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After leaving the Nether Mansion, Su Jinyan felt an immense sense of joy permeating both his mind and body.
Although Xueyi's submission had been immensely satisfying, there was one fatal flaw—the mannequin provided no feedback whatsoever, significantly diminishing the pleasure he derived from it.
As they say, personal interests truly make for the best teachers. Once this busy period subsided, Su Jinyan planned to learn the art of constructing mannequin circuits from the master craftsmen at the Artisanship Commission.
Once he mastered the techniques for cracking these circuits, repairing Xueyi again would undoubtedly be even more enjoyable.
Having walked some distance, Su Jinyan caught sight of two familiar figures ahead. Not far away stood a pavilion with a stone table and two stone benches inside. From afar, he could see a plump blind woman seated on one bench, seemingly engaged in conversation with a pink-clad maiden facing her.
The pair consisted of Head Pill Master Dan Shu from the Alchemy Commission and Grand Diviner Fu Xuan from the Divination Commission.
After all this time, they hadn't left yet?
Dan Shu had intended to promptly return to her studies at the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. However, it seemed as if Fu Xuan deliberately sought to challenge her, persistently engaging her in discussions on medical principles.
Normally, that wouldn't be an issue. But Fu Xuan's questions appeared meticulously selected—exceptionally intricate and profound. Even as the Head Pill Master, Dan Shu found them difficult to answer.
Officially, she held the duty within the Alchemy Commission to address complex medical dilemmas faced by physicians and pill masters alike. With Grand Diviner Fu Xuan humbly seeking guidance, Dan Shu couldn't simply dismiss her with a cold demeanor. Instead, she felt compelled to engage in scholarly discourse with Fu Xuan.
As time passed, however, Dan Shu grew increasingly restless—she yearned to return swiftly to her studies at the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Each time she attempted to politely take leave under some pretext, Fu Xuan would seamlessly pose another question, precisely targeting Dan Shu's areas of expertise.
To Dan Shu's surprise, despite being a Grand Diviner, Fu Xuan displayed knowledge of the "Yellow Qi Yang Essence Scripture."
The Yellow Qi Yang Essence Scripture was part of the Inner Secrets faction within the ancient secret teachings of Sanctus Medicus, authored by one of its pill masters.
In the realm of medicine, there is no such thing as political correctness. Consequently, this scripture was among the few works from the Medicine King's secret teachings that gained recognition from Luofu's Alchemy Commission—specifically, the former Head of the Pill Cauldron Division. Although the original manuscript had been destroyed by the Head himself, its contents were transcribed and preserved. High-ranking officials of the Alchemy Commission could still consult it for historical research.
Fu Xuan did not endorse the views presented in the Yellow Qi Yang Essence Scripture, dismissing much of its theories as superstition. This attitude was truly intolerable to Dan Shu.
It should be noted that certain medical principles extracted from the scripture, refined through rigorous scrutiny, have indeed been incorporated into medical texts with lasting significance. Among these, several volumes were personally compiled by Dan Shu herself, garnering significant acclaim from physicians at Luofu's Alchemy Commission.
By calling these principles superstitious, Fu Xuan seemed either dismissive or deliberately provocative. Hence, their debate persisted until now.
Su Jinyan paused momentarily, pondered briefly, and swiftly arrived at a conclusion: Brilliant—it's the general employing a delaying tactic.
Following Jing Yuan's guidance, it became clear to him that Dan Shu was indeed a prime suspect.
However, as a general of the Seat of Divine Foresight, he could not directly apprehend her without concrete evidence, lest it invite undue scrutiny. Thus, Jing Yuan decided to set aside any certainty about Dan Shu being the leader and instead instructed Fu Xuan to stall her for as long as possible.
Once the Seat of Divine Foresight obtained the list of cultivators, they would capture those hiding within the Alchemy Commission. By then, it would be too late for Dan Shu to react effectively.
"Intriguing. Though this plan is clever, if prolonged, Dan Shu may inevitably grow suspicious."
"Allow me to engage with this enchantress," Su Jinyan muttered to himself as he briskly approached the pavilion.
"Hey there, Lady Fu Xuan, Official Dan Chu, what are you discussing?"
Fu Xuan glanced at Su Jinyan, slightly displeased. "Hmph, did you finish?" she asked.
The advantage of his mannequin body was that no matter how much he indulged, he could maintain the appearance of untouched purity. However, if he were to push Tingyun over the edge, Fu Xuan would instantly discern the loss of his vital essence.
Wait, did Shizun just ask if I finished? It must be said, Fu Xuan's question was quite cunning.
