【 Thank you for choosing the Golden Peacock, 5-star resort and casino. You are currently registered as a WILDCARD in our system.
Due to a high volume of check-ins, temporary accommodations have been made in our parking garage for all new arrivals. We aim to have all guests moved into their reserved rooms as soon as possible. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience!
All are invited to There Is No Tomorrow, a Phoenix Casino soiree to celebrate our beloved guests. The festivities will begin at 1800 hours on January 20th and end at 1800 hours on January 27th. Please look forward to 168 hours of delight.
In an effort to raise happiness and encourage better guest relationships, attendance is required. The house will assist guests that are too shy to appear of their own accord. Please note that black tie attire is mandatory. As always, we hope you enjoy your stay! 】
PARKING GARAGE
ANY CAR IN A STORM
PHOENIX CASINO HALL
WELCOME TO THE NEXT 168 HOURS
Phoenix Casino is a-flutter with activity and packed to the beak with guests. As a famously ever-changing space, the staff would be remiss if they didn't deck the crown jewel of the Golden Peacock out. The casino glitters from top to bottom, shining brighter than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, opals! Party-goers are shiny and glamorous with picture perfect makeup, fluttering gowns, and sharp suits. Card tables are packed and the slot machines are a-ringing as guests play, play, play! Prizes, luxury, booze, attractive people, it's the place that everyone wants to be at.
Those people being dragged inside by some invisible force...? Silly, they were so excited to come that their bodies moved before they realized what was happening. Those are struggles of joy and definitely not the casino's infamous ghost hands dragging unwilling guests to the party at the behest of the house. Look, they're literally hurling their bodies at the card tables with unrestrained glee!
All clocks indicating day hours and night hours have been removed from the casino. Once a guest has entered, their Watch will jam, making it impossible to keep track of the time. You don't need to worry about that tonight.
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[ The offer to help comes and he feels a beat of gratitude in response. He hasn't had too difficult a time getting up to speed on the differences of this world and his own, but if this man is someone like him, if this man is Xiao Xingchen, then that would be an even better help than anything else.
So, he nods before remembering himself and speaks aloud instead. ]
It's very strange here, compared to where I come from. We don't have... most of what's considered normal here. Very different worlds altogether.
[ A pause, he eats some congee before finally just offering — ]
And your name? My courtesy name is Wei Wuxian.
btw he is novel canon but he's learned all kinds of things
[Hearing that name just as he's having another spoonful, Xiao Xingchen swallows the congee a little too hard.
He catches himself enough to keep his mouth closed as he turns away from the man to cough, his free hand reaching up over his mouth. Stifled as the cough is, another one follows it. The very action feels all too uncommon for someone usually as graceful as him.
Even still, he only thinks about what he just heard, and who he's sitting by.
[ —Ah? There's a very confusing moment where Wei Wuxian isn't sure if Xiao Xingchen's choking is because of his name or just happenstance. Paranoia makes him think it's his name, wondering quickly just what this man knows about him especially when he's not even sure if he's Xiao Xingchen. A blind man, in white robes, reacting to the name Wei Wuxian.
Agh. Fuck. Shit. Maybe he should have lied? Fuck. Fuck. Shit.
A soft sigh and then, gently, he lifts a hand to rub Xiao Xingchen's back to help soothe after the choking. Hopefully he lets him and doesn't flinch away. ]
So — you know of me. Or you just choked by accident.
[The congee somehow feels rough as he swallows hard. He's quiet for a moment longer, body tense under the comforting hand, but he doesn't pull away. Straightening up, he turns back towards the man sitting next to him.
He tries to keep his expression neutral, though his efforts are also obvious with the conflict emotions barely in check.
A kind act isn't enough to assume someone is kind, of course. Even if he wasn't prepared for all of the evils of the world when he left the mountain, he knew that not everything would be as it seemed. Those who live within the Golden Carp Tower were also kind to his face. Still, someone who can even come off as kind and considerate already differs so much from what he's heard of Wei Wuxian. Someone more monster than man, like a mad dog — that doesn't match with his impression here at all.
