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Phantylia screamed pitifully for nearly fifteen minutes before finally subsiding.
Fu Xuan's voice echoed from afar.
"Done, Bochang. I've placed restrictions on Phantylia, allowing you to effortlessly draw upon her fate path power without any resistance from her."
"You can even punish her if needed."
"However... Phantylia's strength is extraordinary. I recommend visiting the Divination Commission every six months for me to personally reinforce the seals, preventing Lord Ravager from breaking free."
A great array cannot be set once and left permanently effective; it requires regular reinforcement and inspection.
After all, Phantylia was an Emanator. If she were merely an ordinary energy entity, such extensive measures wouldn't have been necessary.
"I understand, Master Diviner," Bochang responded. "I have one more request, though. Is it possible for you to delve into Phantylia's mind and locate Tingyun?"
"This... I fear it might be challenging. Having just deployed the great array, this venerable one feels somewhat drained. Phantylia's condition is also severely weakened and cannot sustain further exertion. Let us postpone this matter for now," Fu Xuan declined.
Bochang felt slightly disappointed. "Alright, we'll wait a bit longer."
"Could Tingyun already be dead..." The thought crept into Bochang's mind despite his efforts to suppress it.
Soon, Bochang sensed the power of the Matrix of Prescience gradually fading from within him, indicating that Fu Xuan was departing.
His gaze returned to the blue flame, where Phantylia lay exhausted after being forcibly awakened during her slumber.
Bochang spoke directly, without preamble. "Phantylia, from now on, I am your master. I hope you understand your place."
"Just because you say so... But what does 'master' mean?"
Despite Phantylia's vast knowledge, she had never heard this term before.
Bochang explained, "It means owner, a dialect term from our homeland. It's understandable if you're unfamiliar with it."
"Heh heh... you wish! My master is Lord Nanook alone." Phantylia mustered her strength to glare at Bochang.
Within the spiritual realm, Bochang now possessed a soul body as well.
"No matter how stubborn you may be, it's futile, Phantylia. You can't escape anymore. From now on, obediently serve under me. If you disobey, I won't hesitate to teach you a proper lesson."
With these words, Phantylia fell silent, her condition rapidly deteriorating. Just a few more torments, and she feared she might truly perish.
"If only I had known Bochang was still alive, I should have left immediately back then."
Had Phantylia chosen to flee, no one could have stopped her; not even Stelle had the capability to do so.
Given the situation now, Phantylia could only swallow her pride and endure. As long as she remained alive, there was always hope. Her survival instinct was exceptionally strong.
"Where is Tingyun?" Bochang seized the opportunity while his opponent was conscious to ask again.
Fu Xuan couldn't intervene effectively at this moment, leaving Bochang to handle the interrogation himself.
Frustrated, Phantylia retorted, "Tingyun, Tingyun... all you care about is Tingyun! What's so special between you two? That girl... probably isn't even as close to you as I am."
"Ah? It doesn't matter if we're not close; caring for foxes is everyone's responsibility," Bochang replied firmly.
Phantylia sneered, "I bet you just lust after her body."
"You're merely a captive now. Why be so arrogant? Watch out, or I might subject you to severe punishment." Bochang glared sternly.
Phantylia's tone softened slightly. "Fine then... If you release me, I'll tell you where Tingyun is. Deal?"
"No deal." Bochang rejected the offer without hesitation.
Given how far things had progressed, there was no way he could let Phantylia go. All their previous efforts would have been futile, wouldn't they? Moreover, none of the others would agree to releasing her either.
"Well, then you won't know Tingyun's whereabouts. Go find her yourself, benefactor..." Phantylia drawled dramatically.
Bochang frowned and warned, "Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
"If you intended to kill me, there would have been no need for such elaborate sealing measures. Heh heh, dear benefactor... I can hear your every scheme crystal clear."
"I could still punish you."
"Feel free to try if you're not afraid of losing this humble maiden forever," Phantylia replied with a sense of resignation, as if she had nothing left to lose.
After pressing her further without any response from Lord Ravager, Bochang finally gave up and departed. Stelle was waiting outside...
Bochang couldn't afford to waste more time on this matter.
As soon as Bochang left, Phantylia peacefully slipped back into unconsciousness.
When his eyes opened again,
Bochang found himself cradled in Stelle's arms, enveloped by her gentle fragrance, which brought him immense tranquility.
"You're awake." Stelle gently caressed his cheek.
He responded, "Yes... I spent some extra time conversing with Phantylia just now."
Once within the spiritual realm,
Bochang lost most sensations related to his physical body.
This posed quite a dilemma.
It seemed that whenever entering the spiritual world in the future, having someone nearby to safeguard him would be essential.
"Fortunately... even without entering the spiritual world, I can communicate with Phantylia and effortlessly draw upon her power." Bochang extended a finger, and instantly, a spark of electricity danced across it.
This was Phantylia's strength, now readily accessible to Bochang at will—aside from his innate Fire attribute. With this addition, he gained capabilities in Wind, Lightning, and Imaginary elements.
Worth noting is that...
once Phantylia fully recovers, Bochang could briefly attain Emanator-level power solely relying on Lord Ravager.
However...
such an opportunity might present itself only once. If during Bochang's full utilization of Phantylia's power, she interferes, it would accelerate the damage to the great array, potentially allowing Lord Ravager to escape.
Unless they reach a mutual understanding, which seems highly unlikely, making it almost unworthy of consideration for Bochang.
"Phantylia... let's not talk about her now. Should we head back?"
Stelle quietly met Bochang's gaze before sitting up and looking around.
"Where did Master Diviner and Qingque go?" Bochang asked.
"They've already left; apparently, there were some matters to attend to at the Divination Commission," Stelle replied, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear.
With Fu Xuan overseeing the vast Divination Commission, it was unsurprising that she would be busy.
Bochang helped Stelle stand up.
"Well then, let's head back to Yichen Inn. Considering the time, March and the others should be returning soon."
Stelle dusted off her short skirt and whispered softly, "Mm...let's go."
At Yichen Inn.
As Bochang and Stelle stepped through the entrance, they immediately bumped into March 7th and her group.
The pink-haired girl stared at them, puzzled. "Bochang... Stelle? What's going on with you two?"
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Tell the truth: "We had nothing else to do, so I took a stroll outside with Stelle..." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
[Option 2: Attempt to lie: "I just happened to run into Stelle while out wandering." - Completion Reward: Threefold Creepy Stare. Note: Watch your back!]
[Option 3: Use Steal on March 7th - Completion Reward: March 7th's Big Booty Bag.]