One could only marvel at Fu Xuan's deserved reputation as the esteemed Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission; even matters like these were within his divinatory grasp.
Though deeply shaken, Su Jinyan answered honestly, "Yes, Shizun. Not just out—it came out quite abundantly."
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow.
Who asked you that? What do you mean 'quite abundantly'? Why can't this disobedient disciple speak plainly?
Seeing Su Jinyan present, Dan Shu's expression softened slightly, many of his doubts dissipating.
"Indeed, Master Fu Xuan," he remarked, "your disciple truly is a rising star among Luofu's talents. Infiltrating the Medicine King's secret teachings all by himself and leading their leader on a merry dance—"
"If word gets out, he'll undoubtedly become a hero celebrated by storytellers across every street and alley," another official chimed in.
Su Jinyan responded with utmost humility, "Official Dan Chu speaks the truth."
"To me, the leader of those secret teachings meant nothing—a mere courtesan, no more."
Dan Shu blinked in surprise.
Fu Xuan, however, found the praise gratifying. "The Head Pill Master flatters him. A-Yan's current achievements are owed entirely to this venerable one's diligent tutelage."
Su Jinyan looked askance. Wait, aren't you blushing yet, old man?
Dan Shu smiled mildly. "Master Fu Xuan, I'm sure there's much more you wish to discuss with A-Yan. Why don't we conclude our medical discourse for today?"
"Since this place offers such picturesque scenery, why not take advantage and have a heartfelt conversation as master and disciple?"
Su Jinyan couldn't help but glance around at their surroundings:
Outside the pavilion, a chilling wind howled mournfully.
In the distance lay a gloomy, dense thicket, occasionally punctuated by crows soaring overhead.
Now and then, fleeting shadows could be glimpsed drifting about.
Head Pill Master, I thought you were just pretending to be blind—turns out you're genuinely sightless.
Fu Xuan subtly shrugged her fragrant shoulders, barely suppressing a smile. "Head Pill Master jests," she said. "This venerable one is insatiable for knowledge, with many questions still seeking answers from you."
"Let's continue our discussion. Just pretend my disciple isn't here; he won't understand our topic anyway."
Dan Shu seemed somewhat resigned. "If that's what Master Fu Xuan suggests, let us indeed carry on."
As the saying goes: With Qing forces already past Shanhai Pass, Sun Xiaochuan unwittingly leads them forward.
To Dan Shu, Sun Xiaochuan held valuable secrets of the Medicine King's Disciples. If he were to guide the generals of the Seat of Divine Foresight, it would spell disaster for the sect. Therefore, she needed to depart before Sun Xiaochuan and swiftly strategize against the cultivators within the Disciples' ranks.
However, Dan Shu only knew part of the truth. When Su Jinyan had initially concealed certain secrets learned from Shen Hai, it inadvertently created an information gap between him and Dan Shu.
Little did she know, Sun Xiaochuan had already obtained the most devastating secret against the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus—the "Cultivator Identity Registry."
The medical discussions between Fu Xuan and Dan Shu were far too advanced for Su Jinyan to comprehend even slightly.
In the past, he could have at least distracted himself by using his phone, browsing forums to alleviate boredom. However, just recently, when Judge Xueyi came to arrest him, Su Jinyan crushed his only smartphone to destroy evidence.
Now, he was left with no choice but to find other ways to relieve his ennui.
While Fu Xuan and Dan Shu delved into their medical discourse, Su Jinyan stealthily slipped under the stone table without making a sound. He quietly removed Fu Xuan's boots.
Wearing boots for extended periods inevitably causes discomfort; it was necessary to occasionally let his shizun's tender feet, clad in white socks, breathe some air. As a disciple, isn't it normal to care for my shizun's well-being?
Fu Xuan's breath hitched, causing a noticeable pause in his speech. Hearing rustling sounds beneath the stone table, Dan Shu also fell silent.
Alright, alright, alright, this venerable one indeed is blind, unable to see, relying solely on senses to perceive surroundings. But I'm not deaf! Are you two really going to blatantly misbehave right under my nose, thinking I can't hear due to my blindness?
Daring not to scold Su Jinyan audibly, Fu Xuan pretended nothing was amiss and continued discussing medicine with Dan Shu.
Dan Shu found it even harder to maintain her composure; she knew exactly what was happening beneath them yet had to play along with Fu Xuan's charade.
Am I now just another element in your shared amusement?
Isn't Shizun prone to catching cold if left like this on the floor?
A sudden idea struck Su Jinyan. He grasped Fu Xuan's delicate, white-socked foot and placed it against his own face.
Ahh, my cleverness shines once again. Now Shizun won't catch cold.
