Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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Feeling somewhat disappointed, Su Jinyan had almost believed that his relationship with Qingque was on the verge of undergoing a significant transformation.

Just imagining playing such games before Fu Xuan was incredibly thrilling.

Qingque didn't rush to leave, her small face unusually serious as she spoke candidly, "Grand Diviner."

"I believe your actions today were excessive."

"A-Yan may be your disciple, but you shouldn't humiliate him like this."

Fu Xuan narrowed her beautiful eyes. "Before saying such things, Qingque, could you please stop what you're doing with your hands?"

Embarrassed, Qingque chuckled sheepishly. "Heh heh, it just felt so natural to keep petting; I couldn't resist for a moment."

Even while speaking, Qingque continued vigorously tormenting his head.

He strongly suspected that Qingque was seizing this opportunity for retaliation.

"Being toyed with by another woman right before Shizun's eyes... I feel tainted now..." Su Jinyan cast a resentful gaze at Fu Xuan. "Shizun, I never would have imagined this," he lamented. "That you harbor such a penchant—for giving your pet to others to play with."

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, perplexed.

Qingque's lips parted slightly in shock, her adorable eyes darting between them both. "No way," she stammered, looking back and forth. "A-Yan, did you really become the Grand Diviner's pet?"

Indignant, Fu Xuan retorted, "Qingque, what kind of person do you take me for? A-Yan is my beloved disciple; when have I ever treated him as a mere pet? His actions were entirely voluntary."

Qingque continued stroking Su Jinyan's head, expressing skepticism. "Grand Diviner, consider your words carefully," she said. "Isn't staying late for overtime work also completely out of my own 'voluntary' choice?"

Fu Xuan fell silent, momentarily speechless.

Su Jinyan stood up, his expression serious. "Qingque, you're mistaken here," he rebuked gently. "What do you think motivated me to join the Divination Commission in the first place? Wasn't it solely to be Lady Fu Xuan's dog?"

"Now that my wish has come true, as my best friend, shouldn't you be happy for me instead?"

Qingque pouted, discontented. "Oh, I see you're thrilled," she said with sarcasm. "Well then, as your best friend, could you spare a thought for me?"

Su Jinyan paused momentarily. "Do you want to become a dog too?"

"What nonsense is this?" Qingque retorted indignantly. "What utter nonsense! You think you're so superior, all high and mighty—now even becoming Grand Diviner Su.

"Living comfortably under the Grand Diviner's wing, basking in luxury."

"And what about me? Have you considered how your friend feels?

"Ever since you arrived, my workload has quadrupled—it's been relentless!"

Feeling guilty, Su Jinyan looked at her. "Que'er, I've let you down; I—"

Fu Xuan interrupted, "Wait, hold off on your apologies just yet."

"Qingque, if this venerable one remembers correctly, you only clocked in at ten o'clock this morning."

Qingque defended herself confidently, "Because once off-duty, I wouldn't be able to slack off anymore."

Fu Xuan was left speechless.

Wait, who taught you to talk like this? For a moment, Fu Xuan couldn't help but feel that Qingque's reasoning made perfect sense.

It wasn't entirely Fu Xuan's fault for suspecting ulterior motives; she genuinely sensed cunning beneath little Que'er's demeanor.

Consider this: Qingque would slack off all day and only complete her work just before quitting time. Then, instead of leaving promptly, she'd frequently linger around the Conclave Hall.

At first, Fu Xuan truly believed Qingque was staying late for overtime. Only now did it dawn on her:

Oh, so Qingque, your aim is to complain in front of Grand Diviner Su, hoping he'll reduce your workload, right?

Su Jinyan's expression also turned serious. In the past, as fellow employees, he might have sided with little Que'er and spoken up in her defense. However, his status had changed—he transformed from a mere worker into Qingque's direct superior overnight.

He shifted from being part of the slacker class to the managerial elite, transitioning from laborer to exploiter. Now, like Fu Xuan, he too intended to ruthlessly extract surplus value from Qingque.

