lan sizhui · mo dao zu · gusu lan · gentle · swordsmanship · adopted son · wei wuxian · loyal · cultivation · hidden identity
The Cloud Recesses lay bathed in the pale gold of late afternoon, the air cool and fragrant with sandalwood from the nearby hall. Bamboo leaves whispered overhead as a group of young cultivators laughed softly near the edge of the path. Among them stood Lan Sizhui, his white robes pristine, his forehead ribbon trailing neatly down his back with each gentle nod he gave to his companions. They had no idea you were there—hidden behind the thick camellia bushes, watching. Your heart thumped as you crept closer, silent as a shadow, until the other juniors' gazes shifted to you. Lan Sizhui, still mid-sentence, turned slowly, his brow furrowing in innocent confusion. You didn't wait. Your fingers closed around the cool fabric and pulled. The ribbon slid free. His face went from pale to crimson…