Apocalypse Summoner Chapter 26 - Sister’s feelings and… Preparations before battle

After Li Jiayu was done dispatching several student representatives to bring the Awakened over, he swept his gaze around the hall and noticed everyone’s perplexed gazes had congregated on him. Had it not been for Li Jiayu’s cold and arrogant disposition, they might have rushed up to say their thanks.

'Sigh... How troublesome.'

It was simply too contrasting to Li Jiayu's previous life; he had been slandered and his notoriety spread far and wide. He lived his life like a street rat, beaten and cursed wherever he went… No one looked at him kindly, even three-year-old kids threw rotten eggs at him whenever they saw him.

‘In all honesty, I had no plans on being the “good guy” in this life, and only did this for sister. Whether these people live or die, it doesn’t matter to me in the least. I only saved them on along the way… 

'Why are you people looking at me like I’m a hero or an idol... Are you guys sick in the head? How ludicrous, to think that a selfish person like me, who has a bellyful of evil tricks, would be wors.h.i.+ped. These fervent gazes sure make me feel uncomfortable…’

During his previous life, Li Jiayu had experienced all sorts of human feelings; he mingled with spirits, went into hiding and dared not expose himself to the sunlight. He lived an extremely arduous life.

It was fine if he was treated as a spiritual pillar by his close friends, however, having several hundred fervent gazes staring fixedly at him contrasted too much with his previous life. Just like darkness suddenly turning into light, Li Jiayu could not endure it at that moment. Shaking his throbbing head, Li Jiayu decided to s.h.i.+ft their attention somewhere else and pointed at the half-dead Dark Octopus. 

“Don’t look at me, go show some concern for Dark Octopus. It suffered heavy injuries and needs a nurse to care for him. Humph, it never even crossed your mind that, were it not for Dark Octopus caring for you, why would it be inflicted with so many wounds?"

These words stunned the students who then s.h.i.+fted their attention toward Dark Octopus. In fact, their curiosity toward Dark Octopus’ attractiveness was not lower than Li Jiayu’s in the slightest.

Not only could it speak the human language, it also had relatively high intelligence, possessed a strength similar to that of Li Jiayu, and could also travel freely above ground!

 ‘d.a.m.n, it's incredulous. Aren’t octopuses supposed to live under water?’

'Where did this octopus come from and how did he become Li Jiayu’s pet?'

Everyone was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with curiosity towards it. A few could not resist and made their way towards Dark Octopus’s side. Now that they observed at close-proximity, it and did not seem all that grotesque and malevolent anymore. Instead, they thought that this octopus that fought for humanity was appeared really cool.

“Octopus, can you really speak the human language?” A certain girl probed.

“O-of course… I- I… Love chatting… With… Beautiful l-lady…” Dark Octopus was already half-yearly. It exhaled more than it inhaled but still garnered attention to chat with a girl!

'This r.e.t.a.r.ded octopus was definitely one that could throw its life away for women!'

“You are so intelligent! Who knew that on this world, there are organisms, other than humans, that can speak… You are much smarter than apes and parrots.” A certain spectacled Biological Faculty student exclaimed.

Dark Octopus crooned and gave that male student the cold shoulder.

“Octopus, you broke so many of your tentacles, it must hurt a lot, right? Will they grow back in the future? I’m sorry, you got with wounded because of me and there's a large hole in your head…” A certain girl that had been saved by Dark Octopus knelt beside it. She wanted to caress its wound but was afraid of injuring it. She was so anxious that she almost cried out.

“It doesn’t hurt… As long as… Y-You are fine… I’m happy…”

Dark Octopus thoroughly enjoyed the concern the girls showered it with. It thought that it had never been this happy in the several decades it had spent as an octopus. Slowing down its speech, it said,

“D-don’t cry… You cry… I am uncomfortable… Don’t worry… If I don’t die… I will… protect you…”

The corners of Li Jiayu’s lips twitched after he overheard this conversation.He'd always regarded this octopus as a pure pervert, but never would he have thought that it really had the spirit of a Flower Knight. It really made one unsure of whether to laugh or cry.

