Reborn Heiress: Seeking Revenge-Chapter 458: It’s Great to Have You Here (3)_1

"Girl, remember this: every word I, Ye Sanshao, have said, especially my promises to you. No matter what happens in the future, just remember that you must trust me. My heart beats only for you," Ye Sanshao suddenly embraced Shangguan You, whispering gently in her ear, his tone shifting from its usual teasing to a profound seriousness.

Shangguan You’s body stiffened inexplicably as she let Ye Sanshao hold her. Her mind reeled, pondering his words, her doubts intensifying. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Alright, let’s go. We should catch up with Zhuge Feng," Ye Sanshao’s lips curled up lightly, as if his previous serious words hadn’t come from him. He swept Shangguan You into a bridal carry and, facing the wind, quickly moved towards the back mountain. "Put me down! I can walk on my own," Shangguan You blushed, her hands involuntarily hooking around his neck as she inhaled his familiar, comforting scent. Her heart felt sweet. Even now, Ye Sanshao was still unwilling to reveal his true identity. She knew there was a great distance between them. If they wanted to be together, they would have to face many tough battles.

This was the first time since her rebirth that she felt good having Ye Sanshao by her side.

"I want to hold you, girl. It’s so nice to have you by my side." Having you here makes me realize I’m truly alive, Ye Sanshao thought, his arms around her tightening slightly, his deep eyes sparkling. He whispered the first part softly in her ear, but the final sentiment—that she made him feel truly alive—remained unsaid. He was afraid it might frighten her.

His cherished gesture made her feel protected and treasured, as if held in the palm of his hand. She was happy. Her lips curved up slightly as she let Ye Sanshao hold her while they slowly followed Zhuge Feng.

「The night was pitch black, stars filling the sky.」

Clad in black robes, Zhuge Feng took heavy steps toward the back mountain, his previously lighthearted mood from rescuing the Elders gradually becoming somber.

Zhuge Feng. He sighed at the thought of the other young man, also named Zhuge Feng. Their shared given name, Feng, was written with different characters: the young man’s meant ’Peak’ and incorporated the symbol for ’mountain,’ while his own meant ’Wind.’ Though their names sounded identical, their personalities were worlds apart. He had thought that making the young man grow up outside would strengthen his character. That growing up in the ruthless environment of the Inferno Gang would make him crueler, even to the point of renouncing kinship, enabling him to bring glory to the Zhuge Family. But unexpectedly, it had also made him more stubborn.

Each time the younger Zhuge Feng came to mind, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply. If it hadn’t been for that last trial—the pursuit from Beijing all the way to B City, and his chance meeting with the girl when he was at his most helpless—the young man would have been eligible to return to the family long ago. Then, he himself could have proudly stepped down from his duties. But indeed, life is unpredictable.

Inside the dense forest, Zhuge Feng trudged up the stone steps, deeper into the mountains. In the darkness of the night, the calls of animals from the thickets could be heard. Although this was the back mountain of the Zhuge Family, it was also the back mountain of the Li, Fang, Bai, and Ye Families. The five great families occupied five corners, with the barrier zone being a joint area. All sorts of animals were kept within this barrier, including numerous fierce beasts.

The Shangguan Family used to have a share here, but ever since they withdrew from the Hidden World Village a hundred years ago, it has belonged only to the five great families. Over the centuries, the animals here have become even more savage and almost sentient.

The Enchantment Brigade was an institution established by the five great families for training their descendants. It also served as the place where disciples who had erred were sent. Only the strongest could leave.

After being brought back to the family, the younger Zhuge Feng refused to serve them again. His private declaration of allegiance to another master incurred the Elders’ wrath, so they threw him in here to fend for himself.

Although the young man had only been inside for just over ten days, it was uncertain if he could endure any longer. Even the Elders feared the cruelty of the animals within and dared not enter lightly.

Zhuge Feng waved his hands, and an invisible barrier appeared before him. From this point onward lay the enclosure where the five great families kept their animals, an area spanning hundreds of miles. Nothing within could leave, and outsiders could not enter.

Zhuge Feng bit his finger, and a drop of crimson blood dripped onto the barrier. An invisible door appeared before him. With a CREAK, the door opened on its own. Only the blood of a Family Head could open the barrier’s door; no one else could.

As soon as the door opened, the previously clear air slowly filled with the dense stench of blood. A thick, metallic scent permeated the air, accompanied by the roars of beasts.

Outside the barrier was picturesque scenery with gentle breezes, but inside, it was a storm of blood and violence.

Zhuge Feng frowned, flung his robe, and stepped through the doorway, heading towards the source of the roaring. Ye Sanshao and Shangguan You followed closely behind. Just as their figures entered the barrier, the transparent door closed behind them, vanishing without a trace.

"How many people have died here?" Shangguan You couldn’t help but frown as she looked at the leaves within the barrier, all dyed a sickening red. The intense stench of blood was nauseating, and under the trees, she could see skeletons—human and animal alike.

This was a bloodstained battlefield, a hell on earth. If it was already like this before they even stepped further in, how much more cruel could it be inside?

"The trees here are dyed red. This is a forbidden zone of the five great families. I wonder if that kid, Zhuge Feng, can survive until we rescue him," Ye Sanshao raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming. He had also come through this place before. The intense stench of blood inexplicably stirred a familiar thrill within him.

"A forbidden zone of the five great families? Does that mean all the errant disciples of the families are sent here?"

"Mm, besides the errant disciples, there are also the heirs to the Family Heads. Those who pass the trial here become the rightful heirs of their families," Ye Sanshao nodded, his arm around Shangguan You, as they followed Zhuge Feng step by step.

"Did you also come out from here?" Shangguan You furrowed her brows. Upon entering this place, her mood, previously as light as a gentle breeze, had grown heavy, as if a great weight were pressing on her heart, causing immense discomfort.