Ye Chonglou’s words echoed in her mind: “You needn’t do anything. Just promise me that when someone asks you to save Pei Yan’s life, you will.”

After those words, he had presented her with a small porcelain bottle. Inside, nestled amongst the fragrant aroma that wafted out as she uncorked it, lay a single pill.

Anxiety gnawed at Yao Ji. Ye Chonglou’s words implied a life-threatening danger for Pei Yan. His certainty was unsettling. Was this a plot orchestrated by the Boundless Sea Tower? But if so, why would they want her to save him?

Yao Ji didn’t consider herself capable of such a feat. She knew nothing of medicine. The Pei family was powerful and influential; what kind of danger could Pei Yan possibly face that would require her intervention?

Despite the whirlwind of thoughts, she maintained a calm facade, accepting the bottle and pouring the pill into her palm. Even without Ye Chonglou’s explanation, she knew what to do. Without hesitation, she placed the pill in her mouth and swallowed.

Throughout the exchange, Ye Chonglou watched impassively, his gaze growing colder as she swallowed the pill.

“You don’t ask me what this is?”

Yao Ji responded obediently, “It is a gift from Master. I dare not question.”

“Heh…” A chilling laugh escaped Ye Chonglou’s lips. “Very well. When this matter is concluded, I will give you the antidote for the Eight Sufferings.”

Yao Ji’s heart skipped a beat. If Ye Chonglou spoke of an antidote, the pill she had just taken wasn’t poison? She masked her surprise, her demeanor growing even more respectful. “Then I thank Master in advance.”

No joy stirred within her. What did Ye Chonglou intend for her to do once this “matter” was concluded? If he demanded she harm Pei Yan… Yao Ji knew she would defy him, even if it cost her life.

She concealed her thoughts perfectly. Ye Chonglou saw only her bowed head, her long lashes casting delicate shadows on her pale face. He wanted to say, “Then, I will set you free.” But the words died on his lips. Would she even be grateful? He was a villain, after all. There was no point in such delusions.

Life returned to its usual rhythm. After that day, all traces of the Boundless Sea Tower vanished from Yao Ji’s life, as if they had never existed. Then, in April, Bai Lu returned from the front courtyard and gathered the servants. “Steward Pei just informed me that Master will return within the next two days. You’ve all had enough leisure. Sharpen your wits. Don’t let Master find you slacking…”

Yao Ji didn’t hear the rest. Only one thought resonated within her: Pei Yan was coming home. She realized, with a sudden pang, how much she had missed him.

Rushing back to her room, she retrieved the paintings she had done, tracing her fingers over them again and again. She couldn't stop the silly grin that spread across her face as she sat by the window. Just before bed, she carefully placed the paintings in a box, eager to show them to Pei Yan upon his return.

Suddenly, her hand trembled. Instinct took over as she dodged, but a sharp pain pierced the back of her neck, and she fell into unconsciousness.

She awoke in an unfamiliar room, Pei An standing before her.

“Steward Pei…” She sat up, disoriented. Could Pei An be the Boundless Sea Tower’s informant within the estate?

Pei An’s face was etched with worry. “Don’t be afraid. I struck you just now. The situation is urgent; I had no time for explanations, so I resorted to this.”

He gestured for her to follow him to the inner chamber. Realizing her mistake, Yao Ji followed, her eyes widening in alarm as she saw the figure on the couch. “Master?!”

Pei Yan lay there, eyes closed, sweat drenching his face and hair. His expression was contorted in pain as he moaned softly, his hands and feet bound to the bedposts with leather straps.

“This was Master’s order,” Pei An explained. “He’s been poisoned. If he weren’t restrained, he might lose control.”

“Poisoned?” Yao Ji instantly recalled Ye Chonglou’s command. So it was today… Even without Ye Chonglou's directive, she wouldn't stand idly by. “Steward Pei, you brought me here for a reason. Whatever it is, if it can save Master, I will do it.”

A troubled expression crossed Pei An’s face. After a moment, he said, “This wasn't Master’s wish. I brought you here on my own accord. It’s just…” He hesitated, then changed tack. “Are you familiar with Dream Soul Incense?”

Having grown up in the Boundless Sea Tower, Yao Ji knew it well. Dream Soul Incense was a potent aphr0disiac poison. Not only was it toxic, but it also ignited an uncontrollable desire. If the victim didn’t engage in intimacy, their blood would flow backward, potentially fatal. Even after intimacy, the poison remained, requiring an antidote.

The Pei Estate certainly possessed the antidote, but it was useless without prior intimacy.

Pei An continued, “Master believes that reversed blood flow poses no threat to life, so he forbade me from seeking a cure. But for a martial artist, such a thing could cripple their cultivation. I couldn’t bear to see it happen, so…” He trailed off, his gaze fixed on Yao Ji.

Yao Ji understood. Those afflicted with Dream Soul Incense typically sought someone to alleviate the aphr0disiac effects before taking the antidote. Pei Yan intended to endure it alone. Whether he could withstand it was uncertain, but it would undoubtedly inflict severe damage.

Pei An had thought of Yao Ji. Since Master was fond of the young maid, why not seek her help? But he dared not coerce her. If Master regained consciousness, he would be furious. He looked at Yao Ji beseechingly. She bit her lip, a blush creeping up her cheeks. Finally, she whispered, “I can’t bear to see Master suffer. Steward Pei, please… leave.”

“Excellent!” Pei An’s face lit up with relief. He hurried out, carefully closing the doors and windows behind him.

Yao Ji stood by the bed, gazing at the unconscious Pei Yan. To prevent himself from acting impulsively, he had not only instructed Pei An to bind him but had also taken a sleep-inducing drug. But Dream Soul Incense was powerful. Pei Yan drifted in and out of consciousness, his body burning. Just when the discomfort became unbearable, he felt a soft, cool hand on his face, smooth as silk.

The touch… familiar. He struggled to recall when he had encountered such a hand, but the poison consumed him, leaving him like a parched traveler, yearning to press himself against the coolness.

The hand moved, gliding across his chest, pausing at his waist, and beginning to undo his jade belt. The heat intensified, even as his clothes were removed. What did he crave? Pei Yan thought desperately. He wanted…he wanted…

He wanted that hand to touch him. No, not just a touch. He wanted more. As the thought crossed his mind, he heard the rustle of fabric, a delicate fragrance filling the air.

Pei Yan recognized the sound of his clothes falling to the floor, but the scent…what was it? He had never smelled anything like it. It drew closer, like a blossoming branch of flowers falling into his arms. He froze as a soft body pressed against his own, already bare.

He couldn’t see, but he could hear the rapid heartbeat, the shallow breaths.

“…Yao Yao.” His voice was a hoarse whisper, barely recognizable. He reached out, his hand closing around the small hand at his side.

Yes, he thought. It was her. So soft, like a handful of clouds.

“Yao Yao.” He murmured again, just as soft, moist lips brushed against his own.