[ Xingchen doesn't even feel worthy of saying Zichen's name. What had happened to the man because of Xue Yang's obsession with Xingchen is...horrible. But to forget him, to pretend it didn't matter, that's also something he can't do. ]

We should have. We would have, if they hadn't suggested taking you to the Unclean Realm.

[ His lips thin at the supposition and he shakes his head. ]

No. He wouldn't have. Not then. He would have tried to help teach you to do better, as I would have.