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In the dimly lit room, Su Jinyan embraced Silver Wolf's petite figure closely.
Girls like Silver Wolf often place great importance on creating the right atmosphere.
Just moments ago, Silver Wolf had posed him a question: "Do you truly seek a pure love based on spiritual connection and rationality, or are you simply drawn to my physical allure?"
Su Jinyan's response was straightforward: "Both."
He couldn't possibly deceive Silver Wolf by saying, "I only admire you spiritually; I'm not at all attracted to your body." Regardless of whether others would believe it, Silver Wolf certainly wouldn't.
Su Jinyan could distinctly sense Silver Wolf's hesitation; she was wavering, needing someone to gently push her forward. As Silver Wolf retreated slightly, Su Jinyan took initiative and softly kissed her lips.
This being Silver Wolf's first kiss, rushing it might have led to disappointment for her. Therefore, Su Jinyan respectfully held her snow-white waist throughout, never making any overly bold moves.
As Silver Wolf gradually immersed herself in the atmosphere he created, their lips suddenly parted.
Blinking her beautiful eyes, she felt somewhat unsatisfied but hesitated to express it aloud.
"Su—"
Just as Silver Wolf began to speak, Su Jinyan kissed her again, gently capturing her sweet-tasting tongue between his lips, striving to leave the most perfect impression on her first kiss.
"Mm..." Silver Wolf's eyes misted over, feeling as if she were floating on clouds, oblivious to the world around her.
Oh no, at this rate, I'm actually getting the short end of the deal.
Su Jinyan had promised to stay up all night playing games with her tonight, which is why Silver Wolf decided to reward him with a kiss. It was just a simple peck, not implying any romantic feelings towards him.
Initially, it was meant for the cheek; many cultures have such greetings among friends and family.
Who could've anticipated that he would unexpectedly take the initiative to kiss her lips?
Even more outrageous was how skillful and good his kiss felt, leaving Silver Wolf utterly weak and breathless.
Tonight, under no circumstances can I let him leave with Fu Xuan; otherwise, it wouldn't be fair to me.
Kafka and her companions were wanted Stellaron Hunters across the stars, and their temporary residence on the Roaming Immortal Ark was solely due to Jing Yuan's courtesy.
If Kafka deliberately shut the door, refusing entry to Fu Xuan, it would give Fu Xuan ample justification to take action.
"I'll go handle Fu Xuan. You can wait here for me or come along to meet her," Kafka said gently, her eyes soft and voice tender.
Stelle pondered briefly before responding, "I'll accompany you."
"Lady Fu Xuan is likely here for Su Jinyan."
"As long as you let Su Jinyan leave, she won't intentionally make things difficult for you."
Kafka glanced subtly towards Silver Wolf's bedroom, her lips curving slightly upwards.
Naive child, do you really think I'm unwilling to let Su Jinyan depart?
Fu Xuan's expression turned serious as she counted down to the final number, "Three!"
With light steps, Kafka emerged from the courtyard, followed closely by Stelle.
As Kafka pushed open the gate, Fu Xuan and March 7th came into view.
Looking around feigning confusion, Kafka asked, "I thought I heard Grand Diviner Fu's voice, but where is she?"
"Miss, have you any idea what's going on?" March 7th felt perplexed. "Hey, can't you just look down?"
Stelle remained speechless.
Kafka's lips parted slightly, expressing surprise. "Hmm? How could I forget such a crucial aspect of her character?"
"Grand Diviner Fu, my apologies for not noticing you earlier."
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, visibly on the brink of losing her temper.
Quickly stepping in to smooth things over, Stelle asked, "Lady Fu Xuan, March, what brings you here?"
March 7th twiddled her fingers and whispered softly, "We were just worried about your safety, y'know?"
"Come here, there's something I need to ask you." Before A-Yan could react, little March forcefully pulled her aside to a corner.
Fu Xuan spoke coldly, "Kafka, why have you imprisoned this venerable one's disciple at your home late at night?"
Kafka's eyes flickered, a smile curling at the corners of her mouth. "Imprisoned? I wouldn't dare."
