Chapter 250: The Last Warmth?
As night fell, Hyacinth Manor was brightly lit, hosting the largest outdoor gathering in history. Not only had Huang Guidu rushed from D City, but even the people from Wang’s twelfth brother had joined in after some urgent persuasion.
The food was a feast of all kinds, featuring freshly prepared dishes coming constantly from the kitchen, as well as simple barbecues and various fast snacks. The chief steward, Zhong Jing, had even rented a large-capacity refrigerated truck to barely manage the supply of ingredients for this grand event.
Beyond eating and drinking, the lingering summer heat had turned the swimming area into the favorite spot for everyone partaking in high-intensity outdoor training. Jiang Yao, in her swimwear, went back and forth between the banquet and swimming areas, eating, drinking, and playing, enjoying herself greatly.
The atmosphere at the scene was lively, dissipating the regret from a few hours ago when Yuanyue announced the end of the “secret meeting,” and putting an end to the mad growth phase within the Hyacinth community.
Only a certain blonde girl, feeling a bit embarrassed about some impulsive outbursts during the day’s mock combat simulation, was now entertaining herself at the depths of the water, far away from the lively crowd.
At this moment, Jiang Yao no longer seemed like the exceptionally powerful vampire; she transformed back into a cautious and sensitive ordinary person, indifferent to others’ perceptions.
“… You’ve become shy. Honestly, there is nothing to worry about. The vampire world is naturally dominant, and Hyacinth is no exception. You just haven’t seen how my master used to cheat.”
Zhong Jing came back from the barbecue area with a large amount of grilled food, specifically to keep Jiang Yao company and comfort her with a plethora of irrelevant excuses.
“I know, even though no one says it aloud, they still laugh and ask me in private… Right now, Liu Haiyang’s smell is too sensitive; I can’t eat!”
Jiang Yao pouted, picked up a skewer of grilled squid, sniffed it, took a dry bite, and promptly grimaced with discomfort.
“Anything that tastes wrong, push it aside; I’ll handle it. I don’t know what’s going on, but my appetite has increased a lot recently.”
The girl beside her had a conflicted expression, and Zhong Jing quickly changed the subject, still fearing it might lead to certain sensitive topics.
“Zhong Jing, I heard you met your brother?”
Jiang Yao looked at Zhong Jing, who was putting on an exaggerated act of being fierce, and shyly placed a hand on her lower abdomen.
The skewers halted, and Zhong Jing slowly nodded: “It was in the morning; the Fujiwara rogue who killed Aunt Haoxiang has surfaced… This matter is not just my big affair; my master also hopes to resolve his unresolved feelings through it.”
“And what about He Jian Qingyang? Is she with you to deal with her rescue of her father just because she’s marrying you?”
Casting her gaze towards the lively outdoor banquet scene, Jiang Yao suddenly felt a sense of blockage in her heart.
“Now they’re all partners, with my master calling the shots… Besides, He Jian Qingyang herself has a few dreams to settle with my master. What I have with her is ultimately just a special cooperative relationship, although I know I’ve been a jerk…”
Zhong Jing let out a bitter laugh, and thoughts of He Jian Qingyang’s attitude towards him over the past few months naturally surfaced in his mind.
“Special cooperative relationship? Are you saying that to spare my feelings?”
Jiang Yao threw aside all the skewers and looked earnestly at the young man beside her.
Zhong Jing slightly lowered his head, as if lost in thought, just staring blankly at Jiang Yao’s dress.
“Aren’t you going to answer? Are you trying to spare my feelings?!”
Jiang Yao stubbornly grabbed Zhong Jing’s shoulders, her expression growing serious as she reiterated.
“Xiao Yao, my master and Jin Ye are right; for now, we can only set aside our emotions. I’m not my older brother, and you’re not getting married; the issues we need to resolve are different…”
Jiang Yao sighed softly, gently brushing away the girl’s hand from his shoulder and standing to walk towards the manor building.
“Zhong Jing… how about we pick a name for the child together…”
After walking a few meters, a low whisper came from behind, causing Zhong Jing to freeze and slowly turn around.
He could not discern any of Jiang Yao’s thoughts, while the girl in front of him might be testing him, stating things plainly, or perhaps revealing a sense of anxiety.
If he picked up that line, his fingers would cross, leading to conflict, which benefited no one.
“Wait, I’ll go get you something to drink.”
After lingering in silence for over ten seconds, Zhong Jing shook his head slightly, avoiding the topic and turned to leave.
“Ha, you really are a scumbag. You can’t even touch that topic.”
After a long while, Jiang Yao scoffed, grabbing a now slightly cold skewer and taking a big bite, her expression fearless.
……
In the kitchen of a side building of the manor, Wan Yue and Zheng Shaolin, both known as the top talents of Hyacinth, were busy, isolating themselves from most people as chefs.
In addition to Wan Yue and Zheng Shaolin, Jiang Yao was also helping prepare some simple dishes, while Meng De diligently worked like a wild bull, attending to various chores.
The current team-up had Wan Yue paired with Jiang Yao, and Zheng Shaolin partnered with Meng De.
