Chapter 89: Chapter 88: Fu Xuan's Expectations, The Betrayal of Silver Wolf
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Su Jinyan silently embraced Sushang, allowing her to cry freely against his chest. He had a fair understanding of why she was grieving.
After this simulation ended, the Simulated Universe instantly infused all of Sushang's experiences from the past twenty-plus years directly into her mind.
When unfamiliar memories integrate into one's consciousness, even powerful beings develop their own patterns of thought. If these memories seem highly inconsistent, they might suspect that a Memoirs Thief has tampered with them. However, being naturally naive and trusting, Sushang undoubtedly accepted the memories without reservation.
Her tears, mingled with both sorrow and joy, dampened his chest.
Sushang lifted her tear-streaked face, cautiously asking, "Please don't die, okay?"
Su Jinyan wiped away the tears on Sushang's cheeks. "I won't die."
With a sudden burst of happiness, Sushang smiled through her tears, stood on tiptoe, leaned forward gracefully, and kissed him passionately on the lips.
Phantylia nearly swooned with delight; she had never experienced such intense and delectable emotions before. This feeling contained deep bitterness intertwined with an incomparably sweet aftertaste, leaving an indelible impression on her memory.
Generally speaking, Heliobuses can only absorb and experience their host's emotions by parasitizing them, thereby usurping their free will and acting at will.
To Heliobuses, experiencing their host's emotions was akin to humans savoring fine cuisine, each emotion offering distinct flavors.
This one is delightful, that one bitter, this one sweet, another harsh, and some tasting like utter crap...
When selecting hosts, Heliobuses preferred individuals with intense desires, rich life experiences, or profound inner regrets...
Since Phantylia was chosen by Nanook as an Emanator of Destruction, her Heliobus instincts gradually gave way to the drive for destruction. Savoring emotions no longer held precedence for her.
The desire for annihilation and self-destruction far outweighed Phantylia's other impulses.
Initially, Phantylia thought attaching herself to Sushang might have been a misstep.
Unexpectedly, it proved fortuitous; the emotions Sushang provided nearly overwhelmed her with ecstasy.
Sushang kissed passionately, as if pouring out all the pent-up feelings from deep within her heart.
Su Jinyan, deeply affectionate towards Sushang, reciprocated her fervor.
In the Conclave Hall, Fu Xuan appeared restless, unable to concentrate on work.
"Tsk, could this be related to that traitorous disciple of mine?" Fu Xuan's expression shifted rapidly. After performing a quick divination, she abruptly stood up and hastily left the hall.
"Disgraceful disciple!"
"What are you doing?!"
Fu Xuan's thunderous roar startled the deeply engrossed couple, causing them to hastily separate.
Initially, Sushang felt apprehensive upon being caught by Fu Xuan. But then she reconsidered—why should I be afraid of her? Isn't affection between spouses perfectly natural?
Unfazed by Fu Xuan's dark expression, Sushang wrapped her arms around Su Jinyan's neck and leaned in for another kiss.
Fu Xuan stared incredulously. Fine, fine, challenging this venerable one right in front of A-Yan, huh?
Considering his own dignity, Fu Xuan couldn't afford to squabble with a young girl like Sushang. As the esteemed Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission, engaging in petty jealousy would be wholly unbecoming.
In a cold tone, Fu Xuan declared, "Grand Diviner Su, there's a meeting at the Conclave Hall. You're the only one missing."
Su Jinyan understood Fu Xuan's implied message and reluctantly kissed Sushang on the cheek. "Be good, Sushang. I must attend the meeting now, but I'll come find you later."
Sushang gazed at him, reluctant to part. "Mm-hmm, then this maiden will also head off for duty." She added, "When you have time, don't forget to visit me at Cloudford, okay?"
Seeing how obedient Sushang was, Su Jinyan couldn't resist giving her a few more kisses.
Fu Xuan watched silently, speechless.
The current Sushang could no longer bear having another version of herself take over her body.
Why should I endure all the hardships while you reap the benefits?
Unfazed, Phantylia naturally sensed Sushang's thoughts. In the past, she would patiently counsel and coax Sushang gently. Now, her patience had worn thin, and she decided to teach the disobedient Sushang a small lesson.
Don't you fancy Su Jinyan? Then let me show you firsthand what it means to be cuckolded.
Sushang's lovely eyes gradually took on a sinister gleam, quickly losing their innocent hue.
