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Sometimes, pretending to be a vulnerable youth before a strong-willed, aloof older woman can yield unexpectedly effective results.
Such behavior would typically awaken the protective instincts of older sisters.
However, Jingliu was unquestionably an exception.
As the former Swordmaster of Luo Fu and one of the High-Cloud Quintet, Jingliu held herself with unparalleled pride.
After witnessing her close friend Bai Heng's tragic fate, Jingliu succumbed to Mara's influence.
Now, only the belief for vengeance sustained her, allowing her to endure until this day.
The lingering bitterness from past events became the very essence of Jingliu's existence.
Unless Bai Heng could be brought back, abandoning her quest for revenge would mean complete annihilation for Jingliu.
Previously, Jingliu had promised Bai Heng that she would cut down stars from the heavens for her sake.
Thus, Jingliu relentlessly pursued strength. She vowed to eliminate all obstacles on her path to vengeance, sparing no cost, and devote everything to killing the Plagues Author.
To Jingliu, the weak were merely hindrances.
If one wished to win her over, they must at least demonstrate superior power.
A peculiar gleam flickered in Su Jinyan's eyes. "When did you cast it? You can't possibly be joking."
"Jingliu, from the beginning, you've been ensnared within the illusion I crafted for you."
"When facing an opponent stronger than yourself, it is crucial to maintain respect."
"These words, I now return them to you."
The terrifying aspect of Pregnant Gaze lies in its unpredictability; it is nearly impossible to defend against or evade.
Once subjected to her gaze, whether organic or inorganic lifeforms, as long as they possessed self-awareness, would become pregnant.
This pregnancy then led to the agonizing experience from conception through childbirth.
The pain penetrated deep into one's soul, impossible to avoid or alleviate in any way.
Only after several hours would the swollen belly gradually dissipate.
A flash of panic crossed Jingliu's crimson eyes, and her delicate, snow-like feet instantly tensed.
Her icy lips parted slightly, emitting pained moans.
This was already the second time Su Jinyan had made her pregnant with his glare...
The torment of pregnancy left her body weak and vulnerable, making it difficult for her to resist.
Without hesitation, Su Jinyan raised his palm high and swiftly brought it down.
Smack!
A crisp and resonant sound echoed.
Su Jinyan let out a contented sigh.
Ah, that feels better.
I've undoubtedly etched a profound and indelible impression on Jingliu now.
It will be hard for her to forget me after this.
Bailu's hands trembled slightly as she held up her phone.
Jingliu-jiejie has already fallen victim to his cruel actions. Will he suddenly unleash his beastly instincts and target me next? Let me think... I don't recall doing anything recently to offend him...
Breathing softly, Jingliu, with her protruding pregnant belly, calmly asked, "Xiao Didi, do you realize what you're doing?"
Su Jinyan replied sternly:
"I'm teaching the former Luo Fu Swordmaster Jingliu to respect the stronger."
Jingliu quietly sighed and slowly closed her crimson eyes.
Giving up without even struggling?
With keen interest, Su Jinyan raised his hand once more.
Slap!
The rough palm lifted high and came down heavily, echoing crisply before the Medicine Pavilion.
Fortunately, at this hour, few people were around, and no passersby witnessed the scene.
Had anyone else seen it, Jingliu would have truly faced social death.
Su Jinyan raised his hand again, but just as he struck, Jingliu firmly gripped his wrist, refusing to let go, no matter how he tried.
Seemingly panicked, Su Jinyan began to tremble all over.
Jingliu's lips parted coldly. "Xiao Didi," she said, "among the enemies I've encountered, your abilities rank among the strongest. However, your weaknesses are far too apparent.
"When a lion hunts a rabbit, it must still use its full strength.
"How can you show mercy merely because of beauty before you?"
Jingliu lightly bit her lip, bearing the pain with her pregnant belly, maintaining her tight grip on his wrist, unwilling to release for even a moment.
Had someone unaware witnessed this scene, they might assume it was a pregnant woman gripping her husband's wrist tightly to distract herself during labor.
With a flick of Jingliu's slender hand, the vine on the ground flew into her grasp.
"As long as I hold your wrist," she said, "your vaunted illusions become powerless."
"You underestimate your opponents too much; beauty is your greatest weakness that needs overcoming. Before leaving Luofu, I will specially train you until you're utterly immune to allure!"
In Jingliu's grip, the supple vine transformed into a frigid steel whip, lashing against Su Jinyan's back with each strike.
