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"Cough, cough... Miss Huan Xi, please calm down."
Only then did Huan Xi realize her loss of composure and hastily rise to her feet.
"My apologies, I let my emotions get the best of me," she said. "Sir Dan Heng, you mustn't address me as 'Miss.' I am merely a humble servant at Lady Bailu's side."
Dan Heng pondered thoughtfully. "The Vidyadhara Clan is indispensable within the Xianzhou Alliance."
"In my view, there should be none daring enough to desecrate a holy site like Scalegorge Waterscape." He continued, "Given that divine corruption has descended upon Scalegorge, might it signify an ominous portent?"
Huan Xi considered his words. "An ominous portent...?"
"My apologies, but I am not privy to that information either."
"Sir Dan Heng, there is actually a favor I must ask of you," she continued hesitantly.
Dan Heng nodded. "Speak freely."
Huan Xi's expression turned serious. "I hope you will refrain from meeting Miss Bailu."
Understanding dawned on Dan Heng's face. "May I inquire why?"
"In confidence, perhaps you should know," Huan Xi whispered. "Miss Bailu's ascension to High Elder was neither in accordance with tradition nor her own desire. It resulted solely from the stubborn actions of the previous Dragonlord, Dan Feng. His arrogance and autocracy led to the interruption of Luofu's lineage of Dragonlords.
"The dragon masters, upon hearing news of your return, are uncertain whether it portends fortune or misfortune. However, many speculate that the lost lineage of Luofu's Dragonlords might be restored and unified once more—a cause for celebration indeed.
"Whether through selecting a new leader based on merit according to clan rules, or...or by reinstating you as the High Elder, both options remain possible."
Dan Heng's interest stirred. "Are you suggesting I could reclaim the position of High Elder?"
Huan Xi glanced at him, slightly surprised yet inwardly pleased. "Indeed."
"By Xianzhou's standards, children like Bailu should enjoy a joyful and carefree childhood. Yet as the High Elder bearing only an empty title, Miss Bailu endures strict constraints, leaving her devoid of any freedom." Huan Xi expressed deep sympathy. "If you truly wish to reassume the role of High Elder, nothing would please me more."
"Yet I've heard that not long ago, Miss Bailu displayed numerous miracles at Scalegorge Waterscape," Dan Heng continued. "Restoring sight to the blind and enabling the lame to run with swiftness..."
"I didn't expect you to be so well-informed, knowing even about this event," Huan Xi remarked. "Indeed, Miss Bailu did reveal remarkable wonders, causing her reputation among the Vidyadhara to soar like water rising against a ship."
"However, being young and inexperienced, she is easily manipulated by others," Huan Xi added gravely. "I fear that if influenced by malicious intent, calamities akin to the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion could occur once more."
Dan Heng seemed puzzled. "Are you suggesting that I am actually more suitable than Bailu for the role of Dragonlord?"
Huan Xi understood his implication and responded joyfully, "Precisely. If you were willing to reclaim the Dragonlord's position, we would gladly assist you..."
Dan Heng frowned. "Currently, Bailu enjoys immense admiration from the Vidyadhara people." He asked, "How can I regain the Dragonlord's position, and what assistance do you propose to offer?"
"The opinions of the clan members are inconsequential," Huan Xi stated bluntly. "No one is perfect; all we need is unwavering support for Lady Bailu, elevating her to the highest pedestal."
"Then, patiently wait for her inevitable mistakes," she continued. "Once those occur, Lady Bailu will swiftly transition from being universally revered to widely condemned."
Dan Heng felt uneasy. "Aren't you troubled by your conscience with such actions?"
Huan Xi was taken aback. "Conscience? Since when did you entertain such luxurious thoughts?" she asked. "Shouldn't you prioritize your own interests first?"
Dan Heng replied indifferently, "You're right..."
He had already recorded this servant girl's words, intending to later present them as evidence to Su-xiong.
Soon after, he would also meet Dragonmaster Taoran, hoping to glean further insights from him.
Before long,
"It's time to depart, Lord Dan Heng," Huan Xi said respectfully.
After a moment of silence, Dan Heng questioned her, "Are you certain...? Who will navigate the boat? You?"
Huan Xi gazed at the Ancient Moonwave Sea now turned into a sea of excrement and instinctively covered her nose, overwhelmed by sorrow.
"Ew..."
"Hey, Huan Xi, aren't you getting hungry just looking at this dung-filled sea?" Bailu's crisp voice rang out nearby. "Watching a sea of feces make you hungry—only you could manage that."
Huan Xi remained speechless, her expression shifting rapidly. "Miss, please don't jest; this is our Vidyadhara clan's sacred water—the Ancient Moonwave Sea. Wh-when did you arrive?"
Bailu proudly lifted her small chin. "Having seen the High Elder, why haven't you bowed?"
Huan Xi looked at Bailu, astonished. "Miss, you..."
Huan Xi felt utterly estranged from the current Bailu. As her attendant and close companion for twelve years, she had never seen Bailu speak with such tone and demeanor. It was as if the real Miss Bailu had been replaced.
