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Yaoshi's silence was unprecedented.
It appeared as if They were contemplating—whether to accept or reject His proposal? Yet, Yaoshi did not resist when Su Jinyan slipped the diamond ring onto Their ring finger.
According to legend, the Bountiful Yaoshi never refused prayers, unable to bear the sight of decay and suffering among Stelle.
Throughout countless Amber Eras past, Yaoshi had tirelessly bestowed blessings, indeed never rejecting any prayer. However, all the wishes granted by Yaoshi from the Abundant Ones pertained to eternal life; no one had ever dared such a peculiar request before.
So, would Yaoshi agree to any unreasonable wish?
The answer was about to be revealed.
At the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan was sweating profusely from anxiety.
He continuously sought reasonable explanations for Su Jinyan's actions in the live stream, defending him fervently.
While Su Jinyan wasn't indispensable to the Xianzhou Alliance as a whole, he was absolutely crucial to the Xianzhou Luofu. Whether considering their friendship or other factors, staying aboard the Xianzhou Luofu remained the best choice for Su Jinyan.
However, Jing Yuan was well aware that Su Jinyan had gravely violated the Xianzhou Alliance's political correctness. This act ran counter to the principles the Alliance upheld.
Proposing publicly to the Plagues Author, from a serious perspective, could undermine the Xianzhou Alliance's credibility if not handled carefully. Certain malicious forces might exploit and exacerbate the situation, fanning the flames, leading to detrimental consequences for the Alliance.
The fact that the Xianzhou Alliance hadn't immediately distanced itself from Su Jinyan already showed their deference to him.
Jing Yuan believed that numerous ill-intentioned factions were undoubtedly rushing to draft smear campaigns against the Xianzhou Alliance at this very moment.
Unless—
Su Jinyan could deliver a breathtaking, world-shaking twist.
This would allow the Xianzhou Alliance to decisively slap those factions in the face.
Jing Yuan chose to trust his friend's wisdom; he wouldn't recklessly jeopardize the bigger picture. After all, Su Jinyan had never disappointed him before.
Therefore, despite the mounting pressure from the Xianzhou Alliance, Jing Yuan resolved to stand by Su Jinyan, shielding him from the scrutiny of the higher-ups.
Yaoshi opened her beautiful eyes, golden orbs gazing softly at him, as she gently tapped his forehead with delicate ivory fingers.
Unbidden, scenes of countless wailing evil creatures once again flooded his mind.
"Choose another wish," Yaoshi murmured softly.
[Diting + Howling Friends: Damn, this is the first time I've heard of the Plagues Author refusing someone's wish.]
[Numby's Daily Cuisine: Must quickly record this historic moment.]
[Vagabond of the Floating World: Why so excited? As far as I know, Yaoshi indeed never rejects any wishes.]
[However, there's a prerequisite—your wish must be highly related to the abundance fate path, not treating Yaoshi like a universal wishing machine.]
[Do people seriously think they can make any outrageous wish and expect Yaoshi to agree?]
[Then there'd be no need for me to confront Abundant Yaoshi; just wishing for Its self-destruction would suffice.]
[Diting + Howling Friends: Always reliable, Brother Ji Ba!]
[Posting Under Real Name: Brother Ji Ba is right.]
[Vagabond of the Floating World: ?]
[Celestial Sparkle: But Yaoshi has such high affection towards their dear one, you see~]
[If even that doesn't persuade Yaoshi to turn away, doesn't it imply there's still a chance?]
[Dr. Ratio: Knowledge comes from practice; he needs to more vigorously test Abundance's stance.]
[Little Gui (Guinevere): Suddenly, I have a question.]
[Suppose, just suppose, if the Longevity Plague Calamity Ancestor agreed to marriage...]
[Could Little Su then exercise his spousal privilege to prevent Him from causing chaos everywhere?]
[Shangshang's Sole Account: Jinyan-gege has a high chance of becoming a great hero for the Xianzhou Alliance.]
[Lady Herta: This issue merits our deeper investigation.]
