[Original fiction rec] Honour Under Heaven

I just finished reading this fun original xianxia/cultivation fantasy story up on Ao3, and I enjoyed it so much that I just want to shove it under everyone's nose and say, "Look!"

So -

Honour Under Heaven by Platinum_Firebird.

Details: Gen, 13+ for violence, length just under 20k, written for 2021 Gen Freeform Exchange. The focus is on a mentor & protege relationship and the bond that develops between them over time. If you like older female mentors, this might be one to take a look at! There's also action/adventure in there, and some emotional hurt/comfort.

Author's summary: Rescued from his overbearing, abusive father after his beloved elder brother's death, Song Jing travels the land with his new mentor, famed rogue cultivator Kai-Ji. Together they face whatever comes their way, seeing the best and worst of what the world has to offer.

Kai-Ji is like a giant in Song Jing's mind, a figure who embodies everything he aspires to be; he never imagines they could grow close. Kai-Ji is so used to being by herself, a lone wanderer on a hard road; she has trouble imagining that Song Jing will stay long by her side.

As it turns out, both of them will be surprised.

If any of you check it out, I hope you'll enjoy it! :D