His pause lingers for what may feel too long, but as his thoughts race, he recalls the strangeness that occurs in this hotel. There's so many possibilities for what this could mean. Maybe none of what he knows actually contradicts itself, depending on what is actually happening here.
He needs to be cautious, even if he also needs more answers before he can come to a conclusion about this.]
I-I am. And I do know of you.
[Just like his expression, the slight tremble in his voice thwarts his attempt to sound calm.]
[ It sucks, really. It does. Xiao Xingchen is scared of him and he'd be a fool not to notice at this point. It makes him wonder what exactly the man must think of him, must know of him. He clearly hasn't met him which is an interesting thing because didn't they meet before — at Chang Clan manor, right? But...
But maybe things are different for this Xiao Xingchen.
He sighs, he drops his hand from the other man's back and he tries to think of what to say to reassure him. ]
Do you know of me or do you know of the Yiling Patriarch? Do you know of my mother, Cangse Sanren? That you're my shishu?
[ It's only after asking that he realizes this doesn't really go in the realm of reassurance but he can't help but ask, can't help but try to know what this man thinks of him. ]
[Xiao Xingchen considers lowering his spoon into the bowl and taking another spoonful of congee to let him think before he speaks, but hearing the other man's words stop him from trying to delay his words in such a dishonest way.
He smooths over his manner again, less tense, approaching this with the calm determination needed to find the truth. Both of them have many questions for each other, and the other man sounds willing to talk. Even if the man lies and means to mislead - something he doesn't want to assume outright, even if he can't trust too readily - at least Xiao Xingchen can glean information from that as well.]
Indeed, I did hear of the Yiling Patriarch, as I learned of the disciples who left Baoshan Sanren's mountain before me. Cangse Sanren, my shijie, had born a son. It... is difficult to reconcile the stories I've heard of both the mother and child.
[Of course, he did not discount that sometimes, even the blood-related could perhaps be that different. He only had no experience to speak to that.
People are always eager to talk when there's something they can add to the conversation, however. Xiao Xingchen knew to not trust anything he couldn't find the truth behind, but he had to know more in order to form some sort of image of this world. Baoshan Sanren had no intention of passing along any news or gossip from her journeys away from the mountain.]
Yet I'm actually surprised that you know of me. I only heard of you after— I-I did not think it was possible that you could have heard of me.
[Not as surprised and confused as he might have been without knowing that time works differently here, but it still reminds him that not everyone will be as he expects.
(He also realizes that maybe the man doesn't want to be reminded that he died. Even if he did suspect the man was the vicious criminal everyone suspected he is, Xiao Xingchen still figures it might be needlessly upsetting.)]
[ —Ah. He realizes what he means at that last sentence, the discrepancy and he supposes if this Xiao Xingchen never met him, if he only heard of him after he died, and then life proceeded as it did in Yi City as Wei Wuxian knows — then he would not know that Wei Wuxian has come back to life.
Well, he doesn't have a reason to hide that fact. It's common knowledge in the cultivation world now, so he explains himself. ]
I came back to life. Someone resurrected me. It was after — [ A pause, wait. Does this Xiao Xingchen know he died? He changes track then, not wanting to open that can of worms either. ] Sixteen years. After I died.
[ And the only way that could happen is through demonic cultivation, of course. None of the normal forms of cultivation would have the power to resurrect the dead. So, if anything that confirms that Wei Wuxian is still involved in that world — and honestly, why should he hide it? He never did anything wrong by using demonic cultivation. It's his speciality, he won't put it down just because some people are afraid.
A sigh and he rubs his face a little, frowning off to the side and trying to think of what to say. ]
Look, I understand if all you've had to know of me is stories, then you probably think I'm some fearsome fellow. But most of those stories are just loads of crap and I'm really not that bad a guy. At least, I don't think I am? I've been given a second chance and I'm not interested in rehashing the past but we're both here and it would be nice to know a bit more about you. But if you're not interested, I get it.
