Something to note is that the kid's grandfather is arguably more important as the head of the Violet house of the Bai. Heavenly Peak would definitely think that at least, and likely most other provinces too. It's just that who of the two have better standing doesn't really matter in the outer sect."Hey guys, let's go jump that commoner thug in the woods where the Elders won't step in."
"Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. I mean, it's not like our ambush will get turned around on us by a Peak Second Realm who will demolish us in a few seconds with barely restrained contempt. I sure would hate it if that happened."
"Ha, yeah. Sure is a good thing that I'm the grandson of someone mildly important whom no one would cross and that there aren't any ducal family members or important branch family members in our year. They'd have the clout and probably power to kick the shit out of all of you and nearly kill me and get away with a slap on the wrist."
"Good point boss. You're right; it sure is a good thing none of that will happen."
An adept of Pocket Sand ArtHe heard the snap of a twig to his right, and the flash of steel. Immediately he dipped his hand into a sewn on pocket, and flung out the contents channeling a trickle of qi. The fine grained sand that he had flung hissed white hot, the cloud expanding to engulf the boy that had come bounding out from the trees.
He howled, the sword dropping from his hands as he clawed at his face, and Liu Xin darted in, fist already drawn back for a punch. The heated grit in the air stung his skin but didn't burn. One hard jab, strike under the ribs, push through. When he stumbled, strike the knee. The boy toppled over, and Liu Xin fled past him.
He had met this girl before, she was part of the elder's advanced lessons and they had been paired for sparring several times. She was cruel and vicious, and rumor had it she was part snake, a member of some powerful family from another province. He was always left on the ground after their spars, barely able to walk. Yet before he hadn't resented her for it. Unlike the rest of the nobles, there wasn't any malice in it, and she'd never made a complaint when he fought the same way.
He never got the chance to say "Do you know who my father is?!""Excuse me! What do you think you are doing, assaulting us like this! You cannot expect to just…" Hou Jin began to snarl.
Her eyes flicked in his direction and the words died in his throat, his face going a blotchy red and white. "Hou Jin, fifth son of the fourth son of the Head of Clan Hou, Counts of the Eighth Peak in the Celestial Peaks. Prospects, mediocre. Status, Irrelevant. Be silent when your betters are speaking."
I.e. "If you pick a fight you deserved or expect me to back you up you have a long day waiting. But if trash needs to be taken out, I will help.""I silenced trash because he did not know his place," Xiao Fen replied easily. "I stepped into the situation because you are my friend. Having spoken with my Mistress on the subject, I determined that this was correct action. Do you believe I erred?"
She was completely nuts, Liu Xin thought faintly. "N-no, friends are supposed to help each other out."
"Very good," Xiao Fen said, finally showing an emotion, a touch of satisfaction showing in the upward quirk of her lips. "Now tea. It is necessary for friends to share their non-vital interests."
Xiao Fen: Friendship is sneks when?"My Mistress ordered that I make a friend," Xiao Fen said matter of factly. "Having reviewed the disciples present this year. I have determined that you will be my friend. Your battle instinct and drive are admirable."
He never got the chance to say "Do you know who my father is?!"
Hm? I get Han Jian, but I always heard Xiulan compared to Azula of the Fire Nation...
And if Azula had pulled an ancient supertechnique out of her ass to kill Ozai and make herself phoenix queen, she would have been a textbook xianxia protagonist too. Her personality fits like a glove.Hm? I get Han Jian, but I always heard Xiulan compared to Azula of the Fire Nation...
Invoking your father is an appeal to authority and backing.