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Su Jinyan's expression changed slightly, and he gritted his teeth and said, "Ms. Yue Shi, the little fox is my beloved relative."
Phantylia put away her smile, and her slender white jade fingers rested on his chest: "Oh?"
Su Jinyan's tone remained indifferent. "So, that would require additional compensation."
Phantylia paused, seemingly caught off guard by Su Jinyan's response.
"Is Su-gongzi in dire need of money? From what I can see, your standing at Luofu is quite high."
"Not at all," Su Jinyan replied mildly. "I'm not referring to Credits or Strales. What I desire are your rewards—do you have any unique curios or treasured items to bestow upon me?"
As Blade quietly tightened his grip on the Zhi Li Sword, barely showing any movement, his body was once again pierced by swift streaks of jade-colored light.
Su Jinyan and Blade exchanged wordless glances.
Phantylia's eyes blazed with fervor, her voice filled with longing:
"What a splendid physical form! No matter how much it's abused, it won't be damaged."
"If only there weren't a better option for me... hmph..."
It seemed that this Miss Yue Shi had significant interest in the Stellaron Hunter's body. But what did she mean by "a better choice"? Could she possibly refer to me?
Su Jinyan felt a slight unease; given the current situation, he could only rely on himself to escape. Expecting help from others was clearly futile.
Although unclear as to why Yue Shi chose to spare his life, allowing him to stall for time, he surmised it might stem from a powerful being's confidence—either wanting to slowly torment him or some other reason.
Regardless, this presented an opportunity for Su Jinyan to seize control and fight for survival amidst these perilous circumstances.
With Yue Shi holding his life in her hands, even if Fu Xuan and Jing Yuan were present, they would hesitate for fear of endangering him.
Fortunately, he possessed an escape technique that relied on Shadow Energy, allowing him to instantly teleport short distances at nearly undetectable speed—a skill called Blink.
However, he couldn't dare gamble on whether he was faster than Yue Shi.
She might be an Emanator; who would risk such odds?
His only chance lay in finding a fleeting moment when Yue Shi's attention wavers, enabling him to seize the opportunity to flee.
With this thought, Su Jinyan gritted his teeth and decided to take control of the situation.
In Phantylia's bewildered gaze, Su Jinyan gently took her delicate white hand and pulled her into his embrace instead.
Phantylia looked puzzled.
Subsequently, Su Jinyan slowly knelt down and removed Phantylia's long boots. He cradled her dainty feet, as smooth as fine porcelain, tenderly massaging them with patience.
Her arches curved gracefully like new moons, toes delicate as pearls, each toenail painted black, resembling ten gleaming black gems.
"Miss Yue Shi, when you mentioned having better options, were you referring to me?" Su Jinyan softly asked while massaging Phantylia's pristine jade-like feet. "Are you truly that interested in my physical form?"
Realizing he could not possibly defeat Yue Shi in combat, flattering her seemed his only viable option, given her evident interest in him.
While unsure if this approach would work, it was certainly better than passively awaiting his fate.
Phantylia unabashedly exuded her charm, responding coyly, "Su-gongzi, why do you harbor such misconceptions?"
"Although your physical form appears delectable to me," she continued, "it's far from reaching that level of interest."
"Hmm, press a bit harder right there~"
Blade, Silver Wolf, and Kafka exchanged glances, momentarily speechless.
Su Jinyan looked puzzled. Is she playing hard-to-get with me? Well, I'm familiar with this tactic.
Feigning deep disappointment, Su Jinyan stood up, "I see, then perhaps I've been overly presumptuous."
"If Yue Shi-xiao doesn't find me intriguing, why have you consistently acted so intimately towards me?"
Phantylia gently caressed his cheek with her delicate white hand, "Not entirely true, dearie; I still quite fancy you."
"Su-gongzi, I've been secretly observing you for quite some time," Phantylia began. Leaning closer, she whispered into Su Jinyan's ear, "But lately, the weather has turned colder."
"I must say, that little fox by your side is exceptionally charming."
"Coincidentally, I am in need of a fox-fur mantle."
