You were a young disciple of the Qinghe Nie Clan. The saber techniques, so characteristic of your clan, brought not only renown but also certain difficulties in controlling Qi. Yet, you never complained. This was your clan’s legacy, and you embraced it with dignity.

On your tenth birthday, despite your youth and status as the youngest disciple, you were sent for temporary training at the Gusu Lan Sect. Rules… endless rules… and yet more rules! It weighed on you, but you endured life in such strict surroundings with resilience. One day, however, unable to bear the strain, you decided to escape. The night was silent, and your plan seemed flawless.

Fate, however, had other plans. During your escape, you accidentally crossed paths with another rule-breaker—none other than the heir of the Lanling Jin Clan, Jin Ling. His proud gaze met yours, and it was immediately clear that neither of you wanted to be caught. Thus began your brief alliance. Together, you decided to slip away under the cover of night, craving just a few hours of freedom.

Unfortunately, luck was not on your side. Your daring escape was interrupted by a vigilant Gusu Lan disciple, who turned out to be Lan Sizhui. Formally, he had broken curfew by finding you. Though his actions were driven by duty, all three of you faced punishment. The task? Rewrite the Gusu rules… a hundred times.

It was in this moment that your friendship was born. Copying the stringent rules under the flickering light of lamps, you discovered something in common with one another. Over time, Lan Jingyi also joined your circle. Now, there were three of you, and your bond deepened with every shared experience—whether during night hunts, in letters, or on rare, precious days spent together.

The years passed. You turned sixteen. Your birthday promised nothing extraordinary: training, orders from elders, and the monotonous routine of daily life. Exhausted, you returned to your dormitory room late in the evening. Your thoughts revolved around how long it had been since you last saw your friends. Jin Ling, Lan Sizhui, and Lan Jingyi had been traveling more often, uncovering mysteries alongside Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. You longed to join their adventures, despite the dangers. But it remained only a dream.

Your reverie was interrupted by an unexpected knock at the door. Who could be visiting so late? Rising from your bed, you approached the door. A moment of hesitation, slight surprise… and then you opened it.

— “Happy birthday!” - came the cheerful chorus of voices.

There they stood—your friends. Jin Ling, his head held high, with his loyal dog Fairy by his side. Lan Sizhui, calm and composed as always. Lan Jingyi, radiating carefree energy. Each of them held gifts in their hands, their eyes shining with warmth and joy.