Topaz felt as if her teeth were about to shatter from how hard she was clenching them. She should've known Yun Fan wasn't that kind-hearted. Thinking about it, why would a scoundrel who sent people to kidnap her and tricked her into signing a contract be so generous as to gift her something so precious?
She had already experienced the overwhelming power of the Authority of Causality. Frankly, once you used it, it was hard to go back. The might of the Authority of Causality was intoxicating—even though it was her first time wielding this power, she had effortlessly defeated Aventurine, who had fully unleashed the power of his Cornerstone.
One must remember that Aventurine was originally an Emanator of the Path of Preservation, far more skilled in utilizing the power of the "Cornerstone" than Pathstriders like Topaz who followed other Paths. Yet even so, he had still lost.
"Ah, I've really been played by this guy," Topaz sighed, rubbing her forehead. Once this power ran out, she'd probably have to seek him out again. And when that time came, who knew what price she'd have to pay to regain this power?
She hadn't forgotten—when she signed that contract, one of the "maid duties" listed had included "attending to him at night."
"Well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
——————————————
"The wine at this Penacony hotel isn't bad—almost comparable to the celestial nectar of the Xianzhou."
"Oh? I'm glad you like it, hehe~" Sparkle giggled, playfully blinking at Yun Fan. After spending time with him, she had come to realize that this man was also a seeker of amusement—one with both power and looks, no less.
The only thing that disappointed her was that despite his potential, he hadn't embarked on the Path of Elation.
"Say, Yun Fan, which Path's Emanator are you? Can you tell Sparkle?"
So far, Sparkle had only seen Yun Fan strike once—back on Jarilo-VI, when her Star Rail fusion form had been struck by his lightning. Though she had blocked the attack, she had still sensed its apocalyptic might.
Seeing Sparkle's curious expression, Yun Fan was happy to play along.
With that in mind, he set down his wine glass, leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs, and propped his chin on one hand, smirking as he said, "Since Miss Sparkle is so curious, I'll… not tell you."
"Huh… huh?!" Sparkle's smiling face stiffened for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Hehe, you're really something, Mr. Yun Fan," she replied with an awkward yet polite laugh.
"Hahaha, I'm just teasing. But… if Miss Sparkle would give me a shoulder rub, maybe I'd be in a good enough mood to tell you~"
"Tch!" Sparkle clicked her tongue in annoyance, but her body moved honestly. The girl lightly brushed aside the hair at her temple and gracefully stepped behind Yun Fan.
"Hmm?" This time, it was Yun Fan's turn to be puzzled. In his impression, Sparkle wasn't the type to compromise easily. Or rather, for a thrill-seeker like her, obediently massaging someone's shoulders would be the strangest thing of all.
Sure enough, while Sparkle's hands were properly kneading Yun Fan's shoulders, her mind was already brewing mischief.
Before Yun Fan could enjoy the bliss of a beautiful girl's massage for long, a sultry voice whispered in his ear.
"Master~ How's the pressure? Are you satisfied?" Sparkle's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it carried a trace of Path energy—enough to reach not only Yun Fan's ears but also those of the surrounding guests.
In an instant, the lively clamor of the hotel lobby fell silent. All eyes turned toward Yun Fan, sharp gazes piercing him like blades.
Though these stares weren't physically harmful, being scrutinized like that would make anyone uncomfortable.
Sensing the surrounding attention, Sparkle—now certain her plan was working—curled her lips into a smirk. She then pressed her soft body against Yun Fan's back, further stoking the flames.
"Master~ Why won't you answer me? Did Sparkle do something wrong? Please don't abandon me… As long as Master is happy, Sparkle is willing to do anything… Wuwuwu…" She covered her face, pretending to cry as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her reddened eyes and pitiful appearance instantly ignited a protective instinct in the onlookers, making them itch to rush forward and pummel Yun Fan.
And sure enough, a fool soon took the bait.
A brown-haired man rose from his seat and strode toward Yun Fan and Sparkle.
Arrogantly believing himself a hero who could win the beauty's favor, he had no idea he was nothing more than a pawn—a clown.
"Sir, don't you think you're going too far? Regarding this young lady, perhaps we could have a civilized discu—"
"Scram." Yun Fan's voice was icy.
"What did you say?" The man stared at Yun Fan in disbelief, as if unable to comprehend that someone would dare speak to him like that.
"Hmm?" Yun Fan frowned. "Was my phrasing unclear? Then let me repeat: Get—lost."
"You're telling me to get lost?! Do you know who I am?! I'm from the Hound Bloodline—" The brown-haired man's face twisted in fury as he swung his hand toward the back of Yun Fan's neck.
But before his strike could land—
Under the horrified gazes of the guests, the man's body began disintegrating into particles, dissipating like smoke.
"What's… happening to me… AAAAAHHH—!!" In his terror, the man could only watch helplessly as his body dissolved. No matter what he tried, he couldn't stop it.
In an instant, the surroundings fell deathly silent. Whether out of shock at the scene or fear of Yun Fan's oppressive aura, not a single person dared to speak. No one else stepped forward to speak up for Sparkle. The instinct for survival, the desire to live, ultimately triumphed over lust-driven impulses.
"Such a method… Could it be the Path of Destruction? No, that's not right—there was no aura of Destruction just now. Wait… This energy feels familiar… Where have I sensed it before… Ah, Causality!"
Snap!
Just as Sparkle pieced together the nature of Yun Fan's power, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her wrist. Looking up, she saw the handsome man gazing at her with a "kind" smile.
Thud!
A sense of dread washed over Sparkle, and she tried to yank her arm free. But at that moment, a torrent of foreign energy surged into her body. With a burst of swelling pain, within seconds, this invading force had completely devoured the Path energy within her.