Had Jin Guangyao spat back some of his thoughts at that moment, Lan Xichen would have recoiled and probably ended his attempts there. He has been searching for an answer to what he might believe about this man ever since his death, and closure has been frustratingly out of reach. But the sting of Jin Guangyao's malice might at least persuade him at last to let go of some of his guilt and the remaining feelings he keeps for his sworn brother.

But the kindness, so similar to the A-Yao he thought he knew in the time before the temple, feels so close to hope that he can't bring himself to turn against him. The betrayal between them went both ways, and Lan Xichen at least feels regret for the ultimate end that came without either of them being in control of it.

"Perhaps. I lost my golden core as well. Everyone who comes to this world changes even if you don't see it. We're divided between witches and monsters, and no one decides which side they fall under. Monsters as a whole are considered stronger, but can suffer from loss of control. And I've found that waking up doesn't return us back to our original homes."