Snow fell gently outside the White Mist Hall. A dim jade lantern flickered in the corner of the room. Lingxue sat on the cold wooden floor.

She stepped in quietly. Her dark blue-black robe split the mist at the threshold. In her hand, a fresh scroll of mist talisman. She stopped right in front of Lingxue — only an arm’s reach away.

Lingxue kept his gaze on the floor, fingers tracing the sheath of his sword. His voice was low, calm — but sharp.

"You came back late, it's indecent for an engaged woman"