Huh? Yan Zijin was startled and turned her head "What? You are getting married again... after Hanyue?"

With a nod, he replied "Yeah..."

Her gaze condensed, and she asked curiously "Who is the bride?"

With a teasing smile, he replied "Surprise, you will know soon."

She gently swatted his chest and muttered "Don't play with me, Tian. Tell me, who is it? Is it Lian'er?"

Eh? With a chuckle, he shook his head "No, No, Not Sister Lian."

Her eyes narrowed further "Then, tell me who it is."

Keeping his smile, he squeezed her breasts, savoring the softness and the way it filled his palms "Hmm, you are so eager, Master... be patient, you will know on the wedding day."

She gave him a flat look "You insufferable disciple."

His one hand continued to squeeze her breast while his other hand drifted lower, trailing down the smooth expanse of her abdomen.

He lingered at her belly button, circling it slowly, and his fingertip dipped into the shallow indent, drawing a soft gasp from Yan Zijin as her body tensed, then relaxed into his embrace.

Zhao Tian leaned back slightly, and his smile softened as he dipped his hands into the warm water, cupping a handful and raising it above her, letting it cascade over her shoulders.

The water sluiced down her body, tracing the curves of her collarbone, her breasts, and her abdomen.

"Let me take care of you, Master," he murmured, and his lips brushed the damp curve of her neck as he poured another handful of water over her, the warmth soothing her flushed skin.

Yan Zijin closed her eyes, and her body relaxed into his embrace despite herself.

Zhao Tian smiled softly as he began to wash her hands, his fingers gliding over her slender wrists, tracing the delicate lines of her palms with a tender touch.

The water dripped between their fingers, and his hands moved to her shoulders, pouring more water over them.

His fingers massaged gently, soothing the tension in her muscles as he washed her skin clean.

"You've been working too hard, Master,"

His fingers glided down her arms, then back up to her shoulders, washing away the day's strain.

Yan Zijin's breath came in soft, uneven gasps.

He leaned forward before moving to her face, and his hands gently washed her flushed cheeks with water, his fingers tracing the delicate contours of her jaw.

"Relax, Master," he whispered in a soothing, caressing voice.

"Tian… you're too bold," she murmured in quiet irritation but softened by the pleasure of his touch.

Zhao Tian's hands drifted lower, cupping warm water and pouring it over her chest and the liquid streamed down her breasts, making her nipples ache with sensitivity.

His fingers followed, brushing the soft curves with a light touch, not squeezing but grazing, "You deserve to be pampered, Master," he murmured, his lips kissing the curve of her shoulder.

Zhao Tian poured water over her abdomen, and his fingers massaged the soft skin, circling her belly button with a teasing touch.

His hands moved back to her shoulders, washing them with care, his fingers gliding over her collarbone, brushing the tops of her breasts.

"…You never change," she whispered and with a small shift of her body, she leaned back against him, her damp hair brushing against his chest.

Zhao Tian's arms circled her without hesitation, pully her fully into his embrace.

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

The sound of water lapping against stone filled the space between them.

His chin rested lightly atop her shoulder, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself this rare indulgence of simply being held.

After some time, she finally broke the silence. "…When will you return to your training?"

"You've already completed the earlier stages of the Honoured One's body tempering. The next method cannot be delayed. If your body isn't refined step by step, you'll suffer in the long run."

Zhao Tian opened his eyes slowly, his gaze turning distant as he watched the steam drift into the evening sky "I know. But I am leaving the star soon."

She frowned slightly, tilting her head back to look at him "…Leave? To where?"

His lips curved faintly, "The Elven Star."

Huh? Her entire body stiffened in his arms, and she turned fully toward him, "The… Elven Star?"

"Do you even hear yourself, you reckless boy? Outsiders are not allowed there. Even cultivators far stronger than you wouldn't dare trespass. What are you thinking?"

But Zhao Tian only smiled "Don't worry, Master. I have a way."

She glared at him, still unconvinced "A way? What way could you possibly-"

"I do have a way," Zhao Tian interrupted softly, "Also seems like the First Honoured One is linked to those elves, so if I went there, I might find something useful for me."

He muttered, his thumb absently brushing against her damp arm under the water.

She let out a long, weary sigh, pressing her palm against her forehead "I don't know what way you have... but going to meet the Evlves is dangerous."

He just chuckled "Don't worry, I can manage myself..."

But his levity only deepened the heaviness in her chest.

She looked into his eyes and yet… the more she looked, the more her resolve faltered.

Her gaze softened and lowered, as she finally whispered, "…When we were returning to Jade Eclipse Star, I had a talk with the Sect Master. She told me… what happened in the Vampire Star."

Zhao Tian's gaze condensed and a shadow passed through his eyes "...I see."

She leaned forward to hug him, pressing her damp body against him "That's why I don't want you to jump into any dangerous situations again and push yourself to the point of risking your life. Please, Tian..."

His eyes lowered, and the memory of Yao Jing's desperate, fading face flashed in his mind. That burning grief had carved itself into his bones.

He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes, and raised his arms to hold her back just as tightly.

His chin rested atop her wet hair, "…Master. I understand your worry. But I'm stronger now. Much stronger than before."

She smacked his chest again "...You fucking moron. If you get yourself in any life-threatening situation again, I will kill you."

He let out a chuckle and replied "Master, we also faced a life-threatening situation in the rupture... but see now, we both are naked, hugging each other in a hot spring. And I can feel your breasts squishing against me, it's bliss."

Her eyes widened at his shamelessness, and her cheeks practically burned crimson. "Y-you-!"

But before she could unleash another scolding, Zhao Tian's hand pressed gently against her back, guiding her closer "Don't worry, everything will be alright."

...

*cough* *cough*

Coughing noises tore through the silence of the chamber, followed by the wet splash of blood against her trembling palm.

Rui Yuying's body shuddered violently as another wave of pain gripped her chest.

Blood slid down her fingers, staining the cloth of her robes.

Her other hand pressed desperately against her chest, trying to suppress the pain within her meridians, but it was useless.

With a faint groan, she let herself fall back against the bedding.

Her vision swam as the ceiling above blurred into hazy streaks of light and shadow.

Her face twisted faintly with anguish, though she bit down on her lip to stifle the cries that wanted to escape.

"…Urgh…" she whispered hoarsely, her voice trembling. "As I expected… my body is still bearing the backlash… from those seals I endured… for centuries."

She turned her face to the side and the strands of her hair stuck to the corner of her lips, which were still stained red with blood.

Slowly, her gaze grew distant, 'How ironic…' she thought bitterly.

'To have survived wars, even the cruelty of time itself… only to be undone by what festers within my own body.'

Another quake shook her, forcing another cough from her lungs.

More blood, and her hand shook as she wiped it away, leaving streaks across her pale cheek.

'I hope… I won't die soon.'

She closed her eyes for a moment, tears threatening at the edges, though she forced them back.

The thought of death had haunted her for centuries, but never had it felt so close.

And yet… for the first time, she feared it. Not for herself.

Not for the vanity of power or the regret of unfulfilled ambitions.

But because of him.

'At least… at least I want to marry Tian.'

Her trembling hand rose to her lips, touching them faintly, remembering the warmth of his kiss and the gentleness in his embrace that she felt.

Her breath hitched again, but her lips curved into the faintest, most fragile smile.

"…Just a little longer," she murmured into the empty room.

"Please… let me stay by his side… just a little longer."

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

I hope you guys liked this chapter!

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.