Mischievous trick gone wrong

'Why is he here?' Chi Cheng clicked his tongue.

He was in no welcoming mood to entertain or engage the Grandmaster. Although he accepted to receive due punishment for his treasonous actions against the Ice Sect, he didn't expect to encounter Han Xuelian this early.

"Ah-Ran, don't worry," Chi Cheng reassured his younger brother. "There's no reason to panic just because he's here. I will handle it."

"Understood." Nodding, Chi Weiran complied.

Unmounting An Xing, the Grandmaster was nearly ousted off the saddle before his feet could touch the snow-covered ground. The creature eagerly galloped towards Chi Cheng, leaving a trail of snow dust in the Grandmaster's direction.

Chi Cheng welcomed the black Yili horse, cupping its face with both hands. The creature nuzzled into his soothing touch, revelling in the warmth of his cheek. An Xing neighed victoriously, exuberantly brushing his hooves against the ground as Chi Cheng petted him.