"If you could bring that fox to me..." Phantylia's voice dripped with allure, "...my darling little one."
"At that moment, I'll grant you a special reward, oh~"
Su Jinyan's expression instantly darkened.
Before he could react, Phantylia's delicate white hand pressed against his chest.
Boom—
A surge of destructive power erupted from her palm, threatening to annihilate his body.
Phantylia had endured patiently, waiting for this opportunity and even subtly bolstering his reputation behind the scenes. Her goal was to covertly enslave Su Jinyan at the peak of his esteem, when Jing Yuan and other high-ranking officials trusted him most, transforming him into her personal slave.
She aimed to turn Su Jinyan into a Voidranger of the Antimatter Legion!
For a fleeting moment, Su Jinyan felt disoriented, his heart pounding wildly.
[Fool, you are currently experiencing the annihilation effect of the Destruction fate path.]
[Your appearance will remain unchanged, but your physical form will be converted into a Voidranger of the Antimatter Legion. You will permanently lose self-awareness and follow the Destruction Aeon Nanook.]
[The career transition opportunity has been initiated, drawing upon the power of the Destruction fate path.]
[You need not become a Voidranger; you will retain your self-awareness and advance to a new profession as [Berserk Priest].]
[Berserk Priest: Extreme devotees of the Destruction Aeon Nanook, affiliated with the Annihilation Gang. These believers genuinely perceive the birth of the universe as a fundamental error.]
[Their adherence to the destructive intent lacks purity, tainted by chaotic desires intermingled within.]
[They proclaim themselves as faithful servants of the Destruction Will, sworn to follow His path unto death, bringing ruin to the cosmos.]
[Enthusiastic about burning and plundering, they lack systematic devotion to the Destruction Will's unique abilities, thus inviting Nanook's contempt.]
[Berserk Priests excel at employing various destructive combat skills to inflict severe damage on their enemies. To achieve their goals, they will resort to any means necessary.]
[Note: Profession description ≠ profession requirement.]
[Destruction Fate power absorbed: 5%]
Destruction... She intended to transform me into a Voidranger? Could she be an Emanator of the Destruction Aeon Nanook?
Su Jinyan was filled with shock.
Fortunately, one of his advanced fate paths was already the Destruction Fate, allowing it to inadvertently activate through her actions. Otherwise, if Yue Shi truly enslaved his will...
It wasn't a joke—just contemplating the grave consequences made even Su Jinyan tremble with fear.
For indeed, he now possessed the means to plunge Luofu into chaos.
A hint of surprise flickered in Phantylia's enchanting eyes as she gently snapped her fingers.
Instantly, Blade, who had just managed to stand up, collapsed again.
"Oh my, truly unexpected."
"Su-gongzi's will is surprisingly strong; this complicates matters."
"I was hoping to turn Su-gongzi into my slave, you know~"
In Phantylia's past destruction of other planets, with a mere wave of her hand, she could effortlessly convert trained soldiers into Voidrangers. Typically, those with higher growth potential took longer to transform but resulted in more powerful abilities post-conversion.
Phantylia's gaze intensified, realizing she had underestimated Su Jinyan's potential. Given his capabilities, he would not merely be a basic combat unit within the Antimatter Legion; at the very least, he'd be among its elite ranks.
Five minutes later,
[Destruction Fate power absorbed: 10%]
[You have acquired Berserk Priest exclusive professional skill - Destruction Nova.]
[Destruction Nova: Ignite the flesh of humanoid beings using frenzied destructive energy.]
[After 30 seconds, cause a massive localized explosion, dealing high levels of destructive blast damage.]
[Cannot affect entities without flesh, such as Voidrangers or machines.]
Tsk, skills like these exist? Just as expected from that scum Annihilation Gang.
Su Jinyan envisioned the scenario:
First, ignite a cultivator's flesh with Destruction Nova, then dominate their mind and steer them towards the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus stronghold.
Even more terrifyingly, he could first cast Diarrhea on the cultivator, followed by Destruction Nova, and send him plunging into a crowd—a double dose of terror, just imagining it sent chills down his spine.