Fu Xuan remained speechless.
Dan Shu stood equally silent.
You insolent disciple! Have you no sense of propriety? Did this venerable one give you leave to act on your own?
Fu Xuan's small face flushed red, and as if venting his frustration, he forcefully ground his tender snow-white foot against Su Jinyan's cheek. Yet, despite the anger, he dared not repeat the action—why?
Because Fu Xuan feared that Su Jinyan might perceive it as a reward.
"Head Pill Master," Fu Xuan asked nonchalantly, "where were we discussing before?"
"You were refuting the notion that 'the purpose of life lies in sustaining Huang Qi, enabling its evolution,'" Dan Shu replied.
"However, I have a differing perspective. It is crucial to note that the immortal cultivators' meridians lead to an organ called the 'Pill Chamber'..."
On Dan Shu's face, an outward calm belied her inner numbness.
Hmph, as a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus and leader among them, this venerable one remains virtuous, never mingling intimately with men.
"And you, Fu Xuan? You're the Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission. To think you engage in such clandestine games with your disciple—it truly shows appearances can be deceiving."
Misinterpreting Fu Xuan's silence as tacit approval, Su Jinyan felt emboldened and gently took her delicate, curled jade foot into his mouth.
Fu Xuan's face flushed scarlet, her pupils instantly contracting.
Dan Shu watched, speechless.
In the end, Dan Shu failed to alter Fu Xuan's rigid and outdated views, while Fu Xuan had wasted precious time engaging in futile debates with him. Only Su Jinyan emerged fully contented.
This was both a reward and recognition from his shizun, filling him with immense pride.
As they parted ways, discontentment marred both Dan Shu's and Fu Xuan's expressions.
With a stern look, Fu Xuan grabbed Su Jinyan by the collar and dragged him back to the Divination Commission.
Buzz, buzz—
Upon their return, Fu Xuan's phone immediately vibrated.
Qing Zhu: Lady Fu Xuan, this is Qing Zhu from the Seat of Divine Foresight.
May I inquire if Mr. Su Jinyan is with you?
Fu Xuan: A-Yan is indeed with this venerable one.
Qing Zhu: Wonderful! It's been quite challenging finding him!
Fu Xuan glanced at Su Jinyan, who looked utterly disheveled after being hauled to her office. She chided him, "Rebellious disciple, since when have you been consorting with strategists from the Seat of Divine Foresight?"
Su Jinyan blinked, puzzled.
[Fu Xuan: Qing Zhu, what stage have you reached with this venerable one's disciple so far?]
[To be honest, this venerable one is quite strict when it comes to selecting his spouse.]
[Qing Zhu: ?]
[Qing Zhu: Lady Fu Xuan, please don't misunderstand; I hardly know him.]
[Fu Xuan: Then why are you so agitated?]
[Qing Zhu: We couldn't reach Su Jinyan through the jade divination tablets and searched numerous places without finding him.]
[Could we urgently request Mr. Su Jinyan to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission immediately? We require his assistance for an emergency.]
Fu Xuan announced mildly, "Wayward disciple, Qing Zhu from the Seat of Divine Foresight is currently at the Realm-Keeping Commission. She needs your help with an urgent matter."
"I don't know any Qing Zhu or Bai Zhu," Su Jinyan hastily responded. "In my eyes, no 'Qing' or 'Bai' can compare to Shizun's jade feet!"
Fu Xuan gritted her teeth faintly. "You dare bring that up? Did this venerable one ever permit such behavior?"
Looking utterly innocent, Su Jinyan said, "But Shizun, wouldn't you rather keep the incident of your jade foot stepping on my face a secret?"
On the verge of laughing in exasperation, Fu Xuan thought, This wayward disciple actually dares to threaten this venerable one?
With these words, she swiped across her phone screen and found the video from the night Su Jinyan sleepwalked, hidden within the photo gallery.
In the video, Su Jinyan's clothes were disheveled, his upper body bare as he repeatedly kissed the air.
Fu Xuan sneered coldly. "And you wouldn't want this footage of your kisses with thin air to spread, would you?"
"Or face social death on the Xianzhou forums?"
"Nor do you wish for Tingyun and the others to look at you differently, right?"
Su Jinyan was stunned, gaping wordlessly. "Th-this...this..."
When exactly had that video been recorded? Why did he have no recollection of it?
With her delicate, pale hand, Fu Xuan gently caressed his cheek. "A-Yan, if you listen obediently to this venerable one, I will delete your video," she said softly. "I am well aware of your talents. There's no need to waste your energy on those women. Instead, serve this venerable one."
"Once this venerable one becomes general, you'll be my closest advisor, always by my side."
