Fu Xuan narrowed her eyes, a smile that didn't reach them playing on her lips. However, with Ye Feng present, she did not explode.
She was born into the Fu clan of the Yuque Xianzhou, a family of esteemed stargazers. She was, in essence, a young lady from a prestigious noble house, with refined speech and a magnanimous bearing. She would never do anything to compromise her dignity. Even when enraged, the worst insult she could muster would be a toothless "big villain."
Therefore, in Lord Ye Feng's presence, although Fu Xuan desperately wanted to charge forward and give Qingque a thorough beating, she ultimately maintained her elegant and proper image.
Fu Xuan could never forget her first meeting with Lord Ye Feng. He was so tall, with starlight cascading behind him, his whole being seeming to glow as if an Aeon had descended.
No, Fu Xuan had once had an audience with the esteemed Dr. Ratio. The feeling Lord Ye Feng gave her was something even an Aeon couldn't compare to… It was a state of being that transcended human intellect.
It was impossible to articulate, impossible to describe. But it had left an indelible mark on her heart.
Qingque instantly read Fu Xuan's mind. She felt the crisis approaching ever faster. As expected of Lord Fu Xuan, divining fortunes and maneuvering towards advantage and away from harm had practically become instinct.
—To be so keenly aware of the situation.
In front of Ye Feng, she acted as docile and well-behaved as a gentle little animal.
The more Lord Fu Xuan curried favor with Ye Feng, the more danger she herself was in.
Fu Xuan gazed at Qingque and said faintly, "I was suddenly roused from a sweet slumber, and checking the time, I saw it was around midnight. A tightness in my chest alerted me to an anomaly, so I performed two hasty divinations. The hexagram depicted was 'The dragon appears in the field.' I surmised it must have something to do with you, so I went back to sleep. Hehe, Qingque, long time no see."
Her tone was bland and indifferent, as if she were recounting a historical event rather than something happening right before them. Her gaze was like that of someone looking at a dead person, suffocatingly intense.
Qingque shuddered. After a long, hesitant shuffle, she touched the back of her head, utterly guilt-ridden. "L-Lord Diviner, I think I can explain…"
Running was the worst possible option. Waking up and appearing here was definitely Ye Feng's doing. In this world, whatever he wished to happen could not be defied. It was a rule stricter than even the [Paths]. Qingque had already experienced this firsthand.
Fu Xuan sat quietly in the pavilion, sipping her fragrant tea, her gaze directed down at Qingque. Her clear, tranquil amber eyes were tinged with a hint of contempt.
"After Lord Ye Feng leaves, I would like to have a proper chat with you. Will you grant me the honor?"
"Ahaha…? Lord Diviner, you're too kind… granting you the honor or whatever…"
This was terrifying. The calmer Lord Fu Xuan was now, the more violent the storm awaiting her would be. Qingque was no petrel; she couldn't cry out, "Let the storm rage ever more fiercely!"
A lump of dread spread in her throat, and anxiety instantly consumed her. She fidgeted frantically on the spot for what felt like an eternity before composing herself, patting away non-existent dust from her clothes and turning her gaze to Ye Feng.
She saw that he looked calm and unbothered, a faint smile on his lips, but there was no mockery in his eyes… Understood. He was pressuring her.
Demanding a pledge of allegiance?
Qingque quietly shuffled closer to Ye Feng. Fu Xuan noticed her small movement but didn't say anything to stop her. Let's see what other tricks she could pull. With Lord Ye Feng here, there was nothing to worry about.
During her time in this special world, although Fu Xuan couldn't find Qingque, she hadn't been idle. She had met many people, such as the former Sword Champion Jingliu, the progenitor of humanity Ji Lin, and even an elf-like young woman. Each of them had their own unique skills, but when they spoke of Ye Feng, their expressions would turn grave, only saying he was "indescribable." None were willing to elaborate.
This indirectly reflected the "authority" Ye Feng held in this world.
"Lord Ye Feng, let me give you a massage." Qingque came up behind Ye Feng, her small hands clumsily pressing on his shoulders. Hands that only knew how to shuffle Celestial Jade tiles had no idea how to perform such a service.
But that wasn't the point.
Standing behind Ye Feng, Qingque brought her cherry lips close to his ear, her breath like orchids.
"Do you want my help in taking down Lord Fu Xuan?"
"Oh?" Ye Feng glanced at Qingque, a half-smile on his face. As expected of a corporate drone who could navigate the workplace so smoothly. This mindset, this perception—she really knew how to play the game.
Ye Feng looked at Fu Xuan. A petite, well-proportioned, yet richly charming figure. Her pink, silk-like hair was bound by gilt hairpins, falling into two ponytails that rested beside the plump, peachy contours of her rear, where the silhouette of her youthful hips was faintly visible.
The intricate skirt of her dress had an ancient charm, a magnificent amethyst-hued court dress adorned with numerous ornaments. The carefully tailored gown was an off-the-shoulder style, revealing a large expanse of snowy, supple skin. The opulent, elegant silk and cotton were tightly woven into a beautiful skirt, which gave way to delicate white silk that outlined her well-proportioned, jade-like legs. Her dainty, tender feet were tucked into short boots, inviting endless fantasy from any who peeked.
Ye Feng had just come out of Big Duck Duck's script and was still in the "afterglow of pure love." He hadn't immediately pounced on Fu Xuan; instead, he was enjoying fragrant tea with her in the ancient pavilion, incidentally answering some of her questions.
But Qingque's words had piqued his interest.
"You little temptress, are you even willing to sell out your direct superior?"
""Hm?""
Qingque and Fu Xuan froze simultaneously.
After all, their conversation had not been concealed in the slightest.
It was normal for Fu Xuan to be stunned. What did she mean by "take me down"? Little temptress?
Qingque was panicking too. She had thrown all her chips in, but Ye Feng's response was infuriatingly ambiguous. He was like a scumbag luring in an innocent girl, refusing to give a straight answer on the most crucial question.
Qingque felt a profound lack of security.
"Qingque, what is the meaning of this?" Fu Xuan's eyes narrowed, her gaze as sharp as a blade. If looks could kill, Qingque would have been pierced by a thousand swords by now.
Standing behind Ye Feng and holding onto his shoulders, Qingque puffed out her chest. "Lord Diviner will understand in a moment. It might be a little strange at first, but once you get into it, it's quite enjoyable. Lord Diviner, please don't blame me."
"?" The Grand Diviner's eyes were truly clear, filled with a confusion like that of a recent college graduate.
Both women looked at Ye Feng.
Ye Feng mimicked Bronya, tilting his head slightly. "Qingque, what are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean."
"Eh?"
It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck inside her mind. Qingque stood frozen on the spot.
It felt as if the sky had fallen.
No, it's not supposed to be like this…
You son of a bitch, don't you toy with me…
One moment you're calling me a little temptress, and the next you're acting all pure and innocent, is that it?!!
"...Lord Ye Feng." Qingque watched Fu Xuan's gaze grow deeper and deeper, and she swallowed hard. "You know… I am your most loyal believer."