Ji Yu, a once-mighty Zombie King of the Golden Zombie rank, awakens from a long slumber to find himself summoned to the Human Realm by Ouyang Xue, a level three Necromancer from the all-female Purple Thistle Adventurer Group, during a critical standoff with the Lone Wolf Adventurer Group led by Li Qiang. Upon materializing in a Misty Forest clearing, Ji Yu shocks everyone by speaking and walking, unlike any typical zombie. Ouyang Xue, exhausted from using her mana to defend the group, applies the Lifeblood Seal—a rare technique that consumes one of her three chances to bind an undead creature—to try and refine Ji Yu as her Natal Guardian. Ji Yu resists the sealing, throwing her back and drinking her virgin cultivator blood, which he finds incredibly delicious and helps restore his depleted Corpse Qi. Though the sealing is incomplete, a partial bond forms, anchoring Ji Yu to the Human Realm and making him Ouyang Xue's Guardian. Sensing the need for blood to recover his strength, Ji Yu negotiates a deal: he will eliminate the Lone Wolf attackers in return for more of her blood. He then kills four warriors from the Lone Wolf Adventurer Group with astonishing speed, using his sharp fangs and iron-hard body. The bodies of the slain turn to ash, and Ji Yu absorbs their blood and souls, replenishing his Corpse Qi and soul power. However, the leader Li Qiang escapes, vowing revenge. After the battle, Ji Yu surprises everyone by using his knowledge of medicinal herbs to treat Qing Luan, a level three Swordsman with a severe waist injury. He collects a Thousand-Year Dwarf plant and applies its leaves to her wound, which stops the bleeding and relieves pain, demonstrating depth of knowledge that earns him some trust. The group discusses allowing him to stay, with Mu Wanqing pointing out that he seems harmless and could be useful, especially against the inevitable retaliation from the Lone Wolf Adventurer Group. Yun Minting adds that as Ouyang Xue's Natal Guardian, he won't harm them. Ji Yu promises to teach them martial skills and a healing spell after their mission, which sways the decision. Despite Ouyang Xue's initial reluctance, the group votes to let him stay, with the condition that he maintain a distance of three meters from any woman. Ji Yu agrees, insisting on being called by his name instead of just that zombie. He then integrates into the Purple Thistle Adventurer Group as they proceed deeper into the Misty Forest to hunt a Level 5 Nightmare Beast, a creature far beyond their usual capability. Ji Yu, though weakened to the Soul Fire state, sees this as an opportunity to regain power by consuming the beast's blood and soul. His main goal is to recover his full strength as a Zombie King, which involves consuming blood and souls to replenish his Corpse Qi and strengthen his soul, and adapt to the Human Realm. He must also protect his new companions from threats like the Lone Wolf Adventurer Group, which will surely seek revenge. The story follows his journey of integration, where he must balance his nature with his promise of loyalty, using his unique abilities from the Underworld to navigate this new world. Ji Yu is pragmatic and confident, using his Seven Emotions Six Desires Art to absorb fear from souls, while he establishes himself as a loyal and righteous zombie despite his bloodthirsty needs. As they journey, Ji Yu learns about the group's dynamics and shares his experiences, gradually building a rapport with them, while the escape of Li Qiang looms as a future conflict. Ji Yu's growth path involves mastering the battlefield, nurturing his connection with Ouyang Xue through their bond, and exploiting opportunities to strengthen himself, all while maintaining his identity and seeking to become a Zombie Emperor who can fly.
