Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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In legend, the Ten-Lords Commission was the most enigmatic place on Xianzhou.

Once someone committed a grave offense and entered the Ten-Lords Commission, there was no hope of ever leaving.

The cultivators' faces turned ashen, resembling those stricken by immense grief; some even trembled uncontrollably. They couldn't fathom why they suddenly lost their judgment and openly defied the Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission.

In stark contrast to these cultivators, Su Jinyan, escorted personally by the Judge herself, appeared remarkably calm and composed. Despite knowing his impending sentence, he showed not the slightest hint of fear or anxiety.

Throughout her life, Xueyi had encountered numerous criminals, among them many arrogant and defiant individuals who believed their connections allowed them to disregard the Judge's authority. However, without exception, their fate either led to execution by her hand or that of the Punishment Division's Judge, or eternal imprisonment within The Shackling Prison.

To Xueyi, Su Jinyan seemed no different from those other prisoners, merely overconfident due to perceived backing. She wondered what would happen when the person he relied on abandoned him: Would he, like those before him, kneel at her feet, weeping and pleading for forgiveness? Or would he confront her desperately, akin to a cornered beast fighting for survival?

Or perhaps, like cornered beasts, they would choose to fight her to the death.

Xueyi's emotionless gaze flickered briefly towards him. The answer to this riddle would soon be revealed.

Su Jinyan casually observed the detained cultivators.

It was clear that their mental fortitude had crumbled, leaving them in a state of fearful unease. These were the vaunted cultivators of Sanctus Medicus—truly disappointing.

In fact, he owed thanks to Judge Xueyi. Without her brutal verdict earlier, these cultivators wouldn't have suffered such casualties, with some dead and others grievously wounded. Not a single elite cultivator survived, and those remaining were on the brink of collapse.

Without Xueyi's assistance, his next moves would not have been so effortless.

Suddenly, the narrator's voice echoed in his mind:

[Did you know? Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission hold four distinct duties: Arrest, Lock, Punish, and Interrogate.]

[Judge Xueyi of the Ten-Lords Commission bears the duty of "Arrest." Armed with iron chains and a Demon-Breaking Awl, she tirelessly seeks out dangerous criminals, apprehending and subduing them without respite.]

[The Judge responsible for "Interrogation" is named Hanya. She specializes in reading the causal sins of criminals and subsequently inscribes their karmic retribution using the Heavenly Script of Prophecy.]

[Due to her constant work through dream divination, Hanya endures relentless exposure to vast amounts of Demonic Yin-infused causal information, leading her to find worldly affairs utterly uninteresting.]

[Only when acting alongside her fellow Judge sister, Xueyi, does she occasionally reveal glimpses of genuine emotion.]

[Ordinary individuals cannot resist Hanya's ability to read causal sins, but I believe you will find a way, given your circumstances.]

Hmph, of course I have a plan.

As long as one dares enough, Xueyi could take maternity leave.

Wait, no.

As long as one dares enough, they can show Xueyi that mechanical maidens don't get pregnant.

"Do you acknowledge your guilt, criminal Su Jinyan?"

Xueyi stiffly twisted her neck, slowly turning her head amidst the eerie atmosphere of the Ten-Lords Commission, creating a chilling scene.

Thud—

Xueyi's head detached and fell to the ground, eyes emitting a peculiar red glow.

Su Jinyan's lips curved upward gradually. "Fascinating. The flexibility of this mannequin body exceeds my expectations."

"I'm even more eager now to engage Lady Xueyi in constructive dialogue, exploring self-worth and persistently seeking understanding."

With serene eyes, Xueyi calmly reached up and reattached her head.

Buzz...

The phone hidden within Xueyi's robes vibrated. Picking it up, she saw a text from Fu Xuan, pleading for Su Jinyan's release on bail.

"Boring." Without hesitation, Xueyi blacklisted Fu Xuan.

How could the Ten-Lords Commission's proceedings tolerate interference from mortal institutions? And as mere Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission, your input is unwarranted.

