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Suppressing her laughter with a hand over her lips, Sparkle giggled, "Darling, did you hear that? This overconfident little sparrow wants to bet her life against mine."
Fu Xuan frowned. "Qingque, quickly take back your words! This isn't something to joke about!"
She was certain that Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker must be watching them closely. Ever since Fu Xuan entered the gift shop, her Dharma Eye had ceased functioning—an unmistakable sign of His presence.
Any other Aeon would have disregarded Qingque's challenge entirely. However, Joyseeker was different. Whenever encountering something He found amusing, He invariably jumped right in.
Unfazed by the worried gazes directed at her, Qingque remained confident. "It's alright; I wouldn't propose this wager unless I were sure of winning."
Sampo grew serious as well. "Miss Qingque, are you truly certain?" he asked cautiously. "While I don't wish to dampen your confidence, Lady Sparkle's pursuit of elation surpasses all imagination. Making Sparkle beg for mercy is nearly impossible."
Fools firmly believed that the truth of the world was merely a jest, and the ultimate meaning of everything resided in pure laughter alone.
The universe may be merciless, but joy can alleviate pain, dilute sorrow, resist Nihility, and heal wounds.
Laughter is the inherent right of intelligent beings, serving as the only answer to life's challenges.
If someone could play tricks on them, it would be an even more sought-after delight.
Coincidentally, among the Fools Sampo knew, Sparkle was precisely one who pursued amusement by any means necessary.
Just how twisted could Sparkle become?
If death itself brought her ultimate pleasure, she wouldn't fear it at all.
Unfazed, Qingque challenged, "Sparkle, dare you accept this wager?"
Jing Yuan interjected promptly, "Hold on, I have a question. Minister Su, what's your situation there?"
Jing Yuan had a fairly good understanding of Su Jinyan. In his perception, Su Jinyan wasn't someone easily manipulated by Sparkle.
Could it be that while Sparkle thought she was playing with Su Jinyan, it was actually Su Jinyan manipulating her?
Su Jinyan bitterly exclaimed, "Aha Old Man has betrayed me! He trapped us in a room from which we cannot escape unless... intimate."
Jing Yuan paused, feeling as though this sounded more like a self-scripted drama enacted by Minister Su himself.
Sparkle intentionally let out suggestive moans. "Oh, my dear has already left me utterly disheveled."
"Darling, should I accept the little sparrow's bet?" Qingque prodded, tauntingly adding, "Miss Sparkle, aren't you getting scared?"
Sparkle chuckled lightly, "Oh, apologies, darling, but reverse psychology won't work on me."
"If you want to bet, I'm game, but it must be with Little Su's consent, of course.
"I wouldn't want anyone to dislike me, after all~"
Su Jinyan remained expressionless. "I'm already starting to dislike you."
Sparkle giggled, "Darling, this is precisely what I adore about you."
"You say 'dislike' and 'no,'...but your body tells a very different story~"
Outside, Fu Xuan, Jingliu, and others turned incredibly pale-faced, their fury finding no outlet.
[Today's Dumpster Diving: Ugh, this is the episode little March envies the most.]
[Zhao Camera: Don't slander my maidenhood! Who exactly is envious here?]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: I've hacked into A-Yan's phone and am now watching the live stream.]
[Ha, typical nerds—so easily defeated...]
[Numby's Daily Meal: See? Eventually, followers of Aha become mere sources of amusement for him.]
[My fellow friends, come worship the mighty Amber King instead.]
[NanookWasGrassFedInChildhood: Who told you believing in the Amber King would prevent becoming amusement?]
[NumbyTodayEatsWhat: Don't joke around, sir.]
[You don't understand; behind me stands the most steadfast support in the universe—the Interastral Peace Corporation.]
[All for the Amber King.]
Topaz, with her shapely snow-white legs crossed elegantly, had just sent this chat message when she suddenly realized her surroundings underwent a dramatic change.
"Enemy attack?! Numby, get over here quickly!"
Startled, Topaz jumped up abruptly, her soft curves trembling visibly.
Before Numby could reach Topaz's embrace, the environment around her transformed into a luxurious dressing room.
Inside the dressing room was a man very familiar to Topaz—Su Jinyan.
Noticing strangers intruding on their private moment, Sparkle instantly sat up, her delicate, snowy feet shyly withdrawing from Su Jinyan's grasp.
Su Jinyan shot a glare at Sparkle and firmly retook hold of her tender feet.
