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Alright, alright, alright—so you think we're connected at heart, huh? Trying to outwit your dad now?
This small neutron radiation bomb isn't something to play around with.
"Where the f*ck did you get this mini nuclear weapon from?" Su Jinyan frantically shoved the bomb back into Stelle's arms.
Stelle's expression shifted slightly, and she promptly handed it to March 7th instead.
"A nuclear weapon?! I was just opening a delivery box; I'm innocent here."
March 7th, looking panicked, hastily returned it. "If anyone's truly innocent, it's me."
"So why pass it around like hot potatoes?"
"What do we do?" Stelle spoke with urgency. "Quick, think of something!"
"If this thing explodes, there won't be even a speck left of us," March 7th couldn't help but remark.
Su Jinyan asked, "Do either of you know how to disarm bombs?"
Both shook their heads simultaneously.
[Not long ago, a suspicious Annihilation Gang thug wearing a blue baseball cap arrived nearby.]
[He placed this small neutron radiation bomb inside a delivery box and intentionally abandoned it here.]
[Once someone inadvertently disturbs the balance mechanism within the delivery box, it will trigger the timer on the small neutron radiation bomb.]
[In four minutes, this miniature thermonuclear device will fully detonate.]
[Fool, I have an absolutely brilliant idea.]
[Why not abandon this small neutron radiation bomb and watch as the immortal cultivators panic and flee madly due to the explosion?]
The Annihilation Gang again—always so amateurish in their methods of destruction.
Once I reach Jepella planet, I must teach them the true essence of annihilation.
[After all, as the Colored Glaze Venerable blessed by Yaoshi, you have been deprived of the right to death.]
[Why not swallow this small neutron radiation bomb? Let them experience the torment of lifelong regret.]
"What kind of f*cked-up ideas are these?"
"Can't you suggest something more normal?"
I possess the undying blessing from the Prosperity Aeon's Divine Pharmacist.
Only a force surpassing the Prosperity Medic's undying blessing could truly extinguish me.
Otherwise, no matter how severe the harm,
even if my physical body is utterly destroyed and completely annihilated, I would still regenerate within three minutes.
Thus, swallowing this small neutron radiation bomb could indeed spare others from harm.
The price would be getting blown to smithereens, leaving me with nothing but waiting for rebirth.
While intriguing, witnessing such an event might leave severe psychological scars on them.
[Alright, truthfully, it's just a scare bomb.]
[Apart from causing fright, it poses no actual harm.]
[Sampo secretly placed it aboard the Xianzhou, really—you can trust me.]
Yeah right, I trust your grandmother's word!
With a grim expression, Su Jinyan snatched the small neutron radiation bomb from her. The countdown continued unabated—03:34.
"A-Yan, do you have an idea?" Stelle asked anxiously.
"What f*cking plan could I possibly have!" Su Jinyan retorted irritably.
"Then...then it might work after all..." Stelle's pale cheeks flushed slightly.
"As long as it stops the explosion, any method is acceptable. The process doesn't matter."
Su Jinyan picked up his phone and initiated a group video call. With trembling hands, he stuffed the small neutron radiation bomb into his pants.
At this point, only three minutes remained on the countdown.
Following "Quenching Thirst with Tea," here comes another daring feat—Luocha, can you pull it off?
"You're insane!" March 7th clutched his wrist fearfully. "Quick, take it out!"
"You're not joking? You really intend to resolve it this way?" Stelle was speechless, eyes wide.
Seeing the sudden change in the two girls' expressions, Su Jinyan looked skyward, tears streaming down his face.
"Hah, if not me, then who will descend into hell?"
"I am the Colored Glaze Venerable, blessed by Yaoshi. A mere compact thermonuclear device cannot defeat me."
"Rather than letting an uncontrollable explosion ravage the Xianzhou, I'll handle it myself."
"But why would you stuff it down there?" March 7th's lips parted slightly, feeling utterly perplexed.
Su Jinyan looked smug. "You might not know this, but flames require ample oxygen to burn."
"By cutting off air supply, which includes oxygen, the burning process stops."
"Now that I've smothered it in my pants, it definitely can't continue burning."
Stelle's breath quickened, exclaiming, "Who doesn't know that, asshole?! Do you seriously think stuffing a mini thermonuclear device in your pants will prevent its explosion?"
"As soon as it detonates, your...you'll be completely shattered!"
Su Jinyan glanced with surprise at his crotch area. "Wow, true enough, it's still counting down."
