Kapitel 42: Chapter 41: Fu Xuan, Have You Fallen in Love?
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In the office, Fu Xuan parted her pink, soft lips and took small sips from her fully sweetened medicinal tea, her expression radiating contentment.
Had anyone seen this, they would undoubtedly doubt their own eyes. It starkly contrasted with Fu Xuan's usual image as the imposing Imperial Diviner.
Even Fu Xuan herself found it somewhat hard to believe. Why would she let down her guard in front of a bargain apprentice taken on impulsively?
Fu Xuan couldn't quite answer that question either.
Could it be that this fellow has secretly bewitched this venerable one somehow?
The thought seemed absurd. Fu Xuan, being a prestigious Grand Diviner, versus Su Jinyan, merely a novice diviner—what was her skill level compared to his?
With a composed demeanor, Fu Xuan licked the corner of her lip gently before asking, "A-Yan, you haven't secretly drugged this venerable one, have you?"
"I mean, something that after consuming, would make this venerable one unconditionally favor you and obey your commands."
"Uh—" Shocked, Su Jinyan spat out the medicinal tea in his mouth, heart pounding wildly.
Something isn't right; there must be more to this unusual behavior.
Why would Fu Xuan suddenly ask me such a question without any apparent reason? Could it be that through her divinations, she has deduced my ability to influence others' minds?
Su Jinyan's expression turned slightly grave. "I thought I had concealed it well; didn't expect you to catch on."
"At this point, there's no need for secrecy anymore." He paused before continuing, "Yes, Shizun, you've fallen under the influence of a potent love potion crafted by my hand. You're deeply smitten with me, unable to resist."
Fu Xuan was momentarily speechless.
Seeing Su Jinyan's reaction, Fu Xuan felt reassured and decided against further probing subtly. "It seems this venerable one misunderstood you. There was no reason for suspicion. My apologies."
The amusement instantly drained from Su Jinyan's face. "I expected the Grand Diviner to be as furious as usual," he said. "Ideally, so enraged that you'd knock me down and repeatedly stomp on my face with those soft, white socked feet."
Fu Xuan remained composed. "Why would this venerable one reward such behavior?"
Initially taken aback, Su Jinyan then stroked his chin in contemplation. It appeared that both Fu Xuan and Tingyun were gradually learning how to handle him, albeit in their own ways. Indeed, falling behind invites punishment—a principle applicable in any situation.
He needed to change his approach; otherwise, he risked losing control whenever facing Fu Xuan or Tingyun in the future.
Clearing his throat, Su Jinyan adopted a serious tone. "Lady Fu Xuan, you're right, this disciple has overstepped," he acknowledged solemnly.
"From now on, this disciple will strive to be upright and honorable, ensuring your reputation remains untarnished."
Fu Xuan remained unconvinced. "Mm, this venerable one eagerly awaits your actions," he said dismissively. "Oh right, it's getting late; you should clock in for work first." He added sternly, "Don't let other diviners see that you've spent the night here—it won't reflect well on you."
Su Jinyan's expression turned serious. "Lady Fu Xuan, there is something I wish to request from my master."
Fu Xuan looked at him with exasperation. "You wicked disciple, surely you're not asking me to step on your face again?"
Feeling deeply hurt, Su Jinyan asked, "Lady Fu Xuan, do I truly appear as a pervert in your eyes?"
With unwavering conviction, Fu Xuan replied, "No, you don't just appear as one—you are a pervert. This venerable one has never encountered someone as twisted as you in millennia."
As soon as these words left his lips, Fu Xuan felt a twinge of regret. Shouldn't I have refrained from scolding him? What if it only pleases him further?
Su Jinyan smiled slightly. "Lady Fu Xuan, let's discuss something important instead. There's indeed a matter I'd like to request."
"I want to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus as a spy, gathering intelligence for you."
Fu Xuan rebuked him mercilessly, "Have you lost your mind?"
Confused, Su Jinyan stared back.
Fu Xuan frowned. "This venerable one cannot possibly agree to such a thing. Do you know why?" He continued, "It's not that no cloud knights have attempted to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus before, but..."
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have ways to uncover infiltrators' identities," Fu Xuan replied sternly. "And once exposed, the consequences need no further explanation."
After a moment of silence, Fu Xuan murmured, "Without exception, every Cloud Knight who went undercover within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus ultimately became martyrs."
