In the beginning. And there are fluctuations. [ it's not too hard to admit that, not to mo ran, especially when he's staring at jiangui, and the proof that this is mo ran and not something his mind conjured up. his tether, now gone, coinciding with the arrival of this handsome, stunning man, with mo ran's smile and voice and everything. there's no denying it: mo ran is here— his disciple (his favorite, though he'd never admit that, not even on the pain of death), a welcomed, familiar presence. the desired presence, if he had to pick someone to join him here. but it also means he's dead. not on chu wanning's watch, at least, which is cold comfort, but comfort nonetheless.

chu wanning waves his hand with a sigh, making tianwen disappear. he reaches out to run a slender finger over the stretched-out length of the whip, feeling the power crackle beneath his touch. ] I won't take your spiritual weapon. [ he probably could use it, even if he couldn't call it forth, the perfect match to his own spiritual weapon. but it's mo ran's, and he wouldn't do more than this without need. ] It's been five years for you. Since— [ he hesitates, uncharacteristically uncertain and ready to retreat. but mo ran, from all of his actions, doesn't want him to go. so he pushes on, swallowing before he speaks again. ] Since the rift. And you've been traveling since then.

[ he's grown and filled out and he's clearly been outside, with how tanned he is. he's probably done impressive things, and made friends. chu wanning wonders if he has lovers, some gentle beauty waiting for him. did shi mei go with him on those travels? but those are uncharitable thoughts, and chu wanning pushes them aside. he has mo ran here. that's enough. ] Will you tell me about it?