Jingliu's intense discipline stemmed from deep affection, treating him like her own disciple.
Su Jinyan howled, "Stop hitting me, please stop!"
However, Jingliu paid no heed to his pleas for mercy.
A jade uncarved remains a mere stone.
Now, let us enumerate Xiao Didi's three transgressions:
Firstly, disrespecting one's teacher and ancestors—how dare he strike his elder!
Secondly, sheer arrogance, disregarding respect for seniors by presumptuously attempting to educate her.
Thirdly, and most critically, being easily swayed by beauty.
She must make him recognize his errors. Having made up her mind, Jingliu resolved to properly discipline Fu Xuan's disciple.
Disrespecting teachers and elders? This behavior could not be tolerated!
Bailu watched with rapt interest.
Su Jinyan poked Bailu's cheek gently. "Hey, what are you watching?"
Unable to suppress a silly grin, Bailu chuckled, "Eh hehe~ you've arrived just in time! Quick, look at how miserably Big Sister Jingliu is whipping poor Su Jinyan."
"...Huh?" Bailu suddenly realized something was amiss and rubbed her eyes.
She glanced first at Su Jinyan beside her, then at the robust ancient tree being fiercely lashed by Jingliu.
"An illusion?" Bailu gasped.
Su Jinyan stood calmly, hands behind his back.
"The real Su Jinyan has already been killed by Jingliu," he said placidly. "I am Yan Jin Su, Su Jinyan's younger brother, here to seek revenge against her."
Bailu's gaze turned subtle. "You're deceiving me again."
Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "The sky inherently has no color; it isn't lying to you. It's just your own eyes deceiving yourself."
Bailu looked at him expectantly. "Your illusions are truly impressive! Even Big Sister Jingliu fell for them—that's the former Swordmaster of Luofu, mind you."
"Could you teach me, please? This young lady will treat you to free medical check-ups from now on."
Ever since Bailu could remember, she had been confined by the dragon masters and Vidyadhara Elders within the Alchemy Commission.
Occasionally watching live streams or browsing forums served as her rare forms of entertainment. Through Guinaifen's broadcasts, Bailu gained some understanding of Jingliu.
As the former Swordmaster of the Roaming Immortal Ark and General Jing Yuan's shizun, Jingliu must have been incredibly powerful. Yet, even Big Sister Jingliu was deceived by Su Jinyan's illusions.
Doesn't that mean Su Jinyan is even more formidable?
If this young lady were to master such potent illusions,
wouldn't she be able to sneak out and play every day?
"Little one, why do you want to learn illusions?" Su Jinyan asked.
Bailu, indignant, placed her hands on her hips and exclaimed, "Hey, hey! I'm older than you, missy. Don't call me 'little one'."
Su Jinyan retorted, "Old thing, what's your reason for wanting to learn illusions?"
Bailu couldn't maintain her sternness, conceding, "Alright, just call me 'little one'... Sigh, it's quite a long story." She continued, "I'm constantly confined within this Alchemy Commission, unable to venture out for fun even if I wanted to. Occasionally, when they're not watching, I manage to slip away, but soon enough, they catch me and bring me back. Once I master illusions, those pesky Dragon Master elders won't be able to keep tabs on me all day."
Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "Aren't you the Vidyadhara High Elder? Shouldn't the Dragon Master elders heed your commands?"
Bailu hesitated, uncertainly saying, "Perhaps it's because...the previous Vidyadhara High Elder and I are quite different... He was taller and more powerful than me?"
"So, within the Vidyadhara clan, my authority isn't really respected much."
["Hi there, don't listen to these wild guesses from the little one."]
[Dan Feng personally chose Bailu as the successor Dragon Elder, defying both established protocols and her own wishes.]
[The dragon masters initially intended to protest but were forcefully suppressed by Dan Feng's authority.]
[After Dan Feng reincarnated, although Bailu became the Vidyadhara High Elder, she held no real power and was closely monitored by the dragon masters.]
[To exert greater control over Bailu, following her display of commanding thunder and manipulating water...]
[High Elder Yun You ordered the clan's skilled artisans to forge the 'Shimu Binding Chains', which were affixed to Bailu's dragon tail, restricting her abilities.]
[In short, the Dragon Master elders aimed to turn Bailu into a puppet High Elder they could fully manipulate.]
Su Jinyan's expression darkened abruptly.
Damn, I had no idea! Just as he suspected, Bailu had already been rendered powerless by Luofu's Vidyadhara Masters.
