Chapter 56: Into and Out of Closets

Chapter 56: Into and Out of Closets

Stars twinkled overhead. One table at a time, guests stood and wandered out, vanishing into the gardens or out into the clan proper. At last, exhausted, most of the tables empty, Hui staggered out into the cool of night. He glanced back. Xue, come on!

Ah? You really want me to walk you back? Alright, alright. Xue hauled herself upright. She followed him out into the darkness, yawning.

Hui paused, looking back. Li Xiang chattered along with the Matriarch. The Matriarch smiled and said something he couldnt hear, and Li Xiang nodded eagerly, a broad smile on her face. No need to drag her away early. Shes having a good time.

Xue clapped his shoulder. Right, right, which way is your room?

Its your clan. You dont know? Hui teased.

She waved a hand. Mmm, Im drunk. Lead the way.

Hui sighed. Come on, this way.

Retracing his steps from earlier, he led the way through the dark. He glanced over his shoulder at Xue. She wandered along, face flushed, a smile plastered on her lips. It takes a lot for cultivators to get drunk, usually. Im usually a lightweight, but even after four cups, I feel fine. WellI guess that was my last life. But its not like Xiao Hui would have any tolerance, either.

He smiled at her, almost laughing. Did you really drink that much wine?

Its the good stuff. Mother only gets it out every few decades, she replied, sighing contentedly. She swayed and stumbled up against him. White hair brushed his face.

Xue, walk on your own Hui whined. Still, he let her lean on his shoulder.

After a second, he blinked, then rubbed her hair. Aha! Turnabout is fair play!

Ah, no, not like that, ahn Xue cried out.

Hui jumped away from her, startled. You

Xue giggled, hands clasped over her mouth. Your face!

You! He jumped at her, hands out.

She intercepted him and held him at arms length, patting his head with her fingers. Smugly, she declared, Youre a thousand years too early to pet my hair.

Around the next corner, a thick, floral scent rushed up at him. Heady, fruity and sweet, it tickled his memories, a familiar scent just out of reach. Hui wrinkled his nose and, nearly at the same time, bumped into something soft.

He staggered back, drawing Xue with him. Already bowing, he said, Apologies, apologies, please forgive this small cultivator!

If it isnt Weiheng Hui, a woman hummed, voice seductive and slow.

Hui looked up, startled. His eyes went wide. Bai Fenfeng!

Bai Fenfeng smiled at him, plump lips red even in the dark. Mind where youre going, hmm? If you bump into the wrong person this late at night they might take it the wrong way.

Th-thank you for the guidance, elder is very considerate, Hui replied, bowing repeatedly. He backed away, dragging Xue after him.

Bai Xue, isnt it dangerous for you to be out this late? Bai Fenfeng asked, tipping her head.

Its not midnight yet, its fine, Xue said, waving her away. Im just showing Xiao Hui here back to his rooms, itll only be a moment.

Bai Fenfeng smiled wider. She reached toward Xue. Your aunt is only concerned for your safety, you know.

Xue ducked Bai Fenfengs hand. Her eyes narrowed.

Oh? Hui thought, quietly watching.

Then, if aunt is so concerned for my safety, let us pass so I can get safely back in my rooms, Xue said, forcing a smile.

Bai Fenfeng laughed. Waving her hand, she walked away. Of course, of course. I shouldnt get in the way of the happy couple.

Over his shoulder, Hui watched her go. That scent I remember now. She smells like lotus.

Enjoying the view? Xue teased him.

He scowled at her.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Xues eyes widened suddenly. She clasped a hand to her mouth and pulled away from him.

Rooms? Hui asked.

Iyes, she managed.

See you in the morning. Oh, and Xue one night when youre free could I study your curse again?

Xue froze. She blinked at him. Thatthat is the most ridiculous request anyone has ever

Tonight? Hui asked.

Not tonight, Im drunk, Xue replied flatly.

