Chapter 38: Unexpected Siblings and Mysterious Encounters

After the last incident, Ouyang Xiyue found himself inexplicably saddled with an older brother, Night Xuehui, a development that left him feeling utterly helpless.

His brow furrowed slightly, a hint of resignation in his eyes, as he mused inwardly: ‘Alas, this sudden older brother is truly bewildering. For now, I can only humor her; after all, I’ve already agreed to her terms, and it’s incredibly frustrating.’

As for the mysterious individual who had been tracking him, Night Xuehui had vowed to help him uncover their identity.

Ouyang Xiyue couldn’t help but feel a pang of doubt, biting his lip slightly, his gaze tinged with worry: ‘Is she truly capable? Judging by our spar, her strength is undeniable, and I distinctly felt she was holding back, deliberately going easy on me. Even if she is powerful, what kind of existence could this tracker be?’

It seemed a final match between them was still pending, a matter Ouyang Xiyue decided to postpone for the time being.

He sighed softly, shaking his head slowly, thinking: ‘One troublesome thing after another, I feel so weary. I should find some time to discuss this final match with her; after all, it’s inevitable, and settling it sooner would at least prepare me mentally.’

However, he was certain the tracker’s strength far surpassed his own. Yet, he had no idea who this formidable individual was, nor could he confirm if they were sent by Ling’er.

If not Ling’er’s person, then who could it be? Ouyang Xiyue’s brows knitted tightly, his eyes filled with confusion as these questions incessantly churned in his mind. He resolved to focus on his classes for the next two days, pushing these vexing matters aside until Sunday when he would have ample time to address them.

****

The scene shifted to the student council room.

– “Night, my dear brother!” – Xuan, the Golden-haired Youth, exclaimed, his voice laced with agitation and exasperation.

– “I never imagined someone as honest and trustworthy as you would stand me up. I made extensive preparations for Sunday, calling in experts and all sorts of peculiar individuals, even summoning a large contingent of guards as a precaution, and spent a fortune on equipment. Young Master Night, you must expedite things and bring him over as soon as possible. That fire elemental spirit has passed its peaceful period and is now incredibly volatile; we’re temporarily suppressing it with high-tech means, but it’s hard to say how long that will last—it could lose control at any moment. If it escapes, it would be a monumental disaster!”

Indeed, Night Xuehui was on the phone with Xuan, the Golden-haired Youth, from their previous encounter. From the conversation, it was clear that Xuan was as frantic as an ant on a hot pan, his words coming out in a rush.

Night Xuehui, too, was filled with helplessness, her brow slightly furrowed as she let out a soft sigh: – “I can’t help it. I had planned to take him on Sunday, but the guy took a leave of absence. I can’t force someone to go, and I dislike that feeling of coercion. Alas, I need to ask him about it when I have a chance.”

– “Alright, Xuan, calm down for a moment,” – Night Xuehui said, trying to steady her voice.

– “Copy over the on-site report to me later. I’ve been preoccupied lately and forgot to inform you in advance. He requested leave, citing family matters, which is why he didn’t come. How about this: no matter what, stall until Friday. I’ll take him there right after school on Friday afternoon.” – Night Xuehui offered another assurance.

– “Fine, I’ll figure out a way to keep it suppressed here for now. Friday afternoon, don’t you dare stand me up again, remember! I truly cannot delay any longer, remember, absolutely no longer, remember!”

Xuan, the Golden-haired Youth, whom Night Xuehui addressed, was exceptionally agitated. To ensure Night Xuehui wouldn’t forget again, he repeated his reminders multiple times before hanging up, his expression as if genuinely terrified she might forget.

After ending the call, Night Xuehui rubbed her temples in frustration. She thought, ‘The immediate priority is to help my dear younger sister with her troubles.’ She pondered for a moment, an idea forming in her mind.

****

Time flew by, and soon it was after school in the afternoon.

Ouyang Xiyue watched Shangguan Yun change into her work clothes early, a pang of reluctance stirring within him.

He bit his lip slightly, his eyes reflecting a hint of concern, as he quietly followed Shangguan Yun, eager to discover exactly where she worked.

Ouyang Xiyue cautiously trailed Shangguan Yun’s steps, arriving in a bustling district lined with high-end commercial streets.