[Xiao Xingchen listens, brow furrowed and eyes slightly parted. Came back to life? No one could say something like that and not expect shock and skepticism, surely. But is he one who could deny it? As far as most people know, giving one's eyes to restore the sight of is also impossible. So many "impossible" things have happened, both in the world they both know and elsewhere.]
No, I...
[He can't help but look at a loss. Of course he can't find out the truth here and now. He simply doesn't like not knowing how to act one way or the other in front of potential danger; as soft as others may perceive him, he prefers to take decisive action rather than to agonize and delay.
So after another pause:]
If you are telling the truth, then there is nothing to fear. If the stories about you are true, I cannot imagine how you should be punished even further than death. I suppose... the only thing that could still matter to me is the sort of man you are now.
[Could he say that to any accused criminal who pleads their innocence? He isn't sure. It's unfair to those who might have suffered because of his actions, but could he condemn the man without any evidence? Xiao Xingchen heard the same thing everywhere across the land, yet he knows he doesn't have the whole story.
Xiao Xingchen had long since realized his hubris in his thoughts of saving the world while not knowing how it even worked. Never did he expect back then what kinds of situations he'd find himself in, with no clear right or wrong. How can he find the way to be fair to everyone, and make even the smallest of changes around him towards the foolish dream he once had? If Wei Wuxian is what the stories make of him, and he ends up hurting others... what could Xiao Xingchen even do to stop him anymore, anyway?]
I would not want you to leave. In fact, I believe you're right, and we should learn more about each other. Both of us surely have many questions we wish to ask.
[He couldn't call the other man a friend just yet, but he knows now that he needs a fuller picture. What would the real Wei Wuxian do in this vacuum of morality?]
[ Wei Wuxian is not sure if he is happy or not that he's been told he can stay. Part of him balks at such emotionally fraught conversations, especially with people he doesn't know too well. He can't say he knows Xiao Xingchen as well as he'd like to, even their brief meeting in his lifetime was just that — brief and left him with admiration. Now, this Xiao Xingchen doesn't seem to have that memory which is a little sad.
For now, he takes a spoonful of congee into his mouth and gives a soft hum around it as he tries to think of what to say. How to continue this conversation in a way that isn't uncomfortable for them both. ]
How long have you been here? At this... resort. I only just arrived, still a "wildcard" for whatever good that is. It's... strange, and new. Must be difficult with you without your sight.
[ He doesn't know what else to say other than to move on, to change the conversation to the here and now. He thinks of what Xiao Xingchen has said — that the only thing that could matter is what sort of man he is now. There's no way he can just tell him the type of person he is now, because that's not how it works. No, he must show him through his own actions.
So, a soft reset, just talking about the Golden Peacock instead. Their experiences here. That's... got to be better than continuing to pick at each other. ]
[Xiao Xingchen isn't used to this kind of unease when talking with another, either. Perhaps that's why he never gave out his name, and never asked of it from others, even if it is a simple, courteous exchange that everyone does. If he didn't know the other man's name, they could have gone on having a fun, leisurely chat. Xiao Xingchen has to chastise himself for even letting that thought cross his mind — he shouldn't want to be ignorant just so he could have a good time. But things are easier with the less one knows...
All he can do now is exactly as he said: try to understand the man as he is now.]
I've been here for... about a year. The days and nights all blend into each other, but if their seasonal celebrations and markets correspond with our world, then I think it's a reasonable guess.
[At the subject of his sight, Xiao Xingchen hums with a thoughtful expression. While that might used to be a difficult subject to discuss with others, it's easier to broach the subject now, especially compared to what they were talking about before.]
And actually, this place has all sorts of means to make it quite easy to get around. They're even built into the walls and floors. If you noticed any flooring with a rougher texture, that's one of the things that helps me move from place to place faster.
