Chapter 111 A Glimmer of Hope (Part 3)

...

When Xixue returned, it was already bright daylight. The thin sunlight swept away the gloom and darkness of the night, casting a thin layer of warmth.

He looked like a vampire in broad daylight, his face grim and pale under the holy light.

Her snow-white hair was slightly disheveled. Feng Xixue casually smoothed it down, her fingertips pausing slightly when they touched the ends of her hair. Then, without a second thought, she pulled away a small patch of hair that was soaked in blood and had congealed.

*

Mu Meng stood by the gate, watching him with his hands clasped behind his back, and sighed almost imperceptibly.

The next moment, Feng Xixue also saw Mu Meng in the distance. His brows furrowed and he immediately quickened his pace, taking three steps at a time to reach the front door.

Looking inside, Feng Xixue's Adam's apple bobbed: "Is nothing wrong?"

Mu Meng shook his head: "No. Everything is fine."

"That's good," Feng Xixue breathed a sigh of relief.

Mu Meng glanced at him briefly: "Did someone come to the door last night?"

Feng Xixue slightly raised her eyelids and said, "Mm."

Mu Meng didn't ask any more questions. Judging from his expression, she could guess what was going on. In addition, she heard rumors circulating outside this morning that several young masters from prominent families had drunk too much together last night and, for some reason, hadn't gone home but had instead gone to a dense forest in the suburbs.

In the dead of night, those pampered young masters encountered a wild beast and were torn to pieces in a gruesome manner. By the end of the night, their scattered corpses had grown cold.

Fortunately, rumors spread that those people were usually arrogant and domineering, causing great suffering to the people. Everyone said that this was the mountain god appearing to rid the people of harm, a truly gratifying retribution.

“It was done quite cleanly,” Mu Meng said in a low voice. “It’s just a pity that my identity is a hindrance, and I can’t join you in avenging Sheng Sheng.”

Feng Xixue lowered her head and bowed, saying, "Thank you for your understanding."

He closed his eyes briefly, his voice barely audible, "But those beasts got off easy. Even in this state, it's hard to quell my hatred."

The verbal abuse from those people last night was so light and wanton that Feng Xixue could not even imagine the terrible torment she had suffered when he was not by Sheng Sheng's side.

Seeing that Feng Xixue was still trembling slightly and her eyes were bloodshot as she forcibly suppressed her anger, Mu Meng glanced inside and lowered his voice, "I was afraid you'd be like this, so I waited for you here. This morning, Sheng Sheng looked better and had some energy, so she wanted to go for a walk. She's in the yard right now. You should tidy yourself up a bit, don't go in like this and scare her."

Although his clothes were relatively clean and his appearance was barely tidy, he still needed to conceal the stench of blood on his body, especially the chilling aura emanating from him.

Otherwise, she wouldn't care about his icy, ruthless killing intent, but Sheng Sheng had never seen anything like it before, so how could she not be terrified?

Feng Xixue suddenly raised her hand to touch her face, then nodded: "Thank you for the reminder. Excuse me."

*

Even knowing that Sheng Sheng was in the courtyard, just a few feet away from him, Feng Xixue did not dare to appear in front of her easily.

He was already overjoyed and gratified by Mu Meng's introduction before, and he really didn't dare to be presumptuous in private, lest he cause her unnecessary fear.

Although he dared not appear before her, he managed to glance at her from afar without letting her notice. Feng Xixue stood quietly behind the corridor, her eyes, filled with longing, gazing silently at the girl not far away.

For a moment, I felt both love and pity, and I was almost at a loss for what to do.

Her fair, jade-like face still bore crisscrossing handprints, which would likely take several days to fade. Unconscious movements also revealed numerous shocking bruises on her neck and wrists.

When Xixue was awakened, he was overcome with grief.

Last night, during their brief encounter, Sheng Sheng stood respectfully, preventing him from seeing so many details. At this moment, his heart was churning, and his thin lips trembled, almost turning a purplish-black.