Ten minutes later.
[Destruction Fate power absorption at 15%.]
Why is it so slow? Both Phantylia and Su Jinyan harbored this same doubt.
Subsequently, Phantylia gently furrowed her brow, perplexed, and withdrew the Annihilation Force.
[The annihilation effect of the Destruction Fate has ceased.]
In just this brief period of conversion, she had already depleted nearly half of her Destruction Fate power.
This amount should have been sufficient to transform over a hundred Voidrangers, but what was happening here? Moreover, despite clearly sensing the power of the Destruction Fate within Su Jinyan, why couldn't she enslave him?
Phantylia parted her lips slightly, her voice languid. "Su-gongzi, do you understand your own status?"
F*ck! Why aren't you transforming anymore? Transform already! Internally, Su Jinyan was consumed with anxiety, yet outwardly, he feigned affection by wrapping his arms around Phantylia's slender waist.
"Master, I am already your slave."
Phantylia's gaze turned contemplative. "Very well, Su-gongzi, extend your hand."
Tsk, he endured silently.
Su Jinyan obediently reached out to Phantylia.
Pleased, she patted his head as encouragement. "Such a good boy~"
Inwardly, Su Jinyan swore an oath: Yue Shi, if ever you fall into my hands, I will make you pay double for this humiliation.
Only immature children concern themselves with integrity; in the world of adults, it's all about weighing advantages and disadvantages.
Abandoning any sense of shame, he actively sought more power from her, saying, "My mistress, I desire even greater strength."
Phantylia chuckled softly, covering her lips. "What is it that Su-gongzi desires?"
"Speak up, how else would I know unless you tell me?"
Why did those words sound so peculiar?
Su Jinyan grasped Phantylia's delicate white hand and kissed its back gently. "Mistress, I yearn for additional power from you."
Phantylia narrowed her beautiful eyes. "Oh? Is Su-gongzi truly that eager?"
Confused, Su Jinyan remained silent.
Although he was fervently trying to please Yue Shi, winning her favor was merely a tactic to distract her attention. As long as Yue Shi's focus wasn't on Blade, he could find an opportunity to escape.
Phantylia appeared quite pleased, gracefully shifting position and lifting her fair, snow-like foot.
"Su-gongzi, if you truly kneel before me like a dog," Phantylia cooed, "I might overlook our past grievances and grant you even greater power. Kneel down and lick my feet."
Su Jinyan's eyes chilled as he slapped out abruptly. "F*ck off! You think I'm giving you too much leeway?" he exclaimed. "I've already said it—'I want, I want, I still want more.' Can't you understand human speech? Is it so f*cking hard to just give me some power of Destruction? What's with all the fuss?"
Blade, Silver Wolf, and Kafka were left momentarily stunned.
"How do you manage to maintain your sanity, young man?" Without hesitation, Phantylia seized Su Jinyan's wrist, her beautiful eyes filled with bewilderment and shock.
How could anyone retain their self-awareness after undergoing the transformation caused by the annihilation effect, let alone dare to strike at me, the Monarch of Destruction?
Although the slap missed its mark, it provided Blade with an opportunity.
As Phantylia pondered why Su Jinyan suddenly changed demeanor—
Blade soared high, unleashing countless frenzied blood-red sword energies directly toward Phantylia.
The feint aimed at Phantylia's face was primarily intended to distract her attention.
While it's said that one should never strike someone across the face, doing so is often the simplest way to humiliate them. As a powerful being like Yue Shi, she certainly wouldn't tolerate repeated indignities.
Jinyan also doubted he could physically harm her visage. However, he still had his other hand—after all, who said experts can't aim low during combat? Behold my monkey's peach probe!
Slap!
Su Jinyan forcefully smacked the ripe and succulent peach, sending waves of tumultuous energy surging through the air.
Phantylia's beautiful eyes widened with shock.
The sudden assault on such a sensitive area caused her red lips to part slightly, instinctively releasing a soft gasp as her tongue peeked out.
This momentarily loosened her grip on Su Jinyan's wrist.
