Chapter 43: A Desperate Alliance and an Unexpected Visitor

Moxuan, just you wait. We are bound to devise a solution; all you need to do is watch.

The Holy Light Church had now become the singular focus of his pursuit.

Upon returning home, Ouyang Xiyue gently opened his phone and simply typed “Holy Light Church” into the search bar.

“Holy Light Church, Resurrection Art…”

Legend whispered that within the mysterious and solemn confines of the Holy Light Church lay concealed an ancient and unfathomable magic: the Resurrection Art.

Like a brilliant star piercing the darkest night, it possessed the miraculous power to resurrect the dead, enabling those who had passed to return to the mortal realm.

Ancient texts clearly chronicled that both the first and second Popes of the Holy Light Church had once wielded this profound secret art.

Driven by an unwavering resolve, they had invoked this mysterious power to bring their wives back to life.

Initially, all appeared tranquil, yet the first and second Popes subsequently met sudden, inexplicable deaths.

Some posited that the Resurrection Art demanded a life for a life; having chosen to restore their wives, the Popes were compelled to surrender their own souls to the heavens, to the divine.

Another popular theory suggested that these two Popes had feigned their deaths to avert undue complications, subsequently retreating into the secluded mountains with their wives and children, where they embraced an ordinary existence, far removed from the world.

Despite the documented existence of the Holy Light Church’s Resurrection Art, Ouyang Xiyue found himself adrift in confusion, uncertain how to unravel its profound mysteries, let alone how he might gain an audience with the enigmatic Pope.

Even Night Xuehui, despite her illustrious family background, had merely caught a distant glimpse of the Pope. How, then, was he to manage?

Ouyang Xiyue returned to his dormitory, gazing upon the body he had encased in ice.

Through the crystalline layer, he beheld the young woman within, a profound ache gripping his heart, while a furious inferno raged in his chest.

‘No, I cannot succumb to such despair!’ Ouyang Xiyue suddenly clapped his hands, bolting upright.

He recalled Brother Yu’s earlier mention of arranging a marriage between him and the granddaughter of the current Holy Light Pope.

Now, this once vexing proposition had unexpectedly transformed into a glimmer of hope.

It appeared that if he truly wished to meet the Pope, a marital alliance might prove to be the sole viable path.

Ouyang Xiyue gritted his teeth, his resolve hardening.

He retrieved his phone and dialed Brother Yu’s number.

After several rings, Brother Yu’s voice resonated from the other end of the line.

“Hello, is that Brother Yu? I’ve made up my mind. I can agree to the marriage alliance. However, I have one condition: I must see the Pope immediately. If you can grant this, I will do whatever you ask.” Ouyang Xiyue interjected, his voice laced with urgency.

The line fell silent for a moment before Brother Yu’s gentle voice emerged. “Sister Xiyue, have you truly considered this? This is a momentous decision regarding your lifelong happiness. Please, think it over thoroughly.”

In Brother Yu’s heart, though Xiyue shared no blood ties, he cherished him as if he were his own younger sister.

For years, Xiyue had remained in his estimation a remarkable and endearing individual.

Naturally, he remained oblivious to the truth that Xiyue was, in fact, male—a revelation that would undoubtedly prove rather awkward.

“There’s no need. My mind is already made up. Brother Yu, can you agree to my request?” Ouyang Xiyue asked with fervent urgency.

“This… very well, Sister Xiyue, but don’t be so hasty. Your urgent tone suggests something has happened. You must tell me if there’s any trouble; don’t shoulder it alone.” Brother Yu spoke with concern, well aware that Xiyue’s sudden acceptance of the marriage proposal surely concealed a deeper motive, and he feared for his safety.

“Brother Yu, you are overly concerned. I merely wish to consult the Pope on certain matters of knowledge. Having reached a bottleneck at the sixth rank, I seek guidance from one who stands at the pinnacle of the continent. My master has been exceptionally busy of late, and I’m reluctant to burden him further, thus I must impose upon you.” Ouyang Xiyue took a deep, measured breath, speaking with earnest sincerity.

“Well… alright then. The Pope’s movements have been unpredictable lately, but I will inquire on your behalf. Should he agree, I will arrange your meeting. However, his esteemed status means I likely cannot compel him myself; it appears I must prevail upon Father to intercede.” Brother Yu conceded with a sigh of resignation.

“Very well, Brother Yu. I truly appreciate your help. Please extend my gratitude to Uncle.” With those words, Ouyang Xiyue ended the call.

A faint smile touched Ouyang Xiyue’s lips after he disconnected the call.

He mused: ‘Everything is progressing smoothly. As long as I can secure an audience with the Pope, a turning point will surely arrive.’

A marriage alliance was not out of the question, but only if the Pope consented to aid him in saving a life. Should he refuse, the entire arrangement would be rendered utterly meaningless.

