"Y-yo... Young Master?" Gong Sun Xiangyi rubbed her eyes through the drowsiness, uncertain if she was seeing things.

"A long time no see, Xiangyi!" Ye Jingyu's face bloomed with a dazzling smile.

"Young Master, is it really you?" Even after hearing his voice, Xiangyi still felt disbelief. This was the Gong Sun family's secluded estate - surrounded by elite warriors. Even if Young Master knew he'd been imprisoned here, there was no way he could breach these defenses!

"Ha ha, have I been gone so long that you've found another master to serve?" Ye Jingyu smirked knowingly.

"No! There never has been anyone else!" Xiangyi threw herself into his arms the moment she saw that familiar mischievous grin.

Over a year had passed since Young Master's departure. In those initial months, her longing wasn't so intense. But as Ye Jingyu vanished and the State-Protecting Mansion declined, her yearning only deepened. After all, he was the very pillar of the State-Protecting Mansion.

Later, when she poisoned Gong Sun Sheng and was captured by the family, it was Young Master's face that filled her mind first - as if no one else in this world could save her. But even then, she knew he'd been gone for so long. Whether or not he learned of her plight was uncertain; but assuming he did, how could he possibly rescue her from the Gong Sun family?

She had indeed grown up within their estate, yet back then understood nothing of their true power. It wasn't until poisoning Sheng and watching Xiao Hua nearly die under five Saint Beasts' assault that she realized the family's terrifying strength.

The more Gong Sun Sheng revealed to her later on, the deeper her dread grew toward this formidable clan. Unless an entire army marched in, there was no escaping their grasp.

Yet inexplicably, even knowing it was impossible, Xiangyi still yearned for Young Master's rescue. On multiple occasions she dreamt of him descending from seven-colored clouds in golden armor to carry her away - only to wake up each time with crushing disappointment.

Now, feeling that familiar yet unfamiliar body beneath her hands, hearing his teasing voice directly, and seeing his mischievous face with her own eyes - she finally believed it was real. No dream at all.

Her head buried deep into his chest, basking in the warmth of his embrace, tears welled up in Xiangyi's eyes.

Ye Jingyu simply held her tightly. Even through layers of silk, her skin felt smooth and pliant with just the right tension beneath his fingers. As he gently traced the jade-green tresses cascading to her ankles, feeling her trembling form, complex emotions churned within him.

Over a year and six months had changed many things - yet their bond remained unchanged. To him she was still that mysteriously beautiful woman carrying infinite loneliness in her eyes. Though chronologically older than himself (almost his sister), she radiated an ethereal delicacy.

They both lost themselves in this moment, forgetting time, forgetting space entirely.

"Hey! You two lovebirds gonna find a more private spot?" Gong Sun Lu's voice shattered their reverie.

"Oh right - Young Master, you need to leave immediately!" Xiangyi suddenly jolted awake. She knew all too well the family's terrifying power.

"This time I'm bringing you out," Ye Jingyu said simply, gently patting her shoulder. "You'll wear her clothes and we're leaving together." He pointed at Gong Sun Lu beside them.

"But..." Xiangyi's eyes filled with confusion again.

"No buts," he cut in decisively. "Take off your clothes now."

Xiangyi wasn't stupid - she already sensed this girl was from the family. Since Young Master gave orders, she obeyed without question. Both turned to face Gong Sun Lu expectantly.

But the girl stared intently at Ye Jingyu, her gaze flickering uncertainly between them.

"Hey! Are you trying to get married or what? Get undressed already!" Ye Jingyu snapped when Lu hesitated.

"You... you're here, how can I..." The girl's face burned crimson. Though fierce by nature, she was still a maiden in every sense - no way would she strip before an unrelated man.

"Don't worry," he smirked, "Your body holds no interest for me unless you inherited your aunt's curves perfectly." He didn't even move to give her privacy.

"You..."

"What 'you'?" His voice turned cold. "Are you stripping now or not? If not I'll kill you first then cut off your clothes - no wedding wife, just a dead one."

The sudden threat made Lu shudder with a mix of anger and fear. Just as she opened her mouth to retaliate, a head suddenly erupted from the ground nearby, grinning menacingly at her.

With no choice but to comply, the girl began unbuttoning her robes in silent frustration.

Ye Jingyu gave Liang Xiaoke's emerging head an approving thumbs-up while Xiangyi stared at it wide-eyed - had she not been with Young Master, she might have screamed already.

"Don't be afraid," Ye Jingyu said casually. "My older brother is a millennia-old zombie." He paused meaningfully. "You probably don't know what a zombie is? Think of him as just some monster."

"Crap! I'm the most handsome zombie in history!" The pale figure burst fully from underground, glaring at Lu. "Hey, lady, are you gonna strip faster or not?! Need me to do it for you too?"

Liang Xiaoke's outburst made the girl stop protesting entirely. Her hands flew over her buttons with renewed speed...

"Hehe... Hello Miss Gong Sun," the zombie said as he approached Xiangyi, extending his death-pale hand in perfect gentlemanly form. "I'm Liang Xiaoke - single, well-educated and highly skilled. Would you like to be my girlfriend?"