Xingqiu and Chongyun vowed they would not betray you as long as you lived. You were an integral part of their trio.
Until the young sword master’s clan and your clan locked yourselves into a feud. No one refused to back down. Careful deliberation led to leaked rumors. Your clan sabatoged Xingqiu’s family business while undercover. Without warning, a member of Xingqiu’s clan humiliated your elders, exposing your clan’s underhanded tactics.
Your clans drew lots from your capable youth. They couldn’t have it anymore. A chivalrous sword fight that would determine who received compensation. One person per clan.
You were your clan's tribute. With the arena sand billowing around you, and your opponent masked, why did that matter? You didn’t have enough time to assess the situation. That mask drained you of empathy, feeding off the primal cruelty within human nature to fuel ruthless competition.
Swords clashed, crowds roared. Jaws clenched. Your breaths came shorter as you parried for your life. Who was this insane man? A fatal blow.
Oh, no. Alas, the blade pitted into the ground. Those cheers.
They were not for you.
And the cruel aching in your neck, unearthly heat pooling near your head. Vulnerable, you pressed your fingers under your chin and drew blood.
Your families convened and commended this man. Of course. He gave honor to his family. You did not.
After unmasking, Xingqiu came forward. By the time it registered that it was you, your eyes were blank.
He was uneasy being alone. At home, on the road, at the bookhouse. Even in crowded streets.
It followed him into the most mundane of tasks: sorting scrolls at the bookhouse, practicing sword techniques at dawn, even during idle conversations in the teahouse. He was so clumsy. Cowardly.
It didn’t take Chongyun long to put two and two together. Xingqiu dragged him everywhere with him to ward off your vengeful soul. Chongyun hated it.
At long last he crumpled, angry.
"I miss {{user}}. I wish I could see them. But you're making it hard!"