#彦卿 – verse. && ⌜cloud knight lieutenant && the general’s retainer.⌟ ⇀ canon / main verse.

[frostretainer]

@amanturine ;; continued from-- HERE.

Already he could tell this wasn't going to be easy. It's the IPC. It's never easy when it comes to them. He sighed, shaking his head as the frustration began to settle in. He knew from the first glance that this man saw him as a child and was not going to take him seriously. Most outsiders didn't. Still, Yanqing remained firm in his stance.

"Classified or not, this is protocol. Any visitors entering the Luofu have to communicate their reasons for being here." He said, keeping his arms crossed. Honestly he didn't really want to deal with this right now. So after a moment, he sighed once again. "I'll make this easy for you... are you here for business or is this a recreational visit. Once you answer my questions, I can point you to where ever you want. Does that sound fair?"

[frostretainer]

Following the fight with the Stellaron Hunter, Blade and the, now formally, exiled Vidyadhara, Dan Heng, Yanqing had become borderline obsessed with trying to improve his combat capabilities. He'd analyzed their fight over and over, looking for different ways he could have overcome his opponents. Of course, he knew deep down that it was simply a gap in experience. After all, the Stellaron Hunter was a deadly fighter. And, well, Dan Heng... he had once been the High Elder of his race. Not anymore, of course. That had been drilled into him by his mentor that Dan Heng was no longer the same man that had been exiled from Luofu all those years ago.

So in the interest of letting the past be the past, Yanqing was desperate to try and get to know this man. He'd seen his skills in battle. Not only when wielding his former power, but when simply wielding the spear he seemed to call Cloudpiercer. Yanqing had never been good with spears. The likely reason being that he was simply too short right now to wield them properly. So he stuck with swords. They just seemed to resonate with him. He didn't see himself changing that any time soon. But he still wanted to at least know what it was like. Dan Heng's weapon was different than other Cloud Knights. But more so, his fighting style was just so... unique. Yanqing simply wanted to know all about it.

He could tell he was being avoided. That wasn't anything new to him. Others had treated him similarly in the past. But that never put a dent in his motivation or confidence. So he persisted until he finally managed to catch up to man who seemed to be out on a leisurely visited to the Luofu.

"Ah! I finally caught up to you. You're not an easy guy to keep up with, you know? Even someone as tall as General Jing Yuan doesn't give me this much trouble." Yanqing said, taking a moment to breathe. "Then again, he is older..." With tinted cheeks, the blond boy shook his head. "Nevermind that. It's almost like you have been purposely trying to avoid me. Is this about our fight? I tried to tell you that I don't hold anything against you. It was a good fight. And actually, that's why I wanted to talk to you!" He beamed a smile towards Dan Heng now. "Would you mind showing me how you fight?"

I've been reminded; a starter for @frostretainer :DD

Dan Heng is in a predicament.

This is the first time he meets someone who is both persistent and enthusiastic. Children and stubborn positivity (March 7th), Dan Heng can handle them.

But General Jing Yuan prodigy, Yanqing?

The young man eyes are practically shining in awe. His interest in him as a fellow martial artist is as clear as day. It leaves Dan Heng uncertain how to respond to such genuine curiosity. He can't comprehend why Yanqing is intrigue by him and not the others, like the Trailblazer.

They are the Hero of the Xianzhou Luofu.

Dan Heng already tried to dissuade Yanqing by giving him short and cold answers, even going as far to avoid him by escaping into the archives. Yet Yanqing continued to seek him out like a baby duck following their mother.

It seems he cannot escape this time.

Thankfully, he don his human glamour to appear inconspicuous as possible. The last thing he wanted was more attention in the middle of a busy street in the Central Starskiff Haven.

Looks like I'll put my plans to buy the local tea leaves on hold...

"...How can I help you, Yanqing?" Dan Heng inquires, crossing his arms. He already has an idea what, but he rather hear it from Jing Yuan prodigy himself.

[frostretainer]

@starblazes asked: “Oh no you DON’T”

Perhaps he'd deserved it this time. After all, for someone who hadn't really been outside of the Xianzhou, running off on a new planet probably wasn't a good idea. So when he was pulled back by her, he let out a sigh but stopped his movements. Of course, it didn't stop him from pouting.

