After the Dean finished explaining the follow-up procedures for the move to St. Yegana, Ye Jia walked in. He leaned against the podium, his beautiful eyes sweeping over the class. "Congratulations to everyone who passed the promotion exam. I’m very happy for you. I also have some good news: when you begin your Level 2 Arcana studies, you’ll find a compulsory course called 'Micro-Arcana.' The professor for that course will have a surprise for you."
"Professor Bu Ke, we’re going to miss you!" a girl said plaintively.
"Yeah, after we get to St. Yegana, we won't have such an interesting teacher anymore, waah..."
"That’s not necessarily true. St. Yegana is the heart of the world; the best scholars in the Light Sea are all there. I’ll miss you all too, so tomorrow night, I’ll be hosting a farewell party at my villa on the coast. My family and friends will be there as well, and I cordially invite all of you to attend."
After class, several Ocean Tribe students came to vent their frustrations on Fan Li’s behalf. They asked why she had intentionally held back during the exam when she clearly could have beaten Lina. She replied in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "I simply did what I said I would do." It was just loud enough for Lina to hear, nearly making her explode with rage. The "Genius of Love" desperately tried to comfort Lina, saying that regardless of the circumstances, she was still rank one in the grade and could prove herself to the Bu Ke Clan, which was a good thing. Only then did Lina manage to compose herself slightly.
Of course, Fan Li wasn't telling the truth. Regarding the promotion exam, she was confident in the problem-solving sections but had always been afraid of the thesis portions for Arcana and Potions. Answering questions only required the correct facts, but a thesis was the ultimate test of one's depth of knowledge. It wasn't that she couldn't write two good papers, but reaching the level of an Academician right now was absolutely impossible. To avoid exposing her true level, she used Lina as a shield—killing two birds with one stone.
Therefore, once she reached St. Yegana, she would have to study even harder.
***
The next day at noon, in the search headquarters for the murder of Mrs. Bu Keni, the Director’s office featured a massive imitation octopus-skin television screen. It was broadcasting footage of several warships sailing. The headline read: *“Storm in the Holy Capital: Two Warships Confront Each Other with Live Ammunition at the Border; 45 Minutes of Close-Range Staring; War Imminent.”*
The Director frowned deeply as he listened to the announcer’s emotionless voice: “Near the border of the two seas, the Holy City Party and the Storm Party’s warships are conducting mutual probing and reconnaissance. Late last month, a Storm Party warship intercepted a St. Yegana M88 strategic bomber in the deep-sea regions of the Storm Sea and the Resurrection Sea. Just this week, on Bu Ke Day, the Holy City Party’s coastal defense forces discovered a Storm Army M67-H strategic bomber and reconnaissance ship in the deep waters of the Starry Sea. The Holy City military submerged to implement an interception...”
Sa Ke’s recent investigation results lay on the desk. Without even looking at them, the Director said coldly, “If the Holy City Party and the Storm Party start fighting, do you think they’ll bring the war to St. Yegana or Veda?”
“No...” Sa Ke lowered his head.
“You know they won’t! They’ll only use the Red Moon Sea, which is caught in the middle, as their battlefield!” The Director tapped the table in dissatisfaction. “And you? You can’t even find the killer of Miss Bubble! How are we supposed to give Mr. Bu Keni an explanation?! How is he supposed to explain to St. Yegana why an Ocean Tribe bride died the very night she married into a High Sea Tribe?”
Sa Ke didn't dare speak.
“Is the St. Yegana M88 strategic bomber scary?” Seeing him silent, the Director picked up a 10-Fu coin from the desk and threw it at him. “I’m asking you, is it scary?!”
“S-Scary!”
“Do you want your whole family to be bombed by an M88?”
“No!”
“Then get the hell out of here and investigate!!”
Sa Ke didn't have the courage to explain further and scrambled out of the room.
Qi Wen was right outside the door. Seeing the sympathetic look in Qi Wen’s eyes, Sa Ke finally erupted in fury. “I just don’t understand! Why can’t we find this person? Is Lu Wei Ya really a suicide? No! As long as I haven't identified the owner of the skin dander found on Lu Wei Ya, I will never believe she committed suicide!”
Qi Wen gave a dry laugh. “Actually, it might just be a coincidence. I’ve almost given up...”
“Even if you want to give up, the Director has no intention of doing so. We search again! Check every Sea Tribe member who was at the wedding—don’t even let the slaves or the children of slaves go!”
“But, Boss,” Qi Wen said cautiously, “the Level 1 Arcana students from Luo Ya University have finished their promotion exams. Tonight, they’re having a gathering at Young Master Bu Ke’s coastal villa. After it’s over, they’ll be heading to St. Yegana.”