"Lady Xueyi, I have some advice," Su Jinyan interjected at the opportune moment.

"Speak freely," Xueyi replied mildly.

"It's not too late to release me now," Su Jinyan said with a smile.

Xueyi's expression remained placid. "Just moments ago, Fu Xuan sought your bail, but I declined his request."

Su Jinyan continued smiling. "As expected."

"In the Ten-Lords Commission, we uphold justice without exception," Xueyi stated coldly. "Not even Fu Xuan can sway our judgment. Even if Jing Yuan himself pleaded, he would receive no favor."

"Your crimes warrant confinement in The Shackling Prison, but I've changed my mind. If your guilt is confirmed, I will execute you directly later."

Su Jinyan's calm smile belied her infuriating words, "Don't bluff; it only exposes your weakness."

Xueyi turned coldly away from him. "Hanya."

A tall, fair-skinned young girl with pronounced dark circles under her eyes approached.

Su Jinyan nodded slowly. "Impressive, at least a 36D."

Xueyi raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

The girl had crisp moon-blue short hair and wore a deep blue robe. In her left hand, she held the Heavenly Script of Prophecy, while her right clutched a scroll inscribed with sins, drawing attention to her slender, shapely legs.

"Big Sister, were you calling me?"

Unlike Xueyi, although Hanya possessed a striking figure, her eyes emanated a profound aura of desolation. Her expression was stiff and numb, devoid of any youthful vitality. However, upon seeing Xueyi, her beautiful gaze instantly lit up.

These were the inseparable sisters, Judge Xueyi and Judge Hanya, serving within the Ten-Lords Commission.

Su Jinyan narrowed his eyes, recalling the information he had gathered:

Once Hanya used Dream Divination to ascertain a criminal's karmic sins, she would employ the Heavenly Script of Prophecy to write their retributive judgment. After the judgment took effect, executioners from the Punishments Division would detain the offender for sentencing.

Despite being designated as the Judge of Detention, Xueyi also held the authority to mete out life or death penalties.

Having so deeply offended Judge Xueyi, once the judgment is enacted, even if she kills me, it would be considered lenient.

But what will happen if Hanya cannot judge my crimes? How then will you proceed?

Xueyi commanded, "Hanya, first assess and mete out karmic retribution to these three cultivators from the Medicine King's secret lineage."

A hint of emotion flickered in Hanya's icy, lifeless eyes. "Yes."

With a cold demeanor, Hanya took up the pen, its strokes fluid and forceful through the air.

Instantaneously, a haunting blue flame engulfed the scene.

Once Hanya discerned their causal sins, the souls of those three cultivators would be extracted for judgment.

Yet at that moment, an unexpected change occurred.

The three cultivators simultaneously fell into a state of stupefaction, their eyes vacant and unresponsive.

Even if they were mentally impaired, they should still possess memories and self-awareness. However, these cultivators' consciousnesses were entirely blank, their minds nearly shattered.

As a result, despite using Dream Divination techniques, Hanya could not extract any traces of their causal sins or transgressions.

This implied that any potential connections involving Su Jinyan might also be absolved without consequence.

Hanya, visibly distressed, said, "Big Sister, my abilities—they're n-not working..."

Xueyi's expression shifted slightly, her gaze turning frigid. "Su Jinyan."

The corners of Su Jinyan's lips curved upward slightly. "What brings you to call upon me, esteemed Judge?"

Xueyi studied him deeply before asking, "...Is this your doing?"

Su Jinyan smiled faintly. "What does the esteemed Judge believe?"

"This Heavenly Script of Prophecy is indeed intriguing, capable of assessing and punishing a criminal's causal sins."

"However, there is one thing I don't quite understand," Su Jinyan continued. "Honored Judge, if it's impossible to discern a criminal's karmic sins, does that mean they cannot be punished?"

"Perhaps we should release these cultivators instead?"

Xueyi slowly raised the Demon-Breaking Awl and, under Su Jinyan's watchful gaze, executed the three cultivators without hesitation.

"As a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, no formal sentencing is necessary."