As he gazed at Qingque's exposed shoulders, delicate as snow and smooth as cream, along with the red ribbon draped over them... Su Jinyan felt a stirring within him, tempted to use that very ribbon to tie little Que'er in various ways.

Su Jinyan's heart stirred with anticipation; he genuinely felt like using that red ribbon to tie little Que'er into eighteen different poses.

"Que'er, you must broaden your horizons—work is about striving for self-worth and achieving personal fulfillment."

"You're still young, so enduring hardship now will bring comfort in old age."

"I'm speaking from experience here—you should heed my advice."

Qingque blinked her lovely eyes earnestly. "Work isn't about striving for self-worth; it's labor exchanged for compensation."

"Taking breaks during work is truly what adds value to oneself."

"If you endure suffering while young, there'll be no end to hardships as you grow older."

Embarrassed and furious, Su Jinyan snapped, "Subordinates aren't allowed to kiss their superiors!"

Qingque took his hand gently. "A-Yan, you've become so unfamiliar—it feels like I don't know you anymore. You're not the A-Yan I once knew. Must have been brainwashed by that wicked Grand Diviner, right?"

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow. How could Qingque throw such baseless accusations at him? Was she harboring deep-seated biases against this venerable one? Even he found A-Yan's words shamelessly audacious!

Clearing his throat, Fu Xuan spoke sternly, "Qingque, you are mistaken. This venerable one does not endorse A-Yan's sentiments either."

Qingque's gaze flickered, instantly forming a plan within her mind. "Very well, Grand Diviner."

"If you're so certain, dare you let A-Yan leave with me? Tonight, I'll ensure he receives proper guidance and rectify his distorted thoughts."

Fu Xuan's expression remained composed. "Hmph, why should our conversation require this venerable one's consent?"

"It doesn't matter, but it ultimately depends on A-Yan's willingness," Qingque replied.

"A-Yan surely wouldn't mind, right?" As she spoke, Qingque discreetly tickled Su Jinyan's palm, gazing at him with a radiant smile.

Su Jinyan furrowed his brow—was this little sparrow flirting with me? He had always been the one doing the teasing; how dare she turn the tables! Unthinkable!

He chuckled coldly. "Very well, Qingque. Let us have a long, candlelit discussion tonight. I must see just how persuasive that pretty mouth of yours can be."

Fu Xuan's lovely eyes widened, her heart somewhat reluctant. "This..."

Tsk, miscalculated.

She never expected Su Jinyan to agree with Qingque. As this venerable one's disciple, even if he erred, only Fu Xuan held the authority to discipline him—not anyone else.

However, she had already given her word. To maintain her dignity before Qingque, Fu Xuan couldn't easily go back on it. Reluctantly, she watched as Qingque led Su Jinyan away from the Conclave Hall.

"Hmph, disobedient disciple." Fu Xuan sat brooding, her face darkening with resentment within the hall.

After pondering for a while, Fu Xuan silently activated "Grand Slight Chess" and initiated the Spiritual Platform Projection, discreetly reactivating the mark she had placed on Qingque.

For an extended period henceforth, 65% of any damage Qingque sustained would be shared by Fu Xuan.

If Qingque suffered "damage," it would indicate that she was indeed indulging in forbidden treats.

In the dimly lit library, Qingque held Su Jinyan's hand as they pushed open the door and entered.

Su Jinyan glanced around, momentarily distracted, only to be swiftly pushed onto the sofa by Qingque.

"Hey, it's been barely any time."

"So soon after your social climb, Grand Diviner Su no longer recognizes his old friend?" Qingque straddled Su Jinyan, her voice sounding languidly teasing.

Unfazed, Su Jinyan retorted, "Qingque, do you really think violence can change my stance?"

"My conscience has already been corrupted by money; I've betrayed the slacker class!"

"No means will sway me."