“Although her blood thirst phase is currently quite long, it hasn’t yet reached the critical threshold for seeking… I wonder if the true Emperor Blood Clan follows this pattern too; I’m still hesitating if she should participate this time.”
While stirring spicy chicken in a large pot, Wan Yue spoke softly.
Jiang Yao nodded but was a bit troubled: “Actually, ever since entering the empress state, my blood sea intervals have been abnormal. Sometimes it’s over twenty days; sometimes it’s around seven or eight days, with no规律 whatsoever.”
“He Jian Qingya and Wang’s elder have told me some things about the drizzle, but I can’t be sure if you would experience the same.”
Once the spicy chicken was ready, Wan Yue removed her apron and set it aside, pulling out a cigarette and choosing to take a break temporarily.
Jiang Yao was in charge of plating and slowed her actions significantly upon hearing Wan Yue’s comments.
“In the first phase, the full blood threshold and full blood stability will gradually improve. I suspect this is also why Jiang Yao can gradually recover her triacylglycerol abilities.”
“In the second phase, the ovulation period will trigger intense reproductive urges, and the stimulation from attractive pheromones will significantly increase, even for ordinary members of the opposite sex.”
“In the third phase, the physiological period will enter an absolute state of full-blood taboo, meaning that the loss of full blood capabilities will no longer be under subjective will control.”
“In the fourth phase, there will be varying durations of dormancy; if disturbed into awakening during dormancy, bodily stability will collapse, leading to irreversible transformations, turning into a madman like a devil…”
Wan Yue spoke calmly, casting her eyes towards the waterfall outside the window.
“So, those under Wang’s twelfth brother are only monitoring the physical and mental changes of me and Xiao Yao… The Engel family is also waiting for either the third or fourth phase?”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yao finally understood.
According to Wan Yue, starting from the third phase would be the most dangerous period for both Jiang Yao and Jiang Yao. However, Jiang Yao had some doubts about Wan Yue’s first phase explanation—she had a vivid personal experience from a few days ago, which was an unforgettable feeling.
Moreover, her current physiological period did feel quite different from the past. For instance, the extent of pheromone disorder had been significantly reduced, and her entire mind and body had entered a relatively stable closed state.
Lost in thought, Jiang Yao suddenly felt a strong urge to try full-blood again.
“Are you thinking that you might be in the second phase? Stop thinking; I can still sense your internal and external hormone disorder, which means you’re not there yet, just more stable than others.”
“You’d better worry about your own second phase. Who knows? One of these days, you might lose control and end up on someone’s bed. Do you really think you can make decisions clearly, with that little head of yours…”
At that moment, Wan Yue seemed to guess Jiang Yao’s thoughts, rolling her eyes directly, even sporting a teasing smile. She caught a glimpse of a conversation happening on the other side of the kitchen, leaving Jiang Yao completely bewildered.
“Damn it, Wan Sister, is there any way…”
Following Wan Yue’s gaze, Jiang Yao spotted a tall young man vigorously cleaning and managing the ingredients, and her face began to pale, her speech faltering.
“I’ve never been an empress, how would I know… Well, Wang’s family has given Jiang Yao five pills; you might as well take one too; it will have some effect. Also, strengthening endocrine interference training should help deal with the second phase.”
Wan Yue’s smile faded as she thought for a moment and then offered her judgment and advice.
Jiang Yao nodded quickly, even deciding to have her sister, Xian Xian, immediately get the already relaxed endocrine interference training back on track! Otherwise, living under the same roof with Meng De, if something happened, it would be unimaginable.
“Wan Sister, Auntie… I’ll go serve the dishes…”
Just then, a timid voice rang out from behind them.
“Hmm, all the dishes are ready; call a few more people to serve… Oh, this child looks familiar?”
Wan Yue tossed her cigarette butt aside, preparing the next dish but immediately turned back after a couple of seconds, her beautiful eyes scanning over the entire figure of the girl in front of her, feeling that she seemed a bit novel.
Not only did her appearance not ring a bell, but her aura also felt like something they had never encountered before.
Jiang Yao was also taken aback, looking several times before feeling a hint of familiarity, yet she couldn’t think straight for a while.
“It’s Xiao Yan Jie… the big brother introduced me; Zhong Ge helped me handle my new identity…”
The little girl became increasingly flustered, her head almost touching her chest.
“Oh, you’re from that food institute in B City!”
Jiang Yao finally recalled and hurriedly recounted a small incident that had happened when she was in B City.
“From Y Province… How long have you been in the blood servant position?”
Meng De nodded, handling the ingredients casually while asking absentmindedly.
“Three years…”
The little girl’s face turned progressively redder.
“Three years to become a senior blood servant? Your qualifications are even worse than Xiao Dong’s?”
Wan Yue expressed interest, staring at the little girl for nearly a full minute, then flashed a faint smile at Jiang Yao: “You and Meng are lucky to find such a good seedling.”
“That’s right, you just said that Zhong Qiong helped you with the new identity. How do you think you will live?”
Jiang Yao noticed some details and quickly followed up with a question.