"The elimination of Disciples of Sanctus Medicus falls within my purview."

"And you, Su Jinyan, are no exception."

Su Jinyan smiled faintly, offering no further response.

Perfect—now there would truly be no witnesses left alive. If Xueyi hadn't executed those cultivators, they would have regained their senses soon enough, making matters more complicated.

Indeed, he had exploited the Judge's hatred for the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus to provoke Xueyi. Although such tactics were somewhat dishonorable, they proved effective.

Wiping blood from her cheek, Xueyi's voice turned icy. "Hanya, interrogate him."

Hanya nodded gently, "Yes, Big Sister."

Su Jinyan's expression shifted slightly, his breath becoming somewhat erratic.

Approaching him, Xueyi whispered in his ear, "It's your turn now. I will ensure justice is served with my own hands."

A barely perceptible smile crossed Su Jinyan's face. "Then... let us see what unfolds..."

"As long as I firmly believe myself to be innocent, you won't uncover my sins."

Indeed, his next step was to employ mental domination on himself, completely hypnotizing his mind and erasing all past memories.

He aimed to transform himself into a virtuous individual who had never committed any crimes, one deeply abhorring evil.

However, mental domination's effect lasted only five minutes and could not genuinely alter a person's memories. Once those five minutes elapsed, the forgotten recollections would resurface.

Forget your past life and embark on a new journey.

Your name is Su Jinyan, and you work at the Divination Commission.

Initially, due to Qingque's influence, you became a casual diviner fond of slacking off and playing cards.

But with unwavering integrity, fairness, and an intense hatred for evil, coupled with a spirit of self-sacrifice, you constantly strive to contribute within your means to Luofu.

Thus, you abandon your card-playing friend Qingque and choose to infiltrate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, becoming a proud undercover agent.

Through diligent effort and perseverance, you finally earn the admiration of the high-ranking members of the secret teachings.

However, Shen Hai envies you; he is their spy planted within the Divination Commission...

With your deep-seated hatred for evil, particularly despising the monstrous individuals from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, you decide...

...

Su Jinyan smiled serenely, composed and unflustered:

"Judges, I believe you should release me now," Su Jinyan continued. "Luofu is in dire need of my assistance; I must contribute my efforts for its sake."

At this moment, Su Jinyan had completely forgotten all his previous memories, fully immersed in his new persona.

Mind Control wasn't limited to enemies; it could be applied to oneself as well. However, one crucial aspect remained—the effect lasted only five minutes. After that, Su Jinyan's forgotten memories would resurface once more.

Hanya picked up her brush again, penning with vigorous and flowing strokes: "Ten Kings' Pardon Decree—Present!"

She had anticipated reading Su Jinyan's karmic sins and transgressions without fail, yet she encountered another setback.

The Heavenly Script of Prophecy, capable of inscribing retributive judgments, was a rare divine artifact, but it had its limitations. It could not arbitrarily determine guilt; instead, it required Hanya to first use Dream Divination to extract the criminal's memories of their past misdeeds before delivering punishment.

Herein lay the problem: What if the suspect were an upright, virtuous individual, genuinely devoted to doing good?

"Big Sister, this person has committed no sins throughout their life."

"The only alleged sin is the murder of Shen Hai, a cultivator secretly trained by the Medicine King. However, this cannot be considered a crime; rather, it might even be seen as a merit," Hanya said with a frown. "He is as innocent as one can possibly be... truly untainted."

"Impossible! Hanya, wait here for just a moment, I'll return shortly." Xueyi swiftly turned and left.

Innocent? The more blameless he seemed, the more suspicious it appeared.

After a brief interval, Xueyi returned, carrying a polygraph device. She spoke calmly, "This is a specialized jade divination tablet for lie detection. I will ask, and you shall answer truthfully.

"As soon as you attempt to deceive, the jade divination tablet will sound an alarm.

"Let's start with some simple questions."

"Su Jinyan, are you a diviner from the Divination Commission?"

"Of course, could there be any doubt?"

"Why did you kill Shen Hai?"

