Chapter 19: Unexpected Encounters and Hidden Agendas

“I understand now. The general situation is clear to me,” Ye Xuehui stated, her expression cool and her voice utterly placid. “This matter is quite straightforward: simply pay the compensation. There’s no need for further discussion.”

From the moment he had stepped into the student council office, explained the situation, and smoothly negotiated the terms, Ouyang Xiyue had ended up paying a hefty two hundred thousand gold coins in compensation. This was hardly a small sum. Having handed over every last coin he possessed to Ye Xuehui, he now found himself utterly penniless, with barely enough to scrape by.

“Um, Ye Xuehui,” Ouyang Xiyue began, tugging lightly at his skirt, a touch of shyness coloring his voice, “could we speak privately for a moment?”

“Very well,” Ye Xuehui replied. “Everyone, except for Ouyang Xiyue, please leave.” At her words, the short-tempered girl, despite her evident reluctance, was gently ushered out by one of the committee members.

“Speak,” Ye Xuehui commanded, leaning languidly against the back of her chair, her expression impassive as her gaze directly met Ouyang Xiyue’s.

“Well… I… could you perhaps help me…” Ouyang Xiyue faltered, his words trailing off, a troubled expression clouding his features. The last time he had caused such a stir, it was Ye Xuehui who had fronted the money, making it incredibly difficult to ask for assistance again.

“No need to elaborate; I understand,” Ye Xuehui stated, withdrawing a card from her pocket and tossing it towards Ouyang Xiyue, who stood meekly with his head lowered.

“Let’s consider this matter settled.”

****

With the matter finally resolved, Ouyang Xiyue and Shangguan Yun made their way back to the dormitory. Observing Shangguan Yun, who remained uncharacteristically silent, Ouyang Xiyue’s heart swelled with concern.

“It’s alright now, everything’s settled,” Ouyang Xiyue murmured, gently stroking Shangguan Yun’s head. “It’s still early; why don’t you rest for a while?”

He had expected Shangguan Yun to pull away, yet she did no such thing. Just as Ouyang Xiyue began to withdraw his hand, it was gently enveloped by a small, fair, and soft hand.

“Lord Xiyue… thank you,” Shangguan Yun whispered, lightly biting her lip, her eyes brimming with profound affection. Witnessing this, Ouyang Xiyue couldn’t help but feel a blush creeping up, and he swallowed hard.

“No… it was nothing, really. We’re all comrades here,” Ouyang Xiyue quickly responded, hastily pulling his hand away.

‘Comrades… Lord Xiyue…’ Shangguan Yun mused, lost in her thoughts, a soft blush slowly spreading across her cheeks.

Ouyang Xiyue, too, felt a wave of shyness wash over him, for it was not every day a girl held his hand with such heartfelt affection.

“Ahem, ahem, Shangguan Yun, good afternoon,” Ouyang Xiyue managed, stifling his embarrassment. He quickly strode to his bed, swiftly shed his shoes, climbed under the covers, and buried his head deep within the quilt.

Observing Ouyang Xiyue’s hasty retreat, Shangguan Yun snapped out of her reverie, letting out a soft giggle before settling into her own bed to rest.

Lying in her bed, gazing at Ouyang Xiyue’s back, Shangguan Yun mused to herself: ‘Lord Ouyang Xiyue is truly a dependable individual. Despite his outwardly delicate, almost feminine appearance, when faced with adversity, he confronts it bravely, charging forward with remarkable masculine courage.’

‘He is truly worthy of the Princess’s affection—so gentle, yet so reliable. Princess, you must strive with all your might to win his heart soon, for the competition will undoubtedly be fierce.’

****

The scene then shifted, transporting them to the depths of the Magical Beast Forest.

“Old Jian,” Lijian inquired, a whistle escaping his lips, “we’ve been tirelessly working for nearly a week, and all the materials have been gathered. What exactly do you intend to create with so many rare components?”

“Indeed,” Jian Yi added, her curiosity piqued, “if these rare materials were sold directly, we’d surely make a fortune.”

“Xiyue’s birthday is just a month away,” Jian Laifeng declared, his gaze fixed resolutely forward. “I intend to forge him a sword with these materials as a birthday gift. Once we’re out of the Magical Beast Forest, I’ll head straight to the Blacksmith Association and entrust these materials to Tai Shi.”