Phantylia forcefully seized control of Sushang's will, now dominating her body.
"Jinyan-gege—"
Just as Su Jinyan was about to leave, "Sushang" clung to him again.
When Phantylia assumed dominance, Sushang could still perceive her intentions. Despite Sushang's strong resistance, it paled before Phantylia's influence.
Fu Xuan clicked his tongue irritably. "Young lady, when will this end?"
"This venerable one has important matters to discuss with Grand Diviner Su. If you continue to interrupt, don't blame me for informing your superiors."
Phantylia deliberately provoked Fu Xuan; she had long been annoyed by him.
Peck, peck, peck.
Right before Fu Xuan's eyes, Phantylia planted several kisses on Su Jinyan's cheeks.
"You—"
Fu Xuan was too mortified to speak, her embarrassment overwhelming her.
As Fu Xuan's expression grew increasingly uncomfortable and Sushang gradually fell silent, Phantylia reveled inwardly at their discomfort.
Su Jinyan gently took Fu Xuan's soft hand with a remorseful smile. "Shizun, don't be angry."
"Do you think such words will make this venerable one forgive her offense?" Fu Xuan retorted unhappily.
Only emotionally clueless men try to placate a woman when she's upset. Savvier men often need just three words to warm her heart for the entire day.
Su Jinyan leaned close to Fu Xuan's snow-white earlobe and whispered softly, "Three words: I'm emotionally savvy."
Alright, alright, even you, my disobedient disciple, want to provoke this venerable one now? With a sullen expression, Fu Xuan resolved never again to cover him with a blanket.
The more Phantylia observed Su Jinyan, the more favorable he seemed to her. Just kissing him a few times managed to simultaneously distress both Fu Xuan and Sushang. Wouldn't causing greater scandal bring even more satisfaction?
This tantalizing thought lingered persistently in Phantylia's mind, like a festering wound that couldn't be shaken off. Unable to resist, she extended her tender pink tongue to lick her lips.
I want to marry Jinyan-gege.
Wait, something's not right!
Phantylia's expression shifted slightly as she silently suppressed these wicked thoughts.
Something seemed off; after experiencing Sushang's emotions, Phantylia found herself significantly influenced by her host. Her behavior, mannerisms, and even ways of thinking were gradually aligning with Sushang's traits!
Worse still, just gazing at Su Jinyan made Phantylia feel an urge to kiss him, wanting to leap into his arms and act coyly.
"Jinyan-gege, I-I-I...I suddenly remembered I have something to attend to."
"I'll head out for my duties now..."
Panicked, Phantylia hastily fled the scene. She needed to find a secluded corner to process these feelings and prevent further assimilation into Sushang's persona.
Watching Sushang's retreating figure, Su Jinyan's expression turned somewhat solemn.
"Shizun, I have a secret to share with you," he said softly.
"Hmph, I'm not interested." Fu Xuan turned away, her lingering anger still evident. After being indirectly tormented by Su Jinyan for so long last night, could she possibly harbor no resentment?
Su Jinyan pouted charmingly, "Please listen, pretty please?"
Fu Xuan felt chills on her small face. "Fine, fine, I'll listen—happy now?"
She didn't expect this tactic to be so effective!
Su Jinyan beckoned Fu Xuan closer with a wave of her hand.
"Come nearer, I have something to whisper."
"There's no one else here; why bother whispering?" Fu Xuan grumbled unhappily but, trusting Su Jinyan, let down her guard.
Peck!
Gazing at Fu Xuan's delicate, snow-white earlobe, Su Jinyan couldn't resist the urge stirring within her and swiftly captured it between her lips.
Fu Xuan's pupils contracted sharply, her face flushing intensely as her petite body trembled violently. Choking back tears, she cried out, "D...disgraceful disciple..."
In that moment, Su Jinyan wished fervently that Phantylia had parasitized Fu Xuan instead. However, seeing Fu Xuan's expression and reaction, Su Jinyan realized—she might have gone too far this time.
Shortly after, at the Divination Commission's Conclave Hall.
Fu Xuan's face was serene, her mind and spirit reaching a heightened state of selflessness, devoid of desires or ambitions. Thanks to Su Jinyan's impudent actions, Fu Xuan found her divination abilities significantly enhanced in this condition.
She knew such a state would soon dissipate, so she hastened her calculations while it lasted.