"I merely invited A-Yan over for a simple home-cooked meal; hardly imprisonment, Grand Diviner," she replied. "Accusing me so hastily is quite a burden to bear."
Fu Xuan nodded slightly. "Very well. Then allow A-Yan to leave with this venerable one, and we shall not pursue this matter further."
Kafka chuckled lightly. "Oh? That's intriguing, Grand Diviner."
"He has his own legs, and I'm certainly not stopping him. If he wishes, he can leave anytime."
"I believe you should rather examine your own actions," replied Kafka calmly. "Why, so late at night, would A-Yan prefer to stay here instead of returning to see you?"
Fu Xuan's response was not anger but laughter. "Excellent. I've long heard that Stellaron Hunter Kafka excels at manipulating hearts through word spirit."
"Since A-Yan, few have managed to provoke this venerable one with mere words." She continued, "The general lifted your arrest warrants so you could swiftly leave our territory, not linger on Xianzhou."
"As you persist in challenging this venerable one, today, we shall apprehend you and cast you into The Shackling Prison!"
Kafka retorted evenly, "Are you certain? With such significant matters at hand, wouldn't it be prudent to consult him first? Not even seeking his opinion? No wonder he prefers staying with me."
"Compared to the domineering Grand Diviner, isn't the more understanding Stellaron Hunter clearly favored by him?"
Taking a deep breath, Fu Xuan prepared to seize Kafka, only to be caught off guard by March 7th's sudden interjection.
Perhaps due to her growing impatience, March 7th sounded increasingly anxious. "Hurry up! Take it off already, let me see."
"No way, little March, my orientation is perfectly normal."
Fu Xuan blinked in confusion, as did Kafka.
March 7th's expression darkened, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Listen to me; let me take a look!"
"I really need to know what that scoundrel Su Jinyan did to you," March 7th insisted impatiently.
Fu Xuan couldn't help but strain her ears to listen closely.
"Can we not talk about this anymore, little March?" Stelle pleaded.
"It's all my fault; it has nothing to do with him."
"At least spare me some dignity, okay?"
March 7th, growing increasingly indignant, forcefully tried to pull down Stelle's skirt. "Are you still defending him? So, it's fine for Su Jinyan to see your private areas, but not for this young lady?"
"Hurry up and tell me how he harassed you; I'll make sure justice is served."
In truth, Fu Xuan had a fairly positive impression of Su Jinyan. However, if her best friend was indeed being harassed by him, she couldn't simply stand idly by. Thus, little March desperately wanted to find out exactly what Su Jinyan had done to Stelle's delicate posterior.
"He didn't harass me! Shouldn't you be considered the harasser right now?"
"Nonsense! This young lady harbors no such intentions towards you. Can't you think more innocently?"
"Just who here isn't thinking innocently?"
"Alright, alright, I admit I was wrong. I shouldn't have used ambiguous words to confuse you."
On the verge of tears, Stelle clung tightly to her skirt, trying to protect herself.
With a look of persistent anger, March 7th continued attempting to tug at her skirt. From afar, it appeared as though the mischievous little March was bullying an innocent and pure maiden.
Kafka's eyes narrowed, pondering deeply.
Was allowing Stelle to stay on the Astral Express truly the right decision? Unable to bear seeing his rebellious disciple subjected to such slander, Fu Xuan swiftly intervened.
"Miss March, what exactly are you doing?"
March 7th's eyes brightened. "Lady Fu Xuan, your timing is perfect."
"Hurry and help me lift her skirt!"
Fu Xuan's gaze turned subtle. "Miss March, I never imagined you to be this kind of person," he chided gently. "While this venerable one respects your interests, please refrain from imposing your perverse hobbies on others. Can't you see how unwilling your friend is?"
March 7th blushed, stammering, "No, it's not like that, Lady Fu Xuan. You've misunderstood." She added hastily, "This maiden suspects she might have been harassed by Su Jinyan."
Fu Xuan responded indignantly, "Ridiculous! How could A-Yan ever do such a thing? Accusing one of the six rulers without solid evidence—do you realize the gravity of this offense?"
March 7th looked anxious. "I don't believe it either, but isn't seeking proof precisely why we're here?" She continued, "She told me Little Su caused some discomfort to her delicate backside."