"He was a cultivator secretly trained by the Medicine King. Isn't it self-evident that I would eliminate him?" Su Jinyan replied.

Xueyi furrowed her brow. "Are you also a secret cultivator of Sanctus Medicus?"

Su Jinyan answered mildly, "Yes, yet not entirely."

Confused, Xueyi asked, "What do you mean?"

Su Jinyan responded candidly, "I am indeed a secret cultivator of Sanctus Medicus."

"However, I was also acting under Lady Fu Xuan's approval as an undercover agent sent by the Seat of Divine Foresight to infiltrate and gather intelligence from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."

Throughout his statements, the polygraph remained silent.

Xueyi couldn't help but wonder if the device had malfunctioned.

As if reading her thoughts, Su Jinyan said, "I never considered going to the Artisanship Commission to commission a mannequin identical to Lady Xueyi."

BEEP—

"And I certainly didn't entertain any lewd thoughts about the Xueyi mannequin."

BEEP—

"I didn't even imagine dressing up the Xueyi mannequin every day."

BEEP— 25595300

"Nor did I think of creating a mannequin for Hanya too."

Hanya exclaimed, "What?!"

BEEP—

The polygraph went berserk with alarms.

"Just imagining a pair of sister-themed mannequins makes my heart race with anticipation."

Despite undergoing psychological conditioning that transformed Su Jinyan into a justice-seeking individual who abhors evil, it hadn't erased his inherent inclination towards sensuality.

Sensuality is a fundamental human desire, rooted in primal instincts. Those who appreciate sensuality are often remarkable, while those who lack such appreciation may face their own struggles.

With a cold demeanor, Xueyi raised the Demon-Breaking Awl. "Su Jinyan, the sinner, thy execution shall commence this instant!"

Beeep—

Xueyi's expression remained impassive as she lowered her weapon and turned off the polygraph.

It failed to sound when it should have, yet now, when it shouldn't, it blares relentlessly. I truly feel like smashing this thing.

At that moment, Xueyi's phone vibrated again.

It was another message from Jing Yuan.

As per Jing Yuan's explanation, Su Jinyan had been sent undercover by the Seat of Divine Foresight into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, not acting as a criminal.

Xueyi hesitated briefly before choosing to block Jing Yuan outright.

The truth must be determined independently; she could not allow others to influence her judgment.

However, could it be that I've genuinely wronged him?

A rare hint of confusion flickered in Xueyi's crimson eyes—an expression seldom seen on a mannequin.

Within the Xianzhou Alliance, Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission wield significant authority, their status even surpassing that of the six rulers—a position unchanged throughout history.

What would happen if a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission acted corruptly or committed grave errors due to negligence, leading to wrongful convictions? No one knew the consequences.

However, within the Ten-Lords Commission, there circulated such a tale:

Once upon a time, on Xianzhou Zhu Ming, a Judge made a serious mistake through dereliction of duty. The repercussions were far-reaching, tarnishing the reputation of the entire commission.

From that day forward, the Judge vanished from existence, never seen again by anyone.

Since becoming a Judge, Xueyi had diligently served the Ten-Lords Commission without error for many years. She had once struck a deal with the Ten Lords: for every major criminal apprehended, she would earn half a day's freedom to return to the living world.

For this agreement and for her sister Hanya, no matter how weary her spirit might become, Xueyi persevered.

If indeed she had misjudged virtue and folly this time...

If reported to the Xianzhou Alliance, the consequences could range from punishment by the Ten Kings at best, to potentially being denied entry into Nirvana at worst...

No, wait... As soon as she recalled Su Jinyan's enigmatic gaze and his cryptic words, Xueyi's conviction strengthened once more.

Yes, there was no way she could have misjudged him.

Su Jinyan must undoubtedly be one of the cultivators from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, holding a significant position within their ranks.

Otherwise, why would they risk sacrificing dozens of cultivators just to rescue him? He must have employed some extraordinary means to evade both Hanya's Dream Divination Technique and the detection mechanisms of the truth-telling jade divination tablet.

