Chapter 33: An Unexpected Marriage Alliance and a Fervent Confession

A wisp of breeze, carrying a hint of leisure, gently drifted through the room’s doors and windows.

Shangguan Yun respectfully stood to one side, reporting in a soft voice, “Lord Xiyue, Princess Luli Ling and Brother Yu are about to arrive. Shall we go to greet them?”

Ouyang Xiyue gently shook his head, declining Shangguan Yun’s suggestion.

At that moment, his mind was entangled by a single thought: Ling’er had sent people to secretly follow him, their motives undeniably rooted in concern and worry.

While he appreciated her intentions, the feeling of being bound by such constant, shadow-like surveillance sparked a deep resistance within him.

It was as if he were trapped by invisible shackles, a profound discomfort for someone accustomed to boundless freedom.

Speaking of being followed, Elder Hei had shadowed him silently for many days without him ever noticing.

Recalling it now, his heart was filled with chagrin and self-reproach, realizing he had been far too careless.

From now on, whenever he stepped out, he vowed to remain vigilant, never again allowing himself to be so complacent.

In truth, a subtle worry still lurked deep within Ouyang Xiyue’s heart: the fear that Hei might uncover his secret during the surveillance, perhaps seeing his true gender hidden by disguise.

Should this secret ever be exposed, it would spell utter disaster.

As the thought crossed his mind, a helpless yet subtly dangerous curve appeared on his lips.

‘I’d simply have to eliminate them,’ he mused, a seemingly jocular remark that concealed the ruthless resolve hidden beneath his angelic facade.

Just as Ouyang Xiyue’s thoughts continued to wander wildly, a crisp knock on the door pulled him back to reality.

From outside the door, an urgent yet excited voice called out, “Xiyue!”

The moment Shangguan Yun opened the door, a familiar, rich fragrance wafted in, immediately followed by a small figure lunging forward.

Ouyang Xiyue, caught entirely off guard, found himself pinned onto the bed.

“Ling’er, get off me, we have guests,” he chided helplessly, carefully pulling Luli Ling off himself, wary of hurting her.

Observing the scene, Lyu Yu couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

“Hahahaha, it’s been a while! Your dynamic remains as intimately close as ever! Ling’er, you little imp, don’t cling to Sister Xiyue so much; you’ll only make things difficult for him!” His booming tenor echoed through the room, laced with a hint of teasing and mockery.

Ouyang Xiyue, now the target of the teasing, felt his heart pound with panic.

He feared Lyu Yu’s keen eyes would discern the flaw in his disguise.

As Lyu Yu’s gaze meticulously swept over Ouyang Xiyue, from head to toe, up and down, Ouyang Xiyue felt a prickling sensation, as if thorns were digging into his back, making him utterly restless.

Fortunately, after a moment, Lyu Yu nodded with satisfaction, his gaze shifting elsewhere.

“As expected of my two sisters, each more devastatingly beautiful than the last.

Sister Xiyue, it’s been years, and your strength has advanced considerably.

I imagine you’ve put in a great deal of effort cultivating these past few years.

Once I’m free, we must have a good spar; I’m eager to see just how much you’ve grown.

Also, Sister Xiyue, you seem to have lost a bit of weight.

Your picky eating habits used to worry so many back then.

Now that you’re older, it’s truly time to change that habit.”

“Cough, cough, it’s not that exaggerated. I’ve long since changed my picky eating habits; Ling’er can vouch for me.

And Brother Yu, you’re joking. While my strength has indeed grown considerably, it’s nothing compared to you fighting on battlefields for the country every day.

I can tell you have something to say, Brother Yu, so please just say it.”

Ouyang Xiyue’s heart was ablaze with impatience.

He yearned for the reunion with his childhood playmate, a cherished friend he hadn’t seen in over four years.

Now that he finally had news of her, he was filled with anticipation, eager to break free and attend their meeting.

Lyu Yu nodded slightly, first giving Ouyang Xiyue another scrutinizing look, then turning his gaze to Luli Ling and Shangguan Yun, signaling for them to withdraw for now.

Ouyang Xiyue, however, waved his hand, stating magnanimously, “Brother Yu, let them stay.

It’s scorching hot outside, and in any case, we’re all family, so there’s no need for such formalities.”

In his mind, whatever Brother Yu needed to tell him, no matter how significant, would simply be an internal family matter.

Keeping it from Luli Ling and Shangguan Yun would only create distance.

Seeing this, Lyu Yu nodded and spoke directly, “Sister Xiyue, Father King intends to arrange a marriage alliance for you.

You know your public identity is that of a princess from the Holy Spirit Continent, raised in the imperial palace, so some matters are beyond your control.

Originally, Father King wanted Ling’er to shoulder this responsibility, but he wishes to keep Ling’er by his side for a few more years, which is why this matter has fallen to you.”

Before he could finish, Luli Ling interjected in alarm, “Wh-What?! A marriage alliance?! What is Father King thinking?!

He knows I don’t want it, how can he just let Xiyue replace me?!” Her face was etched with shock and indignation, as if she had suffered an immense injustice.

Ouyang Xiyue was initially startled, but quickly regained his composure, appearing as if the matter had nothing to do with him, quietly listening to Lyu Yu’s words.

Luli Ling, exasperated, stomped her foot. “Xiyue, don’t you have any thoughts of your own? Have you forgotten what you once told me?!”

Ouyang Xiyue gently appeased Luli Ling. “Ling’er, we’ll discuss this in detail later.

I haven’t forgotten.”

Turning back, he then said to Lyu Yu, “Brother Yu, please continue.”

His calm stemmed from a deep-seated gratitude towards the Lyu family.

