I am a pure yin constitution furnace, the best furnace for dual cultivation. Once I finish my training, only the sect master will be allowed to use me. But then shizun killed the sect master and took me home, and he said, “From now on, you are not a furnace. You are my disciple.”

A short story about found family, recovery, and new beginnings.

(The romance lines are teacher x rogue cultivator, disciple x disciple)

Context for readers: this story breaks down a common trope in cultivation stories found in Chinese fantasy, namely, the idea of a "human cauldron" or human furnace. In these stories, engaging in 'dual cultivation' (that is, intercourse) with someone of opposite traits from yourself can increase your strength of cultivation. Human furnaces are people with whom dual cultivating is especially beneficial. They often suffer tragic fates. The protagonist in this story is someone who has been raised as a human furnace, without understanding of his own worth as a human being. The novel explores his healing and growth as he learns to live freely with the support of his teacher and friends. While this is a slice-of-life story that focuses on daily living and emotion, it touches on darker concepts within the protagonist's psychology and memories. Please take care while reading.