“What...” Sa Ke slapped his forehead hard. “I’m such an idiot, I actually forgot about the Level 1 Arcana students. Bring the doctors; we’re going to the party tonight.”
“Shouldn't we notify Young Master Bu Ke? He might not be very happy about it...”
Sa Ke thought for a long while. “Notifying him is fine. That way, if anyone makes an excuse not to go, we’ll investigate that person thoroughly.”
“That makes sense!” Qi Wen clapped his hands.
An hour later, Ye Jia made a phone call to Su Shiye.
“What a buzzkill. I haven't hosted a party in ages, and the one time I finally do, the police are going to search the whole house. You can imagine how much of a mood-killer that will be.”
Ye Jia wasn't the type to complain. The fact that he was making a trans-oceanic call to Su Shiye meant he couldn't just be venting. Su Shiye quickly understood his meaning. “What time does the party start?”
“Nine in the evening.”
“I understand.”
“Are you coming?”
“No.”
“Really? I don’t believe you.” Ye Jia grew interested. “I think you’ll want to come and see Fan Li.”
“She isn't Su Yi. What would be the point of me seeing her? Besides, this isn't a major issue. Just have someone intercept the police and don't let them in. Honestly, failing to find the cause of death for that Ocean Tribe bride won't cause too much of a negative impact. The main thing is the Bu Ke Clan’s attitude. If the clan shows regret and Bu Keni shows immense grief, a lot of trouble can be avoided.”
“Forget it. Don't try so hard to drag me into political incidents; I’m not getting involved. Just let the police search the place to death.”
“Fine,” Su Shiye chuckled.
***
At dusk, Fan Li, Feisi, Dang Dang, and You Can’s girlfriend set out to sea to attend the gathering on Ye Jia’s island. The boys traveled separately.
Flaming clouds covered the burning sky, branded with golden-orange scars. The waves rolled with the light of white jade, the sound of the tide identical to the wind moving through a forest. Before reaching the edge of the continental shelf, Fan Li witnessed the magnificent sight of three hundred Sea Tribe members coming ashore from the deep waters. One by one, they left the sea, transformed into human forms, and stepped onto the sand, walking with light steps toward the villa surrounded by rainforest. Some students were in no hurry to go inside, sitting on the reefs with their bodies half-submerged in the water, letting the waves wash over their tails. From the sea and the shore came the heavenly sounds of merfolk singing at sunset. Finally, the setting sun dyed everything the color of fire.
“So beautiful...” Fan Li couldn't help but sigh.
“It’ll be even more beautiful at night,” Feisi said, swimming quickly toward the shore. “In this part of the sea, there will be ‘Fluorescent Seas’ and ‘Blue Tears.’”
After going ashore, they weren't able to enter the villa smoothly. Several guards rudely blocked them, nearly pushing You Can’s girlfriend to the ground. The other three girls helped her up, only to look back and see that all the guests had been stopped outside, leaving a long, empty stretch of beach for one woman.
The woman wore a deep blue dress encrusted with tiny diamonds. Because she had just come out of the sea, the dress was still wet, perfectly hugging her sexy, long legs. She brushed her large golden curls behind her head, letting them bounce in the sea breeze. Her turquoise eyes were adorned with false eyelashes worth 2,400 Fu a pair. Every fashion accessory on her body was provided by sponsors, and she would change her look entirely two to five times a day. Even the tiny diamond stud in her second ear piercing would never appear on her body a second time in this life. As she swayed her hips and entered the villa gates, a boy inside stuffed the candy in his hand into his nostril; his girlfriend pinched him so hard his scales were nearly torn off.
“Oh my god, my idol!!!” Dang Dang froze for a long time before suddenly screaming, “Aaaaah, Goddess, I love you!!!”
The woman turned back and curled her red lips into a smile at Dang Dang—it was neither cold nor warm, polite but very distant.
Consequently, Dang Dang, the crazed little fangirl, nearly fainted on the spot.
“My God of the Infinite Ocean... a star and an ordinary beauty really are different. You can see the gap at a single glance,” You Can’s girlfriend marveled. “Landy Rose is truly beautiful in person.”
“Her singing talent is even more beautiful!!” Dang Dang said excitedly. “Every time she performs, the pre-sale tickets sell out within five minutes! She’s the undisputed Queen of Song!”
Despite Dang Dang’s excitement, after they went inside, Feisi couldn't help but whisper a critique to Fan Li. “It’s true that Landy Rose is beautiful and her tickets sell fast, but forget about her singing talent. She’s been debuted for over a hundred years, and before the rumors with the Dictator started, she hadn't won a single music award nomination. Besides, she only got famous by imitating the late actress ‘Carnation,’ right? She used to just be called ‘Landy,’ but after Carnation and the Dictator’s relationship became semi-public, she changed her name to ‘Landy Rose.’ And now, her rumors with the Dictator look more like one-sided hype, which is why her ticket prices have gone up.”
After coming ashore, the five senses of all Sea Tribe members were severely weakened, so Feisi didn't use a soundproofing spell. Dang Dang only heard the name Landy Rose but didn't hear what Feisi said. She zipped over to Fan Li’s side and said, “Li-zi, I really want to take a photo with the Goddess and ask for her autograph.”
“That’s great, go ahead.”
Dang Dang didn't speak. Fan Li looked at her for a while and said, “She’s... right inside.”
Dang Dang still didn't speak, looking like a lucky cat with her hands held to her chest, her eyes pleading. The two of them stood in a standoff for over ten seconds before Fan Li gave in. “Fine, I’ll go ask her for you.”
“I knew you were the best!! Love you!!” Dang Dang hung onto Fan Li like a small animal.
Public figures really were different. Although everyone present recognized Landy Rose, very few actually dared to go up and talk to her; they only cast curious glances. As Fan Li approached the area where Landy Rose was, it felt like stepping into another world. Landy Rose was discussing work with her manager. She noticed Fan Li’s approach out of the corner of her eye, but only when Fan Li was actually standing beside her did she raise a thin eyebrow and cast a casual glance her way.
However, the moment she saw Fan Li, her eyes lingered for a second.
The girl before her was slender, half a head taller than her, with long, straight limbs. She had very little fat on her body, which meant she lacked Landy’s sense of maturity. The girl’s face was also lean, and her short, slightly curly hair was a pure color that reminded one of red roses blooming on a May night. Her milk-colored skin and deer-like, expressive eyes didn't seem particularly striking individually, but the girl had an aura—even in ordinary clothes, she stood out as more elegant and refined than many of the Sea God Tribe women present.
Then, the girl gave her a slight smile. “Hello, Ms. Landy Rose. My friend is a loyal fan of yours, and she was wondering if she might have the honor of taking a photo with you?”
Landy Rose’s instinctive reaction to Fan Li was dislike. Many things are innate, and Fan Li possessed something she didn't, though she didn't know where it came from.
After Fan Li spoke, Landy Rose suddenly realized that since the girl’s aura was so outstanding, she was likely a descendant of a Great Clan whose bloodline wasn't pure enough, which was why her hair wasn't white. She immediately put on a professional smile. “Of course. It’s my honor to serve my fans. Please, bring her over.”
However, once Fan Li actually brought Dang Dang over, Landy Rose glanced at Dang Dang, couldn't help but frown, and then looked at her manager. The manager understood immediately and said to Fan Li and Dang Dang, “Could you two please show your ID cards?”
After seeing the "Ocean Tribe" designation on their IDs, Landy Rose lowered her head and cleared her throat. The manager stepped directly in front of her, spreading his arms. “Although the Queen of Song is willing to take photos, we have a limit on the number of photos she can take. Apologies.”
“Then can I just shake your hand?” Dang Dang was devastated. She looked at her idol with pleading eyes and took two steps forward. “Goddess, I really love you. I only applied to Luo Ya University because of you. It took me eleven years to get in...”
Before she could finish, she was pushed back two steps by the manager’s arm.
Fan Li could only lead the disappointed Dang Dang away. But they had just walked off when a little girl came over. “Sister Landy, can I take a photo with you?”
Seeing the little girl’s flawless white hair at such a young age and her pure purple eyes, Landy Rose recognized who she was at a glance. She knelt down, took the little girl’s hand, and smiled again. “Of course. Tell your brother to come for a photo too; we can take one with all three of us.”
The little girl went to call her brother. Seeing Dang Dang’s hurt expression, Fan Li felt as if her own sister was being bullied. she walked back toward Landy Rose. “Why did you refuse when my friend wanted a photo, but you’re so willing to take one with this little girl?”
Landy Rose looked at her manager again, still avoiding direct communication with Fan Li. The manager kept his hand out, blocking the space between Fan Li and Landy Rose as if afraid Fan Li might hurt her. “That’s because the Queen of Song is friends with this little girl’s brother. This is a photo between friends and has nothing to do with work. Do you understand now? If there’s nothing else, you can return to your activity area.” With that, he pointed toward the area where many students were gathered.
In truth, everyone knew it was because of race. But Fan Li also knew that if she pointed it out, the other party would definitely deny it. Feeling a bit indignant, she smiled and said, “Oh, so avoiding the affection of fans is part of Ms. Landy’s job. Dang Dang, did you hear that? In the future, please try not to like her during non-working hours, so as not to disturb her work.”
Dang Dang looked at her idol, her eyes welling up as if she were about to cry.
Fan Li cursed her inwardly for being so spineless and tried to pull her away, but at that moment, the white-haired little girl brought her brother over.
After Ye Jia greeted Landy Rose, he spotted Fan Li and his eyes filled with surprise. “My little commoner fairy, you arrived so early? Seeing you makes me so happy.”
“Ah, so this girl is your student...” Landy Rose’s attitude shifted instantly, her professional fake smile suddenly appearing incredibly sincere. She waved to Dang Dang and said to her manager, “Since they’re acquaintances of Young Master Bu Ke, we won't worry about the photo limit today. Come, let’s all take a photo.”
Dang Dang immediately scurried over like a puppy to take the photo. Fan Li stood to the side, unmoving.
“Miss, are you alright?” The manager waved a hand in front of Fan Li. “The Queen of Song is calling you for a photo.”
“I won't be taking one. You guys go ahead.” Fan Li stood coldly to the side. Dang Dang was the star’s fan; she wasn't.
Landy Rose looked at Fan Li, then at Ye Jia. Her face showed a brief moment of awkwardness before she asked a professional photographer to take their pictures. She posed for twenty or thirty photos with Dang Dang and the little girl, constantly changing into various charming poses under the flashes, smiling professionally and never looking at Fan Li again. After all the photos were taken, she smiled and said goodbye to everyone. When her gaze passed over Fan Li, her smile tightened slightly, her eyes showing a hint of wariness before she brightened up again.
“Really doesn't know her place,” the manager grumbled after Fan Li and the others left. “Giving her a way out and she doesn't take it.”
“Who was it that told me to keep a level head as a celebrity? These moral-blackmailing little fans are all like this—they think because they like you, you should give them everything.”
“That short-haired girl didn't seem like your fan. Her tone even sounded a bit contemptuous.”
This hit Landy Rose’s sore spot. She absolutely hated Fan Li’s attitude of treating her like an ordinary person. She sneered, “Isn't the Governor of the Resurrection Sea that kind of person too? Don't take them to heart. They’ll find out the joy of being slapped in the face later.”
“True. Lately, the Dictator has been meeting with you quite frequently, hasn't he?”
Landy Rose didn't answer directly. She simply brushed her hair and gave a composed, confident smile. “In the future, I will visit the Resurrection Sea in person—as the First Lady of the Light Sea.”
***
Hearing about Fan Li and Dang Dang’s snub, Feisi burst out laughing. “Landy Rose is acting like a diva? Haha, it’s probably because she’s been feeling bitter lately. She once had a fling with the Governor of the Resurrection Sea, but it ended badly. Recently, he married an actress. When reporters asked why he didn't choose the more famous Landy Rose, he said Landy Rose is very beautiful, but he prefers someone like his wife—someone whose style isn't flamboyant and whose aura is more dignified. You get the subtext. Don't call me old-fashioned, but in any era, a woman who looks that frivolous just isn't marriage material.”
“Don't talk about her like that, she was quite kind to us...”
“Dang Dang, I think you should stop being her fan. She doesn't have much of a brain and is too keen on getting involved in politics. I’m worried she’ll follow in Carnation’s footsteps. When that happens, it’ll be too late for tears.”
“Uuuu... but she’s really so pretty...”
Fan Li had read about Carnation’s story in the news. After falling out with Su Shiye, Carnation had threatened to reveal the Holy City Party’s secrets. The next day, she was found dead in her home from suffocation after an overdose of blue-ringed octopus venom. To this day, her death remained one of the ten greatest unsolved mysteries of the Light Sea over the last century.
In short, the politics of the Light Sea were terrifying no matter how you looked at it.
She was just about to call and ask where Xing Hai was when a group of police officers suddenly entered the villa. The lively atmosphere of the party plummeted.
“Everyone, stay where you are.” Sa Ke held up his badge. “We are from the Lu Wei Ya Case Investigation Headquarters. Please cooperate with our investigation.”
Thus, all the guests became like statues, waiting for them to conduct their business.
Fan Li never would have imagined that, just as she was about to leave for St. Yegana, she would let her guard down at the final moment. She wasn't carrying the "Dreamweaver" potion on her right now. If they did a blood sample test on the spot, she would be exposed in a second.
And Murphy’s Law chose that exact moment to take effect.