Then, Ill see you tomorrow night, Hui said decisively.

Xue sighed. Well talk about it. She waved him away and shuffled off toward her rooms as quickly as the rope allowed.

Hui watched her go, then turned to his own room. He touched the talismans in his robes, then took a deep breath. Xue was probably only trying to rile me. Bai Fenfeng wont come after me tonight. She wont, right?

He swallowed. Ill keep my back to the wall and my talismans close at hand tonight, just in case!

--

Xue staggered to a stop.

What? Dont stop. Kill him! Jingwen demanded.

A confused air to his motions, Xue turned numbly toward Jingwen.

Xue, sit, Hui ordered.

Turning back toward Hui, Xue started to fold his legs.

Dont sit! Stand! Attack! Jingwen said.

Xue stood. He stepped toward Hui.

Hui grabbed Xues arm. Xue, charge Jingwen!

Unhesitatingly, Xue blasted toward Jingwen. Hui clutched on for dear life, dragged along for the ride.

Jingwen screeched. She jumped back, out of Xues reach. What? Why can you control him?

Xue hit the threshold and stopped short. Legs shuffling against the stone, white eyes wide, he clawed at Jingwen.

I guess he really does like me more than you, Hui replied, unable to resist making a jab at Jingwen. He patted Xues head and smiled sweetly at her.

Nonsense. Nonsense! This is impossible! Xue is mine! Jingwen shouted, shaking her head.

Wait. Wait a second. Xue said she was only after power, but doesnt this look like Hui leaned toward Jingwen. She leaned away, pulling her head back from him.

Jingwen, dont tell me you like Xue?

Jingwen blushed bright red, cheeks and ears alike lighting up. A knowing smile crawled over Huis lips. Ah.

At the sight of his smirk, Jingwen drew her sword. Chest heaving, she shouted, Shut up! You dont know anything! You

Xue, hug me, Hui ordered.

Cold arms closed around his shoulders. A cold chin rested on his head.

Is this why he wouldnt stop holding my arm back in the secret realm? Was thatdid Jingwen teach him to always hold her hand? So adorable! He cackled, shaking his head.

Jingwen shuddered. Stop it! You canthe doesnt, youre just, ordering him

Ah, Jingwen, did you take advantage of poor little Xue like this before? When he was in ghoul-form, when he had no way to know did you make him hug you? Hui guessed. How else would he know the hug command?

Face reddening further, Jingwen backed away. She shook her head over and over again. You know nothing! You dont knowif you knew, if you understood, Im, Im just trying to, to

To? Hui prompted.

Jingwen bit her lip. She stared at the floor.

Hui glanced up. I wonder if Xue knows any other interesting commands. Like, maybe kis

To save him! I just want to save him, Jingwen shouted.

Hui frowned at her. Save him from what?

Young Master!

Assassins in the clan! Someone catch them!

Jingwen startled. She glanced over her shoulder, then bolted, vanishing into the night.

Wait, Jingwen Hui reached after her, but ghoul-form Xue held onto him, persistently hugging him.

He turned, annoyed. You can stop that now. I only wanted to annoy her, I dont actually

Loud footsteps clattered into the room.

Young Master!

Young Master, are you

Bai Xue

Dead silence.

Hui froze. Oh shit. Oh fuck. Im hugging ghoul-Xueno, Im held tight in his embrace, in the dark of the night He whirled, his own cheeks burning this time. Itsits all a misunderstanding

A cluster of black-and-white robed cultivators backed away, cupping their hands. We understand.

Ah, these things happen, no? Ghoul-on-ghoul play is a bit much, but everyone has their tastes.

In our clan well, things are fluid, and when one is in love

Please treat Young Master well!

Hui shook his head, fighting to escape Xues embrace. No, its

In the back of the crowd, Li Xiang met his gaze. A small tear in her eyes, she smiled and gave him a thumbs-up.

No Li Xiang, please I