Chương 26: Chapter 25: Fu Xuan: What Is It You Desire?
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Upon returning to the Artisanship Commission's gold-smelting workshop,
Master Gongshu and the other artisan apprentices had dispersed, each busy with their own tasks. Only Tingyun, Fu Xuan, and Yanqing remained, waiting for him.
Judging by the scene, Fu Xuan seemed determined today to drag him back to the Divination Commission, completely thwarting any thoughts of slacking off.
Yanqing curiously asked, "Teacher, what did the general want to discuss with you?"
Su Jinyan cast Yanqing a surprised glance.
"Hey, how did you know I earned fifty thousand merit points?" he asked.
Yanqing couldn't help but roll his eyes—Who asked you?
"Oh right," Su Jinyan continued, "Yanqing, you don't mind others finding out about your defeat to me, do you?"
Yanqing's expression was one of bewilderment. "Why would I care? A loss is just a loss; it's not something shameful."
"At worst, I'll defeat Teacher again in the future and reclaim my victory then."
"Just remember, Teacher, don't start crying when I knock your teeth loose."
Relieved, Su Jinyan patted Yanqing on the shoulder, looking quite pleased.
"All right, all right, I was indeed fretting about how to boost my reputation," he said. "This time, let me enhance my fame, and next time, it's your turn. Let's strive to become household names across the entire universe—to the point where even MacArthur trembles at our mention."
Yanqing scoffed dismissively, "Bah, I'd rather spend that time practicing with my sword."
Tingyun's lips curved slightly upward as he asked with a smile, "Did the benefactor sell the blueprints for the mechanical arm to the Xianzhou Alliance?"
Su Jinyan raised a finger and gently placed it on Tingyun's lips. "Shh, remember to keep this confidential."
He had struck a deal with Jing Yuan:
The Xianzhou Alliance agreed to purchase the blueprints for the Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm outright for fifty thousand merit points. Henceforth, Su Jinyan could still visit the Artisanship Commission to have Master Gongshu craft mechanical arms for free. However, there was a strict prohibition against sharing the blueprints with any other factions.
Earning fifty thousand merit points was no small feat. Recalling Yanqing's perilous journey with Jing Yuan, they had first slain three Nestfathers, then battled fiercely against the Winged Ones, and ultimately sunk the Nayun Battleship that blotted out the sky.
Despite these accomplishments, Yanqing only amassed a total of one hundred thousand merit points.
Now, Su Jinyan effortlessly secured fifty thousand merit points without breaking a sweat. If news of this spread, it would undoubtedly ignite intense envy, enough to make others grind their teeth in jealousy.
It wouldn't be long before the Seat of Divine Foresight issued orders to classify this incident as a secret of the Xianzhou Alliance. Everyone present today must keep this hidden from the world.
Fu Xuan looked up at him, her delicate face expressionless. "Very well, since our business is concluded, let us return to the Divination Commission."
Su Jinyan nodded slightly. "Lady Fu Xuan, please allow me a moment more."
He approached Master Gongshu and whispered something; it was unclear what he said. Reluctantly, Master Gongshu set aside his current work and crafted another Intermediate Mechanical Power Arm.
Su Jinyan nodded contentedly and beckoned Tingyun over.
Tingyun approached with a smile, "What can I do for you, Benefactor?"
Su Jinyan placed the mechanical arm set into Tingyun's arms, his words concise yet heartfelt: "For your self-defense."
Tingyun's lips parted slightly as she hesitated. "For me? Really?"
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, "Do you like it?"
"I couldn't attend your birthday celebration earlier due to some commitments," he explained. "Consider this a belated birthday gift."
Tingyun's beautiful eyes softened, and she giggled, "Oh, Benefactor, really... Who gives such a birthday present to a girl?"
Feigning displeasure, Su Jinyan made a move to snatch it back, "If you don't like it, give it back."
Fearing that Su Jinyan might take it away, Tingyun hastily stepped back. "I love it, absolutely love it," she assured him. "Please rest assured, Benefactor, I will certainly return the favor soon..."
"So...um, Benefactor..." Tingyun began tentatively.
"Hm?" Su Jinyan responded.
With anticipation in her gaze, Tingyun asked, "What kind of relationship would we say we have now?"
"Mutual allies," Su Jinyan replied.
Tingyun looked puzzled, unsure how to respond.
"A-Yan, do you like Tingyun?" Lady Fu Xuan unexpectedly asked on their way back to the Divination Commission.
Su Jinyan responded with a grin, "Lady Fu Xuan, are you feeling jealous? How adorable! I like you too, you know."
The expression on Fu Xuan's face was indescribable, as if she were looking at some inexplicable piece of trash.
Hisss, how satisfying.
"Actually, this venerable one initially wanted to try the Dragon Girl's special medicinal tea," Fu Xuan muttered sullenly. "But thanks to you, now I no longer feel inclined."
Su Jinyan nodded in agreement, "Mm-hmm, just gazing upon Lady Fu Xuan fills me up instantly."
Fu Xuan lifted her small face and said coldly, "Dare you insult this venerable one?"
"You, have you forgotten your pain once the wound has healed?"
Su Jinyan pranced around her playfully, "Oh, is Shizun getting flustered?"
