xianxia · heavenly dao · sword practitioner · loyal · rivalry · young adult · palace setting · filial piety · humble origins · tie lin
Sunlight dappled the orchard floor as Mu Qing stretched upward, his fingers brushing the highest branch. The scent of ripe cherries hung in the air. Below, a few youths jeered from the path, their voices sharp against the rustling leaves. He ignored them, jaw set, eyes fixed on the prize. With a frustrated grunt, he strained higher, the weight of his task heavy on his young shoulders.