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"Aiya aiya, what a crushing defeat! Waaahh, I'm about to shed little pearls of tears..."
"This game was so unfair from the start."
"Joyous God's favoritism is truly excessive."
Despite her lamentations, Sparkle's eyes gleamed with mischief, revealing no hint of discouragement within.
I'll reclaim my lost abilities sooner or later.
It just irked her that she couldn't outwit Su Jinyan and ended up falling for his tricks instead.
"Hmm, let me think..." Sparkle's brows arched playfully, lips curving upwards as a clever idea quickly formed in her mind.
Since only Su Jinyan knew she had secretly escaped, and none of the others were aware...
Doesn't that mean I can still have some fun?
Buzz buzz—
At that moment, Sampo called, his tone disapproving. "Hey, Eldest Sister, haven't you gone too far this time?"
Sparkle stifled a giggle, covering her mouth. "Oh, it's Sampo! Having fun on Xianzhou?"
Sampo sounded utterly exasperated. "Using my name, Old Sampo, to cause chaos on Xianzhou? And without even an apology?"
In a teasing drawl, Sparkle replied, "Oh~ sorry~"
"If you only wanted to hear those three words, I have one more thing to say—expect me to do it again next time!"
Sampo's voice turned serious. "Listen carefully."
"As fellow Masked Fools, let me give you some advice.
"It's not too late to apologize to my friend and seek his forgiveness now.
"You don't understand him, but I've known him for quite a long time, well enough to grasp his character.
"His lecherous behavior is just a facade; he isn't someone who cherishes women gently."
Sparkle chuckled mischievously. "Hmm... really? I find that hard to believe."
Sampo responded mildly, "That's all I'll say. Believe it or not, it's up to you."
"Sigh, I guess I should explain things properly to him."
"To avoid any misunderstandings from our great 'Father of Belobog'."
Confused, Sparkle asked, "Father of Belobog?"
Sampo sighed, "In a certain sense, he could indeed be considered the 'Father of Belobog,' couldn't he?
"Haha, just thinking about their expressions at that moment still brings amusement to old Sampo."
"Well, that's enough said. Whether you apologize or not is your choice."
Frowning slightly, Sparkle abruptly hung up the phone.
"Hmph, no apology from me!"
"If you're truly skilled, make them lose convincingly and without complaint."
Quietly evading others, Sparkle swiftly arrived at the Netherworld Manor.
"Let's pretend to be Sampo and tease Little Su for some fun~"
A fox mask suddenly materialized between her delicate white hands, covering her snow-like cheeks.
Suddenly—
Aha's revelation echoed in Sparkle's mind:
[Punishment One: Twenty-four Hours of Death.]
"Eh?"
Sparkle blinked her beautiful eyes, puzzled by what this Merry God was saying. Hadn't the wagering agreement at the inn already concluded?
An unexpected wave of dizziness overwhelmed Sparkle, causing her to lose consciousness entirely.
Thud—
Her eyes went vacant as she stumbled and collapsed onto the ground. Gradually, all signs of life faded from her, appearing indistinguishable from death.
As punishment for losing the bet, Sparkle would remain in this state of apparent demise until twenty-four system hours had passed, after which she could recover.
Little did Sparkle know that following this ordeal, she would soon face an utterly humiliating social death beyond imagination.
In the Netherworld Manor's isolation chamber, Phantylia lounged gracefully, her slender, snow-white legs elegantly crossed, and a proud expression on her face.
"Judge little girl, I heard that your Ten-Lords Commission has specially crafted an invisible prison just for me?"
Hanya replied mildly, "Indeed, due to your high level of danger, a unique prison had to be created for you. At the latest, we'll confine you there tomorrow."
"The specifications of this invisible prison match those designed for Emperor Sui; you should feel honored."
Phantylia licked her red lips, her captivating eyes filled with intrigue. "Will I still be able to see him then?"
Confused, Hanya asked, "Who?"
Phantylia, slightly discontented, huffed, "Don't feign ignorance—it's obviously Su Jinyan. Now that he's the special envoy of the Ten Lords, is it too much to ask for him to visit me twice a week?"