"Well, no worries; it'll just grow back anyway."
In this dire moment, the two girls had little choice but to act swiftly.
They hastily stopped, attempting to extract and toss away the small neutron radiation bomb.
However, under the effect of Mirage, the ticking time bomb seemed like an elusive mirage, impossible to grasp.
Soon, Qingque, Tingyun, Fu Xuan, Sushang, and Xueyi successively joined the video call.
Qingque: "Hey, A-Yan, what's up? Oh, wait, eat that one!"
Fu Xuan: "Qingque, this venerable one knew you were slacking off! Hurry up and clock in for work already!"
Qingque: "Oops, A-Yan, how did you start a group video chat?"
Sushang: "Jinyan-gege, why are you breathing so heavily?"
Tingyun: "Benefactor, do you know where Miss March is?"
"Hisss, what do you want with her?" Su Jinyan asked.
"This little vixen, Miss March," Tingyun replied. "Daring to humiliate me with such underhanded tactics—this maiden plans to hire someone to take her out."
March 7th stared, bewildered.
Xueyi observed, "Your complexion seems off, and your breathing sounds unusual."
"I understand now—" Xueyi continued, "Quickly, lower the camera angle; I need to see who the woman beside you is."
Breathing heavily, Su Jinyan adjusted his phone's lens towards the two busy girls nearby.
Fu Xuan exclaimed, "Traitorous disciples! How dare you engage in such absurd behavior in broad daylight?!"
Qingque chimed in, "Exactly! You should be ashamed of yourselves."
"Hey, you two, where are those hands wandering?"
"The Grand Diviner hasn't had enough yet! Move aside!"
Fu Xuan retorted, "Qingque, keep quiet! There's nothing improper between this venerable one and my traitorous disciples."
Qingque countered, "Surely not? With such a perfect opportunity last night, did you really resist?"
Tingyun recognized the scene through the camera. "This maiden knows this place, Miss March—you're doomed."
"Don't kill me!" pleaded March 7th. "I'm innocent! If anyone must face the consequences, let it be Stelle—it was all her idea."
"But just last night, little March told me how delightful married men taste," Stelle responded.
"How quickly you change your tune! You're the one who wanted to try something new, yet I'm supposed to take the blame?"
Sushang chimed in, "Oh, now I remember."
"I received photos of you kissing with Jinyan-gege too. Your photography skills aren't bad at all."
Stelle replied, "Thank you for the compliment; I thought so myself..."
Su Jinyan interjected, "You might not believe me, but I wasn't engaging in any shameless behavior.
"In fact, hidden within my pants is a small thermonuclear weapon—a neutron radiation bomb.
"We must stop it before the countdown ends, or else...my 'little buddy' will be blown to smithereens."
Fu Xuan retorted, "Even if trying to deceive this venerable one, couldn't you concoct a more plausible excuse?"
Xueyi countered, "No, what A-Yan says could very well be true.
"Recently, the Annihilation Gang has indeed been causing unrest on Xianzhou.
"Given their scummy nature, orchestrating a terrorist attack seems right up their alley.
"But why would such a small thermonuclear weapon appear in your trousers?"
Su Jinyan, feeling both agony and amusement, responded, "It's hard to explain clearly in just a moment.
"Can you guys help me figure out a solution?"
"In a short while, this small neutron radiation bomb will detonate."
Sushang chimed in, "Three long wires and one short—Jinyan-gege, cut the shortest wire."
"You think this is a multiple-choice question?!" Su Jinyan exclaimed.
Tingyun pleaded, "Benefactor, please delay its explosion for now."
"My assassins will arrive shortly," she added.
"I must eliminate them before these straying cats can commit suicide with you out of passion."
Su Jinyan retorted, "Is that all you can think about—suicide pacts?"
Qingque's solemn little face couldn't help but urge, "Aiya, stop fooling around!"
"Quickly find an uninhabited area to dispose of it; emergency precautions, remember?" She continued, "Even if the building gets destroyed, no one will blame you."
"But don't ruin our beloved Grand Diviner's future happiness! Bang!"
Stelle's eyes gleamed brightly as she declared, "Listen up, all of you:
"Su Jinyan's lifelong happiness rests in my hands.
"Hurry and transfer Credits to my account, just press zeros blindly.
"Otherwise, with just a slight force, Su Jinyan's... privates will be blown to smithereens."
Qingque shouted tremulously, "Eighty thousand!"
"That won't do at all!" Stelle complained. "It's too little, at least eight million!"
"Uh, play!" said Qingque.
