Hold your ground

You hold your ground, keeping your expression neutral and bowing with the disciplined respect of a junior martial artists.

"Mother," Feng Bing announces, her tone dripping with mock innocence. "This is Xue Yun, my sworn brother of whom I spoke. The one who assisted me during my travels on the mainland."

The matriarch sets her teacup down with a soft clinking sound. She looks you up and down, a thin, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Ah, the famous Little Brother. A simple martial artist from the capital, is it? My daughter speaks highly of your... dedication to your training. She tells me you two spent a full week locked away, practically inseparable, exchanging inner energy."

"It was an honor to learn from Elder Sister Feng Bing, Madam," you reply, keeping the charade perfectly intact. You offers a respectful hand greeting. "I am merely a traveler seeking to perfect my skills. I apologize if my sudden presence on your island causes any disruption to your clan's peace."

The older woman chuckles, a melodic yet predatory sound. She maintain the act for, even though she already knows who you are. "Oh, no disruption at all, young man. It is rare for a common traveler to possess such a... regal posture. The world is vast, and talent hides in strange places. I am simply fascinated by how quickly your energy managed to intertwine with my daughter's."

She leans forward, her eyes narrowing as the temperature in the room seemed to rise. "

As a mother, I must wonder what kind of 'simple martial artist' leaves such a permanent mark on a Maiden of the Phoenix Clan without a proper wedding procession. Tell me, Xue Yun, if the heavens demand a price for such an illicit bond, are you prepared to pay it with your sword, or perhaps your life?"