NTR: Choice Based System-Chapter 251: Yu Mei’s Prepration For Banquet

Hell didn't know how long it would take to regain his full power, the strength that had commanded fear in his own realm. And until he did, returning home was impossible.

He had to return.

He had a score to settle with the Hero who had struck him down in a moment of weakness and, unforgivably, stolen his wives.

The thought of that betrayal, of that theft, fuelled a cold, burning rage deep within him, a stark contrast to the casual indifference he usually showed the world.

Ye Yang, having stumbled aside, watched the impossible scene unfold.

He saw Hell, who had become more mysterious to him, casually punch a ten-foot-tall demon hard enough to send it flying.

The demon roared, a sound like grinding stone and tearing metal, as its massive body scrambled back to its feet.

The force of Hell's casual punch had been devastating. Half of its already grotesque body was clearly dislocated, twisted at an unnatural angle.

The hand that had met Hell's fist was a horrific sight; the sickly red skin had completely vanished, revealing glistening muscle and bone beneath. Violent, dark red blood pulsed from the severe injuries; the raw bone clearly visible.

Despite the gruesome damage, the demon managed a pained sneer, a sound that was a mixture of agony and frustration.

"This damn weak ass body..." it hissed, the alien voice laced with fury. It seemed to be cursing the human body it had taken, the limitations of Training Head's body even in its transformed state.

Suddenly, the intense, malevolent violet aura that coated its body surged outwards, wrapping around its injured form like a thick, suffocating shroud.

The air grew heavier, colder. Before Ye Yang's astonished eyes, the torn flesh and exposed bone on the demon's hand began to knit together with impossible speed.

The dislocated joints snapped back into place with sickening clicks that echoed in the sudden tension. In mere moments, the hand, though still appearing bruised and swollen, was whole again.

The vital energy of this world seemed to recoil from the sheer unnaturalness of the rapid, dark healing.

With its injuries visibly, if superficially, mended, the demon's rage boiled over. Its fiery eyes, now burning with renewed intensity, locked onto Hell.

"You dare to hurt me!" it shrieked, the sound high-pitched and raw with fury. "Tell me who are you so I can know before I tear you into pieces and drink your blood!"

The air crackled with its violent intent, a palpable wave of malice washing over the ruined training ground.

Demon's eyes fixed on Hell, its chest swelling, the newly healed hand flexing into a clawed fist dripping with dark energy.

It expected a name, a title, he was confused about Hell and his knowledge of underworld, he wanted to know the identity of Hell before, so he can unleash his full fury on his enemy.

But Hell offered no such courtesy. His cold sneer deepened, and his voice remained as dismissive as before, devoid of any fear or even acknowledging the demon's threat.

"You aren't worthy," Hell stated simply, the words cutting through the demon's bluster like ice. And with that, Hell moved. This time, he didn't wait for the demon to attack.

He blurred, a speed that surpassed even his previous impossibly fast movements, initiating the next phase of their terrifying confrontation.

The air shimmered where he had been, and the demon's enraged roar was cut short as Hell's presence instantly closed the distance between them, the true battle about to begin.

Ye Yang braced himself, a helpless witness to a clash between beings far beyond his understanding.

*******************

Meanwhile, far from the ruined training grounds and the terrifying clash of otherworldly powers, life continued within the Ye clan manor.

A different kind of tension filled the air here – the hurried bustle of preparation for the upcoming Royal Banquet. Carriages were being polished, formal robes were being laid out, and lists of attendees and gifts were being meticulously reviewed.

With Ye Xuan, one of the clan's prominent figures, currently absent, the responsibility for overseeing the intricate preparations had fallen largely upon his wife Yu Mei.

She was already well influenced in the clan and has worked for the clan in many matters, this was usually within her purview, but the sheer scale of the Royal Banquet required coordinated effort, and she felt the strain of managing everything herself.

Adding to her burden was the distinct lack of assistance from Shi Ling, another wife of Ye Xuan.

Shi Ling's usual duties often intersected with banquet preparations, yet she seemed to have conveniently vanished or become preoccupied with other, less pressing matters whenever Yu Mei needed help.

Yu Mei sighed inwardly, as she stop doing the work and left her chamber but when her guard began to follow her, she dismissed him because of what transpired between those two.

With a sheaf of reports and a frustrated frown she tried to hide, Yu Mei made her way to the Clan Head's private courtyard.

Clan Head Ye Wanshu was a man looked in his late fifties, his face etched with the lines of authority and indulgence. He sat at a low table in his garden, sipping tea, an air of leisurely control about him.

"Clan Head," Yu Mei greeted respectfully, bowing her head slightly.

Ye Wanshu looked up, and a slow smile spread across his face.

His eyes, however, lingered a moment too long on Yu Mei's figure, sweeping down and back up in a way that made her skin prickle.

She was acutely aware of his gaze; it had been a constant, deep gazes from him for many years. But he never acted on it, never crossed the line beyond these lingering, lewd glances.