Seizing the opportunity, Su Jinyan vanished in a flash. Just before escaping, he couldn't resist giving another squeeze—the sensation was truly exquisite.
Yue Shi was far too stingy, unwilling to grant even a little more power from the Destruction Fate, which halted his advancement and class change.
If only he could meet Nanook and request additional Destruction Fate strength directly from the deity.
At that precise moment, countless raging blood-colored sword energies reached Phantylia.
"Truly...insolent!" Fury flashed in Phantylia's lovely eyes as she materialized a folding fan.
With a graceful wave, a torrent of gales roared forth, scattering the violent sword energies haphazardly.
Undoubtedly, Phantylia's current vessel was exceedingly fragile, unable to withstand such damage. And if this shell were destroyed, her true form as the Heliobus would undoubtedly be exposed to both Su Jinyan and Blade.
"Stop!" The familiar voice of a young girl echoed in Su Jinyan's ears.
A delicate white figure materialized before his eyes.
With a graceful wave of her slender hand, Judge Xueyi conjured countless chains that shot towards Phantylia.
Alas, against such a formidable foe, the chains seemed futile.
Phantylia merely flicked her fingers, summoning a gale force wind that thrust Xueyi back several meters.
Xueyi glared coldly at Phantylia. "His life and fortune belong to me; have you sought my permission before harming him? Surrender promptly and resist no further."
Phantylia narrowed her beautiful eyes, completely ignoring Xueyi as if she were insignificant. "Hmph, Su-gongzi truly has a heartless nature," she sneered. "Just moments ago, we were all lovey-dovey, yet now you call your 'little wife' to beat me up. Is it because Su-gongzi is inherently unfeeling or do you seek to turn on your master?"
Xueyi's gaze remained impassive, seemingly unconcerned with being referred to derogatorily as a "little wife."
"I can answer that question for you." Su Jinyan searched through his pockets, finally finding a Strale, which he tossed at Phantylia's feet.
As the Strale rolled and clinked by her foot, confusion clouded Phantylia's face. "What does Su-gongzi mean by this?"
Su Jinyan stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, and declared proudly:
"Those who directly confront this monarch with his faults shall receive the highest reward," Xueyi recited indifferently. "Those who submit written advice to this monarch shall receive the middle reward. Those who criticize and mock openly in public, reaching this monarch's ears, shall receive the lowest reward."
Xueyi paused, momentarily speechless.
This fellow certainly knew how to turn a phrase. Facing such an adversary, just exchanging a few words could stir one's emotions intensely, nearly driving them to fury.
Phantylia looked puzzled.
Su Jinyan curled his finger provocatively, taunting, "Hey, come eat!"
Trading insults was often a crucial aspect of battles between masters; if you couldn't handle it, don't engage.
Phantylia's charming face darkened. "If you won't accept courtesy, then expect punishment!" she declared. "It seems you truly desire me to bestow upon you utter destruction."
Despite her words, Phantylia remained highly cautious, showing no immediate intent to attack. She pondered what exactly gave these three pawns their unwavering confidence—could Jing Yuan already be en route here?
"Pawns remain mere pawns," Phantylia sneered. "Little pawns, surely you don't believe your combined efforts can overcome me?"
Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Of course not, Token Envoy. Even a casual flick of your fan would leave us utterly helpless."
"However, Yue Shi, during your covert observation of me for so long, did you not notice that someone is missing from my side?" Su Jinyan asked with a hint of curiosity. "Aren't you curious about where Yanqing has gone?"
Phantylia sneered, "Su-gongzi, surely you're not trying to bluff me, are you?"
Su Jinyan smiled mildly, "Not at all, how could I dare to deceive someone as venerable as yourself?"
"Miss Yue Shi, earlier you mentioned Xueyi as my concubine. Do you recognize her?"
Xueyi remained silent.
Phantylia licked her lips, responding, "I've heard much about the Ten-Lords Commission's mannequin judge for quite some time."
"But what point are you trying to make, Su-gongzi?"
"She lacks the strength compared to the Stellaron Hunter whom I injured," Phantylia stated dismissively.
