I alone am the Honoured One!

*woosh*

The swirling distortion of spatial light collapsed behind them as Zhao Tian and Ji Shuang reappeared in the vast, desolate stretch of barren land.

A cold wind swept across the terrain, carrying dry dust and the sharp scent of scorched rock.

Ji Shuang's boots crunched softly against the hardened soil as she took a slow step forward, her violet eyes drifting upward toward the skies.

The night sky was wide and scattered with distant stars.

She stood still for a moment "Let's return."

Zhao Tian nodded silently and his gaze swept the land once before he stepped to her side.

With that, both of them dashed toward the skies.

Their robes flared and rippled in the wind, and behind them, the barren land grew distant.

After what felt like an hour, the terrain ahead began to shift.

In the distance, the towers of the Royal Palace shimmered in the dark.

Golden spires rose toward the sky, and beneath them, layers of white stone and silver tiles formed sweeping courtyards, bridges, and towers.

Zhao Tian and Ji Shuang descended quietly along the southern flank of the mountain, bypassing the heavily guarded front gates.

Neither of them made a sound as they moved.

There was no need to attract attention as Long Xuan had given them a separate entry.

They landed in a narrow canyon just behind the palace, where a hidden gate had been carved into the stone.

As they reached it, the stone slid open, revealing a quiet corridor.

Ji Shuang looked over her shoulder once, ensuring no one had followed, before stepping into the passage behind Zhao Tian.

The narrow corridor ended at a tall wooden door engraved with cloud motifs.

Zhao Tian pushed it open with a single hand.

There was a spacious reception hall inside, and he could hear laughing noises.

As they walked in, Zhao Tian saw Long Xuan and Rui Guzhi sitting around the table drinking wine.

At the sound of the door, Long Xuan squinted toward them, then let out a half-laugh as he raised his cup in the air "Young Tian, you are back... gik."

Zhao Tian smiled wryly 'How much did they drink...'

Long Xuan staggered to his feet, a little less graceful than usual, and stepped toward him.

Without hesitation, he embraced Zhao Tian with both arms "You.. did very well..."

Zhao Tian blinked but returned the gesture with a light pat on the back.

Rui Guzhi soon stood up as well, more stable than Long Xuan but still clearly having had his fill.

He offered a solemn nod, "Certainly. The entire star owes you a debt. Even if they don't know it."

Long Xuan stepped back and clumsily reached for another cup of wine "Sit, sit. There's still plenty left. Tonight, we drink..."

Zhao Tian let out a sigh and replied "No.. I am tired and I want to rest. We can talk tomorrow morning."

Long Xuan blinked and gave a nod "...Okay. I will ask the servants to show you your rooms for the stay."

...

Opening the door, Zhao Tian entered in first and Ji Shuang quickly followed him in.

Zhao Tian undid the clasp of his outer robe with a tired pull, letting the garment fall to the floor.

His shoulders tensed briefly before he walked over to the large bed and collapsed face-first into the silk-covered mattress.

Ji Shuang stood quietly for a second, watching him.

Then, without a word, she reached up and slowly undid her own robes, letting them slip from her shoulders.

Then she took a pale violet nightgown from her storage ring and wore it.

She stepped lightly toward the bed and her long hair spilled over her shoulders as she gently climbed onto the bed, then onto him.

Zhao Tian stirred slightly and opened one eye as he felt her weight settle over his back.

A small smile appeared on the corner of his lips, and his hand reached up to brush lightly along her thigh.

Ji Shuang leaned down and pressed her body against his, letting her arms wrap around his waist.

Her cheek rested against his bare back as she murmured "You should rest..."

Zhao Tian turned onto his side, forcing her to shift with him.

Now face-to-face, her arms draped over his shoulder, and he brought a hand up to gently cup her cheek "So should you..."

For a moment, they simply looked at one another.

Ji Shuang leaned forward and nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

Zhao Tian's hand slowly ran through her hair as his fingers brushed her soft hair strands.

Ji Shuang smiled faintly and buried herself further into his embrace, curling her legs against his.

Their breaths soon found the same rhythm, and they closed their eyes for sleep.

...

Next day-

The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the royal guest quarters.

Zhao Tian sat on a cushioned couch with a cup of coffee hand.

Beside him, Ji Shuang leaned back slightly and closed her eyes, her mind still lingering in sleep.

Across from them Rui Yuying and Yan Zijin were sitting, each holding steaming cups of their own.

Rui Yuying stared quietly into her cup and frowned in deep thought.

"The Divine Clause was broken. The heavens stirred… but no judgment fell."

Yan Zijin gave a small, thoughtful shake of her head, "Whatever it is. Tian is alright, and that's what matters the most."

She looked over at him with a smile "The laws of the heavens are ancient, but maybe even they hesitate to touch someone like my disciple?"

Zhao Tian let out a quiet chuckle and lowered his cup onto the table.

Rui Yuying turned her eyes toward him "Still, Thank you, Tian… for bringing us salvation."

Zhao Tian looked at her and shook his head "You deserved it. You endured the seal for years… and the Rui Clan suffered with you. I only gave back what was stolen."

A flicker of emotion passed across Rui Yuying's face and her eyes welled ever so slightly, but she blinked it away and smiled gently, setting her cup down beside her.

"Hmm… also, the Emperor has arranged a mourning ceremony,"

"For everyone who sacrificed themselves to protect the seal during the ages of suppression."

Ji Shuang nodded softly, "It's only right. Many gave their lives… and their sacrifices cannot be forgotten."

A breeze stirred the curtains gently, casting soft shadows on the floor.

Rui Yuying took another sip of her drink and leaned back against the couch. "Will you attend the ceremony?"

Zhao Tian's eyes lowered slightly. "Yes. Their names deserve to be remembered."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!