As the Clan Head, he held immense power, and for the sake of her position and the stability it brought her, she had learned to ignore it, to act as if she didn't notice.

"Ah, Yu Mei," he said, his voice smooth, a hint of warmth that felt more possessive than friendly. He gestured to a seat across from him. "Come, sit. How are the preparations going?"

Yu Mei took the offered seat, placing the reports on the table. "Clan Head, the preparations are progressing, but the workload is considerable."

"The preparation for the banquet as well as the lodging of guests who'll accompany us after the royal banquet, all are in the place, ensuring the gifts are appropriately prepared, and overseeing the tailoring of the new formal attire for the attending members." She spoke with practiced efficiency, detailing the myriad tasks.

Ye Wanshu nodded slowly, his eyes still occasionally drifting. "Yes, yes, a significant undertaking. The Royal Banquet is a crucial event for the clan's standing. We must present ourselves impeccably."

He took another sip of tea. "But...?" his voice trailed as he looked at her once again, "You look tired... what's the matter?"

Yu Mei hesitated for a fraction of a second. She could lie, say everything was fine, but the frustration boiled just beneath the surface.

She decided on a carefully worded truth. "Clan Head, while Shi Ling has her own duties, her direct assistance with the banquet preparations has been... limited. I have attempted to delegate certain tasks, but she seems to be prioritizing other matters."

Ye Wanshu raised an eyebrow, though there was no real surprise in his eyes. "Limited, you say? That is... unfortunate. Shi Ling can be rather... independent." He paused, letting the implication hang in the air.

He knows where Shi Ling is... as she was still busy entertaining Holy son and Grand Elder. occasionally, even Clan Head used his free time to go and join them to enjoy Shi Ling's body.

But unaware of this, Yu Mei pressed on, feeling a need to convey the extent of her burden. "It means the pressure is largely on me to ensure every detail is handled flawlessly"

"With husband's absence, his responsibilities have also been partially shifted, indirectly impacting the resources available for the banquet preparations. It would greatly ease the burden if there were clearer lines of assistance."

Ye Wanshu leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ye Xuan's absence is... regrettable. but it was needed as master of Xu Li and you must yourself know her value to our clan."

He said the words smoothly, "And, only your husband can do this, no one is qualified then him so bear with this."

"Regarding Shi Ling," Ye Wanshu continued, bringing the conversation back to her, "I will speak with her. Perhaps she needs a gentle reminder of the importance of this event and the necessity of cooperation. However, Yu Mei, Your capability is well-known throughout the clan."

His gaze settled on her again, that familiar leering intensity returning. "I trust you implicitly to handle this, even with limited support. You have always exceeded expectations."

The praise felt hollow, overshadowed by his gaze and the underlying message: figure it out yourself, but make it perfect. Yu Mei suppressed a sigh. "I understand, Clan Head."

Yu Mei finished detailing the remaining tasks, the silence stretching for a moment after her voice trailed off. Ye Wanshu was still smiling, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

They lingered on her, assessing, calculating. Then, without warning, he leaned forward across the low table.

"Now that you are taking all of these responsibilities alone, and even Grand Elder is busy with other arrangements," he said, his voice dropping slightly, becoming smoother, more intimate in a way that made Yu Mei instinctively tense. "Why not let me help you?"

Before Yu Mei could respond, his hand shot out, swiftly closing around hers as it rested on the table. His grip was firm, unexpected.

Yu Mei was startled by the sudden physical contact, but what she has gone through had taught her to control her reactions. She didn't gasp, didn't pull back violently. Instead, she simply and swiftly moved her hand, slipping it from his grasp with practiced grace.

"No, Clan Head," she said, her voice polite but firm. "I can't let the Clan Head take all responsibility."

Ye Wanshu's smile widened, a predatory gleam entering his eyes. He didn't retract his hand entirely. It hovered for a moment, then slipped lower, resting on her waist. The touch was deliberate, possessive.

"Why not!" he purred, the tone now openly suggestive. "A Clan Head can take responsibility as a Clan Head, I can also take responsibility of you."

This time, the resistance was harder to contain. Yu Mei stiffened, her body instinctively wanting to pull away from his touch.

This was different from his lingering gazes; this was a physical encroachment, a clear violation of the boundary she never thought he will cross. She began to shift, preparing to firmly push his hand away.

But then, Ye Wanshu's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of knowing shrewdness. His voice dropped again, becoming a low, dangerous murmur that cut through the tense air like a knife.

"I knew about you and the Holy Son."

The words hit Yu Mei like a physical blow. Her intended movement froze.

Her eyes widened, all trace of polite composure vanishing, replaced by a look of pure, unadulterated shock and fear.

The casual cruelty in his tone, the sudden reveal of a secret she thoguht had guarded so carefully, was a devastating strike. His hand remained on her waist, no longer just suggestive, but a physical anchor holding her captive in this horrifying moment.