Chapter 17: Don't Fear, Tingyun, I'm Here

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Tingyun laughed uncontrollably, her body shaking with mirth, gasping for breath between giggles. She gently pushed Su Jinyan away.

"Benefactor, why are you taking off your jacket?"

"Pfft~ Now I understand~"

"I never expected such vivid imagination from you, Benefactor. It truly impresses me~"

Silently, Su Jinyan put his jacket back on, snapped his fingers, and activated Mind Control.

"Tingyun, forget everything you just saw, and follow my instructions from now on."

Tingyun's eyes momentarily glazed over before she responded obediently, "Yes... Lord Benefactor..."

After two minutes, Tingyun's gaze gradually cleared, and her consciousness returned to full awareness.

Su Jinyan gently tugged on Tingyun's fluffy tail. "Weren't we discussing serious matters?"

"How did you suddenly push me onto the bed, kissing and embracing me?" Tingyun questioned, perplexed.

With disappointment akin to frustration, Su Jinyan retorted, "I never expected such behavior from a fox like you. My centuries of chastity have been ruined by your hands."

Tingyun's expression turned resentful, silently conveying, Clearly, you only asked me to strike a pose; you didn't touch me at all.

Notably, throughout their encounter, the Benefactor had merely stroked her tail and ears—not even once kissing her.

However, the more gentlemanly and upright he behaved, the more Tingyun found herself drawn to him.

Sigh, should I remind the Benefactor or not? Before ending hypnosis, one must ensure the subject forgets any memories formed during the trance.

Su Jinyan coldly turned away. "What's wrong? Still haven't apologized to me?"

Blushing with embarrassment, Tingyun hastily said, "Apologies, Benefactor. I'm unsure what came over me; perhaps I couldn't resist just then..."

"If truly necessary, this humble one will take responsibility for Benefactor."

Gently shaking his head, Su Jinyan sat up. "Alright, enough small talk. Let me ask you two questions:

"First, have you discovered the reason behind the Abundant Evil Creature appearing in the cargo star ferry?"

"Secondly, after I lost consciousness, did Lady Fu Xuan perform a divination for you? What were the divination symbols?"

Tingyun gently bit her lip. "We found out—the Abundant Evil Creature was placed there by a core member of our Ming Huo Trading Company."

"However, when Lady Yukong prepared to apprehend and interrogate him, he committed suicide fearing retribution."

"After investigating his belongings, the Ten-Lords Commission discovered that he had been turned by agents from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."

"The reason for smuggling the Abundant Evil Creature aboard the cargo star ferry was on orders from high-ranking members of the Disciples' organization."

"But as for their subsequent plans, we remain unaware."

According to the Star Ferry Port Entry-Exit Reporting Regulations, any activities involving cargo loading or unloading, transfers, personnel movement, or supply replenishment required reporting to the Sky-Faring Commission. An entry-exit report must be submitted accordingly.

This was especially true for incoming goods, which necessitated strict oversight by the Sky-Faring Commission. No cargo posing potential harm to Luofu's security could be allowed to enter its ports.

Unfortunately, this time, a core member of the Ming Huo Trading Company within the Sky-Faring Commission itself had defected. Consequently, the supposed "strict oversight" became a laughing matter.

Although no casualties occurred during the incident, with the traitorous company member being influenced by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, regulations clearly stated that the Sky-Faring Commission bore an undeniable responsibility. Had Lady Yukong diligently fulfilled her duties, it would have inevitably led to a major purge within the commission.

Su Jinyan gazed deeply into Tingyun's beautiful eyes and asked solemnly,

"Tingyun, have you recently offended any members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"

Tingyun's expression turned slightly melancholic as she sighed.

"Benefactor, I truly am unaware of any such offense," she replied. "As you know, in business dealings, harmony is always my utmost priority; I never bear grudges against anyone."

"When encountering those who are narrow-minded or difficult to deal with, I gently fan them with my handkerchief to help ease their temper."

"Moreover, our Ming Huo Trading Company isn't one to be trifled with. We handle troubles efficiently, leaving no traces behind."