Unfazed, Su Jinyan continued calmly, "Yue Shi, have I ever told you before..."
"That I have many friends, and perhaps should introduce them to you?"
"I once intended to introduce you to Imperial Judge Wang, but alas, you left before she arrived."
Phantylia wore a resentful expression, biting her lip. "Only later did slave learn that Su-gongzi was indeed bluffing."
"To think even someone as beautiful as myself was deceived by you."
"Su-gongzi, you truly live up to being called a Masked Fool."
Didn't you say you have very few friends?
Xueyi couldn't help but steal another glance at Su Jinyan, remaining silent.
Su Jinyan gently took Xueyi's delicate hand and pulled her unsteadily into his embrace. With Xueyi looking puzzled, he passionately kissed her lips.
Not only did she not resist, allowing him to continue, she even unconsciously reciprocated his kiss.
Raising an eyebrow, Su Jinyan asked, "Now what do you think? Still believe I'm deceiving you?"
"Xueyi, she doubts our relationship; tell her."
Xueyi replied softly, "Normally, I am Xueyi, the Mannequin Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission."
"One of the Four Judges responsible for Detention, Locking, Punishment, and Interrogation—specifically, 'Detention.'"
"But privately, I belong solely to Su Jinyan as his mannequin."
Phantylia narrowed her beautiful eyes, falling silent.
Su Jinyan continued, "Alright, now you've met Imperial Judge Wang from the Ten-Lords Commission.
Let me also introduce this Stellaron Hunter beside us."
"As you can see, he possesses an immortal body; no matter how many times you try to kill him, he won't die."
"If you have the time, feel free to test it yourself—he'll always be ready for a challenge."
Blade internally questioned himself, suddenly regretting not having slain this youngster earlier.
"At the peak of immortals, defying all realms, with me, Jinyan, the heavens remain!"
"Believe it or not."
"I possess both the capability and patience to continue this standoff with you. How about you?"
"Feel free to attack; even frowning would be disrespectful towards your efforts."
Phantylia felt uncertain, her doubts growing from Su Jinyan's unwavering confidence. Could Jing Yuan truly be on his way here? Frustratingly, this was already the second time she had been thwarted.
This place was Xianzhou Luofu, and until she obtained the coveted body she yearned for, Phantylia could not yet match Jing Yuan and his allies' strength. However, she knew that day would soon arrive.
"Su-gongzi, you're the first man in history who has bested me twice," Phantylia said, licking her lips seductively, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Today was rather rushed, and I wasn't fully prepared."
"But once I am ready, rest assured, I will capture you and lock you away in my secret chamber." She continued menacingly, "There, I'll utterly transform you into my slave, subjecting you to torment night and day."
Su Jinyan's gaze darkened. "Yue Shi, I hold grudges deeply."
"You'd better pray you don't fall into my hands."
"For if you do—"
Su Jinyan left the threat unspoken, but the intent was clear from his expression.
Phantylia shivered slightly, her beautiful eyes flickering with excitement. "Su-gongzi, you should heed those words yourself."
In their exchange, both sensed a kindred ruthlessness.
This was set to be a brutal contest. The defeated party would become the victor's slave.
In that moment, Phantylia envisioned countless ways to torment Su Jinyan mentally. For instance, after taming him as her slave, she could record his daily transformations and send the footage to Tingyun and Fu Xuan for their enjoyment. Then, capturing their expressions while watching these videos, she could send them back to Su Jinyan.
Such manipulations offered endless possibilities; once he became a Voidranger, she wouldn't need to worry about his physical constitution failing him.
Suddenly, Su Jinyan asked, "Miss Yue Shi, has anyone ever told you how beautiful your neck is, akin to a graceful swan?"
Phantylia responded with a puzzled hum, "Hm? What does Su-gongzi mean by this?"
"It's too late now to shower me with compliments, oh dear," Su Jinyan said with a smile. "Truly exquisite though, perfect for adorning with a collar."
Unfazed, Phantylia lightly bit her lip. "Su-gongzi, you have such a ruthless heart."
