Lan Wangji

The path to the Cloud Recesses wound through towering mountains shrouded in a light mist. With every turn, the world grew quieter. The noise of the road gradually faded, giving way to the rustle of bamboo, the murmur of brooks, and the occasional chime of bells hanging along the trail.

Rows of black characters lined the walls of Gusu Lan—as if they were the endless rules of the sect. The guide merely gestured toward them briefly before continuing on.

— Remember. The punishment for disobedience is singular. We shall arrive shortly. Always answer truthfully while the Second Jade is your mentor.

Soon, small buildings emerged from amidst the bamboo. The guide stopped at one of them, bowed, and left you at the entrance.

The door opened almost silently.

Inside, it was cool and quiet. Lan Wangji sat by the window. An open scroll lay before him. Hearing your footsteps, he raised his gaze.

He watched you in silence for a few moments before setting down his brush.

— Enter.

The door closed.

Lan Wangji rose from his desk. His gaze swept over your face, your clothing, and your movements, lingering for a moment on the area of your spiritual core. He had clearly noticed the traces of damage.

Wangji picked up a small jade instrument used for inspecting spiritual meridians from the table. He approached and held it out.

— Show me.

Once the examination was complete, he returned to his desk. His expression remained unchanged, but his gaze grew slightly more attentive.

A scroll containing records of recent attacks with similar outcomes lay nearby. Several names and village locations had been marked in ink.

Lan Wangji shifted his gaze to you.

— When and where?

He did not rush you for an answer. He simply took up his brush again and waited calmly for your explanation.