The Dawn of the New World

The looks that Hao Xuan got were nothing short of horror and confusion.

Hao Xuan watched as Jarek's back vanished behind the yurts. He couldn't help but feel a tad bit uneasy letting him go alone like that but it was for the beast. He needed to learn and there was no better teacher than experience.

Princess Helena was the first one to come forward, breaking the silence that had fallen over the group after watching Hao Xuan's actions for the last minute or so.

Armed with the most mesmerizing smile in her arsenal, she gave a courteous bow reserved for the royalty in her clan.

"I apologize for introducing myself so late. My name is Helena, this is my sister Inara. Would it be possible to ask for the gentleman's title?"

Thinking that since he was able to talk to Burak so casually, he must come from a powerful background princess Helena asked for his title since that was the more polite way of asking for his name.

"Hmm?"

Hao Xuan glanced at her from the corner of his eye before turning around to stand in front of her.

It would be a lie if Hao Xuan said he didn't give her a once-over. The way both princess Inara and Helena dressed left very little to the imagination and Hao Xuan being the healthy male that he was, it most certainly did catch his attention. (Their reference images are posted in discord with the descriptions in Chapter 632/635)

It took a fair bit of willpower for him to maintain eye contact with Princess Helena, despite their current situation.

"I don't have a title. But my name is Hao Xuan..." he coldly quickly before looking away.

He obviously knew what she was trying to do but didn't appreciate her efforts.

But Princess Helena was not the least bit offended by his stiff words. She moved closer, close enough that Hao Xuan could feel the heat coming off of her skin, and the scent of flowers from her hair. He could hear her heartbeat picking up.

"Forgive me if I am overstepping but, Lord Hao Xuan...you ARE human, correct?"

"What?"

Hao Xuan was about to comment about how stupid such a question was until he realized that his entire body was covered in soot and that it was hard to even see his facial features.

"Yes, I'm a human," he replied moving a couple of steps away from her.

Hao Xuan waved his hand and a bottle of water appeared in his grasp, the contents of which he emptied on top of his head.

He rubbed his face and ran his fingers through his shoulder-length hair to clear out the gunk.

'Ugh, I need a haircut and a bath,' Hao Xuan thought inwardly.

But he didn't notice the faint microscopic particles that were dislodged from his hair and skin upon contact. They floated away with the wind, entrapping all who came into contact with them.

In the eyes of most of the spectators, the princesses, the guards, and even Uri, the scene was playing out in slow motion. They could not bring themselves to tear their eyes away from him.

Every little movement he made, every action he took was spellbinding. The moonlight acted as his backdrop to further enhance the impact of his Lycan bloodline, of which this was one of the effects.

Sensing the presence of a potential mate, Hao Xuan's body released a concoction of pheromones meant to allure and entice, akin to a sheep being led to slaughter in this case.

The only 'issue' was that due to his already powerful physique, these pheromones were much more lethal than they should have been since even Uri, a male, was caught up in it because he was so close.

Only Ma Jiang rubbed her shoulders from the cold, completely unperturbed.

'Isn't he cold? Why would you pour water on yourself out in the open? Such a weirdo...' she thought inwardly, which Hao Xuan clearly heard.

*Sigh*

'This girl...'

Hao Xuan had never had the urge to bully someone, until now. It was a good thing she was so much younger than him otherwise he might have taken action himself.

Just then a ruffling sound came from behind them and Burak walked out.

"Come in everyone."

His words woke them up. One of the guards even had a bit of drool coming out of the side of her mouth.

He gestured towards them, moving out of the way to let the Princesses through first. As soon as Princess Inara went in he cut in as well, smiling towards the guards that were too busy stealing glances at Hao Xuan.

Just as Ma Jiang was about to enter-

"It's not that cold. And I don't feel it that much either," Hao Xuan blurted out.

"Eh? I didn't say anything..."

"I know, I'm just saying. It's not weird or anything."

"!!!"

'OHMYGOD! Did he read my mind?'

That was the first thing she thought looking at Hao Xuan while panicking internally but he was completely expressionless. Although the only reason for that was because he was shocked beyond words. How was that the first thing she thought?!

'Poop! Butts! Oranges!'

She thought of completely random words, trying to make Hao Xuan laugh and catch him off guard but he was a little scared of her to laugh. So he tried to ignore her and went inside, attempting to act normal.

The temperature rose by tens of degrees as soon as they stepped through.

There were a few more chairs placed around the table.. The Barbarian Princess, Na'im was standing in front of Princess Helena, shaking hands. (read Ch 646 for a little recap)