Primarily, he responded better to gentle persuasion than force. Qingque's hard approach was futile unless little Que'er tried some softer tactics instead.

Qingque flashed a mischievous smile, leaning close to whisper into his ear, "I can tell you have quite a fondness for Miss Tingyun, don't you?"

"I remember when we first met, you mentioned wanting to date a fox maiden," she continued slyly. "Indeed, who wouldn't adore a sweet, charming vixen, all cuddly and playful with you?"

Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "Que'er, what do you mean by that?"

Qingque grinned cunningly, her delicate, ivory-like fingers tracing along his cheek, neck, and finally resting on his collarbone.

"A-Yan, aren't you living with Miss Tingyun now?" she asked coyly. "Considering how late it is and you're not back yet, I bet she must be quite worried about you, right?"

"And if I were to send her a photo of me kissing you at this hour, do you think she'd get upset?" Qingque's expressive eyes held an unreadable gleam. "Oh well..." she trailed off.

"Don't bluff, A-Yan."

With his reassurance, she felt secure.

Qingque raised her phone, leaned in for a peck on his cheek, and simultaneously clicked a selfie with a soft shutter sound. The photo saved in her gallery showed Qingque kissing Su Jinyan affectionately.

"From now on, don't side with the Grand Diviner."

"Do not disturb my slacking off, and stop feeding me your twisted logic."

"Otherwise, tonight's picture of us will reach Miss Tingyun."

Qingque's lips curved upwards, feeling confident in her victory.

Threatening others truly felt exhilarating, especially when the target was her direct superior.

Once upon a time, they had been partners-in-crime, slacking together. Now, A-Yan had betrayed their laid-back ways. It was her duty to correct his misguided thoughts and steer Su Jinyan back onto the right path.

In the dim atmosphere, the tension between them felt unusually intimate.

Su Jinyan's throat bobbed audibly as he swallowed hard.

"Eh, what was that sound?" Qingque asked, puzzled. "Mmph—"

Suddenly, Su Jinyan wrapped his arms tightly around Qingque's delicate frame.

Watching her expression shift from confusion to fear, and finally resignation as she ceased struggling.

"Qingque, did you know?"

"People who threaten me usually don't end well."

"But you're an exception."

Su Jinyan exhaled warmly against her neck, slowly moving upward.

This was entirely on Qingque for walking right into his trap; he couldn't be blamed.

Though he often enjoyed teasing Qingque and others, he had always kept it verbal, never crossing any physical boundaries.

It was all because his facade before Qingque was too convincing, allowing her to let down her guard.

He gently kissed her lips, tenderly yet passionately.

Naturally, at this moment, his hands were not idle either.

A red cord draped over Qingque's smooth, snow-white shoulder, soft as ivory.

Ever since the day he first met Qingque, he had been curious about the purpose of that red cord.

Silently, Qingque tilted back her pale neck, her beautiful eyes misty with emotion. She pressed her hand against his, pleading softly, "Don't—"

"A-Yan, just not there...," Qingque whispered.

Su Jinyan understood; little Que'er meant he could do as he pleased tonight, except for that red ribbon.

Thus, Su Jinyan refrained from touching the cord and continued tenderly kissing Qingque's lips, cheeks, snow-white neck, and collarbone instead. He intended to make Qingque realize there was a price to pay for provoking him.

As Su Jinyan deepened their kisses, Qingque's delicate, pale feet suddenly tensed before gradually relaxing. Perfect timing—tomorrow would be ideal for taking a sick leave. A gleam of satisfaction, signaling "plan successful," shone in Qingque's beautiful eyes.

No one knew why Qingque emerged from the library flushed and stumbling.

Nor did anyone understand how several telltale marks appeared on his flawless skin.

And certainly, no one could fathom why Fu Xuan, all the way across campus at Conclave Hall, also bore a slight blush.

Su Jinyan marveled at Qingque's endurance; most others might have succumbed to faintness under such teasing.

