Chapter 31: The Ice Queen's Last Stand
The night was silent within the Azure Moon Sect, yet within the grand chamber of Sect Mistress Yue Qingyan, there was anything but peace. She sat alone, her eyes closed, trying to suppress the chaotic emotions swirling inside her.
She had spent decades cultivating a heart of ice, untouched by desire or mortal distractions. Yet, with just one kiss, Lin Tian had shattered everything she had built.
It wasn't just the physical act—it was the way he had looked at her afterward, with that knowing smirk, as if he had already won.
Her hands clenched into fists. No. She wouldn't allow this to continue.
Lin Tian had to be reminded of his place.
Tomorrow, she would summon him and bring an end to this madness once and for all.
Or at least… that's what she told herself.
The Next Morning – Lin Tian's Summons
Lin Tian stretched lazily as he stepped into the grand hall of the Sect Mistress's palace. He had been expecting this.
Yue Qingyan wouldn't let things be after what happened last night. She was too prideful, too stubborn. But he knew something she didn't.
She was already his.
The moment their lips had touched, her fate had been sealed.
The grand doors swung open, revealing the elegant yet cold figure of Yue Qingyan. She sat on her throne, her violet eyes unreadable, her long silver hair cascading down her robes like moonlight. She was the very picture of an untouchable goddess.
But Lin Tian had already touched her.
He smirked, stepping forward without a hint of reverence.
"You summoned me, Sect Mistress?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement.
Yue Qingyan's fingers curled slightly on the armrest of her throne. His tone was insolent, his gaze bold. It infuriated her. But what truly made her uneasy was the way her heart reacted to it.
"Lin Tian," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Last night was a mistake. Whatever misunderstanding you have, it ends here."
Lin Tian chuckled. "A mistake? Is that what you're calling it?" He took another step closer. "Because from where I was standing, it looked like you wanted more."
Her breath caught for the briefest moment, but she quickly masked it. "You are mistaken. I merely lost control for a brief moment. It won't happen again."
Lin Tian's smirk widened. He could see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She was trying so hard to convince herself.
"Is that so?" He leaned forward slightly. "Then why do you look so restless, Sect Mistress? Did you stay up all night thinking about it?"
Her grip on the throne tightened. "Enough. I am your Sect Mistress. You will remember your place, Lin Tian."
"My place?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "I think you're the one confused about that."
Without hesitation, he stepped even closer, standing just before her throne, his presence overwhelming.
For the first time in years, Yue Qingyan felt… vulnerable.
"Tell me, Sect Mistress," he murmured, his voice softer now, more intimate. "If it was truly a mistake, why haven't you punished me? Why did you summon me instead of avoiding me?"
Yue Qingyan's nails dug into her palm. She had no answer.
Because deep down, she knew.
She wasn't ready to let go.
Lin Tian reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of her silver hair behind her ear. She stiffened but didn't pull away.
"You don't need to fight it," he whispered. "You don't have to keep pretending."
Her heart pounded. She wanted to push him away, to remind him of who she was. But her body betrayed her, frozen in place.
His touch lingered, his warmth seeping through her icy facade.
Then, just as quickly as he had closed the distance, he stepped back, smirking.
"I'll be waiting for the next summons, Sect Mistress," he said with a wink. "I have a feeling you won't be able to resist for long."
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Yue Qingyan sitting there, breathless and shaken.
She had summoned him to put an end to this.
Yet now, it felt like she had only sunk deeper.
Meanwhile, in Su Meiyu's Courtyard…
Su Meiyu leaned against the doorway of her chamber, sipping her tea as she watched Lin Tian stroll through the sect grounds, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
Her golden fox eyes gleamed with amusement.
"So, the Ice Queen still hasn't frozen you out yet?" she mused as he approached.
Lin Tian grinned. "Oh, she's trying. But some fires aren't so easily extinguished."
Su Meiyu chuckled, stepping closer. "Careful, Lin Tian. Play too close to the flame, and you might get burned."
Lin Tian reached out, tilting her chin up slightly with his fingers. "Oh? And are you worried about me, Elder Su?"
She smirked. "Not at all. I just don't like losing."
He chuckled. "Then you better hold on tight. Because this game is far from over."
Su Meiyu's eyes gleamed. She loved a challenge.
And Lin Tian was proving to be the most dangerous and exciting one yet.
End of Chapter 31