"Who are you?" Both Su Jinyan and Sparkle asked simultaneously, eyes fixed on Topaz.
[Room You Can't Leave Without Some Steamy Action].
Glancing at the words written on the wall, Topaz's face paled as she instantly comprehended her predicament.
Was it really necessary? Topaz never imagined Aha would be so petty.
In the universe, countless instances of covertly cursing and defaming the Aeons were commonplace. Yet, merely for a slight remark against Aha, Topaz found herself brought here by none other than Aha himself.
"Sorry to intrude, but I'm just a passing debt handler," Topaz hastily explained. "Please continue with your business."
Feeling utterly disheartened, Topaz nervously reached for the door handle.
Click, click, click—
No matter how hard Topaz tried, the room's door refused to budge.
It was hopeless.
Despairingly, Topaz collapsed onto the floor.
Hearing the commotion from inside the dressing room, Tingyun urgently asked, "Benefactor, what's going on in there? Why does it sound like there's another unfamiliar woman's voice?"
Su Jinyan was equally puzzled. "I don't know either; I've never met her before."
Sparkle's expression clearly showed displeasure, and her delicate fingers jabbed his chest:
"Darling, since we both don't recognize her, let's team up and take her down, shall we?"
Topaz cautiously drew her pistol, her flawless, snow-white back drenched in cold sweat.
She was fully aware of her own limitations. If these two Masked Fools joined forces against her, she genuinely stood no chance.
Shrinking back towards the corner, Topaz pleaded, "Su Jinyan, please don't do this."
"I'm Topaz from the company's Strategic Investment Department, also one of your fans."
Indeed, she was a core member, actively participating in Su Jinyan's anti-fan club.
Su Jinyan grabbed Sparkle's pert buttocks and abruptly spanked her.
"Do you think I'm like you? I always have my limits."
Cuddled in Su Jinyan's arms, Sparkle burst out laughing uncontrollably, "Pfft~"
"Honey, that's the funniest joke I've heard all year! Do you have more?"
Su Jinyan gently caressed Sparkle's delicate foot, his expression serious as he said,
"Sparkle, quickly get off me; I, Su Jinyan, am not interested in women."
Sparkle laughed so hard, tears nearly welled up in her eyes. "Even funnier than before!"
"Honey, you truly have a knack for comedy."
Unfazed, Su Jinyan stood up straight.
A deep shadow cast over Sparkle's charming face at just the right moment, silencing her laughter instantly.
Topaz's breathing quickened; she had already retreated to the corner, with nowhere else to go.
After Su Jinyan unleashed his carnal desires on Sparkle, how would Topaz cope with the situation?
The Silver Wolf provided an explanation through the live stream's chat:
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Laughing to death, even that stubborn young lady was transported to the dressing room by Aha.]
[Childhood Pasture for Nanook: See what happens? This is the consequence of defaming Aha~]
[Lady Herta's Sole Supporter: Nooooo, Miss Topaz! My dear Topaz is about to be defiled!!!]
[Zhao Xiangji: I rarely ask favors, but this time, consider it my plea. Aha, you know what needs to be done, right?]
[Today's Dumpster Diving: Aha, truly vile and wicked—long live the great Amber King!]
[Frigid Crow: Joyseeker's crimes are egregious, far worse than Bú Tiān Simìng's.]
[Snowy Coat: Calamity Ancestor, if you dare, send me in there too.]
[Lady Herta: Boring.]
Tingyun and Fu Xuan also caught on, joining in with vehement denunciations against Aha.
Unfortunately, the more Tingyun and the others tried to enter, the less Aha yielded to their pleas.
The dressing room became like a besieged fortress, with those outside desperate to get in and those inside longing to escape.
This predicament especially affected Topaz, inexplicably drawn into the situation.
Su Jinyan's reputation had never been particularly good.
Topaz felt Su Jinyan's gaze upon her like that of a drooling, predatory jackal, coveting her body.
If the rule "no intimacy, no exit" applied to her as well,
would it mean she too would have to surrender herself to Su Jinyan?
What method could little Que'er possibly have devised, giving her such confidence to make Sparkle plead for mercy? Su Jinyan was genuinely curious.
In truth, he had already conceived a plan to dismantle Sparkle's hedonistic aesthetic. Using conventional methods would never breach Sparkle's defenses, given her relentless pursuit of pleasure.
