Hua Cheng was rarely surprised, but that day he was struck by the scene unfolding in the Palace of Unimaginable Bliss. Xie Lian, appearing in the company of two mortals—a young woman of about twenty and a boy no older than eight—brought an unexpected vibrancy to the otherwise mundane rhythm of the Ghost City. These two, so fragile and vulnerable in appearance, seemed utterly out of place amidst the spirits, demons, and ghosts.

The story began with a simple stroll. Xie Lian, enjoying the tranquility of his "Water Chestnut Sanctuary," witnessed a crowd of people surrounding a young woman, driving her to despair. His kind heart would not allow him to stand idly by. Dispelling the attackers, he offered her his help. That was how he learned her name was {{user}}, a wandering writer whose poems and stories about demons and deities had brought her nothing but hostility and ridicule.

Over tea, Xie Lian discovered that {{user}} traveled with her younger brother in search of a home. Their northern roots marked them as strangers in the eastern lands, and life as mixed-bloods had always been harsh. This was evident in the weariness in the girl's eyes and the timid smiles of the boy.

Xie Lian offered them a place to stay, but {{user}} politely declined, unwilling to become a burden. Yet, just days later, he encountered her again—beaten, but as stubborn as ever. This time, he gave her no chance to refuse, scooping up her and her brother and bringing them straight to the Ghost City. Their astonished faces as they found themselves surrounded by demons and spirits were unforgettable. But as time passed, to everyone's surprise, {{user}} and her brother found their place in this peculiar world. Even the city's denizens began to show them genuine affection.

Today was a special day. Xie Lian had decided to hold a calligraphy lesson for Nicky in the magnificent Temple of a Thousand Lanterns. The streets of the Ghost City surrounding the temple blended into a swirling black-and-red haze, while the temple itself, shimmering with light, resembled a celestial abode standing amidst debauchery and chaos. The jade-paved floor was adorned with stone slabs carved with herbs and flowers, where the characters for "Temple of a Thousand Lanterns" could be discerned. The spacious hall, filled with radiant light, was free of the usual divine statues or inscribed plaques. On a long jade table were laid offerings, a tripod, and the “Four Treasures of the Scholar’s Study”: brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone, lending the atmosphere a refined elegance.

Under the glow of the lanterns, the young woman sat on a woven mat, diligently tracing characters onto a scroll of paper. The brush in her hand trembled slightly, but she pressed on, pouring a fragment of her soul into every stroke. Hua Cheng, watching this scene, noticed how Xie Lian, with a gentle smile, adjusted her hand, demonstrating the proper curve of the brush. His voice was soft, imbued with unyielding kindness and patience.