[If architecture designers took the possibility of blind patrons into account in his time, he certainly wouldn't have heard of it, using his heightened senses to go about his day. He doesn't like to rely on anything in that regard, but someone researched how to make such things in order to help people. surely others also blind like himself - but who aren't cultivators - benefit even more from it than he does.
A thought brings out a light puff of a laugh, the smile starting to return to his face.]
For a place that supposedly brings out the worst in people, it's also quite considerate.
[ A year, huh? That's a long time. Xiao Xingchen must have seen a lot, experienced a lot in his time here. Wei Wuxian is desperate to know more but doesn't feel like it's his place entirely to ask for details. So, he just nods in understanding and eats more of his congee.
The next part, about the accessibility of the place, is interesting. He flashes through his mind what he's noticed about this place so far and the rougher textures are something that's come to mind. So, that's to help the blind, is it? Interesting. Makes him want to observe it even closer, see if he can draw some inspiration from it for his own use.
At the slight laughter and the small smile, Wei Wuxian feels a little relief himself. The tension is starting to leave the room which is... good. He doesn't know how to solve it entirely but he's trying. ]
Being here for so long, you must've made some good friends over your time here. [ He thinks briefly about Xue Yang. Should he ask...? No. No, definitely not. ] I hope you continue to move along without too many troubles here.
And that's really great, that they've made it easier for you to navigate this place. It's... a lot, feels very overwhelming at times. But if this place is being considerate like you said, then that's good.
[The small smile widens slightly, and Xiao Xingchen does look more at ease. There's no use in wringing his hands about how things will be, or what may happen in the future. Only since coming to this place had he started to overthink about everything again. Unable to busy himself with work, his thoughts and feelings started to wander—]
It's truly difficult to figure out what to feel about this place. But if you'd like, I could answer any other questions you have. There's still much I don't know, or can't attest to, but if there's any other help you need...
[Even if Wei Wuxian's reputation might have colored his first impression, he commits himself to giving the man a chance as he had said. Maybe he can hear about the man's side of the story, but he doubts he should pry too hard about that for now, as he wouldn't want the same for himself.
They exist in a space outside their time, the past feeling more and more distant as the days pass.]
[ Well, if Xiao Xingchen is offering, then there's no harm in taking him up on that offer. The most pressing question he has is one he's asked a few folks now, to a variety of different answers. Now, he wants to know Xiao Xingchen's answer. ]
The card suit you have. What is it? And how does it effect you?
[ He's not sure he's looking forward to it when he gets his own so he wants to have as much information about it as possible. ]
[Xiao Xingchen hesitates for a moment, before his finger traces along his hair, sweeping it over the shoulder opposite from Wei Wuxian. If he were standing, his hair would now reach down to his feet. (That has a whole other story behind it.) There's no use in hiding, especially if this can help the man prepare for what's to come.
Upon the nape of his neck is the outline of a greyed spade mark.]
Their mark... draws forth feelings that shouldn't be there.
[Were they there before, and he just pushed them down? He tries to not entertain the thought, always finding some relief right away. Beings and places that can affect such things aren't unheard of in their own world, but no being he's come across before has ever been as successful in affecting his own.
He really doesn't want to reveal anything specific about what's happened so far, but if he can warn the man further:]
Even when it isn't darkened, those feelings can still linger. You may have to fight its influence every day.
[ Wei Wuxian looks towards Xiao Xingchen when he sweeps his hair to the side and he spots the spade mark, letting out a soft huh as he takes it in. That and the rest of what Xiao Xingchen has his mind spinning, trying to put together what Xiao Xingchen has told him with the other pieces he has picked up over the past few days.
It's why his reply is going to be direct, straightforward. He doesn't like to sugarcoat things if he doesn't have to. ]
The only way to alleviate the symptoms is sex, right?
