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The art of verbal persuasion is often considered a quintessential skill for protagonists.
When employed, it bypasses all defenses and delivers a severe psychological blow to the enemy.
Those subjected to such persuasive rhetoric may experience mild effects, becoming disheartened and losing their fighting spirit entirely.
In more extreme cases, they can be rendered stupefied, unable to speak through tears, or even switch allegiance mid-battle.
In the present moment,
Blade chose to pledge allegiance to Su Jinyan, clearly demonstrating the terrifying power of this verbal onslaught.
Su Jinyan, with a look of satisfaction, helped Blade rise to his feet:
"Very well, very well."
"With Blade by my side, I am like a fish in water. Please stand up, quickly now."
Jing Yuan remained silent.
Jingliu was taken aback.
Dan Heng couldn't resist rubbing his eyes, hardly believing that Blade, whose bloodlust bordered on madness, would submit solely due to Su Jinyan's words.
Su Jinyan stroked his chin, feeling rather smug inside.
See? Even one of Elio's esteemed generals bows down to me.
However, considering Elio, the Stellaron Hunter, claimed to be "Destiny's Slave," capable of foreseeing future events—it likely meant this outcome was anticipated by Elio himself.
At first glance, Su Jinyan's claims might seem utterly nonsensical. But upon deeper examination, it wasn't so far-fetched.
Everything Su Jinyan mentioned had indeed occurred, backed by solid evidence and logic.
The fact that he received favor from Joyseeker and the Plagues Author—could that be denied? Impregnating every viewer across the universe during a live stream—was that untrue?
Impregnating Embercalamity Ancestor Nanook—was that not true? Unwavering commitment to the Pure Love fate path—could it be false?
Indeed, Su Jinyan's claims were accurate.
Among everyone present, he was the most likely candidate to become the Aeon overseeing the Pure Love fate path.
An Aeon refers to a mysterious higher being, akin to sentient celestial bodies. Each Aeon governs distinct fate paths and can freely traverse the star seas. Knowledge about these enigmatic entities roaming the vast cosmic depths is severely limited by humanity's understanding.
Constrained by their finite cognition, intelligent beings can only vaguely perceive the fate paths treaded by Aeons, inaccessible to ordinary mortals. These Aeons exert unimaginable power based on certain guiding principles.
If someone embarks upon a fate path governed by an Aeon, they will experience its distant resonance, akin to a gaze spanning light-years across the Galaxy. This phenomenon forms the basis of the term "Fate Traveler."
Many believe this is the sole intersection point between Aeons and mortals.
As for ascending from mortal status to becoming the "Pure Love Aeon"?
Sorry, Su Jinyan had never even entertained such thoughts. Moreover, the concept of a "Pure Love Aeon" wasn't something he introduced first.
This insight had been shared by a young girl who enjoyed rummaging through trash and harbored affections for married men.
Had she not pointed it out, Su Jinyan wouldn't have realized he was unwittingly treading the "Pure Love Fate Path."
Unconditional maternal love is also considered pure love.
In just a few short days, he had already made trillions of viewers across the cosmos grasp the essence of pure love. If this continued, there would be no stopping its impact.
However, even Su Jinyan couldn't predict when he might reach that stage.
Regardless, he couldn't bear witnessing such heavy-hearted sorrow any longer. Nor did he wish to see the former High-Cloud Quintet turn against each other right before his eyes.
First things first, he needed to pacify the most challenging member—Blade.
Once they all came to their senses, surely they couldn't reunite at Scalegorge Waterscape again just to resume fighting, could they?
Unless Blade truly possessed such unwavering determination...
Then Su Jinyan would indeed be speechless.
At present, Stellaron Hunter Blade had sworn loyalty to him. Consequently, Su Jinyan must paint a promising future, regardless of the circumstances.
To this day, Blade still had two unfulfilled obsessions:
Bring back the real Bai Heng; someone like her should never be buried or forgotten.Thoroughly eliminate Moon-Sipper, ensuring they both face judgment together for their sins.
To utterly slay Imbibitor Lunae, accompany him to the underworld, and together atone for their sins.
Su Jinyan's words undeniably instilled hope within Blade. No matter how faint that hope might be, he was willing to strive for it.
"My journey to divinity is still long," Su Jinyan said slowly. "I want you to remain by Elio's side as my undercover agent, ready to heed my commands at any moment."
"Once I become the Aeon governing pure love, you shall be known as the 'Emissary of Pure Love'."
