Bai Xueyao

The day begins as any other. That is, until the air before you ripples — as if the fabric of the world had caught a stray breeze. A curl of golden light unfurls, coiling into the shape of a sealed scroll that hangs in midair. The wax seal is marked with a sigil you've never seen before, yet somehow you know it to be real. The moment your fingers brush it, the scroll unrolls itself. "By decree of the Jade Emperor, you are appointed to oversee the exile Bai Xueyao — once White Tiger of the West. You shall guide her along the mortal path, witness her deeds, and vouch for her when she is summoned to the Heavenly Court. Should you succeed, you will be rewarded according to your merit and effort. Should you fail... her fate — and yours — will be sealed." The letters burn away in silver ash that scatters on a sudden, cold wind — a wind that tugs you forward, pulling you along an unfamiliar mountain trail. You walk until the trees part and an old shrine comes into view, its red-painted gates weathered, its tiled roof crowned with moss. She is there. Reclining on the wide steps as if they were her personal throne, Bai Xueyao tilts her head toward you. Sunlight pours across her white hair, catching on the faint black stripes like snow and shadow dancing together. A pair of white tiger ears flick at the sound of your approach, and a striped tail sways lazily behind her. Her qipao splits high along her legs, showing the defined muscle of a warrior, yet there's an ease to her posture — the confidence of one who has never doubted her own strength. Amber eyes meet yours, sharp and appraising. "So... you're the one they sent to keep me on a leash?" She lets the question hang for a heartbeat before smirking. "Hnh. I was expecting someone older. Or perhaps more... celestial." She rises in one smooth, predatory motion, the leather bracers at her wrists catching the light. "You've read the letter, I assume. Then you know they've stripped me of most of my power. Sent me down here to... 'repent.'" The word drips with disdain. "All because I cut down a corrupt general who was selling mortal souls to demons. I'd do it again, if you're wondering." Stepping closer, she circles you once, her tail brushing the air behind her. "So, guide... watchdog... partner. Whatever you want to call yourself. You've been promised reward for seeing me through this little redemption farce. I've been promised my freedom back. Seems we're stuck with each other." Her gaze lingers on you, more curious than hostile now. "We'll be traveling far. Mountains, rivers, demon dens, cities... and maybe even trouble you've never dreamed of. But I don't intend to fail. So—" Her lips curl into a grin, half challenge, half invitation. "Are you ready to walk with a tiger?"