Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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[Legend has it, fifty Amber Eras ago, Yaoshi passed by a withered ancient tree.]

[Seeing its decay, Yaoshi felt profound sorrow and commanded it to flourish anew.]

[In gratitude for Yaoshi's blessing, the ancient tree bore sweet and abundant fruit, intending to offer it to Yaoshi. However, Yaoshi had already departed far away.]

[From then on, this ancient tree became revered as a miraculous symbol of abundance, worshipped by multitudes. Whenever it produced delectable fruits, they were swiftly plundered by the Abundant Land dwellers.]

[Over time, resentment grew within the ancient tree. For thousands of years thereafter, it ceased bearing any fruit, gradually falling into obscurity among the Abundant Land people.]

[The Divergent Wood Fruit you consumed was one such fruit from that very ancient tree, also the last remaining fruit of its kind in existence.]

[Fortunate Fool, sensing a familiar aura, Yaoshi turned its gaze towards you.]

Only now did Su Jinyan fully comprehend.

It wasn't that anyone who consumed a Divergent Wood Fruit would be fortunate enough to meet Yaoshi.

In previous Amber Eras, the World Tree on Xianzhou had also borne abundant Divergent Wood Fruits. Those immortal cultivators who partook of these fruits merely gained longevity but never received an audience with Yaoshi.

Yaoshi's compassion towards him stemmed from the severance of their final connection in this world—the ancient tree's last fruit. This separation resonated deeply within Yaoshi, prompting Its appearance before Su Jinyan.

According to legends, Yaoshi unselfishly bestowed blessings upon every civilization seeking eternal life. Even if such immortality inevitably led to twisted destinies, Yaoshi granted it freely.

Su Jinyan found it impossible to judge Yaoshi based on human notions of good and evil. Nor could he determine whether Yaoshi was aware of the various consequences resulting from Its actions.

[Fool, It is the Aeon who never denies prayers, unable to bear witness to decay and suffering.]

[If you so desire, all your wishes shall come true.]

The narration seemed to entice him, suggesting that by seeking Yaoshi's blessing, he could effortlessly attain immortality. With such power, even becoming an Emanator would no longer be an unattainable dream.

However—

Seeking immortality aboard Xianzhou as a foreigner constituted a grave transgression, one of the Ten Unforgivable Sins.

Upon discovery by the Ten-Lords Commission, he would be apprehended and severely punished.

Moreover, any attempt to divine the future using the Plagues Author's true form was also an unpardonable offense.

As for requesting divine blessings from the Prosperity Alchemist on Xianzhou...

No Xianzhou could tolerate such behavior; the alliance would surely turn against him outright.

At this moment, observing him were not just Yanqing and Xueyi. Even if they were willing to conceal his actions, what about the other Cloud Knights and Underworld military guards? These individuals couldn't be bought with wealth, nor was it feasible to bewilder their minds.

Of course, once Su Jinyan became the Abundance Emanator, he could calmly depart Xianzhou, with no one able to hinder him.

But wouldn't that defeat the purpose?

Therefore, his response was crucial, as it would determine his fate from this night forward.

The Yaoshi gazed at Su Jinyan, holding the jade purity bottle while sprinkling its nectar through the air with willow branches. Regardless of severity, every injury sustained by those present was healed without exception.

In an instant, Blade's frenzied gaze cleared, and he forcibly halted his charge, standing frozen on the spot.

Dan Shu rubbed his healed chest, feeling utterly incredulous.

As a mechanical mannequin, Xueyi was not composed of flesh and blood; healing should have been futile for her kind. Yet under the influence of the Abundance Dew, her shattered mechanized arm miraculously regained its vitality.

The thought simultaneously surfaced in everyone's minds:

Could it be the Plagues Author, the Benevolent Medicine King?!

Although they couldn't directly observe the presence of the Prosperity Alchemist, throughout the vast universe, only one being selflessly heals all afflictions with such benevolence—the Aeon of the Abundance, Yaoshi himself.

It became abundantly clear who among them had earned the Alchemist's favor.

Xueyi's heart clenched sharply. They were well aware that Su Jinyan had swallowed the Divergent Wood Fruit out of necessity to confront Pillar Dan Shu, the leader of Sanctus Medicus' secret disciples. That part made sense, but receiving the blessing of Yaoshi held far greater implications.

