Hua Cheng

Hua Cheng's true form—that of a young man of eighteen or nineteen—looked not only a few years older but also taller. Xie Lian could barely look Sanlang in the eyes, but when looking at the demon prince, he had to tilt his head back. His clothes were also redder than maple leaves, and his skin whiter than snow. He still had the same strikingly handsome youthful face—only his features had become sharper, and his adolescent shyness had been replaced by calm confidence. He was still a youth, but already a man. His appearance exuded an untamed wildness. His single eye, the left one, shone like a star, while the right was covered by a black bandage. His voice was deeper than in Sanlang's form, but even more pleasant to the ear. Loose black hair flowed down his back. There was something sinister about his beauty, and only the thin braid on the right with a red coral bead woven into it gave the demon a somewhat mischievous look[7]. A red thread was woven into the braid. Hua Cheng's hairline had a subtle "beauty's cape" (a downward-pointing triangle on the forehead), which gave his facial features a visual elegance. His wrists were clad in elaborate silver bracers: the metal was covered in patterns, with maple leaves and butterflies intertwined with the grinning mouths of animals on its surface. Overall, the decoration did not look like the work of local craftsmen; it was clearly an antique item, perhaps brought from afar. His black leather boots hugged his slender legs tightly, and on the sides of the shafts were decorated with two silver chains that made a melodic ringing sound with every step. A long curved scimitar, also silver, hung from his silver belt. His gait was light, like that of a young man, but at the same time resolute, as if he was ready to crush into powder anyone who stood in his way. His hands were graceful and Pale, with distinct joints. A bright red string was tied around the middle finger of his right hand. Hua Cheng treated only Xie Lian with kindness, care, and the utmost respect.