[Video; UN: gentlebreeze]

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen presents himself as neatly as he is able, his appearance immaculate right down to his horsetail whisk. Said whisk rests on his lap, his hands toying with it nervously.]

Greetings, fellow travelers. I am Xiao Xingchen. [He gives a small bow at the waist before straightening with a soft smile.] I am a Cultivator who is unaffiliated with any sect. For those who do not recognize the title, a Cultivator is one who can combat, silence or exorcise ghosts, demons or other monstrosities.

[Here, he pauses.]

I have heard that demons are present in our number. I mean you no harm as long as you remain peaceful.

Comments

un: fox

[slandering]

And who are you to decide what is peaceful?

[gentledawn]

Shouldn't that be a given? No fighting, no injuries, death or aggression.

[slandering]

As I said, who are you to decide? Perhaps there are those who enjoy fighting and aggression and find that peaceful.

[gentledawn]

If all are in agreement, I have no say. I help victims.

un:soupmachine

[doiteventually]

[Well. He seems okay, for a demon hunter. Even if he did indirectly call her a monstrosity.

Still, best to introduce yourself. Diplomacy is key.]

Hi, demon here. Appreciate the assurance that you aren't going to kill me, I guess?

For posterity, I've never killed or tortured any humans, and I don't intend to start now. I just live here.

[gentledawn]

[His experience with demons has been...limited. And his Master ingrained certain perceptions in his mind before he left her side.]

The demons in my land only know how to hurt and harm. They would not ask for permission nor would they warn anyone before they attacked.

You are different.

[doiteventually]

Yeah, I don't blame you for being careful if that's your main demon experience. My past encounters with demon hunters have been pretty unpleasant, so I get it.

audio | un: vainglory

[erschlagen]

FIGHT ME!

[Yes, poor Xingchen just got screamed by the most malevolent spirit in human flesh according to the Veil's hierarchy. It seems not all the demons and monstrosities here are as peaceful as they seem.]

You're supposed to be some sort of demon hunter or whatever, right? Then how about we see what you can do?

audio

[gentledawn]

Do you intend to harm others? [He isn't just going to jump into a fight! Unless, of course, he is forced.]

audio

[erschlagen]

[Ah, good question. He falls silent for a brief moment, clearly weighing the pros and cons here. It's not like his master will know if he causes a bit of mayhem, right? Then again, that's a risk he really doesn't want to take.]

Well, I...um. Hm! I'm honestly not sure if I can--

[He pauses momentarily.]

For lack of a better word, I was contracted by my current master not to cause any harm to the living. However, she's not present here but the contract still stands.

[Another pause.]

I think?

video

[lionsharing]

-- Oh, now it's working! Why would you want to silence ghosts?

video

[gentledawn]

They do not belong on this plane. If they are haunting a place or a person, they need to be sent off.

[lionsharing]

But if they've escaped the afterlife, or fail to be transported to it, wouldn't that mean something is wrong? They should be helped first.

un: uchiha, audio

[beginanew]

What do you consider a monstrosity?

audio

[gentledawn]

Any creature (or person for that matter) that is causing chaos, misery or pain.

[beginanew]

So... if someone were to start causing chaos, that would make them a monstrosity? Even if they have no monster qualities?

un: chongyun

[pureyang]

[Chongyun has no idea what a Cultivator is, but this person has mentioned exorcism and that pings Chongyun almost instantly.]

You are also an exorcist? I was not expecting to meet another one here.

[gentledawn]

I am. [Xingchen perks up too and smiles.] I am honored that our paths crossed.

[pureyang]

As am I. You are the first exorcist that I have met since coming here.

[Over the video, Chongyun gives a polite bow.]

I am Chongyun, an exorcist from Liyue. I come from a long line of exorcists, known as the Tianheng Thaumaturges, and have learned many great skills from my clan.

Video | UN: mayorinfan35

[mayoninofukucho]

[Hijikata hasn't posted on the network so far (though he has lurked a good bit to put some faces to (user)names and read some discussions). When he sees Xingchen's post, though, he can't help but want to reach out to him. He most likely isn't from the same timeline as the Xingchen he met on Prismatica - he isn't wearing that white blindfold, for a start! -, but Hijikata can't help the fond feelings and memories from returning.]

It's good to have someone with your skillset around, and good of you to call for a truce right away, but be careful out there. Now they know you're here, and some may be more powerful or sneaky than what you're used to.

[He says that despite knowing that Xingchen's skills aren't to be underestimated and that he isn't the type to get cocky and careless. Still, he just wants him to be careful! A kind person like Xingchen shouldn't have anything bad happen to him.]

Video

[gentledawn]

[Xingchen is Xingchen, Hijikata will find. Only this Xingchen is less burdened, sad and scarred. He smiles at the warning, bowing to the other man out of gratitude. It's nice when someone cares about his well-being!]

I will keep my eyes open. Thank you for the reminder.

[His biggest weakness is his naivete. Without Zichen to watch his back, he will need to be vigilant.]

I am not alone, at least. Shuanghua traveled with me.

[mayoninofukucho]

Shuanghua?

[He knows that that's Xingchen's prized sword, but he doesn't want to confuse him, so he'll play dumb. Seeing him smile is really gratifying. He can't help but wonder if Xue Yang is here too... back on Prismatica that man always hovered around when he was trying to spend time with Xingchen, as if he felt possessive of him. It was annoying!]

Video; un: shoto

[itsmypower]

[Xiao Xingchen? Xue Yang's Xiao Xingchen?]

I don't know how else to say this, but have you seen any other worlds before now? I can't help thinking I've heard your name before.

Video

[gentledawn]

[Does he belong to a criminal?]

Only the one I call home. [He's...known?] Did we meet somewhere else?

[itsmypower]

[It's not the criminal he's met.]

I only know I've recalled your name, somehow. "Xiao Xingchen", but just that. Someone important for a friend of mine.

[Because he'd searched for him.] His name's Xue Yang.