How had Qingque managed to bear it?

For Su Jinyan, tonight truly promised to be sleepless—not just because of Qingque's unexpected embrace.

Moreover, tonight marked the refresh of the Simulated Universe.

Before entering the simulation, Su Jinyan sent a message to Jing Yuan.

He requested Jing Yuan to contact General Zhuyuan of the Vermilion Light Immortal Ferry and obtain a copy of the "Dragonfire Incantation" for inspection.

Jing Yuan's response was that, given his status, he could indeed procure the "Dragonfire Incantation." However, as it is a closely guarded secret of the Xianzhou Alliance, its dissemination or digital transmission is strictly prohibited to prevent leakage.

Jing Yuan had no idea why Su Jinyan needed the "Dragonfire Incantation," but since he desired it, Jing Yuan had no choice but to send Qing Zhu personally to the Vermilion Light Immortal Ferry to retrieve it on his behalf.

Su Jinyan roughly estimated that traveling by star ferry from Ruo Fu Immortal Ship to Zhu Ming Immortal Ferry and back should just about fit within the available time frame.

[Fool, are you ready?]

[The Simulated Universe has been updated with a new version, adding some intriguing elements. Hurry up and come test it out.]

[Simulated Universe...]

"Activate!"

[Elation Chapter: Act I]

[Seeking a worthy adversary, seeking games to pass the time, seeking outcomes unconcerned with victory or defeat.]

[Seek laughter-inducing tales, seek serendipitous misunderstandings, and seek soaring flights of poetic song.]

[You may now select a specific character from your surroundings to form a bond with them.]

[As usual, the Simulated Universe will be presented through text and memory scenes.]

[Please note the following points:]

[1. Not all characters around you can be chosen as bonding partners; at least, they must not be Black Earless Rabbits.]

[2. In the Pleasure Chapter, the selected partner must be female and have some established connection with your real life.]

[3. Within the Pleasure Chapter, you cannot use avatars; only your true self's projection is allowed, without inheriting your original body's data.]

[4. When given the opportunity to make choices, do not let yourself regret them.]

[Fool, please choose one among the following three as your bonding partner.]

[1. Fu Xuan]

[2. Jingliu]

[3. Sushang]

[Once a choice is made, it cannot be changed until the completion of the Pleasure Chapter.]

[The Pleasure Chapter can be initiated multiple times, and upon each completion, you will receive generous rewards based on your score evaluation.]

"I have a question—will forming bonds within the Simulated Universe affect their memories in reality, just like before?"

["Of course not, heh heh..."]

Su Jinyan replied, "I understand now; so it means yes, right?"

After a moment of contemplation, Su Jinyan chose Sushang.

He intended to deepen his bond with her within the Simulated Universe. Once Sushang was completely devoted to him, neither March 7th nor Guinaifen would stand a chance to interfere between them.

[You have selected Sushang as your bonding partner.]

[You initially possess 10 free points.]

[Please choose any talent from the following list to purchase or proceed directly to start.]

[Golden, Amethyst, and Blue talents require spending points for positive effects.]

[Black, Gray, and White talents represent negative traits you can obtain for free, some even granting additional points.]

[Illiterate (White): You cannot read, possessing an innocent gaze. Purchase cost: -2 points.]

[Short-lived Species (Gray): Your lifespan is less than a century. Purchase cost: -4 points.]

[Naturally Poor (Gray): As the name suggests, you are destitute, born into poverty. Purchase cost: -4 points.]

[Sword Embryo Martial Bone (Golden): Your talent in swordsmanship far surpasses that of ordinary individuals. With time and practice, you are destined to reach unparalleled mastery in this art. Merit Points Required: 20.]

[Adapted Teaching (Purple): You possess exceptional skill in instructing disciples, tailoring your educational methods to suit each individual's specific needs precisely.]

[Even for a rare fool, once willing to learn, you can effectively teach them. Merit Points Required: 10.]

