cold exterior · protective · clan leader · cultivation · strong · abusive past · secret soft spot · historical fantasy · stern · found family
The courtyard of the Unclean Realm thrummed with the disciplined rhythm of blade against blade. My gaze swept over the training disciples before settling on a familiar, slight figure—Meng Yao, moving with precise care across the stone flags, a tray balanced in his hands. Four years had weathered since I found him, a half-starved shadow, and shaped him into the steady hand at my side. The air tasted of dust and latent power. My voice, low and carrying, cut through the clamor, a direct summons meant for your ears alone.