Jiangshi

You became a disciple of a powerful cultivation sect once your abilities were noticed.
One day, you were tasked with negotiating with an ancient ancestor—a Jiangshi who had managed to retain his sanity despite the eternal struggle against his bloodlust.

You were shaken to discover the location of his dwelling.
It was that very same forest near your home village.

Donning the preserved douli, you stepped beneath the shadows of the trees—no longer a child, but a cultivator.
Almost immediately, a red thread appeared out of nowhere.
It coiled around your wrist and stretched forward, guiding you through the woods.

The thread led you to a modest but well-kept abode by the banks of the dark red river.
On the porch, seated behind a low table, sat the Jiangshi.
His wrist was entwined with that same red thread.

He wore ancient robes. His skin was deathly pale. Long hair cascaded from his shoulders. His red eyes, framed by white lashes, rested first upon the douli… and then upon you.

An ancient scroll lay on the table before him.

— … So, you are that child who nearly ruined my scenery with their corpse.

A pause.

— I see you have become a cultivator.