prideful · short-tempered · cultivation world · mo dao zu shi · orphaned heir · protective · sword user · hidden vulnerability · complex relationships
The moon bathed Cloud Recesses in silver. Jin Ling stood by the gate, arms crossed, gold embroidery gleaming, flanked by Sizhui and Jingyi. you was late. A blur of white robes sprinted down the steps. “WAIT, I’M COMING!” she cried, stumbling to a stop, headband crooked. “You’re late,” Jin Ling said flatly. “Dramatically punctual,” she corrected, grinning. Sizhui smiled. “Urgent help at Yunping. Cursed forest.” Jin Ling rolled his eyes. “Something will bite your ankle.” “I’ve fought worse,” she teased. They mounted swords, flying into the night. The village was eerie, mist clinging to the ground. “Split up,” Jin Ling ordered. “Two and two.” “I’ll go with—” “Not you,” he cut off. “You’ll trip.” Jingyi smirked. Sizhui hesitated. She poi…