#baicheng

[unteriors]

Taobei District, Baicheng, Jilin.

[asunas-embers]

Continued from x with @bai-cheng​

“Masters are always the hardest on their best and brightest students. Perhaps you should take her prodding as a compliment, in a roundabout sort of manner.” Asuna chuckled softly, leaning her head forward onto her arms, her wraps serving as extra cushioning. Her own master had recommended she come see Akari for some relief from the tightness in her shoulders after a few days of relentless training, but only her mentee had been in when Asuna arrived. BaiCheng’s services were just as appreciated as Akari’s would have been, nevertheless. 

“I have heard that massage is a skill that takes much more knowledge and skill than what most assume. How long have you been in training? Surely quite a while, yes?” she asked. Asuna was the type to be naturally trusting and inquisitive - conversation came easily when she felt safe enough. 

[floral-flames]

Cont. || @bai-cheng

Hisoki’s shoulders stiffened slightly, the faintest pull in his chest echoing through the quiet space. He kept his hands at his sides, flexing his fingers in place of gestures that would normally convey tone — subtle movements to match the words he could no longer rely on vision alone to convey.

“I understand,” he said softly, voice measured, steady, carrying acknowledgment rather than argument. “You have every right to say no. After everything… I would not blame you for it.”

A careful pause followed. His chest rose and fell slowly as he let the words settle, letting the quiet fill in what his eyes could no longer convey. His lips pressed into a thin line, a shadow of restraint holding back the weight of everything unsaid.

“And yet,” the warrior mumbled, voice low, deliberate, “to think I could simply disappear… to pretend that what I left behind matters so little… that, I cannot accept. I will not.”

Hisoki shifted just enough so his presence could be felt, letting BaiCheng sense the careful balance between respect and closeness, between apology and loyalty. “I do not ask for forgiveness,” he continued, softer still, “nor do I presume it. But know this — whatever has been lost, I have not forgotten, and neither have I walked away from it.”

[asunas-embers]

Continued from x with @bai-cheng​

It was uncommon but not unheard of for Asuna to be ambushed by other warriors from groups that quarreled with the Shirai Ryu - enough people knew of her status, her relationship to the clan’s leader, that the woman had a sizeable target on her back most places she went. This appeared to be one of those instances - though she didn’t recognize her assailants nor who they were with, they certainly seemed to know who she was - attacking from her blind spot, already knowing to steer clear of her fire. It was quickly becoming overwhelming. Yet, when she was beginning to wonder if this was going to be a hostage situation, someone moved between her and the people bearing down on her.

And it was BaiCheng??

The woman didn’t allow herself to remain shocked for long. Asuna attempted to stay in the same place relative to BaiCheng, out of his way but close enough to help, though it didn’t even appear needed - it occurred to her then that she’d never seen BaiCheng in a fight, not even with his sword drawn. Asuna kept people off of his back - her fire was not so easy to avoid when there were two targets to worry about - and suddenly, it was over. Other than a few bruises and disheveled clothes, Asuna was fine, but BaiCheng was covered in blood. She frowned. Hopefully it wasn’t his own - she hadn’t been able to catch all of it.

Suddenly he crumpled, shocking a sharp gasp out of Asuna before she rushed around in front of him to help, placing her hands on his shoulders to communicate exactly where she was as she knelt down too, mentally cursing for not having much by means to clean or bandage anything with on her. Ultimately, the woman ended up tearing a clean(ish) shred of cloth from one of the layers of her clothes and began gently dabbing, starting at the man’s face. She was still too shocked to really think of asking why or how he’d suddenly been there - she was certainly glad, but now he was in this mess because of her. When he finally did speak, the woman couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“You know that isn’t going to stop me.” she chided him gently, giving his face a few more gentle pats before moving to an arm. She frowned as she noticed a bit of a gash, then folded the fabric over, padding it over the wound, keeping it still with one hand while she removed the wrapping over her eye to use to hold it in place. This would have to do until they could get somewhere safer, cleaner. Another careful pat-down reassured that BaiCheng had no worse injuries before the woman pulled him into a warm embrace. “I do not know why or how you knew to be here, but thank you, BaiCheng.” she spoke softly.

[ayin-sung]

KIZIL Buddha caves and Kumarajiva.

Journey to Xinjiang in 2019, Kumarajiva’s home, KUQA.

I met an unusual rainstorm in the desert that day.

[ayin-sung]

Highway S307 in Xinjiang(Kuqa to Baicheng). Trip to xinjiang in 2019.

[tularue11]

Reposted from @kristinbauer - These Golden’s were saved rom being dinner in China. Repost from @worldanimalnews_ - With the horrific #YulinDogMeatFestival beginning tomorrow, it is important to highlight successful rescue stories from the dog meat trade. @goldenbondrescue (GBR) participated in taking possession of 48 #goldenretrievers in #Baicheng, #China, which were rescued from a slaughterhouse by the owner of #PlushBearShelter. - After weeks of planning, rescuers from #Beijing made the long drive from Beijing to Baicheng to collect the dogs and drive them back to Beijing where they would stay until various American golden retriever rescue groups could transport them to the U.S. 🙏🐕💛 #BanDogMeat #StopDogMeat #StopTheTorture - Please help @goldenbondrescue continue to rescue dogs by donating today.🙏👆(LINK IN OUR BIO) - Via @katiezwingman - 🌍👉 @worldanimalnews_ @peace_4animals #WorldAnimalNews - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/BzCqulNBE_t/?igshid=1a82oqzipv7oc