I alone am the Honoured One!

*rumble* *rumble*

Lightning streaking across the black sky, briefly illuminating the the Jade Eclipse Palace.

Rain poured in and through that endless curtain of water, Zhao Tian's figure dashed through the air.

Every droplet that touched him shattered and rolled away, unable to cling to his skin as he descended toward the palace grounds.

When his boots finally touched the corridor, a faint ripple spread beneath his feet.

Water trickled from his long hair with his robes clinging to his form, outlining every line of his body.

Ahead, the lanterns by Zhou Hanyue's quarters glowed faintly.

But just as his hand reached toward the door, the sensation of a gaze brushed against him.

Zhao Tian turned his head and from the side passage, he glanced at the figure of a woman hurrying toward him in a maid's outfit.

Lan Shuqin.

Her eyes lit up as soon as she saw him "M-Master Tian…"

She bowed deeply as the water-darkened strands of hair slipped over her cheek. "It gladdens me to see you return safely."

For a moment, Zhao Tian simply looked at her "Shuqin..."

She straightened and looked at his robes clinging to his skin.

Gathering herself, she spoke carefully, "Master Tian… Lady Hanyue has already retired for the night. If you wish… perhaps you might first change and dry yourself in my quarters?"

He exhaled softly, glancing once toward Hanyue's door before his gaze returned to Shuqin's earnest eyes.

A faint sigh left his lips "Alright."

Relief bloomed across her face and she turned, motioning respectfully for him to follow.

Zhao Tian's lips lifted slightly, and he followed.

Rain lashed harder outside, and the sound of droplets falling from his robe pattered, and every so often, Shuqin would glance over her shoulder.

At last, they arrived before her chamber, a modest room, yet neatly kept.

She opened the door, bowing slightly. "Please… enter, Master Tian."

Zhao Tian stepped into the room, droplets trailing faintly onto the polished wooden floor as he moved.

Lan Shuqin quickly moved to the side cabinet and retrieved a fresh towel.

Approaching him with a lowered gaze, she offered it with both hands.

"Master Tian… please."

Zhao Tian accepted it with a small nod and his fingers brushed against hers for a fleeting instant.

Lan Shuqin's lashes trembled at the contact, but she composed herself immediately, stepping back. "I will wait outside so that you may change in peace."

She bowed lightly and stepped out.

Inside, Zhao Tian set the towel over his shoulder and began brushing away the droplets clinging to his body.

Steam rose faintly from his skin as warmth returned.

From his storage ring, he took a fresh set of dark blue robes with silver embroidery tracing across the hems.

He tied the sash neatly and exhaled a long breath.

Satisfied, Zhao Tian pushed open the door.

Lan Shuqin was there, standing by the open corridor.

Her maid's attire clung softly to her form, faintly damp from the stray wind carrying droplets inward.

She rested her hands lightly upon the railing, gazing out at the rain as it fell in delicate strands.

She did not notice him at first.

Her face was calm, and her lips parted slightly with a softness to her expression, like a quiet longing that had no words.

Coming to stand beside her, Zhao Tian leaned lightly against the railing as his arm brushed just close enough that the space between them thinned.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Only the patter of rain and distant rumble of thunder filled the silence.

Lan Shuqin glanced sideways to look at him, and she gently lowered her gaze "Are you... going to stay in this star from now on?"

Hearing her voice, Zhaoi Tian shook his head "I will stay for a while, and I am leaving again."

"...Oh."

Zhao Tian tilted his chin upward, letting his eyes linger on the endless downpour "That day was also raining... just like today."

Her eyes quivered as she remembered the first kiss she shared with him. (Chapter: 757)

"…Yeah," she whispered, almost involuntarily.

Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly lowered her gaze, as though ashamed to let the thought linger too long.

She flusteredly cleared her throat and forced a polite smile. "How rude of me… I am letting you stand in the cold after such a journey. I'll bring something hot for you to drink."

She turned abruptly, but before she could move further, a strong yet gentle hand grabbed her wrist.

Her body stiffened, and she turned to look at him "M-Master Tian?"

Her heart thundered louder than the storm. 'Is he going to…'

But Zhao Tian's expression was calm, "Get something for yourself too. Not just me."

"…Ah." She nodded quickly, trying to hide her smile. "Mhm. I understand."

When he released her, her wrist felt strangely empty without the warmth of his palm.

She clasped her hands together to calm her fluttering heart and hurried off.

A few minutes later, she returned with a tray of two steaming cups of tea and a small plate of delicate snacks, sweet pastries, and candied plums.

She set the tray gently upon a small table near the railing, "Here, to warm you."

Zhao Tian accepted the cup she offered.

His fingers brushed hers again, making her breath catch.

He lifted the cup to his lips, taking a slow sip and the warmth spread through his chest, easing the chill of the rain-soaked journey.

Lan Shuqin sat just a little to his side and cradled the cup in both hands.

For a while, they simply listened to the rhythm of rain against the roofs along with rolling thunder.

Zhao Tian glanced at her and noticed the ring on her finger and a smile appeared on his face, thinking she is still wearing the storage ring he gave her

Taking a sip of his tea, he asked "How are things going on here?"

With a soft nod, she replied "The Star is at peace again because of your help, Master Tian," she said softly.

"Lord Zhou Hein is… still young, but he has been learning. He's earnest, and the ministers respect him more now. With guidance, he is doing a good job maintaining the Empire."

Zhao Tian hummed faintly and she lowered her gaze to her cup, her reflection rippling on the dark tea.

After a moment's hesitation, she continued, "Lady Hanyue is also doing great. But…" Her lips curved into a faint, almost wistful smile.

"…sometimes she shuts herself inside her chambers for long periods. I suppose she misses your presence."

Zhao Tian's gaze condensed, 'That must be the times she enters the artifact…'

Lan Shuqin raised her head again, "Since you are back, I think Lady Hanyue would be pleased to see you. She has been longing to meet you."

Zhao Tian chuckled lightly, setting his cup down "Maybe I should just take her with me… so she doesn't feel lonely."

Upon hearing this, Lan Shuqin's eyes shrank 'Take her… with him?'

If Hanyue went by his side, then Zhao Tian would have no reason to return here.

No excuse to walk these halls again, or to drink tea with her in the quiet of night.

'Then… I wouldn't see him anymore.'

Her fingers curled tighter around the porcelain cup in her lap.

Her thoughts raced and envy pricked at her chest, with guilt following immediately after 'What am I thinking? Lady Hanyue deserves to be by his side… she has always been closer to him than I…'

And yet, the thought of him leaving with her, never returning, left a hollow ache that made her throat tighten.

"…"

She forced her lips into a faint smile, "Y-Yes… perhaps that would be for the best,"

Zhao Tian turned his head slightly toward her, "Shuqin."

She jolted slightly, quickly bowing her head. "Y-Yes, Master Tian?"

His lips curved into a faint smile, "You've changed. Before, you would never fidget like that in front of me."

She tightened her fists in her lap, struggling to keep her composure. "I… it's just the storm. The cold makes me restless."

Zhao Tian gave a quiet hum, clearly unconvinced, but he didn't press further.

Instead, he turned his gaze back to the rain.

Meanwhile, Lan Shuqin bit the inside of her lip, 'If only… if only I could be bold, just once…'

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!