Chapter 36: A Morning of Revelations and Reckonings

Bidding farewell to the tumultuous chaos of the previous day, Ouyang Xiyue roused himself from bed in the early morning. Rubbing his eyes groggily, he realized a profound sense of ease compared to the day before. Yesterday had been nothing short of a living hell, a nightmare from which he was still reeling. Even now, the mere recollection made him feel a peculiar ache— ‘a testicular ache,’ he almost thought, before correcting himself with a cough, ‘No, a headache.’

“Senior Sister Xiyue, are you awake? The Princess sent me a message, instructing you to handle things as you see fit. Her tone, I must admit, was exceedingly unfriendly, so I’m not sure how to proceed…” Shangguan Yun admitted, a blush creeping up her neck.

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, this is utterly exasperating! I’ve only just woken up; could I not have a moment to collect myself? My head felt as though it were about to explode yesterday! And now I’m greeted with more dreadful news. Ah, never mind, never mind. It’s not your fault, you’re merely the messenger.” Ouyang Xiyue massaged his temples with a weary sigh.

A soft chime, ‘Ding-dong,’ sounded from Ouyang Xiyue’s phone just then. Ouyang Xiyue, still rubbing his bleary eyes, glanced at the message. ‘Ah, it’s my sister Yue Jianfeng,’ he mused, ‘Let’s see what she has to say…’

Reflecting on the events of the previous night, Ouyang Xiyue still felt a flicker of disbelief. After all, a vampire and a human together? The very thought seemed preposterous, didn’t it? Yet, such an absurd scenario had unfolded right before his eyes. If he were to recount this to his master, his master would surely think him insane.

Speaking of his master, it had been a long while since he had reported his recent activities. He wondered how the old man was faring these days. It had been so long, and he missed him dearly. Recalling the days of training with his master in the Demonic Beast Forest, he yearned for that familiar feeling once more.

Ouyang Xiyue dimly recalled asking his sister Yue Jianfeng about her situation with that vampire while he was half-asleep yesterday. She was likely replying today, he surmised. “Let me see,” Ouyang Xiyue thought, and began reading the message.

The message reply, starkly displayed, read…

[Yue Jianfeng: Senior Sister Xiyue-daren, please rest assured. We have been together for quite some time now, hehe. We genuinely love each other. While it might sound a bit like nonsense to you, hahaha, the truth is, it’s exactly as I say. *cough* If you wish to think of me as crazy, Senior Sister-daren, I would understand. You asked how our relationship is progressing? Well, how should I put it… to sum it up in one sentence: we’ve done everything we should have, and everything we shouldn’t have. Those who know, know. *cough* I love him very much, and no matter what happens, we will stay together. Oh, by the way, Hanyuu mentioned he has a cousin who is also single. He asked me to inquire if you’d be interested; if so, he’d like to introduce you. I asked him why he wanted to introduce a girl to Senior Sister-daren, but he just smiled and didn’t elaborate, which left me feeling rather helpless. But never mind, that’s not important. Hehe, if you’re interested, Senior Sister, remember to message me, okay? Oh, also, regarding last night’s matter, Xiao Feng wants to thank you first, Senior Sister. When I have time, I’ll thank you properly and personally.]

As Ouyang Xiyue scrolled through the torrent of messages from Yue Jianfeng, a throbbing headache began to bloom.

“Xiao Feng, you rascal! What do you mean by ‘done everything we should have, and everything we shouldn’t have’? How old are you? Fifteen? You’re a year younger than me, for goodness sake! This, this, this… *sigh* Oh, for heaven’s sake, never mind, never mind. Just be happy! No, I have to call her.” Ouyang Xiyue muttered to himself, gesturing emphatically at the empty air. Having said that, he dialed Yue Jianfeng’s number. After two rings, the call connected.

“Senior Sister Xiyue-daren? Is something the matter?” As the call connected, Yue Jianfeng’s soft, sweet, and utterly adorable voice floated through the receiver.

Upon hearing that voice, the suppressed anger in Ouyang Xiyue’s heart subsided somewhat, but…

“Good morning, little sister Xiao Feng. Where is Hanyuu?” Ouyang Xiyue asked, cutting straight to the chase.

“Him? He’s right beside me. Senior Sister Xiyue-daren, is there something you need Hanyuu for? Could it be that you’re interested in his cousin?” Yue Jianfeng chirped, her voice brimming with lively cheer.

“Yes, yes, exactly! I’m here to ask about his sister. Quick, hand the phone over to him.” Ouyang Xiyue fabricated a reason with a sigh of resignation.

“Hello? Sister Xiyue, is there something you need from me?” From the other end of the line, a remarkably gentle male voice responded.

“Take the phone now and move away from little sister Yue Jianfeng. I need to speak with you about something, just in case she overhears.” Ouyang Xiyue stated, his tone laced with utmost seriousness.

“Understood. Please wait a moment…” A few minutes later…

“Hello, Sister Xiyue, I’m ready. What did you want to discuss? Oh, I know! Is it about my sister?” Hanyuu, on the other end of the line, seemed to have an epiphany as he spoke.