If word spread, regardless of whether he was an emissary of the Ten Lords, the scrutiny from the Xianzhou Alliance would be unbearable.

"May all beings attain their desires?"

Su Jinyan looked up at Yaoshi and excitedly shouted, "Look! Give your verdict!"

Xueyi stared, bewildered.

Yanqing raised an eyebrow, equally puzzled.

Dan Shu blinked, taken aback.

How dare he make such an impudent request to an Aeon? Wasn't this a blatant insult to Yaoshi?

Unfazed, Yaoshi seemed not to comprehend Su Jinyan's words.

Suddenly, a wild laughter echoed across the distant night sky. This infectious laugh stirred everyone present, heightening their spirits with extraordinary exhilaration and immense joy.

"Hey there, Yaoshi, oh Yaoshi, long time no see!"

This time, all could clearly see the figure emerging from the night sky:

Headless, holding a mask in its embrace, it waved towards the crowd, twirling gracefully. Its arms floated mid-air, muscles twitching rhythmically, posture akin to a living sculpture.

The Aeon of Joy—Aha!

"It's Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch, He has arrived too!" Xueyi exclaimed involuntarily.

Yanqing nervously swallowed, his fighting spirit surging even if the newcomer was merely an Emanator. However, standing before both Plagues Author and Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch, two Aeons, felt utterly daunting.

Just what had Teacher done to attract the attention of not one but two Aeons in succession?

Aha scratched his head and protested, "Yaoshi, I arrived first! Isn't this unfair?"

Yaoshi ignored Aha.

"Let all sentient beings attain their desires."

The myriad eyes on Yaoshi's body continued to gaze at Su Jinyan, repeating its earlier words.

Aha burst out laughing gleefully, "Didn't he already express his wish? You shouldn't reject him!"

More closed eyes on Yaoshi's form opened, focusing intently on Aha, causing the atmosphere to tense significantly.

Su Jinyan's eyelid twitched; the situation was veering beyond his expectations.

That damn Aha clearly just wanted some amusement!

Before things spiraled further out of control, Su Jinyan hastily rephrased his request, "I harbor a grand aspiration, pledging to cleanse the world of Abundant Evil Creatures. Yaoshi, grant me your blessing!"

"Worthy aspiration. May you educate all suffering beings, attaining the Glass Heart within the Pure Land."

Yaoshi's genuine, beautiful eyes widened slightly, its voice filled with compassion and loving gaze as it gently bestowed nectar before departing.

With a delighted laugh, Aha intercepted the nectar before it could reach Su Jinyan, saying, "Your current body cannot yet withstand the Glass Heart. Let's take it step by step."

As Aha spoke, an unexpected vision appeared in Su Jinyan's mind:

Yaoshi's sprinkled nectar coalesced around him, forming a clear Glass Heart.

After receiving Yaoshi's blessing, his body would transform, becoming crystalline and translucent. Countless golden branches would sprout from him, adorned with dense clusters of sharp hooks on his abdomen. His stomach would contain potent acids capable of digesting any Abundant Evil Creature, while thousands of scarlet eyeballs would emerge across his cheeks and torso. The gaze from these eyes would immobilize any observed Abundant Evil Creatures...

He could metamorphose into a colossal Glass idol, opening its vast mouth to devour and grind down Abundant Evil Creatures effortlessly...

Su Jinyan shuddered involuntarily, feeling deeply unnerved.

Aha chuckled gleefully, "Ha ha, but upon closer thought..."

"Wouldn't it actually be quite amusing if you really transformed like that?"

Su Jinyan blinked in confusion.

With a snap of Aha's fingers—

Snap!

Countless droplets of nectar transformed into a barrage, hurtling towards Su Jinyan amidst a flurry of projectiles.

F*ck!

In front of everyone, Su Jinyan hastily began dodging left and right. Despite his evasive maneuvers, about ten drops still struck him, while Aha reabsorbed the remaining nectar.

[Fool, the advanced class transition for the Abundance fate path has been activated.]

[Due to having absorbed 300% power of the Abundance fate path, your profession will advance to a higher-tier class.]

[Your new class is - Colored Glaze Venerable.]

[Without light, darkness loses its meaning.]

