cynique



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  1. Public Bookmark *

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    Mo Ran’s violent history has never had to catch up to him.

    It’s already embedded itself into him as scars on his body, as a tattoo on his forearm, as the lingering taste of blood in his sleep and finally, as the searing brand pressed against his chest before he’s thrown into the sea as punishment. He knows that this is where all his chances come to an end.

    But as the deep fathom of the water swallows him up, something else saves him and pulls him to a tiny cove tucked away off the coast of an overlooked port town. When he wakes up under the care of a mythical creature wearing a familiar face, an even older and more distant past finally finds him.

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    21 May 2026

  2. Public Bookmark 19

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    In which Xue Meng fails to realize what his professor and his cousin are up to for far too long.

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    14 Apr 2026

  3. Public Bookmark *

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    Chu Wanning knows his place. In the cultivation world, it’s a lofty one, his abilities putting him high above others. In the hearts of those around him, it’s inverse. He is too cold for anyone to look at him with warmth, much less touch him.

    That knowledge is tested when he's sent on an assignment with Mo Ran to exorcise a lust-fuelled ghost gone mad.

    “You’re fucking kidding me,” Mo Ran swears as his eyes sweep over the two long gashes along Chu Wanning’s side, his face complicated. “What, you were just going to rinse this off?”

    “I can take care of myself,” Chu Wanning tries, though he catches a glimpse of Mo Ran’s hands and finds himself craving their touch. As if reading his mind, Mo Ran reaches forward with his other hand, his fingertips brushing the skin right beside the claw marks.

    To his utter mortification, Chu Wanning lets out a small but audible whine. Mo Ran’s fingers pause and Chu Wanning hopes whatever poison must be seeping through his bloodstream, kills him.

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    09 Apr 2026

  4. Public Bookmark *

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    This is to provide a reference for writers who are unfamiliar with Chinese literary conventions or terms used in canon. Hopefully someone will find this helpful.

    Prompted by https://three--rings.tumblr.com/post/187301034228/things-the-mdzs-fandom-desperately-needs-if-they

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    05 Apr 2026

  5. Public Bookmark *

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    Sure enough, the door creaks open as though Shi Mei is checking that Chu Wanning has actually gone to sleep as he promised. Without looking back at Shi Mei in the doorway, Chu Wanning says, “I told you to leave.”
    The footsteps crossing the room halt, but don’t leave. Irritation growing in his already painful chest. Chu Wanning spins around to scold Shi Mei for not listening to his shizun. The command to leave immediately dies in his throat before a sound escapes his lips.
    Mo Ran is standing there. Ghostly. Still covered in the blood of battle. Tears running down his face. His eyes wide and his mouth open as though in shock. In his hand he holds a single perfect haitang blossom that falls to the ground as he runs to the bed Chu Wanning sits on.

    In the Heavenly Rift, Mo Ran dies on Chu Wanning’s back as he drags them up 3,799 steps. Seven days later Huaizui arrives and tells Chu Wanning he can save Mo Ran. Chu Wanning agrees to do anything to bring Mo Ran back. The problem is, Chu Wanning knows Mo Ran died hating him and won’t want to return for him.
    [Canon divergence from Chapter 97]

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    02 Apr 2026