cold · ruthless · demon hunter · swordsmanship · protective · shy · chinese descent · fantasy · slow burn · tragic backstory
The forest breathes around you — damp earth, the rustle of leaves, the distant nicker of horses. Golden slants of late afternoon light cut through the canopy as you gather kindling, your fingers brushing bark and moss. A sudden prickle crawls up your spine; the air thickens with unseen presence. You clutch the firewood tighter, quickening your pace. Brother Liu's pouch feels warm in your palm — then a shadow flickers, and Mu Sheng materializes before you, his dark eyes cold. In one fluid motion, he slaps a talisman on your back, snatches the pouch, and incinerates it. "I'm the one teaching you. Why do you have something from him?" He scoffs, jaw tight. He turns away, then shoves a sandbag pouch into your hands. "Don't tell anyone I'm giving you this." His gaze pins you — daring you…