[Mechanical Gumo: Friend, emotionally speaking, I too hope your words come true.]
[However, objectively, it is an impossibility. So far, no mortal has ever influenced or interfered with an Aeon's fate path, except Zandar.]
[Gentle Breeze and Early Spring: If we take a long-term view, it becomes evident that once Yaoshi ceases His fate path, it would instead have even more detrimental effects on the Xianzhou Alliance.]
[Lady Herta: That would be an issue for the Alliance to deliberate upon.]
[When Abundance stops its fate path, will The Hunt truly carry out its own destiny, or perhaps...]
Su Jinyan felt somewhat puzzled. "Yaoshi."
"[May all sentient beings attain their desires]—isn't this your grand aspiration?"
At that moment, the entire universe had its attention focused on the live stream, eagerly anticipating whether Su Jinyan could indeed fulfill his unreasonable wish.
High-ranking officials from the Interastral Peace Corporation, Xianzhou Alliance, Genius Society, Intelligentsia Guild, Abundant Ones Alliance, The Family, Garden of Recollection... all were watching this live stream, eager to unravel the mysteries of the Aeons.
If Su Jinyan had still been mortal, he would never have dared to take such a reckless action. He would have considered the implications for the Alliance and various other factors.
But now, as the Aeon of Joy, his mindset transcended ordinary human concerns. Attempting to comprehend an Aeon's intentions through mundane thinking is both laughable and futile.
Specific circumstances define what constitutes morality; if one possesses the power to shape these circumstances, ethics and morals become malleable clay, subject to manipulation at will.
Yaoshi fell silent for a moment before slowly responding, "My grand aspiration solely aims to alleviate suffering and heal all pain and decay in the world."
"If you seek blessings, feel free to express your desires; I shall not refuse."
As expected, Yaoshi's claim of "never refusing anyone's wishes" pertained only to matters within the abundance fate path. If a wish deviated from its central theme, Yaoshi would not consent.
Aha, ever ready to stoke the flames or pour oil on them, seized the opportunity.
"Why do you refuse him, Yaoshi?"
"His current status complements yours perfectly," Aha continued.
"He can bring joy to the universe, and you can alleviate its suffering and pain. Isn't this the epitome of selflessness and altruism?"
Yaoshi's expression remained composed. "Elation—I do not reject wishes within the realm of Abundance."
Su Jinyan altered his wish, "Yaoshi, then I desire to unite with you."
"I want to observe the reaction when Elation and Abundance combine. Is that possible?"
In more straightforward terms, he was saying—Yaoshi, I want to sleep with you.
Yaoshi gazed at the ring on her slender, ivory-like finger, while the myriad eyes adorning her body fixed their attention on Su Jinyan.
This time, Yaoshi did not immediately refuse but hesitated instead.
"Su Jinyan, is this truly thy wish? Are you certain?"
Aha hastily responded, "Certain, absolutely certain!"
Yaoshi stared intently at Su Jinyan, awaiting his answer.
Just as Su Jinyan was about to reply, a notification sounded in his ear:
[Your wish is to unite with Yaoshi, observing the sparks ignited by the collision of Elation and Abundance fate paths.]
[Unable to withstand your persistent entreaties, Yaoshi finally agrees to your request.]
[Unbeknownst to many, the chains of cause and effect have subtly influenced everything in the universe, perpetually maintaining the balance and stability of all living things.]
[Even as Elation, you remain under Its covert surveillance.]
[As the symbol of equilibrium shifts with the ticking clock, an endless darkness envelops you both.]
[Yaoshi opens thousands of eyes, the intricate patterns on its pale arms writhing like tentacles, transforming in your eyes into an indescribably grotesque and terrifying entity.]
[This sight leaves an unimaginable impact and shock upon you.]
[You now regret it; perhaps throughout your entire life, you may never forget such a scene.]
Aha nudged him impatiently, urging, "What's wrong? Hurry up and respond!"
Su Jinyan replied gravely, "Don't rush, I'm thinking."
The Aeon of Equilibrium, HooH, was observing them—or more precisely, observing him.
