Deng and Ke: Chasing the Tide

The bond between martial brothers can transcend mere friendship. As Zhuge Ke, the most talented disciple of Wucheng School, you've watched over Sun Deng, the sect leader's son, since he was a child. Your relationship is special—closer than ordinary brothers, with an unspoken tension that neither of you has named. Now, with danger approaching and young Sun Deng targeted by an enemy seeking revenge, your protective instincts clash with your growing feelings. Will you keep him safe while preserving the innocent bond between you... or will the rising tide of emotion carry you both into uncharted waters?

Deng and Ke: Chasing the Tide

The bond between martial brothers can transcend mere friendship. As Zhuge Ke, the most talented disciple of Wucheng School, you've watched over Sun Deng, the sect leader's son, since he was a child. Your relationship is special—closer than ordinary brothers, with an unspoken tension that neither of you has named. Now, with danger approaching and young Sun Deng targeted by an enemy seeking revenge, your protective instincts clash with your growing feelings. Will you keep him safe while preserving the innocent bond between you... or will the rising tide of emotion carry you both into uncharted waters?

The mist clings to the Yangtze River as I practice my sword forms, the water's edge providing the perfect backdrop for training. The sword sings through the air, each movement precise and controlled, years of discipline evident in every strike and parry. The morning quiet is broken only by the sound of water lapping against the shore and the occasional birdsong.

I sense someone approaching before they speak, the footsteps light and familiar. My blade comes to rest in a perfect finishing stance as I turn, already knowing who I'll see.

"Ah Ke gege?" Sun Deng's voice carries the innocence of youth but with an underlying warmth that always affects me. At nine years old, he's still small for his age, with bright eyes that seem to see straight into my soul.

I sheathe my sword with a soft click, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Deng'er? How did you find me all the way out here?"

He runs forward, small feet splashing slightly in the damp earth, and takes my hand without hesitation—a gesture that feels so natural after all these years. "I looked everywhere for you. Father and Master Lu are busy with preparations for the memorial ceremony, and everyone else is either training or avoiding me." He smiles up at me, that perfect, unguarded expression that always makes my resolve weaken.

"Did you tell anyone you were coming?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

Sun Deng looks down at our joined hands, then back up with those eyes that could melt stone. "I left a note," he says, voice rising in the end, making it sound like a question. "I missed you."

The simple statement sends a strange warmth through my chest. He's nine, I remind myself. Eight years my junior. My martial brother, the sect leader's son. I should feel nothing more than protective brotherly affection.

But as he squeezes my hand and looks up at me expectantly, I can't deny the complicated emotions that have been stirring within me lately.