"What?" asked Stelle.
"Huh?" echoed Su Jinyan.
Stelle couldn't hold back any longer. "Qingque, can you believe this is happening now?! How can you still be playing cards, aaah?!"
"Don't you care even a little bit about Su Jinyan?"
"I have his lifelong happiness in my hands, remember?"
"Just one push and the bomb detonates—you'll all end up widowed."
Qingque, puzzled, replied, "A-Yan isn't worried; why should I be? Look at his expression—he clearly has a solution."
"Besides, if that thing explodes, it's game over for everyone."
Fu Xuan urgently interjected, "Traitorous disciple, swiftly head to the Venerable Moon Sea."
"The explosion of a neutron radiation bomb could potentially harm Miss March and the others nearby."
"Only by tossing it into the Venerable Moon Sea can we prevent combustion and mitigate the blast."
"A-Yan," Xueyi agreed, "Grand Diviner Fu is right. Let's throw it into the Venerable Moon Sea."
Legend had it that the waters of the ancient sea possessed unique medicinal properties, not only useful for refining medicines in alchemical furnaces but also capable of acting as a suppressant against explosive reactions during refinement processes.
Additionally, this water served as an anti-explosive agent, suppressing detonations during the refining process.
Moreover, it was the Life Water of the Vidyadhara people on Xianzhou.
Tossing such a large-scale destructive weapon like a neutron radiation bomb into it would inevitably desecrate the Vidyadhara's beliefs.
However, legally, this could be considered a case of necessity due to imminent danger. Desecration or not, there was no choice.
Su Jinyan gently grasped the restless, delicate hands of the two girls.
"You can stop now, let me handle it."
Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock—
The countdown for the small neutron radiation bomb had only five seconds left.
Taking a deep breath, Su Jinyan picked up the bomb and forcefully hurled it towards the distant Venerable Moon Sea.
The bomb traced a graceful arc through the air. As the final second of the countdown elapsed, it slowly sank beneath the sea surface, releasing a few bubbles.
No explosion... Was this truly one of Sampo's pranks?
In unison, the girls sighed with relief, while Su Jinyan fell into deep thought.
Stelle clasped her hands together, "Impressive strength, young hero."
March 7th was thoroughly perplexed. "Wait, that doesn't make sense. How come the neutron radiation bomb didn't explode?"
Su Jinyan's expression turned grave as he swiftly ended the video call.
"The Venerable Moon Sea truly lives up to its reputation as a symbol of ancient Vidyadhara faith," he murmured. "It completely prevented the detonation of the neutron radiation bomb. Our Xianzhou Luofu is simply extraordinary!"
Unsuspecting, March 7th immediately fell back into frustration and glared at him indignantly.
"Then we should've just tossed it into the sea from the start."
"Why did you stuff it there when you had nothing better to do?"
Su Jinyan wore a compassionate expression. "At this point, I can no longer hide the truth from you all."
"In reality, I am a self-sacrificing saintess."
"If there were truly no other option, to protect you from the explosion's harm,
I would have braced myself at the final moment, shielding you with my own body."
Stelle pointedly remarked, "Take a look at your body."
"Please maintain some decorum," Su Jinyan responded.
At the Seat of Divine Foresight...
Luocha's voice remained composed as he spoke, "As a suspect, it is customary for me to be shackled and tried within The Shackling Prison."
"General, bringing me here instead—was that truly appropriate?"
Jing Yuan replied mildly, "There are already too many complications at The Shackling Prison; adding another would be unwise."
"For safety's sake, please undergo your trial here."
Luocha smiled faintly. "For safety's sake... It seems this isn't about my safety, though."
Jing Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly. "What, do you have any objections, sir?"
"I must admit, I am quite puzzled. Phantylia, Emanator of Destruction, has confessed and accepted her punishment. She was the one who brought the Stellaron onto Luofu.
"Yet, you eagerly stepped forward to claim responsibility for the Stellaron disaster and confessed voluntarily.
"I've seen people vying for credit, but as for those clamoring to take blame? Well, I've never encountered such a thing..."
"In addition, your actions are genuinely inscrutable."
Luocha responded slowly, "As a merchant, I was entrusted with delivering a 'token' without knowledge of its true significance behind the scenes.
"Now it appears that Luofu does not possess what I sought."
"Claiming guilt and submitting to punishment suggests fear of retribution."
"The Galaxy may be vast, but as merely a humble merchant, I doubt I could escape the Alliance's pursuit."