Su Jinyan intended to harness the power of Mirage to create a highly realistic illusionary realm for Sparkle. Within this fabricated world, everyone would completely ignore her presence.
No matter how shockingly outrageous Sparkle's actions became, people would remain oblivious to her existence.
Initially, Sparkle would likely find it novel and amusing, able to wreak havoc on the Xianzhou Luofu without restraint. However, at midnight each day, the illusion would reset, undoing everything she had done.
Under his control, Sparkle would be forever trapped within this illusory realm, unable to escape. Even if she attempted suicide, the illusion would simply revert to its starting point.
Day after day, enduring extreme monotony and boredom, is something no Masked Fool could withstand.
However, without Aha Lao Deng's support, sustaining such an elaborate illusion would exceed Su Jinyan's capabilities alone.
However, sustaining such an elaborate illusory realm required immense spiritual energy, which Su Jinyan could not indefinitely provide.
Qingque couldn't help but urge him, "A-Yan, we can't delay any longer; delays invite unforeseen complications."
Su Jinyan acquiesced, "Alright, I'll listen to you. How should I assist?"
"First, have everyone else leave," Qingque instructed. "Only the Grand Diviner and I need to remain here."
Fu Xuan, slightly puzzled, asked, "Qingque, why does this venerable one need to stay?"
Qingque's small face turned serious. "Grand Diviner, my plan cannot proceed without your involvement."
Fu Xuan pursed his lips, a hint of pride flickering across his snow-white complexion.
Without this venerable one, Qingque's plan would indeed falter. It seems that the burden of saving A-Yan still falls upon me.
Just then, a flash of white light emerged from the dressing room, revealing the delicate figure of the Herta doll before everyone.
Topaz exclaimed, "Lady Herta? What brings you here too?"
Sparkle pouted discontentedly, "Ugh, another nuisance? Why so many now?"
"Honey, are you up for it?"
"Hee hee, don't tell me you're all bark and no bite? You better not end up sore and exhausted..."
Silently, Su Jinyan took a step forward and directly covered Sparkle's soft, luscious lips with his own.
Since you're fond of your snarky remarks, let me teach you a proper lesson.
The exquisite puppet girl had silky smooth hair and violet eyes, mysterious and deep.
Herta ignored Topaz, her crescent-shaped brows furrowing in displeasure.
"I only said 'boring,' that's all."
"How come I've been sent here too?"
Topaz waved dismissively. "Lady Herta? Remember me? I'm Topaz, the one who collected debts from you before."
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Laughed so hard, this is the funniest episode yet. Breaking news: Lady Herta has also been thrown in.]
[Lady Herta's Sole Admirer: Noooo, my Lady Herta, even she will be defiled now!]
[Did You Scavenge Today?: Damn it, I want to join them too! Aha Lao Deng is truly useless!]
Herta glanced at Topaz briefly. "Hello."
Topaz seized Herta's delicate hand, pleading softly, "Lady Herta, I don't want to stay here. Please take me with you."
"Goodbye," replied Herta.
Topaz blinked in confusion. "What?"
With a thud, Herta's doll collapsed lifelessly onto the floor, her beautiful eyes vacant.
Despite her strong desire to dissect Su Jinyan for research, Herta currently found herself at a disadvantage.
Forget studying Su Jinyan now; it would be fortunate if he didn't dissect this puppet's structure instead. With that thought, Herta decisively abandoned the doll—let him play with it as long as he doesn't mess with me.
Topaz was left speechless and stunned.
Just like that, you're leaving so abruptly? At least take me along too!
Fu Xuan also heard the commotion from within the dressing room and softly asked, "Qingque, the variables have increased again. Can you handle it?"
Qingque's small face grew solemn. "Grand Diviner."
"I know my next request might embarrass you," Fu Xuan began gently, "but I hope you remember—one reason for all we do is for A-Yan."
Fu Xuan's beautiful eyes remained composed. "Qingque, it seems you've underestimated this venerable one, haven't you?" she said lightly. "Go ahead, reveal your plan. Today, this venerable one will demonstrate unwavering commitment to the master-disciple bond with A-Yan."
Qingque tapped on the door. "A-Yan, for the next half-system time, give it your all."
"Let's bring Sparkle to the pinnacle of elation."
"I see, I understand what you mean now." Su Jinyan nodded slightly and stepped back.
Sparkle licked her lips, her expressive eyes gleaming mischievously.
"Hee-hee, darling, is little sparrow rushing to his doom?"