[ He sounds matter of fact as he says it, not embarrassed at all. It's just confirmation of a fact for him. ]
There's... spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. I'm not sure what all of them mean but if their influence is that strong, that's unfortunate. Wonder what kind of magic they're using.
[ It's almost like a talisman embedded on the skin itself. ]
[Xiao Xingchen's hand brushes at his forehead, lips drawn in a tight line as light pink dusts across his cheeks. He clears his throat in a slight, careful way. Despite what he's gotten into so far, talking about it is still embarrassing!]
Y-Yes. I believe I've heard of a sort of cultivation like this. It's possible that this building becomes even stronger when such energy is produced. We're offered rewards in turn, at the very least.
[To think that he'd be talking about this to someone so infamous across the land the day that they met. He knows, however, that he should be as thorough and helpful as he can be. But as much as the hotel may be accessible to him, it's all soo easy for it to hide its secrets.]
It is stronger than anything I've known. As much as I've tried to investigate further, I've found no answers about how to leave. At least of own own accord.
[That thought is a bit more sobering as it crosses his mind.]
[ Wei Wuxian notices Xiao Xingchen's discomfort with the topic but what is he supposed to do? Shy away from it? It's the purpose of this place, and there's no use in trying to pretend there's anything else going on instead. Sex is how the Golden Peacock thrives, and so they have to accept that.
Still, Xiao Xingchen's words are helpful and he considers them carefully as he thinks about what he's learned so far about this place compared to what Xiao Xingchen has said. Huh. ]
You just said how to leave though. If this place provides rewards for giving them the energy that it wants, then theoretically one of the rewards can be to leave. My guess is that's done by playing the Game 52, since that's the most advertised and hardest to achieve.
I'll have to dig into it further to confirm my suspicions but that would be the most logical explanation of why they want you to play that game specifically, right?
Ah, perhaps you are right. Others may be skeptical that such a wish will ever be granted, but no one's found a better answer yet.
[As much as Xiao Xingchen has investigated this labyrinth of a hotel, he knows that hides its secrets well. Never has he come across a place so dangerous before.]
There were others from the world that we know that were once here, but I haven't found them in some time. [He hangs his head lower.] I can only hope that they found their way home.
[He isn't the kind who wants to suspect for no reason, but this place doesn't give him much hope for things working out for the best. If the idea is to let people work towards a difficult goal, and the people who disappear are just returning to their homes, there wouldn't be an incentive to do anything but wait around.]
[ Now that news gives him a little bit of alarm. There were people here from their world? Who? Was Lan Wangji here? Does he know of this place? Before he can stop himself from asking, he bursts out with his question — ]
Was it Lan Wangji?
[ And then he feels flustered, embarrassed for a moment. There are plenty of other people from their world that might have ended up here, people who Xiao Xingchen would know more than his wayward soulmate. For instance, he knows Xue Yang is here and he wonders how that relationship is going, if he has to intervene in some way to protect Xiao Xingchen, but he's also a grown man and can protect himself, can't he?
But no, Xue Yang only just recently talked to him so he must mean others. People who have left — hopefully to home. ]
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peacockstop2025-01-15 09:00 pm
no subject
So, he nods before remembering himself and speaks aloud instead. ]
It's very strange here, compared to where I come from. We don't have... most of what's considered normal here. Very different worlds altogether.
[ A pause, he eats some congee before finally just offering — ]
And your name? My courtesy name is Wei Wuxian.
btw he is novel canon but he's learned all kinds of things
He catches himself enough to keep his mouth closed as he turns away from the man to cough, his free hand reaching up over his mouth. Stifled as the cough is, another one follows it. The very action feels all too uncommon for someone usually as graceful as him.
Even still, he only thinks about what he just heard, and who he's sitting by.
Wei Wuxian?
The one hated by all the cultivation world?]
perf!!! i thought so!! this is exciting hehehehe
Agh. Fuck. Shit. Maybe he should have lied? Fuck. Fuck. Shit.