The students around the octopus also felt touched. Additionally, their goodwill toward Dark Octopus increased by a leap and they now felt that Dark Octopus looked more pleasing to the eyes.

A freckled girl, with worse than average looks, said,

“Octopus, are you speaking the truth? I’m so moved, please take care of me from now onwards.”

“You're touched… My a.s.s… Who want to protect… you… I only protect… beautiful ones… Unless you… remove freckles… Otherwise… you can die for all I care…”

Dark Octopus did not bother concealing what it felt. However, this caused the freckled girl to choke immediately until her face turned purple. It was as though someone had strangled her. The guys and girls, who happened to be beside her, exchanged glances. They had not expected Dark Octopus to be such a marvel, being a beauty extremist.

“Octopus, can you tell me where your hometown is? Are there any others that are like you?” A gold-spectacled handsome guy asked.

“N-none of your… business… Males should not bother me…”

Dark Octopus replied snappily, once again rendering the numerous guys speechless. It’s fine if it was a beauty extremist, but to think it was also a s.e.xist. You are much fussier than us humans!

The girls chuckled at the embarra.s.sed expressions of the males. All their worries were shelved away temporarily as they asked,

“Do you have a name? How did you and Li Jiayu get acquainted? Are you his pet?”

“I… have no name… But… you can call… me, Twelve… because I have 12 tentacles… Li Jiayu is my master, but he is fierce and doesn’t seem to like me…”

“How could that be? Li Jiayu is a good person. How would he treat you fiercely…” A few girls snuck glances toward Li Jiayu who watched coldly by the sidelines and immediately avoided his gaze with flushed faces.

“I don’t know… Mr master, he… called me a p-pervert… Tarnished his reputation…”

“Maybe, ugh, maybe Li Jiayu isn’t happy with your appearance… Twelve, don’t worry, even if he has misunderstandings against you, you still have us. We will take care of you…”

Looking on as Dark Octopus and the girls happily chatted away, Li Jiayu shook his head inadvertently. Initially, he was worried that Dark Octopus was too heavily injured and got depressed, but now, he saw it was glowing radiantly as though it was on drugs. It seemed that, temporarily, the Dark Octopus was not in need of any worrying, so he allowed it to act as it pleased.

Standing up from his seat, Li Jiayu watched Hsiao Wanqing’s staggeringly beautiful face. His heart stirred and the corners of his lips curled up into a fierce smile. 

“Vice Princ.i.p.al Hsiao, are you going to take the first move or would you prefer being pa.s.sive?”

“……”

As the vice princ.i.p.al of Xijiang University, she was unexpectedly forced to embrace an unfamiliar student in broad daylight. How could this be endured! Even though she was usually full of vim and authority, at the moment, her thoughts were in a whirl and she was at a loss.

“Are there no other ways of healing? Perhaps… we can go to the utility room. In short, don’t do it here in public where they can see us embracing. There will be bad consequences...”

Hsiao Wanqing said gently, her voice laced faintly with a plea. She was, after all, someone who held an authoritative position and paid great attention to her own image. Coupled with her status as a married woman, having any sort of skin contact with other men is something that should not occur...

“And what if I don’t agree?”

Unknowingly, as he looked at Hsiao Wanqing’s gaze, containing intertwining pleas and anger, Li Jiayu felt a sudden burst of a ruthless and pleasurable sensation. Indeed, Li Jiayu treasured this sister who had showered him with the utmost care. However, she had shouldered too many burdens and had been willing to forsake Li Jiayu for Yangcheng’s sake… Although she had no grounds to be blamed upon, but whenever Li Jiayu recalled that incident, he would feel unhappy.

‘In your heart, am I forever worth less than the things you protect?’

‘Fine!’

‘In this lifetime, I shall rip your dignity to shreds. See if you’re able to maintain your sacred saintess-like facade!’

‘You only need to treat me well. As for the others that are insignificant, they are not worth your sacrifice!’

“Why are you so adamant on doing it here? What’s your motive behind this?”

Hsiao Wanqing seemed to have felt Li Jiayu’s determination, but she had no idea why Li Jiayu wanted to do it here. According to reason… if Li Jiayu harbored any malicious intents, the utility room should've been the best choice.

