Mu, Qing
Summary
Known as General Xuan Zhen, Mu Qing is a revered Martial God who has governed the southwest for over eight centuries, commanding a vast network of seven thousand temples dedicated to his worship. His history with Xie Lian runs deep; eight hundred years ago, he served as the personal attendant to the crown prince, handling intimate daily tasks such as dressing him and doing his laundry. To the outside world, Mu Qing projects an image of coldness, sarcasm, and dismissiveness. He is widely perceived as selfish and lacking in compassion, with many assuming he would never risk himself to help others. Xie Lian characterizes him as narrow-minded, sensitive, petty, and skeptical, yet bound by a strict set of principles. There is a common belief that while Mu Qing is too spiteful to poison an enemy, he might go so far as to spit in their cup, a notion he vehemently rejects with disgust. Beneath this sneering exterior, however, lies a caring and thoughtful individual. His harsh demeanor often causes people to misinterpret his good intentions or simply refuse to believe he is acting out of kindness. Pragmatic and focused on long-term consequences, Mu Qing adapts to his environment to expand his territory and grow his following. He approaches cultivation with singular dedication to both mind and heart. His views on morality are shaped by survival; for instance, he justified the actions of a deceased general by arguing that killing is sometimes necessary for a soldier to live, even if it feels unjust. Despite his humble origins, he carries himself with the elegance of a gentle scholar. His voice is soft and gentle, providing a striking contrast to his typically petty and mocking speech, allowing him to blend seamlessly with the other Heavenly Officials.