"Or worse, they succumbed to the sect's influence and assimilated, becoming one of them."
"This venerable one acknowledges your capabilities, but they should be utilized where you're best suited, not squandered on meaningless sacrifices."
Su Jinyan took a step forward and gently held Fu Xuan's soft hand. "But Lady Fu Xuan, I have compelling reasons to go."
Indeed, he had valid motives. It wasn't that he enjoyed playing double agent; rather, he needed a plausible identity to absolve himself of blame.
The role of an undercover operative seemed tailor-made for his situation.
Imagine this scenario: when his dual identities as a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and an Abundance Remnant are revealed, leading to his pursuit by the Ten-Lords Commission.
As everyone assumes he has betrayed Luofu and the Xianzhou Alliance, Su Jinyan could simply declare, "I'm sorry, I was actually an undercover operative all along."
To which Fu Xuan would affirm, "This venerable one can vouch for him."
The expressions on everyone's faces at that moment would undoubtedly be priceless; just imagining it felt amusing.
Fu Xuan's expressive eyes revealed a mix of emotions. "You...did this for Tingyun?"
Taken aback, Su Jinyan responded with unbridled excitement, "Indeed, Shizun understands me best. Yes, I did it all for Tingyun. If it's for her, enduring any risk is worth it."
Lady Fu Xuan was truly considerate, even providing him with a plausible reason for joining the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Were it not for fear of endangering his life, he'd have eagerly embraced and kissed her several times.
Yet inexplicably, Fu Xuan seemed somewhat angry. "If Tingyun knew, she would never allow you to take such risks."
"Enough said," she declared firmly. "This venerable one will not consent."
Su Jinyan spoke earnestly, "Your refusal is your concern, but I am determined to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, no matter what."
Fu Xuan's fury boiled over, and she pointed a pale, slender finger at his forehead. "Y-you, y-y-you! You're going to make this venerable one Mara-Struck from sheer frustration. Since you're so eager, then today, this venerable one shall expel you from the Divination Commission, granting your wish."
"Hold on, hold on, there's no need for that," Su Jinyan hastily replied.
"As a diviner from the Divination Commission, my participation would only enhance their standing."
"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus relish seeing members of Luofu's six divisions betray the Arrow of Fate and embrace the Benevolent Medicine King instead."
Hmm? How did this fellow know so much about the inner workings of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? Fu Xuan eyed him suspiciously.
"Wait, you may go, but first, this venerable one will divine your fortune." She continued, "Accompany me to the Matrix of Prescience Ultima. If the divination foretells a safe journey for you, I shall grant your request. However, if it predicts perilous misfortunes, you should promptly abandon this idea."
Su Jinyan remained unfazed, responding calmly, "Of course, but I hope Lady Fu Xuan focuses solely on foreseeing the future, not delving into the past. After all, as you well know, I've always been rather carefree and uninhibited."
"I wouldn't want intimate scenes with foxfolk maidens to offend Lady Fu Xuan's divine eyes."
Fu Xuan nearly burst out laughing. "Before this venerable one, you're merely a youth untouched by carnal desires. Who are you trying to impress with tales of experience?"
"You appear close to Tingyun, yet secretly, we doubt you've ever truly touched her."
"Your interactions with Qingque, filled with laughter and camaraderie, suggest more of a friendship than anything else."
"So, this venerable one is genuinely curious—whom do you ultimately intend to be with?"
Su Jinyan earnestly replied, "Please rest assured, Shizun."
"My first time will undoubtedly be preserved for you."
Unfazed, Fu Xuan countered, "Very well. Since you've stated it so firmly, preserve it then."
"Without this venerable one's permission, giving yourself to anyone else would constitute a breach of agreement."
With these words, her slender finger gathered a purple glow and gently touched Su Jinyan's wrist. "See here, chastity mark."
Su Jinyan was taken aback, stammering, "Wait, Lady Fu Xuan, what are you doing?"
Fu Xuan smiled faintly; naturally, the chastity mark was merely a ruse to deceive Su Jinyan.
She had thought this through meticulously. If Su Jinyan were to break his promise in the future, it would indeed be a breach of their agreement. Henceforth, he could forget about bringing up courtship around her, granting her some peace at last.
The saved time could instead be used to catch Qingque slacking off.
But what if Su Jinyan truly managed to resist...?
Well, let him try resisting. Did she owe him anything just because he held back? Absolutely not.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein