"hahaha..."


    laughter echoed through the hall as zhao tian walked around carrying li jia on his back, with his hands steadily on her thighs.


    her arms encircled his neck, her cheeks flushed, though a contented smile danced on her lips.


    yao jing who was sitting on the couch, smiled gently "seems like both of you made up..."


    looking at her, zhao tian gave a nod and li jia tightened her arms around his neck in response, leaning forward to place a soft kiss on his cheek.


    zhao tian chuckled, shifting slightly to adjust her weight on his back.


    with a teasing smile, yao jing spoke, "though i would ask you to lower your voices... i can hear your moans, little jia."


    e-eh? li jia was startled and buried her face on his nape in embarrassment. "y-yes, elder jing..." she stammered, her voice muffled against his skin.


    as they were speaking, yao jing suddenly raised an eyebrow feeling a presence and smiled "seems like sister shuang is back."


    ...


    *tap* outside the private quarters, the sound of soft footsteps could be heard as ji shuang landed gracefully in the courtyard, and her gaze narrowed in thought as she pushed the door to enter.


    walking through the small corridor, she reached the main hall and saw zhao tian carrying li jia on his back while yao jing was sitting on the couch.


    smiling, yao jing stood up from her seat. "sister shuang..."


    ji shuang gave a nod, and her gaze flickered to zhao tian "zhao tian, i need to speak with you privately."


    hearing this, li jia gave a nod and slowly got down from his back.


    as ji shuang left the room, zhao tian followed her out of the hall.


    ... explore hidden tales at empire


    zhao tian stayed silent and taking another sip ji shuang glanced at him "have you heard about the honoured one?"


    huh? hearing the name, zhao tian’s body stiffened, and he stopped muching for a second before continuing, "yeah... i know some things."


    ji shuang nodded her head "that makes the explanation easier."


    "have you ever wondered how people know there are ten degrees of the heavenly tribulation, when no one in recorded history has crossed beyond the ninth degree?"


    "well, its because the first honoured one crossed all the 10 degrees. they fought against the wrath of the heavens themselves and faced the punishment of the first heavenly one."


    zhao tian’s fingers tightened slightly around his cup, but he maintained his composure. "the sect master seems to be very knowledgeable."


    ji shuang showed a faint smile and nodded "i am one of the more powerful figures among the apex high stars, and i’ve cultivated ties with the astral realm over the centuries."


    "after thousands of years, i’ve gathered fragments of truths that few others know."


    zhao tian closed his eyes for a second as he took the tea cup again and tasted a sip.


    in the tense silence, zhao tian already understood her question and asked "so, are you suspecting that i am the honoured one?"


    upon hearing this, ji shuang shook her head "i am not doubting... i am sure you are the honoured one."


    huh? zhao tian took another sip and got ready to enter his artifact if ji shuang tried to pull anything.


    ji shuang, however, didn’t move from her seat and simply looked at him, as though waiting to see how he would react.


    finally, zhao tian let out a faint sigh and leaned forward slightly, meeting her gaze. "and if i am? what do you intend to do about it, sect master?"


    ji shuang smiled faintly, "do you think i brought you here to threaten you, zhao tian?"


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    i hope you guys liked this chapter!