After a long while, he finally couldn't hold on any longer and silently turned his head to vomit a large pool of blood.

The sound was so loud, it was like a roar from nowhere. Feng Xixue frowned and glanced at him.

But it was too late. Yu Sheng wasn't far away and naturally heard Lu Zhaoxin's commotion. She turned around, saw what was happening, and quickly walked over.

"What's wrong? Is Master Feng unwell? I... I'll go tell Sister Mengmeng." She stood three steps away, her clear, wet eyes filled with panic, but also with worry.

“It’s nothing,” Feng Xixue said immediately. As if he felt that he had spoken too quickly and sounded stiff, he paused and then said in a deliberately careful and humble voice, “It’s nothing serious, just a minor ailment. Don’t be afraid.”

Yu Sheng was not afraid, but seeing Feng Xixue's lifeless pale face and the pool of blood on the ground, he felt that things were not as insignificant as he had said.

Not knowing what to do, she could only glance at Lu Zhaoxin.

Now that Miss Yu Sheng has arrived, should he do something... or should he just leave?

At this moment, Yu Sheng mustered up her courage and reminded him, "Lord Lu, this..."

Lu Zhaoxin looked troubled: "Uh..." What to do? What to do? Should he turn around and leave? That would give Feng Xixue a chance, right? Sigh... If this isn't handled well, Mengmeng will definitely scold him.

Yu Sheng silently shut her mouth.

She had only been rescued yesterday and was unfamiliar with everyone. Unsure of Lu Zhaoxin's thoughts and fearing she might put him in a difficult position, she hesitated to continue. However, her sister Mengmeng had told her yesterday that everyone in this mansion, except herself, was a celestial being with spiritual power and magic. Therefore, she couldn't help Feng Xixue in this situation.

However, this Mr. Lu just stood there awkwardly scratching his head, seemingly having no intention of helping.

Yu Sheng bit her lower lip slightly. She didn't dare to ask Lu Zhaoxin to help Feng Xixue, nor did she know what she could do. So she took another step forward and asked softly, "Is Lord Feng alright? Can you stand? Let me help you sit down first."

Feng Xixue was naturally able to stand firm; with her words of concern, the intense, heart-wrenching pain from before had lessened considerably.

But he loved her so much that he was afraid Yu Sheng might be even slightly reluctant, so he didn't dare accept her help and only said gently, "It's okay, it's really okay."

Looking down at the ground, Feng Xixue softened her voice even more: "Sheng...Miss Yu, you should go back first. This place is filthy, don't let the smell bother you."

Yu Sheng hesitated, but ultimately said nothing. She nodded slightly, gave him a proper curtsy, and turned to leave.

Watching her figure disappear into the distance, Feng Xixue withdrew her gaze, hurriedly bowed to Lu Zhaoxin, and then turned back.

Lu Zhaoxin quickly stopped him, saying, "Wait a moment, Young Master Feng."

Seeing him turn around, Lu Zhaoxin asked, "Just now, Miss Yu Sheng offered to help you, why did you refuse?"

He couldn't help but feel anxious, even though it's best not to meddle in other people's affairs. Seeing Feng Xixue's clueless attitude, he, an outsider, was getting worried too.

Feng Xixue pursed her lips slightly, offering no explanation.

Lu Zhaoxin said, "Are you worried that Miss Yu Sheng might not be willing? Actually, I don't think so. Although I've only met her a few times, she's a kind and gentle person, and she considers us all her saviors. If she wants to help you, she must be sincere. If you refuse her kindness, what if she misunderstands and thinks you don't like her company?" He believed that Feng Xixue knew all this, but the closer she got to home, the more timid she became, hence her many concerns.

Feng Xixue paused for a moment: "There are many rules in the human world. In this life, Sheng Sheng is a lady from a prominent family. It is not proper for her to casually help a stranger. How could she possibly do it willingly?"

He would rather forgo this moment of intimacy than see his beloved girl so cautious in repaying a debt of gratitude, prioritizing others over herself.