Feeling embarrassed, Stelle turned away slightly. "That's true..." she admitted quietly. "But it was my fault for provoking him first, and I've already faced the consequences accordingly."
"I think it's best to let this matter pass, little March and Lady Fu Xuan."
Kafka watched with keen interest, no longer feeling inclined to clarify the situation.
Fu Xuan's face flushed bright red, her lips agape in shock. "Huh?"
"H-he-he... Don't slander this venerable one's beloved disciple!"
"Why would he do such a thing specifically to you instead of anyone else?"
"If he truly had those intentions, why not target Kafka instead?"
"Maybe he doesn't fancy women like Kafka?" suggested March 7th.
"You mean he prefers beauties like us girls?"
Kafka raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Fu Xuan couldn't believe Su Jinyan would commit such an act. With Tingyun, Xueyi, and Sushang readily available, what reason could there be for him to resort to something so disgraceful?
Even if we assume Su Jinyan did harbor those thoughts, why overlook Kafka and Silver Wolf to specifically target Stelle?
Fu Xuan's expression darkened as she abruptly lifted Stelle's skirt. "Hmph, this venerable one will see just how...how..."
A vivid handprint, starkly crimson, came into full view before everyone.
March 7th, both angry and anxious, exclaimed, "See, see! I've been saying all along—he has a preference for young beauties like us."
"Why else would he ignore Kafka and specifically target Stelle?"
Fu Xuan fell silent.
Feeling increasingly guilty, Stelle pleaded, "Can we stop talking about this? It's all my fault; I shouldn't have done it."
"The slap may sting me, but the pain is felt by him."
"He hit well—right on the mark. If it were me, I'd do the same to myself."
March 7th's expression turned subtle. "I didn't realize you had masochistic tendencies."
"I'm trying to stand up for you, yet here you are defending him."
"Did his spanking satisfy you that much?"
Gently placing her hands on March 7th's shoulders, Stelle looked steadily into her eyes. "Now, let's address the real question: How did you even know such specific terminology, March?"
March 7th's breath hitched as she indignantly turned away, flushing with embarrassment. "That doesn't matter!"
"Just tell me, should Su Jinyan be punished or not?"
Stelle rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "I expected you to defend him."
March 7th shook her head. "We're best friends; why would this maiden ever take his side? He was clearly wrong in this situation. Even if you made a mistake, he still shouldn't have spanked you."
After sorting through the sequence of events, Fu Xuan sighed in relief. Her wayward disciple hadn't betrayed her trust after all. She knew there must have been extenuating circumstances—it wasn't possible for him to stoop so low without reason.
Fu Xuan also felt that Su Jinyan had gone slightly too far in this matter. If Stelle truly did something to provoke him, he could have simply lectured her or chosen another form of punishment. Resorting to such a method was undeniably inappropriate and overly intimate.
Once this venerable one encounters that traitorous disciple again, I must remind him to maintain proper distance with other young ladies.
"Miss March," Fu Xuan began, "as you've stated yourself, it was primarily the fault of Miss Trailblazer."
"My disciple merely disciplined her; there's nothing wrong with that."
"So then, according to you, if A-Yan didn't spank her, who should he have spanked?"
Without hesitation, March 7th pointed at Kafka, "He should have spanked Kafka!"
"Hm?" Kafka voiced her confusion.
Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow.
Stelle looked equally puzzled.
Kafka was well aware of the deep prejudice this little girl held against her, but she never expected it to reach such an extreme level.
Xing Mei's beautiful eyes filled with bewilderment as she asked, startled, "Why?"
March 7th confidently replied, "Let me, the renowned detective March 7th, unravel this for you."
"Firstly, it was Kafka who invited Little Su and you to the banquet, correct?"
"Yes, that's right," said Stelle.
Fu Xuan cast a deep gaze at Kafka. "Kafka, allowing you to temporarily reside on Xianzhou Luofu was already an exceptional act of leniency beyond the law."
"Now, you've brazenly kidnapped a minor without their guardian's consent."
"After tonight, this venerable one will confine you to the depths of The Shackling Prison, where you can properly reflect upon your misdeeds."
