prison, enduring eternal torment.

Yanqing approached Su Jinyan and asked curiously, "Teacher, how exactly did you manage to capture this man?"

Su Jinyan flashed a cryptic smile. "That's confidential."

This only reinforced Yanqing's belief that his teacher had employed some unsavory dark arts. Could it be possible that Teacher possesses even more disgraceful evil techniques? Perhaps he refrains from revealing them before us solely to maintain his image?

Fu Xuan continued, "Furthermore, while using the Matrix of Prescience to divine the future, I intercepted a hazy fragment of upcoming events."

"Master Fu," Yanqing interjected impatiently, "could you stop leaving us hanging?"

Crack!

Su Jinyan rapped Yanqing on the head with a knuckle. "Yanqing, what kind of way is that to speak to your shiniang?"

Yanqing blinked in confusion, as did Fu Xuan.

Su Jinyan cleared his throat twice. "I meant, show respect when speaking to your Shizun."

Yanqing rubbed his head, bewilderment clear in his eyes.

"Did I mishear? Wasn't 'Shiniang' what Teacher just said?"

"Master Fu Xuan, between you and Teacher—"

Qingque, adopting a wise and seasoned demeanor, interjected at the right moment:

"Yanqing, during times like these, it's best to feign ignorance."

"Hearing secrets you shouldn't know isn't inherently wrong, but persistently questioning after hearing them is your mistake."

Yanqing fell silent.

Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed red as she retorted indignantly, "Hmph, of course you must have misheard. That traitorous disciple clearly said 'Shizun'!"

"Let's focus on the matter at hand," Fu Xuan continued, composed once more. "What this venerable one foresaw was indeed a scene involving Stellaron Hunter Kafka conversing with members of the Astral Express."

Confused, Yanqing asked, "Astral Express? Are you suggesting there may be a connection between the Stellaron Hunters and the Astral Express?"

Fu Xuan's expression turned serious. "This venerable one cannot definitively confirm any link between them. However, the encounter between Kafka and the Astral Express crew will undoubtedly occur soon."

"The Astral Express falls under Heavenly Monarch Youyun's Trailblazing faction, which has always been neutral."

"How could they possibly be connected to the Stellaron Hunters?" Fu Xuan pondered briefly before continuing, "However, based solely on these fragmented pieces of information, we cannot conclusively determine any direct links."

Su Jinyan mused, "I do have another perspective that you might consider." He suggested, "Rather than suspecting the Stellaron Hunters, it would be more prudent to doubt Yue Shi."

"Recently, during my encounter with Yue Shi, I discovered something crucial—she is very likely an Emanator of Destruction," Su Jinyan revealed without reservation, detailing his confrontation with Yue Shi.

Fu Xuan's heart sank slightly. "Lord Ravager Yue Shi? That can't be right; 'Ravager' must be an assumed title."

"If she truly were Lord Ravager, falling into her hands would mean certain death for you, leaving no chance for this venerable one and the general to rescue you."

"Unless, she had some other agenda regarding you."

Su Jinyan explained, "Indeed, she did have another agenda. She aimed to transform me into a Voidranger of the Antimatter Legion. However, unfortunately for her, she failed."

With a hint of concern for foolishness in his gaze, Fu Xuan looked up at Su Jinyan.

"A-Yan, are you jesting with this venerable one?"

"If your adversary was determined to convert you using the Destruction fate path, resistance would have been futile."

"Not even this venerable one could resist, unless you possess an equivalent force of another fate path to counteract the transformation."

Su Jinyan remained composed and produced a Fool's Mask.

"Shizun, it seems you've forgotten; this coincidentally aligns with my beliefs."

"The Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch I believe in has graciously bestowed upon me the strength to resist Yue Shi's destruction of my physical form."

Fu Xuan's expression shifted with understanding, fully accepting Su Jinyan's explanation.

"You, a traitorous disciple, managed to deceive this venerable one for so long? No wonder." Fu Xuan continued, "This venerable one only knew you worshipped the Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch, but never suspected you were a Masked Fool."

