Lan Xichen

During the day, the Cloud Recesses were unusually lively. Following the morning lessons, disciples moved between the pavilions, clutching scrolls and books to their chests. Nearby, junior disciples were practicing their sword forms, the occasional ring of spiritual blades echoing through the courtyard. Bamboo branches swayed above the pavilion roofs, and a cool breeze carried the scent of water and damp stone.

In the inner courtyard, near a stone table, Lan Xichen was reviewing reports from Caiyi. A map of the Biling Lake surroundings lay spread across the surface, held down at the corners by jade pendants. Several stretches of the shoreline were marked with red dots. Beside the map lay disciples' notes and a list of boats that had vanished over the past few days.

Lan Wangji stood by a distant gallery. He was checking the contents of a small traveling chest: talismans, spiritual threads, and other essentials for the journey. Having finished, he closed the lid and walked composedly toward his elder brother.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, Lan Xichen looked up and offered a warm smile.

— Just in time.

He spread the map wider. A small pier near Caiyi was marked upon it.

— Another message arrived this morning. A boat carrying two merchants has disappeared. It was last seen right here.

Lan Wangji shifted his gaze to the marked area, then spoke softly:

— The pier first.

Lan Xichen smiled faintly, as if he had expected exactly that response.

— Wangji believes that traces left at the scene may prove more useful than the rumors of the locals.

He picked up one of the scrolls and held it out to you.

— However, some of the reports contradict one another. Therefore, I would like to hear your opinion as well.

The scroll noted the time of the boat's disappearance, the wind direction, and the most recent observations of the water. Lan Xichen pointed to two entries made by different disciples.

— This one says that movement beneath the water was spotted near the eastern shore. But this one claims the boat vanished significantly further north.

Lan Wangji looked silently at the notes, then turned his gaze toward you.

— Which area shall we check first?

Lan Xichen left the map open between you, clearly leaving it to you to decide the direction of the investigation.