Chi Cheng gasped for the sweet taste of air when Han Yijun finally released him. But his body, still trembling from his lover's lustful attacks. He could hardly bring himself to comprehend Han Yijun's drastic change in attitude and behaviour towards him.
Or did he truly know Han Yijun at all?
The irrecoverable shame Chi Cheng suffered tonight, with no strength or will to defend himself, would remain etched in memory for many years to come.
"Han Yijun… " The Grandmaster uttered his name through clenched teeth, a predatory glint flickering in his eyes. "You intend to succeed me in this pathetic state? How can you redeem yourself from this shame?!"
Although the Grandmaster's words, sharp and precise like a metal-tipped arrow, were targeted at Han Yijun, Chi Cheng couldn't help but assume they were directed at him. And the deep, gelid nature of the Grandmaster's voice sent a chilling warning along his spine.
He was much to blame as Han Yijun was.
"What explanation would you have this time?" The Grandmaster demanded, walking over to where Han Yijun knelt, still attempting to beg for pardon. "You were supposed to be the role model of this sect!"
"I… I… " The earlier domineering nature and confidence of Han Yijun was defeated in a matter of seconds by the Grandmaster's intimidating presence.
His questions were precise, delving into Han Yijun's mind like honed blades striking his weakened points, exposing his lack of capabilities hidden underneath a bold facade.
It was as if the Grandmaster was the incarnation of the Xue Ling snowy mountainous peaks of the Han clan's region himself, stern and unforgiving in the way he looked down upon Han Yijun who could only grovel at his feet for mercy, like a traveller praying to the Xue Ling snow ridge for safety and pardon from its harsh conditions.
"Get up," the Grandmaster commanded. "You've broken your chastity oath and defiled the body of another." His gaze trained over Chi Cheng whose eyes were widened in fear, dried with tears and too stunned to speak that he didn't even bother to pull his robes closed.
"Yongrui," the Grandmaster summoned his aide who awaited his orders outside.
"Yes Grandmaster," Han Yongrui answered, bowing slightly before he made his way to Han Yijun, holding him firmly from under his arms to lift him.
"Take your brother away to the disciplinary hall, I will deal with him later," the Grandmaster ordered, strolling to where Chi Cheng was on the floor. "And see to it that the woman you caught outside is escorted out of here with no one's knowledge."
"As you wish," Han Yongrui obeyed, his brows furrowing furiously, dragging his brother away as he looked upon his shameful state.
The Grandmaster kneeled beside Chi Cheng, slowly reaching to pull his robes closed but the younger male flinched and backed away hurriedly.
"Easy," the Grandmaster's tone softened as he placed one hand on Chi Cheng's back to prevent him from moving away. "I won't harm you, Chi Cheng."
The younger male ceased his foolish escape attempts, lowering his gaze fearfully when he heard the Grandmaster utter his name. In that tarnishing moment, Chi Cheng couldn't bring himself to fathom how he would answer the Grandmaster or what plausible explanations he could use to justify himself.
'How does he know my name?' Chi Cheng considered.
"You're hurt," the Grandmaster noticed the marks around his neck and the bruises left by Han Yijun's rough bites. "I will save the questions for later, you don't need to be afraid."
'He's too shaken… ' The Grandmaster thought, standing up and holding out a hand to the younger male. 'Just what did my bastard nephew do to you?'
Just the profound thought of Han Yijun giving into his animalistic desires struck at his last nerve, challenging whatever mustered patience he had.
"Can you stand, Chi Cheng?" The Grandmaster enquired gently, but his hardened expression wasn't harmlessly convincing enough. "I need to treat your wounds and resolve this quickly before word of it leaves these walls." He looked more like a predator ready to pounce on its prey.
Chi Cheng hesitantly nodded, taking the offer of the Grandmaster's hand. He felt a cold, tingling sensation from the Grandmaster's fingertips, it eased and cooled the burns that blemished his palm when he grabbed a fistful of fire embers earlier.
The Grandmaster lifted him up, taking him by the shoulders when he staggered and stumbled a few steps. He removed the black fur-lined coat that loosely hung over his shoulders and placed it around Chi Cheng, ensuring that a portion of it covered over the younger male's head.
"Bear with it for a while until we reach my room," the Grandmaster reassured him, draping an arm around his shoulder and tugging him closer. "I don't want anyone to see you in this state or find out what happened. Stay close to me and you won't be noticed."
Despite the Grandmaster's formidable demeanour, Chi Cheng's anxiety settled from its unruliness. And even if his intentions to conceal Chi Cheng was simply a way to safeguard his own reputation rather than consideration for him, it didn't matter to the younger male.
At the least, he would be saved from the devastating shame of being exposed.
"I sent my aide for you earlier but you were not in your chambers," the Grandmaster spoke quietly. "Someone had already spotted you on your way to Han Yijun's room so the possibility of rumours starting is inevitable."
Chi Cheng could only nod, uncertain of what to say. He walked in slow strides, still attempting to muster his strength but the Grandmaster didn't hasten him or prompt him to hurry his pace.
Chi Cheng tugged the fur coat closer to him, reveling in its warmth and sanctuary it offered against the bone-chilling night breeze. Inhaling the faint, snowy scent of gentiana blossoms on the coat, he noted they were fairly similar to the ones that grew along the Xue Ling's Ridge.
'Did he just return?' Chi Cheng contemplated. 'He must be exhausted… and yet I had to stir trouble for him.'
Finally reaching the Grandmaster's private hall, he gently ushered Chi Cheng inside after he released him from his embrace.
"Remove your robes and wait for me," the Grandmaster instructed, his eyes flaring with authority that demanded obedience. "I'll be back soon."