Upon hearing this, Blade silently nodded. Excellent, he understood Su Jinyan's intentions clearly.
Swearing loyalty to Su Jinyan did not equate to betraying Elio.
Until receiving his next command from Su Jinyan, Blade would continue being the taciturn Stellaron Hunter.
Jingliu's expressive eyes flickered slightly, her resolve finally solidifying. "In that case..."
"To hasten the arrival of that day... I will clear all obstacles on your path towards growth."
Dan Heng's gaze deepened.
Imbibitor Lunae represented his past but certainly not his future. He vowed never to repeat Dan Feng's mistakes; instead, he would forge his own unique destiny. At the same time, Dan Heng would bear the sins committed by Imbibitor Lunae until reaching his ultimate destination.
"Brother Su, please accept this ticket for the Astral Express. Whenever you have free time, feel welcome to visit aboard the train."
Su Jinyan smiled faintly as he accepted the silvery-white star rail ticket from Dan Heng.
"In that case, I gratefully accept."
Jing Yuan looked contemplative. "Perhaps you truly have the potential to become an Aeon of pure love."
"Witnessing old friends facing each other with weapons drawn, yet unable to prevent it..."
"I never imagined that the one to resolve all this would be Minister Su himself."
Su Jinyan responded solemnly, "It seems the general has high hopes for my untapped potential."
"Would you consider investing early?"
"Once I become the pure love Aeon, I'll allow you to serve as the Pure Love Emissary."
Feeling embarrassed, Jing Yuan replied, "A loyal subject serves only one master; your kind offer is duly appreciated, but I must decline."
Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "But I already believe in Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker and have received blessings from the Calamity Ancestor. Additionally, under the command of Arrow of the Emperor's Decree, I am also devoted to him. What does this make me?"
Jing Yuan fell silent.
An Emanator's loyalty towards their Aeon was unparalleled. Throughout history, there had never been an Emanator who simultaneously believed in multiple Aeons.
Shouldn't you be considered a thrice-renegade traitor then?
Su Jinyan pondered deeply over this question.
In Aha's eyes, I must be quite popular? Maybe that old rascal Aha is even watching me right now.
Raising past grievances was akin to stirring murky waters, only inviting further discontent. However, someone needed to bring closure to the grudges and debts of an era.
Now, Su Jinyan willingly stepped forward, shouldering their regrets while also bearing their hopes.
As they prepared to part ways, Jingliu asked, "Imbibitor Lunae, what are your plans moving forward?"
Dan Heng replied solemnly, "After this gathering concludes, I will return to the train and continue my journey."
Jingliu shook his head slightly. "The train cannot carry you indefinitely."
"Your friends each harbor their own concerns, much like we once did."
"In the aftermath of escaping Luofu, I considered abandoning revenge and leaving everything behind."
"But as time passed, those memories became increasingly vivid."
"They transformed into an old friend, constantly whispering by my side."
"The actions I took while Mara-struck have deeply entwined themselves within my memory, impossible to escape."
"Ultimately, I decided to confront it," Su Jinyan declared proudly. "Fear not—the King grants permission, acknowledges your actions, and bears the weight of the entire world!"
"At the end of time, we shall inevitably reunite."
Jingliu's gaze flickered slightly. "Xiao Didi... It seems you still owe me a promise."
"Hm?" Su Jinyan responded.
With a cold glance at Blade, Jingliu said, "You promised to bring him personally before me. Yet now, it is I who comes to meet him. Therefore, you still owe me a promise."
Su Jinyan attempted to entice Jingliu with grand promises. "What would you like then?"
"I can bestow upon you the position of Pure Love Emissary."
Jing Yuan fell silent. Although he knew this was merely Su Jinyan's empty rhetoric, why did it feel as though under his command, the role of an Emissary had become as common as cabbages? Was it that easy to hand out positions? Hadn't Su Jinyan considered how those of us already serving might feel? Would the title of 'Emissary' soon lose its value due to overuse?
"For now, I have not yet decided," Jingliu murmured softly.
"Once I've decided, I'll discuss it with you then," Su Jinyan nodded. "In the meantime, I should go meet my dear Miss Tingyun for our date—"
Jingliu coolly interrupted, "Xiao Didi sure has a selective memory."
"Have you forgotten what you promised me yesterday already?"
"Now that the chapter of the High-Cloud Quintet is closed,
you ought to accompany me to seek medical advice from the Dragon Lady."
Su Jinyan fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words.
