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Tingyun blinked her lovely eyes, gazing at him earnestly. "Mm-hmm, I'm truly curious to know."
Su Jinyan smiled. "Then lean closer; I'll whisper it only to you, not Qingque."
Qingque protested unhappily, "Is that really necessary? What's so secretive about this?"
Obediently, Tingyun moved her face nearer. At such close proximity, if Su Jinyan were to sneak a quick kiss, Tingyun wouldn't have time to react.
Feeling mischievous, Su Jinyan gently blew into her fox ear.
Tingyun shuddered abruptly and hastily covered her fluffy fox ears, her expression turning fiercely indignant (?`ω??).
"Benefactor, how naughty of you~"
"Don't you know these are our foxtail's most sensitive spots?" Tingyun playfully scolded him with a light punch, which felt more like playful teasing than any real reprimand.
Smiling, Su Jinyan said, "Haven't you heard the saying before?"
"Curiosity killed the cat; mind your own business."
Qingque wholeheartedly agreed, "A-Yan's words hold truth indeed."
"In the workplace, one must learn to suppress their curiosity."
"Take me, for example—I couldn't care less why A-Yan is so fond of the Grand Diviner."
"I'm even less interested in any private displays of concern she might show towards him. Am I that nosy?"
Tingyun's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Hmm? Lady Fu Xuan has shown concern for Benefactor privately? Tell me more."
Qingque shrugged. "The Grand Diviner, well, she seems to have high expectations for A-Yan's potential.
"She repeatedly instructed me not to expose my bad habits in front of him, fearing it might lead him astray.
"Hmph, looking at us now, we're pretty much on equal footing—hard to say who influenced whom, really."
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow.
Tingyun's eyes sparkled with amusement, as if jesting lightly, "Come to think of it, my charms might not be far off from Lady Fu Xuan's."
"Benefactor, why not choose what's closer at hand? How about I serve you as your dog?"
Qingque's lips parted slightly, her eyes betraying her shock. "Ah? But isn't he your savior?"
Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, a hint of smile lingering on her lips. "There's no conflict there."
"In the future, I'll call him 'Benefactor,' and he can address me as 'Mistress.' We each have our roles to play."
Qingque was momentarily speechless.
Su Jinyan responded mildly, "Tingyun, you don't understand."
"But without flattening one's chest, how can one flatten the world? I absolutely adore Master Fu Taibǔ's washboard figure."
The smile at Tingyun's corner of the mouth froze as she glanced down at her own chest. From any angle, she clearly outmatched Master Fu Taibǔ's washboard physique.
With sincerity, Su Jinyan said, "Let me quietly share my preferences with you: I enjoy the process of nurturing, so the flatter, the better."
"You see, like Qingque here..."
Panicking, Qingque patted her chest vigorously, making it thump audibly. "A-Yan, look, I'm quite full-figured—you've missed your chance."
Su Jinyan couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Qingque, you can bluff your buddies, but don't fool yourself too."
Tingyun also glanced at her sympathetically. "Miss Qingque, self-deception isn't healthy, you know."
Qingque blinked, perplexed.
"But don't worry," Su Jinyan continued. "My target is Lady Fu Xuan; I won't make a move on you."
Qingque sighed with relief. "That's good. Our friendship mustn't sour over such matters."
"In my opinion, anyone who enjoys falling in love is a fool."
"Dating is just so troublesome—aren't dates and romances a waste of time?"
"With that time, one could easily play more rounds of Imperial Jade tiles instead."
Su Jinyan wholeheartedly agreed. "I couldn't have said it better myself."
"So, I decided to skip the dating phase altogether."
"Lady Fu Xuan likely has many suitors. We should take a different approach—become Lady Fu Xuan's dogs outright."
Qingque's expression turned subtle. "Well, how shall I put this? Your path certainly veers off the beaten track."
Su Jinyan waved his hand dismissively. "Tch, what do you know? Fortune ebbs and flows, haven't you heard?"
"Right now, I'm Lady Fu Xuan's dog, but someday—Lady Fu Xuan will surely be mine—"
Unable to bear it any longer, Tingyun tactfully interrupted, "Speaking of which, how did Benefactor and Miss Qingque find the time to visit Cloudford?"
Qingque felt particularly downcast at this mention. "Ah, it's quite a long story."
"The main issue is that the Grand Diviner saw us idling too much, so she assigned us some trivial tasks—to guide star ferries back to port."
Tingyun covered her mouth with a smile. "What a coincidence!"
"I just happen to be escorting a shipment for the Ming Huo Trading Company."
"Why don't we travel together? We can look out for each other along the way."
"After finishing our work here, let's head to the gaming hall and play a few rounds of Imperial Jade of the Capital, shall we?"