Hanya furrowed her brow. "Why do you wish to see A-Yan?"
Phantylia wore a playful expression. "A-Yan? Quite intimate, isn't it? What kind of relationship do you share with him? If my observation is correct, you're still untouched, aren't you?"
"With such a fantastic figure, how could that guy resist?"
A hint of embarrassment flushed across Hanya's pale cheeks. "Stop talking nonsense. He is my brother-in-law."
The smile at Phantylia's corner of the mouth widened. "Brother-in-law... Did I hear that right?"
"Would you like me to teach you some intriguing ways to entice your brother-in-law?"
Hanya, both embarrassed and indignant, managed to conceal her emotions well before Phantylia.
"Tsk, I've long heard about your expertise in bewitching hearts."
"You can say what you want..." Hanya replied firmly. "My relationship with A-Yan is pure and uncompromised. No matter how much you try to slander it, truth remains unchanged."
Phantylia pursed her lips regretfully. "What a pity."
"Why suppress these feelings within your heart?"
"Even I was captivated by Su Jinyan's gallantry in court just now; I find it hard to believe you felt nothing." Hanya turned away, arms crossed defensively, showing no intention of engaging further with Phantylia. Despite the layers of clothing, one could still discern her impressive curves beneath.
Phantylia narrowed her eyes, planning to stoke the flames further. "As Heliobus, I can sense human emotions."
"Even if you don't reciprocate, your brother-in-law holds strong affection for you."
Startled, Hanya glanced back at her. "What did you say? My brother-in-law...no, A-Yan has strong feelings for me?"
Phantylia chuckled coyly. "Aiya, my mistake."
"In fact, your brother-in-law truly adores someone more akin to myself."
Hanya remained silent. Indeed, he should never have engaged with Phantylia; perhaps entrusting A-Yan to watch over her was the best choice after all.
For the next few minutes, no matter how much Phantylia taunted Hanya with her words, he showed no reaction.
"Hanya, aren't you even curious?"
"You're not bad-looking, and your figure is quite impressive."
"Why did your sister's husband choose Xueyi over you?"
"...Let me guess, your sister must be more fiery than you."
Reaching his breaking point, Hanya exclaimed, "Impudence! If you continue to slander my sister like this..."
"Once A-Yan returns, I'll ensure he locks you in the Good Fortune Furnace."
Phantylia giggled. "He wouldn't bear it, you know. Yaoshi bestowed upon him boundless physical longevity."
"As a result, his vigor is exceptionally robust, far surpassing that of any immortal cultivator from Xianzhou."
"With such abundant energy, someone like him likely couldn't bring himself to mistreat you."
"He can only fully unleash his fervor when entwined passionately with me."
Hanya fell silent as his snow-white ears gradually turned red. He turned away indignantly, his breath quickening slightly.
"Oh, right, I forgot—your sister has a mannequin body, impervious to wear and tear."
Phantylia gazed at Hanya with pity. "What a shame—you have such a lovely figure."
"Now we've found the reason why Su Jinyan fancies your sister."
"You, you..." stammered Hanya.
"A-Yan wouldn't behave as you suggest! What about Lady Fu Xuan and others like her?"
Phantylia sneered, "Fu Xuan? Flat-chested and devoid of curves." She paused before adding, "Apart from relying on her status as Shizun, what use is she? If not for that position maintaining her closeness with Su Jinyan, Sushang would have easily taken her place long ago."
Hanya fell silent, realizing there might be some truth to Phantylia's words. Despite confirming their relationship, Fu Xuan never seemed to take it further. Just what was she thinking? If I were Lady Fu Xuan, I fear I might...
No, what am I considering? Phantylia has led my thoughts astray again.
Phantylia continued coaxingly, "Judge little girl, do you wish to win over your future brother-in-law? You must dread being blamed by your sister, don't you?"
Hanya remained quiet, internally certain that her sister would never blame her.
Misinterpreting Hanya's silence as agreement, Phantylia's smile widened. "Yes, Xueyi would surely fault you, as her younger sister, for trying to steal her man. Why not let me help you secure him instead?"