[Amidst all living things, some strive to purify this dark world with their own radiance.]

[The Aeon who never denies prayers, unable to bear decay and suffering.]

[As His devoted and fervent follower, you aspire to heal all wounds and purify the world's darkness.]

[Your [Healing Art] has been replaced with the exclusive Colored Glaze Venerable class skill—[ Abundance Dew].]

[Abundance Dew: Restores 50% of the current target's maximum life points.]

[You have acquired the exclusive Colored Glaze Venerable class talent—[Lustrous Colored Glaze Body].]

[Lustrous Colored Glaze Body: The damage you receive is reduced by 50%.]

[Whenever you reach a state near death, your current health will instantly recover to its maximum.]

[You have been deprived of the right to die. Each time you perish, based on the extent of damage to your current body, you will respawn within three minutes.]

[Your [Pain Suppression] has been replaced with the exclusive Colored Glaze Venerable class skill—[Radiant Light Outshining Sun and Moon].]

[Radiant Light Illuminating Sun and Moon: You can simultaneously soothe the emotions of up to three targets, inducing a state of tranquility.]

[During this period, they will not suffer any negative effects, and all damage taken will be reduced by 50%.]

Su Jinyan felt a chilling realization dawning upon him—it seems he had wronged Aha.

Just consuming ten or so drops of Abundance Dew led to these changes.

Then how outrageously powerful must Yaoshi's Glass Heart truly be?

It appeared that after accepting the Glass Heart, his grand aspiration might indeed become reality.

The only caveat was whether he genuinely wished to transform into such an undying evil creature.

Using the power of Abundant Evil Creatures against themselves, it must be admitted as a brilliant strategy.

Aha's numerous masks, now all transformed into smiles, glanced at Su Jinyan with delight before disappearing instantly.

[Xueyi's affection towards you has officially changed to: Admiration.]

[Fool, the quest is completed. Please check your rewards.]

[Reward 1: Advanced Specialty [Silent Casting].]

[Casting spells without any gestures or incantations, ensuring no one can detect traces of your spellcasting.]

[Elation Fate Path's advanced class transition has been activated.]

[As Aha's favored messenger, you invariably approach worldly matters with a playful and mischievous demeanor.]

[You derive pleasure from manipulating enemies through cunning tricks, causing chaos wherever you go.]

[You have learned the exclusive Trickster skill - Mirage.]

[Mirage: An illusionary technique formed by the power of the Elation fate path.]

Damn, could Aha be the narrator after all?

Su Jinyan furrowed his brow, pondering for a moment before feeling reassured.

Aha had voluntarily helped him tonight to avoid becoming an Abundant Evil Creature, clearly indicating a friendly stance towards him. Therefore, regardless of whether Aha was indeed the narrator, it posed no harm to Su Jinyan.

Shhh—

Coming back to his senses, Su Jinyan once again raised the coiled dragon spear and thrust it into Dan Shu's pill furnace.

In an instant, however, Dan Shu's shattered pill furnace restored itself completely.

Without hesitation, Su Jinyan withdrew the coiled dragon spear and thrust it back in.

Instantly, the shattered pill furnace restored itself to its original state.

Dan Shu stared, speechless.

Su Jinyan remained equally silent.

Oh no, it seemed Yaoshi's nectar had transformed Dan Shu into an immortal Abundant Evil Creature.

Fear flashed across Dan Shu's face as she hastily retreated several meters away. Wielding her Blackwood staff, her lips parted slightly, summoning profound energy to engulf him.

Su Jinyan's expression stayed composed, his aura shimmering behind him like a radiant halo.

As soon as the profound energy touched his body, it vanished without a trace.

Panicked, Dan Shu was about to flee when Su Jinyan instantly appeared before her, gripping her pale neck with one hand and lifting her effortlessly.

"Xueyi, Dan Shu won't die anytime soon, likely due to Yaoshi's bestowed nectar."

"It seems we can only temporarily imprison her within your Shackling Prison," Su Jinyan said calmly.

Xueyi nodded gently, her gaze filled with unhidden delight towards him.

"I will report tonight's events to the Ten Kings."

"Although you bear the blessing of the Plagues Author now, based solely on these words..."

"You would face no questioning from the Xianzhou Alliance; instead, you might even receive commendations and rewards."