His eyes widened slightly, a surprised expression crossing his face: ‘Ah, I never expected that girl Shangguan Yun would be working at a Michelin-starred restaurant. She truly lives up to her desire to be a maid; she’s quite remarkable.’

Just as Ouyang Xiyue prepared to follow her inside, he suddenly sensed the familiar presence of his tracker once more.

His brows instantly furrowed, his eyes filled with annoyance: ‘Ugh, this is infuriating! Can’t a person enjoy a couple of days in peace? Being followed every day feels like being constantly monitored; it’s truly unpleasant.’

As Ouyang Xiyue pondered, he suddenly bumped into someone. He felt no pain, but rather a soft sensation that struck him as somewhat familiar.

He slowly lifted his head, only to realize he had accidentally collided with a young woman, an encounter that could not have been more awkward.

Ouyang Xiyue’s face immediately flushed crimson to his ears, and he quickly bowed, apologizing: “I’m so sorry, older sister, I was lost in thought and wasn’t watching where I was going.” – “Not at all, younger sister, it was I who was in a bit of a hurry, I apologize. Hmm, now that I look closely, younger sister, you truly are as beautiful as a celestial fairy.” – The Blue-haired Girl beamed, a smile gracing her face.

Ouyang Xiyue observed the Blue-haired Girl, silently wondering: ‘Did I just bump into her chest? No wonder it felt familiar; I remember last time in the dorm with Ling’er…’ At this thought, he couldn’t help but let out a few soft coughs.

– “Younger sister, what are you thinking about? Are you reliving the touch you felt just now? You’re so naughty, younger sister. What’s your name, would you mind telling me?” – The Blue-haired Girl asked with a smile.

– “Ah? No… no, I wasn’t. Older sister, don’t speak nonsense; I’m very pure. My name is…” – Ouyang Xiyue hesitated, wondering if he should tell a stranger his name. It felt odd; perhaps he should find an excuse to dismiss her.

– “Um, older sister, my master told me not to casually tell strangers my name; it’s very dangerous and unsafe. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now.” – Ouyang Xiyue finished, preparing to bolt, as he realized Shangguan Yun was long gone. This wouldn’t do; he had lost his target.

Just as Ouyang Xiyue was about to leave, his hand was suddenly seized by the Blue-haired Girl in front of him. Ouyang Xiyue tried to break free, but found her strength astonishingly great.

Moreover, having been preoccupied with other thoughts, he only now truly scrutinized her. What he saw was quite remarkable…

Ouyang Xiyue was astonished to find that he couldn’t discern the extent of her magical power.

He inwardly cautioned himself: ‘This person’s strength is definitely above mine, and she’s certainly no ordinary mortal. If I look closely, she seems somewhat familiar, as if I’ve seen her somewhere before… Perhaps it was a fleeting glance, or maybe I’m mistaken.’

“Release my younger sister, you stalker!”

Suddenly, Ouyang Xiyue heard a familiar voice from behind him. His heart jumped. ‘Huh? Why is Night Xuehui here? Oh no, seriously? Is she also tracking me? Who have I offended?’

‘Two people are tracking me! Night Xuehui said she’d help me, but it turns out she was doing it *while* tracking me. Oh well. And, did she just call this person a stalker?’

‘Well, well, I never thought the person tracking me would just deliver herself to my doorstep, and then calmly ask for my name? How can she be so composed?’ Ouyang Xiyue couldn’t help but exclaim inwardly.

‘Are people’s tolerance levels so strong these days? It seems my perspective was too narrow. Alas, I’m so weary; it’s truly not easy to live resiliently in this world!’

Ouyang Xiyue immediately channeled his magic, breaking free from the Blue-haired Girl’s grip. He then eyed her warily, fearing she might make a threatening move.

– “Oh, I’ve been discovered, haven’t I? But I wasn’t really trying to hide. Younger sister, don’t look at me so warily; it makes me sad. Younger sister, have you forgotten me? We met at the cafe last time, and not just at the cafe…” – The Blue-haired Girl’s voice was quite loud at first, but it gradually faded as she spoke the last sentence.

– “Ah? Now that you mention it, I do remember. Strange, I felt you looked familiar earlier. So you’re that older sister from the cafe! What’s your purpose in following me? Speak now, or I won’t let you go easily today.” – Ouyang Xiyue had already roused his magic, ready to act at any moment.