“Enough! That’s not it at all! Stop trying to randomly set me up with women! I’m telling you now, very seriously, Hanyuu: you are a vampire. I cannot fully trust you yet, nor can I completely entrust little sister Xiao Feng to you. You know that humans and demons walk different paths. I’m not discriminating against your vampire clan, but your methods of handling things are indeed rather contemptible. Needless to say, you already know this. I solemnly warn you: if you dare to treat her with even a hint of unkindness, you’ve already witnessed my strength. I don’t care what your background is; even if your father shows up, it will be useless. If your father comes and I can’t defeat him, it still won’t matter. I can tell you with full certainty that my master is Jian Laifeng. If you don’t know who that is, go ask around. Any random person on the street will likely know. No, don’t bother asking strangers; you might scare them. Just ask little sister Xiao Feng herself. If I ever learn that you’ve treated her poorly or broken her heart, then be prepared to face my forty-meter greatsword and die by its blade! So, Hanyuu, you’d best obey your ‘sister’ and treat my beloved little sister Yue Jianfeng well. And what’s this about introducing your sister to me? Tell me truthfully, have you figured something out?” Ouyang Xiyue rambled on incessantly, much like Tang Sanzang reciting the Golden Hoop Sutra to Sun Wukong, without even pausing for breath.

“*Cough, cough*, Sister Xiyue, I understand. Perhaps in your eyes, we vampires are utterly cold and cruel when it comes to emotions, but that applies only to a very small fraction of our kind. You must believe me; I am serious, genuinely so. I swear here today, if I ever betray Yue Jianfeng, may boils sprout from my head, pus erupt from my feet, and may I be struck by five bolts of heavenly lightning and meet a terrible end. And Sister Xiyue, you jest. My parents passed away early, and now the only ones truly by my side are my cousin and Xiao Feng. So, hahaha, there’s no one else to find. Even my few remaining brothers would likely be no match for you, Sister. As for your master, my brothers would absolutely never dare to provoke him. Everyone knows Jian Laifeng is a peak existence on this continent, the one with the greatest potential to ascend to godhood. I understand all of this, hehe. Since you asked, I’ll be frank. Calling you ‘Sister’ now feels a bit presumptuous. Have you forgotten that we vampires are incredibly sensitive to living beings? Of course, I also know your true gender, but I won’t speak of it carelessly. I certainly don’t wish to die a gruesome death, hahaha. Seriously though, my sister is very beautiful. Perhaps you’d consider her?” Hanyuu, in turn, offered his explanations and guarantees, and in doing so, revealed Ouyang Xiyue’s secret, one he had hidden from outsiders for a very long time.

Listening to Hanyuu’s words through the phone, Ouyang Xiyue’s heart cried out a silent alarm. He had completely forgotten about a vampire’s terrifying sensitivity and perceptive abilities towards living beings. Tsk, he had been too careless, failing to anticipate this ‘flash.’ Now that everything was exposed, there was nothing he could do. He might as well just throw caution to the wind!

“Although you know my true gender now, I advise you, young man, to know what’s good for you! Otherwise, you’ll bear the consequences. And regarding your sister, there’s no need. I already have a fiancée, thank you. Take good care of little sister Yue Jianfeng; if even a single strand of her hair is harmed, I will end you. Goodbye, I have things to do.” With those words, Ouyang Xiyue abruptly ended the call. He took a deep, steadying breath, only then remembering the living person standing beside him. Shangguan Yun, throughout the entire conversation, had worn a completely bewildered expression, yet she had managed to grasp a few crucial details.

“Senior Sister Xiyue, you just said ‘little sister Yue Jianfeng’? That name sounds so familiar… Oh, I remember now! It’s that little girl! It’s been so long since I last saw her. I wonder how she’s been doing recently. Senior Sister Xiyue, did you see her?” Shangguan Yun asked, her eyes wide with anticipation as she gazed at Ouyang Xiyue.

“Yes, I contacted her a couple of days ago, and I met with her yesterday. That girl has really grown up; she’s very beautiful and adorable. A little enchantress who attracts trouble. And not just any trouble, but even vampires, *sigh*.” Ouyang Xiyue let out a long sigh, much like a mother’s helpless exasperation with her child.

“Huh? Beautiful and adorable? Isn’t Yue Jianfeng a boy? Oh, I see now! Good heavens, that fellow is actually a cross-dressing master! I never would have thought, tsk tsk tsk. As for the vampire you mentioned? What’s the situation? Was it that Hanyuu you were just talking to?” Shangguan Yun questioned, her eyes filled with confusion.

‘Good heavens, it’s completely exposed now! I was too agitated just now and accidentally let it slip,’ Ouyang Xiyue thought, truly wishing he could smack himself twice. ‘Ah, never mind. Since it’s exposed, I can only be frank. Otherwise… *sigh*… I’m so exhausted!’

“Yes, little Feng, that girl, is with a vampire. *Sigh*… well, to each their own. We shouldn’t be too surprised. Perhaps even stranger things await us in the future.” Ouyang Xiyue said, his heart heavy, before slumping back onto the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. However, Shangguan Yun clearly had no intention of letting Ouyang Xiyue off the hook and pressed on with her questions.

“Indeed, to each their own; we shouldn’t interfere. But what did you mean earlier about your true gender being exposed? Confess truthfully, this concerns your personal safety and well-being.” Shangguan Yun’s eyes suddenly sharpened, fixating intently on Ouyang Xiyue. Ouyang Xiyue inwardly cried out, ‘Oh no, oh no!’ and once again confessed.

“It was the vampire. I met him yesterday, and I forgot about a vampire’s perceptive abilities, so I was careless. But don’t worry, he won’t blab. I’ve already told him to know what’s good for him. Rest assured, just don’t tell the Princess, otherwise, I’m afraid she’ll kill me to silence me.” Ouyang Xiyue pleaded, pressing his hands together.

“*Sigh*, alright, I won’t tell the Princess. Also, Senior Sister Xiyue, how long do you plan to lie in bed? Class is about to start.” Shangguan Yun said with a smile.

“I’m getting up now, hehe.” Ouyang Xiyue expressed his gratitude with a thankful look.