"There is a saying: 'No one can predict what would bring the Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch immense joy.'"

"If, by chance, Lord Eternal Bliss finds amusement in thwarting Lord Ravager..."

"Then even if Lord Ravager unleashes his full power, he couldn't harm you in the slightest."

Su Jinyan smiled and nodded. "Yes, precisely."

Yanqing fell deep into thought. Could becoming a Masked Fool truly grant one the ability to induce such embarrassing mishaps?

Fu Xuan instructed, "Yanqing, this venerable one must attend to pressing matters; please excuse me from seeing you off further."

"Do not be lax in escorting the Stellaron Hunter back to The Shackling Prison."

Confidently, Yanqing assured her, "Master Fu Xuan, rest assured. If he attempts to escape, he'll first have to contend with the sword in my hand."

Blade's gaze remained indifferent, a hint of mockery curling at the corner of his lips.

After Yanqing escorted Blade away, Fu Xuan continued her analysis using the available information, employing the Matrix of Prescience to predict future outcomes.

As night deepened, both Su Jinyan and Qingque's eyes showed signs of weariness.

"A-Yan," Fu Xuan said mildly, "it's getting late. You and Qingque should head back and rest."

She intended to spend the entire night divining Luofu's trajectory, hoping to discern the true identity of Lord Ravager. Knowledge of oneself and one's enemy ensures victory in every battle; if she could uncover their adversary's identity, it might allow her to infer their motives for infiltrating Luofu based on past strategies.

Su Jinyan readily agreed, taking the bewildered Qingque by the hand. "Little Que'er, let's go home together," he said. "Shizun is urging us to get some sleep."

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Qingque seemed intent on teasing Fu Xuan further, waving cheerfully as she chimed, "Grand Diviner, we're heading home now, oh~"

Flustered, Fu Xuan retorted indignantly, "When did this venerable one urge you two? Don't twist my words!"

Though aware that they were deliberately teasing her, she couldn't help but feel concerned.

What if this traitorous disciple truly falls for Qingque's charm? What then should this venerable one do? Fu Xuan had hoped to rely on his counsel once becoming a general herself.

Regardless, she couldn't let her wayward disciple succumb to feminine allure; it would only squander his exceptional aptitude.

With that thought, Fu Xuan gracefully lifted her slender, pale fingers, emitting a violet glow.

Beneath Su Jinyan's feet, a quantum trace materialized.

"A-Yan, this line serves as this venerable one's final warning," Fu Xuan declared. "Qingque may cross it, but you must not. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy."

Without hesitation, Su Jinyan stepped over the line.

Fu Xuan's face flushed with anger. "A-Yan, you—"

Even Qingque was startled, her lips slightly parting. "Hey, A-Yan, surely you're not going to defy your master's orders, right?" she exclaimed. "Don't say it's because of me—you wouldn't want the Grand Diviner holding a grudge against us both."

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

Suddenly, Su Jinyan took a step back, teetering dangerously close to courting disaster. "So what now? Eh~ I've stepped out! Eh~ and here I'm stepping back in again!"

"Hey~ I stepped out again~ Hey~ now I'm back in place~"

"Hey~ what's it gonna be, huh? Stomp on me already, dummy~"

Qingque remained speechless.

Fu Xuan gritted her teeth, "Fine, fine, fine."

"If you're so eager for a beating, this venerable one shall oblige!"

Seeing Fu Xuan's tightly clenched fists, Su Jinyan panicked.

"Wait, wait—it's about stepping, not hitting! Qingque, my dear friend Qingque, save me!"

Qingque's small face grew serious. "No problem, leave it to me."

Su Jinyan looked relieved.

Ah, little Que'er truly is my dependable ally. In moments like these, her decisiveness shines through—

With unwavering determination, Qingque swiftly pushed Su Jinyan to the ground and patted the floor beside him.

"Grand Diviner, I've laid A-Yan down for you. Please enjoy," said Qingque, staying true to her initial intent and delivering a flawless assist.

Indeed, she never forgot her original purpose for even a moment.