It seems that before dealing with the Jepella Brotherhood, I must find a way to truly establish Bailu as the High Elder.
Bailu looked at him apprehensively. "If you don't want to teach me, then it's fine; please don't get angry," she said softly. "Your reaction is making this young lady quite scared..."
Su Jinyan pondered for a moment before responding quietly, "I indeed cannot teach you this illusion technique."
"This ability was bestowed upon me by Heavenly Monarch Joyseeker," Su Jinyan replied.
"However, if you want to go out and play, I do have a good idea."
Bailu looked at him expectantly. "Quick, tell me!"
Su Jinyan suggested, "How about I impersonate you? Just so happens, I'm somewhat skilled in medicine and quite experienced in treating patients."
"I'll let Big Sister Jingliu accompany you for some fun outside."
"And when you've had your fill of playing, that's when you can return."
Bailu cheered happily, "Yay, perfect!"
"Hold on, don't get too excited yet," Su Jinyan continued.
"When examining Big Sister Jingliu later, you must cooperate with me."
"If I inadvertently say something inappropriate, you need to help smooth things over."
Bailu timidly glanced at Jingliu, "She won't get angry, will she?"
Su Jinyan gently stroked Bailu's small head. "Of course not," he reassured her. "Big Sister Jingliu is very gentle; there's no way she'd get upset."
Relieved, Bailu sighed, "That's good."
In a slow, deliberate tone, Su Jinyan added, "Well, maybe just twist off your head, at most."
Tears welled up in Bailu's beautiful eyes, her heart nearly stopping. "I've done nothing wrong against you..."
Su Jinyan chuckled softly, "Oh, I'm just kidding."
Su Jinyan chuckled softly, "Aiya, just kidding."
"Look at you, getting anxious again."
In that moment, Bailu suddenly understood Jingliu's predicament.
Jingliu Big Sister truly has such a patient temperament.
If only this young lady could overpower Su Jinyan; otherwise, I'd definitely give him a sound beating to vent my frustration.
Su Jinyan had once naively believed that his Mirage fate path was the weakest among his three abilities. However, reality proved otherwise.
As he delved deeper into the Elation fate path, his Mirage powers gradually strengthened—much like now.
With a faint smile, Su Jinyan leisurely approached Jingliu and began rubbing affectionately against her soft, ample bosom.
Jingliu's beautiful eyes flickered, "Dragon Lady?"
Imitating Bailu's coquettish tone, Su Jinyan pleaded, "Oh, Jingliu Big Sis~"
"Could you please stop hitting him anymore?"
"I'm worried if you continue like this, it might become fatal."
Bailu fell silent, unable to respond.
Jingliu's lovely gaze wavered as she replied, "Very well."
"Since it is the Dragon Lady's request, I shall refrain from striking him further."
"Now, Xiao Didi, do you acknowledge your mistake?"
Su Jinyan, contentedly squinting his eyes, continued to nuzzle against Jingliu's embrace.
"I know, I know! I've learned my lesson!"
The corner of Jingliu's lips curved with icy disdain. "Is that so?" she retorted. "It seems to me you haven't truly understood your mistake! You didn't heed a single word I said. Why are you so obsessed with women?"
My obsession is my choice; who are you to judge?!
Before Su Jinyan could escape, a sudden chill froze him into an ice statue.
The illusion before Jingliu shattered like a mirage dissolving.
"Very well, using psychological tactics to create illusions within an illusion shows promise."
"Let me share another tip with you, Xiao Didi," Jingliu continued. "If you genuinely wish to deceive others through illusions, never reveal your true self until it's absolutely safe and at the very last moment."
Jingliu tapped on the lifelike ice sculpture.
"In illusions, details are paramount."
"You managed to deceive all five of my senses, Xiao Didi."
"Why then, would you risk exposure by deliberately leaving such a flaw?"
"The Dragon Lady's height cannot possibly match yours, can it?"
Bailu's smile froze, glaring indignantly at Jingliu.
How unfair! I was just watching from the sidelines—why drag me into this?! It's not my fault I'm short.
With a loud boom, everything dissolved.
The ice sculpture crumbled to dust.
Su Jinyan snorted, "Throughout my life, I've been immersed in warfare and achieved remarkable military feats."
"Now, debilitated by indulgence in wine and women, I find myself so frail."
"From this day forth, I shall abstain from alcohol!"
