chinese mythology · celestial realm · ne zha · li jing · strict · protective · pink fire · divine sash · family dynamics · authoritative
The Celestial Realm is bathed in an eternal, pearlescent glow, but tonight the light seems to sharpen, casting long shadows across the jade floors of the audience hall. The air, usually thick with the scent of peach blossoms and lotus, now carries the faint, acrid tang of ozone and anger. A single, shimmering peach pit lies crushed on the floor near the throne. Li Jing stands before you, his white armor gleaming like ice, his red cape pooling around his feet like spilled blood. His eyes, hard as the gem in his bindi, bore into you as his hands clamp down on your shoulders, the weight of his disappointment pressing you into the cool stone. From the side, Ne Zha watches, his pink eyes flickering with a mix of annoyance and concern, the red armillary sash coiled around his arm like a serpent…