I alone am the Honoured One! - Chapter 768

Chapter 768: Sect Master?
Dashing through the skies, Zhao Tian and Ji Shuang looked at each other before extending their hands.

He pulled her closer, intertwining his fingers with hers “Ha, finally I am free from your wife.”

Zhao Tian just chuckled, and they continued flying through the skies, reaching the Sect.

…

Zhao Tian landed gracefully on the stone pathway just outside the courtyard gates, his boots touching down with a quiet thud.

A moment later, Ji Shuang descended beside him, her robes fluttering slightly as she landed with a quiet elegance befitting the Sect Master she was.

Zhao Tian turned to her as a gentle smile tugged at his lips. “Then I’m leaving, Sect Master.”

Ji Shuang blinked.

The smile on her lips faltered, just a little.

She tilted her head and gave a faint, confused frown. “Sect Master?”

Before he could step back, she reached out and gently grabbed his arm, her fingers curling around his sleeve.

Her tone dipped into a whisper, “Now, don’t hurt me like this…”

Zhao Tian looked at her… at the slight pout of her lips, and couldn’t help but chuckle lightly.

His gaze had a teasing glint, even though he felt the sincerity in her words.

“Alright, then… Miss Ji Shuang—”

Her eyes narrowed, and she immediately cut him off with a pout. “No ‘Miss’ either. Do I look like some noble girl you’re being forced to entertain?”

He feigned a thoughtful look and nodded “Hmm… just a little.”

“Zhao Tian!”

He laughed again, “Alright, alright… Ji Shuang.”

She folded her arms under her chest, clearly unsatisfied. “Still too formal.”

His brow lifted in amusement. “Then what? Lady Shuang?”

“No,” she said firmly, stepping closer and her voice softened again. “Just… Shuang. Call me Shuang.”

His lips curved into a small, genuine smile.

“Shuang,” he said finally.

Her face lit up as the frustration melted into warmth. “Good.”

Their hands remained joined in the still night air, the sound of crickets and distant wind chimes carrying from inside the sect buildings.

The scent of moonflowers bloomed nearby, filling the air with a soft, soothing fragrance.

Neither of them moved right away.

Zhao Tian looked down at her, his thumb still brushing lightly across her skin. “You want me to stay for tea?”

She raised an eyebrow “You mean tea, or ‘tea’?”

With a chuckle, he replied “The first one.”

She nodded her head and pulled his hand “You must also be tired after our long journey from the palace.”

As she pulled him, he went with her.

…

Ji Shuang slid open a small wooden cabinet and pulled out a clay teapot and two delicate porcelain cups painted with plum blossoms.

She glanced at him over her shoulder and saw him sitting casually on the countertop, one leg drawn up, the other dangling off the edge.

Ji Shuang’s heart fluttered to see him being comfortable around her, sitting so casually.

Now they seem more like best friends than just some Sect master and disciple.

She turned back to the small stove and poured hot water over the dried tea leaves resting inside the pot.

The quiet hiss of steam rose into the air, carrying with it the soft, floral aroma of osmanthus and green tea

The warmth from the kettle seeped into her fingers as she lifted the tray, carefully balancing the teapot and cups, and walked back toward him.

Without a word, she placed the tray down beside him, then gracefully pushed herself up to sit beside him on the wide counter, her side brushing against his.

They sat together on the counter as they gently sipped their teas, listening to the soft rustle of the wind brushing through the paper windows.

Looking at him, she spoke “That reminds me… your Master asked about you.”

Zhao Tian was surprised and only then did he remember about Yan Zijin “Hmm…”

With a deep sigh, she muttered “And you know what? Her disciple, who was lost for many years, finally returned.”

“She said she was trapped inside a strange artifact for years. She didn’t even know how much time had passed. She just… drifted in there, until something broke and let her out.”

“But somehow she escaped the artifact and finally reached here.”

Hearing this, Zhao Tian was amused and nodded his head “I see.”

With a chuckle, she spoke “Though now I wonder if she would be your teacher, considering that you are in the first level of Immortal Ascension Stage.”

Her gaze lowered to the tea “You easily skipped so many stages…”

Zhao Tian nodded his head for a second and muttered “Thank you, Shuang.”

Huh? Ji Shuang blinked in surprise.

Keeping his smile, he spoke “Even though you know that I jumped levels, you never asked or questioned me how I crossed so many levels.”

She gave a soft exhale, setting her cup back down on the tray with a muted clink. “You were grieving. After what happened to… her.”

“You were barely holding yourself together. I knew. And I didn’t want to add more weight to your shoulders.”

Zhao Tian’s hand trembled slightly as he placed his own cup down.

Ji Shuang smiled faintly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Besides, you’re the Honoured One. It’s not impossible to believe a miracle happened.”

He gave a nod and replied “Something like that.”

Ji Shuang smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder “Are you staying for the night?”

“Do you want me to?”

“Yeah…”

…

Next day-

Inside the Alchemy Chamber, the warm scent of crushed herbs and lingering spiritual fire hung in the air.

Zhao Tian was sitting in front of a cauldron with Qi Nue and Qi Xue sitting beside him.

“Alchemy Examination is this week?” He asked, looking at Qi Nue.

For that, she nodded her head “Yeah. As I said earlier, every three months, the Pill Tower hosts the formal examination. We need to pass the tests to receive our rightful rank. Without it, even if you’re skilled, you can’t officially be recognized.”

1. Ember Initiate

2. Flame Binder

3. Inferno Artisan

4. Blaze Architect

5. Flame Forger

6. Crimson Sage

7. Ember Sovereign

8. Empyrean Deity

9. Pill Paragon

Zhao Tian hummed, tapping a finger on the rim of his cauldron. “What level are you aiming for?”

With a confident smile, Qi Nue replied “I’m going to take the test for the title of Flame Forger.”

Qi Xue nodded her head “Hm… You need to refine a high tier Epic grade pill for that.”

“Not just that—there’s also a section where you must identify impure ingredients and correct them.”

Hearing this, Zhao Tian smiled at her and spoke softly “Good luck, Sister Nue, I know you will easily get it.”

She lowered her head and a shy smile appeared on her lips “About that… uh, I was wondering…”

She fidgeted, her fingers tracing small circles on her thigh.

“Could you accompany me for the test?”

Zhao Tian looked at her, a little surprised. “You want me to come with you?”

Qi Nue nodded slowly with her eyes still on the floor. “I mean… your presence will help me calm down. I won’t ask you to do anything. Just… being there might ease the pressure.”

Qi Xue noticed that she is trying to get some alone time with him and decided to help her “It’s rare for Sister to ask for help. She really must be nervous this time. Little brother, accompany her.”

Qi Nue shot her a quick glare. “I am not nervous. Just… slightly concerned. This is a big step for me.”

Zhao Tian nodded his head “Alright, I’ll be there. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Her expression visibly brightened and she lifted her gaze, looking at him directly now. “Really?”

“Of course. In fact, if anyone dares to question your ability during the examination, I’ll just stand behind you silently and intimidate them.”

Qi Xue giggled. “With your face? That might actually work.”

Hearing this, Qi Nue pouted “Hey, don’t say that… Little Brother got a cute face.”

“Hahaha.”