In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

Xu Shi flicked her forehead.

It was just to liven things up, I didn't expect to get such an unexpected reward?

He dares to say he's become stupid today, but he doesn't even dare to think about what he'll say tomorrow.

However, it's true that he was a bit slow to realize things because he was focused entirely on the Vatican.

If it weren't for Xia Wuyou's message, he might not have remembered so quickly that besides the Vatican, he had another potential rival.

Yes.

The "natural order" has decided to abandon this land, so everything will naturally continue on its original course.

Cheng Gujian's side was clearly paying close attention to all of this. Now that the Papacy, or rather the old Pope, was no longer there to check and balance things, their good brother would certainly not let this opportunity pass. If they didn't cause trouble now, when would they?

It was expected that he would rise up in rebellion, after all, Cheng was now at the pinnacle of his power, and the only thing that would attract him was probably the throne.

"...*Polite language*, why do I feel like I've been used by this guy?"

The little black rabbit suddenly lost all interest in taking care of her silly husband and puffed out her cheeks in a huff.

This is clearly a case of reaping the benefits! They just finished a grueling battle with the Holy See, and Cheng Gujian hasn't offered any support whatsoever.

At most, there are only a few guards in the Cat Church. What good are they?

Before I could even catch my breath, the other end had already seamlessly connected. Who wouldn't be angry in that situation?

Xu Shi was not angry.

"Look, he's in a hurry."

He just smiled indifferently and praised the grumpy little rabbit, "But to be able to tell that you were being used, you've made quite a bit of progress."

"What kind of progress is this? Is it really that hard to see?"

Gu Yi retorted dismissively, with a hint of pride in her tone, "Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"To tell you the truth, while you were away, I learned a lot from your grandfather, okay?"

Xu Shi chose to look at her with pity.

How come this child has learned to follow the crowd so readily? The truth is, if someone has to teach you to figure this out, it just means you're not stupid.

It's obvious that Miss Black Rabbit has focused all her talent on hacking, making her quite unbalanced in her studies.

Pan Ling, who was standing nearby, shared the same sentiment.

She didn't have much contact with Gu Yi. She used to hear her master say that Gu Yi was adorably silly, and the little apprentice thought it was just a term of endearment.

Now it seems...not so?

To be honest, perhaps because of the similar age difference, she felt that Gu Yi was more like an older sister than a teacher's wife when she first met her.

Why is it another stupid older sister?

Huh? Why did I say "again"?

Just as she was feeling unhappy about her interpersonal relationships, Xu Shi had already thrown out a question at her.

"Come here, you silly disciple, tell your master, what should we do now?"

Mr. Xu, who calls himself the best teacher in the world, never misses a good opportunity to educate his apprentices.

"Hey?"

Pan Ling was taken aback when she heard that a difficult problem had been thrown at her.

But she quickly gave her answer.

"Then... let nature take its course?"

"Not specific enough, please elaborate."

Xu Shi pressed for an answer.

"That's what it means literally."

Pan Ling blinked. "Anyway, Master, you've already arranged everything, haven't you?"

"...How did you figure that out?"

This time, it was Xu Shi who was a little surprised, and after a moment he continued to ask.

"Because I can't see what worries you have, Master."

The silly apprentice spoke his mind, even using some new vocabulary he had learned from Xu Shi, "Besides, Master, you are a person who holds grudges. If this matter really exceeded your expectations, why would you act so indifferent?"

She had followed Xu Shi in the fight against the Sea God, and she still vividly remembered how her wicked master had handled the Papacy.

Anyone who dares to mess with him will be treated as a soft-hearted person if he doesn't make them suffer a lot.

Cheng Gujian had been estranged from his master for a long time. It's understandable that he needed to recover after coming out of the "threshold space," but the wariness towards him didn't start at this time.

Now that he's outmaneuvered, Xu Shi shows no sign of panic.

Even the other mistresses didn't panic; they all looked relieved, which further proves this point.

Even though Gu Shi Niang was furious, she was only angry about being "used" and didn't care at all whether Cheng Gu Jian would pose a threat to Xu Shi. Doesn't that explain the problem?

so.

"You made all the preparations long ago, didn't you? Even... before today's confrontation began?"

"Not bad, not stupid."

Having gotten the answer he wanted, Xu Shi nodded in satisfaction. "No mind reading?"

"Master, you underestimate me too much! This is completely unnecessary..."

Pan Ling couldn't help but complain that she had always listened to her master and tried not to rely on her own abilities.

This approach has proven very effective. Now she can analyze a lot by observing people's words and expressions, and she only uses her ability to read people's minds when it comes to specific details.

This is the best proof that she can control her abilities at will; correspondingly, her mind-reading skills have also improved under this training.

To be honest, when she first met Xu Shi, she was indeed very interested in reading her master's mind. After all, Xu Shi was different from others, and even if she read his mind, she couldn't understand it completely.

But now... it seems like I don't have those worldly desires anymore.

It's something that becomes a habit.

"Too."

Xu Shi agreed, "In that case, let's proceed step by step, clean up this mess before going to the palace."

As Pan Ling said, how could he really let Cheng Gujian use him so easily, and pave the way for him with his own hard work?

A great gift was already waiting for him.

"As for you... you've made quite a bit of progress, so I'll give you a little reward."

He continued leisurely, "If you're willing in the future, you can read my heart."

"……real?!"

Pan Ling couldn't believe her ears and even had to double-check.

"If you ask again, it's not true."

"Thank you, master!"

The silly apprentice was overjoyed because she knew that this reward was a form of recognition from her master.

Or perhaps the very fact that she could read Xu Shi's mind was something to be happy about.

It seems unlikely that she has no worldly desires at all; it's more accurate to say that she has now learned to control herself and is no longer swayed by them.

But being able to hear what the master has to say is definitely a wonderful thing.

So she couldn't wait to try mind reading.

Xu Shi also kept his promise and took the initiative to open his heart, making sure that she could hear what he was thinking.

then.

[You just used the phrase "vengeful," right? Is that how you perceive your teacher?]

[You traitor! You're not allowed to eat tonight!]

……

?

It took Pan Ling a long time to realize what was happening.

So this is actually just one part of your play?

But it must be said that her mental fortitude is now quite strong; at least she has learned to resist her master's tyranny.

"It's late at night now, Master."

She tried to reason with Xu Shi, saying, "I can skip dinner."

Do I need to think about your appearance? Dare you say you're not that kind of person?!

"Right? Then why not save on tomorrow's meal too?"

"……Yes."

The struggle failed, and the foolish apprentice was left speechless with despair.

……

The words are divided into two parts.

Unlike Xu Shi's side, who were somewhat relieved after the battle, the imperial palace was now on the verge of war.

"Your Majesty! Grand Duke Gu Jian, cough, Cheng Gu Jian, this traitor, has raised an army in rebellion!"

"what?!"

The already uneasy little empress was suddenly startled, and her hands trembled involuntarily.

Her anxiety actually stemmed from Xu Shi, who, of course, knew about the war between the other party and the Holy See.

To be honest, she would prefer Xu Shi to win, since the two of them are now in the same boat.

Unfortunately, before the good news could arrive, they received news of Cheng Gujian's coup attempt.