"Tomb?"

"Yes, Milord. An ancient tomb," Everything returned to normal and conversation flowed easily after the bootlicking. Bei Li Yan informed them about the ancient tomb in the Liangzu Kingdom. It was located in the forbidden forest which was right outside Jing An city. According to the rumor going around, the princess' cure was inside the forest and whoever discovered it first would be reward by the Emperor.

​​

Lory was excited to hear about the ancient tomb but she reminded herself that her current condition was not ideal for anything risky. She was dejected by this but she also knew she would trouble Girsha and Zhao Li Xin if she gave in to her curiosity. Lory chewed a meat dumpling as she listened to their conversation. The forbidden forest reminded her of Djevelskrin, the seeress and…Lazarus. Her mood became somber.

Although Zhao Li Xin was in deep conversation with Bei Li Yan, he still kept an eye on Lory and quickly noticed her mood. He looked at her in concern and gently caressed her cheek, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

His warm hand woke her from her deep thoughts. She smiled at him softly, "No. I'm fine…"

"Are you sure?" Zhao Li Xin could see she had turned a little pale. "Why don't you get some rest? I'll join you in a few."

"You don't have to worry about me. Stay and do what you need to. I will sleep early today," Lory didn't want to hinder his work but it seemed the man worried more than Clift and Fred.

Bei Li Yan appreciated Lory's sensibility and understanding. She wasn't clingy with her man like most girls her age. It actually seemed like it was his lord who clingier between the two. He wondered if the other Palace Kings would believe him if he told them what he saw. He couldn't wait to see their reaction.

Lory rose from her chair and bowed politely to Zhao Li Xin and Bei Li Yan. Although they had a close relationship, Lory still remembered her position in the manor. Her behavior increases her value in Bei Li Yan's eyes. Half of the people in his palace were women and he could easily tell if a woman was fake or genuine. He could confidently say Lory was genuine from the moment they met.

There were many talented and beautiful women in the world but it was rare to find a genuinely kind woman like Lory. It didn't bother him that Lory was a waste who couldn't cultivate or came from a lower background since his lord's talent and background was enough for them both. All he cared about was that offered comfort to his lord.

"See you again, master Bei," Lory smiled politely.

"Have a good rest, miss Luo," Bei Li Yan replied courteously.

Lory was on the way out when Zhao Li Xin reminded, "Don't forget to close the windows before you sleep."

"You are such a worrywart," Lory complained as she giggled. However, she still nodded at Zhao Li Xin obediently. She turned around to leave the room when everything around her became pitch black. Lory fell on the floor with a loud thud.

This happened to suddenly that Zhao Li Xin and Bei Li Yan didn't have time to react. Zhao Li Xin froze in his chair for a second as she lay on the floor. It was fortunate that his conscious kicked in quickly. He ran towards Lory in a panic.

"RI YI! WAKE UP!!" Zhao Li Xin shook her weak body but she didn't respond. Thankfully, she was still breathing, "RI YI!"

"Call Jin Hao! NOW!" Bei Li Yan also panicked. Mong Ki and Mong Yi ran out of the manor in their full power in search of the White Dragon King Palace. They didn't want to imagine what their lord would do if something was to happen to Miss Luo. 

"WAKE UP!" Zhao Li Xin tried to transfer his Qi to her but it was of no use as her body couldn't take it. His actions were like throwing salt into the sea. Her heartbeat slowed.

While Zhao Li Xin was in a frenzy, Girsha was perched on the table watching closely. He knew her life wasn't in danger because of their connection. However, there was something that pulled her consciousness away. She was like a coma patient.

[What happened to you, girl?] Girsha couldn't help but worry about the unknown. 

 ______________________________________________________________

 "Where am I?" Lory found herself in a meadow. The wild grass around her was covered in green and yellow. A small winding path was close to her. She looked up and saw the sun shining brightly. She sighed with relief. She never minded where she was as all she cared about was having a bright sky.

Although she couldn't contact Girsha, Lory could still feel their connection. This reassured her as it meant everything will be fine. She decided to follow the path before her to see where it would lead to. She followed Fargo's instructions, 'If you are thrown in an absurd situation, the best thing you can do is keep moving'.

Lory couldn't tell if she was in her old world or the new one but hoped she wasn't in the netherworld. Zhao Li Xin's handsome face came at the forefront of her mind. She didn't want to leave him behind, especially without saying anything. She already hurt Lucas and she couldn't bear to hurt another important person in her life. She would never want to hurt him the way she hurt her beloved brother.

She saw a familiar scene after a long walk, a white branched tree with purple leaves. Lory was stupefied. She wondered if she was asleep and dreaming. Her last memory was speaking to Zhao Li Xin about sleeping early. "What the hell is happening?"

 ________________________________

 Jin Hao looked at the sleeping woman in his lord's bed in shock. He was dragged out of his palace by a hysterical Mong Yi and anxious Mong Ki. He first thought someone had attacked their sect but then again he had never seen the Mong brothers that frantic. The panic transferred to Jin Hao. He also used his full power to follow the Mong brothers but what welcomed him was something he considered more frightening.

Zhao Li Xin who was seated at the bedside gave him a blood-curdling stare as he entered the room. Jin Hao almost fainted at the sight and expected Zhao Li Xin to kill him for a mistake he wasn't sure of. His lord opened his mouth and said something more shocking.

"Help her…" Zhao Li Xin's words almost came out like a plea. Jin Hao had never seen his lord look so desperate. Jin Hao turned his eyes at Bei Li Yan who stood at the end of the bed. Bei Li Yan's arms were crossed with furrowed eyebrows. Jin Hao had also never seen Bei Li Yan look so apprehensive.

Their actions made Jin Hao curious to know who the person before them was.

Jin Hao approached the bed and saw a young woman sleeping peacefully. Zhao Li Xin didn't want to let go of her hand. Zhao Li Xin felt like he was giving up on her if he let go of her hand. Jin Hao had no choice but to check for her pulse with his lord hovering close by.

"What happened to her?" Zhao Li Xin questioned when Jin Hao released her hand.

"The problem is... She has no problem…" Jin Hao was also confused by the discovery.

"What do you mean?" Zhao Li Xin's worry increased.

Jin Hao sighed, "Her symptoms seem the same as those of the Liangzu Princess."

"What...?" Zhao Li Xin couldn't contain his shock. It was like someone had hit his chest but he was sure this felt more painful.

"She is sleeping…" Jin Hao said carefully. Zhao Li Xin's mad expression terrified him. "She is in hibernated to be exact. Her breathing and heartbeat have slowed and her body temperature has also decreased like an animal in hibernation."

"What can we do?" Bei Li Yan hoped Jin Hao had a solution.

Jin Hao shook his head, "Keep her warm. There is nothing else we could do but wait for her to wake up by herself."

Zhao Li Xin's body became numb and his heart was in pain. It was like someone had ripped his heart apart. He wondered if this was how desperation felt like but then again, it had to be something else. He had been in desperation situations before and had been at death's gate a few times but he had never felt the same pain.

"Please, wake up..." Zhao Li Xin helplessly kissed her hands.