Yet the awe-inspiring majesty emanating from Bailu's petite figure compelled Huan Xi to instinctively yearn for reverence.
Dragonmaster Taoran was right; Bailu had far surpassed the control of the Dragon Master Parliament. They could no longer allow her to continue unchecked.
Bailu gazed at Huan Xi affectionately. "The Dragon Sovereign Bailu deeply cherishes the Vidyadhara people."
"Huan Xi, if you trust me, I can absolve you of your sins."
Smiling, Huan Xi bowed respectfully. "Dragon Sovereign Bailu, naturally, I have faith in you."
Su Jinyan nodded, considering the scarcity of Vidyadhara individuals. If you truly trusted me, not only would your sins be forgiven, but I'd even send you to reincarnation.
But since you don't genuinely believe, merely feigning allegiance while harboring thoughts of my demise, then forgive my ass. Tomorrow, I'll send you straight to the dragon-blade guillotine.
Within the Scalegorge Waterscape:
"Scalegorge Waterscape, your sins are forgiven." With a gaze full of compassion, Bailu hovered effortlessly, holding a willow branch as she sprinkled nectar-like droplets.
The once filthy and squalid Scalegorge Waterscape transformed, becoming pristine and renewed.
The Vidyadhara people eagerly emerged from their homes, cheering jubilantly and offering reverent worship to Bailu.
Witnessing Bailu's divine miracles firsthand left Huan Xi utterly astonished. Doubts began to stir within her mind: Was Dragonmaster Taoran's decision truly the right one? Could our actions lead us inevitably to self-destruction?
"Return now, for those who believe in me shall be blessed with the High Elder's favor," Bailu proclaimed kindly, her voice resonating throughout Scalegorge Waterscape. "As long as the Dragon Sovereign Bailu lives, they shall enjoy lifelong peace and happiness, free from illness and misfortune. Whoever believes in her shall not perish but gain eternal life."
Moved by the High Elder's guidance, the Vidyadhara people gradually returned to their homes, filled with excitement.
"Very well. I must depart now; there is no need for concern." Bailu's delicate figure gradually faded before Dan Heng and Huan Xi's eyes.
If any dragon master lacks genuine faith in me, their mansion will surely suffer a torrential rain of filth.
In that very moment...
The steady downpour of thesis rain fell upon each dragon master's mansion.
With great effort, Dragon Master Suguang used cloud-manipulating techniques to control the water flow, cleaning both his residence and himself. But in an instant, another deluge of thesis rain drenched him anew.
"Aaaaaaaaah!"
Dragon Master Suguang burst from his mansion, disheveled and frantic, eyes wide with distress.
This commotion immediately alarmed the two Vidyadhara guards stationed outside.
As soon as they saw Dragon Master Suguang sprinting out, without hesitation, one guard struck the gong.
"Clang, clang, clang, clang!"
Terrified, the guard shouted, "Brothers, quick assistance! The Dragonmaster's mansion is under attack by thesis demons!"
Suppressing his revulsion, Dragon Master Suguang tried to clarify, "I am—"
He intended to reveal his identity, but as the words reached his lips, he hesitated.
Without identifying himself, other Vidyadhara would undoubtedly mistake him for a thesis demon. Yet if he disclosed who he was, Dragon Master Suguang's authority within the Vidyadhara clan would be utterly lost.
"And who might you be? Perish, thesis demon!" Utilizing cloud-manipulation magic, the Vidyadhara guard channeled water from the Ancient Moonwave Sea into a high-pressure jet, directing it straight at Dragon Master Suguang.
Dragon Master Suguang's pupils contracted sharply as he fled in disarray.
To preserve his reputation as Suguang, it seemed tonight he was destined to sleep rough in the wilderness.
Similar scenes unfolded at multiple dragon master residences across the city.
Dan Heng and Huan Xi arrived before Dragonmaster Taoran's mansion, both falling silent upon sight of it.
"It seems the dragon master is facing some trouble," Dan Heng observed. "Perhaps we should return another day?"
Huan Xi, her face pale, diligently employed Cloud Chanting Techniques to wash away the filth from the mansion walls. "No, Sir Dan Heng," she replied. "Sir Taoran urgently wishes to see you... Please wait here."
Dan Heng glanced disdainfully at the state of the Dragon Master Manor. "I have an obsessive need for cleanliness..."
Late that night, the dragon masters convened an emergency meeting.
"I assume everyone has been drenched by this torrential downpour of responses tonight?"
"Absolutely outrageous!"
"I know it must be her work; no one else could be responsible..."
"We can't let her continue unchecked—do we want a repeat of the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion?"
The furious dragon masters debated how best to discipline the Dragon Lady, unanimously agreeing that Bailu was most likely behind the incident.
Bailu had previously displayed numerous divine feats, indicating her capability for such acts. Moreover, considering these incidents targeted their mansions specifically, it seemed plausible that Bailu was expressing her discontent.