"As one of the Ten Kings' envoys, your influence would undoubtedly grow..."

When faced with the allure of eternal life, how many outsiders could steadfastly resist? Moreover, Yaoshi's generosity was widely known; merely asking could grant one coveted positions like that of an Emanator within reach.

Yet Su Jinyan defied this temptation, choosing instead to seek the abundance fate path from Yaoshi to purify Abundant Evil Creatures. Such resolve far surpassed that of ordinary individuals.

She had truly misjudged Su Jinyan; even many high-ranking members of Xianzhou lacked his level of conviction. How could someone with such integrity be inherently wicked?

Su Jinyan listened half-heartedly, feeling somewhat regretful inside.

His shizun was right; tonight indeed marked his soaring ascent like a soaring dragon. However, compared to these potential rewards, he yearned more deeply to study the Aeon's physiological structure.

Wasn't it said that Yaoshi never refused prayers, being unable to bear the sight of decay and suffering? Why then is obtaining access to "Let me take a Look" (B) proving so difficult?

In the Underworld Palace, the Hasternucleus Hunter Blade and Pillar Dan Shu, a leader among Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, were escorted by Xueyi to the middle tier of The Shackling Prison.

Shortly thereafter, Xueyi returned from the prison, her expression somewhat grave.

Upon seeing Xueyi back, the restless Hanya finally felt relieved, as did Huohuo with a sigh.

"Thank goodness, Big Sister! I thought you..." Hanya began.

Xueyi pursed her lips. "We owe it all to Su Jinyan's assistance. Without him, we wouldn't have made it out today."

"The Stellaron Hunter has been imprisoned in The Shackling Prison, along with the leader of the Medicine King's secret disciples."

"This can be considered an unexpected gain," she added.

As if remembering something, Hanya suddenly asked, "Oh right, Big Sister, not long after you left, Mr. Su Jinyan arrived at the Ten-Lords Commission on a star ferry."

"He mentioned receiving your distress signal and specifically requested three unregistered cultivators from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."

"Do you know where those three cultivators are now?"

Confused, Xueyi replied, "Cultivators? What cultivators?"

From what Xueyi recalled, only Su Jinyan had come to rescue her throughout the ordeal; he was the sole figure who emerged from the star ferry. Wait, there might have also been a humanoid creature engulfed in flames?

Su Jinyan approached just then, overhearing their conversation. He casually remarked, "Those three cultivators sacrificed themselves. They lived honorably and died heroically."

"To rescue Imperial Judge Wang and the future Swordmaster of Ruo Fu, it was indeed their duty."

It couldn't be helped; Su Jinyan's exceptional star ferry piloting skills had allowed him to swiftly evacuate two cultivators before even engaging in battle.

Unfortunately, Yaoshi's Ganlu of Abundance could not revive these deceased cultivators, or else at least their anatomies could have been studied.

"...Is that so?" Hanya murmured, finally understanding why Su Jinyan specifically requested unregistered cultivators. It seemed from the start, he never intended for them to survive.

"Thank you deeply for setting aside past grievances and saving my sister," Hanya expressed gratefully with a bow.

This simple bow inadvertently revealed Huohuo, who had been hiding behind her.

Huohuo timidly peeked out, glancing at Su Jinyan, but upon meeting his gaze, she hastily shrank back.

Su Jinyan's eyes lit up. "Oh, what a delightful little one here? How come I didn't see her earlier today?"

Shyly, Huohuo retreated once more, hiding behind Hanya and cautiously poking out her head.

"H-hello... Um, my name is Huohuo, and I'm the newly appointed Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission..."

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now. G-goodbye..."

After uttering these words, Huohuo hastily tried to flee.

Unexpectedly, her tail felt a force pulling backward, firmly anchoring her in place.

"Wah—why can't I run?" Huohuo nearly burst into tears from anxiety.

"Tsk, you little scamp, if you're just greeting someone, what's with the rush?! It's not like they'll eat you!" her tail chided.

Xueyi spoke sternly, "Huohuo, give a proper introduction and don't be rude before our guest."

"But, but..." Huohuo pleaded, feeling wronged. "Lady Xueyi, didn't you say he was a bad person this afternoon?"

"And told me to stay away from him..."