"But if you ask where I might have inadvertently offended the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, I genuinely cannot say."

Su Jinyan pondered for a moment before asking, "Is that so? Then what did Lady Fu Xuan's divination reveal for you?"

Tingyun smiled softly, "The symbol 'Kan' represents Water, signifying peril at every turn, danger within danger, and an exceedingly challenging situation. It suggests that time may be running out for me."

Despite such dire news, she still managed to smile?

Upon hearing this, Su Jinyan silently pulled out his phone and began scrolling through his contacts list.

Tingyun blinked her beautiful eyes, feeling somewhat curious. "What are you doing, Benefactor?"

"Life and death have their destined courses; there's no need to grieve for me," Tingyun said with a somber expression.

Su Jinyan, his face impassive, offered comfort gently, "Don't be afraid, Tingyun. As long as I'm here, I won't let you die without purpose!"

Tingyun pursed her lips, her beautiful eyes brimming with emotion, her heart stirred by these words. Indeed, during her most helpless moments, only he could provide such solace.

At that instant, Su Jinyan dialed a number on his phone:

"Hello, is this Interastral Peace Corporation? Yes, it's me."

"I'd like to purchase your highest coverage accidental life insurance policy for my friend Tingyun..."

"Yes, Tingyun from Xianzhou Luofu."

"What, Yukong has already insured her? Who's the beneficiary?"

Tingyun blinked, perplexed.

Wasting no time in mourning Tingyun's fate, the insurance agent from Interastral Peace Corporation rushed immediately towards Luofu.

Su Jinyan's gaze softened as he tenderly stroked Tingyun's fox ears:

"Tingyun, trust me, while I'm here, I absolutely won't allow your death to be meaningless."

"After you pass away, I'll ensure you receive the grandest funeral possible."

"Every year on your anniversary, I'll offer you the finest tributes and burn the highest quality incense. We'll outdo those pitied, lonely souls by far."

"How about that? Does my consolation make you feel better now?"

The smile at Tingyun's lips froze, her expression turning slightly frantic as she grabbed Su Jinyan's shoulders and shook him vigorously.

"Hurry up and return this maiden's heartfelt gratitude already (｀Д?)!"

Su Jinyan's eyes rolled back, feigning distress. His body rocked with Tingyun's movements, yet inwardly, he was secretly thrilled.

There was no denying it—Tingyun had an abundance of allure. With such close physical contact, who could resist?

Suddenly, Tingyun stopped shaking. Her vibrant, flower-juice-stained lips approached Su Jinyan's ear, gently biting his earlobe.

Su Jinyan shuddered. "What are you doing?"

A twinkle of amusement danced in Tingyun's eyes, her expression suggestive as she whispered into his ear:

"Oh, Benefactor Little Brother, this maiden has a secret to share... You see, I hold something crucial against you, ~"

"If Benefactor doesn't play along, this maiden might just spill your secrets."

Su Jinyan blinked, puzzled.

As widely known, Xianzhou's society, reliant on starships for its functioning, was structured around six departments responsible for distinct domains of governance.

These six commissions were: the Cloud Knights, the Divination Commission, the Sky-Faring Commission, the Alchemy Commission, the Artisanship Commission, and the Realm-Keeping Commission.

The Cloud Knights were crucial to Xianzhou, tasked not only with maintaining internal order but also with exterminating Abundant Evil Creatures externally—the most perilous duty within Luofu.

Meanwhile, the Artisanship Commission oversaw industrial production. Its artisans possessed exceptional skills, rivaling nature's craftsmanship itself. They could forge both swords and develop star ferries, while various functional items like jade divination tablets, mechanical puppets, and other intricate devices were all produced by the craftsmen of the Artisanship Commission.

"Benefactor, where are you taking this humble maiden?"

"Eh? Isn't this the Artisanship Commission's Smelting Forge? Why have you brought this humble maiden here?"

Su Jinyan had no desire to speak. Today marked his greatest social catastrophe yet, as Tingyun now held onto his most significant secret tightly.