"I've determined the cause; that young maiden is indeed afflicted."
"Truly embarrassing—without your reminder, this venerable one wouldn't have realized Phantylia had possessed her."
"And even more surprising, Phantylia belongs to the Heliobus race."
Su Jinyan wore a smug expression. "Shizun, does this count as meritorious service?"
"Perhaps you could consider rewarding me with something?" He had interacted with Sushang for years; there was no way he'd miss Phantylia's subtle manipulations. Sushang was a pure-hearted girl who would never intentionally provoke Fu Xuan. This could only mean one thing: Phantylia had undoubtedly taken control of Sushang's will.
However, before obtaining General Huaiyan's Qilin Dragon Heavenly Fire technique, he couldn't risk exorcising Sushang directly. Once her physical body became paralyzed, Phantylia would surely be expelled from within her. If the Crescent Moon Bottle Gourd failed to contain Phantylia, allowing it to seek another host, matters would become complicated.
Fu Xuan sneered, "This venerable one rewards you with a kick."
Overjoyed, Su Jinyan eagerly responded, "Then hurry up, I can hardly wait."
Fu Xuan hesitated, silently contemplating his master's eccentricities. "This venerable one's disciple is excellent in every way," he thought, "except for these disturbing obsessions that are hard to accept."
He pursed his lips lightly before continuing, "However, now that we know Phantylia is a Heliobus, it becomes much easier to handle."
"The ancient records from the Xianzhou civilization mention this species of Heliobus frequently."
"Nearly impossible to completely eradicate, the persistence of Heliobuses is their most challenging aspect."
Su Jinyan asked, "Does Shizun have a solution?"
Fu Xuan nodded affirmatively. "Indeed, Heliobuses have distinct weaknesses, even ones like Phantylia cannot escape."
"As soon as the host's physical body becomes incapacitated and unable to convey emotions, the detached Heliobus will naturally depart, seeking new prey."
"Afterward, by trapping it within an invisible force field prison, isolating it from intelligent beings, we can fully contain the Heliobus." Fu Xuan's elegant brows furrowed deeply at this point. "However, this method only applies to ordinary Heliobuses.
"To imprison a Heliobus like Phantylia, we would need to request a specialized confinement unit designed specifically for Emperor Sui from Zhu Ming Immortal Ship's Ten-Lords Commission."
Eagerly volunteering, Su Jinyan said, "Shizun, I have a plan to deal with Phantylia."
Fu Xuan looked at him, puzzled. "You...? It's not that this venerable one doubts you, but Phantylia is no ordinary Heliobus."
As Su Jinyan gazed upon Fu Xuan's delicate snow-white earlobes, he decided to employ a familiar tactic:
"Shizun, please come closer; I have something confidential to discuss with you."
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed slightly as she glared at him. "Still not done playing around? Stop joking and let's focus on serious matters!"
Su Jinyan clicked his tongue regretfully before outlining his plan to Fu Xuan.
As he spoke, Fu Xuan's face grew redder. "There...there's actually such a method to expel a Heliobus?"
"This venerable one truly learns something new every day." However, isn't this approach quite risky? After all, we're dealing with Phantylia here," she hesitated. "For safety, perhaps it would be better to find another way to make Sushang unconscious. What do you think?"
Su Jinyan leaned forward, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Lady Fu Xuan."
Feeling flustered under his gaze, Fu Xuan instinctively stepped back, sounding uneasy. "Hmm?"
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
"I'm merely considering what's best for young Sushang. Surely, we can't justify compromising her innocence just to expel the Heliobus, right?"
"Are you feeling jealous, Shizun?" Su Jinyan queried.
Fu Xuan stomped her foot indignantly, stuttering, "Wh-who, who is j-jealous?! Don't get ahead of yourself, you scoundrel!"
In a low voice, Su Jinyan replied, "Lady Fu Xuan, my relationship with Sushang is founded on mutual affection."
"Therefore, there should be no issue with proceeding as planned."
"However, when I learned that Phantylia chose Sushang as its host..."
"I couldn't help but feel quite disappointed. Do you know why?"
Fu Xuan questioned, "Why?"
Su Jinyan's expression turned somewhat sorrowful. "Shizun, I wish it were you whom Phantylia had possessed instead."
"Then, I would have a legitimate reason to embrace you openly."
These unabashed words nearly made Fu Xuan lose her balance.
"S-spare me the sentimentality," she retorted.