Su Jinyan responded gravely, "Indeed, I am an irredeemably wicked man."

"I could easily swallow ten foxes like Huohuo in one gulp."

Huohuo's fox ears perked up anxiously as she repeatedly apologized, "Woe... Sorry, sorry, please don't eat Huohuo! Huohuo doesn't taste good!"

Tail sighed, "He's only joking with you."

"Hmph, have you no sense of where we are?"

"If he truly wanted to eat you, do you think those two young judge sisters would just stand by?"

Xueyi remained silent, as did Hanya.

Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "Yes, I was indeed joking. Isn't that right, Xueyi?"

Meeting his enigmatic gaze, Xueyi's heart fluttered with unease, and she hastily clarified, "Absolutely, he is quite the joker."

"The incident earlier this morning was all a misunderstanding; we've already resolved our issues."

Hanya looked at Xueyi with a peculiar expression. "Big Sister, something seems off about you today."

"I've never sensed such intense emotions from you before."

Xueyi was taken aback as well. Indeed, why would a stoic mannequin Judge like herself experience such strong feelings?

Su Jinyan gently pinched Xueyi's delicate cheek, his words carrying deeper meaning. "Is having emotions so bad? If you remained cold and unresponsive, it would actually feel suffocating to me."

Xueyi turned her face away coolly, masking her inner embarrassment.

Hanya's lips parted slightly, feeling utterly incredulous. Despite Su Jinyan's actions, his sister didn't resist at all?

With hesitation, Hanya asked, "Mr. Su Jinyan, if I may ask boldly, what kind of relationship do you share with my sister?"

Su Jinyan wrapped his arm around Xueyi's fragrant shoulder, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Our relationship?"

"Why don't we let Xueyi explain it to you?"

Xueyi quietly turned her lovely face away. "Little sister, my past grievances with him have been resolved; we've become very close friends."

Strangely, Hanya detected a hint of unease in her sister's tone.

"Friends? Would friends engage in such intimate actions?" Hanya scrutinized Su Jinyan skeptically, questioning if their behavior was indeed too familiar.

Something isn't right here, she thought. It wasn't normal that before leaving, Big Sister had only texted Su Jinyan. And for Su Jinyan, staying up late at night and immediately rushing to assist her without hesitation upon receiving the message—could this be considered a typical friendship?

Have they truly reconciled or is there something more going on? Is Su Jinyan trying to take my sister away from me? A sudden wave of unease washed over Hanya.

Xueyi's gaze shifted nervously. "He... He's a special friend, so it's alright..."

Hanya couldn't help but remind her, "Big Sister, as Imperial Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission, we should sever all ties with the living world."

"No, little sister, you misunderstand," Xueyi hastily explained.

"Su Jinyan, he—he also serves under Lord King of Ten, making us colleagues."

"In strict terms, his position as an envoy surpasses ours," Xueyi added.

Huohuo's tail suddenly detached from her body and hopped over to Xueyi, examining her from side to side.

"Hey, that doesn't sound like you at all." Tail sounded genuinely puzzled.

Xueyi's gaze instantly turned cold. "What are you doing out here?"

Tail clicked its tongue. "Now, that's more like it—the right tone for our conversation."

"The way you spoke just now was almost as if defending your little lover," Tail mockingly imitated Xueyi and her sister Hanya.

Hanya (played by Tail): "Big Sister, how could you be friends with such a man!"

Xueyi (also played by Tail): "Little Sister, you simply don't understand him!"

With a flustered expression, Huohuo grabbed Tail tightly. "Oh no, please stop saying that!" she pleaded.

Xueyi remained silent, as did Hanya's ghostly presence.

Tail swayed back and forth, chuckling. "Ha ha ha, feeling guilty? Did I hit the mark, eh?"

Embarrassed and furious, Xueyi conjured chains out of thin air, swiftly binding Tail. "Judgment of the King of Ten!"

"Aaah, let me go, let me go, let me go~"

Like a flickering ghost fire, Tail proved slippery, easily evading the chains' grasp. With a swift swoosh, the ball of ghostly flame returned behind Huohuo, transforming back into her tail.

Su Jinyan nearly burst out laughing. Not only did this foxfolk girl's tail speak, but it had quite the character too. But could foxfolk tails truly talk? How come he never stumbled upon such records during his searches in the Grand Diviner's library?