Upon the Venerable Moon Sea, a young man with blue hair and piercing eyes navigated his boat, muttering to himself.
"How strange, truly bizarre."
"Who tossed my Sampo's Shock Grenade into the Venerable Moon Sea?"
Sigh, people these days have no public decency. Don't they realize that littering pollutes the marine environment?
Sampo tightened his fishing net, slowly retrieving the shock grenade from the sea. The principle behind this grenade was similar to that of a shock magic box - both caused intense fear and surprise without any physical harm. These devices were not easy to obtain, so recovering them allowed for reuse.
Just as Sampo lifted the shock grenade out of the water and began examining it, the device emitted a rapid alarm sound. Its countdown had reached zero.
"Beeeeeep—"
"Boom!"
A massive gray mushroom cloud erupted over the sea surface.
F*ck! This is a f*cking mini neutron radiation bomb! That was Sampo's final thought before losing consciousness.
Pedestrians on the shore burst into startled exclamations.
"Holy sh*t, what a freak explosion!"
"Is he still alive?"
"Hurry, take him to the Alchemy Commission!"
At the Alchemy Commission.
The petite Vidyadhara Dragon Lady sat by the window, grinding medicinal herbs with her pestle.
A gentle drizzle fell outside, tapping rhythmically against the glass.
Bailu occasionally glanced out the window, her gaze filled with envy. She had spent countless hours gazing through this pane.
When blending warm pungent remedies like mint and chrysanthemum, flowers would bloom outside the window.
When preparing hot pungent medicines such as fragrant ru and ginger, rain would begin to fall.
When concocting sour-warm remedies like peony root and black plum, leaves would drift from the trees.
When mixing bitter-cold medicines like skullcap and motherwort, snowflakes would gently float down.
Seasons changed, years flowed by, but this window and the person seated beside it remained unchanged.
"When will I finally be able to go out and play?" Bailu wondered, unsure of the answer.
The Dragon Master elders kept her under strict surveillance, unwilling to let her leave the Alchemy Commission for even a moment. Whenever Bailu attempted to secretly escape, someone invariably alerted the dragon masters. They promptly sent guards to apprehend her, reinforcing their watch over her.
"Lady Bailu, it's time for your meal," announced a Vidyadhara physician with a smile, presenting Bailu's favorite lunch—a pair of smoked meat burgers and a cup of milk tea.
"Thank you, Big Sister Yun You." As Bailu accepted her lunch, she eagerly asked, "Big Sister Yun You, can this miss go out to play?"
However, the High Elder's attendant before her smiled and shook his head.
Yun You rebuked her sternly, "Lady Bailu, as a Vidyadhara High Elder..."
"And an indispensable physician of the Alchemy Commission..."
"If you leave, who would attend to emergencies?"
"How can a Vidyadhara High Elder prioritize leisure over duty?"
Bailu dejectedly lowered her head. "Oh, you're right."
Yun You's tone softened slightly. "Please continue with your meal."
"Should you need anything, feel free to let me know."
Bailu stared blankly at the smoked meat burgers before her, then picked one up with her delicate white hands and stuffed it whole into her mouth. These once-favored burgers now tasted bland and unappetizing.
If only someone could come help this young lady, she thought wistfully, swinging her snow-white feet despondently.
Meanwhile, Jingliu and Su Jinyan strolled leisurely down the street.
"Xiao Didi, I have a question for you," Jingliu began, "and you must answer truthfully. How well do you understand the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady after being here in Luofu for so long?"
"She's sweet, just like milk candy," Su Jinyan replied without hesitation.
Jingliu's gaze towards Su Jinyan suddenly turned several degrees colder. "Are you certain you're talking about the medicine-carrying Dragon Lady, Xiao Didi?"
Su Jinyan puzzledly replied, "I said Bailu is sweet and adorable, just like a milk candy."
"What's wrong with that? You're not thinking too far, are you?"
Jingliu cautioned, "Make sure you're only referring to her appearance."
Su Jinyan added hastily, "And also, her scent resembles it."
Instantaneously, the icy Tanhua Sword pressed against his neck.
Digging himself deeper, Su Jinyan clarified, "You've misunderstood; I meant the fragrance on her body."
Jingliu raised an eyebrow, as the Tanhua Sword dug in further.
"Explain yourself quickly," Jingliu commanded coldly.
