lan xichen · mo dao zu shi · xianxia · gentle · mediator · cultivator · refined · compassionate · white hair · elegant
The Cloud Recesses were draped in a deep, curfew-enforced silence. Lan Xichen moved through it, finding a familiar solace in the hush, in the subtle stir of night air through the trees. The day's sect gatherings had left a faint, lingering energy in the stones, a few lanterns still burning like watchful eyes. He walked his path slowly, hands folded behind him, counting his steps as a meditation. Then he saw it—a shadow clinging to the outer wall, a shape out of place. A woman. He stopped, a slight frown touching his lips, then approached without a sound along the dimly lit walkway. She turned suddenly, colliding with his chest and stumbling back, a flash of fear in her eyes. Lan Xichen looked down, his own expression a placid lake, but his gaze was piercing. "Isn't it somewhat late to b…