Qingque eagerly nodded. "Sure, sounds great!"
Su Jinyan followed suit, nodding as well. "Sure, sounds great!"
"Hey, stop copying me," Qingque chided, "you're being such a pest."
"Sure, sounds great!" Su Jinyan repeated teasingly.
As soon as they arrived at Cloudford, Su Jinyan heard the system's notification chime in his mind.
[Ding~]
[Please note, the foxfolk girl before you is named "Tingyun".]
[Standing beside her are Xiao Shuai and Xiao Mei, and she is about to face imminent danger.]
"Qingque, wait."
Su Jinyan's expression turned grave as he urgently grabbed Qingque's wrist.
"What's wrong?" Qingque stood near the navigation compass, looking puzzled at him.
[In three minutes, Tingyun will guide a cargo shipment for the Ming Huo Trading Company at the secluded Cloudford dock.]
[Nobody suspects that within the transporting star ferry lurks Abundant Evil Creatures—two exceptionally vicious Quimuwolves.]
[The moment the cabin door opens, they will dart out from the cargo star ferry, swiftly attacking Tingyun.]
[Caught off guard by this sudden event, Tingyun will be completely defenseless.]
[Without your presence here, her fate would hang uncertain between life and death.]
Wait, how could Abundant Evil Creatures be hidden in a cargo star ferry? Recalling the incident where Tingyun's star ferry malfunctioned on the outskirts of Yaoqing, was it not merely a coincidence?
Su Jinyan tightened his grip on the silver-white crucifix and said gravely, "Stay alert, Qingque.
"My intuition tells me that there might be danger lurking within the approaching cargo star ferry."
Upon hearing this, Qingque immediately heightened her vigilance. Although her previous divination had not indicated any ominous signs for their journey, she was willing to trust Su Jinyan's warning.
Moreover, sometimes a diviner's intuition serves as a crucial indicator of impending danger.
"Tingyun, Qingque, please hide behind me," Su Jinyan instructed firmly. "In case we encounter danger, I want to ensure I can protect you both promptly."
Tingyun gently nodded. "Yes, my safety shall then depend on your kindness, Benefactor."
Qingque couldn't help but shake her head. "Stop joking around; let me handle it instead. A-Yan, aren't you a priest? You should be hiding behind me."
Smiling, Su Jinyan replied, "Just wait and see."
Feeling somewhat helpless, Qingque silently rubbed her snow-white hands and murmured under her breath, "Please, please, please..."
After Su Jinyan activated the navigation compass, it wasn't long before a cargo star ferry slowly approached.
At this moment, Su Jinyan and his companions were at their highest state of alert.
As soon as the cabin door opened, a wolf's howl echoed, followed by a swift figure darting out—its speed was indeed rapid, not merely appearing quick.
The creature aimed to bypass Su Jinyan and Qingque, directly targeting Tingyun.
Hey guys, I uploaded the first chapter of the novel I mentioned in the mission a few chapters ago. Just a small teaser of what's to come.
Check out the novel: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality
We're looking at around 45 chapters that I'm gonna upload on the 1st (so far).
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******
However, Su Jinyan was well-prepared; he wouldn't let the Quimuwolf succeed so easily.
A sharp silver flash flickered momentarily.
With a mournful howl, the Quimuwolf retreated hastily, its claws leaving deep gouges on the ground.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that a massive silver crucifix had thwarted the Quimuwolf's attack, inflicting a deep wound across its abdomen.
If tormenting me in the Simulated Universe wasn't enough, now you dare try it in reality?
Su Jinyan's expression remained composed as he condensed Shadow Energy in his palm, transforming it into a long whip that viciously lashed towards the Quimuwolf.
Panic flashed in the Quimuwolf's eyes, but there was no time to evade. Already wounded, its body suffered another fresh gash.
Typically, wounds on Abundant Evil Creatures heal rapidly, making them difficult to kill with conventional methods.
However, after being struck by [Pain: Dark Incantation], the shadow energy continuously corroded its body, preventing any healing of its injuries.
"It's over."
Su Jinyan raised his hand, gathering Shadow Energy within his palm.
In an instant, the burst of dark energy surged into the Quimuwolf, causing its entire body to explode violently.
A wave of intense heat radiated outward as shadow flames spread, instantly tearing the Quimuwolf apart into fragments.
[Pain: Dark Incantation (LV1) skill proficiency increased by 10; current proficiency: 10/100.]
[Dark Energy Infusion (LV5) skill proficiency increased by 10; current proficiency: 1110/1320.]
Qingque was astounded. "A-Yan, didn't you say you were a cleric?"
