"No need to worry." Fu Xuan crossed her arms and puffed out her chest proudly. "The Divination Commission is my territory. Let's see who dares to gossip!"
Her words nearly made Qingque's jaw drop.
Diviner Fu Xuan, weren't you always the one most opposed to favoritism and abuse of power? What's gotten into you today? Did you forget to take your medicine?
"Enough with the long face. The task I'm assigning you is simple. Since Yun Fan is currently staying at your place, do your best to build a good relationship with him. Understood?"
"That's it?" Qingque blinked in disbelief. This is... way too easy, isn't it?
"That's it. Now hurry home. Since you've already finished today's work, I'll make an exception and grant you half a day off." Fu Xuan waved dismissively.
"Half a day off? Thank you, Diviner Fu Xuan!"
Overjoyed, Qingque skipped out of the office, leaving Fu Xuan alone in deep thought. After a long silence, she sighed.
"The power of the Path of Causality... It's truly tempting..."
————————
The next day...
"How is this possible?! You've also stepped onto the Path of Causality?!"
Fu Xuan stared at Qingque in shock, sensing the familiar aura of Path energy—identical to Yun Fan's—emanating from her. Her voice trembled with disbelief.
Just one day apart, and Qingque has already entered the Path of Causality? This is...
"How did you do it?" Fu Xuan took a deep breath, her eyes inadvertently revealing a trace of longing.
"Well, Diviner Fu Xuan, you'll have to let me explain from the beginning..."
————————
The previous day...
Creak— Qingque cautiously pushed open her front door, peeking inside to confirm Yun Fan wasn't home before finally relaxing and striding into the living room.
But just then, an amused voice sounded behind her.
"Qingque, this is your home. Why are you sneaking around like a thief? If anyone saw you, who knows what they'd think."
"Ah? Ahem... Yun Fan! I, uh..." Qingque's gaze darted away nervously as she instinctively backed toward the wall behind her.
"Hmm?" Yun Fan raised an eyebrow. This behavior, this reaction... Is Qingque actually feeling guilty about something?
"Qingque, look into my eyes. Don't look away." Yun Fan stepped closer, gently cupping her face with both hands and forcing her to meet his gaze.
"You really don't let anyone escape, do you?" Qingque pouted slightly, her tone tinged with resentment.
"Is that so? Thanks for the compliment." Yun Fan smiled. "Now, care to tell me what you're feeling guilty about? And no lying."
"Pfft. Shouldn't you be the one explaining first, oh mighty Emanator of Causality?"
"Emanator of Causality? I see—Fu Xuan must have told you." Yun Fan nodded in understanding before tilting his head curiously.
"It's true that I'm an Emanator of Causality, but I don't recall ever deceiving you, Qingque."
"Hah? Didn't you say you were a... Uh." Qingque froze. Now that she thought about it, Yun Fan had never actually mentioned his identity. He'd only said he needed a place to stay on the Luofu—everything else had been her own assumptions.
"I was what?"
"Er, you... Sorry, I was wrong!" Qingque clasped her hands together and declared loudly.
"Hmm, Miss Qingque doesn't seem sincere enough." Yun Fan shook his head, his tone laced with disappointment.
"Ah? Then... how should I apologize properly?"
"It's simple. Just show me your chest—isn't that common sense?"
"Show my chest?!" Qingque's face turned red as she immediately crossed her arms over herself, trying to retreat. But with the wall at her back, where could she go?
"I-I warn you, I'm actually really strong! If you come any closer, I'll—"
Halfway through her threat, Qingque noticed Yun Fan's teasing smirk and realized she'd been played.
Qingque: Ugh! So infuriating!
Growing angrier by the second, Qingque marched forward and bit down on Yun Fan's arm.
Yun Fan: ???
"Ow! Are you part bloodhound or something? Can't you be more ladylike?" Yun Fan struggled to free his arm from her grip, staring at the bright red teeth marks and the glistening saliva left behind.
"This is your fault!" Qingque huffed before curiosity got the better of her. "Hey... can I ask what the Path of Causality's power actually is?"
"Oh? Interested?"
"Mhm..."
"Honestly, it's nothing special. As the name suggests, it's the ability to manipulate causality." Yun Fan shrugged nonchalantly.
"Manipulate causality... Is that even something a person can do?"
"Whether it's possible or not, why not experience it for yourself?"
"Eh?"
The moment Yun Fan finished speaking, Qingque felt the world spin around her. When her vision cleared, she found herself standing amidst a sea of stars—and at its center loomed a solitary figure.
Squinting, Qingque was stunned to see that the figure bore Yun Fan's exact likeness.
After what felt like an eternity, Qingque opened her eyes, her expression complex.
"So... you're really the 'Lord of Samsara,' huh?" She laughed bitterly. I just... bit an Aeon? That's probably some kind of legendary achievement, right?
"Wait!" Qingque suddenly realized something. "If you're the Aeon of Causality, and I stepped onto this Path because of you... doesn't that make me an Emanator on par with General Jing Yuan?!"