"Hmph, we must save Sushang and capture Stellaron Hunter Kafka as well."
"We need to show the outside world that Xianzhou Luofu is not easily provoked by such individuals, understood?"
Su Jinyan responded solemnly, "Understood."
Fu Xuan continued slowly, "Regarding this Stellaron Hunter Kafka, let us proceed with the original plan and entrust their capture to the Astral Express."
"It wouldn't be fair to burden you with everything; it might give the impression that our Xianzhou lacks capable individuals."
Su Jinyan acknowledged the instruction and was about to leave when he heard Fu Xuan murmur softly:
"If you could sever ties with those women..."
"This venerable one might yet grant you this chance."
Su Jinyan paused momentarily but feigned ignorance, swiftly departing from the Divination Commission.
Fu Xuan clicked his tongue, visibly displeased. He made up his mind: today, he'd increase Qingque's workload significantly.
At Yuchen Inn in Luofu, Su Jinyan knocked on March 7th's room door.
"Open up, open up, little March," he called. "If you're skilled enough to steal men, surely you can manage to open a door!"
March 7th, barefoot and too hurried even to slip on her shoes, flung the door open indignantly. "Who's stealing men? Who is?"
"Don't slander me; I'm the Galaxy's number one virtuous maiden—I wouldn't engage in such behavior."
Su Jinyan smirked coldly, glancing at March 7th's delicate, snow-white feet. "Impressive, impressive. The Astral Express Crew knows how to cater to my interests."
"But don't forget, little March, despite my high position, I am still a principled man with moral boundaries."
"Don't think tempting me with food will make me yield so easily."
"You're testing your leaders with this? Which leader would falter under such a trivial temptation?"
If you tried seducing me privately, I'd dive right in without hesitation. But we're in public, so all I can say is, young lady, you've got much to learn.
March 7th was utterly perplexed. "What nonsense are you spouting?"
It truly was peculiar—her synesthesia beacon couldn't decipher his meaning either. However, March 7th's detective instincts told her that whatever he was saying, it wasn't complimentary.
Three minutes later, Welt and Stelle also arrived.
Su Jinyan calmly stated, "Everyone, your mission today is to capture Kafka and escort her to The Shackling Prison."
"Where's that quiet one? Why hasn't he shown up, did he oversleep?" Stelle muttered softly.
"What a filial son, arresting his mom for prison," Stelle quipped sarcastically.
Su Jinyan remained silent.
Welt spoke gravely, "Dan Heng has returned to his old haunt, seemingly to meet someone important. Just capturing the Stellaron Hunter Kafka should be well within our capabilities."
March 7th couldn't help but ask, "And you, what will you be doing?"
"At least give us some clues if we're going after Kafka," she added.
Su Jinyan smiled. "Clues—"
A familiar young girl's voice interrupted him, "Of course there are clues."
"I'm adept at capturing Kafka; I'll lead the way." Silver Wolf, blowing bubblegum, pushed open the door and entered.
March 7th cautiously stepped back. "It's you?!"
Welt adjusted his glasses. "The Stellaron Hunter's little hacker."
Stelle's expression turned serious. "Silver Wolf."
Su Jinyan displayed both joy and melancholy on his face, moving his lips without uttering a sound.
Only as Silver Wolf approached closer did Su Jinyan's demeanor finally shift to one of respect, clearly addressing her, "Dad."
March 7th, Welt, and Stelle were utterly bewildered.
Silver Wolf's expression froze in shock, causing the bubble gum in her mouth to burst loudly, splattering her face with goo.
"Hey, Little Su'zi," March 7th exclaimed anxiously, "this isn't the time for jokes!"
"She's a Stellaron Hunter! Hurry up and apprehend her!"
Confused, Su Jinyan replied, "When have I ever joked around with you?"
"The relationship between me and Silver Wolf is quite difficult to explain verbally."
Silver Wolf placed a hand on her forehead, surprised. "I truly didn't expect you to call out so readily."
"You can save that nickname for private moments; not in front of so many people..."
"If you're not embarrassed, at least I am."
Welt frowned and asked, "Grand Diviner Su, did you... successfully turn Silver Wolf to our side?"
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, teasingly saying, "Dad, did Mom steal your bubblegum again?"
"That wicked woman, once I see her, she'll definitely get a proper lesson."