Xuepu Dragonmaster furrowed his brow. "But...my mansion remains untouched, unlike what you've described."
The clamorous Dragon Master Parliament fell silent.
Another dragon master spoke up, "My mansion is also undisturbed; nothing like this has occurred there."
Soon, another concurred, "The Dragon Lady embodies compassion and vitality; having her among us Vidyadhara is truly our fortune."
"She merely enjoys playfulness by nature," added yet another. "It's impossible for her to commit such acts against you. You're likely overthinking."
The dragon masters exchanged glances and, after questioning each other, discovered that among the twelve present, only four had experienced the terrifying rainstorm assault on their residences.
Meanwhile, the remaining mansions remained unscathed.
This revelation was intriguing. Among those unaffected were several dragon masters from the Abolitionist faction, who had previously advocated vehemently for the removal of the High Elder position, favoring the Dragon Master Parliament's authority instead.
However, upon witnessing Bailu's miraculous deeds firsthand, these dragon masters gradually realized that Bailu might indeed bring renewal and change to the Vidyadhara people. Though they may not have openly declared it, deep down, they had come to accept Bailu as the rightful High Elder of the Vidyadhara.
Dragon Master Suguang's face darkened. "Let us adjourn."
Heavy-hearted, Dragonmaster Taoran also returned to his mansion, intending to meet with Dan Heng. He felt haunted by an indelible stain, no matter how thoroughly he tried to cleanse himself.
Late at night, just past midnight.
Concealing her figure with Yun Yin magic, Yun You stealthily infiltrated the basement of the Divination Commission. Following the instructions provided by Chief Attendant Su Ziya, she successfully bypassed the jade divination tablet's security measures.
With a rumble, the heavy white marble door swung open, revealing Phantylia—the legendary figure—in all her enigmatic beauty.
Phantylia exuded allure, her skin as fair as snow, lips softly pink, and nose delicately defined. She wore a flowing, pale black gauze dress that accentuated her ample curves, barely contained beneath the sheer fabric.
To Yun You's shock, despite being such a highly dangerous adversary, Phantylia was not bound by any restraining shackles or chains. Did Diviner Su truly not fear her escape?
The corners of Phantylia's lips curved slightly. "How peculiar. Is it true that Su Jinyan isn't coming himself? Are you his newly acquired slave?"
Yun You's mouth fell open slightly. "What did you say?!"
Phantylia's beautiful eyes lowered. "If not a slave, then perhaps sustenance gifted to me?"
Overwhelmed with nervousness, Yun You stammered, "No, no, Lady Phantylia, I'm here to rescue you."
A teasing smile played at Phantylia's lips. "Rescue me?"
Yun You took a deep breath and flawlessly recited the script Diviner Su Ziya had taught her to Phantylia.
Unconsciously stroking her smooth, slender legs, Phantylia murmured, "Su Ziya, Su Ziya..."
"Hmph, so he thinks I wouldn't dare resist?" The mere thought of that man's cold gaze made Phantylia instinctively lick her red, plump tongue, her heart igniting with passion.
"Get out! I'm perfectly content here. Why would I leave? If you want me gone, let Su Ziya come personally to plead."
Yun You was astounded; the esteemed gentleman had accurately anticipated Phantylia's reaction.
"Sir Su Ziya said..."
"You should be clearer than anyone why you remain here. Refusal will invite an audience with the Good Fortune Furnace."
After a moment of silence, Phantylia slowly rose to her feet. "Lead the way."
At 1 A.M., a charming and playful young girl wearing a fox mask skipped down to the basement.
With a twinkle in her cunning eyes, she transformed into Su Jinyan's appearance.
"Hee hee, let me have some fun pretending to be Su Jinyan."
"How can such a restricted area have no defenses? Truly negligent, isn't it?"
"If Phantylia were gone, would you worry so much that you faint?"
The jade divination tablet, crafted by Xianzhou's Artisanship Commission, was effortlessly bypassed by the girl as if it didn't exist.
Rumble—
The thick white marble door swung open at her command.
On the bed lay the voluptuous projection of Phantylia.
Skipping over, the girl approached the bed, causing Phantylia's projection to instantly vanish.
"Huh, where did she go?" The girl pursed her lips, puzzled by the empty room.
Could this be a trap?
Without hesitation, she swiftly retreated.
Boom—
The white marble door slammed shut.
The sound of gears turning echoed throughout the room, releasing white powder from narrow ventilation ducts.
The girl's expression shifted, hurriedly covering her lips and nose.
"Oh no, I've been tricked! Is this poison dust?"
In stark contrast, blood-red letters appeared on the snow-white wall:
"Hee hee, you must think these powders are toxic, right?"
Are they not?
More blood-red text emerged:
"No, it's my great-grandmother's ashes."
Sparkle: "?"
The blood-red writing continued:
"Sampo, tonight, my great-grandmother will come for you—don't sleep too deeply."
Boom—
Just then, an electrified iron cage descended from above, trapping the girl disguised as Su Jinyan.