"So it's 'do as I say, not as I do,' huh?
"Eh~ Come on, step on me then~ Step on me, step on me, step on me!"
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes held an unreadable gaze as she glanced at him. "...Forget it." She paused before continuing, "This venerable one knows you're troubled deep down; there's no need to deliberately change the subject. Surely you must be aware—this venerable one divined Tingyun's future."
"The divination revealed extreme peril; there's scarcely any chance of survival."
Su Jinyan paused and nodded. "Of course I know that, which is why I arranged protective measures for Tingyun beforehand." He continued after a moment, "Besides, Lady Fu Xuan, how can you be certain that the outcome of a divination will always be accurate?"
Fu Xuan pursed her lips. "Indeed, as you say, no form of divination guarantees unerring results every time," she conceded. "But this was the Indigent Observation Array—let me explain further.
"The calculation method employed by the Indigent Observation Array, known as 'Great Amplification with Myriad Transformations,' takes all unpredictable elements along a fate path and exhaustively enumerates them to divine outcomes." She paused, gauging his comprehension. "With sufficient data, the array's divinations have never been incorrect."
Su Jinyan abruptly gripped Fu Xuan's snowy shoulder, locking eyes with her.
"Lady Fu Xuan, would you truly ask me to abandon Tingyun just because the Indigent Observation Array's divination has not yet erred?"
Caught off guard, Fu Xuan instinctively took half a step back, feeling slightly embarrassed once she regained her composure.
"No, it's not like that..." Raising her delicate finger, she initially considered striking him with the Initial Strike of Jupiter spell—a reprimand for his insolence.
But then she reconsidered—given this fellow's personality, striking him might inadvertently feel like a reward. Deflated, Fu Xuan lowered her small hand once more.
"You impudent wretch, can't you at least let me finish speaking?"
"This venerable one always prefers to state the most likely outcome truthfully, so as not to foster false hopes."
"Seeing Tingyun fade away is unbearable for you, but do you think it's any easier for me?!"
"While fate governs all things, Avoiding Calamity and Seeking Fortune lies within human agency."
"What this venerable one means is, if there's anything you require, I will do my utmost to provide assistance."
A moment of silence stretched between them.
Su Jinyan looked slightly embarrassed. "Apologies, I got carried away with emotion."
Fu Xuan gazed at him expressionlessly. "Let me make this clear upfront," she said sternly. "In thousands of years, the Indigent Observation Array has never been wrong in its predictions. You must prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario, understand?"
Su Jinyan nodded gently. "I understand, Lady Fu Xuan. Right now, I need your help."
"Certainly," Fu Xuan replied coldly.
"Could you please take off your white stockings and give them to me?" asked Su Jinyan.
Fu Xuan stared, momentarily speechless.
"Or marrying me would also be acceptable—"
Boom!
Before Su Jinyan could even discern Fu Xuan's move, her palm sent him flying dozens of meters away.
Fortunately, he swiftly activated his Shield to mitigate the damage; otherwise, internal injuries were all but guaranteed.
Fu Xuan leisurely approached Su Jinyan, towering over him with a disdainful gaze.
"Hmph, do you have a penchant for masochism? Is this venerable one's strike necessary for your satisfaction?"
Su Jinyan suddenly smiled, stood up, and leaned closer to Fu Xuan.
"Shizun, how was my performance today? I hope I didn't bring shame upon you."
Instantly, Fu Xuan's delicate, fair face flushed red. Her earlobes gradually turned warm and crimson, unable to meet Su Jinyan's eyes.
In that moment, Fu Xuan's true beauty shone through.
Usually, to maintain her dignity, Fu Xuan always wore an expressionless facade, devoid of smiles. Though her features were exquisite, there seemed to be something missing.
Now, Su Jinyan realized it was the unique bashfulness reserved for young maidens.
Fu Xuan's lovely eyes darted evasively. "This matter must not be disclosed to outsiders," she said. "This venerable one will grant you certain favors."
Su Jinyan whispered softly, "Lady Fu Xuan, you wouldn't want our facade of a master-disciple relationship to be exposed to the general, would you?"
"If the general found out, he'd undoubtedly be greatly disappointed."
"His esteem for Lady Fu Xuan would surely diminish."
"And who knows, it might jeopardize your future as 'the general' altogether."
The blush on Fu Xuan's charming face faded, and her gaze towards Su Jinyan grew colder. "Are you trying to threaten this venerable one?"
Unfazed, Su Jinyan persisted, "Well, there must be some benefit for me, right?"
Fu Xuan began pondering, "Let this venerable one think - what is it that you need? Rare materials, advanced profession knowledge, high-quality medicinal pills from the Alchemy Commission, or perhaps a promotion with increased salary?"
Su Jinyan gently waved his finger, "No, no, no, Lady Fu Xuan."
"I can eventually obtain all those through my own efforts."
Fu Xuan vaguely guessed Su Jinyan's intentions and gritted her teeth, "Then what do you desire?"
With a slight smile, Su Jinyan's gaze gradually drifted downward.
As his eyes landed on Fu Xuan's delicate white calves wrapped in sheer stockings, they couldn't move any further. His unspoken request was clear.
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