March 7th continued her analysis undeterred. "Lady Fu Xuan, please don't interrupt; let me finish my point."
"Is Kafka not the hostess of this banquet?"
"Since Kafka is the hostess, doesn't she have the duty to manage her guests?"
Kafka softly replied, "Yes, go on."
March 7th spoke with unwavering conviction. "So, precisely because Kafka failed to properly supervise Stelle..."
"...it led to her committing mistakes and angering Little Su."
"That's why Little Su had to spank her. Do you understand the immense psychological harm such discipline inflicts on an innocent, adorable young lady?"
"The true responsibility lies with you, Kafka!"
Fu Xuan nodded in agreement. "Well-reasoned and persuasive."
"Kafka, Miss March's analysis holds considerable merit. Do you have anything to say in response?
"If not, hand over A-Yan and accompany this venerable one back to The Shackling Prison."
Xing Mei hastily interjected, "Wait, it's not Kafka's fault."
"It's me; it was all my fault."
"I got carried away with playing around—it's not Kafka's fault..."
Fu Xuan frowned. "What exactly did you do?"
At that moment, Stelle felt profound regret—extremely deep regret—and yet also immense gratitude.
March 7th truly cared for her deeply, embodying the concern of a true friend.
Sigh, I must face the consequences of my own actions. If she had known earlier, she wouldn't have intentionally teased little March.
Taking a breath, Stelle began, "Um, Lady Fu Xuan... You must promise not to get angry or punish me after I tell you everything. Otherwise, even if it means certain death, I won't reveal a single word."
Fu Xuan snorted. "This venerable one doesn't care whether you speak or not; capturing the Stellaron Hunter Kafka takes precedence over your words."
Stelle's eyes widened nervously. "I'll talk, I'll talk—"
She hadn't anticipated Fu Xuan exploiting her weakness like this. How despicable!
Kafka glanced at Stelle, surprised, and his gaze gradually softened.
Under Fu Xuan's threat, using Kafka as leverage, Stelle reluctantly revealed the truth bit by bit.
Nothing stings more than having your own words come back to haunt you. At the time, she thought teasing Fu Xuan would be amusing, impulsively leaning in and uttering those fateful words in a moment of recklessness.
Fu Xuan fell silent.
The divination sigil was true; A-Yan indeed hadn't betrayed this venerable one—it was rather this venerable one who had misunderstood him.
Feeling somewhat guilty, Fu Xuan's gaze also turned slightly hostile towards Stelle.
If not for her meddling, even if this venerable one brought A-Yan home tonight, there would still have been lingering doubts between them.
Shrinking back and hiding behind March 7th, Stelle whimpered, "You promised you wouldn't get angry."
"Hmph," March 7th grumbled, "Lady Fu Xuan isn't angry yet, but I certainly am!"
"If it weren't for your vague and misleading words, we wouldn't have misunderstood him, would we?"
"Sigh, Uncle Yang is right. Perhaps I should work on my impulsive nature."
To pull such an outrageous prank! Not just Su Jinyan, even March 7th felt like giving her a couple of smacks on that pert little bottom. And to think she almost lost faith in him because of this!
Fu Xuan parted her lips, about to speak, when she heard Kafka softly interject, "Grand Diviner Fu, don't blame her. It was I who used word spirit manipulation to influence her actions."
Stelle blinked in confusion.
March 7th's eyes widened with shock. "Whoa, so the truth finally comes out?"
"So it was all the doing of this wicked woman, Kafka!"
Kafka nodded gently. "Yes, it was me. If you must ask why, simply put, I did it because it seemed entertaining."
Fu Xuan's expression remained impassive. "Very well, Kafka."
"You have violated one of the Ten Unforgivable Sins under Xianzhou's laws—confusing the mind and manipulating wills."
"As such, this venerable one has ample reason to detain you in The Shackling Prison for reflection."
Kafka's demeanor stayed composed. "Hmm, as you wish," she replied.
In a rush to defend Kafka, Stelle interjected, "No, not at all."
"Lady Fu Xuan, it had nothing to do with Kafka; it was entirely my own choice."
Fu Xuan patiently explained, "Alright, there's no need for further defense on Kafka's behalf."