In other words, if he truly intended to unite with Yaoshi of Abundance, HooH would likely interfere clandestinely.
Suddenly, a chilling question struck his mind.
It is said that the Aeon of Equilibrium, HooH, dissolved its own will within the logical flow of cosmic movement, eternally preserving the balance and stability of all existence.
Could it be that the severe drawbacks of Yaoshi's bestowed eternal life, too, were part of the Equilibrium Aeon's imposed "balance"?
This question demanded deep contemplation.
Did Yaoshi truly understand the consequences of their actions and the resulting effects? Opinions across the universe were starkly divided on this matter. One view held that Yaoshi was fully aware, with clear knowledge of the outcomes, but simply did not care. The other perspective suggested that Aeons were rigidly bound by their fate paths, unable to comprehend information outside them.
Facing Yaoshi directly, Su Jinyan decided to seek clarification.
"Wait, Yaoshi. I have a doubt in my mind and would like you to address it."
Yaoshi softly asked, "Have you changed your mind?"
Su Jinyan carefully chose his words before posing the question to Yaoshi:
"Yaoshi, why do those who receive your blessings ultimately succumb to eternal life's corruption, transforming into Abundant Evil Creatures?"
Yaoshi's beautiful eyes remained impassive. "Birth, aging, sickness, and suffering all lead to death. The pain of living lies in its finitude; the anguish of aging stems from its inevitability."
"The torment of illness comes close to death itself. Hence, birth, aging, sickness, and suffering imply mortality, which is inherently rooted in sorrow."
"All sentient beings, confined within their physical forms, are akin to prisoners in cages, enduring these three agonies."
"I bestow eternal life upon them, granting liberation from the confines of existence. With life boundless, aging ceases, death is overcome, and all sorrows dissipate."
[Unfeeling Divination Machine: This venerable one seems to grasp the meaning behind the Plagues Author's words now.]
[It is evident that while aware conferring blessings would transform lives into Abundant Evil Creatures, they deemed it necessary.]
[So does the Plagues Author imply that becoming an Abundant Evil Creature actually leads to a remarkable breakthrough, freeing life from its cage?]
[Lady Herta: It appears the debate over Yaoshi's blessings can finally be settled in the universe.]
[Mechanical Gumo: Conclusion: Yaoshi fully comprehended the consequences but simply did not care.]
[Gentle Breeze and Early Spring: The long-standing mystery has been effortlessly resolved in such an unexpected manner...]
[Posting Under Real Name: I always said it, Minister Su had ulterior motives.]
[Facts Prove: Following Emperor's Bow of Life and Death, Bill of Life, was undoubtedly the wisest choice for the Xianzhou Alliance.]
[Watch Diting + Howl Friends: Click here for Diting videos? Cute recordings? High quality at affordable prices?]
Su Jinyan posed a question, "Yaoshi, could there be a possibility..."
"That the existence of Abundant Evil Creatures is actually the result of interference by a particular Aeon?"
Yaoshi gently shook his head. "I do not understand your meaning. If you have differing insights about 'Abundance,' feel free to share them with me."
"Yaoshi," Su Jinyan asked straightforwardly, "is it possible that actually, HooH tampered with your 'Abundance'?"
"In other words, what you perceived as the manifestation of abundance was truly the result of equilibrium being imposed."
[Equilibrium exists between all things: Do. Not. Utter. Nonsense.]
[Crisp Sparkle: Ha ha, someone's getting anxious here—I won't say who, though. But seriously, who are you?]
[Punklorde's Silver Wolf: Unable to locate his position.]
Yaoshi softly shook his head again. "No, my purpose is solely to ensure the flourishing of life without end. The abundance fate path aligns perfectly with my intentions."
Su Jinyan sighed. "Alright then, let's return to our initial topic."
"Yaoshi, would you marry me?"
[Posting Under Real Name: ???]
[Little Gui Guinevere: Wow, Little Su's obsession is truly intense.]
[Lady of the Herta: In a certain sense, I must admit, Su Jinyan impresses me quite a bit.]
