Chapter 882: Going back for a bit

Sitting inside the spacious chamber deep within the Citadel, Zhao Tian looked at Sylmeria, Eira, Xia Shenyi, and Freya, who were sitting around him at the table.

"So, that's what happened. Yuliya just came for a duel."

Hearing the full story, Sylmeria nodded her head "The leader of the Space Pirate organization... if she is really your ally, she could be really helpful."

"Her fleet controls routes no one else dares touch. Intelligence networks that span the High Stars. Firepower that could turn tides."

With a faint nod, Zhao Tian stretched his arms above his head "Yeah, so currently there are no threats for the star."

He lowered his arms and glanced around at them "So relax and inform this to others."

Sylmeria stood up and smoothed her robes "Then I will go and inform the elders. They've been on edge since the ultimatum arrived. This news will lift a great weight from the Council."

She paused at the arched doorway, turning back to look at him, and her eyes softened "Honoured One... thank you. For handling this without letting it touch our star."

Zhao Tian met her gaze "No need for thanks. It's my star too, now."

Sylmeria's lips curved into a small smile before she lowered her head once more and stepped out.

Xia Shenyi stood up gracefully from her seat.

Without hesitation, she crossed the short distance to Zhao Tian and settled herself comfortably onto his lap.

Her arms coiled around his neck with familiar ease as her fingers lightly threaded through the strands of his white hair as she leaned in close.

"Well, Tian," she murmured against his lips, "it ended well."

Seeing this, Freya let out a soft giggle under her breath as she watched the pair with open entertainment.

Meanwhile, Eira blinked in slight confusion 'What is her relationship with the Honoured One…?'

Xia Shenyi melted deeper into Zhao Tian's arms, resting her cheek against his shoulder with a contented sigh. "Haa… Tian, I really love the stars and artifacts here. Researching in the Citadel's archives is so much more fun than I expected."

Zhao Tian gently patted the top of her head "Well, I'm glad you're enjoying your time here."

Freya watched the exchange for another moment before standing up with a stretch, rolling her shoulders.

"Ok, lovebirds," she muttered with a teasing grin, "you continue… I don't want to be a third wheel here."

Upon hearing this, Xia Shenyi chuckled softly and lifted her head from Zhao Tian's shoulder "Wait, Freya, I'm coming with you,"

She turned back to Zhao Tian, cupping his face gently with both hands.

Without hesitation, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips "Then I will see you later, Tian," she whispered against his mouth before pulling away.

He nodded once Xia Shenyi stood up, smoothing down her robes. She gave Zhao Tian one last playful wink before linking her arm with Freya's.

"Come on," she said as the pair headed toward the arched doorway.

Now only Zhao Tian and Eira remained.

Looking up at him, Eira replied "I am glad to see you are fine," she said softly.

She paused, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her robes before she added "I was really worried when you left with that pirate queen."

With a chuckle, Zhao Tian stood up "That's a surprise. I thought you wanted me gone."

Upon hearing this, Eira's eyes widened in surprise and she stood up after him "W-What? Why would I think that... You are our Honoured One."

He stepped closer, closing the small distance between them until she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.

Without warning, his hand slid around her hip and cupped one full cheek of her ass.

"But I thought you hated me for being a pervert."

Eira's entire body stiffened and a tiny squeak escaped her lips as heat rushed to her face.

She lowered her head immediately while her pointed ears turned a deep shade of pink "I-I mean... I hate your pervertedness, but I could never hate the Honoured One."

As she spoke, she remembered the ass slaps she received on the first day in the lake when she met him, and her thighs instinctively pressed together.

"Is that so?" he tilted his head playfully before giving another tight squeeze to her ass.

"H-Honoured One..."

Her hands came up to rest lightly against his chest, though she made no real effort to push him away.

Zhao Tian leaned in closer, his breath brushing against the sensitive tip of her ear "Anyway, come on, let's go and eat. I am hungry."

"...Yes."

---

*swoosh*

A faint ripple of space folded around Zhao Tian as he appeared inside his personal artifact.

On the couch near the center of the living area, Ji Shuang lay sleeping peacefully.

Zhao Tian's lips curved into a faint smile. 'Sect Master?'

He moved silently and knelt beside the couch, his white hair falling forward as he leaned closer to her peaceful face.

At that moment, soft footsteps sounded from the staircase leading to the upper floor.

Feeling his presence, Zhou Hanyue quickly came downstairs "Husban-"

Before she could finish, Zhao Tian raised a finger to his lips, gesturing for her to stay silent.

Zhou Hanyue immediately covered her mouth with both hands, stifling a giggle.

Her eyes sparkled with playfulness as she continued walking down the stairs on tiptoe, careful not to make a sound.

Zhao Tian turned his attention back to Ji Shuang. He leaned down slowly and pressed a gentle kiss to her soft lips.

Ji Shuang's lashes fluttered.

A second later, her eyes snapped open and she blinked in confusion.

But then her eyes widened as she looked the familiar white hair and blue eyes hovering just above her.

"T-Tian…?"

Before he could say anything more, Ji Shuang suddenly hopped up and threw herself at him, tackling him backward onto the soft rug on the floor.

*thud*

"You're back?!" she yelled as she straddled his waist, pressing her hands against his chest.

Zhao Tian laughed and wrapped his arms around her, hugging her tightly against him.

"Yeah," he murmured, one hand gently stroking her long hair. "I'm back."

Ji Shuang buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent "I missed you so much…" she whispered.

"Every single day... I kept thinking about you. Wondering if you were safe."

Zhao Tian's arms tightened around her "I missed you too."

From the side, Zhou Hanyue finally let out the giggle she had been holding back.

She walked over and gracefully knelt beside them on the floor.

"Look at you," Zhou Hanyue teased softly. "The proud Sect Master reduced to a clingy little kitten the moment he returns."

Ji Shuang lifted her head just enough to shoot Zhou Hanyue a half-hearted glare, though her cheeks were bright red.

"Shut up... I'm allowed to be excited."

She turned back to Zhao Tian, "You have no idea how empty this place felt without you. Even with everyone here... it wasn't the same."

Zhao Tian reached up, cupping her face with both hands and pulling her down into another kiss.

When they finally parted, she rested her forehead against his, "Don't leave for so long next time…"

"I'll try,"

Zhou Hanyue smiled warmly at the sight, then leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Zhao Tian's cheek.

"Welcome home, husband," she said softly.

Ji Shuang finally sat up straighter on his lap, though she refused to move off him completely. Her hands rested on his chest as she looked between him and Zhou Hanyue.

"So… tell us everything. What happened? Is the Elven Star safe? And most importantly…"

She leaned down again, "…are you staying with us tonight?"

Zhao Tian chuckled, his hands settling comfortably on Ji Shuang's waist.

"Yes. Tonight, I'm all yours."