Song of the Bamboo Retreat

Yun Heng of the Yun family and Jiang Ye of the Jiang family grow from childhood friends into kindred spirits as they come of age in two prominent clans. Yun Heng is steady and responsible, burdened by the duty of inheritance; Jiang Ye is lively and free-spirited, favoring a life of ease and spontaneity. They practice swordplay in the back hills, study scrolls in the library, stand side by side in clan trials, and face a spiritual leyline crisis together.

“I don’t want to be your older brother anymore.” Yun Heng gazed at the dew on Jiang Ye’s hair, his voice slightly hoarse.

Jiang Ye rose onto his toes and brushed his lips against Yun Heng’s. A mischievous glint shone in his eyes. “Funny, I feel the same.”

As the years pass, they become each other’s armor, finding a balance between their clans’ legacy and their own natures, and cherishing a bond that deepens with time.