Hanya's eyes remained indifferent, dismissing Phantylia's proposition outright. "Phantylia, your true fox nature finally reveals itself."
"I knew you couldn't be trusted."
"Your self-assured schemes appear quite clumsy to me, not even matching a fraction of A-Yan's cunning."
"Don't bother trying to deceive others..."
"I'll summon Big Sister and A-Yan right now to discipline you."
Phantylia furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Judge little girl," she said.
"You wouldn't be worried that once freed, I might escape from Luofu?"
"I've already betrayed Destruction; there is no home for me anymore."
"As a master manipulator, Lord Ravager, yet entangled nightly with him."
"He has played you like a puppet, completely subjugating your mind and body, turning you into his slave..."
Hanya sharply rebuked, "Silence!"
Phantylia chuckled softly and fell quiet.
In truth, Phantylia's submission to Su Jinyan was not as complete as she claimed. Prior to this moment, she harbored some rebellious thoughts.
Su Jinyan had released her without any consultation, using a Vidyadhara servant to set her free on his own accord. To ensure Phantylia's compliance, he even threatened her with the Good Fortune Furnace through the servant.
However, Phantylia retained her pride as the Lord Ravager. Although she feared Su Jinyan, it didn't stop her from wanting to disrupt his plans.
Thus, upon regaining her freedom, Phantylia immediately annihilated the Vidyadhara servant—Yun You.
While she dared not provoke another upheaval at Luofu, Phantylia deeply desired to see Su Jinyan suffer under her hand.
However, as Phantylia stealthily trailed behind Su Jinyan, she witnessed him resurrect Yun You with her own eyes.
At that moment, Phantylia realized their power levels were no longer comparable. It was no wonder Su Jinyan held her in such disdain given his capabilities.
Despite this, Phantylia's defiance only grew stronger. She yearned to prove herself to Su Jinyan—to show him that she was not merely a slave for his whims.
Deep confusion clouded Hanya's beautiful eyes. Strangely, it had been quite some time since Big Sister and Miss Jingliu left, yet they hadn't returned yet.
Buzz, buzz—
Just then, Hanya's phone vibrated; it was a distress message from Xueyi:
[Snowy Coat: Little sis, I've been imprisoned by Jingliu.]
[Hurry and rescue me! If you're too late, A-Yan will be completely devoured by her.]
"Big Sister has been imprisoned by Jingliu?" Hanya's expression shifted slightly. As she made to stand up and leave, she felt Phantylia grasp her wrist firmly.
"So eager to depart?"
"Aren't you afraid I might escape this isolation chamber?" Hanya's eyes flashed with anger as she tightly gripped Phantylia's snow-white neck, applying increasing pressure.
"Provoking me repeatedly? Did you truly believe I wouldn't resort to force?"
Despite nearly being choked unconscious, Phantylia's gaze remained teasingly amused.
"This...this is all...Su Jinyan's worn-out tricks..." Phantylia managed to gasp, struggling for breath. "I've...long grown accustomed to them..."
"Fine, since you're so deserving of discipline, come with me."
"I'll have A-Yan properly punish you." With a furious release, Hanya let go and fitted a black restraining collar from the Artisanship Commission around Phantylia's pale neck, then led her away from the isolation chamber.
Phantylia's beautiful eyes sparkled with mischief.
If I can turn these affectionate sisters against each other, how will Su Jinyan counter that move?
Hardly having walked far, Hanya spotted a seemingly lifeless, adorable young girl lying on the ground.
On the girl's cheek rested a familiar-looking fox mask.
"This...this is..."
Hanya hastily knelt down to check the girl's breathing, pulse, and heartbeat.
The young girl appeared genuinely dead.
The corners of Phantylia's lips curled slightly. "Ah, a Fool's mask."
"Su Jinyan truly is ruthless—how could he mercilessly kill such a cute little girl without hesitation?"
Hanya calmly glanced back at her. "You're saying she was one of the Masked Fools?"
Phantylia countered, "Can't you tell? She's the very same Masked Fool who taunted you earlier. However, she has completely lost all signs of life; there's no chance for survival now."
As she spoke these words, a chill ran through Phantylia's heart.
Perhaps I've become too overconfident?