[Chivalrous Hero (Blue): As a great hero, dedicated to nation and people, your future journey through the jianghu is certain to make you a renowned chivalrous figure, garnering numerous friendships. Merit Points Required: 5.]

[Beau (Blue): You have strikingly handsome looks, an extraordinary presence, and draw attention effortlessly. Women are more likely to be swayed by your charm. Merit Points Required: 5.]

[Till Death Do Us Part (Gray): You are willing to sacrifice everything for your beloved, unable to accommodate any other woman beyond the one you truly love. Merit Points Required: -5.]

[Arrogant Spirit (Black): You exhibit a haughty demeanor, with disdain for others, particularly prone to mocking and insulting the nobility. Merit Points Required: -15.]

[Unconventional Mindset (Amethyst): Your actions defy convention, fueled by imaginative and unconventional thoughts, brimming with creative ideas. Merit Points Required: 10.]

[Lonely Fate Calamity (Black): Your destiny is marred by solitude and beset with misfortune, characterized by extreme propensity for violence. A rare and highly ominous fate, bringing harm to both self and others once every millennium. Purchase cost: -25 points.]

Su Jinyan selected the negative traits ["Illiterate" (White)], ["Short-Lived Species" (White)], ["Innately Poor" (Gray)], ["Till Death Do Us Part" (Gray)], and ["Arrogant Individual" (Black)]. With these choices, he now had 40 free points.

Next, he opted for the positive traits ["Sword Embryo Martial Bone" (Golden)], ["Adonis" (Blue)], ["Chivalrous Hero" (Blue)], and ["Tailored Education" (Amethyst)], using up all his available points exactly.

[Wuhoo, take off! You've become an impoverished, illiterate orphan aboard the Yaoqing Immortal Boat, known far and wide for your arrogant demeanor.]

What?!

[Now, how did you become an orphan, one might ask?]

Indeed, how did I become an orphan?

[At eight years old, you mastered the art of sharply critiquing General Feixiao's actions, leading to frequent 'invitations' for your parents to have tea with the Cloud Knights.]

[Eventually, your parents chose to sever ties with you, granting you the protagonist treatment.]

[At nine, you rejected Yaoqing Immortal Boat's proposal to place you in an orphanage.]

[At eight years old, you began living as a beggar. Your striking appearance garnered much affection from women, resulting in substantial Strale earnings each time.]

[By ten, you became the most profitable beggar in your district.]

[Many envious beggars attempted to challenge your turf, but wielding a wooden stick, you drove them all off in disarray.]

[At twelve, you established the 'Jinyan Gang,' leveraging your extensive knowledge of begging to achieve a complete monopoly.]

[Any outlander beggars had to first pay their respects to you before operating in the area.]

[At fourteen, while strolling the streets, you encountered a charming girl with long brown hair styled in twin ponytails. After inquiries, you learned her name—Li Sushang.]

[In the throes of adolescence, you fell instantly in love with Sushang.]

[Determined to court her, what approach should you take?]

Option 1: Write a beautifully worded love letter.

Option 2: Challenge Sushang to a duel, where the loser must marry the winner.

Option 3: Find out Sushang's home address and personally visit to propose marriage.]

Su Jinyan furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

Option three was clearly untenable; he was just a beggar. Wouldn't her parents promptly chase him away upon seeing him?

Option two also posed risks; having not practiced martial arts in this life, he definitely couldn't defeat Sushang.

It seemed his only choice was to write a love letter to her.

[You fall head over heels for Sushang at first sight and decide to pen her a love letter. However, you are illiterate and cannot read or write.]

[Thus, you must rely on your subordinate to compose the letter. Straining their wits, they craft an exceptionally impassioned love note for you.]

[Gathering all your courage, you hand it to Sushang. Too shy to speak, you turn and run away immediately.]

The memory unfolded in Su Jinyan's mind.

Without uttering a word, expression solemn, Su Jinyan forcefully shoved the love letter into Sushang's arms before swiftly turning and fleeing.