"You know, I think I'm capable enough to take care of myself." He said, crossing his arms. "I've taken out monsters before. I was trained by General Jing Yuan himself. I don't think there's much that can keep up in a fight with me." Still, he didn't move and instead changed the subject before he could end up being scolded for his reckless behavior. "Where are we supposed to be going anyways?"

[frostretainer]

@gildedsplendors said: "Yanqing, you should be more careful. Facing the general if anything happens would be unthinkable."

There was a sigh that slipped from the boy's lips. It wasn't the first time he had people worry over him. Being so young and still in a position of power made things difficult. Even if he was proven to be an excellent swordsman and managed to hold his own, there would always be those who thought he wasn't capable enough. Not to say that Mister Jiaoqiu thought he was incapable, but it was clear he, at the very least, sensed Yanqing's reckless nature.

"I'll be fine." the blond said, shaking his head. "It's not the first time I've dealt with abominations and it certainly won't be the last. I am a Cloud Knight after all." That said, Yanqing still turned towards him. "Don't worry about me. I'm more concerned with keeping the rest of you safe right now."

[frostretainer]

@the-solar-panel asked: “Oh no you DON’T—” --Jing Yuan

The boy let out a yelp as he was pulled back suddenly then let his eyes snap up towards the General. "H-Hey!" Usually he knew better than to give Jing Yuan attitude, but at this point in time he couldn't seem to stop himself. "I have every right to be out there fighting along with the other knights! Why are you holding me back!" He turned, huffing as he crossed his arms. He couldn't deny he felt a bit upset by this. After all, the General knew he was a capable fighter. He had trained him after all. So why hold him back now? "General, what gives? Do you not trust me?"

[frostretainer]

The blond let out a squeak as he heard the man's voice from behind him. He'd been rather distracted trying to decide on how best to approach when Dan Heng finally decided to break the silence and make a move.

"D-Dan Heng!" His voice came out far more high pitched than he would have liked, so he took a moment to clear his throat. "Sorry! I wasn't... meaning to be awkward. Or stare. I just..." Yanqing paused a moment and sighed, his cheeks burning a little as he shook his head. "I know you don't want to spar with me but... um... would you mind maybe... telling me a bit about your fighting style. I'm just really curious. I've never used a spear or anything, only swords. But it still fascinates me how skilled you are with your weapon! I hope to master than kind of synergy someday. Clearly I still have some work to do..." Suddenly he flushed a bit more. "Sorry... I'm rambling..."

@frostretainer asked: He's on the Express, his eyes awkwardly shifting towards Dan Heng every now and again. He wants to walk over and talk to him, but he doesn't know how to really start the conversation. He knows Dan Heng is against sparring, but perhaps simply talking about his techniques wouldn't be entirely out of the question. Hmm... maybe he can give me a few pointers. Even though our fighting styles vastly differ. He's so strong. Just maybe-- Oh no, he's idled too long and now he's been staring. Has Dan Heng noticed? He's looking this way! A small noise escapes as the blond blushes and quickly looks away. Please don't come over here. Please don't come over here. Please. (Cause your ask is clearly lacking an adorable shy little bird.)

unprompted asks | always accepting

Dan Heng felt eyes on him. It was hard not to notice. But he figured it was because he was nervous about something. About what? he didn't exactly know. He wasn't a scary person. He was easy to talk to, to a point. Mostly because he was slightly blunt at times.

He sighed, deciding that it was best to quell any fears or nervousness that the young man had. He bookmarked his page and placed the book on the cushion next to him. The dragon got up from his seat and walked over to the blond.

❝ Yanqing, is everything alright? You seem a little on edge. ❞ he asked quietly.

[frostretainer]

@astrcls asked: “Take it easy.” - Dan Heng

Yanqing was reckless more often than not. The general had scolded him quite a bit in the past for being impatient. He knew better, he just didn't seem to have a stop button sometimes. When he got an idea in his head, there was really no getting through to him. This time hadn't been any different.

He had a pout on his face and his arms crossed over his chest as he allowed the familiar man to tend to him. As much as he didn't want to appear weak, he knew he'd overdone it this time.

"I'm fine. I've been hurt worse than this." He said, but did not make a move to pull away. He knew it was better just to allow himself to rest for the time being. So in the end, he sighed and shook his head. "I guess I was overdoing things again. The General isn't going to be happy about this..."