( oh, no, son, expect that this parent stayed far from the other parent and was more likely discovered for a sudden collection of robes instead of a sudden predilection for nudity. )

Maybe I can describe it to you!

( he meets cheer with cheer, look, hahaha, it's a challenge, a willing test, or something of that kind — )

He what?

( and then he does laugh, full throated and full bellied. )

If he means the technique I never named, there's no such need, that one requires no talismans! If he means the one that gave him pause when we both stayed in Gusu at around your age, in what world does he think that requires blood? Nothing I do needs that, but lacking cinnabar or other ready ink, I've made do with what I can. Worth keeping in mind, ah, Sizhui? Not that it's a preference, but a man without a plenitude of options is still presented with choices, and blood will channel your qi more readily than mud. You're fighting with two energies then, one that resists the intrusion of your own, unless you... huh, I wonder if weaving with spiritual grasses could have a similar effect?

( he's off topic, but that did get him thinking. too bad there aren't spiritual grasses in this world as far as he's found. )