"If it turns out I've misjudged you, I will indeed apologize."

"But if you deliberately deceive us, the consequences awaiting you..."

"...will be unimaginable..."

"I'm stepping out for a moment; I'll return shortly. Hanya, keep watch over him here."

With graceful agility, Xueyi swiftly vanished from Su Jinyan's sight. She intended to conduct a thorough investigation into all available records about Su Jinyan's past.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Su Jinyan protested, "I truly am a good person; why won't you believe me?"

"Honestly, I stayed here only to prove my innocence."

"If I really wanted to escape, do you think these chains could hold me back?"

"With these flimsy iron chains, I could easily break free and show you..."

Hanya silently shook her head. "Don't waste your effort."

However, Su Jinyan then made an unexpected move.

"Judge, I am guilty," he declared.

Hanya's drowsy, beautiful eyes widened abruptly. "What did you say?!"

D-did he just confess? But he was clearly innocent—why would he admit guilt? Hanya found it utterly perplexing.

As a Judge, her duty prohibited her from passing judgment on the blameless or writing their karmic retribution. This could only be done if the person confessed their guilt themselves, with the acknowledged sins receiving validation by the Heavenly Script of Prophecy.

Su Jinyan's voice resonated deeply, making it difficult for Hanya to discern his emotions through his gaze. Seeing his expression, she couldn't help but ask, "Do you think I'm forcing you to confess?"

"Yes, that's correct," Su Jinyan replied gravely. "Judge, I am guilty—isn't this what you wanted to hear? Lock me away in The Shackling Prison; it's what you excel at, after all."

Without being able to ascertain his causal sins, she could not inscribe his karmic retribution using the Heavenly Script of Prophecy. Unless Xueyi found concrete evidence of his crimes, imprisoning Su Jinyan before formal judgment would be strictly against protocol.

Hanya picked up the Heavenly Script of Prophecy and asked softly, "Su Jinyan, do you admit to being a remnant of Sanctus Medicus's secret disciples?"

"Do you confess to violating the 'Ten Unforgivable Sins' as decreed by the Ten-Lords Commission?"

Su Jinyan denied it firmly. "No, my greatest sin lies solely in being an outsider."

Hanya tightened her grip on the Heavenly Script of Prophecy. "Yet, your trial is not based on being an outsider."

Su Jinyan raised his head, glaring with anger. "Yes, precisely because I am an outsider."

"I've come to deeply understand that from birth, people are divided into rigid hierarchies."

"As an outsider, without question, I belong to the lowest stratum of Xianzhou society."

"So, my arrest and trial occur merely because I am an outsider, nothing more."

"What crime have I committed? All I did was act according to duty, mistakenly killing one Abundance Remnant in a moment of impulse.

"If killing an Abundance Remnant is indeed a crime, then willingly, I accept the punishment."

"There's no need for further discourse, Judge Hanya. Imprison me in The Shackling Prison."

Su Jinyan felt profound anger and disappointment. In his view, he was entirely innocent.

Being arrested here was one thing, but having no chance to defend himself against false accusations felt truly unjust—f*cking absurd even.

Only those who suffer injustice fully comprehend its depth.

It was unbearably bleak; he never imagined that the Judges of the Ten-Lords Commission would act so arbitrarily, determined to imprison him despite his innocence.

Hanya gave him a deep look. "If this truly reflects your wishes, I respect your decision... However, I do not have the authority to incarcerate an innocent person in The Shackling Prison. Please bear with me for a moment."

As one of the four divisions—Arrest, Lockup, Punishment, and Interrogation—Judge Hanya belonged to the Interrogation Division and lacked the power to commit someone directly to The Shackling Prison.

Since Su Jinyan insisted, they would instead send him to the Punishment Division. Its Judge, upon deliberating, thought it acceptable: since Su Jinyan had voluntarily come forward, they would grant his wish.

You want to suffer within The Shackling Prison? Very well, let you reflect deeply there.

