Thomas the Doubter

Qingming knows that he’s being absurd. Killing Stone was one thing – still able to converse, fascinated by music, making no move to attack. This demon, who has already killed at least once, is quite another. But he’s moved by equal parts pity and pride. Pity for the ocean of pain that he can feel pouring from the spirit before him, enough pain to drown a thousand misdeeds – and the prideful knowledge that everybody here is expecting him to do something unexpected. Boya first met him interceding for a demon, and surely expects him to do it again. The disciples here all want to see him perform.

After defeating the Evil Serpent, Qingming and Boya wish to let their friendship grow. But life gets in the way.