Chapter 15: Fu Xuan: Is This Appropriate Etiquette for Porridge?

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Fu Xuan lightly tapped his lips, deep in thought. "So you're saying Su Jinyan's intuition warned him that potential danger lurked within that cargo star ferry?"

Eager to credit Su Jinyan, Qingque responded, "Yes, Grand Diviner. Thanks to A-Yan, Miss Tingyun and I were spared from harm. You weren't there, so you didn't witness how swiftly that Abundant Evil Creature moved—it vanished in a flash. If he hadn't alerted us beforehand to be prepared, I'm certain either Miss Tingyun or myself would have met our end today."

Fu Xuan nodded gently, gaining newfound appreciation for Su Jinyan's abilities. Sometimes, intuition played a crucial role. Being able to anticipate danger could indeed turn the tide in critical moments.

Pretending confusion, Qingque asked, "Grand Diviner, do you think A-Yan might truly be a divination prodigy?"

Qingque, adept at conversational subtlety, stopped there without elaborating further. A hint was enough; she only needed Fu Xuan to grasp her implication. Continuing might risk giving unsolicited advice to their superior.

Fu Xuan's expression remained composed. "Qingque, based on your submitted reports," he began, "he mentioned serving as a priest for some time on another planet."

"Living perpetually on the brink of life and death, correct?"

Qingque blinked. "Yes, why do you ask?"

Fu Xuan replied mildly, "Those who constantly navigate between life and death often develop a heightened sense of danger compared to others."

"Therefore, it may not necessarily be innate divination talent but rather 'intuition' honed over years of experience."

"If indeed related to divination, then he must have sensed impending peril through his practice, which aligns with the path of a true diviner."

Impressed, Qingque couldn't help but show admiration, striking just the right balance. "I see, Grand Diviner truly possesses vast knowledge."

Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly. "If you immerse yourself widely in literature, you too could gain such insights, akin to this venerable one."

"However, it reflects this venerable one's oversight."

"This venerable one sent you both to retrieve the navigation compass with the intention of tempering your indolent nature."

"I did not anticipate entangling you in such peril. For that, I must express my 'apologies'."

"But since he managed to rescue you before danger struck, it is indeed commendable."

"Qingque, where is he now?"

Understanding the implication, Qingque picked up her phone. "Grand Diviner, please don't worry; I'll text him right away."

Approximately half an hour later, there was still no response from the other end.

Seeing the message marked as read, Qingque couldn't help but ponder.

Read without replying? What is A-Yan up to now?

Just then, someone in the Divination Commission exclaimed in surprise.

"Everyone, look! Who's arriving?"

Qingque swiftly lifted her small face, gazing in the direction of the exclamation.

At the bottom of the distant staircase stood a strikingly handsome man in black attire, his deep-set eyes conveying a composed demeanor.

By his side walked a foxfolk maiden.

With bright eyes, pearly teeth, a delicate nose, and softly pink lips, these exceptional features harmoniously complemented Tingyun's flawless, exquisite face, evoking an irresistible charm.

Behind them followed a group of about two dozen individuals dressed uniformly in suits, wearing sunglasses, their expressions stern—clearly well-trained professionals at first glance.

Su Jinyan straightened his attire and ascended the stairs leisurely. "Tingyun, let's go; we shouldn't keep Lady Fu Xuan waiting."

As if overwhelmed by this imposing presence, the diviners of the Divination Commission grew visibly tense, creating an atmosphere suddenly thick with unease.

Tap, tap, tap, tap.

Under the watchful gaze of everyone from the Divination Commission, Su Jinyan slowly approached Fu Xuan.

Fu Xuan remained silent, feeling more speechless than ever before in her life.

Su Jinyan removed his hat, smiling slightly. "Lady Fu Xuan, my apologies for being late."

With a glance, Fu Xuan felt utterly at a loss—more so than any other moment in her existence.

"First, turn off that music," she commanded.

Su Jinyan snapped his fingers, and two suited individuals carrying speakers nodded in understanding. As the background music ceased, the oppressive atmosphere within the Divination Commission instantly dissipated.

Qingque covered her face, unable to bear witnessing such audacity.

Arrogant, unbelievably arrogant—that was the first impression Su Jinyan left on the diviners of the Divination Commission.

What gave him the right to be so conceited? This thought quickly surfaced among them.

Fu Xuan continued, "Still, have them withdraw. This venerable one is unaware where you found these people to bolster your image. Remember, unauthorized personnel are not permitted entry into the Divination Commission. We'll overlook it this time, but there will be no leniency next occasion."

Su Jinyan readily complied, gently clapping his hands. The group of black-clad performers promptly withdrew in orderly fashion.

Tingyun lightly waved her folding fan and smiled. "Lady Fu Xuan, it's been too long," she cooed. "I've missed you dearly."

Fu Xuan tilted her small face upward, displeased. "What foolishness is this?" she retorted. "We parted only a few months ago—how can you say 'it's been too long'?"

For the inhabitants of Xianzhou, with their immensely long lifespans, even several years wouldn't feel particularly extended—not to mention mere months.

Tingyun chuckled softly. "Aiya, my mistake indeed." She explained, "As I frequently interact with outsiders and traders from other planets, my perception of time has inadvertently aligned more with theirs."

Fu Xuan nodded slightly, accepting Tingyun's explanation.

Then, turning towards Su Jinyan, Fu Xuan spoke crisply, "This venerable one has heard Qingque's account of your ordeal today."

"Originally, our intention was merely to temper your indolent nature."

"However, due to this venerable one's busy official duties, there was no time to perform a divination for you. This oversight led to your entanglement in danger, which constitutes a failure on my part."

Although Fu Xuan acknowledged her lapse, admitting fault before newcomers was already the extent of her concession. Apologizing outright would have been beyond her pride.

"Lady Fu Xuan," Su Jinyan said gently, "this is not your fault; human energy has its limits. As both the Grand Diviner and the chief diviner of the Divination Commission, you must be overwhelmed with daily tasks, undoubtedly leading to exhaustion. How could we expect you to remain flawless under such circumstances?"

Fu Xuan pursed her lips, a hint of smile flickering in her eyes.

"Very well, your performance this time was commendable."

"Being able to promptly detect danger and single-handedly slaying the Abundant Evil Creature deserves recognition."

A trace of confusion crossed Su Jinyan's gaze. That can't be right.

I single-handedly slew the Abundant Evil Creature? Didn't Qingque and I defeat it together?

Qingque, hidden behind Fu Xuan, subtly raised a finger to her lips, gesturing for silence.

Tingyun's gaze shifted subtly, a mysterious smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Su Jinyan couldn't help but secretly chuckle.

Why is this little sparrow attributing all the credit to me?

He realized she must fear being assigned more work if her abilities were exposed—oh, how typical...

"And what reward would you desire, Su Jinyan?" Fu Xuan asked.

"As long as it's reasonable and within this venerable one's capabilities, any reward commensurate with your achievement will be granted."

Su Jinyan's eyes lit up. "Anything at all? Then I want—"

Unsettled, Fu Xuan interrupted, "Think carefully before you speak."

Heeding this warning, Su Jinyan couldn't help but lower his head, pondering deeply.

What do I truly desire?

Gradually, Su Jinyan's gaze became fixed on Fu Xuan's delicate, snow-white feet, unable to look away. Simultaneously, the wavering conviction within him grew increasingly steadfast.

Su Jinyan's expression turned solemn.

"Grand Diviner, I've decided. My request is simple; it's something you can undoubtedly fulfill."

"Oh?" Curiosity flickered in Fu Xuan's eyes.