"Go back and rest properly. Generally speaking, those manipulated by word spirits remain unaware of their control." She continued, "Afterward, they believe their actions were truly their own volition, when in reality, that is not the case."
"As a distinguished guest of the Xianzhou Alliance, we shall ensure accountability for Kafka's manipulation of your mind."
With a look of concern, Stelle couldn't help but glance at Kafka.
A subtle smile graced Kafka's lips, her eyes still filled with gentle warmth.
Why did you take the blame upon yourself? At most, Lady Fu Xuan might reprimand me, but now you face imprisonment in The Shackling Prison—is it worth it?
I'll have to bother Su Jinyan again.
Just as Fu Xuan prepared to apprehend Kafka, Su Jinyan entered, accompanied by Silver Wolf, pushing open the door behind them.
"Shizun, what brings you here?" Su Jinyan feigned surprise, acting as if he had only just noticed her presence.
"Hmph, would you have lingered here indefinitely tonight if this venerable one didn't come to arrest Kafka?" Fu Xuan chided him gently.
Su Jinyan sighed softly, "I wouldn't want to stay, Shizun," he reassured her.
"But Qingque is so considerate; she said it's getting late and suggested I stay overnight here."
"I believe this is her kind gesture, so perhaps I should accept."
Fu Xuan was speechless.
Blaming it on Qingque again, aren't you? No matter what, you always find your way out.
Nonchalantly, Silver Wolf continued blowing bubblegum, with no one noticing the lingering crystalline residue on her lips. Even if someone did observe it, they would likely assume it was from chewing gum.
Fu Xuan played his trump card. "Very well, you may stay overnight here. However, as for this Stellaron Hunter who has committed grave sins against the Ten Unforgivable Offenses, this venerable one intends to apprehend her and deliver her to The Shackling Prison."
Confusion flickered in Su Jinyan's eyes. "What's going on? Can someone please explain?"
Internally, Fu Xuan sneered—this traitorous disciple's act was quite convincing, but he couldn't believe she hadn't been keeping tabs all along.
"This young lady—"
"Let me handle it." Before March 7th could speak, Stelle stepped forward.
If little March started explaining, they might be at it until dawn.
Unseen by Fu Xuan, Stelle winked subtly at Su Jinyan, signaling him to show leniency.
Su Jinyan understood immediately, smiling faintly. "In truth, we're all on the same side here."
"This issue is easily resolved," Stelle interjected, stepping forward. "Let's turn major conflicts into minor ones and let minor issues fade away."
Fu Xuan pondered briefly before retorting indignantly, "Stellaron Hunter: Kafka."
"I didn't expect you to use your Word Spirit Technique to bewitch even this venerable one's beloved disciple.
"From this day forth, we stand as irreconcilable enemies!"
Kafka blinked, puzzled. Su Jinyan also looked taken aback.
At the opportune moment, Silver Wolf spoke up, "Fu Xuan, it seems you've guessed correctly."
"Your disciple has been taken hostage by us. If you don't want any harm to come to him, leave immediately."
Taken aback, Fu Xuan realized she had merely sought a pretext to apprehend Kafka. She hadn't anticipated that Silver Wolf would seize the opportunity to escalate the situation.
Kafka smiled slightly. "Grand Diviner, surely you wouldn't wish for your cherished disciple to be toyed with by us?"
"Don't forget, he's currently under my Word Spirit Technique's influence. With just a word from me, he'll instantly betray you, so watch out now~"
Fu Xuan sneered coldly, "Kafka, don't take this venerable one for a fool.
"This venerable one knows A-Yan inside out; your Word Spirit Technique might sway others, but don't think it can affect A-Yan."
Kafka responded with a profound tone, "Is that so?"
"It seems the Grand Diviner truly cares for your beloved disciple," Kafka observed slyly. "I imagine there's much about A-Yan's body you've already familiarized yourself with, unbeknownst to us?"
Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly as he spoke, "A-Yan, would you stand idly by and watch someone mistreat your Shizun?"
Appearing somewhat resigned, Su Jinyan snapped his fingers.
Kafka raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "What are you doing?"
Instantly, Stelle's beautiful eyes lost their focus, and she slowly approached Kafka.