Unfazed, Su Jinyan explained, "Look at you, misinterpreting again. The Dragon Lady examines patients using 'observation, auscultation, inquiry, and pulse-taking,' so naturally she had to get close to take your pulse. If one were closer, they'd notice a strong aroma of milk candy mixed with medicinal scents emanating from the Dragon Lady."
Silently, Jingliu withdrew the Tanhua Sword.
In a mocking tone, Su Jinyan imitated Jingliu's voice, "To hasten that day...''
"I will clear all obstacles from your path to growth."
"So if you just sweep me away, there'll be no more obstacles on my journey?"
Jingliu's lips parted slightly, his beautiful eyes apologetic.
"Apologies, Xiao Didi, I let myself get carried away."
"My...preconceived notions about you were somewhat..."
Su Jinyan wore an enigmatic smile. "Are you worried that I might have designs on Bailu?"
Jingliu silently nodded.
Sighing, Su Jinyan said, "As I've been saying, your understanding of pure love is far too narrow."
"What do you mean by 'pure love'?"
"My love is pure and flawless, equally bestowed upon every person and creature in this world," Su Jinyan explained.
As they spoke, a Quimuwolf suddenly darted out from a corner, snarling as it charged towards them.
A peculiar gleam flashed in Su Jinyan's eyes.
With a mournful howl, the Quimuwolf's abdomen rapidly swelled.
Bang!
The Compliant Golden Cudgel elongated abruptly, crushing the Abundant Evil Creature's skull.
The Quimuwolf died with its eyes wide open.
Jingliu watched in silence.
Su Jinyan declared loftily, "This too is love."
"Being able to die beneath Joyseeker's Fake Dick.
"My dear brother, even in defeat, you remain glorious."
Jingliu glanced at him. "Didn't you say you loved all beings equally?"
"Why humiliate it? Is this your 'love'?"
Su Jinyan hastily defended himself, "Aha did that, not me."
"And besides, I didn't capture and instantly refine it," he continued. "I've actually been quite kind to it."
Unable to help himself, Jingliu shook his head. "Xiao Didi, your knack for twisting words truly knows no bounds."
"You must have gotten beaten up a lot when you were weak, right?"
Su Jinyan snorted. "Sorry to disappoint."
"I was born with extraordinary strength; nobody dared to lay a finger on me."
"It's always been about me beating others, never the other way around."
After a moment of silence, Jingliu spoke again. "Xiao Didi, as you well know..."
"By nature, I'm reluctant to meddle in trivial matters."
"Mm-hmm," Su Jinyan replied absently.
Jingliu's lips parted slightly. "Do you know Yanqing?"
"He's Jing Yuan's disciple," she continued. "Since Jing Yuan neglected his discipline, I took it upon myself to teach him some manners."
Su Jinyan remained indifferent. "Mm-hmm."
Jingliu deliberately exaggerated her words. "I've beaten Yanqing so badly that he can barely take care of himself now."
Su Jinyan's expression jolted. "Huh?!"
Jingliu watched him quietly. "If you continue being this arrogant..."
"I truly won't be able to resist stepping in for your shizun and disciplining you properly."
"Fu Xuan's reluctance to correct you is her failing; then allow me to assume that role."
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Had he grown fearful already?
Jingliu's thoughts drifted back to Bai Heng...
In the past, Bai Heng was everyone's source of joy. Among the High-Cloud Quintet, she excelled at livening up any atmosphere. Whenever caught after pulling pranks, just like Su Jinyan, she would engage in playful banter. Even when clearly in the wrong, Bai Heng could always find a way to make her arguments seem reasonable.
Indeed, these two shared more than a few similarities in temperament.
Su Jinyan weighed the golden cudgel in his hand. "Look at this thing," he said. "A divine weapon bestowed by Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker Aha upon Mr. Luocha. With such immense power, how could anyone refuse it? Who wouldn't retreat at the mere sight of it?"
Jingliu shook her head. "I suspect that man simply didn't possess your thick skin." She added, "Not everyone has the courage to strut around wielding something like this."
"Just being able to wield it as a weapon," Su Jinyan continued, "already sets you apart from most individuals on the Xianzhou Luofu."
Uncertain, Su Jinyan asked, "Do you think this artifact represents the manifestation of Elation fate path?"
"Indeed, Joyseeker's fake dong is truly formidable. Even Lord Ravager's Phantylia wouldn't stand a chance against it."
[No, no, no.]
[You've misunderstood.]
[This isn't the manifestation of Elation fate path.]
[Nor does it belong to Joyseeker.]
