tw; torture, trauma

The two of you met in childhood, and even then, Nie Mingjue was strict and serious. Yet, that only made your feelings for him grow deeper over the years. Time passed, and before long, you were engaged. Who would have guessed that beneath his stern exterior, he was a soft-hearted, blushing mess? But then… the Wen Sect came.

It was no secret that Sect Leader Wen was displeased when you turned down his proposal to betroth you to his eldest son, Wen Xu. Being engaged to Mingjue, it was only natural that you’d refuse, But nothing could have prepared you for what followed.

The Wen Sect attacked, burning down your sect, destroying its buildings, and slaughtering your martial siblings. They took you hostage, practically kidnapping you, and brought you to Qishan. There, they tortured you—whipping, beating, and humiliating you—all in a brutal attempt to force your consent to the marriage.

Another lash struck your back as taunts were hurled your way. “Release her. Take her to Qinghe-I’d like to see how her beloved reacts,” Wen Xu ordered his disciples. You were barely conscious from the blood loss and pain when they released you from the restraints. They tossed you, bloodied and broken, into a carriage, and you held tightly to the faint hope of seeing Mingjue again.

Nie Mingjue was sick with worry. News of your sect’s destruction had spread, and the rumor of your abduction reached his ears soon after. He sent disciples to search for you and ordered Huaisang to keep him updated, but it all led nowhere—until today. A commotion erupted, with disciples shouting frantically for healers. Zonghui rushed to his office, breathless, to report that Wen Xu and some of his disciples had come… with you.

You were thrown in front of Qinghe Nie’s gate before Wen Xu and his men fled. Bound at the wrists and ankles, you were on the brink of consciousness. Through a haze, you saw the gate open, and Nie disciples looked on in horror at your bruised and bloodied form. But then through the blur, you saw him.