Caught off guard, Kafka stammered, "This is..."
"Don't worry, just a subtle psychological suggestion," Su Jinyan reassured her.
Kafka furrowed her brow. "Psychological suggestion? What do you intend to do to her?"
Su Jinyan blinked innocently. "That depends on what my Shizun desires."
"Kafka, even if we're friends, I won't allow you to mistreat her in front of me."
"I wouldn't dream of harming her; it's not your place to do so either," Fu Xuan chided, slightly embarrassed.
Softening her tone, Kafka apologized, "My apologies, Grand Diviner. My attitude was inappropriate earlier. Please forgive my rudeness."
The corners of Fu Xuan's lips curved upwards slightly. "Kafka," he responded, "this venerable one still prefers your defiant demeanor."
"This venerable one still prefers your defiant demeanor," Su Jinyan remarked leisurely. "There's something little March said that I find quite apt: 'Since Stelle made the mistake, Kafka should bear the responsibility.' Kafka, shall we make you answer for her transgressions?"
A nonchalant smile played at Kafka's lips. "Of course, A-Yan can do whatever he wishes with me," she replied. "I won't flinch even once, no matter what you decide."
Su Jinyan eagerly rubbed his hands together. "Excellent, Miss Kafka. Please be so kind as to assume the position; it's time for your punishment." He added, "Just three strikes, not more, not less. Bear with it, and it'll be over quickly."
Kafka's beautiful eyes sparkled with amusement as she gracefully adopted a provocative stance.
Despite her words of submission, allowing Su Jinyan complete freedom without resistance, Kafka knew well that she couldn't truly let him have his way. She understood Su Jinyan was giving her a chance to show her attitude, seeking only her willingness. With Fu Xuan present, regardless of what happened, he wouldn't be able to harm her physically.
Su Jinyan slowly approached Kafka from behind, raising his hand high. "Are you ready?"
Kafka let out an evocative sound, "Mm~"
The corners of Su Jinyan's mouth lifted. "Alright then, here I go~"
"Stop—!"
Just as his hand was about to land,
the other four girls shouted simultaneously, then glanced at each other, taken aback.
Puzzled, Su Jinyan asked, "Wow, quite synchronized timing you have there! Go on, give me a reason to stop."
"How about... um, starting with March 7th..."
March 7th smiled sheepishly. "Carry on, carry on—it just slipped out unconsciously. As for hitting that wicked woman, this young lady has no objections."
Kafka remained silent, speechless.
Silver Wolf stepped forward, took Su Jinyan's hand, and gently shook her head. "A-Yan, don't do this."
Feeling conflicted, Su Jinyan replied, "It's hard to take back spoken words; retracting them now would make me lose face. Sweetheart, give me a compelling reason not to punish her."
After a moment's hesitation, Silver Wolf spoke up, "Kafka has been very kind to me."
"Why don't I kiss you instead, and in return, spare her punishment? What do you say?"
Fu Xuan nearly burst out laughing in exasperation, "How convenient for you!"
The corner of Kafka's lips curved slightly, finding the situation increasingly intriguing.
Darling, is it really about sparing her punishment or are you unwilling to see him get intimate with me?
In a hurried tone, Stelle offered, "I can take the punishment in her place."
"It's all my fault in the end," he continued. "Don't punish Kafka; let me bear the consequences instead."
Su Jinyan remained silent, turning her gaze towards Fu Xuan.
Without thinking, Fu Xuan blurted out, "This venerable one could also—"
Su Jinyan's eyes lit up.
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed red as he hastily corrected himself, "Ugh, why would this venerable one take Kafka's punishment?"
"Cough, what I meant was..."
"At least Kafka is a Stellaron Hunter; she should be respected, not humiliated."
"Perhaps just end her swiftly and spare Kafka further agony."
The smile at the corner of Kafka's lips vanished.
Despite others pleading for leniency, even if they hadn't outright defended her, none had encouraged Su Jinyan to be so ruthless. It felt like no mercy was being shown.
Kafka couldn't comprehend why Fu Xuan harbored such intense animosity specifically towards her. Had she done anything particularly provocative before now?