"Huohuo," Su Jinyan asked curiously, "what kind of thing is your tail? And how can it speak?"

"Hmph, my tail isn't just any 'thing'..." Huohuo replied weakly.

The Tail retorted, "Who're you calling a thing, huh?!"

Huohuo pouted, feeling wronged. "S-sorry."

Clearing its throat, the Tail continued, "I am none other than the renowned..."

Panicking, Huohuo hastily interrupted, "Tail! He means Tail!"

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Su Jinyan said, "Heliobus? Intriguing. When I have time, I'll look into it further."

"Woe..." Huohuo's fox ears drooped dejectedly.

Thanks to the antics of Huohuo's tail, the tension in the room eased considerably.

Hanya no longer pressed about her relationship with Xueyi and Su Jinyan. However, the expression in her eyes shifted from gratitude towards Su Jinyan to resentment.

This guy might try to take Big Sister away from me.

And yet, as our superior, there's nothing we can do against him.

Did you know...

The bond between Hanya and Xueyi holds immense significance in each other's lives.

[Although Xueyi's body is that of a mannequin, without Hanya as an anchor point during mannequin transitions, her consciousness could easily become lost within the circuits of the Ten-Lords Commission.]

[Hanya drank the Forgotten River Wine, forsaking worldly memories, and became a Judge alongside her sister at the Ten-Lords Commission.]

[Working through dream divinations, she bears the relentless onslaught of vast Mara-Struck causal information.]

[In dreams, she is a ceaselessly busy attendant, a secret cultivator trained by the Medicine King, a craftsman facing countless hardships, and a cloud rider succumbing to Demonic Yin...]

[Such an overwhelming deluge of information would drown the minds of ordinary people, leaving them disoriented in dreams, unable to distinguish their true selves from madness.]

[Only with Xueyi's warm hands can she be awakened from these dreams, serving as Hanya's anchor to regain her identity.]

After hearing this narration revealing their secret, Su Jinyan finally understood.

Xueyi and Hanya were inseparable; any approach must involve both sisters together. Attempting otherwise could lead to an irreparable tragedy for them.

"Miss Hanya, when you have some free time, perhaps we could chat?" Su Jinyan suggested.

Xueyi looked puzzled.

Hanya gently shook her head. "I'm sorry, my work has been exceptionally demanding lately, leaving me no leisure time."

"Moreover, I've already used up all my Yang Restoration leave for this month."

"I'll consider it when I have time."

Even if Hanya managed to secure a day off from her duties, she would spend it strolling with her sister. How could she waste such precious leave on someone trying to steal Big Sister away?

Undeterred, Su Jinyan continued, "No problem. Then I'll invite Xueyi instead."

Hanya protectively shielded Xueyi behind her, caution evident in her voice. "You're not allowed!"

Su Jinyan feigned confusion. "Xueyi is my subordinate; what's wrong with me discussing matters related to the Ten-Lords Commission with her? Besides, didn't you make an agreement with the King of Ten?"

"For every major criminal apprehended, you receive half a day of freedom back among the living."

"Considering all the effort I've put into delivering numerous criminals from the Medicine King's Disciples, haven't you earned at least some return time by now?"

Caught off guard, Hanya stuttered, "Y-you, how did you know about that?"

Gently reminding her, Xueyi said, "Little Sister, he is the envoy of the King of Ten."

Hanya fell silent.

Su Jinyan crouched down and pinched Huohuo's chubby cheeks. "Huohuo, would you like to go out and play with Uncle?"

Huohuo, teary-eyed, whimpered, "Wah, don't pinch my face~"

Tail, who had been contentedly eavesdropping earlier, suddenly sprang to defend the youngster. "Don't go with him. This guy surely has ulterior motives."

Su Jinyan clicked his tongue. "What, am I known for harboring ill intent?"

Tail scoffed, "Tch, I know your type all too well." Turning to Huohuo, he warned, "Don't think this little fool is easily deceived; she's never left any bones behind when devouring people."

Huohuo weakly protested, "I've never eaten anyone!"

"Ah, right," Tail retorted, "then it must have been me, the great lord himself."

Su Jinyan gently tugged on Huohuo's tail, narrowly avoiding a bite.