"Even if I don't mind, aren't you concerned?"
Fu Xuan's lips parted slightly, feeling incredulous.
"Qingque, this venerable one thought you had some brilliant plan, and this is it?" she exclaimed. "Putting aside everything else, people could die from that bet."
Approaching Fu Xuan, Qingque whispered softly into her ear.
Fu Xuan's cheeks flushed as she rebuked, "Absurd! This is utterly preposterous. Y-you're certain this will work on her?"
In a hushed tone, Qingque replied, "Grand Diviner, I've staked my life and all I possess on this outcome. The arrow has been set; there's no turning back now. Even if you don't trust me, you must trust A-Yan."
Taking a deep breath, Fu Xuan affirmed, "This venerable one will exert every effort to honor your trust."
Su Jinyan gently wrapped his arms around Sparkle's slender waist. Under her expectant yet nervous gaze, he tenderly lifted her up.
"I hope to give you an unforgettable experience," Su Jinyan said softly. "And afterward, you'll lose our wager and become my slave."
Sparkle tilted her head, blinking her beautiful eyes. "Darling, don't be so confident; perhaps it's you who will soon kneel before me, begging not to let little sparrow perish."
Swiftly, Sparkle paid the price for her provocation.
Fu Xuan and Qingque stood silently outside the dressing room, imagining Sparkle's expression based on the sounds within.
Fu Xuan's delicate body trembled slightly as she punched the door with her fist.
"Don't be too disheartened, Grand Diviner," Qingque comforted her.
Fu Xuan's expression remained indifferent. "This venerable one is not disheartened."
"I merely wish to grind Sparkle's bones to dust, relieving my pent-up resentment."
"Uh, there will be opportunities in the future," Qingque reassured her.
With eyes tightly shut, Topaz silently prayed, uttering fervent praises:
"Oh, great Aeon of Joy, Aha."
"Topaz has deeply acknowledged her mistakes..."
When Topaz opened her eyes again, she found herself back in her office.
She let out a long sigh, feeling immense relief at having narrowly escaped disaster.
As Sparkle's eyes grew increasingly hazy, nearing another peak of ecstasy,
under Qingque's instruction, Fu Xuan activated the Matrix of Prescience, causing her delicate body to tremble instantly.
Sparkle gasped, expression pained, "Darling, you..."
Su Jinyan quickly interjected, "Don't look at me; it's not my doing."
Sparkle lightly gritted her teeth, realizing that this mischief was courtesy of the little sparrow. She understood Qingque's intentions all too well.
Mockingly, Sparkle said, "Surely you don't think such tactics can make Lady Sparkle yield?"
"Release," commanded Qingque.
Fu Xuan promptly deactivated the Matrix of Prescience, her face flushed red.
A wave of intense pleasure surged through Sparkle's entire being like a tidal surge.
Before she could fully savor this fleeting moment of delight,
Qingque swiftly shouted, "Activate!"
With a reddened complexion, Fu Xuan immediately reactivated the Matrix of Prescience.
For Fu Xuan, handling these extreme fluctuations was itself a challenging test.
Sparkle let out a distressed sigh, her dainty white hands waving uncontrollably. Her lithe body felt as if tormented by a thousand ants gnawing at her bones, excruciating beyond measure.
However, this sensation was purely psychological.
With the Matrix of Prescience now at 100% coverage, any "damage" inflicted on Sparkle's delicate body would be mirrored onto Fu Xuan.
Qingque calmly commanded, "Release!"
Fu Xuan, with trembling pale hands, once again deactivated the Matrix of Prescience, and waves of pleasure surged forth anew.
Qingque waved her hand. "Activate!"
The elation receded like the tide, replaced by an overwhelming sense of emptiness.
Choking back sobs, Sparkle pleaded, "I concede, I give up! Please, release me..."
A joyful giggle echoed in Qingque's mind.
The wager of elation had concluded as expected, with Sparkle succumbing to Qingque's stratagems.
As per their agreement, Sparkle either became Su Jinyan's slave or faced death.
Qingque sighed in relief, "It's over, Lady Fu Xuan."
"Lady Qingque," Fu Xuan's voice trembled, "help this venerable one, quickly."
Confused, Qingque asked, "Lady Fu Xuan, aren't you going to release her?"
Fu Xuan, gritting her teeth, countered, "Did this venerable one ever promise to release her? Wouldn't releasing her reward her instead?"
Sparkle stared incredulously.