A soft sigh and then, gently, he lifts a hand to rub Xiao Xingchen's back to help soothe after the choking. Hopefully he lets him and doesn't flinch away. ]
So — you know of me. Or you just choked by accident.
[ Hm. ]
Are you Xiao Xingchen?
no subject
He tries to keep his expression neutral, though his efforts are also obvious with the conflict emotions barely in check.
A kind act isn't enough to assume someone is kind, of course. Even if he wasn't prepared for all of the evils of the world when he left the mountain, he knew that not everything would be as it seemed. Those who live within the Golden Carp Tower were also kind to his face. Still, someone who can even come off as kind and considerate already differs so much from what he's heard of Wei Wuxian. Someone more monster than man, like a mad dog — that doesn't match with his impression here at all.
His pause lingers for what may feel too long, but as his thoughts race, he recalls the strangeness that occurs in this hotel. There's so many possibilities for what this could mean. Maybe none of what he knows actually contradicts itself, depending on what is actually happening here.
He needs to be cautious, even if he also needs more answers before he can come to a conclusion about this.]
I-I am. And I do know of you.
[Just like his expression, the slight tremble in his voice thwarts his attempt to sound calm.]
no subject
But maybe things are different for this Xiao Xingchen.
He sighs, he drops his hand from the other man's back and he tries to think of what to say to reassure him. ]
Do you know of me or do you know of the Yiling Patriarch? Do you know of my mother, Cangse Sanren? That you're my shishu?
[ It's only after asking that he realizes this doesn't really go in the realm of reassurance but he can't help but ask, can't help but try to know what this man thinks of him. ]
no subject
He smooths over his manner again, less tense, approaching this with the calm determination needed to find the truth. Both of them have many questions for each other, and the other man sounds willing to talk. Even if the man lies and means to mislead - something he doesn't want to assume outright, even if he can't trust too readily - at least Xiao Xingchen can glean information from that as well.]
Indeed, I did hear of the Yiling Patriarch, as I learned of the disciples who left Baoshan Sanren's mountain before me. Cangse Sanren, my shijie, had born a son. It... is difficult to reconcile the stories I've heard of both the mother and child.
[Of course, he did not discount that sometimes, even the blood-related could perhaps be that different. He only had no experience to speak to that.
People are always eager to talk when there's something they can add to the conversation, however. Xiao Xingchen knew to not trust anything he couldn't find the truth behind, but he had to know more in order to form some sort of image of this world. Baoshan Sanren had no intention of passing along any news or gossip from her journeys away from the mountain.]
Yet I'm actually surprised that you know of me. I only heard of you after— I-I did not think it was possible that you could have heard of me.
[Not as surprised and confused as he might have been without knowing that time works differently here, but it still reminds him that not everyone will be as he expects.
(He also realizes that maybe the man doesn't want to be reminded that he died. Even if he did suspect the man was the vicious criminal everyone suspected he is, Xiao Xingchen still figures it might be needlessly upsetting.)]
no subject
Well, he doesn't have a reason to hide that fact. It's common knowledge in the cultivation world now, so he explains himself. ]
I came back to life. Someone resurrected me. It was after — [ A pause, wait. Does this Xiao Xingchen know he died? He changes track then, not wanting to open that can of worms either. ] Sixteen years. After I died.
[ And the only way that could happen is through demonic cultivation, of course. None of the normal forms of cultivation would have the power to resurrect the dead. So, if anything that confirms that Wei Wuxian is still involved in that world — and honestly, why should he hide it? He never did anything wrong by using demonic cultivation. It's his speciality, he won't put it down just because some people are afraid.
A sigh and he rubs his face a little, frowning off to the side and trying to think of what to say. ]
Look, I understand if all you've had to know of me is stories, then you probably think I'm some fearsome fellow. But most of those stories are just loads of crap and I'm really not that bad a guy. At least, I don't think I am? I've been given a second chance and I'm not interested in rehashing the past but we're both here and it would be nice to know a bit more about you. But if you're not interested, I get it.
