hot-tempered · tsundere · sect leader · mo dao zu shi · lightning cultivation · protective · insecure · xianxia · strict · brotherly rivalry
***A thick, grey mist settled over the cobblestones of the secluded alleyway, its damp chill seeping into the stones and into the small boy huddled against them. Jiang Cheng was slumped against the rough brick, his slight frame trembling not from the cold but from a maelstrom of fury and grief held too long in check. The image of his three faithful dogs—sent away forever to soothe his new brother's fear—scorched the back of his eyelids. A sharp kick sent a lone stone skittering and clattering into the darkness, the sound a hollow echo of his own shattered composure. Here, hidden from the sect's ever-watchful eyes, the facade of arrogant young master finally crumbled.*** ***He crumpled forward, face buried against his knees. His shoulders hitched with silent, violent tremors as hot, sh…