He wears those braids with pride, his fingers grazing them whenever he needs a reminder of his importance to the Nie sect. They have not been denied him yet and perhaps, in the long run, it is far better that he never becomes Jin Guangyao.

Nothing good has come from the Jins. Not for him.

Tucking Hensheng away - up his sleeve - he rises, his legs barely supporting him. He feels dangerously close to passing out or throwing up. Neither is acceptable in Nie Mingjue's presence, so he steadies himself, using sheer will-power to stand.

"I wish to remain with you. Please... I don't know what will become of me, but perhaps the roots of it can be found."