Lu Zhaoxin was stunned for a while, then suddenly stood up straight, cupped his hands, and said solemnly, "I have long heard that those of the Demon Clan with flesh and blood hearts are deeply affectionate. I admit that I am not as good as them."

Feng Xixue shook her head: "You flatter me, Lord Ghost King."

He has no cultivation whatsoever. If what Lu Zhaoxin said is true, he should have learned the rules of the human world from the very beginning, and knew that even a princess could not resist a marriage alliance decided by others.

If that were the case, perhaps he wouldn't have done so many foolish things back then.

Fortunately, he still has a future.

Feng Xixue thought that things were different now. He had finally brought Shengsheng back, and no matter how trivial the matter, he would never let her suffer the slightest grievance again.

...

Two days later, Yu Sheng painted the picture that revealed the truth.

It's not necessary to subject his precious child to endless reincarnations in the vast human world, suffering countless hardships.

Heartache, pity, regret, and pain surged through Feng Xixue's heart. He thought deeply, "It was like this before, and it will be like this in the future. I'm afraid I can never forgive myself again in this lifetime."

They thought these peaceful days would last for a while longer, but then the Heavenly Emperor suddenly issued a celestial proclamation to the Six Realms, recounting those important old matters, forcing Mu Meng and Mu Qingheng to return and deal with them.

This was no small matter, and everyone else returned to their own clans to prepare to lend a hand at any time, leaving only Feng Xixue and Yu Sheng in the small courtyard.

*

"Brother Feng, may I come in?" In the evening, a soft knocking sounded at the door.

Feng Xixue stood up, flattered. "Of course, please come in."

Unexpectedly, as if in a dream, Sheng Sheng came over by herself first.

Having received Feng Xixue's permission, Yu Sheng smiled slightly and walked in carrying a tray. After nodding to him, she placed the tray on the table.

Feng Xixue knew without looking that this was a medicine made from spiritual herbs used by the Celestial Clan to replenish qi and blood and calm the soul. He didn't understand Yu Sheng's meaning for a moment and hesitated for fear of saying the wrong thing.

Yu Sheng smiled at him, picked up the medicine bowl and handed it to him: "Brother Feng, drink it while it's hot."

Feng Xixue's heart warmed. Although she didn't understand why, she subconsciously and carefully took the warm medicine bowl, reluctant to let go, and asked softly, "Why are you giving it to me?"

Yu Sheng smiled and said, "This is a Celestial Clan spiritual medicine that Sister Mengmeng gave me before she left today. She said it's best for strengthening the body's foundation and nourishing the vital energy. I thought it would be more important to give it to you since you're not in good health."

Two days ago, he vomited blood in the courtyard, which was already alarming. Who knew that when he was leading Si'anhua to her that night, he couldn't hold on any longer.

At the time, he just wanted Sheng Sheng not to address him as "Master Feng." The awkwardness was secondary; the main issue was that such a form of address made him seem superior, while she appeared inferior to him.

He felt very sorry for her, so he asked her to change how she addressed him.

Unexpectedly, after a moment's thought, Sheng Sheng actually called him Brother Feng.

Back when they fell in love in the human realm, that's how she called him. This name, spanning a thousand years, how could he not be overwhelmed with emotions upon hearing her call it again? Love at its peak yet heart-wrenching pain, it was naturally difficult for him to bear.

As a result, Sheng Sheng mistakenly believed that she was physically weak.

Feng Xixue was momentarily distracted, but Yu Sheng didn't notice. She continued, "Brother Feng, although Sister Mengmeng told me how to use the elixir when she gave it to me, this is my first time using spiritual power and I'm not sure if there's anything wrong with it. If there's anything wrong, please tell me, and I'll try to improve. Don't worry, you're an important friend of Sister Mengmeng, and I promised her I would take good care of you."

He immediately realized he had used the wrong form of address and quickly bowed, saying, "I apologize for my rudeness."