Silver Wolf looked at him as if he were mere trash. "You're the first person who could provoke such a reaction from me so easily."
"Call me whatever suits, but stop using 'Dad'!"
Su Jinyan obediently nodded with a grin, "Alright, my treasure."
Silver Wolf huffed, his lips curling slightly, feeling somewhat smug inside.
It seems my words have more impact than Fu Xuan's, doesn't it? While Fu Xuan couldn't control him, just a few of my remarks keep him perfectly in line.
Su Jinyan returned to his earlier question, "My treasure, did Mom really steal your bubblegum?"
March 7th burst out laughing at this.
Seeing Silver Wolf flustered clearly delighted her.
Unhappy, Silver Wolf crossed his arms and glared at March 7th.
The script never mentioned that confronting this little fool would deviate from the plotline, right? Just wait and see—I might hack your account and make you confess your feelings for Su Jinyan in front of everyone on the Ethereal Immortal Ferry!
Upon leaving the inn, Su Jinyan attempted to kick away the useless Diting.
However, the creature anticipated his move and swiftly jumped aside, evading Su Jinyan's foot.
Su Jinyan stared, bewildered. Is this mutt actually quite clever?
March 7th hurriedly shielded the little Diting. "Hey, hey, hey, Little Su'zi," she exclaimed. "Why would you kick such an adorable critter?"
As fellow beauties and Trailblazers, Stelle firmly stood with March 7th. Mimicking her actions, she too protected the small Diting.
March 7th cast an approving glance at Stelle—Impressive as always, knowing exactly when to have our backs.
Stelle sternly rebuked Su Jinyan's behavior. "What a sin, Little Su'zi! Why would you kick the Diting?"
March 7th eagerly chimed in, "Right, right."
Sighing, Stelle suggested, "If you must kick something, go ahead and kick little March instead."
March 7th blinked, taken aback.
Stelle discreetly covered her eyes, adding, "But gently, please; I wouldn't want her to feel hurt."
"Hey!" March 7th protested angrily, "Are those even human words coming out of your mouth?"
Welt remained silent, observing the scene.
Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "Why care so much about it? It's not a real pet."
"This thing is merely a Diting, developed by the Artisanship Commission using fox-like senses for biomimicry."
"Whether it's footprints or scents, once locked onto a characteristic, it can detect the target's traces and relentlessly track them to the end."
"I initially planned to use this to trace Kafka, but now we have a better option."
"And standing before you today is—"
The Silver Wolf proudly puffed out her chest, awaiting Su Jinyan's introduction of her accolades.
"A gaming legend who views the universe as a massive immersive simulation, reveling within it."
"An adept wielder of Ether Editing, capable of modifying reality's data."
"The invisible emperor revered by countless hackers..."
[And with 76 accounts frozen and banned by Herta.]
Su Jinyan promptly understood: "And also, with 76 accounts frozen and banned by Herta—the Silver Wolf!"
Silver Wolf blinked in surprise.
March 7th and Stelle gleefully applauded at her misfortune.
Gritting her teeth, Silver Wolf grabbed Su Jinyan by the neck and shook him vigorously. "Don't expose someone's weaknesses, haven't you learned that?"
"That Herta plays dirty; I was merely going easy on her, not even taking it seriously."
"Besides, there were network delays that day. My connection lagged, and with various coincidental factors combined, it allowed Herta to succeed."
Su Jinyan pried open her delicate fingers, his expression serious.
"In any case, now that we have Silver Wolf, we don't need Diting anymore," he stated firmly.
Silver Wolf, dissatisfied, retorted, "Hey, how could you say such things?"
Su Jinyan hastily apologized, "Sorry, sorry, what I meant is—"
Silver Wolf's expression slightly softened.
With a grave demeanor, Su Jinyan continued, "Miss Silver Wolf, you're far more useful than Diting ever was."
Silver Wolf blinked, puzzled.
Bang!
Following a gunshot, Su Jinyan collapsed to the ground, pixel blocks erupting from his head.
Silver Wolf huffed, "Let's go, ignore him."
Welt and the others remained unmoved, staying rooted in place.
Why would they follow Silver Wolf's commands? If not for Su Jinyan's sake, would she dare act so arrogantly before them?
The trembling figure of "Su Jinyan" on the ground swiftly disintegrated into quantum particles and dispersed.
Silver Wolf's beautiful eyes widened in shock. "What? That wasn't the real Su Jinyan?"