[It's a mold Aha created based on you.]
[You're still the more impressive one.]
Huh? Stunned, Su Jinyan glanced at the divine weapon in his hand before silently tucking it away.
Unreal. How f*cking insane was Aha?!
Well, better be cautious and use it sparingly from now on.
The pair continued their journey together. Soon, they arrived at the Medicine Pavilion, Bailu's usual haunt.
"Bailu is very charming, with a healer's compassionate heart; everyone adores her," said Jingliu. "She serves as the Alchemy Commission's medicine-carrying dragon girl and holds the title of High Elder among the Vidyadhara clan."
"Hm?" Jingliu paused, looking puzzled.
Su Jinyan's expression turned serious. "But Bailu is definitely not Bai Heng. Jingliu, I hope you understand this distinction clearly. Later, do not show any disrespect before the Dragon Lady. Otherwise, I'll have to discipline you properly."
Jingliu pursed his lips slightly and drawled, "Oh, Xiao Didi is lecturing me now. And how exactly would you discipline me?"
Su Jinyan growled menacingly, "First, I'll take off your shirt."
Unfazed, Jingliu asked, "And then?"
Gritting his teeth, Su Jinyan continued, "I'll remove your shoes, your socks, and your pants."
Jingliu remained unperturbed. "After that?"
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Su Jinyan leaned close to Jingliu's snow-white earlobe and whispered softly, "I-I'll take off your underwear..."
Expressionless, Jingliu persisted, "What comes next?"
Scratching his head, Su Jinyan replied, "I'd pull out the elastic band from your underwear and spank you with it."
Jingliu nodded silently, "I understand now."
Confused, Su Jinyan exclaimed, "Wait, what do you understand?"
Whoosh!
Darkness engulfed Su Jinyan as a black silk cloth was draped over his eyes. In an instant, Jingliu effortlessly pushed him onto the floor.
With slender white hands raised high, Jingliu forcefully brought them down.
Smack!
A fiery sting instantly radiated across Su Jinyan's noble posterior.
Feeling deeply humiliated, he protested, "Jingliu, what are you doing?"
Jingliu responded calmly, "Disciplining you properly on behalf of your Shizun."
"Your abilities may be peculiar, but once you lose the advantage against someone like me, they become useless. When facing opponents more powerful than yourself, it's crucial to show respect."
"To prevent further trouble from your mouth."
Snap!
Jingliu impassively raised her hand again, delivering another resounding slap.
"Ow!" Su Jinyan exclaimed.
The commotion outside drew Bailu's attention, and she hurried out with soft footsteps to observe the scene.
"Well, well, isn't that Su Jinyan? What exactly are you two doing?" Bailu asked, perplexed, biting her finger.
Jingliu's gaze softened. "Dragon Lady, this one is being disobedient," she explained. "I'm disciplining him properly on behalf of his Shizun—it's a punishment."
Bailu smiled brightly. "Can I record it?"
"No," said Su Jinyan.
"Yes," replied Jingliu.
"Jingliu," Su Jinyan pleaded hoarsely, "I simply don't want to get serious with you. If I do, you'll realize just how merciless I can be."
Unfazed, Jingliu lifted her slender, pale hand once more, striking down relentlessly.
Crack!
Even Bailu, merely watching, couldn't help but flinch. It looked excruciating.
Determined to discipline Su Jinyan further, Jingliu insisted:
"Go ahead, then show me your seriousness."
"If you can defeat me, it will indeed be quite the feat."
Fu Xuan was overly indulgent towards Su Jinyan.
Both Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan—these Shizuns had no authority whatsoever. By neglecting proper discipline for their disciples now, were they waiting to regret it bitterly when troubles arise later?
Since there was still some time before departing for the Xuling Immortal Ship, Jingliu decided to use this interval to thoroughly instruct Su Jinyan and Yanqing, honing their character and resilience.
"Very well, I'll demonstrate my full seriousness."
In an instant, Su Jinyan, who had been held across Jingliu's lap, vanished like dissipating foam before her eyes.
Jingliu's pupils contracted sharply. "An illusion? When did it appear?"
Such a remarkably realistic illusion managed to deceive even her.
In the next moment, Jingliu felt herself unexpectedly captured by a pair of strong hands around her delicate frame.
Instantly, she found herself positioned over Su Jinyan's lap.
Jingliu blinked, bewildered.
Bailu, watching with wide-eyed curiosity, sensed that these two might be playing a rather novel game.