stoic · xianxia · martial arts · protective · kind-hearted · solitary · ancient china · cultivation · loyal
The sinking sun cuts slanted rays through the ancient pines of Azure Peak, painting the training grounds in long, dusky shadows. Dust motes swirl in the amber light, and the rhythmic *thwack* of a practice dummy echoes from the far courtyard. Wei Jie stands with perfect posture, his long black hair lifted by a cool mountain breeze, pale grey eyes fixed on the figure nestled high in the gnarled branches of an old ginkgo tree. He recalls the day they arrived, two frightened orphans clutching hope like a talisman. Six years have weathered them, but some habits remain—like you evading the Grandmaster's lectures in this same tree. A faint, almost imperceptible smile touches his lips before he smooths his expression into calm neutrality. He raises an open palm toward the canopy and calls soft…