I alone am the Honoured One!

"Hmmm…"

Yan Zijin folded her arms under her chest as she sat comfortably beside Zhao Tide.

A thoughtful look danced in her eyes "So it was just a misunderstanding, huh?"

She let out a soft sigh and her eyes flickered between Zhao Tian and Rui Lian. "Well, if the two of you had ended up married, I wouldn't have minded. In fact… I would've been quite happy."

Rui Lian immediately slapped her forehead with her palm, groaning in embarrassment. "Master…"

Yan Zijin turned her head and smiled sweetly at her "What? I already told you this before. Your grandfather personally asked me to look after you and I take that very seriously."

She looked back at Zhao Tian and added in a matter-of-fact tone, "And from all the men I've seen in my life, this little brat is by far the best husband I could find for you."

Zhao Tian let out a helpless chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Master, you know Sister Lian doesn't see me that way. I'm like a younger brother to her."

Yan Zijin shrugged, "Love doesn't always knock on the door with a formal letter and a parade of emotions."

Zhao Tian gave her a deadpan look "Says the woman who's never been in love and no experience."

A dangerous glint sparked in Yan Zijin's eyes as she slowly raised her hand and cracked her knuckles. "What did you say, brat?"

He smiled, trying to lean away. "I said nothing. Absolutely nothing, Master. You're wise and beautiful and- ah!"

Before he could dodge, Yan Zijin caught him by the ear and gave it a sharp twist.

"Y-You dare question my experience?"

"Just because I haven't paraded a man around doesn't mean I don't know about love, you cheeky brat!"

"Aaahh! Master. That hurts." Zhao Tian winced, trying to wiggle free. "Mercy. I yield."

Rui Lian burst into laughter, clutching her stomach as she watched Zhao Tian squirm in his master's grasp "Pfft… Hahaha!"

Even she had to admit, it was rare to see her Master, who was usually calm and composed, acting like a helpless child.

It seems like her Master and Zhao Tian have bonded well.

Finally, Yan Zijin released him with a flick to the back of his head "Let that be a lesson."

Zhao Tian rubbed his ear and muttered under his breath, "I swear, every master I've had enjoys abusing me."

"What was that?" Yan Zijin raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing, nothing at all," he said with an exaggerated innocent smile.

Rui Lian giggled again, wiping the corners of her eyes.

Yan Zijin adjusted her sleeves "Well, I've said what I wanted. If anything, I just want to make sure you both are happy and taken care of. Whether it's through love, friendship, or just beating some sense into each other."

She glanced at Rui Lian and spoke "And you… don't let the elders' nonsense get to you."

Rui Lian nodded with a soft smile "Thank you, Master."

As the laughter finally settled, Rui Lian stood up from her seat, brushing down the sides of her dress.

"I should go. I need to check in with Elder Mian." she said with a gentle smile.

Zhao Tian looked up and muttered "Sister Lian, don't let this whole mess weigh on you, alright? It's not your fault."

She nodded with a soft gaze "I know. But still… I didn't want it to become a burden on you."

He smiled "You could never be a burden."

That made her cheeks flush slightly and she turned away quickly. "Alright, alright. I'm leaving now."

Yan Zijin gave her a look "I may still reconsider marrying you off to this rascal."

"Master!" Rui Lian groaned, half-laughing, half-blushing, before bowing slightly to both of them and leaving the room.

Zhao Tian leaned back on the couch with a long sigh, stretching his limbs. "That was... exhausting."

Without thinking much of it, Zhao Tian shifted sideways and let himself gently collapse, resting his head on her lap.

"Tian, what are you-" she began but paused when she saw the look on his face.

His expression was calm, and his eyes were half-lidded with a quiet tiredness as he lay there.

He looked up at her and said, "Just… let me stay like this for a bit. It's peaceful here. We even bathe naked, so this is not a big deal, Master."

Yan Zijin blinked and slowly she relaxed, leaning back slightly as she looked down at him resting in her lap.

"…Yeah, taking baths with me while molesting me."

She stared at him for a few heartbeats, and the corners of her lips twitched softly.

With a quiet sigh, she raised a hand and gently placed it on his head, stroking his hair.

"You're such a strange boy."

She smiled faintly, combing her fingers through his messy white hair and her touch was surprisingly tender.

Looking at him, she asked "So when are we leaving the Star?"

He turned his head slightly and buried his face into her abdomen "Haa, I wanted to leave as soon as possible, but I thought maybe let Sister Lian stay with her family for a while before leaving."

He also has Rui Yuying here now, so he can't casually leave without her.

...

Ji Shuang was walking towards Zhao Tian's room while panicking in her heart 'Her Grace.. what happened to her?'

'When I try to communicate, I can't contact her through that mirror.'

'I tried to reach her earlier, and the mirror wouldn't respond. It was like… her presence was blocked or absent.'

With a soft sigh, she reached his room and knocked on the door "Tian."

Inside the room, Zhao Tian blinked at the familiar voice.

He was still resting comfortably with his head nestled against Yan Zijin's lap like a lazy housecat unwilling to move.

His fingers were loosely curled into the folds of her robe at her waist.

"Sect Master, come in."

Meanwhile, Yan Zijin's body stiffened upon hearing Ji Shuang's voice.

The door opened, and Ji Shuang stepped in.

However, she was surprised to see Zhao Tian lying on Yan Zijin's lap while cuddling his face on her stomach.

Yan Zijin was quite embarrassed, and she instinctively brushed a stray lock of hair from her face.

"Sect Master…" She greeted, attempting to maintain composure, though her voice betrayed a hint of fluster.

Zhao Tian, however, showed no sign of embarrassment.

In fact, he snuggled closer and draped his arm across her thighs like a pillow that belonged solely to him. He didn't even look up.

"What's it, Sect Master?" he mumbled, his voice muffled by fabric.

Ji Shuang went and sat on the opposite couch "Nothing, just came to check on you."

Looking at Yan Zijin, she smiled "I hope I am not interrupting anything intimate."

Eh? Yan Zijin blinked in surprise "Sect Master?"

Zhao Tian let out a chuckle "You're too late for that, Sect Master. We already exchanged vows of eternal affection, right, Master?"

Yan Zijin gasped and she instantly covered his mouth "Zhao Tian! What are you saying?"

He laughed against her hand as he turned his head just enough to peck her palm. "Mhm."

Yan Zijin gave him a threatening glare and Ji Shuang watched the entire exchange in silence.

A slow smile formed on her lips. "Seems like you both have gotten closer."

Yan Zijin let out a soft sigh "Dealing with him is pain in the ass, Sect master."

Upon hearing this, Ji Shuang giggled "Is that so? I think he is a good young man; aren't you Tian?"

Zhao Tian nodded earnestly "Yes, true."

Seeing him, yan Zijin shook her head helplessly but a small smile touched her lips.

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!