"No. Nie Mingjue was a morally rigid man." Famously so, and he was one of the first to condemn Wei Ying and advocate for his exile from the cultivation world. Lan Wangji is glad for the small, peaceful world of this room, the lingering and familiar sandalwood scent, and Claudius' company. It makes it easier not to dwell. He is not telling that story today.

"After the war, my brother, Nie Mingjue, and Jin Guangyao entered a sworn brotherhood, the Venerated Triad. Nie Mingjue was reluctant, but agreed. Xiongzhang knew he wanted to monitor Jin Guangyao."