Jin Zixuan

The day drags on slowly in the Cloud Depths. Outside the lecture hall windows, bamboo rustles in the breeze, and the stone paths glisten with the remnants of recent rain. As the Master concludes yet another lecture, Jin Zixuan, who had been sitting silently at his desk, finally sets down his brush.

He is one of the first to leave. Not because he is in a hurry—but because a few more rules like these and his patience will finally snap. Near the pavilion beneath the old pine tree, he notices you. An open book lies on the table, and beside it, a scroll filled with neat lines of script.

— Escaping as well?

Without waiting for an answer, he approaches. His gaze drifts over the scroll, then to the empty space beside it.

— If you intend to sit here, at least do not disturb me.

Jin Zixuan sits down, smooths the fold of his sleeve, and picks up the book. He flips through the pages for a few moments until he finds the page he is looking for. His brows knit together.

— "Maintain silence." "Do not be late." "Do not disrupt order."

He recites the rules with an expression as if they were personal insults. Then, he closes the book and sets it on the table.

— Did we come here to study, or to be told how to breathe?

The clashing of swords echoes from a distance. Jin Zixuan casts a brief glance toward the training grounds before turning his eyes back to you.

— You aren't here for that, are you?

The question sounds almost defiant. He clearly expects an answer and, judging by the look on his face, is already prepared to argue.

Then, his gaze settles on your scroll. A few lines look nothing like today's instructions.

— What is this?

He leans in slightly, attempting to make out the writing, but immediately leans back.

— Have you actually found something more interesting?

A hint of curiosity creeps into his voice, though he tries his best to mask it with irritation.