illicitly | action (Reply)

From:

[Their arrangement hasn't been forgotten. In fact, Xue Yang's message comes just about on schedule. Huaisang stares at the text, the rebellious part of his soul that no amount of oppression can ever seem to completely crush completely momentarily tempted to ignore it out of spite for being ordered into a meeting.

To say his mood has been rather dark since Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng disappeared is an understatement. He's done his best to keep himself distracted or occupied, an intimately familar coping mechanism for dealing with loss. Focusing on tasks like finishing the wards around the saber room, improving the fortress's defenses, and working on contingency plans to protect the islanders from dangers of this world have kept him busy enough to the point he hasn't wallowed in his sorrow completely. He's been quiet, pensive, and a bit more brooding than usual the few times he's ventured out of the central residence.

Within the Qinghe Nie Sect, the current sect leader's behavior is pretty typical, the disciples accustomed to his secrecy and sudden absences from the Unclean Realm, and years of habit are hard to break. However, Huaisang continues to be keenly aware of his lack of manpower to effectively deal with threats to his life so after heaving a resigned sigh, he simply heads toward their meeting place.

He shuffles into the room, listless in his robes, expression shadowed and eyes downcast. He doesn't say a word, simply waits to see what Xue Yang will do next.]