“I previously followed a small rogue blood clan, using a fake ID. As long as I limit my outings, there would be no trouble!”
“Light.”
“Your ID? How could you buy long-distance bus and high-speed train tickets… You’re not telling me you…”
I, I rode a bicycle all the way to C City…
The little girl was on the verge of tears from the questioning.
At that, even Wan Yue laughed, her eyes filled with intense admiration.
How bold! A senior blood servant without an ID or transportation methods managed to ride from B City all the way to C City in S Province!
It would not merely suffice to say she was lucky; as a girl invaded by blood, surviving for three years among the most substantial vampire presence in B City proves she was a careful and courageous person, not that simple and timid on the surface.
“Wan Jie, Jiang Yao Jie… If you need to apply in the future, just look for me. I’m leaving now!”
The little girl, incredibly nervous, didn’t mind politeness; she immediately left to serve dishes. Wan Yue and Jiang Yao exchanged glances—they had asked so many questions, yet completely forgot to ask her name.
Not far away, Meng De also turned around, quietly observing that close direction.
……
“Brother, I heard you moved into Xiao Yan’s house?”
While stewing meat, Zheng Shaolin elbowed the somewhat dazed Meng De and casually handed him a cigarette.
Meng De remained silent, merely taking the cigarette and playing with it between his fingers.
“Xiao Yan is steady; she hasn’t taken any stains, nor has she been influenced by other blood clan’s bad habits… You must seize the opportunity; Hyacinth doesn’t adhere to the traditions of orthodox families.”
In front of the kitchen, Zheng Shaolin spoke while holding the cigarette, having removed his shirt to reveal his glistening muscles. The wound from Jiang Yao’s thousand-hand assault earlier in the day had almost fully healed.
“I’m quite stupid.”
Meng De didn’t know what to say, so he could only respond, “If I can train the dark arrow and霸侍 tactics, am I stupid? Then I’d be a pig!”
Zheng Shaolin burst out laughing, but half a second later, his expression turned serious suddenly. He took a furtive glance in Wan Yue’s direction and lowered his voice. “If you use your improved elastic sniper tactics, how many knights would you estimate you need to defeat twelve of Wang’s barons?”
A wave of intense excitement radiated from Zheng Shaolin, quietly penetrating Meng De’s mind.
Looking at Zheng Shaolin’s earnest demeanor, Meng De thought for a moment and gestured: “If Zhao Ge isn’t holding back, at least eight, and they must not fear death.”
“Eight, huh…”
Seemingly recalling something, Zheng Shaolin’s expression turned regretful. He turned around and continued preparing his dishes, his mood noticeably lower than before.
Despite how Hyacinth was flourishing now, apart from Jiang Yao and Jiang Yao, there were barely enough knights among the remaining nine to count on one hand for actual combat.
Time passed, and alone in the kitchen, Meng De was left with his thoughts.
His nostrils were filled with the rich, greasy scents of various kitchen aromas, yet his mind remained entangled in the simulated battle from earlier that day.
Challenging and potentially defeating a baron with knights wasn’t necessarily a gift for Hyacinth—it was both his obsession and potentially a wound.
Meng De suddenly felt a pang of regret, but why, he couldn’t quite articulate.
“Brother, can we talk?”
A figure appeared at the kitchen door, their face flushed from drinking too much.
“Let’s wait until everyone finishes eating,” Meng De said, glancing at the simmering pot on the window sill.
“He Jian Qingya has already set off; it indicates Fujiwara Kyoshan has also gone…”
Meng De gulped down some beer, belched twice, and upon hearing a name, his pupils dilated, and his fists clenched and then relaxed repeatedly.
“Give me a moment; I’ll be right there!”
In mere seconds, Meng De’s expression turned exceptionally cold.
……
Hours passed, and after midnight, only a few remnants of revelry marred the Hyacinth Plaza. The vast majority of people had returned to their respective dorms within the manor, embarking on their simple yet lively lives.
This was the first time Wan Yue allowed everyone not to adhere to a regular sleeping schedule, and there were only a few elders like Zhao Peng who understood the reason behind her feelings.
Typically, whenever Hyacinth faced the most brutal battles, Wan Yue would lead the charge by breaking some rules, and this time was evidently no exception. It also signified the largest challenge Hyacinth had ever faced since its establishment.
“Oh, you’re here… Looks like you’re voluntarily keeping watch tonight again.”
By the plaza’s floor-to-ceiling windows, Wan Yue in a rose-red evening gown turned around, smiling at Meng De, who was fully armed.
Meng De remained silent, merely adjusting his attire, standing at attention before Wan Yue without averting his gaze.
“You seem calm and rigid on the surface, but there’s a vibrant fervor within you. Do you like it that much?”
Wan Yue stepped closer to the towering young man, watching his face with keen interest: “A battle acts as a stimulant; when one’s mindset deteriorates to the point where they must fight to conceal it, it means they are too pessimistic.”
“Come, look…”
Wan Yue beckoned with her hand, turning back to the night outside. Meng De hesitated momentarily but followed after her.
