"hahaha!" yao jing''s laughter echoed through the snowy silence, filling the cold, empty expanse with a warmth that melted away the frosty tension between master and disciple.


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    zhao tian could only shake his head in exasperation, his cheeks still tingling from the bitter cold of the snow she''d pressed onto his face.


    despite his mock frustration, he couldn''t help but smile, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.


    as they walked forward, yao jing''s laughter gradually softened into chuckles.


    she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a mischievous glint still lingering there. "i didn''t know you were so sensitive to a little cold," she teased, playfully nudging his arm.


    zhao tian shot her a look, feigning offense. "i''ll remember that, master. next time you ask for my help with anything, i''ll remind you of this day."


    she rolled her eyes, still grinning. "oh, don''t be such a baby! you could use a bit of toughening up, especially if you''re going to help me gather rare herbs in places like this. besides," she added, smirking, "you need me to guide you, remember?"


    he gave her a sidelong glance. "so you keep saying. but i think i''m doing just fine on my own here. in fact..." his voice trailed off as he bent down, scooping up a handful of snow, a devious smirk playing on his lips.


    yao jing''s eyes widened as she took a step back, laughing nervously. "tian... don''t you dare."


    but before she could react, he launched the snowball at her, hitting her square on the shoulder.


    the powdery snow exploded across her black robe, the cold seeping through the thin fabric. she gasped, both in surprise and amusement, as the chill hit her skin.


    "oh, you''re in for it now, tian!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with playful vengeance as she scooped up her own handful of snow.


    she launched it back at him, and it hit his chest with a satisfying splat, sending flecks of snow scattering across his shoulders.


    *splat* they continued like this, hurling snow at each other, their laughter ringing out across the desolate landscape.


    for a moment, they were just two people, lost in the fun and exhilaration of a friendly snow fight.


    yao jing''s cheeks flushed a rosy pink from the cold and exertion, and her hair fell loose, stray strands framing her face in soft waves.


    she looked more carefree than zhao tian had ever seen her... less like the stoic master and more like someone who enjoyed every moment of life.


    yao jing shook her head in exasperation "it is a basic knowledge to bring stuff like that when going to pick up a herb in the forest, how can you forget that. were you planning to sleep on the ground?"


    zhao tian just shrugged and a sigh escaped her lips, "well, you can use my tent, come with me..."


    she pulled the zip open on the entrance and the two of them entered the tent.


    the tent was surprisingly roomy, with enough space for them both to stretch out comfortably and the fabric was thick, insulating them from the cold.


    taking a lantern like device from her storage ring, she placed it on the side and turned it on.


    zhao tian was amused by the device as the heat spread through the tent giving a perfect warmth for them.


    "you are well prepared."


    yao jing hit his shoulder playfully "of course, i often come to the forest to get herbs."


    after setting up the inside, yao jing headed back outside and knelt down, retrieving a bundle of wooden branches from her storage ring.


    she arranged them into a small pile and ignited them with a flick of her fingers.


    the fire blazed warmly, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees.


    and in the next instant, she took a barbecue from her storage ring and placed it on the side "muhehehe, we can eat good."


    zhao tian laughed, watching her pull a tray of frozen meat from her storage ring and place it on the grill with practiced ease.


    she was more prepared than he could have imagined—it felt like she''d turned their search for rare herbs into a full-blown camping trip.


    as she placed the cuts of meat one by one on the barbecue, the sound of sizzling filled the air, and the aroma of cooking meat wafted around them, mingling with the scent of pine and snow.


    "come here, tian."


    --------------------------------------------------------


    i hope you guys liked this chapter!


    fuck these exams