He deeply understood that he owed the Lyu family an immense debt, a gratitude as heavy as a mountain, crushing any inclination he might have had to refuse.

He often thought that if not for Luli Ling’s appearance all those years ago, he and his sister might have already departed with their father, never knowing the stable life they now had.

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Lyu Yu, observing Ouyang Xiyue’s unperturbed expression, nodded and continued, “Xiyue, don’t rush to give me an answer.

Please hear me out first.

The intended partner for this marriage alliance is quite unique in her sexual orientation.

She is a girl, and she is also exclusively fond of girls.

So, Xiyue, are you willing?”

Lyu Yu’s tone was laced with extreme caution.

He had never wished for Ouyang Xiyue to be placed in such an awkward predicament, especially since he had once promised his sister he would help her be with the person she loved.

Upon hearing this, Luli Ling became even more agitated, unable to contain herself. “Wh-What? A girl?! Brother, Father King has gone completely mad!”

Ouyang Xiyue, however, shot Luli Ling a glance, signaling her to calm down and assuring her he had his own ideas.

Then, he turned his gaze back to Lyu Yu, asking earnestly, “Brother Yu, I only wish to know the other party’s family background.”

Lyu Yu stated gravely, “The other party is the granddaughter of the current Pope of the Holy Light Church.”

“The Holy Light Church!”

Ouyang Xiyue’s heart sank.

The Holy Light Church held an extremely significant position on the continent, comparable to the most powerful forces across the entire land, an absolute top-tier existence.

It was no wonder that his adoptive uncle, as the ruler of a kingdom, found it difficult to refuse this marriage alliance.

If the Holy Spirit Continent could form an alliance through marriage with the Holy Light Church, then the Holy Spirit Continent would firmly surpass other continents across the entire land.

Ouyang Xiyue remained silent for a moment, then spoke softly, “Brother Yu, I understand.

Please allow me some time to consider it carefully.”

Another period of silence fell upon them.

Lyu Yu cleared his throat, breaking the quiet. “I’ve said what I needed to say, and I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first.

Ling’er, you…”

Luli Ling took over. “Brother, you go ahead.

Xiyue and I still have some things to discuss, and I’ll catch up with you later.”

Lyu Yu sighed helplessly, nodded, and then turned to depart.

Luli Ling then gave Shangguan Yun a look, and Shangguan Yun, understanding, quietly exited the room.

Suddenly, only Ouyang Xiyue and Luli Ling remained in the room.

Luli Ling spoke softly, “This order from Father King is likely set in stone.

But Xiyue, I won’t give up so easily.

Even if you have a fiancée, I will find every way to reclaim you from her side.”

Ouyang Xiyue shook his head helplessly. “Ling’er, in my heart, you are like family, like a dear sister.

Why must you be so persistent?

I, Ouyang Xiyue, don’t possess such immense charm… Ugh…” His words abruptly ceased, as Luli Ling suddenly pressed her lips against his.

Ouyang Xiyue’s pupils abruptly dilated, his mind reeling with shock and disbelief.

Luli Ling’s kiss was forceful and fervent, as if intent on devouring his very soul.

Ouyang Xiyue attempted to resist, but Luli Ling had unleashed her magic, pinning him down relentlessly.

Time flowed by, second by second, and Ouyang Xiyue found his breathing growing increasingly difficult.

At this critical juncture, Luli Ling’s hand grew audacious, reaching for his silk-stockinged thigh, seemingly intent on further provocation.

A jolt of alarm shot through Ouyang Xiyue; he knew this was bad.

In a desperate surge of focus, he gathered his strength and finally pushed Luli Ling off him.

Ouyang Xiyue gasped for air, his cheeks flushed crimson, as he stared at Luli Ling in disbelief, a tumultuous mix of anger and grievance swirling within him.

“Ling’er, what more do you want? Isn’t this enough?!”

Luli Ling, however, seemed far from satisfied.

She licked her lips, a bloodthirsty, wicked curve forming at the corners of her mouth.

“Enough? How could it ever be enough! You can only belong to me!

As long as I force you to have a child with me, you’ll have to take responsibility.

At that point, Father King won’t be able to do anything but watch us be together.

We were childhood sweethearts, innocent playmates; we are a match made in heaven, and you can’t escape.

You can only be mine!” With that, she lunged at Ouyang Xiyue again.

In the nick of time, with a sharp ‘smack,’ Ouyang Xiyue raised his hand and harshly slapped himself.

He had initially intended to strike Ling’er, but found himself unable to, so he…

He said in a low voice, “Ling’er, that’s enough! We both need to calm down! I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving first.” With that, he rose, pushed open the door, and unhesitatingly exited the suffocating room.

Shangguan Yun stood outside the door and, seeing Ouyang Xiyue emerge, quickly stepped forward to ask, “Lord Xiyue, are you going out?”

Ouyang Xiyue nodded. “I’m going to meet an old friend.

Please look after Ling’er for me; she needs to calm down.”

“Look after the Princess?” Shangguan Yun looked utterly bewildered.

When she had first entered the room, Luli Ling had followed right to the doorway.

Luli Ling spoke softly, “Yun’er, I’m leaving now.

Please take good care of Xiyue.”

Shangguan Yun was filled with questions.

What on earth had transpired between these two esteemed individuals?

Luli Ling’s expression seemed somewhat dejected, as if she had suffered a blow.

“Princess Luli Ling, are you alright?” Shangguan Yun asked cautiously.

Luli Ling stood at the doorway for a moment, took a deep breath, shook her head, and then hurried away.

Shangguan Yun watched their receding figures, filled with perplexity, sighed helplessly, and turned back into the room.