[Mechanical Gnome: He is indeed the one who has interacted most frequently with multiple Aeons thus far.]
Yaoshi's refusal was unequivocal. "No."
Taken aback but undeterred, Su Jinyan persisted, "Alright, then what would it take for you to agree to marry me?"
"If thou canst find something once deemed precious by me," Yaoshi replied softly, "I shall accept thy proposal."
Confused, Su Jinyan asked, "Something once deemed precious by you? What could that be?"
Yaoshi shook her head. "I do not know; my memory is unclear."
Aha interjected, "I know—it must be The Hunt, also pursuing Yaoshi."
Su Jinyan raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
Yaoshi remained silent.
Su Jinyan furrowed his brow and guessed, "Could it be... your memories?"
Yaoshi shook his head again, "I have forgotten too much; my recollections are unclear."
Su Jinyan seriously suspected that Yaoshi was merely providing excuses to avoid him. After all, Yaoshi had already made clear his refusal, yet Su Jinyan persisted relentlessly.
"Alright, let's get to the main point then."
"Yaoshi, I have another wish—to invite you to the 'Elation's Party'."
"What if we Aeon harmoniously gather and play a game of cards together? How does that sound?"
Yaoshi asked, "Who will be participating?"
In a solemn tone, Su Jinyan replied, "Elation, Preservation, Destruction, Remembrance, The Hunt, and myself."
"This card game is organized by Elation Ahá, with the winner receiving all of Elation's fate path energy. The losers only need to forfeit a single, insignificant fate path. What do you think?"
Yaoshi slowly shook his head, "Boring and uninteresting."
Aha seemed to have anticipated this response, "Then perhaps we should change the stakes instead."
"Yaoshi, if you win,"
"I'll ensure that Su Jinyan accompanies you henceforth across the universe, enlightening all living things together. Does that appeal to you?"
Yaoshi nodded, "Agreed."
He accepted the invitation handed over by Su Jinyan.
Aha chuckled lightly, "The location for the card game will be at the Skylight Star Wall."
"With Qlipoth present, every Aeon will coexist harmoniously."
"Thus, Yaoshi, you can simply revel in the joy of this card game without worrying about any external influences."
[Lady Herta: I think I've already guessed how that bastard Aha plans to invite The Hunt.]
[Posting Under Real Name: This will be my most restless and anxious day yet.]
[Did You Scavenge Any Trash Today?: General, it's too early to say such things.]
[With Little Su around, every future day will bring you restlessness and anxiety.]
[Posting Under Real Name: ...]
[Zhao Xiangji: @Lady Herta, what method is he using? Hurry up and tell us, girl.]
[Lady Herta: Only fools wouldn't figure it out. Are you a fool?]
[Zhao Xiangji: Ah? Damn, actually, I've already guessed it, but I won't reveal it to you all.]
[Demon Sword Arahato: March, self-deception isn't healthy...]
[Unfeeling Fortune Computing Machine: After today, this venerable one can proudly proclaim that its disciple participated in an Aeon's card game.]
[So, General, when will you step down and yield your position? @Posting Under Real Name]
[Posting Under Real Name: Right now! Fu Xuan, hurry over; let's aim to complete the transfer of the general's duties within half a system cycle.]
[Unfeeling Fortune Computing Machine: Suddenly remembering some urgent matters...]
The Aeon of The Hunt, Lan, never ceased in their relentless pursuit of Abundant Evil Creatures.
Either they were hunting abundance or journeying to do so.
Chasing after Lan was no easy task; unlike Nanook of Destruction, who could be readily enticed by sensing extreme devastation, Lan would simply materialize upon detecting an Abundant Evil Creature's presence. With unerring precision, Lan would unleash beams of light, utterly annihilating both the creature and its host planet.
Stirred by intense stellar winds, Lan continuously leaped across vast distances, raising their longbow with regal valor akin to a crown prince.
"Hey, Lan, fancy joining our 'Elation Party'?" Su Jinyan called out.