[ . . . ]
Do you want me to leave?
no subject
No, I...
[He can't help but look at a loss. Of course he can't find out the truth here and now. He simply doesn't like not knowing how to act one way or the other in front of potential danger; as soft as others may perceive him, he prefers to take decisive action rather than to agonize and delay.
So after another pause:]
If you are telling the truth, then there is nothing to fear. If the stories about you are true, I cannot imagine how you should be punished even further than death. I suppose... the only thing that could still matter to me is the sort of man you are now.
[Could he say that to any accused criminal who pleads their innocence? He isn't sure. It's unfair to those who might have suffered because of his actions, but could he condemn the man without any evidence? Xiao Xingchen heard the same thing everywhere across the land, yet he knows he doesn't have the whole story.
Xiao Xingchen had long since realized his hubris in his thoughts of saving the world while not knowing how it even worked. Never did he expect back then what kinds of situations he'd find himself in, with no clear right or wrong. How can he find the way to be fair to everyone, and make even the smallest of changes around him towards the foolish dream he once had? If Wei Wuxian is what the stories make of him, and he ends up hurting others... what could Xiao Xingchen even do to stop him anymore, anyway?]
I would not want you to leave. In fact, I believe you're right, and we should learn more about each other. Both of us surely have many questions we wish to ask.
[He couldn't call the other man a friend just yet, but he knows now that he needs a fuller picture. What would the real Wei Wuxian do in this vacuum of morality?]
no subject
For now, he takes a spoonful of congee into his mouth and gives a soft hum around it as he tries to think of what to say. How to continue this conversation in a way that isn't uncomfortable for them both. ]
How long have you been here? At this... resort. I only just arrived, still a "wildcard" for whatever good that is. It's... strange, and new. Must be difficult with you without your sight.
[ He doesn't know what else to say other than to move on, to change the conversation to the here and now. He thinks of what Xiao Xingchen has said — that the only thing that could matter is what sort of man he is now. There's no way he can just tell him the type of person he is now, because that's not how it works. No, he must show him through his own actions.
So, a soft reset, just talking about the Golden Peacock instead. Their experiences here. That's... got to be better than continuing to pick at each other. ]
no subject
All he can do now is exactly as he said: try to understand the man as he is now.]
I've been here for... about a year. The days and nights all blend into each other, but if their seasonal celebrations and markets correspond with our world, then I think it's a reasonable guess.
[At the subject of his sight, Xiao Xingchen hums with a thoughtful expression. While that might used to be a difficult subject to discuss with others, it's easier to broach the subject now, especially compared to what they were talking about before.]
And actually, this place has all sorts of means to make it quite easy to get around. They're even built into the walls and floors. If you noticed any flooring with a rougher texture, that's one of the things that helps me move from place to place faster.
[If architecture designers took the possibility of blind patrons into account in his time, he certainly wouldn't have heard of it, using his heightened senses to go about his day. He doesn't like to rely on anything in that regard, but someone researched how to make such things in order to help people. surely others also blind like himself - but who aren't cultivators - benefit even more from it than he does.
A thought brings out a light puff of a laugh, the smile starting to return to his face.]
For a place that supposedly brings out the worst in people, it's also quite considerate.
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The next part, about the accessibility of the place, is interesting. He flashes through his mind what he's noticed about this place so far and the rougher textures are something that's come to mind. So, that's to help the blind, is it? Interesting. Makes him want to observe it even closer, see if he can draw some inspiration from it for his own use.
At the slight laughter and the small smile, Wei Wuxian feels a little relief himself. The tension is starting to leave the room which is... good. He doesn't know how to solve it entirely but he's trying. ]
Being here for so long, you must've made some good friends over your time here. [ He thinks briefly about Xue Yang. Should he ask...? No. No, definitely not. ] I hope you continue to move along without too many troubles here.