– “Oh, younger sister, don’t be so scary. This is a bustling area; if you make a move here and damage anything, you’ll have to pay a hefty sum. Of course, I don’t mind, but you, younger sister, should consider it carefully.” –

The Blue-haired Girl remained nonchalant, a playful smirk on her face, as if she didn’t take Ouyang Xiyue seriously at all. Even seeing Ouyang Xiyue prepared to act, she showed no intention of using her own magic.

Ouyang Xiyue inwardly chastised himself: ‘No wonder she felt so familiar; I think I’ve seen her more than once. I remember casually seeing her several times while walking to school. So she’s been openly tracking me all this time, and I was so careless, my supposed vigilance failing me completely. Tsk, it’s been a while since I trained with Master; I feel like I’ve become a bit useless.’

– “Even if you don’t take *him* seriously, you should at least pay attention to *me*.” – Unbeknownst to anyone, Night Xuehui had stealthily appeared behind the Blue-haired Girl.

However, the Blue-haired Girl paid little heed. Night Xuehui imbued her arm with magic, intending to seize the Blue-haired Girl, but to her surprise, her hand passed directly through the Blue-haired Girl’s body.

‘This is… elemental body transformation… No, that’s not right, this isn’t simple elemental body transformation; it’s elemental body transformation applied to a clone.’

Night Xuehui’s expression instantly turned grave. She immediately retreated two steps, her gaze shifting from indifference to extreme caution. This woman was not simple; she hadn’t even realized that what stood before her was merely a clone, not the true entity.

Night Xuehui mused in astonishment: ‘I thought she was just a pretty face, but her strength is not to be underestimated. If the clone is here, then the true body must be nearby; I need to use magic to search…’

– “Oh, don’t be so aggressive. So, may I ask, younger sister, if you can tell me your name now? I’m so eager to know, because you’re truly too beautiful, such a captivating little enchantress.” – As she spoke, the Blue-haired Girl’s face inexplicably flushed, and she closed her eyes, as if lost in some fantasy.

‘Tsk, before asking for my name, shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?’ Ouyang Xiyue gazed at the Blue-haired Girl before him, thinking to himself, ‘This is no easy opponent; even Night Xuehui can’t handle her.’

‘An elemental clone is truly a formidable adversary. Comparing my current strength to hers, the gap is vast. Alas, it’s truly a headache.’

– “My name is Yiluochen. May I ask yours, little sister? I mean no harm; I’m simply quite interested in you. How about we become friends?” – Yiluochen said softly, slowly approaching Ouyang Xiyue as she spoke. Seeing this, Night Xuehui was about to intervene but was stopped by a glance from Ouyang Xiyue.

– “My name is Ouyang Xiyue. Friends? Oh, so that’s it, a false alarm. I thought you were an enemy, emm~” – Ouyang Xiyue responded softly.

Yiluochen took light steps to Ouyang Xiyue’s front, extending her hand as a gesture of friendship. Ouyang Xiyue, in turn, reached out, gently clasping her hand.

– “Ouyang Xiyue, what a beautiful name. Then, younger sister Xiyue, please guide me in the future.” – Yiluochen’s lips curled into a gentle smile.

– “Of course, older sister Luochen, please guide me as well.” – No sooner had Ouyang Xiyue finished speaking than Yiluochen vanished like smoke, as if she had never existed, disappearing without a trace.

– “Then, younger sister Xiyue, I’ll always be watching you. See you~” – These words echoed in Ouyang Xiyue’s mind before the voice gradually faded.

Night Xuehui stepped forward, looked at Ouyang Xiyue, then glanced at the spot where Yiluochen had stood moments before.

– “What an eccentric individual. Well, at least there was no real danger. I should head home now. See you tomorrow, my dear younger sister.” – With these words, Night Xuehui turned and departed.

Ouyang Xiyue watched Night Xuehui’s retreating figure with a helpless sigh.

He then cast his gaze towards the entrance of the Michelin restaurant. ‘Alas, Shangguan Yun is long gone. I’ll go get some ingredients and cook for Shangguan Yun; she works so hard every day. Oh well, at least it was just a false alarm. Let’s go, let’s go.’