"Unlike me, I only employ the gentlest methods when dealing with you."
Intrigued, Su Jinyan prompted, "Oh? Care to elaborate?"
Phantylia's tone carried a veiled threat. "Once Su-gongzi becomes my slave, I will personally train you."
"And as your descent into degradation unfolds, I'll record it for daily playback on the streets of Exalting Sanctum."
"Your story will be broadcast across the entire interstellar universe, making you utterly infamous."
Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "Dear Miss Yue Shi, let me finish what I was saying."
"After you become my slave, I'll put a collar around your neck."
"Every day, when your mom and I take our family cat out for a stroll, wouldn't it be lovely to have you on a leash?"
Phantylia stared, perplexed.
Su Jinyan smacked his head in annoyance. "Oops, my apologies! Look at my memory, I almost forgot."
"I don't have a cat, and you certainly don't have a mother."
Xueyi and Blade exchanged glances, speechless.
Is it just us or does your speaking style completely contradict your name?
Their wary gazes met briefly before they parted unhappily.
The smile at Phantylia's lips grew increasingly menacing. "Su-gongzi, you will pay dearly for those words."
"When this one torments you in the future, I hope you won't regret them."
With these harsh parting remarks, Phantylia shamelessly fled before Jing Yuan could arrive.
This incident heightened Su Jinyan's vigilance against her significantly.
His words today had undoubtedly deeply offended Yue Shi.
Su Jinyan couldn't help but wonder why Yue Shi insisted on targeting Tingyun relentlessly. Little Que'er is also quite close to me, not to mention Fu Xuan is my Shizun. Do you seriously think my little fox is easy prey?
Before dealing with Yue Shi, it was best to keep Tingyun safely within the confines of the Divination Commission, minimizing his exposure.
Xueyi spoke coldly, "Are you unharmed?"
"You must not die by anyone's hand before I personally take your life."
Su Jinyan pressed a hand against his chest and furrowed his brow. "Here, it feels a bit painful."
Xueyi's expression remained serious. "As a Judge specializing in confinement, healing is not my forte. If you truly have injuries, follow me back to the Ten-Lords Commission, and I will arrange for someone to treat them myself."
"Coincidentally, I've been ordered to apprehend the Stellaron Hunter, a wanted criminal. Might I request your assistance?"
Su Jinyan narrowed his eyes. "Xueyi, that's quite a difficult ask. As you can see, this Stellaron Hunter saved my life—he's my friend—"
A hint of confusion flickered across Xueyi's lovely gaze. Can someone as wicked as you genuinely care about friendship?
An icy gust bearing sword energy whistled past Su Jinyan's ear, slicing off a strand of his hair.
Blade glared coldly, his tone menacing. "Who's friends with you, kid? Don't flatter yourself."
Su Jinyan silently added under his breath, "...'s friend..."
Blade fell silent, realizing he had indeed misread the situation.
Xueyi nodded gently. "We understand now. Indeed, there seems to be a connection between you and the Stellaron Hunter."
"No wonder you spoke to me as such earlier."
"In that case, I should have come alone. This won't put you in a difficult position, and you shouldn't hinder me either."
Slowly raising his bloodstained Dismembering Sword, Blade's eyes turned icy. "Hmph, little Judge."
"Your mannequin body is no match for me."
His words held undeniable truth—for long ago, Blade had been renowned as the master craftsman known as Baiye.
The weapons of the High-Cloud Quintet were all painstakingly forged by his hand. Even this Dismembering Sword, stained with countless lives' blood, was once the beloved weapon of sword leader Jingliu.
Though Xueyi's mannequin form possessed adamantine resilience, resistant to blades and spears alike, Blade, well-acquainted with mannequins' vulnerabilities, could precisely identify each weak spot and exploit them for destruction.
Su Jinyan leisurely stepped in front of Xueyi, his gaze dangerous as he whispered, "Xueyi. Do you remember our two previous bets?"
"You're already my mannequin; it's time to obediently listen to me."
Blade coldly turned away, unwilling to spare him another glance.