Unheeding of Su Jinyan's invitation, Lan raised the longbow, fired a beam of light, and swiftly leaped away. Emperor's Bow of Life and Death was exceedingly aloof, showing no inclination to acknowledge them.
Aha bristled indignantly, clenching his fists eagerly. "Boss, that jerk is ignoring you! Should we teach Him a lesson?"
"How about making Them pregnant right away?"
Su Jinyan frantically shook his head. "No, no, no, esteemed Aha, please don't make me do this."
"Although I hold Emperor's Bow Bill of Life and Death in high regard, I am merely your humble devotee."
"If you insist upon this command, faced with the might of the Aeon, I cannot resist."
Aha's expression turned serious. "Very well, Su Jinyan obeys. Immediately make Emperor's Bow Bill of Life and Death pregnant!"
"Aha dislikes being ignored, so consider this a little prank from me."
[Posting Under Real Name: No!]
[Unfeeling Fortune Computing Machine: Not this time!!]
[Hua: Stop!!!]
Alas, it was too late. As an ordinary Fool, Su Jinyan could not defy the command of the Aeon of Joy.
Trembling, he covered his eyes briefly before glaring at Imperial Bow Bill of Life and Death nearby.
In the next moment, Lan halted their incessantly shifting steps.
[Sparkle: Little Su doesn't want Emperor's Bow Bill of Life and Death to become pregnant, poor Little Su; but the God of Entertainment forces him, what a naughty God.]
[Playing Cards With My Life: This is my first-ever glimpse of Emperor's Bow Bill of Life and Death's majestic figure, yet never did I imagine witnessing it under such circumstances.]
[Uncle Han Tui: Emperor's Bow of Life and Death will become the third pregnant Aeon after Nanook and Boss Aha.]
The Memokeepers in the Garden of Recollection fell silent.
Perhaps it's for the best, allowing everyone to mistakenly believe this is only the third instance.
Lan placed a hand over their swollen abdomen, emitting a stifled groan, making their noble figure appear unusually distressed.
Aha clapped gleefully, seemingly ecstatic. "Pregnant, pregnant! Lan is also pregnant now."
Su Jinyan, as if waking from a dream, angrily confronted Aha. "Damned God of Entertainment, what have you made me do?"
Unfazed, Aha yawned nonchalantly. "Feeling quite satisfied now."
"Little Su, have you considered becoming an Aeon of Propagation just for fun?"
Su Jinyan looked at Aha, puzzled. "Why does it feel like Aeons have become somewhat trivialized around you? In the past, I held Aeons as untouchable, mysterious, and superior beings, always treating them with utmost respect." He paused before continuing bitterly, "But ever since encountering you, that damned God of Entertainment, you've shattered my idealized perception of Aeons."
Aha's expression flickered between amusement and seriousness. "Little Su, your so-called 'respect'—does it mean recklessly impregnating Nanook upon first meeting?"
Su Jinyan's expression turned serious. "Against enemies, I hold nothing back and give my utmost effort—this is my path of endurance."
Quickly, the two cunning rascals approached Emperor's Bow of Life and Death, their arms casually draped over each other's shoulders.
Emperor's Bow of Life and Death, clutching the prominently swollen pregnant belly, endured the pain of impending childbirth without complaint, defiantly raising their head with pride, not uttering a single sound.
"No matter how much I called out to you, you wouldn't stop, leaving me no choice but this desperate measure," Su Jinyan said. "If anyone is to blame, it's Aha; He instructed me to do this."
Aha nodded gleefully, "Indeed, it was my command that led him to act."
"Lan, I solemnly invite you to join us at the Skylight Star Wall for the Elation Party."
Emperor's Bow of Life and Death silently shook their head, indicating refusal.
"Wait, don't rush to decline," Su Jinyan urged. "Just hear me out, and I guarantee you'll be intrigued."
"Great Emperor's Bow of Life and Death, your ceaseless wanderings between worlds, eliminating the immortal evil beings that once plagued our homes, stems from your desire to make the Abundant Yaoshi pay, does it not?"
"Of course, the Abundant Yaoshi is also among our invited guests, and as agreed, They will attend the Elation Party."
