Chapter 14: Fu Xuan: Who taught you to speak with such dramatic pauses?

Hey guys, I uploaded the first chapter of the novel I mentioned in the mission a few chapters ago. Just a small teaser of what's to come.

Check out the novel: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

We're looking at around 45 chapters that I'm gonna upload on the 1st (so far).

Make that number even higher by becoming a Free Member!

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

However, Su Jinyan was well-prepared; he wouldn't let the Quimuwolf succeed so easily.

A sharp silver flash flickered momentarily.

With a mournful howl, the Quimuwolf retreated hastily, its claws leaving deep gouges on the ground.

Upon closer inspection, it became clear that a massive silver crucifix had thwarted the Quimuwolf's attack, inflicting a deep wound across its abdomen.

If tormenting me in the Simulated Universe wasn't enough, now you dare try it in reality?

Su Jinyan's expression remained composed as he condensed Shadow Energy in his palm, transforming it into a long whip that viciously lashed towards the Quimuwolf.

Panic flashed in the Quimuwolf's eyes, but there was no time to evade. Already wounded, its body suffered another fresh gash.

Typically, wounds on Abundant Evil Creatures heal rapidly, making them difficult to kill with conventional methods.

However, after being struck by [Pain: Dark Incantation], the shadow energy continuously corroded its body, preventing any healing of its injuries.

"It's over."

Su Jinyan raised his hand, gathering Shadow Energy within his palm.

In an instant, the burst of dark energy surged into the Quimuwolf, causing its entire body to explode violently.

A wave of intense heat radiated outward as shadow flames spread, instantly tearing the Quimuwolf apart into fragments.

[Pain: Dark Incantation (LV1) skill proficiency increased by 10; current proficiency: 10/100.]

[Dark Energy Infusion (LV5) skill proficiency increased by 10; current proficiency: 1110/1320.]

Qingque was astounded. "A-Yan, didn't you say you were a cleric?"

Su Jinyan's expression turned devout. "Under the holy light, shadows must exist. Praise Aha." Then, turning to Qingque, he added, "Little Sparrow, isn't it quite normal for a cleric to know some healing spells?"

Despite considering himself a healer dedicated to saving lives, thus far, he hadn't used either Healing Touch or Rapid Heal even once.

In contrast, he had employed Dark Energy Infusion 1,110 times and Mental Lash 122 times, all while "treating" his patients.

Qingque stared incredulously. You call that healing? Isn't this blatant nonsense?!

Just then, another figure emerged amidst the explosion's aftermath, bursting from the raging inferno.

The ferocious Quimuwolf howled as it lunged towards Su Jinyan, aiming to snap his throat.

Su Jinyan remained composed, preparing to act, when suddenly an Imperial Jade tile whistled past his cheek.

The Imperial Jade tile glinted with a faint glow and struck the Quimuwolf squarely on its head.

Quimuwolf: ?

Splat!

Blood splattered everywhere.

The Quimuwolf's head exploded like an overripe watermelon.

"Heh heh, better late than never." Qingque's smile beamed brightly as she flashed a victory sign with her fingers.

Su Jinyan looked at her, surprised. "A fatal blow in one hit—underestimating you was indeed my mistake."

Seeming to realize something, Qingque hastily suppressed her grin and stuck out her tongue. "No, no, it was just sheer luck!"

"Actually, I should be saying that myself—I underestimated you too." Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, still showing signs of lingering fear. "Many thanks for your assistance once again, Benefactor, and gratitude also extends to Miss Qingque's aid."

"If not for both of you, this humble maiden would likely have become the meal of that vile creature by now."

Su Jinyan asked solemnly, "Miss Tingyun, if I'm not mistaken, this should be one of the Ming Huo Trading Company's cargo star ferries, correct?"

Tingyun responded truthfully, "Yes, that's right."

Su Jinyan puzzled over this. "Then how could an Abundant Evil Creature infiltrate their cargo?"

Tingyun gently shook her head. "Apologies, benefactor. This matter...I am not fully informed..."

Frowning, Su Jinyan said, "I believe this incident is far from ordinary. We must report it to Lady Yukong immediately and conduct a thorough investigation."

"Why would an Abundant Evil Creature be mixed within Ming Huo Trading Group's cargo star ferry?"

Qingque nodded emphatically. "Exactly, I agree with you."

"Miss Tingyun, once we've handled this situation, let's unwind at the gaming hall, shall we? Just for some stress relief?"

"Aiyo, A-Yan, what was that for?" Before Qingque could finish, she received a light flick on the head, leaving her teary-eyed as she clutched her small skull.

Su Jinyan's expression remained serious. "Little Sparrow, now is not the time for jokes. Tingyun, please accompany us back to the Divination Commission first so Lady Fu Xuan can examine the situation thoroughly."

Qingque hastily agreed, nodding vigorously. "That's right, Miss Tingyun, you can always trust the Grand Diviner. Despite her diminutive stature, her abilities are truly unparalleled."

"Although our esteemed Grand Diviner may be short in stature, her abilities reach the heavens."

"For her, resolving such minor issues is truly effortless."

Upon hearing this, Su Jinyan couldn't help but give Qingque an extra glance.

Seeming to sense his attention, Qingque's eyes met Su Jinyan's gaze just as he looked over.

Su Jinyan flashed a mischievous smile and leaned close to Qingque's ear, whispering softly towards her snow-white lobe, "Little Qingque."

Qingque shrank slightly, feeling a tickle in her ear.

"Little Qingque, you dare mock Lady Fu Xuan's height?"

"If she finds out, you'll have more than you can handle."

Qingque narrowed her lovely eyes and leaned in close to Su Jinyan's ear, murmuring quietly:

"Hmph, haven't you mocked it too, A-Yan? Neither of us should laugh at the other."

