No friendly claps on the back, an arm slung around the shoulders when you're with comrades? Did married life shock you when you were expected to touch your husband? [ But then, he still cannot see this man indulging in such actions. Something in him knows this is wrong, the taunting too much, and he shames his shizun and his sect for riling him. But a larger piece, the same aggravation that drove him earlier in this life, and in the previous life, spurs him on and on. ] Do monks lack friends?

[ Mo Ran is a simple man: the earthly delights are his to partake, now that he can. Food and wine and the comfort of touch.

It has been too long since he's been hugged or touched freely, without scorn. Cared for in a way that shows. He doesn't need it&dmash; doesn't deserve it— and yet he craves. ]

What spirit, Senior? My immortal spirit has already been damaged. [ And Lan Wangji should know, better than any here. ]

Are we not supplicants who come to entreat the Chained God? Pilgrims, of a sort? Not all subterfuge is an actual lie.