This action indeed violated protocol. Yet throughout history, Judge Xueyi had never wrongly judged any case or unjustly accused anyone. It was only a matter of time before Judge Xueyi found evidence of Su Jinyan's guilt.

Proceeding first without authorization wasn't unprecedented; they had done it before.

At the Sky-Faring Commission, Tingyun swished her fluffy fox tail as she held out a pen and paper, inviting members of the Ming Huo Trading Company to sign the petition.

Neither Tingyun nor Yukong had the authority to secure Su Jinyan's release outright. Thus, Tingyun sought another path—applying pressure through public opinion was all she could do at this point. She intended to mobilize every connection within her reach, forcing the Ten-Lords Commission to swiftly set him free.

However, not everyone was willing to sign the petition.

"My apologies, Miss Tingyun."

"I...I think I'll pass..." a young man said sheepishly.

"Do you understand what's at stake here?"

"If Mr. Su hadn't risked everything to save us that day, would there still be a Ming Huo Trading Company now?"

Other members of the company glared disapprovingly at the young man.

"Yes, it's true, Mr. Su did save me, and I'm deeply grateful."

"But signing this doesn't mean I have to support his innocence..."

"What if—and I'm just saying what if—the investigation reveals that Mr. Su truly is a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus?"

"Then those who signed would be committing perjury, and none of us would escape blame."

His words carried weight, causing some who had already signed to waver. If accused by the Ten-Lords Commission, their records would forever bear a stain.

Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, smiling. "It's quite alright," she assured them. "I don't insist that everyone sign their names."

"Besides, our Benefactor isn't one to demand repayment for his kindnesses. He'll understand once he is released."

"Yes, exactly, Miss Tingyun, listen..." Seeing Tingyun acknowledge his viewpoint, the young man couldn't help but smile and attempted to further explain.

To his surprise, despite her usual gracious demeanor towards all, Miss Tingyun abruptly turned on him due to this matter.

"My words aren't finished yet." Tingyun's charming face grew cold. "Even if our Benefactor understands, it doesn't mean I do."

"Since Mr. Yu fears the Ten-Lords Commission, does that mean you fear me any less?"

"Very well, from today onwards, I will no longer assign you any trade routes or voyages."

As the Shuttle Envoy of the Sky-Faring Commission's merchant fleet and head of Ming Huo Trading Company, Tingyun held significant authority. Withholding trade route assignments meant the man would have no performance record; prolonged lack of achievement could lead to his dismissal from the Ming Huo Trading Company.

Tingyun's actions were entirely within regulations, leaving no room for objection.

Without another word, Tingyun promptly rolled up the petition, giving the man no chance to explain himself, and turned to leave.

Time was precious; not a moment should be wasted. Why engage further with such individuals?

Meanwhile, Qingque was hidden away in the Divination Commission's library, tapping away at her keyboard.

She posted a thread on the "Luofu Chatter" section of the Xianzhou forums.

From the perspective of an unbiased bystander, Qingque commented on the injustice unfolding within the Divination Commission that day.

Naturally, to avoid panic, she deliberately downplayed sensitive topics. Instead, she skillfully steered the conversation towards two key issues: the suppression of outstanding employees by their superiors and the wrongful accusation leading to investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission.

"I hope this post won't get me caught by the Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission," Qingque muttered. "I better hurry up and play a few rounds at the gaming hall before they nab me."

Strangely enough, shortly after posting, her thread quickly climbed to the top of trending topics, reaching many who received notifications.

Qingque's writing style was simple yet relatable, resonating with numerous readers.

Who hasn't faced unfair treatment or endured suppression from superiors in their workplace? Now, Su Jinyan's accomplishments were being usurped by his superior, and he even faced unjust accusations—what justified such mistreatment?

If not handled properly, this incident could severely impact Luofu's societal norms in the future.

[Invincible Swordsman 123: This is outrageous! How could such a thing happen?]

[Shangshang's Sole Account: Urgent needs met promptly, assistance always available; practicing daily kindness, reflecting upon oneself thrice.]

[Original poster, if you need help, just let me know.]