"Together, our master-disciple duo will undoubtedly surpass Jing Yuan and Yanqing."
Is Shizun trying to dangle promises before me now? As if there's any enticement I haven't seen!
A glint flashed through Su Jinyan's eyes, and seizing the opportunity while Fu Xuan was distracted, he swiftly snatched the phone from her. Amidst Fu Xuan's astonished expression, he resolutely deleted the video, emptied the recycle bin, and completed these actions smoothly, like water flowing effortlessly.
"Hmm? What video did you say? I couldn't quite hear," Su Jinyan feigned confusion, handing back the phone.
A resigned smile tugged at Fu Xuan's lips as he took back the phone and gently ruffled Su Jinyan's hair.
"A-Yan, you... You really should work on your impulsive nature."
"Apologies, but this venerable one has backups." Fu Xuan's lips curved upwards slightly as he retrieved the saved video, waving it before Su Jinyan's eyes.
Su Jinyan stared, bewildered. Was every move countered with a counter-move of its own?
Fu Xuan urged him, "Go quickly, A-Yan. Qing Zhu is waiting for you at the Realm-Keeping Commission; there must be something important. As they say, sincerity can overcome even the hardest obstacles. Although you're currently entranced by feminine allure, this venerable one foresaw long ago that one day, such allure would indeed hurt you. When that time comes, I trust you will awaken to the truth."
Curious, Su Jinyan asked, "Shizun, may I inquire before leaving—whom will I be hurt by in the future?"
"Tingyun, Qingque, or perhaps even you, esteemed elder?"
Fu Xuan indignantly turned away, huffing, "How would this venerable one know? It certainly won't be me, though. And another thing, don't mimic Qingque's way of addressing me! This venerable one is still quite young!"
As soon as Su Jinyan entered the Realm-Keeping Commission, he bumped straight into Yanqing, who was pacing back and forth with evident agitation.
Yanqing's eyes lit up. "Excellent, Teacher, you've finally arrived," he exclaimed. "I have good news for you. Thanks to your list of cultivators' identities, Yanqing has achieved a great feat."
Su Jinyan pondered briefly before understanding dawned on him. "What, did the general order all available Cloud Knight elites under your command to capture those Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
Qing Zhu nodded. "Indeed. I had intended to counsel the general to plan thoroughly before acting. However, he insisted that he trusts you completely—that Mr. Su Jinyan would never deceive him." Qing Zhu continued, "Thus, the general commanded Yanqing to lead three thousand cloud-mounted elite forces in a surprise assault on the Alchemy Commission, sealing off the paradise."
Yanqing's voice deepened gravely. "This mission held special importance, given the general's direct instructions. Yet we didn't anticipate how these Disciples might employ some bewitching method to sway hearts. Astonishingly, even within our ranks, they had planted their spies among the Cloud Knights."
Qing Zhu sighed, "It's always the same old story—some individuals crave greater power or higher status... As long as there are people susceptible to such desires, the Disciples will find ways to exploit them."
"As long as there are individuals susceptible to their influence, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus will find ways to exploit them."
"Fortunately, we managed to root out their mole within the Cloud Knights before our operation began."
"This also meant that not a single cultivator at the Alchemy Commission received prior warning," Qing Zhu noted.
Upon hearing this, Yanqing's face lit up with excitement. "Master, we summoned you here precisely for this reason. Yanqing achieved significant gains during his visit to the Alchemy Commission. All cultivators who could be apprehended were captured on the spot, and those who resisted were executed immediately."
Su Jinyan anxiously asked, "Miss Qing Zhu, have you secured the information blackout?"
He feared that news of the Cloud Knights' elite raid on the Alchemy Commission might leak. If word reached idle hands and spread across Xianzhou forums, it would require considerable effort to manage the aftermath.
Qing Zhu nodded gently. "No need to worry, sir. Our secrecy measures are impeccable."
Su Jinyan sighed in relief. "That's good, very good."
"Such critical information should only be released officially by us."
"In a moment, I'll need Miss Qing Zhu's assistance once again—please act as intermediary to send correspondence to the Ten-Lords Commission."
Imagine the current state of the Ethereal Immortal Ferry, where rumors swirl like wildfire amidst mounting unease and instability. Malicious forces would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to fan the flames.
Attempting to suppress information at such a time would only backfire; it's what fools do.
In these perilous circumstances, the Seat of Divine Foresight must collaborate with the Ten-Lords Commission to issue an official announcement.
We will declare outright victory, announcing the successful dismantling of the colossal criminal organization known as the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, which has operated clandestinely within Luofu for millennia.