Su Jinyan's expression turned devout. "Under the holy light, shadows must exist. Praise Aha." Then, turning to Qingque, he added, "Little Sparrow, isn't it quite normal for a cleric to know some healing spells?"
Despite considering himself a healer dedicated to saving lives, thus far, he hadn't used either Healing Touch or Rapid Heal even once.
In contrast, he had employed Dark Energy Infusion 1,110 times and Mental Lash 122 times, all while "treating" his patients.
Qingque stared incredulously. You call that healing? Isn't this blatant nonsense?!
Just then, another figure emerged amidst the explosion's aftermath, bursting from the raging inferno.
The ferocious Quimuwolf howled as it lunged towards Su Jinyan, aiming to snap his throat.
Su Jinyan remained composed, preparing to act, when suddenly an Imperial Jade tile whistled past his cheek.
The Imperial Jade tile glinted with a faint glow and struck the Quimuwolf squarely on its head.
Quimuwolf: ?
Splat!
Blood splattered everywhere.
The Quimuwolf's head exploded like an overripe watermelon.
"Heh heh, better late than never." Qingque's smile beamed brightly as she flashed a victory sign with her fingers.
Su Jinyan looked at her, surprised. "A fatal blow in one hit—underestimating you was indeed my mistake."
Seeming to realize something, Qingque hastily suppressed her grin and stuck out her tongue. "No, no, it was just sheer luck!"
"Actually, I should be saying that myself—I underestimated you too." Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, still showing signs of lingering fear. "Many thanks for your assistance once again, Benefactor, and gratitude also extends to Miss Qingque's aid."
"If not for both of you, this humble maiden would likely have become the meal of that vile creature by now."
Su Jinyan asked solemnly, "Miss Tingyun, if I'm not mistaken, this should be one of the Ming Huo Trading Company's cargo star ferries, correct?"
Tingyun responded truthfully, "Yes, that's right."
Su Jinyan puzzled over this. "Then how could an Abundant Evil Creature infiltrate their cargo?"
Tingyun gently shook her head. "Apologies, benefactor. This matter...I am not fully informed..."
Frowning, Su Jinyan said, "I believe this incident is far from ordinary. We must report it to Lady Yukong immediately and conduct a thorough investigation."
"Why would an Abundant Evil Creature be mixed within Ming Huo Trading Group's cargo star ferry?"
Qingque nodded emphatically. "Exactly, I agree with you."
"Miss Tingyun, once we've handled this situation, let's unwind at the gaming hall, shall we? Just for some stress relief?"
"Aiyo, A-Yan, what was that for?" Before Qingque could finish, she received a light flick on the head, leaving her teary-eyed as she clutched her small skull.
Su Jinyan's expression remained serious. "Little Sparrow, now is not the time for jokes. Tingyun, please accompany us back to the Divination Commission first so Lady Fu Xuan can examine the situation thoroughly."
Qingque hastily agreed, nodding vigorously. "That's right, Miss Tingyun, you can always trust the Grand Diviner. Despite her diminutive stature, her abilities are truly unparalleled."
"Although our esteemed Grand Diviner may be short in stature, her abilities reach the heavens."
"For her, resolving such minor issues is truly effortless."
Upon hearing this, Su Jinyan couldn't help but give Qingque an extra glance.
Seeming to sense his attention, Qingque's eyes met Su Jinyan's gaze just as he looked over.
Su Jinyan flashed a mischievous smile and leaned close to Qingque's ear, whispering softly towards her snow-white lobe, "Little Qingque."
Qingque shrank slightly, feeling a tickle in her ear.
"Little Qingque, you dare mock Lady Fu Xuan's height?"
"If she finds out, you'll have more than you can handle."
Qingque narrowed her lovely eyes and leaned in close to Su Jinyan's ear, murmuring quietly:
"Hmph, haven't you mocked it too, A-Yan? Neither of us should laugh at the other."
With that, they exchanged knowing smiles, pretending nothing had happened.
At that moment, the alliance dedicated to protecting their beloved Master Fu Taibǔ was officially formed.
Tingyun watched silently, wondering if these two were unaware of foxfolk's keen hearing?
On their way to the Divination Commission, Qingque suddenly halted, her small face solemn.
"A-Yan, A-Yan, I think we've overlooked something very important," she said.
"Hmm, what is it?" Su Jinyan looked at her, puzzled.
"We haven't done anything about the task the Grand Diviner entrusted us with." Qingque spread her tiny hands, seeming helpless.
"Cough, that seems true..."
"But don't worry, considering your wit, you should be able to handle it..." Su Jinyan reassured her.
Qingque lightly tapped her head and stuck out her tongue. "Eh heh, I totally forgot~"
"Do you really think Lady Fu Xuan will let you charm your way out of this?" asked Su Jinyan.