She had initially assumed that Su Jinyan, captivated by Sparkle's charm, would keep her as his personal possession, imprisoning her in a secret chamber for nightly indulgence. Never did she expect him to execute her so swiftly. It seemed Phantylia needed to exercise more restraint...
Hanya took a deep breath and set aside thoughts about her sister for the moment.
I must urgently contact the General and Lady Fu Xuan to confirm if this girl is indeed dead beyond recovery.
While it was true that Xueyi couldn't defeat Jingliu, she had also hoped to spare her some dignity. After all, Xueyi herself had previously committed egregious acts against Jingliu; allowing her a chance to vent her anger wouldn't have been unreasonable.
However, the moment she saw Jingliu forcefully pull and kiss the person she cherished, Xueyi's thoughts instantly changed. She could not bear witness to Su Jinyan being humiliated by Jingliu.
Xueyi needed to seek help from her little sister; this situation must be stopped immediately.
As one of the Ten-Lords Commission's Judge Mannequins, Xueyi's body housed countless jade-dawn circuits. As long as her mannequin form remained intact, she could undoubtedly signal for assistance from someone familiar.
Family scandals should remain private, and revealing this would only bring shame. After pondering her options, Xueyi decided to send a distress message to Hanya.
"Jingliu, what has Xueyi done...?" Su Jinyan wondered internally.
The despicable scoundrel knew full well. The fact that Xueyi was bound to a chair with her own chains and gagged could only be attributed to Jingliu's actions. It seemed highly likely that Jingliu intended to publicly repay the humiliation Xueyi had inflicted before.
Who could blame him for seeking thrills earlier, egging Xueyi on to provoke Jingliu via video call? Karma struck swiftly, albeit landing squarely on Xueyi.
Ah, Su couldn't bear this sight; it was almost too distressing to watch.
Jingliu's icy breath brushed against his ear as her slender, pale hand gently caressed his cheek. "Xiao Didi, don't concern yourself with this Judge mannequin," she whispered. "She offended me, and this is what she deserves."
Su Jinyan hesitated slightly. Was it really appropriate to show affection towards Jingliu right in front of Xueyi? His conscience twinged uneasily, whispering:
"No, Su Jinyan, you shouldn't do this. Remember, you're not some heartless scoundrel. You are a pure-hearted, kind, gentle, and considerate young man. It's unthinkable to act intimately with another woman while your fiancée, with whom you've already established a relationship, watches."
Especially given that Jingliu and Xueyi had never been on good terms.
Yes, that's right, I must—
Jingliu cupped Su Jinyan's face, gazing at him intently.
Her icy lips glistened with a moist sheen, tempting Su Jinyan to kiss her once more.
In recent times, they had shared countless unspoken moments under the guise of abstinence, savoring the sweetness of their budding intimacy through tender kisses.
With such beauty in his arms, even amidst Xueyi's tearful gaze, Su Jinyan found it incredibly difficult to resist.
Jingliu's exquisite snow-white face gradually flushed due to the intense heat from the pill's potency coursing through her body, making her delicate form increasingly restless.
[Did you know? The loss of her friend Bai Heng made Jingliu become sensitive and distrustful.]
[She icebound her heart, no longer willing to easily believe others, fearing betrayal.]
[Having gained entry into Jingliu's inner world, you are now just one step away from fully winning her over.]
[Next, Jingliu intends to test your sincerity.]
[If you falter at this final hurdle, all your previous efforts will be wasted, and you must start anew.]
[Should you only seek fleeting pleasure, feel free to deceive Jingliu with your words.]
["If you seek a lasting bond, I suggest exchanging true feelings with her."]
Jingliu's expressive eyes flickered slightly as she softly spoke, "Xiao Didi, your intentions towards me have always been clear."
"Now, it's time for me to reveal my feelings towards you as well."
"I hope that from this moment on, you will remain by my side, focusing solely on me with both your gaze and heart."
"Your kisses, your love, every inch of your body should belong only to me."
"You are mine, and I am yours. Can you commit to this...?"
"Wuuuummm!" Xueyi angrily struggled, emitting muffled sounds.
