333: It's so good to have you.

Protector Qiao, Xue Miaoyun, and Chen Yuanyuan heard the commotion and turned around, watching in surprise as Cheng Rongrong resolutely dashed back towards the Immortal Cave.

"What's wrong with Junior Sister Cheng?" Chen Yuanyuan asked with a puzzled look.

A flicker of understanding flashed in Protector Qiao's eyes as she said softly, "So that's it... No wonder I always felt she looked somewhat familiar."

She suddenly remembered the woman of peerless beauty who had stood beside the Pavilion Master back in Wangyue Tower all those years ago—

Could that have been Cheng Rongrong?

Song Yu immediately became interested. "Protector Qiao, what's going on? Tell us quickly!"

Xue Miaoyun pursed her lips in a light smile. "I was wondering why Senior Sister Cheng seemed so absent-minded all day. So... she has someone hidden in her heart."

Ye Wuhen's expression turned serious. "Mind your words! How can we gossip about the Pavilion Master's private affairs behind his back?"

But Song Yang said earnestly, "I also always felt the Pavilion Master's gaze was very kind, with an indescribable sense of familiarity."

Xue Miaoyun nodded as well. "Yes, even though it was our first time meeting him, the way he looked at us felt like reuniting with an old friend."

"I also find the Pavilion Master kind, but that air of authority is intimidating. I didn't even dare to look up at him," Song Yu said in a hushed voice.

"But speaking of which, the Pavilion Master's natural talent is truly Heaven-Defying," Song Yu added quietly. "Just yesterday, standing there casually, he actually had an Epiphany and broke through a realm, even stirring up such astonishing celestial phenomena. It's something you just can't envy."

"That's right," Song Yang nodded, his tone serious. "When I return this time, I'm going to go into seclusion and cultivate diligently. I won't leave until I break through to the Nascent Soul stage."

Xue Miaoyun, however, shook her head. "No, that's not quite it. I have a feeling... the Pavilion Master seems to be deliberately putting on an act. The impression he gives me... doesn't seem as proper as the rumors suggest..."

She stopped halfway through her sentence, as if feeling the subsequent speculation was inappropriate, and didn't continue.

Hearing this, Protector Qiao lightly covered her mouth with her sleeve, smiling without a word—

Only she knew that this "Pavilion Master" was actually that famous Young Master.

"Protector Qiao," Chen Yuanyuan looked over, her expression serious, "do you know something?"

Protector Qiao shook her head repeatedly. With a sway of her body, she soared into the air, transforming into a streak of light that flew deep into the sea of clouds, leaving behind only a lingering echo:

"Heaven's secrets... cannot be revealed."

The group exchanged glances, smiled knowingly, and asked no further questions, gradually taking to the air and departing one after another.

At the same time—

Inside the Immortal Cave,

You sensed the violent, surging Divine Soul fluctuations from Cheng Rongrong, laden with countless emotions, and understood everything in your heart.

You let out a soft sigh, feeling somewhat helpless, yet also a faint warmth of long-awaited reunion.

With a thought, the spiritual light of the "Illusionary Form Technique" surrounding you receded like ripples on water.

The appearance of the white-haired, bearded elder dissipated like mist, revealing the true face beneath—

It was still the same face from over twenty years ago, only the youthful arrogance had faded, replaced by a touch of steadiness and the marks of time.

Cheng Rongrong's chest heaved violently, her gaze fixed eagerly and firmly on your face.

That face... she had searched for it a thousand times in her dreams, and now it was truly, tangibly before her eyes.

Excitement crashed over her like waves against a shore, instantly drowning all her thoughts.

Over twenty years of searching, waiting, and suppressed longings she dared not touch burst through the dam in this moment.

Her heart raced uncontrollably, her fingertips turned cold, and her entire body trembled slightly.

Was it real?

Or was it yet another heartbreaking illusion?

She was afraid this was a dream.

And the grievances accumulated from all those years of solitary pursuit quietly welled up in her heart—

Why had you disappeared without a trace?

Why had you left her to wait alone, in anguish?

When she finally saw clearly that face, bearing a gentle weariness yet achingly familiar to her very bones, all her turbulent emotions finally found an outlet.

Her eyes could no longer hold back the tears. Large teardrops slid down her cheeks, falling silently to the ground.

She didn't cry out loud, just stared at you in a daze, her gaze deep, as if trying to imprint every single change over the past twenty years into her Soul.

That look held the ecstasy of something lost and found again, the dazed disbelief, the long-pent-up longing, and the relief of seeing you safe and sound.

She just stood there, weeping silently, her gaze tightly entwined with yours, as if the world had shrunk to just this Immortal Cave and the two people gazing at each other.

Seeing her tearful, emotionally overwhelmed state, the smile at the corner of your mouth deepened slightly.

That smile held apology, understanding, and the warmth of reunion after a long separation.

No more words were necessary.

The myriad emotions swirling in her eyes had already said it all.

After a long moment of gazing at each other, she finally spoke softly:

"You... all these years... have you been well?"

You didn't answer, just stepped forward slowly, opened your arms, and gently pulled her into an embrace.

Her body softened, like melting glutinous rice, nestling completely into your arms.

You recounted your experiences over the years to her, briefly but without avoiding the significant parts.

She listened quietly, then said gently:

"What a pity... I couldn't be by your side through those experiences."

She paused, then added, "But... it's better than anything that you are safe and sound."

After a moment of silence, you said softly, "There's something... I must confess to you."

But she reached out, gently covering your lips, and shook her head. "No need to say more. I understand everything."

"In this world where the strong reign supreme, it's only natural for someone like you to have a few confidantes by your side. I only ask... that you always keep a place for me in your heart."

"Moreover, to deal with a behemoth like the Liu Clan Immortal Family, how could it be easy without support?"

"I only hate that my current cultivation is insufficient, that I can't be of much help to you."

"So... you really don't need to worry about my feelings. As long as you are safe and well, that's what matters most."

You sighed softly. "The more you say such things, the more... guilty I feel in my heart."

"Just... why are you so good to me?"

She placed her hand lightly over her own heart, her gaze as gentle as water:

"It was... here... that told me."

"And the first time I saw you, I saw compassion, tenderness, and an undeniable gentleness in your eyes."

"That feeling... was as if we were already a pair of lovers in a past life."

"They say it takes a thousand glances back to earn a single chance encounter in this life. I never believed in love at first sight before... but after meeting you, I believe it."

Warmth spread through your heart. You whispered, "You are so wonderful."

Cheng Rongrong's lips curved slightly, light shimmering in her eyes:

"With you, my world gained color."

As she spoke, she buried her face in your chest, her arms tightening around your waist, as if afraid that if she let go... you would disappear once more.