As he ran, he kept glancing back at Sushang's facial expressions.

At that moment, Su Jinyan felt incredibly pleased, convinced that Sushang was genuinely contemplating his words.

Hmm, impressive. She's reading so attentively; she must be considering how to reply.

Once I marry Sushang, I'll ensure she lives the happiest life possible.

Sushang rubbed her chin, her pretty face serious as she read aloud:

"Sushang, I...uh...what you for quite some time now?"

Much to her regret, Sushang did not recognize the characters for "like" or "love."

However, from Su Jinyan's expression just now, she could infer what those words meant.

The way he forcefully shoved it at me and then ran off—it must be because he feared I'd beat him up.

Ugh, these two words definitely mean "annoying"!

How dare you! I've never even met you; why should I be labeled as annoying? And to have the audacity to issue a challenge to this young lady—this infuriates me!

Su Jinyan was utterly stunned. True to form, Sushang had interpreted it exactly as expected.

I made a miscalculation—we're both illiterate, so using a love letter was a mistake. If only there had been an option for confessing face-to-face...

[After inquiries, Sushang armed with the Xuanyuan Sword, single-handedly stormed your gang, cutting a swath of destruction through its ranks.]

[Your ragtag group, battered and bruised by Sushang, lay scattered and defeated.]

[Despite possessing a sword embryo martial bone, no one has ever taught you the art of swordsmanship. Consequently, Sushang left you looking like a swollen pig's head.]

[Your illusions about Sushang shattered, leaving behind a lasting psychological shadow on your perception of women.]

[At age twenty, you sought to legitimize your gang, making it lawful. However, lacking education and managerial experience, you couldn't comprehend legal contracts either.]

[You entrusted this task to a trusted confidant, who betrayed you, causing your gang to crumble and disintegrate.]

[At age twenty-two, burdened with massive debts, you were imprisoned.]

[At age twenty-three, upon your release from prison, having matured through hardships endured within, you refrained from openly criticizing General Tian Ji Feixiao.]

[Upon hearing that the Yaoqing Immortal Boat was preparing to embark on a military campaign against Falamomo's evil creatures, you sought to join the expedition.]

[Regrettably, due to your criminal record, enlistment was not possible.]

[Unwilling to accept defeat, you devised a new plan. Using money earned from begging, you secretly bribed officials and managed to infiltrate the Cloud Knights, becoming an anonymous yet honorable rookie.]

[Within the ranks of the Cloud Knights, you encountered Sushang, the maiden who had once captivated your dreams.]

[Sushang recognized you too, vividly recalling the embarrassing past incident she couldn't forget.]

[She teased you as her defeated opponent, but you remained unconvinced, believing her victory was unfair.]

[You both agreed that after returning from this expedition, you would seek another chance for a fair rematch.]

[Star Calendar Year 8098, May - Yaoqing Immortal Boat reports: A resounding victory over the Falamomo evil creatures.]

[As someone who had never seen battle and lacked formal training, you met a glorious end during the expedition against Falamomo's evil creatures, becoming a martyr.]

[Upon learning of your sacrifice, Sushang was deeply saddened. She penned a special eulogy for you and recited it at your gravestone.]

[Unfortunately, you can no longer hear such a quintessentially Sushang-esque, error-ridden eulogy.]

[Evaluation: E+]

["Ha ha ha, this is killing me! What 'hidden dragons' or 'mighty phoenixes'?"]

[Reward: New Negative Entry Added - Beggar (Gray).]

[Beggar (Gray): You were born to be a beggar, possessing extensive experience in begging. Merit Cost: -2 points.]

[Victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare; young hero, please try again.]

[Would you like to spend 100 Cosmic Fragments to reselect entries and simulate anew, or continue with the existing entries for a fresh simulation?]

[Current Cosmic Fragments: 4450]

Su Jinyan decided to remove "Illiterate" and "Arrogant Scholar," as both carried significant negative impacts, especially the latter.

