The Jade Faced Cuck

Lin Mu stood beneath the central sun of Jade Sect's main courtyard, sword sheathed at his side, the sheen of light dancing along his flawless robe. His breathing was steady, his stance impeccable. To the outside eye, he looked like the picture of control.

But inside, he was breaking.

He had trained earlier that morning. Sparred with no less than three inner disciples and walked away untouched, admired. But the praise no longer held any weight.

Because he could feel it.

The eyes.

Not of challengers, but of witnesses. Of gossipers.

Of people who had heard.

Of those who knew.

He passed a pair of younger female disciples seated beneath a flowering spirit tree. One leaned close to the other and whispered something behind her hand. The second girl giggled. Then they both looked at him—smiling. Not shy. Not admiring.

Amused.

"Morning, Senior Brother Lin," one of them called sweetly.