[Benefactor's Little Fox: Let's go—shall we stage a jailbreak together?]

[Shangshang's Sole Account: Uh, maybe not a jailbreak—I'm not ready to die so soon.]

[Great Iron Hammer of Artisanship: Wait, did Shen Hai claiming Little Friend Su as a cultivator from the Medicine King's secret teachings really prompt the Ten-Lords Commission to arrest him?]

[Snowy Coat: Normally, if you report suspicious individuals to the Ten-Lords Commission:]

[With sufficient evidence, they must respond accordingly.]

[Taking Mr. Su away was solely because he was reported and deemed suspect.]

[It wasn't that his mere reporting necessitated his arrest, does everyone understand this distinction?]

[Invincible Swordsman 123: I suspect someone above is an Abundance Remnant, and I have proof.]

[Playing with Fate: Yes, I was there too, witnessing firsthand as that guy transformed from human into a Quimuwolf.]

[Snowy Coat: Huh?]

[Diting + Howling Buddies: ? Click here for adorable Diting footage! High quality at low prices.]

[Holding Bright Online: Ah, but Su Jinyan doesn't seem like someone who'd do anything wrong, does he?]

[He still owes me for that medicinal tea last time—a hefty sum of Strales.]

[If he gets locked up, who will I collect from, hm?]

[Benefactor's Little Fox: This humble maiden is already en route to the Ten-Lords Commission.]

[I encountered Lady Fu Xuan along the way, and she asked me to relay a message to Miss Qingque:]

["Qingque, slacking off on duty again? Just see if this venerable one won't dock your pay!"]

[Playing with Fate: Aiya, why is my connection lagging? Can't even see the latest messages now. Gotta log off.]

[Futile Attempt: No use hiding; this venerable one has seen it all.]

[Anonymous User: Can anyone contact Su Jinyan? Could you please deliver a message for me?]

[Just ask him, do you still carry the protective talisman I gave you thirty years ago?]

[Cold Crow: Let's not spread rumors or engage in hearsay—remember, there's no lawlessness online.]

The corners of Silver Wolf's lips curled upward as their fingers rapidly danced across the keyboard. "Ha, let's have some fun then~"

As the thread's popularity surged, Silver Wolf chose to delete it just when it reached its peak.

[This post has been restricted by the moderator for suspected dissemination of harmful content.]

Qingque's face crumpled in dismay. "Wahh, we're doomed."

"Will the Judge really come after us now?"

"Now they'll drag me to keep A-Yan company."

"Oh, Arrow of Fate, spare me! If anyone must be taken, let it be the Grand Diviner instead."

Xueyi had also been closely monitoring this thread. When she saw it get restricted, she couldn't help but freeze.

She swore on her life that she hadn't done this herself. Still investigating Su Jinyan's past within the Realm-Keeping Commission, how could she possibly concern herself with such matters?

Everyone who had viewed and replied to the post erupted in confusion—could administrators truly wield such power? If leaving the thread untouched were acceptable, what did its deletion signify?

The Ten-Lords Commission was indeed overstepping boundaries, likely out of guilt!

Otherwise, if they simply issued a statement confirming Su Jinyan as a cultivator trained by Sanctus Medicus, who would dare challenge them?

Even the Xianzhou Forum administrator was bewildered, swearing he had no part in this action.

If not him, then who else held such authority? It had to be either the Ten-Lords or Realm-Keeping Commissions.

Now, the question wasn't whether the Ten-Lords Commission was responsible—it mattered little anymore.

Because everyone unanimously believed that it was their doing!

Silver Wolf's fingers danced rapidly across the keyboard, her lips curving upwards with excitement.

"Please, let me have some fun this time, okay?"

Immediately, she reposted Qingque's message onto the Ethereal Immortal Ferry forum and set it with unremovable permissions.

[Ten-Lords Commission, you've got some nerve! How dare you delete my post, Qingque's post? I'll re-post every deletion!]