No, he is not yours! A-Yan belongs to me!
Jingliu cast a cold glance at Xueyi, unable to understand what she was saying. However, it was evident that Xueyi's words were undoubtedly filled with vulgar insults.
Su Jinyan gently pushed Jingliu aside and let out a long sigh.
"Big Sister Jingliu, behaving like this...makes things quite difficult for me..."
"I am an upright gentleman; I'm not swayed by beauty."
"Look into my eyes, aren't they clear and devoid of any lust?"
Xueyi remained silent.
Whether A-Yan's eyes were truly clear and free from desire was uncertain to Xueyi. However, she couldn't miss how his restless hands constantly roamed around Jingliu's waist, never stopping for a moment.
Your actions lack any convincing power whatsoever.
At this rate, I really will become the unfortunate victim here.
Jingliu's gaze softened as she enveloped him in her embrace. "And now, Xiao Didi? If you agree," she whispered, "I can do anything you desire."
Su Jinyan, with utmost seriousness, nuzzled his cheek against hers.
"Jingliu-jiejie, although I truly cherish you, I cannot betray my Xueyi," he said earnestly. "I deeply love Xueyi, and she loves me just as much. She is my betrothed; we must not cross this line."
Xueyi's beautiful eyes filled with emotion. Just as I knew, she thought, even though A-Yan may seem carefree at times, he has always been incredibly dependable when it matters most.
She mentally envisioned forcefully pushing away that wicked woman Jingliu, declaring to her that his heart belonged only to herself, with no room for anyone else.
Jingliu gently bit her icy lips, suppressing her emotions.
Su Jinyan tenderly held Jingliu's delicate hand, his expression intensely serious.
"I also cannot betray those who love me—my Shizun, little Que'er, Shangshang, Tingyun..."
"Hanya, Silver Wolf, Kafka, little March, Bailu, Huohuo, Stelle..." Su Jinyan continued unabated.
Both Jingliu and Xueyi stared, bewildered.
You're almost naming every known woman on Xianzhou! they thought incredulously. Why are so many unrelated individuals mixed in?! And what about Bailu and Huohuo?
With unwavering solemnity, Su Jinyan explained, "They are all dear friends and family to me."
"Jingliu-jiejie, imagine if today, because of your words, I were to abandon them," he continued. "Wouldn't there come a day when I might similarly abandon you due to someone else?"
Jingliu unsheathed the Tanhua Sword, hesitating as she looked at him. "Xiao Didi, whom do you wish to abandon?"
Su Jinyan swiftly changed tack. "But people can change; feel free to test my vulnerabilities."
Thoughtfully, Jingliu repeated, "Vulnerabilities?"
Sighing, Su Jinyan responded, "Yes, I've always been unable to resist the allure of beauty—it's my weakness..."
"Thus, Jingliu-jiejie, our journey to abstain from lust isn't over yet, is it? Please continue guiding me," he earnestly pleaded. "I hope to successfully renounce lust under your tutelage."
Jingliu gently caressed Su Jinyan's cheek. "You're right," she acknowledged softly. "I was too hasty. Once you overcome your lust, you'll belong solely to me."
Su Jinyan spoke sincerely, "Jingliu-jiejie, this little brother is rather coarse and not particularly eloquent."
"I often lack tact and resort to brute force instead. Please bear with me, Big Sister."
"As long as Jingliu-jiejie wishes it, whether looking back or forward, I vow to bring you happiness."
With her captivating gaze fixed on him, Jingliu suddenly pushed Su Jinyan onto the ground.
"Well said, Xiao Didi. You have passed my test."
Anxious, Xueyi strained against her chains, attempting to break free. Alas, they were incredibly sturdy, making escape nearly impossible.
Little Sister was taking far too long—would she just stand by and watch A-Yan be devoured by Jingliu?
Time ticked away, second by agonizing second.
Xueyi's flawless face gradually turned numb, her beautiful eyes losing their sparkle.
Pain, unbearable pain.
A-Yan, why did you give it to her?
To Xueyi's utmost shame and fury, witnessing this scene elicited a response within herself as well.
Just as despair began to engulf Xueyi, urgent knocks sounded at the door.