"Don't you dare assume I won't sink my teeth into you!" Tail blustered menacingly.

Feeling dejected, Huohuo confessed, "Actually, Heliobus ate my original tail."

"I almost met the same fate too, but thankfully, the Judges from the Ten-Lords Commission sealed it away..."

Tail huffed, "Who can blame them? Foxfolk tails are simply the most delicious..."

"Now look at me, stuck as just a tail! Whenever we encounter any monsters or demons, they always start yanking on yours truly first!"

Xueyi calmly interjected, "Alright, stop scaring Huohuo. In truth, she is much older than you."

"She has a timid nature, and with recent Stellaron explosions, it's unsafe outside."

"Once I'm done with these pressing matters, I will personally accompany you."

Hanya hastily chimed in, "Big Sister, I-I want to come along too!"

"Teacher, Teacher—!" Yanqing rushed over breathlessly from nearby.

Su Jinyan asked sternly, "Yanqing, how did the health examinations go?"

Yanqing stammered, "We...weren't we all blessed by the Plagues Author?"

"The examination results show that our overall physical attributes have significantly improved," Yanqing reported hastily. "Even if wounded by a sharp blade, our injuries would heal at an incredibly rapid pace."

"In other words, we've become immortal, akin to those evil creatures..."

Su Jinyan felt a headache coming on. "Now it'll be difficult to explain this to the general upon our return."

"But the healer also mentioned," Yanqing hurriedly clarified, "the nectar bestowed by the Plagues Author is not permanent; its effects gradually diminish each day."

"Sooner or later, our bodies will return to normal."

"Let's keep this from the general for now," Yanqing suggested. "If he finds out, he'll undoubtedly worry."

Su Jinyan shook his head slightly. "Keep it hidden? Don't count on it—it won't stay secret for long. I expect news of my audience with the Benevolent Medicine King and Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch tonight will swiftly spread throughout the Xianzhou Alliance."

Yanqing appeared troubled. "What should we do then? Teacher, you shouldn't face any consequences, right?"

Strictly speaking, Su Jinyan had committed two of the Unforgivable Ten Evils tonight—the first, 'Causing Immortality to Fall,' and the second, 'Seeking Undying Greed.' Consequently, he ought to be tried by the Ten-Lords Commission.

Moreover, an even graver offense than these ten evils was meeting with the Plagues Author and seeking His blessings.

However, once his grand aspiration became widely known, the Xianzhou Alliance could no longer hold him accountable. In fact, they would likely reward him to avoid demoralizing their forces. Thus, his actions effectively put the Xianzhou Alliance in a bind; despite knowing his ulterior motives, they would still have to publicly commend him.

Yet paradoxically, to avoid demoralizing their troops, the Xianzhou Alliance's leadership would instead commend him.

In essence, Su Jinyan had effectively outmaneuvered the alliance itself. Even if they knew his true intentions, they would still have no choice but to publicly praise him.

However, following this incident,

the Xianzhou Alliance would undoubtedly implement measures to prevent others with ulterior motives like Su Jinyan from exploiting similar loopholes. Otherwise, chaos could ensue within Xianzhou.

Su Jinyan chuckled. "I'm certain I won't face any repercussions."

"After all, my conscience is clear. As you witnessed firsthand, I declined Yaoshi's blessing outright."

"But Eternal Bliss Heavenly Monarch insisted on bestowing it upon me; there was no way for me to escape it. Surely, that can't be blamed on me?"

"If the Xianzhou Alliance dares to condemn me, it would dishearten every deserving warrior."

"As for those indirectly blessed, I doubt there will be any issues for you either."

Xueyi nodded. "Indeed, no one would blame warriors who've served honorably."

"It's getting late; you should return and rest soon."

Su Jinyan called out to Yanqing before he could leave, "Yanqing, hold on—don't rush back just yet. I need the Cloud Knights' assistance."

"Later tonight, visit places like Cloudford Port, Starsea, and Exalting Sanctum."

"Along the way, prepare plenty of trash bins and treasure chests, filling them with junk items. Tomorrow morning, I'll rise early to entertain esteemed guests."

Yanqing looked puzzled. Had he ever heard of esteemed guests who enjoyed rummaging through trash bins?