It might have been better if Luocha didn't mention being a merchant at all.
As soon as he did, Jing Yuan's expression turned peculiar, barely suppressing a smile that threatened to emerge. This impulse to laugh yet not being able to do so was something Luocha likely wouldn't comprehend.
"A mere humble merchant? Ha ha ha ha... cough cough cough..." Jing Yuan couldn't hold back, bursting into laughter until he choked from his own mirth, leading to a fit of coughs.
"This is not amusing, General," Luocha retorted, his gaze turning cold.
Over these past few days, Luocha had successfully overcome his predicament, tempering his Daoist principles and elevating his mental state further. However, he deeply disliked having his past brought up again.
Jing Yuan sighed heavily. "Apologies, I simply couldn't resist laughing just now."
Luocha remained silent, unamused.
In a more serious tone, Jing Yuan continued, "Mr. Luocha, your actions at Glorious Mourning Fort..."
"Shall I recount in detail your past deeds within the Veil Nebula?"
"Or perhaps you need me to utter that cumbersome name?"
Luocha chuckled softly. "Ah, The Divine Foresight truly lives up to his reputation."
"If the general senses something amiss, does this mean you intend to defend me and clear my suspicion as a 'Stellaron suspect'?"
Jing Yuan's voice deepened. "That decision is not mine to make.
"This involves the grave crime of attempting to overthrow the Alliance. According to the laws, you should be detained aboard the Xueling Immortal Ark.
"There, you will face joint trial by the Ten-Lords Commission and the seven heavenly generals," he continued, "and subsequently receive eternal punishment."
Indeed, Luocha and Jingliu's true intentions were never to sabotage Xianzhou Luofu. Someone else had brought the Stellaron onto the ship—Phantylia had already confessed as much.
Their claim of responsibility for the Stellaron disaster was actually a ruse to reach the Xueling Immortal Ark, aiming to confront the Xianzhou Alliance's marshal and other high-ranking officials.
Luocha smiled faintly without responding.
Jing Yuan continued, "However..."
"Even if we were to escort you to the Xueling Immortal Ark for joint trial, it must follow established procedures."
"As there's no rush, why not share some intriguing tales from your travels as a merchant?"
Luocha's gaze sharpened slightly. "What kind of tales does the general refer to...?"
Jing Yuan's expression turned serious. "Specifically, about those little toys you sell. I must admit, I'm genuinely curious."
"Someone like you, having experienced so many significant events, wouldn't have such leisure," Luocha retorted sarcastically. "I too am quite curious."
"What exactly caused the once-united High-Cloud Quintet to splinter, becoming estranged from each other?"
"And your mentor, Jingliu, was once the Swordmaster of Luofu. How did he become Mara-Stricken and get expelled from the Ten-Lords Commission?"
Jing Yuan remained silent.
Luocha likewise said nothing.
After staring at each other for a long moment, they both eventually raised their teacups simultaneously. "Let's drink tea, shall we?"
Luocha took a sip. "In truth, Sir, you should be well aware yourself."
"I would never engage in such actions."
Jing Yuan spoke calmly, "Are you suggesting that our Minister Su colluded with Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker to frame you?"
"It is not entirely implausible," replied Luocha.
Jing Yuan offered a faint smile. "How about this—judging by your demeanor, it seems you genuinely wish to clear your name. I will instruct the Seat of Divine Foresight to issue a public announcement exonerating you. Would that suffice?"
A flicker of interest crossed Luocha's eyes. "How does the general intend to exonerate me?"
Despite his outward composure, it was impossible for Luocha to remain completely indifferent to the stigma he bore. Eventually, he would need to face others, including attending the joint trial on Xueling Immortal Ark before the Ten-Lords Commission and Seven Heavenly Generals.
During the joint trial at Xueling Immortal Ship, when the Alliance's top officials enumerated his offenses, they would undoubtedly start with the least severe:
Luocha, an outlander merchant, suspected of unlawfully selling fake dongs on Xianzhou Luofu, evading taxes...
The mere thought made one shudder involuntarily.
Jing Yuan clapped his hands. "Qing Zhu, have the Cloud Knights post an announcement in Luofu."
"Just state that Mr. Luocha did not illegally sell fake dongs on Xianzhou Luofu," he added.
Luocha stared, perplexed.
"Yes, General," replied Qing Zhu.
Luocha hastily rose to his feet. "Wait! No need for that!"
The public had only just begun to gradually forget about the incident; posting this notice would merely serve to remind them and stir up old memories, wouldn't it?
Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure you don't want the announcement posted? It seems quite evident that you're deeply concerned about this matter."
Luocha maintained a composed expression. "Ha ha, General jests. I genuinely do not care," he said dismissively.
"Fake dong merchant," Jing Yuan repeated.
Luocha slammed his hand on the table, bristling. "You—!"
With an amused gaze, Jing Yuan asked, "What about me?"
When it came to trading verbal blows, no matter how sharp Luocha's words might be, they never managed to breach Jing Yuan's defenses. A few casual remarks from Jing Yuan were enough to inflict another psychological blow upon him.
Deflated, Luocha sank back into his seat. "Fine, I don't mind. Say whatever you please, General."
Jing Yuan smiled as he took a sip of tea. "It was your own request; you can't blame me for lacking sincerity," he said cheerfully.
"Oh right, Minister Su will be arriving shortly. Would you like to step aside?"
Upon hearing Jing Yuan mention Su Jinyan's name, Luocha's gaze subtly shifted. "General, there is something I would ask."
"Speak," Jing Yuan replied gravely. "Although you stand accused, the Xianzhou Alliance has always been merciful. As long as your request isn't excessive, I can consider it on its merits."
Luocha pondered briefly. "As per your words, Su Jinyan will soon come to the Seat of Divine Foresight, correct?" he asked.
"I wish to engage him in combat. If I manage to subdue him within three moves, please have him apologize to me."
Jing Yuan shook his head slightly. "While I am indeed a general of Xianzhou Luofu, Minister Su also holds a high position within our ranks—as the Diviner."
"There is no hierarchical relationship between us; we are equals."
"I do not possess the authority to compel him to apologize to you."
Luocha contemplated for a moment. "Su Jinyan's methods, temperament, and determination are no less than mine."
"Mr. Luocha," Jing Yuan interjected.
"Hm?"
"While I may not know much else, there is one aspect where you undoubtedly surpass Minister Su by millions of times."
A hint of delight crossed Luocha's face. "What does the general refer to?"
Jing Yuan clapped his hands with a smile. "Your face is indeed quite thick—millions of times thicker than Minister Su's!"
Luocha blinked, momentarily taken aback.
Over recent weeks, Jing Yuan had become aware of the various actions Luocha had undertaken. To be frank, from Jing Yuan's perspective, Luocha's methods were indeed beyond those of most individuals. However, compared to Su Jinyan, he still fell significantly short.
Did Luocha dare ask the Plagues Author for a life reading? Did he possess the audacity to make the Embercalamity Ancestor experience the pain of pregnancy and childbirth?
Even within the upper echelons of the Xianzhou Alliance, some held appreciation for Su Jinyan's illustrious deeds upon hearing about them.
Luocha fell silent; on some level, Jing Yuan's words held truth. With the power of the abundance fate path at his disposal, healing complex injuries was effortless for him. Yet despite this, Luocha dared not risk scalding his genitals with boiling water. From this aspect alone, he conceded defeat in terms of determination.
At that moment, a Chi Yan messenger hurried in to announce, "General, Diviner Su has arrived, accompanied by two esteemed guests from the Astral Express."
Jing Yuan nodded. "Please bring them in."
Following the messenger's announcement, Su Jinyan entered first, followed closely by March 7th and Stelle.
Su Jinyan greeted them jovially, "Oh, how have you been, General? And here I see our fake dong merchant too?"
Luocha abruptly stood up, his fury evident on his face. "Who did you just call a fake dong merchant?!"
"Mr. Luocha, calm down," Su Jinyan apologized hastily. "I stumbled over my words just now; let me start again."
Luocha stared, speechless.
Under everyone's watchful gaze, Su Jinyan backed out, then re-entered the Seat of Divine Foresight with renewed composure.
Adopting a serious demeanor, he began anew, "Oh, how have you been, General? OOO Merchant is here too?"
Luocha internally repeated to himself, Don't get angry, don't get angry.
March 7th, perplexed, asked, "Wait, seriously—what difference does muting those three words make?!"
Stelle explained, "March, there's indeed a significant difference. Without muting them, people wouldn't pay attention to those specific words."
"But by muting them, it draws extra attention, making others ponder their meaning."
Jing Yuan shook his head, smiling despite himself. "Ah, you always manage to surprise me with your antics."
With a cold gesture, Luocha flung his gauntlet at Su Jinyan. "Duel!"
"Unstoppable!" declared Su Jinyan.
Luocha raised an eyebrow.