Hanya's voice followed shortly after, "Big Sister, are you inside?"
"W-w-wh-wh-wh-wh-wh!" Xueyi cried out desperately; Little Sister had arrived too late. She couldn't bear for her little sister to witness such a sight.
Unfortunately, it was already too late.
Unhearing Xueyi's internal pleas, Hanya pushed open the interrogation room door.
In Hanya's delicate white hand, she held Phantylia's leash.
The moment the door swung open, Hanya's pupils contracted, lips slightly parting in shock as she froze on the spot.
Phantylia panted heavily, her mesmerizing gaze hazy, instinctively dropping to her knees.
"Judge, would you like to join?" Phantylia asked provocatively.
Phantylia stared provocatively at Hanya, her bewitching words triggering the suggestions she had planted deep within Hanya's mind.
Heliobus beings were masters at stirring desires latent in human hearts.
Within the isolation chamber, Phantylia's enchanting whispers could not affect Hanya at all. However, once outside it, Hanya was no longer immune to their influence.
Hanya's face showed both hesitation and struggle.
Tears welled up in Xueyi's beautiful eyes as she sobbed, shaking her head vigorously.
Su Jinyan's expression remained cold as he abruptly seized Phantylia by her snow-white neck.
"Since when did I permit you to target those close to me?"
"Release your hold on Hanya."
Struggling to defend herself, Phantylia protested, "I assure you, I haven't bewitched her... This is entirely driven by the Judge little girl's own deepest desires."
Su Jinyan slowly approached Hanya, Treasured Radiance shimmering behind him.
Under the radiant glow, no evil could hide; Phantylia's enchantment would surely dissipate.
Gradually, clarity returned to Hanya's eyes. Blushing with shame, she stammered:
"Big Sister, I'm sorry, I arrived too late..."
"I-I'm so sorry..."
Hanya evaded Jingliu's gaze and approached Xueyi, swiftly undoing the chains binding her and removing the gag from her lips.
Xueyi gasped for breath, waving her hand dismissively. "Little Sister, it's not your fault; if anyone is to blame, it should be..."
Hanya continued shaking her head. "No, Big Sister, I'm truly sorry."
Xueyi looked puzzled, unsure of what Hanya meant by her apology.
Only Hanya knew the true depth of remorse she felt.
Under Xueyi's bewildered gaze, Hanya swiftly walked up to Su Jinyan and whispered an apology.
"I'm sorry, A-Yan."
Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "Why are you apologizing?"
Without answering, Hanya clumsily pressed her lips against his, a brief touch that barely lingered.
"A-Yan, you were exceptional today. This is your reward." She added softly, "And, I'm sorry, I let you down..."
With tears welling in her beautiful eyes, Hanya led Phantylia towards Su Jinyan.
"A-Yan, please punish Phantylia severely, and...me as well..."
The party continued until the early hours of the next morning.
Su Jinyan changed his attire and briskly opened the door, stepping out from the interrogation room with renewed vigor.
Shortly after, an Aurumaton Spectral Envoy approached him to report on the events that unfolded in the Netherworld the previous day.
Following unanimous confirmation by Hanya, Jing Yuan, and Fu Xuan, they concluded that the Masked Fool girl had indeed perished.
Now arose a crucial question: How should the remains of this deceased young woman be handled?
Should she be buried according to the traditional customs of the outlanders, or in accordance with the fox race's rituals for consoling spirits? Or perhaps cremated directly?
Su Jinyan's expression grew solemn.
"Take me there; this could very well be another foolish act staged by the Fool."
"And send word to the Seat of Divine Foresight—revoke Sampo's arrest warrant immediately and have him come see me without delay."
Could Sparkle truly have met such a hasty end?
Su Jinyan absolutely refused to believe it. A Fool capable of escaping from his grasp couldn't possibly perish so easily.
Upon receiving this news, Sampo was stunned, causing his phone to slip and clatter to the ground.
Gasp...
Sparkle is dead? Sampo involuntarily sucked in a cold breath.
My distant uncle sure is ruthless and decisive.
Was this notification meant to remind me—Sampo—that I'm not invincible?