[Poster: Playing with Cards on the Line]

[Invincible Swordsman 123: 666]

[Shangshang's Sole Account: 666]

[Real Name Online: 666]

[Silver Wolf: 666]

[Benefactor's Little Fox: 666]

[Heartless Divination Machine: You truly don't fear death, Qingque. Just ensure your blood doesn't splatter on this venerable one.]

[Playing with Cards on the Line: Grand Diviner, it really wasn't me! Who keeps impersonating me to post these messages?!]

[Xueyi Coat: Let me just say one thing—the Ten-Lords Commission does not abuse its authority!]

[Fengyu Caihong 7854: No worries, no need to hide. Everyone knows it was the Ten-Lords Commission.]

[Xueyi Coat: Apologies, but our commission can indeed do as we please. What about it, dissatisfied?]

[Fengyu Caihong 7854: ???]

[Xueyi Coat: My apologies, my account was hacked earlier; that previous comment wasn't from me.]

[Fengyu Caihong 7854: I believe you (/smile).]

[Playing Cards with Fate: What's this 'Snowy Garment'? More like barking dogs, right?]

[Snowy Garment:?]

[Playing Cards with Fate: Wait, why was my account hacked too?]

[Heartless Divination Machine: ...]

[Diting Viewer + Howling Friend: ? Click here for Diting videos? Cute clips at affordable prices?]

With these exchanges, the enigmatic Ten-Lords Commission swiftly found itself thrust into the eye of a storm.

The administrator of Xianzhou Forum grew increasingly anxious. He tried to delete the post but tragically discovered he lacked the necessary permissions.

Wait.

The forum administrator browsed through the related replies and stumbled upon a crucial piece of information:

Master Fu Taibǔ had already set out towards the Ten-Lords Commission.

Hiss, this must be a high-stakes power play from the upper echelons.

The administrator gasped, sensing that he had uncovered a significant secret. Could it be a sign of discontent between the six divisions and the Ten-Lords Commission?

Few people clearly understood which held greater authority—the Ten-Lords Commission or the six divisions. Some even mistakenly believed the Ten-Lords Commission was one of the six divisions.

Only insiders like him knew the true extent of the Ten-Lords Commission's terrifying influence.

At the Realm-Keeping Commission.

Who could be audacious enough to hijack a Judge's account from the Ten-Lords Commission and manipulate public opinion?

Xueyi took a deep breath, feeling an unprecedented sense of urgency.

"Found it! Lady Xueyi!" An official of the Realm-Keeping Commission pointed at encrypted text on a jade divination tablet. "Look, these are recent records of suspicious messages sent by Su Jinyan."

"These chat logs are all encoded; we cannot immediately decipher them," they explained. "Therefore, we have ample reason to suspect that his conversation partner is likely a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus."

"Otherwise, who would bother using encrypted messages for casual chats? Especially with such unique codes."

Xueyi pursed her lips. "How long would it typically take to decrypt them?"

"The officials estimate three days," replied the Realm-Keeping Commissioner.

Xueyi shook her head slightly. "We can't afford to wait, but this encrypted chat history already speaks volumes."

"Su Jinyan must be considered a highly significant suspect."

"Have your technicians try to trace the location of the other party's jade divination tablet."

After receiving the order, the technicians promptly provided feedback:

"An hour ago, the signal from the jade divination chip was detected near the waste processing plant."

Xueyi fell silent, finally grasping the weight of the situation pressing upon her. Recalling the man's composed smile, she felt a tightness in her chest.

On the surface, it seemed as though Lady Xueyi was consistently one step behind her adversary. But if one were to delve deeper, she wasn't merely lagging by just that single stride.

Despite having the home-field advantage, she had allowed the situation to deteriorate this far. If word got out, she'd surely be laughed at. However, it didn't matter; all she needed was concrete evidence implicating the suspect, and that would suffice.

"Give me two hours," she instructed. "Gather all technicians from the Realm-Keeping Commission to decipher the jade divination tablet's cipher together."

"Time is of the essence; there must be no mistakes. Upon cracking the code, notify me immediately." With these orders, Lady Xueyi continued her pursuit.