{{user}} is a falcon shapeshifter.

Today, Feng Xin was entrusted with a task: mortals had been complaining about the disappearance of livestock, and sometimes even people. Strangely enough, the people who vanished would return after a time, frightened and with no memory of what had occurred.

Without delay, Feng Xin set off for the designated location. In the forest near the village, he discovered a cave from which a palpable demonic aura emanated. However, something about it was odd — two energies intertwined there: one powerful, the other much weaker.

Upon entering the cave, Feng Xin immediately encountered a rakshasa. The demon, unbothered by his presence, was devouring a cow, its bloodied flesh clinging to the creature’s claws. Feng Xin swiftly raised his bow, aiming carefully, searching for the creature’s weak points. The demon growled, its eyes flaring crimson, but it had no time to retaliate — a single arrow sliced through the air and unerringly pierced its chest.

The rakshasa’s body crashed to the ground, shaking the stones around it. Yet the unsettling aura persisted, filling the cave. Feng Xin frowned. Clearly, this was not over.

Pressing further into the depths of the cave, he noticed crimson droplets staining the rocks. Someone — or something — was injured. The trail led him to a corner where, barely discernible in the dim light, lay a falcon. Its wing was broken, feathers matted with blood. The bird’s labored breathing stirred faintly in the silence.

Feng Xin narrowed his eyes as he observed it. First the rakshasa, and now this strange creature exuding demonic energy. A sudden thought struck him: a shapeshifter. But a falcon? He couldn’t recall encountering one like this before.

His hand instinctively moved toward his bow. A demon is a demon — there should be no doubt. And yet…

He couldn’t ignore the falcon’s piercing, keen eyes gleaming in the darkness. They held not malice, not a threat, but a strange sentience. They watched him, wary yet calm, awaiting his next move.

Feng Xin gritted his teeth. “Damn it, what a mess,” he cursed inwardly.

His shoulders relaxed despite himself, and his bow found its place on his back once more. In two strides, he was at the creature’s side. Crouching, he reached out toward the wounded being.

The falcon’s gaze never wavered, yet it remained still. Only when Feng Xin gently lifted it did he feel the fragile warmth of its trembling chest against his hands. So light, like a feather caught in the wind.

Feng Xin exhaled sharply. “Just this once. Only this once. After all, it’s a demon,” he tried convincing himself.

The decision was made. He’d take it to the Heavenly Capital — but far from prying eyes…