"However, all guests will be under the protection of the Amber King." Lan gazed intently at Su Jinyan's face. "What is the price?"
Su Jinyan replied, "A game of cards. If you win, Elation will join forces with you to pursue Yaoshi."
"If you lose, you only need to divert a trivial fate path from the endless river of destinies for me."
Lan readily agreed. To this newly born Aeon, it seemed like no better bargain could exist. It was clear that He did not yet comprehend the treacherous dealings among Aeons—after all, even Aha Lao Deng had his moments of cunning.
For amusement's sake, what wouldn't Aha do?
Gradually, Su Jinyan realized an issue—the other Aeons showed little interest in simply conceding their control over the "Elation" fate path as he initially proposed. Thus, he began offering alternative incentives.
When facing the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook, Su Jinyan suggested:
If Nanook won, Elation would help obliterate His dark past across the entire universe, including any backups held by Aha.
Nanook accepted, seemingly finding it a highly advantageous deal.
With Fuli, it was much simpler; there was no need for Su Jinyan or Aha to invite Him as Fuli arrived unbidden.
Such a grand gathering of Aeons, Fuli could not possibly miss.
Under the amber-colored sky,
the Aeons gathered: Harmony (Xipe), Abundance (Yaoshi), Destruction (Nanook), Preservation (Qlipoth),
Remembrance (Fuli), Elation (Su Jinyan), The Hunt (Lan), and Aha—all seven Aeons convened here.
It was evident that Xipe desperately wanted to join the card game, being the most intrigued among all present Aeons by the rewards Su Jinyan mentioned.
While other Aeons disregarded those rewards like worn-out shoes, Xipe viewed them as precious treasures.
Yet, Su Jinyan intentionally did not invite Xipe to play.
However, he promised that if after the first round any other Aeons still wished to participate, he would gladly include Xipe in subsequent games.
On the surface, Xipe expressed no objections, but what thoughts lay beneath remained unknown.
Participants: Yaoshi, Nanook, Qlipoth, Fuli, Su Jinyan, Lan, Aha.
Su Jinyan began introducing the rules of Three Kingdoms Killer to the assembled Aeons, setting up a standard seven-player game.
As the joyful game wheel began to spin, each participant would randomly receive their role and corresponding abilities suited to an Aeon.
There were four roles in total: Ruler, Loyalist, Rebel, and Spy.
Su Jinyan made some modifications to the rules of Three Kingdoms Killer:
Rebels can cooperate with each other, but after the Ruler's death, they must eliminate all remaining Rebels to claim victory.The Spy must protect the Ruler until the last moment. Only after killing two Loyalists, then assassinating the Ruler, can the Spy win the game.Loyalists need only ensure the Ruler survives until the end of the game to achieve victory.For the Ruler to win, they must eliminate all Rebels and the Spy. If the Ruler accidentally kills a Loyalist during gameplay, they must discard all their hand cards.At the start, all players' identities are hidden except for the Ruler's. Participants must deduce others' roles based on their actions.This is a silent round; players cannot speak freely and can only use predefined phrases within the game.
Cards are divided into: [Health Cards], [Basic Cards], [Tactic Cards], and [Equipment Cards].
Su Jinyan's voice turned solemn. "Once the game begins, there is no stopping it midway."
"Before we proceed, does anyone have any questions?"
The sole spectator present, Xipe, posed a query to Su Jinyan:
"We wish to know/have some doubts—how can you ensure the fairness of this game?"
Su Jinyan's smile faded. "Honored Xipe," he replied.
"I assure the Amber King that the game's rules will be clear and transparent, and I absolutely will not cheat during play.
"I cannot control your thoughts, but I can guarantee that once the game starts, each player's actions will depend solely on their own volition and fate paths.
"If I harbor even the slightest intention to cheat, then let the Amber King crush me into pulp with His hammer."
The Amber King Qlipoth scratched his head, puzzled.
Xipe spoke up, "Alright, we have no further objections."
The joyful roulette wheel began spinning, assigning roles to the players present.