“A birthday gift? So extravagant!” Lijian exclaimed, his face etched with envy. “Old Jian, it seems your apprentice holds a truly significant place in your heart. A weapon forged from these rare materials will likely surpass even your own in quality.”

“Exactly,” Jian Yi affirmed, stroking her chin thoughtfully. “Your Star Sword is already considered a peak weapon. Since Xiyue’s birthday is approaching, it’s only right that we, as his elders, show our appreciation.”

“No, not quite,” Jian Laifeng mused aloud. “Three more materials are still required, but I happen to possess them already, so there’s no need for further effort. They are Nether Profound Iron, Holy Iron, and Blood Demon Iron.”

“Old Jian, you’re attempting nothing short of a miracle!” Lijian exclaimed, his voice a blend of astonishment and solemnity. “Aside from the legendary Fallen Heaven Sword, no truly peerless weapon has ever graced this continent, and even the existence of the Fallen Heaven Sword remains a subject of fierce debate. You’re investing everything this time; success will be a miracle, but failure means all your efforts will be utterly wasted. You must consider this very carefully.”

Jian Laifeng merely waved a dismissive hand, his eyes burning with resolute determination. “You know me,” he simply stated.

“Hahahaha, that’s truly like you,” Lijian chuckled. “While I may not be able to present a gift more precious than yours, mine certainly won’t be inferior.” Inwardly, his curiosity about Ouyang Xiyue intensified.

Jian Yi, too, stroked her chin in contemplation. ‘What sort of gift should I give?’ she wondered. ‘What do young girls like these days? I’ll ask my granddaughter when I get back; that settles it.’

“Brothers, you’ve toiled tirelessly these past few days,” Jian Laifeng announced, clapping both their shoulders. “Come, let’s head to the Dragon Mark Inn (TL Note: A popular establishment for travelers and adventurers); my treat.”

“Old Jian, how truly generous of you!”

****

After school that evening, Ouyang Xiyue, as was his custom, ascended to the rooftop balcony to bask in the sight of cherry blossom petals dancing gracefully through the air.

Suddenly, a faint tremor of magical energy rippled from a distant point. Ouyang Xiyue’s eyes immediately sharpened, his senses instantly on high alert.

Swiftly and cautiously, he scanned his surroundings, then sprinted with urgent speed towards the source of the magical disturbance.

As he closed the distance, the magical fluctuations intensified, and a thick, cloying scent of blood permeated the very air.

Ouyang Xiyue meticulously concealed his presence, tucking himself away in a shadowed corner. The scene that unfolded before him was utterly horrifying: bodies lay strewn haphazardly across the ground, their spilled blood painting the earth a gruesome crimson.

“Ah!” A chilling shriek suddenly pierced the air from ahead.

Ouyang Xiyue fixed his gaze forward, discerning a familiar silhouette wielding a blood-red longsword. From the blade emanated an aura of potent killing intent and razor-sharp menace.

The figure moved with ghostly swiftness, a blur of motion in an impossibly fast ‘Z’ pattern. With a flick of their wrist, the sword rose and fell, instantaneously dispatching three black-clad assailants, leaving only a final one slumped paralyzed on the ground.

“Hmph, nothing more than this,” the familiar voice sneered. “Go back and tell your master to conduct themselves wisely. Now, begone.”

Witnessing that silhouette and hearing that distinct voice, a chilling realization dawned upon Ouyang Xiyue: ‘Could this possibly be Ye Xuehui? It must be her!’

Lost in his thoughts, Ouyang Xiyue inadvertently took a step backward, his foot finding no purchase. With a soft ‘thump,’ he landed unceremoniously on the ground.

The sudden noise instantly drew the attention of the figure.

“Who’s there?” A voice, edged with a distinct hint of killing intent, echoed from the distance.

At this very moment, a wave of sheer panic surged through Ouyang Xiyue. ‘It’s over, it’s truly over,’ he thought frantically. ‘I’m absolutely doomed. I’ve accidentally stumbled upon someone’s secret. Surely Ye Xuehui wouldn’t resort to murder to silence me, would she?’