Pei An pondered for a moment. "You're right. I'll report this to Grandfather. With the resources of the Heavenly Capital Residence, we should be able to manage this transaction if Grandfather approves."

Yao Ji nodded, feeling more confident about acquiring the antidote. Before Pei An's men returned, Tongtian Stronghold sent their young master, Yan Shao Ying. "Young Master Pei," Yan Shao Ying announced, "you made a deal with my father. Now that it's complete, he has instructed me to deliver this to you."

Pei An accepted the item and opened the box. He was stunned. Inside lay a worn, damaged book. Despite its condition, three characters were still visible on the cover: Wen Du Jing.

Yan Shao Ying, having delivered the item, left without another word, leaving Pei An bewildered. Both he and Yao Ji, being astute, quickly realized that Pei Yan had likely anticipated Ye Chonglou's actions and discovered his plot to obtain the Wen Du Jing. Unfortunately, Ye Chonglou's poisoning method was too unexpected, and Pei Yan had fallen victim to it.

Yao Ji was deeply troubled. Pei Yan, known for his cunning and foresight, wouldn't have been harmed if he hadn't been completely unguarded around her. Guilt and regret consumed her. If she hadn't approached him, he wouldn't be in this predicament. She knew Ye Chonglou would use her, yet she hadn't stayed away. Her selfishness and indulgence had ultimately harmed Pei Yan.

Before descending to the mortal realm, Yao Ji's only thought was to find each of her reincarnated selves and stay by their side. Now, she realized that not every lifetime would be as smooth and fulfilling as the last. This time, the Boundless Sea Tower stood between her and Pei Yan. In the next life, perhaps it would be national enmity or family feuds. Would she still relentlessly pursue him then? It might not matter to her, carrying memories of past lives, but he would know nothing. It would only bring him pain.

If Pei Yan recovered and she survived, she would leave, Yao Ji decided. She knew the Pei family would never accept her after this. She couldn't bear to put Pei Yan in a difficult position, so she would leave.

Resolute, she received a message the next day. Ye Chonglou agreed to meet her. He instructed her to bring the Wen Du Jing to the mountain temple outside the city on the ninth. Prepared to sacrifice herself, Yao Ji felt no fear or anxiety, which surprised Pei Che, who had rushed back from his secluded villa.

Unexpectedly, the day before the ninth, Pei Yan awoke. While the physicians were unable to counteract the Jade Dew Frost, they had managed to sustain Pei Yan's life with medicine. Coupled with his profound inner strength, although still in danger, his consciousness returned.

Upon hearing the news, Pei Che hurried to see his grandson. Pei Yan leaned against the pillows, pale and thin-lipped. Hearing his grandfather's deliberately heavy footsteps, a smile touched his lips. "Grandfather."

He rarely went without a smile, regardless of the time, place, or circumstance. He was always gentle and serene, like the ripples on a calm lake, like a gentle breeze in the trees. The only time Yao Ji had seen him lose his composure was when, consumed by jealousy, he had forced her to be intimate with him at the dinner table.

"I'm not as noble and aloof as you think," Pei Yan had told her then.

But Yao Ji thought, she wasn't as kind and innocent as he believed either. She was a fallen deity, tainted by the mortal world. Even the gods in the heavens had their desires, envy, and resentment.

She hadn't blamed Pei Yan for his almost humiliating actions. Now, however, she hoped he would hate her, hate her for poisoning him. That way, leaving wouldn't be so difficult.

But after Pei Che left, Pei Yan simply beckoned to Yao Ji, who stood silently in the corner. "Yao Yao, come here." She approached, and he took her hand, his touch cold. He traced her wrist and arm, then sighed. "You've lost weight."

"Young Master…"

He silenced her with a finger to her lips, his usual gentle smile gracing his face. "I know everything. Tomorrow, I'll go with you to see Ye Chonglou."

"No!" Yao Ji exclaimed, shocked. "Ye Chonglou wants to kill you! You can't go. Don't worry, Young Master, I'll bring back the antidote."

"Silly girl," he murmured, stroking her dark hair, feeling the slight tremor in her hand despite her outward calm. He knew she was afraid. "Don't be scared," he said, his unseeing eyes fixed on her. "Wherever it may be, I'll be with you."