I alone am the Honoured One!

The gentle snow continued to fall, dusting Zhao Tian's white hair with a faint shimmer of white.

Ji Shuang watched him as she watched his face, the falling snow matching his beautiful hair color.

Then, impulsively, she reached down, scooped a handful of soft snow, and, with a playful glint in her eyes, flung it right at his face.

Pfft!

The snow splattered across Zhao Tian's cheek, and he froze, blinking slowly as a clump of snow hung from his jaw like a lopsided beard.

Ji Shuang immediately pressed her hand to her mouth, stifling her laughter, but her laughter broke out and she stumbled back a few steps, grinning cheekily.

"Hahahaha..."

Zhao Tian slowly wiped the snow off "Oh? So that's how you want to play it?"

Before she could react, he bent down, gathering a handful of snow.

She spun on her heel, trying to flee, but Zhao Tian lobbed the snowball with perfect aim, catching her square on the back.

"Ahh!" she cried, laughing, as she stumbled forward into a snowdrift, the soft powder puffing up around her.

Zhao Tian didn't give her a chance to recover.

He advanced and scooped up more snow.

Ji Shuang retaliated, grabbing handfuls blindly and throwing them wildly in his direction.

Some missed by miles, but one or two hit his chest and shoulder, scattering harmlessly off his thick cloak.

"You're terrible at this," Zhao Tian teased, ducking another wild throw.

He lunged forward and Ji Shuang shrieked again, trying to dodge... but her boot caught on a hidden root under the snow, and she lost her balance.

With a startled yelp, she fell straight into Zhao Tian, who instinctively caught her.

The impact knocked them both over, tumbling down together into the snow in a tangle of arms and legs.

"Hahaha..."

"Stop, stop."

They rolled a few times, the soft powder flying up around them like mist, until they came to a stop with Zhao Tian flat on his back and Ji Shuang sprawled awkwardly on top of him.

For a moment, everything was still.

Ji Shuang lifted her head, her cheeks flushed pink from the cold and perhaps something else as she found herself staring directly into Zhao Tian's blue eyes.

His strong arms were around her, one hand protectively cradling the back of her head so she hadn't hit the ground too hard.

They were so close she could feel his warm breath hitting against her cold skin.

Slowly, a smile spread across Zhao Tian's lips. "You fell for me. Literally."

Ji Shuang groaned, hiding her burning face against his chest. "That was terrible."

Gathering her dignity, Ji Shuang pushed herself up slightly, sitting on his abdomen.

She scooped up another handful of snow from beside him, without him noticing, and smushed it right against his face.

Zhao Tian sputtered in surprise as the cold snow crumbled down his neck.

Ji Shuang laughed , sitting back on his hips with an impish grin.

Zhao Tian wiped the snow from his face slowly and looked up at her.

He sat up swiftly, grabbing her waist and flipping them both over so he was above her now, pinning her lightly into the snow.

Ji Shuang let out a delighted squeal as she wriggled beneath him, but Zhao Tian smiled and lowered his face close to hers, his nose almost brushing hers.

Ji Shuang's smile softened, her breath hitching slightly and her heartbeat quicked as he brought his lips closer.

For a heartbeat, Zhao Tian looked as though he might kiss her.

Instead, he leaned back slightly, "Not so tough now, are you, Little Snowflake?"

Ji Shuang narrowed her eyes, but then she reached up suddenly, flicking some snow from his hair into his face.

Reluctantly, he stood up and offered her his hand, pulling her up easily from the snow.

She stumbled a little into him, but he steadied her, keeping her close.

"Come on," he said, squeezing her fingers warmly. "Let's find somewhere to dry off before you freeze."

...

The wind howled softly outside, rustling the tent flaps.

Inside the tent, it glowed faintly from the crackling fire.

Zhao Tian sat cross-legged near the fire, his long white hair damp with melted snow, a towel draped over his shoulders.

He tossed another dried herb-laced log into the brazier.

The fire flared for a moment, releasing a faint fragrance that chased away the lingering chill.

Ji Shuang sat opposite him, bundled in a thick fur cloak, her cheeks still flushed from the cold.

She had changed into a dry inner robe with her purple hair let down in a loose cascade, beads of water still clinging to the strands.

She rubbed her fingers together and held them toward the fire.

Zhao Tian looked at her and opened his arms invitingly "Come here..."

With a smile, she crawled across the fire toward him "Tian..."

She reached him, falling into his chest with a soft thud as her body melted against his and her arms wrapped around his waist with her cheek pressing against his chest.

Zhao Tian hugged her closer into his arms, his fingers threading through her damp purple hair, brushing gently, untangling the strands.

She snuggled even closer, folding her legs like a cat before hugging his chest tightly.

Her gaze flickered to the scar on his chest, and she lifted her hand, her fingers gently caressing it.

She raised her head and saw him watching the fire.

Ji Shuang tilted her head, her cheek brushing his chest as she nestled her face against the warm curve of his neck.

Zhao Tian just patted her head "Let's go back to the sect after taking a little rest here."

"Hmm..."

...

*knock*

Hearing a knock on the door, Qi Xue walked to the door and opened it slightly to see who it was outside.

Looking at Zhao Tian's face, she smiled and opened the door "Little brother."

Zhao Tian gave a nod and asked "Is Sister Nue inside?"

Oh!

Qi Xue hurriedly nodded "Yeah, yeah.. come in."

Zhao Tian shook his head with a smile "No, no need. I just wanted to talk to Sister Nue… Is she inside?"

"Yeah, she is..." Qi Xue nodded her head and entered back to bring Qi Nue.

Moments later, the door creaked open again and Qi Nue stepped out.

She had clearly rushed to tidy herself up, though a slight flush still colored her cheeks.

She wore a pale lavender robe, and her damp hair had been hastily tied into a loose bun.

Her smile was soft but slightly nervous as she closed the door behind her.

"Little Brother…" she said softly, walking down the corridor toward him.

Zhao Tian's expression was calm, but there was an unmistakable awkwardness to his posture as his eyes flickered with guilt.

"Sister Nue. I wanted to apologize… for earlier. In the room."

Qi Nue blinked and the blush that had been faint on her cheeks bloomed into a full rose hue.

She quickly shook her head, stepping closer. "No! Don't… don't apologize," she said quickly, waving her hands. "It's okay. Really."

With a chuckle, he asked "You're not mad?"

Qi Nue laughed faintly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear "Mad? If I was mad, I would've slapped you instead of standing here blushing like a fool."

After a moment, the laughter faded, and a warm silence settled between them.

Qi Nue stepped closer, so close that their arms almost touched.

"…I liked that you cared. About the perfume. That you noticed something might be wrong."

Keeping his smile, he spoke "Ofcourse, I would care for my Senior Sister."

She nodded her head with a soft blush, and Zhao Tian spoke "I should go. I just… didn't want to leave things unsettled between us."

Qi Nue reached out and gently grasped his hand "It's evening; come, let's have some tea."

His gaze softened in affection "Alright..."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!