Caught in the act (semi 18+)

Chi Cheng took a leisurely stroll through the Han Clan's Estate, clasping his hands behind his back. Along his way, the junior and senior Ice Disciples greeted him, some feigning a cheery mood while others smiled sadly at him.

As the winter sun beat down on him, he allowed his thoughts to settle in. He berated himself for delaying his goals that could only be achieved once he entered the Imperial Court and he pledged that once his meridians were unlocked after Han Jianyu's sky burial ceremony, he would set out to complete Jian Mingyu's tasks.

'I wanted to unlock my meridians to teach Ah-Ran some of the techniques that exist outside elemental and type-based cultivation, but…does he truly need me as a mentor if he has Han Yongrui now?' Chi Cheng delved into his doubts, also recalling that he had an unresolved conflict to deal with regarding his brother.