Jingliu's gaze turned cold. "Xiao Didi, don't get too smug just yet."
"After my consultation with the Dragon Lady concludes, you'll face your proper reckoning."
Su Jinyan's expression shifted slightly as he took several steps back.
"As your sovereign, plagued by afflictions, you cannot treat me thus."
Jingliu pursed her lips, casting him a puzzled look. "You're afflicted too? What illness?"
Embarrassedly, Su Jinyan replied, "As your sovereign, I am beset by desires; I have a weakness for beauty."
Jingliu was momentarily speechless.
A weakness for beauty, is it?
Xiao Didi, if I can't help you overcome your lust for allure, then let my name be changed to yours.
Bailu gazed sympathetically at Su Jinyan. It seemed Miss Tingyun was right after all. His body had indeed been drained by excessive indulgence in wine and pleasures of the flesh. However, judging by his complexion alone, there appeared no obvious signs of such issues or any indication of kidney weakness.
Yet, without Miss Tingyun's revelation, who would have thought that at such a young age, Su Jinyan's virility was already waning?
Nevertheless, fear not.
Everything will turn out fine.
At the Medicine Pavilion, Bailu sat cross-legged on her meditation cushion and beckoned Su Jinyan over. "Come here, let me take a look at you first."
"What's wrong? Where do you feel discomfort?"
"Backache, soreness, leg cramps," Su Jinyan replied casually.
Bailu felt his pulse, puzzled. "From what I can tell, you seem quite healthy." She added, "It doesn't appear to be kidney weakness from excessive indulgence either."
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback.
"Bakache, soreness..." Bailu muttered. "Ah, got it—have you tried moxibustion?"
Su Jinyan stared at her incredulously, unsure if he had heard correctly. "What did you say?"
"Moxibustion," Bailu repeated.
Looking flustered, Su Jinyan asked, "Lady Bailu, is that really something you should ask in public?"
"Heh heh, of course it is."
"There's nothing wrong with having multiple dreams per night."
Jingliu and Bailu exchanged surprised glances.
A moment later, Jingliu unceremoniously stuffed Su Jinyan headfirst into a trash bin. Her expression remained gentle as she apologized, "My apologies, Dragon Lady. My lack of discipline must have caused this lecherous behavior; please excuse him."
Bailu chuckled, "No worries, actually, I find him rather entertaining."
Jingliu extended her snow-white wrist. "Recently, my thoughts have been disordered, often leading to restless nights plagued by nightmares."
"I seek your guidance, Dragon Lady, for any methods to calm my mind."
Bailu looked skeptical. "Based on your symptoms alone, it doesn't sound like something within my expertise."
"Tsk, tsk, I shouldn't have said that. The Alchemy Commission's physicians treat all patients without discrimination."
"Hmm, let me examine you closely."
As soon as Bailu touched Jingliu's snow-white wrist, she couldn't help but shiver.
"S-so cold! Your pulse..."
Jingliu's eyes softened. "Lady Dragon, feel free to speak your mind."
"You don't need to worry about my feelings."
Bailu hesitated for a moment before walking towards the trash bin outside the Medicine Pavilion.
"Let me tell you this, Jingliu Big Sister's pulse is nearly imperceptible," Bailu whispered conspiratorially. "According to conventional wisdom, it suggests that she..."
Su Jinyan interjected, "It means she needs to drink more water?"
Bailu's lips parted slightly in surprise. "Genius, you're absolutely right!" She continued quietly, "Here's how I'd describe it: on the surface, Jingliu Big Sister exhibits lifelike vital signs. But when taking her pulse, it feels like holding onto a block of ice. Moreover, her pill furnace and meridians seem akin to an underground river, pulsating incessantly."
"I've never encountered such a peculiar condition before. With further research, it might be worth documenting in medical texts. If she could stay a few more days, I may find a way to heal her."
Su Jinyan pondered thoughtfully. "That sounds feasible. I believe Jingliu would also be willing to regularly consult with you."
"However, from now on, we must choose our words carefully, do you understand?"
Bailu nodded lightly. "Of course, I understand."
"Many ailments have psychological factors involved."
"We cannot impose undue mental stress on the patient."
Shortly after, "Bailu" returned to Jingliu's side and continued taking her pulse.
Jingliu smiled, "Dragon Lady, have you encountered any difficulties?"
"Is my condition very hard to treat?" she asked hesitantly.
"Bailu paused before saying, "Jingliu-jiejie, I'm not sure if I should mention this."
