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Thump! Thump! Thump!

For each passing moment, as she gets nearer to her destination, the pounding of her heart is becoming stronger and more deafening.

She can feel the gradual weakening of her limbs.

The squirming of her stomach.

The feel of her cold wet hands.

As she finally approached the door, she stopped.

Here is the dividing line of her truth and reality.

Suddenly a hand appeared, opened the door for her then gave her a soft nudge.

Even as she entered the room, Yue can feel that there's some kind of resonance between her body and spirit, like something is pulling her into being one with her original self but there's also a force that's keeping her from integrating into it.

Her sight automatically zeroed in the woman peacefully lying on the bed.

There are no words that can explain how peculiar Yue felt at the moment.

She used to look in the mirror, every day, even after several years had passed and yet it feels so strange. Her body looks familiar but not all the same.

As a model, she used to be thin but now she's thinner. Ironically, this is the body that the fashion industry is aiming for. Simply, a moving hanger.

The liveliness of her face is nowhere to be seen.

In fact, without the machine indicating that she was still alive and her low breaths that she was only able to determine through her sensitive hearing, she might declare herself dead.

She looks exactly like someone who lacks a spirit.

Yue felt the slight squeezing of her heart making it hard for her to breathe.

Imperial Capital, Royal Palace.

"How is that child doing?" the Emperor is reading some documents when he suddenly asked the question.

"The Crown Prince is busy building relations with the Rapport Family while strengthening his support from the noble families" the old assistant who had been standing motionlessly immediately answered; just like the head eunuch in olden days, except they had more freedom when it comes to family affairs.

The old assistant was about to continue reporting on the Crown Prince's matters when he noticed the Emperor is not interested. Then he was suddenly enlightened.

"The Young Master of the Crest Family is working on the same case as the Crown Prince, but recently, he is spending more time with his sister. I heard he was also interested in gathering information on the reported deceased daughter of the Lancer Family. After his fiancée assaulted his sister, he came to the Old Master and had a closed door meeting. Unfortunately, this humble one wasn't able to determine the contents of the conversation" the old assistant reported all the happenings around Yyan with enough information to supply some vague details. It can be seen how deeply rooted are the people of the Emperor had reached within each noble family.

"Ohh, the Lady of the Crest Family" from all the information given by the old assistant, the Emperor only picked on this and gazed deeply.

Salhura Rainforest, Eastern Part of the Empire.

"Let's take a quick break before continuing the tour" the guide gave some time for the tourist to take some rest and look around for themselves, maybe took some two or more photos.

"Whoo, I'm so tired, I shouldn't have just stayed at the hotel or bask in the beach" Linn whined as she slumped underneath a tree. She is a homebody, if this had not been an all-expense paid trip and if not for the food she might get to taste the first time she wouldn't consider going along with Yue.

She chattered endlessly when she noticed that Yue isn't even talking.

"Hey, are you alright? Oh my goodness, you look so pale" Linn panicked when she saw Yue's countenance. It's not like the trail is uneven or challenging, how could you look like a ghost!" she was exaggerating but her concern is genuine.

"It's alright, I just needed a bit rest" Yue let out a dry smile.

"And here I am complaining when you look worse than me. Let me call the guide" Linn searched for the tour guide.

"There's no need to trouble him. Let me just close my eyes" Yue stopped Linn from walking out.

"Are you sure?" Linn is doubtful. She knew how Yue can be uselessly stubborn.

"Yes" Yue already closed her eyes.

"Then, I'll watch over here. You go nap in peace" Linn can only compromise for the meantime. If things get worse, she'll be ready anytime.

"Thanks Linn"

Eversince Yue encountered her original body, she can feel that life is gradually draining out from her.

She wasn't sure if it's because there are limitations in living in another person's body, but originally, this body had been weak due to the original owner's negligence for years.

In Yue's conjecture, her spirit was divided and maintaining both bodies with half the strength, it's already a miracle that she can last for almost five years.

So if she wanted to survive further, she needed to either absorb her spirit from the original body or get back to her original body.

Either way, in order to accomplish things, she needed more information regarding on how the pendant truly works.

She decided to visit the ruins of the ancient civilization.

With Yyan's help, they were able to pinpoint the rough location of the ruins but not the exact coordinates. In order to familiarize herself, Yue signed in a package tour of the place.

Yyan only agreed because he knew she would be properly escorted, since he still had yet to finish some tasks, but he didn't allow her to make any moves on herself.

In a few days, he would join her and then they would begin to explore off grid.

"Hi, I can't help but notice that your friend is a little low on health. Would you be able to continue the tour?" Yue heard the guide approach Linn.

"Well, about that…" Linn can't decide for Yue. She wanted to persuade her to just rest but she can see that Yue see to be keen on finishing the tour. She looked at Yue about the time she opened her eyes.

"Thank you for your concern. As I have really been feeling under the weather. I would not impose on the group. Please continue your tour and we will go by our own pace" Yue knew she can't be too willful since she was not on a private tour.

"Would you like to join them Linn?" Yue didn't forget to take care of Linn's welfare.

"Ridiculous, of course I will stay with you" besides wanting to take good care of Yue, Linn is also tired from walking.

"Then let me call on the medical assistance in order to attend to your health. It is my responsibility to see you through at least for the duration of this tour" the guide is devoted in fulfilling his duties.

"I gladly appreciate your help" Yue, in fact, wanted to decline the assistance, however, she can see that the guard that Yyan sent had been getting anxious on the side. If she continued on this matter, the guard will have to inform Yyan of this and she didn't want him to feel more burdened than he already is.

The medical assistance responded quickly and the tour continued as Yue go along with series of check-up. In the end, they just thought she wasn't used to this kind of activity and advised for her to go back to the hotel.

They would have escorted her, but Yue refused since she had her brother's subordinates.

And so they left early.