With that, they exchanged knowing smiles, pretending nothing had happened.

At that moment, the alliance dedicated to protecting their beloved Master Fu Taibǔ was officially formed.

Tingyun watched silently, wondering if these two were unaware of foxfolk's keen hearing?

On their way to the Divination Commission, Qingque suddenly halted, her small face solemn.

"A-Yan, A-Yan, I think we've overlooked something very important," she said.

"Hmm, what is it?" Su Jinyan looked at her, puzzled.

"We haven't done anything about the task the Grand Diviner entrusted us with." Qingque spread her tiny hands, seeming helpless.

"Cough, that seems true..."

"But don't worry, considering your wit, you should be able to handle it..." Su Jinyan reassured her.

Qingque lightly tapped her head and stuck out her tongue. "Eh heh, I totally forgot~"

"Do you really think Lady Fu Xuan will let you charm your way out of this?" asked Su Jinyan.

Qingque's expression turned serious. "Apologies, Grand Diviner. The truth is, I have a terminal illness where any overtime work would kill me. So perhaps you should assign the tasks to A-Yan instead."

Su Jinyan chuckled darkly. "Heh heh, this venerable one doesn't waste resources on fatally ill burdens. You may leave now."

"Hmph, don't regret it later!" Qingque retorted.

"In the end, you still haven't solved the problem," Su Jinyan pointed out.

Unconvinced, Qingque asked, "Then what's your brilliant plan?"

Su Jinyan turned with arrogance and whispered conspiratorially, "Hmph, we just need to do this and that, like so..."

"This way, Lady Fu Xuan won't blame us at all. Do you understand?"

"...Could you please explain it again using our Xianzhou language?" Qingque requested hesitantly.

Su Jinyan calmly responded, "All you need to do is make the situation sound as dire as possible."

"When necessary, I'll step in to divert Lady Fu Xuan's attention."

Qingque blinked her lovely eyes, "As dire as possible?"

Su Jinyan nodded slowly, smiling, "Precisely."

With a mournful expression, tears streamed down Qingque's face like wide noodles. "Wahh, Miss Tingyun, your death was so tragic..."

Su Jinyan's countenance jolted. "Are you performing a funeral lament here?"

Unable to resist, Tingyun raised her folding fan and gently tapped Qingque's small head.

"I'm perfectly alive; why curse me like that?"

Rubbing her head sheepishly, Qingque replied, "I thought making it seem more serious would help."

At the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan stood before the jade divination tablet of Great Evolution and Myriad Manifestations, seemingly deep in thought.

That morning, Fu Xuan's curiosity had been piqued by Su Jinyan, leading her to cast a fortune for this new diviner. The resulting divination symbol was Qian, indicating an exceptionally auspicious outcome. Its interpretation read: "The trapped dragon finds its waters, joy unbidden graces his brow; all aspirations shall be fulfilled, as future luck steadily grows."

In essence, this newcomer possessed untapped talents with no outlet until recently, when he received assistance from a benefactor. Now, all his aspirations would prosper, turning misfortunes into blessings and revealing clarity amidst clouds of uncertainty.

To put it simply, such talent deserved cultivation. For someone capable, granting them a bit more patience wouldn't hurt. However, this fellow's impulsive nature—especially harboring inappropriate thoughts towards this venerable one—was truly unacceptable.

A benefactor... Could this venerable one be his benefactor?

Suddenly, shouts from afar interrupted Fu Xuan's musings.

"Grand Diviner, Grand Diviner—"

Qingque rushed up the steps, breathless. "Something happened, something big!"

Witnessing Qingque's frantic demeanor, many diviners in the Divination Commission were initially startled, then furrowed their brows.

"Hmm, that face looks awfully familiar—who is it again?"

Fu Xuan frowned, saying, "Qingque, remain composed."

The diviners whispered amongst themselves, unable to hide their shock.

It was Qingque—actually, it was the Qingque! The rumored strongest nepotism beneficiary within the Divination Commission.

This was Qingque, who slacked off daily, causing the Grand Diviner to demote her again and again until there were no ranks left for further punishment, yet still refusing to dismiss her.

Good heavens, Qingque had actually shown up for work!

Fu Xuan calmly asked, "What has you so agitated? Have you completed the tasks this venerable one assigned?"

"Where's Su Jinyan? Why didn't he come with you?"

Qingque, eyes red, began to choke back sobs. "Grand Diviner, Miss Tingyun, Miss Tingyun she, she—"

The diviners observing from afar felt their hearts jolt at these words. It seemed Qingque mentioned Miss Tingyun; given her tone, could something unfortunate have befallen her?

"Calm down, Qingque," Fu Xuan reassured her. "Take a moment to compose yourself. What happened to Miss Tingyun?"

Qingque wiped away tears from the corners of her eyes. "Nothing, I just got some sand in my eyes."

"Heh heh, Miss Tingyun is perfectly fine, not a scratch on her," she added hastily.

Fu Xuan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

"But—" Qingque abruptly changed the subject.

"What do you mean 'but'?" Fu Xuan pressed, frowning.

In a soft voice, Qingque replied, "But...to protect Miss Tingyun, A-Yan faced an attack by an Abundant Evil Creature."

Fu Xuan's expression shifted sharply. "What?! An attack by an Abundant Evil Creature? Where is he now? How severe are his injuries?"

Qingque scratched her cheek. "Uh, A-Yan is perfectly fine, not a scratch on him."

Fu Xuan glared at Qingque. "Qingque, who taught you to speak like this? Stop fooling this venerable one and provide a detailed account of your encounter."

Under Fu Xuan's stern pressure, Qingque obediently recounted the incident with meticulous precision.