While other avenues might exist, they would undoubtedly be fraught with insurmountable difficulties. For now, this marriage would serve merely as a means to an end.

Ouyang Xiyue inwardly plotted, recalling photographs of the Pope’s granddaughter he had once seen online.

He had to concede that the girl possessed a beauty akin to a celestial being.

Naturally, he harbored no covetous desire for her beauty; rather, he envisioned that if he could exert influence over her, once she ascended to the Papacy, he would finally be able to act on his plans.

Just as Ouyang Xiyue was lost in the depths of his contemplation, a rhythmic knocking – “咚咚咚” – abruptly drew him back to reality.

He composed himself, a flicker of confusion crossing his face as he mused: ‘It’s class time now. Who could possibly be at the door?’

He opened the door, and a shadowy figure, swift as a phantom, darted into the dormitory.

Ouyang Xiyue flinched in surprise, then, upon closer inspection, realized it was Night Xuehui.

She was truly audacious, daring to sneak into the girls’ dormitory without fear of being caught and publicly shamed.

Yet, a moment’s reflection reminded him that he, too, was a “potential offender.” Still, there was no time for such concerns now.

Ouyang Xiyue closed the door, then patted Night Xuehui’s shoulder.

Night Xuehui’s gaze remained intently fixed on the open bedroom door.

“Enough staring. Just tell me what brings you here.” Ouyang Xiyue said, pouring Night Xuehui a glass of water and placing it before her.

“What could possibly be wrong with me? I merely came to see the body you spoke of. I believe I now understand the depth of your anger, and why you departed so hastily. Do you have a method to save her?” Night Xuehui asked, her voice carefully neutral, after a visible swallow.

That morning, the moment Ouyang Xiyue heard of the Holy Light Church’s rumored ability to resurrect the deceased, a flicker of hope ignited in his eyes, only for him to then storm out, slamming the door without a single word.

This abrupt departure had left Night Xuehui feeling utterly perplexed and helpless.

“Indeed, I do have a way, but I fail to see how that concerns you. Young Master Ye, this is a girls’ dormitory. If you don’t depart immediately, I shall be compelled to report you. Should you be caught in the act, every one of your adoring fangirls across the school will likely turn from devoted followers to indifferent strangers, and then to outright detractors; you would become an object of universal scorn.” Ouyang Xiyue stated gravely, utterly oblivious to the perilous precipice upon which he himself stood.

“Hehehe, you rascal, has it been so long since I’ve ‘taught you a lesson’ that you’re itching for one? How about your ‘brother’ gives you a little massage? Sister Xiyue, this ‘brother’ will certainly cherish you well.” Night Xuehui purred, then, like a ravenous wolf, pinned Ouyang Xiyue, the “white-haired little lamb,” onto the sofa.

“Stop… stop joking! I understand my mistake, Brother Ye, please, I beg you, let me go. I’ll never dare again.” Ouyang Xiyue pleaded, a shiver running down his spine as he met Night Xuehui’s unsettling gaze. Yet, what transpired next utterly defied his expectations.

Night Xuehui suddenly extended her hands, reaching for Ouyang Xiyue’s armpits, and commenced a relentless barrage of tickles.

Ouyang Xiyue immediately began to struggle violently, but his efforts were utterly futile.

His protests gradually weakened, until his voice became faint and breathless.

“Haha… hahaha… g-g-g-goose… g-g-g-goose… pffft… g-goose… stop, I… I was wrong… if you… if you keep this up, I feel… I feel like I’m becoming strange… Night Xue… Night Hui… %#:/@?!#+~?&~”

From the very beginning, Ouyang Xiyue had resisted with immense force, but as time slowly elapsed, his resistance, too, gradually waned.

He had simply run out of strength to shout; he was utterly exhausted.

“Will you still dare to tease me in the future? Do you acknowledge your mistake? And, who am I to you?” Night Xuehui’s eyes, sharp as torches, locked onto Ouyang Xiyue’s, her hands poised, as if ready to strike again should her response be anything less than satisfactory.

“Stop… I was wrong, I won’t dare again, Brother, my dear Brother, please forgive me this one time. Your sister truly, truly knows her mistake.” Ouyang Xiyue’s face was a picture of sincerity, as he desperately begged for mercy.

Night Xuehui scrutinized Ouyang Xiyue, a peculiar sense of oddity lingering.

At this moment, Ouyang Xiyue’s cheeks were flushed crimson like a sunset, his breaths coming in soft gasps, and his dark hair lay in disarray.

The two’s breaths intertwined, as if they had just emerged from a fierce battle.

Only then did Night Xuehui belatedly realize the impropriety of the situation, swiftly releasing Ouyang Xiyue, scratching her head, and turning to leave in haste.

“I’m going now. Tidy yourself up; they’ll be out of class soon.” Night Xuehui uttered these words, then vanished from sight without a backward glance.