The police had brought doctors with them, and the doctors were carrying equipment for blood draws and skin samples, going down the line one by one.
“Blood tests again, so annoying...” When a member of the investigation team came to ask them for blood, Feisi rolled up her sleeve impatiently. “The Red Moon Sea police are getting less and less efficient. They haven't found the killer in so long, so they just keep drawing our blood over and over.”
“There’s nothing we can do; we’re just following orders from above.”
As she watched the test tube slowly fill with Feisi’s blood, Fan Li’s face turned pale. She glanced at the door, then at the various test tubes labeled with names, debating whether to shatter the tubes or just knock out the police, and calculating how long it would take to run to the exit...
As it happened, Sa Ke spotted her and walked straight toward her. “Miss Fan Li, we meet again. Is your Genetic Disorder Syndrome any better? Since the last test didn't yield a result, let’s continue today.”
Fan Li hid her hand behind her back, condensing a ball of Arcana light.
*Damn it.* If it were any other doctor, it might be fine. If they didn't know who she was, they might not be able to catch her after she fled. But Officer Sa Ke recognized her and remembered her previous test results. If she fought him off, she would be a prime suspect with nowhere to hide. However, the doctor was approaching her with the equipment, making it impossible for her to stop the energy she was gathering...
Just then, a voice rang out.
“Sa Ke, wait a moment.” A young, white-haired man walked over. He was in military uniform and held a communicator. “A call from Lord Su Shiye. He needs to speak with you. Fan Li, come as well.”
It was already miraculous enough that Oda Ai Ze would take the initiative to speak to her, but hearing that Su Shiye was looking for him, Sa Ke pointed at his own face in disbelief. “Lord Su Shiye?! Looking for me?”
“Yes.”
Ai Ze led them to a private room and switched the communicator to speaker mode. Then, Su Shiye’s voice came through, tinged with a bit of electronic static:
“Officer Sa Ke, thank you for your hard work on the Lu Wei Ya case.”
“No, no, it’s my duty!” Sa Ke said, overwhelmed by the favor. “Thank you for your concern, Lord Su Shiye!”
“Fan Li’s health has been very poor lately. Therefore, please suspend the investigation regarding her for a while.” As if guessing what Sa Ke was worried about, Su Shiye added, “Of course, we cannot violate the laws of the Red Moon Sea. If Fan Li is a suspect, I will keep an eye on her for you for the time being. I can also provide you with her alibi for the day of the crime.”
Having been incredibly tense just a moment ago and now being incredibly shocked, Fan Li could barely handle such massive emotional swings. She could only stand there like a wooden chicken.
Sa Ke didn't know what to say. The supreme ruler of the Light Sea had personally called for a halt; even if he didn't provide an alibi, how would Sa Ke dare not to stop? But since Su Shiye was being so reasonable, he could only cooperate and say, “P-Please, go ahead.”
“At the time of the crime, Fan Li was with me the entire time, in private. Therefore, it was impossible for her to go out and kill anyone.”
“In private?”
Actually, Sa Ke’s brain had just short-circuited, and he was blankly repeating the words, not questioning them. But Su Shiye took it as a question. “Fan Li is my girlfriend. That night, she was on a date with me.”
Fan Li gasped.
But Su Shiye continued to lie through his teeth. “Li-li has been complaining to me lately that she’s not feeling well and that her blood is being drawn frequently. It pains me to see her like this, so I have this one small request. However, once her health recovers, if you still haven't solved the case, I will hand her back over to you.”
“S-So that’s how it is...” Sa Ke wiped a handful of sweat from his forehead. “In that case, we will immediately cease the investigation into Fan Li.”
After Sa Ke left, Fan Li originally wanted to say a few words to Su Shiye, but before Ai Ze could do anything, Su Shiye had already hung up the phone.
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
---|---|---
微观奥术 | Micro-Arcana | A specialized branch of Arcana study.
圣都党 | Holy City Party | One of the major political factions in the Light Sea.
风暴党 | Storm Party | One of the major political factions in the Light Sea.
复活海 | Resurrection Sea | A specific sea region.
星辰海 | Starry Sea | A specific sea region.
浮 | Fu | The currency unit used in the Light Sea.
织梦人 | Dreamweaver | A potion used to alter or mask biological/genetic signatures.
兰迪玫瑰 | Landy Rose | A famous singer/celebrity in the Light Sea.
康乃馨 | Carnation | A famous late actress.
独.裁官 | Dictator | Su Shiye's formal title/position.
布可日 | Bu Ke Day | A specific day or holiday named after the Bu Ke clan.
M88 / M67-H | M88 / M67-H | Designations for strategic bombers/warships.