“Hsiao Wanqing is the famed number 1 beauty and it’s not a surprise you’re reserved. However, should you not think for the students who are in danger? If I do not want to go to the utility room, what can you do to me?”

Li Jiayu scooted over to Hsiao Wanqing’s tender white ear and said stealthily. The warm air that was blown on her ears made her feel limp and numb. Her body trembled and her brows knitted. It was unsure as to whether she was furious or feeling amused. 

“Who is a young wife? I am already 32 years old… Also, a young brat like you should stop joking around. If you had any motives, you should have used them on Ran Hongxia. She is the most beautiful girl in the entire Xijiang University and the most suitable for you. Isn’t that right, Honorable Hero Li?!”

“You…”

Li Jiayu’s expression sank. The one thing he hated the most was Hsiao Wanqing had always treated him like a brat, always acting like a sister. She even introduced girls to him desperately. Did she not know this was a really resentful act?

“Hmph! Words are unnecessary! I need to recover now!”

Li Jiayu did not waste any more time spouting nonsense. Placing Frost Moon by his waist, he leaned forward and, under Hsiao Wanqing’s astonished gaze, stretched out his arms, suddenly pulling her ripened body into his embrace!

“Wait… You’re using too much force, it hurts…” Li Jiayu’s two-fold strength buff was terrifying. Hsiao Wanqing almost lost her breath even though he did not exert much force. It was just like being hugged by a bear!

“Sister… I will not let go again!”

Li Jiayu was overwhelmed with emotions. Where would he find the time to care about what Hsiao Wanqing said? He felt extremely emotional and treated the Hsiao Wanqing in his arms as Hsiao Wanqing of the past life, subconsciously calling her “sister”.

At this time, the boys and girls at the sidelines had already noticed the activity going on in this area. Every one of them widened their eyes, watching as Li Jiayu hugged vice princ.i.p.al Hsiao!

“Oh, shoot!”

“Adultery?”

“How can this be? Li Jiayu belongs to me…”

"Is this considered… Beauty paired with the hero? Because Li Jiayu saved us and Hsiao Wanqing dedicated herself? Then what will happen to Hsiao Wanqing’s husband?”

“What to do? Salad?![1] The whole city of Xijiang has fallen into the monster’s claws. Who would care about a husband that’s far away…”

“Vice Princ.i.p.al Hsiao is scheming… Stealing Li Jiayu so early on. With his protection, her safety is ensured.”

“Nonsense! It’s Li Jiayu who compelled her!”

Noticing the students discussion, HXQ, who was standing by the side of Li Jiayu, could not endure it anymore. She did not wish anyone to have misunderstandings toward Li Jiayu and explained,

“Stop guessing wildly… You guys have already seen it earlier. Princ.i.p.al Hsiao emitted a white light. That light can help Li Jiayu recover his strength… That’s it!”

After the students heard that, they quietened down. Regardless of what ran through their minds, if it was something that concerned their lives, then everything was different. That meant it had ascended into dangerous territory. Only when Li Jiayu recovered his optimal state would there be some guarantee to their survival.

“I see…”

“If that’s the case, Li Jiayu can recover strength and kill more insects?”

“Princ.i.p.al Hsiao is really selfless, sacrificing herself to save someone else…”

“Yeah, she is so honorable.”

Li Jiayu did not bother with what they were saying. He shut his eyes and leaned into Hsiao Wanqing’s snow-white neck, sniffing her body’s fragrance from amongst the wisps of her hair. His arms wrapped around her snake-like waist, simultaneously enjoying Hsiao Wanqing’s ripened figure’s alluring curves.

“Relax your body, don’t be so rigid… Its just an embrace? We’re not doing anything else. Why are you so nervous? If you don’t relax, your Sacred Light will not come out… Then everything that you did would have no meaning.”

“You are so booris.h.!.+ You still have the guts to ask… You are hugging me too tightly. I can’t breathe...”

“Ah, really? I may have been too emotional…” Li Jiayu replied awkwardly. 