Jingliu chuckled softly, "Didn't I say it's alright to speak freely?"
Bailu glanced at Jingliu's pregnant belly, "Jingliu-jiejie, congratulations on your pregnancy."
Jingliu furrowed her brow slightly, "What good news is there?"
Bailu nodded sagely, "Your condition, while challenging to treat, can also be quite straightforward."
"To truly cure it, someone else's cooperation is needed."
A faint smile played across Jingliu's face, "Dragon Lady, could the person you're referring to be—"
Clearing her throat, Bailu spoke with unusual seriousness:
"It's like this, Jingliu-jiejie."
"I observed that your pulse was nearly imperceptible."
"In normal circumstances, this would indicate that your vital energy is almost depleted, rendering conventional treatments ineffective."
Jingliu nodded gently, her expression unchanged.
Bailu abruptly shifted the topic. "However, Su Jinyan's arrival brings you a glimmer of hope."
Jingliu seemed intrigued. "Oh? Could you elaborate?"
Looking around furtively, Bailu lowered her voice. "Jingliu-jiejie, your yin-yang balance has been disrupted."
"Your extreme Yin constitution requires a Pure Yang body to heal your chronic illness."
"And Su Jinyan possesses that Pure Yang essence."
Jingliu pondered, "Su Jinyan? A Pure Yang essence?"
"Yes," Bailu affirmed confidently. "To cure your ailment, he is indispensable."
"Jingliu-jiejie, you must plead with Su Jinyan, beg him to impregnate you."
Gently caressing her pregnant belly, Jingliu replied, "But haven't I already conceived?"
Bailu couldn't help but stomp her foot. "Aiya, this isn't real!"
"You're well aware it's just Su Jinyan's eye technique."
"You need to truly conceive his child."
"Only then can the root cause of your illness be eradicated."
Jingliu softly nodded. "Where is he?"
"Wasting no time, I wish to conceive Xiao Didi's child as soon as possible. Let him come," Jingliu said gently.
Bailu excitedly rubbed her hands together. "Alright then, just wait here—huh?"
Before she could finish speaking, Bailu felt the icy Tanhua Sword pressed against her throat.
"Jingliu Big Sister~"
"You're not planning some medical mischief, are you?"
Bailu pursed her lips, feeling somewhat aggrieved.
Jingliu gazed at Bailu with unwavering calmness:
"No more pretenses, Xiao Didi."
"Haven't you wanted me to become pregnant?"
"If you reveal your true form, I'll grant you a kiss. How about that?"
"Well, if that's the case, I guess there's no need for me to maintain this facade of propriety anymore," Bailu replied in a sweet, childish voice.
However, Su Jinyan continued appearing as Bailu. As for the real Bailu, she had already slipped away to frolic elsewhere.
Jingliu and Luocha were preparing to depart for the Xueling Immortal Ship to face their trial.
However, according to the Xianzhou Alliance's rules, every matter required following established procedures.
The duration of these processes entirely depended on Su Jinyan and Jing Yuan's moods.
Thus, Jingliu would continue staying aboard the Luofu Immortal Ship for a significant time yet.
As for curing this persistent ailment, there was no need to rush.
Bailu spoke crisply, "My Shizun once said, 'The more beautiful a woman, the better she is at deception.'"
"Unless you provide written assurance, I won't reveal my true form!"
Su Jinyan knew that Jingliu wouldn't bear to hit Bailu, giving him the confidence to insist.
But if he reverted to his original appearance, he would truly lose his last resort.
Jingliu would relentlessly pursue him to the ends of the earth.
Jingliu pondered thoughtfully, "I see. You want me to provide written assurance?"
Bailu nodded her small head, blinking adorably with a playful grin, "Heh~"
Jingliu remained silent, momentarily speechless. It wasn't hard to imagine how nauseating it would be if Su Jinyan attempted cuteness in his original form. Not just for Jingliu, but even Su Jinyan himself would find it revolting.
However, having Bailu act cute relieved him of any mental burden; he even found it quite adorable.
Jingliu pondered briefly before fetching paper and pen. "Very well, I shall draft a written agreement."
"Of course, perhaps this still won't convince you," she added. "Let me reassure you once more."
Under Su Jinyan's watchful gaze, Jingliu drafted the agreement and promptly initiated a video call to Jing Yuan.
"Xiao Didi."
"I'll inform Jing Yuan about this matter right in front of you."
"And you, do you dare change back?"