Chapter 13: Midnight Message and a Dangerous Examination

“Rooftop…”

Upon seeing this message, Bai Yu furrowed her brow.

She certainly didn’t believe it was some kind of love confession; who would confess their feelings on a rooftop in the dead of night?

“Moreover, ‘full blood midnight’ was almost upon them.”

Could it be that they had some unspoken difficulty or needed her help?

Bai Yu stroked her chin, unable to fathom it no matter how much she pondered.

‘Forget it, I won’t think about it. I’ll just ask her tomorrow.’

Bai Yu decided to stop dwelling on such inconsequential matters.

If there was anything, they could clarify it in person; surely no one would try to harm her.

Besides, it was nighttime, a ten-fold amplification, mind you; she could easily take on ten opponents.

Setting the badge aside, Bai Yu went to shower and sleep.

****

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Azure Star.

“Have the items been delivered?”

Within the Holy See, a young woman leaned against a divine statue, her peripheral gaze fixed on the shadowy figure beside her.

“What you said, the news of the witch’s appearance should have spread by now, hmph hmph.”

A woman, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Bai Yu’s Mother, emerged from the shadows, her sinister smile grotesquely out of place on that face.

Placing a hand on her face, she tore away the skin, revealing a countenance utterly different from Bai Yu’s Mother’s.

“Kareila, aren’t you afraid of that woman’s retaliation? If she finds out you turned her son into a witch, even ten of you wouldn’t be enough for her to kill.”

“So what? As long as it causes her pain, I’ll pay any price.”

The woman named Kareila’s eyes blazed with madness, as if on the verge of eruption.

“Then why didn’t you just kill him? Instead, you paid a hefty sum to us for something that alters the spiritual core.”

The young woman idly twirled a coin in her fingers, not sparing a glance for Kareila’s expression.

“Do you think I didn’t want to? How many hidden secret arts did that person cast on her son? I’d be discovered even if I stayed by him for a little longer!”

Kareila gnashed her teeth, the madness in her eyes seemingly solidifying into a tangible presence.

If hatred could kill, then Kareila would be the perfect executioner.

“You know how terrifying that woman is.

What good will this do, even if you succeed?

Do you think this will sever your ties?”

“Of course not.

I’ve long been prepared for death at any moment, but even so, I will make that woman pay.”

The young woman offered no reply, turning to leave the Holy See.

‘How ridiculous, like a clown on a stage, pitiful beyond measure.’

The young woman couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

She vanished from the spot, peals of laughter echoing in the distance.

The plan was set to begin; the era of witches was fast approaching.

Nothing could change it, for it would descend like a deity.

Guided by the End, everything served the advent of that One.

As for the petty clowns before then, they were merely specks of dust.

****

Having finished her ablutions, Bai Yu toweled her head dry.

Indeed, the first time was awkward, the second familiar; this time, she washed her hair with far greater proficiency.

Even without Lu Xingyao’s assistance, she had managed quite well.

Blushing, she changed into a nightgown.

It seemed she would need to buy more clothes online later.

Most likely, she would need Lu Xingyao’s guidance again, as she had never dealt with women’s clothing before.

Just as she was about to lie down in bed, a sudden knock echoed from outside her door.

“? Who is it?”

Bai Yu was slightly puzzled, wondering who could be calling at such a late hour.

Bai Yu descended the stairs, and a glance through the peephole revealed it was Lu Xingyao again.

She quickly opened the door.

“Xingyao, what happened?”

However, Xingyao said not a word, simply walking straight inside.

“What happened? Why didn’t you come to my place?”

“My door’s already fixed, so there’s no need to bother you again, right?”

Bai Yu scratched her head, feeling a little embarrassed about constantly staying at someone else’s house.

“How can that be? You just learned your first secret art; there might be some side effects.

I must constantly monitor your condition.”

“Side effects? Is that a thing? I don’t feel uncomfortable at all.”

Bai Yu was startled; she hadn’t heard about this before.

“Uh… of course.

In any case, you must come back to my place to stay, and then let me thoroughly check your physical condition.”

“This… alright.”

Bai Yu hesitated for a moment.

After all, Lu Xingyao meant well, and staying one more day wouldn’t hurt.

And so, Bai Yu was once again led back to Lu Xingyao’s home.

“Moweila, is there anything unusual about my body?”

[No similar situation detected.]

Just as she suspected, Bai Yu nodded.

It seemed Lu Xingyao was simply overly worried about her.

Nevertheless, it was a kind gesture, and Bai Yu couldn’t possibly resent her.

She could only obediently follow her home.

Then, a bewildered Bai Yu was led into the room by Lu Xingyao.

“Have you already showered?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Bai Yu nodded her small head.

“Good, then take them off.”

“Off? Take what off?”

Bai Yu was utterly bewildered, wondering why she needed to take off her clothes.

“To examine your body, of course.

I need to see if there are any after-effects from learning the secret art; things related to the mysterious can be quite dangerous.”

“This… alright.”

Bai Yu’s face flushed crimson.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Lu Xingyao’s gaze was somewhat off, though she supposed it must be an illusion.

She slipped off her nightgown, leaving only a thin layer of underwear.

Lu Xingyao swallowed, struggling to control her heartbeat and expression, then sternly instructed Bai Yu to sit.

“Lift your feet.”

Bai Yu’s face was flushed, yet she complied with Lu Xingyao’s words and lifted her feet.

Having just showered, she wore no socks, and her clean, bare feet were exquisitely delicate, their skin like flawless mutton-fat jade.

Her five toes resembled crystalline jade beads, describable only as perfect.

Lu Xingyao swallowed again, took a deep breath, and then her hands began to roam over Bai Yu’s small feet.

A strange sensation spread through Bai Yu’s body, making her feel ticklish.

“Xingyao, a little gentler, it’s a bit uncomfortable.”

Bai Yu averted her gaze.

She felt the current atmosphere was rather odd; Lu Xingyao didn’t seem to be performing a mere physical examination.

Instead… there was a sense of enjoyment.

‘Surely not…’

In Bai Yu’s mind, Lu Xingyao was still a bright, positive girl; how could she harbor such thoughts towards her?

Moreover, they were both girls right now; even if there were improper thoughts, they should be *hers*, shouldn’t they?

So…

“Xingyao, what are you doing?”

Bai Yu had only just zoned out for a moment when Lu Xingyao’s hand moved from her foot, gradually tracing up her leg, and then continued further.

“Mm-hmm.”

Lu Xingyao quickly retracted her hand, her expression seemingly filled with disappointment, yet she still feigned seriousness as she replied.

“For now, there appear to be no abnormalities, but continued observation is necessary.

We’ll stop here for today; go to sleep.

You’ll be staying at my place for the next few days.”

Lu Xingyao’s expression was stern, as if allowing no refusal, and Bai Yu could only agree.