It was truly mortifying—thankfully, she was the first test subject rather than someone else. Even worse, Tingyun doubted his capabilities outright.

What wrong did pure-hearted romantics commit? They merely wish to earnestly engage in hundreds of love affairs.

This mind control... It truly only allowed for brief domination; it couldn't modify memories like hypnosis could...

Tingyun glanced around, her gaze fixed on a young brave guard haggling with a craftsman in the distance, curiosity unmistakable in her eyes.

"Hee hee, what's that child doing here too?"

"Benefactor, shall we join the commotion?"

"If you don't speak up, dear Benefactor, this humble maiden might just reveal your secret."

Feeling somewhat weary, Su Jinyan asked half-heartedly, "Hmm, do you know him well?"

Tingyun chuckled, covering her mouth. "So, Benefactor, you didn't realize? His name is Yanqing—he's the youngest brave guard in Cloud Knights' history and General Jing Yuan's personal attendant. A prodigy of Luofu, known as the collector of treasured swords from the Artisanship Commission..."

"With such widespread fame surrounding him, how could the esteemed Benefactor be unaware?"

Su Jinyan sighed, "I rarely pay attention to these matters."

"But since you recognize him, let's go greet him."

Did you know? Standing before you is Yanqing, the youngest brave guard in Cloud Knights' history, personal attendant to General Jing Yuan, renowned collector of the Artisanship Commission's prized swords, and a genius youth acclaimed for his 'sword embryo martial bone.'

[The Divine Foresight, General Jing Yuan, has invested immense effort in cultivating Yanqing. However, excessive rigidity invites breakage, and extreme sharpness leads to damage.]

[A formidable sword not only requires a keen edge but also a sheath to restrain it. In Jing Yuan's view, Yanqing's growth has been rapid, far exceeding expectations.]

[As Yanqing's skills steadily advanced, making him one of the most unmatched warriors on Luofu Xianzhou, Jing Yuan began contemplating how to temper Yanqing's brilliance—challenging him with setbacks without causing irreparable harm.]

[If you can provide Yanqing with the taste of defeat, perhaps you will earn The Divine Foresight's gratitude.]

At this moment, the prodigious young talent known as Yanqing found himself in a dilemma.

As a spirited Cloud Knight Lieutenant aboard Luofu, Yanqing had no other passion than his devotion to swords, living for them and consumed by their allure.

His love for swords was akin to a child's relentless obsession with buying new toys. He spared no expense, using all his allowance to acquire most of the treasured blades produced by the Artisanship Commission.

Indeed, just this month, the commission released several exceptional new swords. Yanqing immediately set his sights on two of them—the highest quality and unsurprisingly, the most expensive ones.

"Master Pubu, can't you please make an exception and offer them at a lower price?" Yanqing pleaded.

Master Pubu snorted dismissively. "Hmph, I've already told you, no."

"Yanqing here is one of our Artisanship Commission's longstanding customers," he continued. "For any other swords, not only could we sell them to him at a discount, but even buy-one-get-one-free would be possible. However, these two swords are exceptional. Look at this Flying Rainbow's Radiance—it's forged from the rare coral gold found within Scaledeep Mirror, tempered by mystical springs, enabling it to maintain its prowess under various extreme conditions."

"Now see this one—the esteemed Bai Zhi personally crafted this Shadowtrain Sword using extraterrestrial golden crystals, imbuing it with an awe-inspiring aura." Master Pubu added, "Moreover, it integrates the latest aerial loom mechanism, controlled via divine sense for seamless airborne maneuvers—swish, swish, swish. Such high-quality swords deserve reverence; haggling over their price is practically sacrilege!"

Yanqing frowned deeply, acknowledging Master Pubu's point. Bargaining indeed felt like blasphemy against these remarkable blades. Yet, he cherished both immensely and couldn't bear to part with either. But purchasing them all would leave him destitute once again this month.

"How much do these two swords cost, Master Pubu?" Su Jinyan stepped forward, intrigued, and asked.