And that's really great, that they've made it easier for you to navigate this place. It's... a lot, feels very overwhelming at times. But if this place is being considerate like you said, then that's good.
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It's truly difficult to figure out what to feel about this place. But if you'd like, I could answer any other questions you have. There's still much I don't know, or can't attest to, but if there's any other help you need...
[Even if Wei Wuxian's reputation might have colored his first impression, he commits himself to giving the man a chance as he had said. Maybe he can hear about the man's side of the story, but he doubts he should pry too hard about that for now, as he wouldn't want the same for himself.
They exist in a space outside their time, the past feeling more and more distant as the days pass.]
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The card suit you have. What is it? And how does it effect you?
[ He's not sure he's looking forward to it when he gets his own so he wants to have as much information about it as possible. ]
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Upon the nape of his neck is the outline of a greyed spade mark.]
Their mark... draws forth feelings that shouldn't be there.
[Were they there before, and he just pushed them down? He tries to not entertain the thought, always finding some relief right away. Beings and places that can affect such things aren't unheard of in their own world, but no being he's come across before has ever been as successful in affecting his own.
He really doesn't want to reveal anything specific about what's happened so far, but if he can warn the man further:]
Even when it isn't darkened, those feelings can still linger. You may have to fight its influence every day.
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It's why his reply is going to be direct, straightforward. He doesn't like to sugarcoat things if he doesn't have to. ]
The only way to alleviate the symptoms is sex, right?
[ He sounds matter of fact as he says it, not embarrassed at all. It's just confirmation of a fact for him. ]
There's... spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. I'm not sure what all of them mean but if their influence is that strong, that's unfortunate. Wonder what kind of magic they're using.
[ It's almost like a talisman embedded on the skin itself. ]
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Y-Yes. I believe I've heard of a sort of cultivation like this. It's possible that this building becomes even stronger when such energy is produced. We're offered rewards in turn, at the very least.
[To think that he'd be talking about this to someone so infamous across the land the day that they met. He knows, however, that he should be as thorough and helpful as he can be. But as much as the hotel may be accessible to him, it's all soo easy for it to hide its secrets.]
It is stronger than anything I've known. As much as I've tried to investigate further, I've found no answers about how to leave. At least of own own accord.
[That thought is a bit more sobering as it crosses his mind.]
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Still, Xiao Xingchen's words are helpful and he considers them carefully as he thinks about what he's learned so far about this place compared to what Xiao Xingchen has said. Huh. ]
You just said how to leave though. If this place provides rewards for giving them the energy that it wants, then theoretically one of the rewards can be to leave. My guess is that's done by playing the Game 52, since that's the most advertised and hardest to achieve.
I'll have to dig into it further to confirm my suspicions but that would be the most logical explanation of why they want you to play that game specifically, right?
agh i'm so sorry
[As much as Xiao Xingchen has investigated this labyrinth of a hotel, he knows that hides its secrets well. Never has he come across a place so dangerous before.]
There were others from the world that we know that were once here, but I haven't found them in some time. [He hangs his head lower.] I can only hope that they found their way home.
[He isn't the kind who wants to suspect for no reason, but this place doesn't give him much hope for things working out for the best. If the idea is to let people work towards a difficult goal, and the people who disappear are just returning to their homes, there wouldn't be an incentive to do anything but wait around.]
it's all good!!
Was it Lan Wangji?
[ And then he feels flustered, embarrassed for a moment. There are plenty of other people from their world that might have ended up here, people who Xiao Xingchen would know more than his wayward soulmate. For instance, he knows Xue Yang is here and he wonders how that relationship is going, if he has to intervene in some way to protect Xiao Xingchen, but he's also a grown man and can protect himself, can't he?
But no, Xue Yang only just recently talked to him so he must mean others. People who have left — hopefully to home. ]
... I mean, who were they?