Once the Grand Diviner falls in love, there'll be no time to catch me slacking off, right?

Su Jinyan stared incredulously.

Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly. "Well done, Qingque."

"Tch, hold on—what do you mean by that, Qingque?!" Su Jinyan glared furiously. "Qingque, you shameless flatterer, despicable scoundrel!"

Qingque shrugged nonchalantly. "Aiya, didn't I say it already? 'Leave it to me' was directed at the Grand Diviner, remember?"

Fu Xuan approached leisurely and looked down at him from above.

"A-Yan, guess what this venerable one is thinking right now."

Su Jinyan forced a stiff smile. "I'd guess you're thinking about beating me up."

Fu Xuan shook her head slightly. "Qingque, it's getting late. You should go back first."

Desperately pleading, Su Jinyan implored, "Qingque, we share a life-or-death bond! Can you bear to leave me like this? If you depart now, all you'll find tomorrow will be my corpse."

Qingque waved cheerfully. "Aiya, don't worry, the Grand Diviner was just joking around."

"With how much she dotes on you, would she really have the heart to beat you?" Fu Xuan narrowed her beautiful eyes.

Feeling somewhat guilty, Qingque hastily made her escape. "Well then, time for me to clock out. Bye-bye~"

However, after Qingque left, Fu Xuan surprisingly did not display the anger Su Jinyan had anticipated.

"Hmph, disobedient disciple." Fu Xuan reached out with her icy-cold hands and pulled him up from the floor.

"Shizun, why aren't you angry anymore?" Su Jinyan asked, bewildered.

Fu Xuan smiled serenely. "Do you understand now?"

"Other women might betray or harm you, but this venerable one never will."

"A-Yan, although this venerable one initially took you as a disciple on a whim, valuing your aptitude, I have always treated you as my own child. Even when scolding you, it was to prevent you from becoming entranced by women's charms and squandering your innate talent."

"If you choose to follow this venerable one in the future, there will always be a place for you at my side."

Deeply moved, Su Jinyan knelt down before Fu Xuan.

A hint of confusion flickered in Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes.

Moments later, Su Jinyan buried his face in her embrace.

"Thank you, Mama Fu Xuan. From now on, I'll never disappoint your teachings."

Fu Xuan stared, utterly perplexed, questioning if she had misheard.

Su Jinyan gazed affectionately into Fu Xuan's lovely eyes.

"In the future, we'll be family, Mama Fu Xuan."

"Erm, it's getting a bit uncomfortable... My face hurts..."

Fu Xuan forcefully pushed Su Jinyan away, overwhelmed with embarrassment and annoyance.

"As expected, this venerable one has been too lenient with you," she said sternly. "Allowing you to dare such humiliation."

Su Jinyan gazed at Fu Xuan with great anticipation—she was indeed angry! Will she step on me? Would Lady Fu Xuan, with her soft, white-stockinged feet, mercilessly tread upon his face?

Under his expectant stare, Fu Xuan slowly removed the white silk from her legs, revealing her captivating snow-like bare feet.

Su Jinyan nervously swallowed.

"A-Yan, what do you see?" Fu Xuan asked calmly.

"Are you going to bestow them upon me?" Su Jinyan exclaimed, filled with excitement.

Fu Xuan shook her head slightly. With a gentle yet firm grip, she tore the white silk into shreds.

Su Jinyan's heart sank, crying out in anguish, "No—!"

What could be more cruel than witnessing a treasured possession within reach, only for it to be ruthlessly torn apart before your eyes? Nothing!

This marked a significant day when Fu Xuan personally destroyed his cherished item.

A hint of smugness flickered across Fu Xuan's delicate features. As anticipated, this was the traitor's weakness. Armed with this knowledge, this venerable one would no longer struggle against him in the future.

Unexpectedly, Su Jinyan's expression of anguish vanished swiftly, replaced by calmness.

Silently, he reached into his pocket and produced a white silk stocking, holding it reverently as if it were a precious treasure.

That was...the item this venerable one had once been robbed of...

Fu Xuan felt her cheeks flush with heat, unable to suppress a scolding. "You traitorous disciple!"

