Even without intent behind them, the words sting. Lan Xichen frowns, feeling that once again this man that he had believed in with all his heart--even when he knew better--is just pointing out how he can never find the truth he desperately wanted. His belief in Jin Guangyao had been ground down in that temple, the faith he once had that even questionable actions must have some justification withering. Being told by the man that his assumed good will is what he might think only raises the point that it can be proven wrong. It's as though the spirit of his old friend has been sent just to torture him.

"You're right," he answers quietly. "I can only trust what they tell me is true. If they feel any injury, they don't wish to share that with me."

His gaze remains on the people moving between vendors around them. The questions he was starting to leave behind resurface, once again leaving him with too many doubts. Was the trust between them always a lie? He had firmly believed that Jin Guangyao did value his friendship, but now he's finding it difficult to shake off the thought that maybe he is there now because he regrets letting his brother walk away unharmed.

"I told you because I believe these dreams call us to their world. If there was a chance, I did not want you to be shocked by the things they told you once you arrived. The people who live there are very open about the changes newcomers must endure. I did not receive the news well, but perhaps it is just my own weakness."