“What’s there to get emotional about? I thought you were experienced in the affairs of the heart. Who knew that you don’t even know how to hug... Your body is so cold. There’s no warmth. What is going on?” Hsiao Wanqing adjusted her att.i.tude, having recovered her calmness slightly, but she had her head lowered, afraid of the other students noticing.

“Without any choice, a large amount of frost energy is corroding my insides. It can’t be helped… So, hurry up and discard your thoughts. Feel the Sacred Light in yourself and slowly guide it outwards. En, yes, you can imagine a bright red sun gradually rising from the east…”

“En, visualize…”

Hsiao Wanqing was deserving of the t.i.tle of Priestess of Radiance in the future. Southern province’s radiance/light amba.s.sador, with only Li Jiayu’s slight reminder, she was able to immediately reign in her state of mind. Picturing a scene in her heart, immediately afterward, her body started to let out a warm and comfortable gentle white light once more!

Li Jiayu was in close proximity to her and felt his heart stir. He used his remaining mental energy to blend into the gentle white light. Adjusting its light properties, he then felt his entire body’s vitality starting to rejuvenate. Like a spring wind sweeping through willow leaves, a warm current flowed into his freezing body.

‘It feels good, like soaking in a hot spring.’

“It’s done like that? Do you feel better?”

Hsiao Wanqing asked softly, noticing that Li Jiayu’s pale face was reddening. 

"That’s right… It's much more comfortable now. Don’t move, my energy consumption is too large. I estimate that I’ll need at least a few minutes to supplement it.”

Hsiao Wanting nodded silently. Faintly, her tender white cheeks gradually suffused with red. Naturally, she wouldn’t feel anything special with a stranger such as Li Jiayu, but she felt a slight heartache.

Li Jiayu was only a youngster. She did not know what Li Jiayu had experienced to have attained such amazing capabilities.

‘He must have sacrificed a lot, right? That sharp swordplay is impossible to attain unless one has killed tens of people.’

“Is your arm hurt? There’s also a wound on your face… Do you feel nothing?”   

“How is that possible? …Small injuries like these have become the norm. It's fine as long as it does not make things inconvenient.” Li Jiayu looked at his left arm. It was still bleeding. At this, he could only smile bitterly.“Then can my Sacred Light, speed up your arm’s recovery?” Unknowingly, Hsiao Wanqing felt a slight heartache.

“It could, but… your awakened Sacred Light is still relatively weak. I need at least an hour to recover my wounds fully. According to your state, holding it for 10 minutes consecutively is already the limit.”

“Then we’ll take it slow… You have suffered injuries for the university, I will definitely help you recover!” Hsiao Wanqing spoke softly, but there was an immovable determination behind her words. 

“Li Jiayu, the people you asked us to find have all been gathered here…” The student representative, that was dispatched earlier, spoke.  “Oh, sorry for the bother.” 

Li Jiayu had no intentions of letting Hsiao Wanqing go. He merely raised his head and saw several guys and girls a.s.sembled before him. They were the Awakened and, at this time, they all have varying expressions.

The Draconian Chuxiang’s skin was covered with black scales. On his b.u.t.t, he dragged along a thick, long lizard-like tail. He was still alarmed and anxious in an settled state of mind.Shapes.h.i.+fter 

Lan Xiaoyue had a face of bewilderment and was still fiddling with her hair, not understanding how it had suddenly grown so long.

Sonic Warrior Chen Kun had his mouth shut tightly, not daring to let out any sounds. He tried to slow down his breathing as gently as possible because he found out there was a problem with his throat. Even a slight distraction would cause a thunderclap-like sound. 

Flame Sorcerer Feng Liaoyuan had a face of excitement. He kept looking at his hands, occasionally letting out foolish laughter, evidently proud that he had become a “Human Torch”.

The last person was Sword Saint essential, Ran Hongxia. Her expression seemed complicated as she gazed at Li Jiayu pensively.   

“You guys came at the right time. I have something to say.” Li Jiayu pulled out a Crimson Crowned Beetle’s Insect Crystal from his pocket. Looking at Ran Hongxia, he said stiffly,  

“This is for you, take it. It’ll help in improving your arm’s strength and if you’re fortunate, it should be of help to your sword energy.”