"Just what are you trying to do? Are you intent on driving this venerable one to an early grave?"

Su Jinyan swiftly draped the white silk over his cheek.

"Mother! Mother's scent!"

Fu Xuan snarled, "Die—!"

Inside the cozy little room, Su Jinyan sighed, "Tingyun, everything that needed to be said has been spoken.

"As for the wound on my face, this is how it happened."

"Shizun's strike was truly ruthless—but I wasn't referring to your injury," Tingyun clarified, her snow-white shoulders trembling with suppressed laughter as she tended to his wounds.

"I meant she also tore my only pair of silk stockings to shreds."

Tingyun nestled against Su Jinyan's chest, gently applying medicine while holding back giggles.

"Benefactor, must you provoke the Grand Diviner every day? Do you find it unbearable not to?"

Su Jinyan embraced Tingyun, stroking her fox tail affectionately. "What would truly bother me is not seeing my little fox. With Luofu growing increasingly unstable lately, you should stay obediently within the Divination Commission."

"Don't venture out anywhere, understood?"

Tingyun lightly bit her red lips, swaying her soft and fluffy fox tail. "If this humble one listens to Benefactor, will there be any reward?"

Su Jinyan kissed Tingyun's cheek. "Be a good little fox, and from now on, I'll take care of you."

Looking slightly crestfallen, Tingyun sighed, "Ah, previously, I had planned to work hard and earn enough to support Benefactor someday~"

"Now look, this maiden has indeed become Benefactor's pampered fox."

"Benefactor, can you give me a kiss here too?" Tingyun pouted, eagerly seeking another peck.

Unbearable, truly unbearable—how could anyone resist such a charming little vixen?

From despising King Zhou to understanding him, becoming like him, and eventually surpassing him.

Su Jinyan gently stroked Tingyun's fox ears. "My beloved consort, have patience. Watch as I perform a magic trick for you."

Tingyun's beautiful eyes misted over. "Benefactor, what kind of magic is it?"

Su Jinyan recited a spell, "Magic, obey my will, swiftly manifest!"

With those words, a remarkably impressive magic unfolded before Tingyun's eyes.

Blushing, Tingyun covered her cheeks and stammered, "This...this truly is a remarkable magic trick."

"Would Benefactor care for a magic show from this humble maiden as well?"

On a distant planet, inside Silver Wolf's small cabin—

Silver Wolf, monitoring Su Jinyan's new phone, couldn't bear to watch any longer.

"I can't take it! How does his mind always revolve around smutty thoughts?"

"Let me add some excitement to this scene~"

Just as Su Jinyan and Tingyun were about to share a passionate kiss,

With mischief on her mind, Silver Wolf triggered the pre-recorded audio of Fu Xuan's voice to play through the room's speakers.

Fu Xuan's furious tone echoed within the cozy cabin.

"Enough! How dare you two conceal yourselves here and indulge in forbidden fruit?"

"Do you have any respect for this venerable one?!"

Su Jinyan and Tingyun jumped at the sudden sound, their hearts racing. Despite searching frantically, they couldn't locate anyone present.

Tingyun, feeling uneasy, curled up in Su Jinyan's embrace.

"Benefactor, did you hear that just now?"

"Could it be the Grand Diviner spying on us?"

"Certainly, seeing how intimate we've become, she must feel jealous."

"But bound by the decorum of master-disciple relations, she can only hide and try to frighten us."

Su Jinyan, uncertain and startled, replied, "I doubt it. I know my Shizun well enough."

"Even if she were truly jealous, she wouldn't openly admit it."

"It must be someone playing a prank; my guess is—"

Before he could finish, his own voice played from the speakers.

"Eh, come on, come on, step on me already, idiot~"

Tingyun remained speechless.

Su Jinyan gritted his teeth. "Silver Wolf! I knew it was her!"

The corners of Silver Wolf's mouth curved slightly, her tone tinged with excitement: "It was me—what can you do about it?"

Bingo, it had to be Silver Wolf's mischief. Doesn't she know meddling with lovers' intimacy invites divine retribution?