Under Yanqing's leadership, the Cloud Knights' elite forces have apprehended numerous cultivators and their skilled operatives.
The announcement must be written with grandiosity, emphasizing the authorities' achievements while denigrating the despicable Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
This approach will surely reassure the Xianzhou populace, causing the rumors to crumble on their own accord.
Qing Zhu nodded affirmatively, "Yes, I understand. If there's anything unclear, please enlighten me further, Mr. Su."
Yanqing hastily interjected, "Teacher, you may not know this, but I have another surprise waiting for you."
Su Jinyan, puzzled, asked, "A surprise? Could you elaborate on what kind of surprise?"
Yanqing walked into the inner chamber of the Realm-Keeping Commission and emerged dragging a writhing sack.
"The surprise must be unveiled by the teacher's own hands; otherwise, it wouldn't count as a surprise anymore."
Curious, Su Jinyan untied the sack to reveal his old acquaintance—the black-robed figure, writhing within.
"Mmmf, mmmf—"
Upon seeing Su Jinyan, the tightly bound black-robed man's eyes suddenly turned utterly lifeless. He ceased struggling, his spirit crushed, as if all meaning had drained from his existence.
Su Jinyan patted the black-robed figure's cheek and said with a profound tone, "Oh, hello there, boss. Didn't expect us to meet again so soon." Turning to Yanqing, he added, "Come on, film this for me."
Qing Zhu promptly interjected, "Sir, let me handle it—I have experience in these matters."
With that, Qing Zhu raised his phone, adjusted the angle, and began recording the scene using remarkably professional techniques.
Clearing his throat, Su Jinyan declared, "Black Rose, I'm f*cking here now—where are you?"
The Black Rose displayed an expression of extreme humiliation, struggling audibly inside the sack.
Su Jinyan spun around and kicked him to the ground. "Can't even beat my damn apprentice—you're just a pathetic loser."
"Yanqing, come over and finish him off with a backflip kick!"
Yanqing's face lit up with excitement as he quickly stepped into frame. "Damn, let's ignore this guy!" he exclaimed.
The black-robed figure closed his eyes indignantly, clearly unwilling to engage further with their antics.
Su Jinyan wore a faint smirk. "This fellow thinks I'm some secret Disciple of Sanctus Medicus infiltrating the Divination Commission?"
"Does anyone actually believe that?"
"Lady Fu Xuan of our Divination Commission—could she really fail to foresee such a thing?"
"To clarify, from the very beginning, I was Lady Fu Xuan's undercover agent within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."
The black-robed figure's pupils contracted sharply, their emotions becoming intensely agitated as they began sobbing incessantly.
Without doubt, it must have been uttering some vile curses.
Su Jinyan stepped forward and lifted the black-robed figure's hood. Unexpectedly, along with the hood, a wig also slid off.
Both Su Jinyan and the black-robed figure were momentarily speechless.
Suddenly intrigued, Su Jinyan started playfully shoving the black-robed figure's bald head back and forth.
"You think you're capable enough to challenge me, Su Jinyan? Huh?" he taunted. "I gave you a chance, but you just can't handle it, huh!" His voice rose with each line until it became a shout.
Amidst the black-robed figure's shock and fury, a sharp pain shot through their abdomen.
Covering their noses, members of the Realm-Keeping Commission exclaimed, "Oh gross, he messed his pants!"
The black-robed figure's eyes rapidly dimmed.
They recalled reading an article on the interstellar network written by outlaws, which stated: A person dies three times in their life.
The first death occurs when your heart stops and your breath ceases; biologically, you are declared dead.
The second death happens at your burial, as people clad in black attend your funeral, declaring that you no longer exist within society—you quietly depart.
The third death arrives when the last person on earth who remembers you forgets you altogether.
At this point, you truly die, with not a trace left in the entire universe.
But Etheral Ferriers only experience two deaths:
First, when they succumb to Demonic Yin and are taken away by the Ten-Lords Commission's underworld messengers. Second, when they are utterly forgotten.
Today, it was the black-robed figure's great honor—as an Etheral Ferryman—to experience an additional form of demise: social death.
Yanqing, feeling mischievous, continued stroking the black-robed figure's bald head. "How do you manage such a shiny scalp? Does it reflect light under streetlamps at night?"
Humiliated, tears streamed down the black-robed figure's face.
Su Jinyan cleared his throat, subtly reminding Yanqing to maintain their image. "Qing Zhu, make sure to delete this segment later."
"But Yanqing is the bravest guard among the Cloud Knights," Su Jinyan countered. "We must vigorously promote him as a positive role model."
"Oh right, did you seize that old bastard's jade divination tablet?"