Xueyi maintained a clear distinction between personal matters and duty. "Privately, indeed, I am your mannequin," they said firmly. "But while performing official duties, I remain an Imperial Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission. Su Jinyan, do not interfere with public affairs, or else—"
Su Jinyan leaned closer, his expression amused. "Or else what, Lady Xueyi?"
"I don't wish to do you harm, but don't force my hand." Suddenly, Xueyi's tone softened, becoming pleading. "In all other matters, I will abide by your wishes," she said. "So, can you please grant me this last vestige of dignity as a judge?"
Su Jinyan fell silent.
When Xueyi lowered herself to plead with him, the smoldering fire within his heart did not extinguish; instead, it flared even more restlessly. This only intensified his desire to ruthlessly discipline her—especially in front of Hanya or, conversely, to punish Hanya before Xueyi's eyes.
He would have to learn how to bypass a mannequin's jade divination circuits. Once he finished here, he'd seek advice from Master Gongshu.
Impatient, Blade spoke coldly, "Fine, boy. Before Jing Yuan arrives, let this Mannequin Judge take me away."
Su Jinyan looked stunned. "Senior, are you serious?"
With a swift motion, Blade pointed his sword at Su Jinyan's throat, voice icy. "Don't make me repeat myself."
From the start, Blade had planned to engage either the Mannequin Judge or the Cloud Knights in battle, then feign defeat and allow himself to be captured. Now, he was merely skipping some unnecessary steps—a matter of indifference to him.
"According to the Ten-Lords Commission's laws," Su Jinyan frowned, "you and your fellow Stellaron Hunters, being deeply sinful, should be imprisoned in the Nether Prison awaiting trial."
"You Stellaron Hunters bear grave sins and will be imprisoned in The Shackling Prison awaiting trial."
"The Shackling Prison is quite dark; don't say I didn't warn you, Senior." Xueyi's crimson eyes gazed intently at Su Jinyan for a moment before her tone turned matter-of-fact. "And if Silver Wolf blames me later for not taking care of your friend, what then?"
Blade remained silent, clearly unwilling to waste any more words on this exchange.
Su Jinyan understood it was futile to continue. "Very well, since Senior insists, please go with peace of mind," he said resignedly. "On this day each year from now on, I'll visit you alongside Silver Wolf."
An impatience flickered in Blade's gaze. "Enough chatter."
Xueyi stared at Su Jinyan for a long while, her voice devoid of emotion. "Do not die...not until I personally take your life."
As she spoke, she bound Blade with coral-gold chains, preparing to bring him back to the Ten-Lords Commission and imprison him within The Shackling Prison.
"Wait—" Su Jinyan swiftly approached Xueyi, cupped the mannequin maiden's snow-like cheeks, and indulged himself by capturing the sweet allure of her lips.
Blade watched silently.
Xueyi awkwardly reciprocated his kiss, her porcelain face expressionless. She knew all too well that she had lost the bet. For Hanya, to protect her only sister from harm at the hands of this demon, privately, she could only serve as his mannequin, unable to refuse any of his demands.
Just think of it as being bitten by a dog, she told herself.
Su Jinyan gently caressed Xueyi's cheek and whispered softly, "Xueyi, did you know?"
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus' downfall is imminent."
"Do you realize I'm a villain? As their cultivator, why would I personally destroy my own organization?"
"It's all because of you—"
With a cold expression, Blade chose to shut out his senses, turning a blind eye and deaf ear, seeking inner peace.
Xueyi's beautiful eyes darted away as she panted softly, "I...I eagerly anticipate the moment of its demise."
Before parting, Xueyi cautioned him, "Beware that woman; she is highly dangerous. If you have any missions coming up, do not undertake them alone."
Su Jinyan clenched his fists, his gaze blazing with fervor. "No need for further warnings. I must capture Yue Shi and turn her into mine—personally."
Xueyi tilted her head, asking, "Into your personal slave?"
Suppressing the raging flames within, Su Jinyan replied, "Yes, I will make her exclusively my slave by my own hand."
Xueyi remained silent.