Tingyun pursed her lips and smiled, gently pressing her flushed cheek against Su Jinyan's chest. "Is that so? I rather think this is a little surprise from our Benefactor for this humble maiden?" She continued coyly, "How delightfully inventive, truly intriguing—I find myself even more smitten with our Benefactor now~"

Hmph, who cares if she's the Stellaron Hunter, Silver Wolf?

At present, nestled in their Benefactor's embrace was none other than Tingyun herself, free to act as she pleased.

A provocative grin tugged at Tingyun's lips as she deliberately kissed Su Jinyan on the cheek. "Benefactor, could you give me plenty of kisses tonight?"

Su Jinyan softly caressed Tingyun's delicate lips. "You sly fox, tonight, I'm definitely going to devour you."

With a scoff, Silver Wolf's slender, snow-white fingers rapidly tapped away on the keyboard before hitting enter.

On the pale wall, the graceful figure of Kafka holding an umbrella in the rain materialized as a projection.

Through the speakers, a synthesized voice of Kafka played:

"Hi, I'm Stellaron Hunter Kafka, recently turned eighteen and currently single."

"Seeking a healthy Mr. Su employed at Luofu's Divination Commission to inherit the vast fortune of Tianyi-5 and fulfill my mother's dream."

"After a satisfactory meeting, I will pay you five million Credits. Upon fulfilling the dream, an additional ninety-five million will be paid."

Tingyun was speechless.

This ad, rife with potential criticisms, truly caught me—damn it all, right off guard!

Su Jinyan's spirits lifted. "The Stellaron Hunter Kafka? Where is she now?"

"The money doesn't matter; primarily, it's because I have a kind heart and can't bear to see others suffer," he said earnestly. "I want to help her achieve her mother's dream. Silver Wolf, do you know where she might be?"

Through the speakers came Silver Wolf's voice:

"I've already recorded your words in this video."

"Hurry up and write the continuation of 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' to assist me in developing my card game.

"Otherwise, I'll forward this to your 3,256 acquaintances."

Su Jinyan paled in shock. "I didn't even realize I had that many acquaintances!"

"And why such a precise number, for f*ck's sake?"

The little fox, feeling aggrieved, bit her lip, her pretty face puffing indignantly as she sulked silently.

Silver Wolf had utterly destroyed any romantic atmosphere. Unless Tingyun chose to forcefully advance on her benefactor, there seemed no hope for tonight.

But what's the point of forcing things? Who wouldn't desire to create romantic memories instead?

By now, Tingyun had figured it out. As long as she continued to grow intimate with her Benefactor, the Silver Wolf would inevitably disrupt the atmosphere.

Frustrating! Next time, this maiden will definitely be fully prepared and find a lodge without any jade divination tablets whatsoever.

At that moment, the narrator's voice echoed in Su Jinyan's mind:

[Fool, tomorrow morning, wake up early and stroll around Cloudford Port. There'll be a surprise waiting for you.]

[Prepare several treasure chests and trash bins along the way.]

[Fill these chests and bins predominantly with junk, the more worthless, the better.]

[Doing so guarantees your acquaintance with influential figures from the Astral Express.]

Su Jinyan looked skeptical. It sounded highly suspicious—could the damn narrator be tricking me? Preparing multiple treasure chests and deliberately filling them, along with trash bins, with rubbish? And just like that, I'd meet significant characters from the Astral Express?

What kind of important figures would have an affinity for sifting through junk?

Making connections with influential people could expand one's network, which was indeed appealing to him. The broader the network, the greater the capital to navigate the world; the converse goes without saying.

The importance of expanding one's social circle is exemplified in "Journey to the West." Characters without powerful backgrounds often met tragic fates once captured.

The primary crisis facing Xianzhou Luofu at present is the impending Stellaron explosion.

While Shen Qingqiu was lost in thought, Tingyun had already guided him to the soft, large bed.

"Benefactor, please sleep with me tonight," she said. "With the weather turning colder recently, allow this humble one's tail to warm your bed."