Yu Sheng waved her hand: "It's alright, no need for formalities. You... if you want to call me that, that's fine too."

Feng Xixue's eyes stung slightly, her voice hoarse, as she tried to call her name: "...Sheng Sheng".

“Hmm,” Yu Sheng smiled. She could see that Feng Xixue was being cautious, but she didn’t feel any aversion towards her. Instead, she felt a little sorry for her. “Don’t worry, I don’t mind.”

Seeing that her expression was normal, Feng Xixue was slightly relieved and explained gently, "This elixir is just right for you. I was just... having a relapse of an old ailment, it's nothing serious. Giving it to me would be a waste."

Little did she know that, not only was she concerned about her "weak health" and personally prepared medicine for him, but even just a glance at him and a smile would soothe his heart, which was riddled with wounds.

Yu Sheng was a little skeptical: "But you haven't looked well. My spiritual power is too low, and I don't know how to help you. I'll feel more at ease after you take the medicine."

Feng Xixue said in a low voice, "You silly girl, you're just like before, taking such good care of complete strangers."

His voice was too low, and Yu Sheng didn't hear the beginning of what he said, only the latter part. She shook her head and smiled, "How can you be considered a stranger? Brother Feng is not only Sister Mengmeng's friend, but he also used the Si'an Flower to soothe my soul. He has done me a favor. It is only right that I take care of you."

As she spoke, she gently lifted the bowl with her small hands and handed it to him, saying, "Drink up, I'll watch you drink."

Feng Xixue's heart was burning with warmth and comfort, her throat felt as if it were glued shut. Faced with her gentleness, which was as pure and clean as ice and snow, she could no longer utter the words of refusal.

Somewhat bewildered, he took the medicine and silently tilted his head back to drink it all.

He tried his best to hold back, but in the end, he couldn't help but let his eyes redden and become moist.

Yu Sheng saw it and was slightly taken aback.

This wasn't the first time Feng Xixue had teared up in front of him; it had happened again. He never expected such a tall and imposing man to have this kind of personality.

Thinking this, Yu Sheng felt embarrassed to leave directly and decided to talk to him: "Brother Feng, your surname is Feng, which is very special. I didn't even know that there was such a character as a surname in the world."

Feng Xixue nodded and said softly, "Yes, this surname does not exist in the human realm. It is a surname that only exists in my family."

"I see. Speaking of which, I never knew which race you belonged to."

“I…I am…” Feng Xixue hesitated for a moment, then whispered, “I am a demon.”

Yu Sheng nodded earnestly. She was unaware that Feng Xixue considered the demon race shameful, and therefore didn't find it strange. After all, she was new to these things, and in her mind, demons, ghosts, and monsters weren't that different.

Moreover, he was so gentle. Of all the people she knew, except for Sister Mengmeng, she felt completely at ease in front of him, and even wondered, "Do all the demons have silver-white hair like you?"

"No, I'm the exception."

"Why?"

Feng Xixue said softly, "Because I had a minor, insignificant illness."

What trivial illness could cause gray hair? Although Yu Sheng didn't understand, she felt it was a private matter, so she considerately didn't ask any further.

"Isn't this kind of hair ugly?" After a moment of silence, Feng Xixue lowered her eyes and gave a slight bitter smile.

Yu Sheng quickly denied it: "No, not ugly. How could I be ugly? Brother Feng, your features are very beautiful, even with silver hair you look good."

Feng Xixue slightly opened her eyes, and her eyes suddenly lit up.

Seeing that he was happy, Yu Sheng felt much relieved: "Don't overthink things in the future. If you have anything that makes you sad, you can tell me if you don't mind. I'm leaving now. You should get some rest."

Feng Xixue had a thousand words to say, but in the end she only said, "Okay."

Her gentle figure gradually disappeared from sight. Feng Xixue blinked quietly, tilted her head slightly, and swallowed all her tears.

Overwhelmed by joy, he came back to life once more.

...