I gripped Mabel Sean''s wrist tightly. Lying in the medicinal pool, Mabel slowly opened her beautiful eyes.


    She looked around in confusion, clearly unfamiliar with her surroundings.


    I pulled Mabel into my arms and eximed excitedly, "Mabel, you... you''ve finally woken up..."


    To reunite with Mabel Sean, I had thrown myself into desperate training. Atst, I could hold the woman I loved tightly in my arms again.


    "Your clothes are over there." The Pavilion Master tossed out the remark, waved his hand, and left the secret chamber with two attendants in tow.


    In the secret chamber, I held Mabel in a tight embrace, tears welling up in my eyes.


    I held her for what seemed like forever before I finally loosened my arms.


    In my arms, Mabel''s eyes were as soft as water. Her delicate, fragile body leaned against my chest.


    She lifted her head, and her gaze pulled me into an inescapable whirlpool,pletely entranced by her.


    "Long time no see." Mabel extended her baster-like finger and gently tapped my forehead.


    I wiped the tears threatening to fall from my eyes and nodded vigorously. "Long time no see!"


    At this moment, it seemed like I had endless things to say.


    *I wanted to tell Mabel how I had missed her over the past two years, but words failed to express the depth of my longing.*


    In the end, all those unsaid words dissolved into a single embrace.


    The two of us held each other lightly, our figures in the secret chamber resembling a breathtaking painting.


    "Mabel, you''ve suffered." After an indeterminate amount of time, I helped Mabel dress and spoke softly.


    Mabel chuckled and said, "You''re the one who''s had it rough, not me. I can''t even begin to imagine how much pressure and hardship you''ve endured over the past two years."


    "For two entire years, I''ve been consumed by guilt and regret. If not for me, you wouldn''t have endured so much pain."


    I opened my mouth, shook my head, and said, "If it weren''t for you, my life would be like a stagnant pool of water. The fact that I''m still alive—standing vibrant in front of you—is proof that everything you did was worth it."


    At this, I took a deep breath and stated, "The Capital City Martial Arts Association will pay for what they did to you a thousand-fold, a hundred thousand-fold."


    "I don''t want to see you take such risks anymore." Mabel reached out, gently running her hand across my face.


    I, however, shook my head. "This isn''t about risk; it''s about responsibility. I said I''d ensure you stand at the highest peak of the Capital City and see the best views."


    "And everyone who hurt you—I won''t spare a single one."


    My gaze was filled with fierce determination, but when I looked at Mabel, all that ferocity melted into tenderness.


    "From now on, let me be the one to protect you." I gently wrapped an arm around Mabel''s waist.


    The next morning.


    I appeared with Mabel atop the Pavilion Master Building.


    "Greetings, Lord Pavilion Master," Mabel said with a slight bow.


    The Pavilion Master returned the courtesy and smiled. "Miss Sean, we meet again."


    Standing beside her, I interjected, "Lord Pavilion Master, I n to take Mabel out for a few days. She''s beenying down for too long."


    Upon hearing this, a trace of concern shed in the Pavilion Master''s eyes.


    She pulled me aside and said solemnly, "Are you insane? Do you know how many people out there are targeting Mabel Sean? Taking her out so openly—do you realize how much trouble this could cause?"


    I replied, "Based on the calctions, the Martial Saint won''t appear for at least six more days. In these six days, no one can harm her."


    "If anyone dares make a move, let them try."


    The Pavilion Master opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but my mind was already made up.


    Seeing this, the Pavilion Master could only nod and said, "Be careful. Remember, the Capital City Martial Arts Association will definitely send a Martial Saint."


    "I''ll disappear before they can act," I said with a slight bow.


    "And, Lord Pavilion Master, please don''t tell Mabel about any of this. I don''t want her to worry."


    The Pavilion Master nodded. "Mm, understood."


    After that, I returned to Mabel''s side.


    "What were you two talking about?" Mabel asked with a yful smile.


    "Nothing, just a simple goodbye." I grinned broadly, shing my white teeth.


    Despite my efforts to hide it, Mabel, perceptive as always, wasn''t so easily deceived.


    "Am I going to bring you trouble?" Mabel stopped in her tracks.


    I hurriedly responded, "No, of course not!"


    "Really?" Mabel raised an eyebrow, then stifled augh. "You''re still the same as always, can''t even manage a proper lie."


    I opened my mouth, my face flushing red, resembling a child caught doing something wrong.


    "I know lots of people are looking for me. Maybe... maybe we shouldn''t go out. As long as I''m with you, that''s enough," Mabel said.


    *The more considerate she was, the more it broke my heart.*


    "It''s true many people want to find you," I admitted bluntly.


    "But as long as I''m here, nobody can take you away. Anyone who daresy a hand on you—I''ll break their damn legs!"


    Hearing this, Mabel couldn''t help but burst intoughter.


    I quickly exined, "I''m serious! I''m not the same Mason Raymond I was two years ago. I..."


    "Okay, okay, I believe you. But there''s no need to take unnecessary risks, is there?" Mabel gently patted my shoulder.


    "No, I insist on taking the risk!" I said stubbornly.


    "Not only am I taking you out, but I''m also taking you to the Capital City! To the Sean family!"


    "This time, it''s my turn to decide!" I dered with utmost seriousness, leaving no room for argument.


    Mabel stared at me with wide, surprised eyes. A momentter, she smiled and said, "Alright, I''ll listen to you!"


    *Though she felt some trepidation, she thought, what''s the worst that can happen?*


    *Besides, maybe this Mason truly had be someone capable of protecting her.*


    The two of us boarded a ne, heading straight for the Capital City.


    What was meant to be a quick, quiet journey swiftly made its way onto the Martial Arts Forum.


    "Breaking news! Mason Raymond spotted with Mabel Sean at the airport!"


    "The two looked cheerful and sweet, clearly on vacation!"


    "Mabel Sean, missing for two years, has finally reappeared—at the airport!"


    The news spread like wildfire. Even before I and Mabelnded in the Capital City, the rumors had already reached every corner.


    Numerous organizations and factions quickly caught wind of the development.


    "Mabel Sean... has finally surfaced!"


    Countless groups and powers, unable to resist the temptation, began converging on the Capital City.