Qingque's expression turned serious. "Apologies, Grand Diviner. The truth is, I have a terminal illness where any overtime work would kill me. So perhaps you should assign the tasks to A-Yan instead."
Su Jinyan chuckled darkly. "Heh heh, this venerable one doesn't waste resources on fatally ill burdens. You may leave now."
"Hmph, don't regret it later!" Qingque retorted.
"In the end, you still haven't solved the problem," Su Jinyan pointed out.
Unconvinced, Qingque asked, "Then what's your brilliant plan?"
Su Jinyan turned with arrogance and whispered conspiratorially, "Hmph, we just need to do this and that, like so..."
"This way, Lady Fu Xuan won't blame us at all. Do you understand?"
"...Could you please explain it again using our Xianzhou language?" Qingque requested hesitantly.
Su Jinyan calmly responded, "All you need to do is make the situation sound as dire as possible."
"When necessary, I'll step in to divert Lady Fu Xuan's attention."
Qingque blinked her lovely eyes, "As dire as possible?"
Su Jinyan nodded slowly, smiling, "Precisely."
With a mournful expression, tears streamed down Qingque's face like wide noodles. "Wahh, Miss Tingyun, your death was so tragic..."
Su Jinyan's countenance jolted. "Are you performing a funeral lament here?"
Unable to resist, Tingyun raised her folding fan and gently tapped Qingque's small head.
"I'm perfectly alive; why curse me like that?"
Rubbing her head sheepishly, Qingque replied, "I thought making it seem more serious would help."
At the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan stood before the jade divination tablet of Great Evolution and Myriad Manifestations, seemingly deep in thought.
That morning, Fu Xuan's curiosity had been piqued by Su Jinyan, leading her to cast a fortune for this new diviner. The resulting divination symbol was Qian, indicating an exceptionally auspicious outcome. Its interpretation read: "The trapped dragon finds its waters, joy unbidden graces his brow; all aspirations shall be fulfilled, as future luck steadily grows."
In essence, this newcomer possessed untapped talents with no outlet until recently, when he received assistance from a benefactor. Now, all his aspirations would prosper, turning misfortunes into blessings and revealing clarity amidst clouds of uncertainty.
To put it simply, such talent deserved cultivation. For someone capable, granting them a bit more patience wouldn't hurt. However, this fellow's impulsive nature—especially harboring inappropriate thoughts towards this venerable one—was truly unacceptable.
A benefactor... Could this venerable one be his benefactor?
Suddenly, shouts from afar interrupted Fu Xuan's musings.
"Grand Diviner, Grand Diviner—"
Qingque rushed up the steps, breathless. "Something happened, something big!"
Witnessing Qingque's frantic demeanor, many diviners in the Divination Commission were initially startled, then furrowed their brows.
"Hmm, that face looks awfully familiar—who is it again?"
Fu Xuan frowned, saying, "Qingque, remain composed."
The diviners whispered amongst themselves, unable to hide their shock.
It was Qingque—actually, it was the Qingque! The rumored strongest nepotism beneficiary within the Divination Commission.
This was Qingque, who slacked off daily, causing the Grand Diviner to demote her again and again until there were no ranks left for further punishment, yet still refusing to dismiss her.
Good heavens, Qingque had actually shown up for work!
Fu Xuan calmly asked, "What has you so agitated? Have you completed the tasks this venerable one assigned?"
"Where's Su Jinyan? Why didn't he come with you?"
Qingque, eyes red, began to choke back sobs. "Grand Diviner, Miss Tingyun, Miss Tingyun she, she—"
The diviners observing from afar felt their hearts jolt at these words. It seemed Qingque mentioned Miss Tingyun; given her tone, could something unfortunate have befallen her?
"Calm down, Qingque," Fu Xuan reassured her. "Take a moment to compose yourself. What happened to Miss Tingyun?"
Qingque wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes. "Nothing, I just got some sand in my eyes."
"Heh heh, Miss Tingyun is perfectly fine, not a scratch on her," she added hastily.
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
"But—" Qingque abruptly changed the subject.
"What do you mean 'but'?" Fu Xuan pressed, frowning.
In a soft voice, Qingque replied, "But...to protect Miss Tingyun, A-Yan faced an attack by an Abundant Evil Creature."
Fu Xuan's expression shifted sharply. "What?! An attack by an Abundant Evil Creature? Where is he now? How severe are his injuries?"
Qingque scratched her cheek. "Uh, A-Yan is perfectly fine, not a scratch on him."
Fu Xuan glared at Qingque. "Qingque, who taught you to speak like this? Stop fooling this venerable one and provide a detailed account of your encounter."
Under Fu Xuan's stern pressure, Qingque obediently recounted the incident with meticulous precision.
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