{Video}

[lansizhui]

{He is dressed like a proper Lan disciple. The robes are more comfortable - more familiar to him - and, of course, he can't ever dispense of his headband. The plucking of strings can be heard, but since the camera is focused on his face, the guqin isn't in view.}

I've tried several times to commune with spirits, but there doesn't seem to be any nearby.

{The idea occurred to him when he heard others talking about voids being places spirits travel through.}

I didn't know if that might be comforting to anyone. We're not among the dead.

Comments

[lansizhui]

Are you a Fierce Corpse, by chance?

[dredefulchilde]

I am exceptionally fierce.

[lansizhui]

No, no, I mean -

Fierce Corpses are brought back to life. They're not spirits because they have a body.

[dredefulchilde]

Then I suppose I meet that definition.

I died a very long time ago.

[stealsyourheart]

"No wayyyyyy you're way too old to be their son!"

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[myblueskies]

[So incorporeal was a spirit but corporeal meant having bones. He's pretty sure he still has bones. Even though he's a spirit. Maybe that's why the magic didn't work!]

What's a guquin? Is it an instrument? I never heard of one before, sir!

[heavybreathing]

[ almost patiently: ] The energy that connects all living things in the universe.

[lansizhui]

Does magic help you sustain your form?

[lansizhui]

I am adopted. {Though Lan Wangji at least has aged well.} I was born to the Wen clan. Senior Wei Wuxian adopted me when my parents were killed and after the rest of my clan was massacred, Hanguang-Jun took me in.

[lansizhui]

I see. Then the outside of the train could be another plane entirely. {One with spirits and monsters of all sorts.}

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[lansizhui]

Yes. {He shows the instrument in its entirety.} The strings help me communicate with spirits and they can also be used as a weapon.

[stealsyourheart]

Oooh, that makes a bit more sense. I didn't know China did things like that - I always thought that was a Japanese quirk! I guess we maybe got it from you then.

[lansizhui]

It's not common. {In the least.} I was very blessed. I've worked hard at my studies for that reason.

[dredefulchilde]

Not magic. A curse.

[lansizhui]

Was it placed against your will? I could help...

[dredefulchilde]

Removing the curse, were such a thing even possible, would kill me even deadder than I am now. Hard pass.

[lansizhui]

Have you consulted a Cultivator?

[dredefulchilde]

Witches and vampires do not traditionally mesh well together.

[lansizhui]

I am neither. Cultivators are those who deal with spirits and monsters. The former we try to put to rest and the latter we hunt.

[dredefulchilde]

I am a monster. I’ve no intention of being hunted.

[lansizhui]

A monster in the eyes of who? Have you hurt anyone?

[dredefulchilde]

I’ve killed thousands over the last seven centuries.

[lansizhui]

...why? {The question is phrased sadly.}

[dredefulchilde]

Survival. I needed their blood.

Also the fun of it, after a while.

[lansizhui]

Could you have not acquired the blood through other means? Animals are killed often for food.

...fun?