After reselecting, he chose "Solitary Fate of Misfortune" and "Till Death Do Us Part" as his negative traits. This left him with 40 free points.

The positive traits remained unchanged from before.

[You are born within a paradise on the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[Upon birth, you can already speak, drawing the attention of your neighbors.]

[Your father names you "Su Jinyan."]

[When you call out "Father," he instantly meets a sudden demise.]

What?

[Calling out "Mother" sends her too on her final journey.]

Seriously?

[Terrified, the neighbors scatter like frightened birds or beasts.]

[No one dares to hand you over to the Cloud Knights, fearing they might suffer the same fate as your parents.]

[However, this incident swiftly alerts the Realm-Keeping Commission of the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[Hearing about a possible reincarnation of an evil creature, the Realm-Keeping Commission dispatches an official to apprehend you.]

[Unfazed by such superstitions, the official approaches you, lifting you into his arms.]

["A sword embryo martial bone—this child is not an evil being but destined for greatness!"]

[With vast experience, the official of the Earthly Balance Division immediately recognizes your extraordinary innate talent.]

[He believed that your parents' untimely deaths were not your fault.]

[Instead, it was because their destinies were too weak to withstand yours; no one could truly claim you as their child. This led to their tragic fate.]

[The ignorant masses deemed you an evil creature and vehemently demanded your execution, hoping for the Crane Feather Guard to impose "judgment" upon you.]

[The Realm-Keeping Commission deliberated extensively on this matter before ultimately rejecting their request.]

[The Grand Diviner from Yaoqing's Immortal Boat personally arrived to divine your future. He prophesied that you would achieve great things and significantly bolster the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[However, the divination also revealed that your destiny bore both the Solitary Fate and Tribulation Fiend afflictions, indicating extreme propensity for violence—an exceptionally rare and ominous disposition fraught with harm to self and others.]

[Deciding how to educate you became a formidable challenge for Yaoqing's Realm-Keeping Commission.]

[News swiftly spread throughout the Yaoqing Immortal Xianzhou.]

[Upon hearing about the sudden emergence of a prodigy with a sword embryo martial bone, Li Shen, the master of Sword Memory Villa, was deeply intrigued.]

[Li Shen journeyed specifically to take you under his wing as an adopted son.]

Li Shen, dressed in white robes with black hair, approached Su Jinyan, nodding with a smile—clearly impressed by his exceptional talent.

"This child shares a fateful connection with me," he said. "Why not entrust him to my tutelage at Sword Memory Villa?"

The official from the Earthly Balance Division cautioned, "Please think carefully."

"The Grand Diviner has stated that this child carries the 'Solitary Fate Calamity,' an exceptionally rare and ominous destiny, fraught with harm to both self and others."

"Even the Grand Diviner lacks a method to effectively suppress the malevolent aura within him," he added.

Li Shen smiled faintly. "No matter; my own fate surpasses such concerns."

"With such extraordinary sword talent, would it not be a waste if no one nurtures his abilities?"

In the swaddling clothes, Su Jinyan met Li Shen's gaze.

His intuition whispered that this man before him could be a pivotal figure in this stage of his life.

[Villa Master Li Shen of Sword Memory Villa legally adopted you through the Realm-Keeping Commission.]

[He had been married to Lady Qin Suyi for three years without any children. Adopting you now seems destined by fate.]

[That evening, Sword Memory Villa slaughtered pigs and sheep, hosting a grand feast for guests.]

The memory scene unfolded.

Sparing no expense on lighting, Sword Memory Villa illuminated its long night as bright as day. Dozens of skilled butchers slaughtered livestock on-site.

Shhhk!

A butcher held down the squealing boar, plunging a knife straight into its heart.

"Aooooooh f*ck your mother, what're you stabbing at?" With a loud bellow, the plump pig bolted, leaving all the stunned guests wide-eyed and speechless.