Where Guilds Meet

Velvet Shade

“As spring winds dry marrow, schemes slay fools. Petals drift like dust on trees, sworn kin lift each other in need.”

Beneath blossoms and spring breeze, bones turn to dust; The spy's shadow strikes down the fool. Petals fine as dust descend on parasol trees, and yet, aid from comrades never bows to the dust.

The spring blossoms are a breathtaking sight, a perfect place for a weary traveler to rest. But those who fall asleep in their shade never wake, their bones feeding the roots of next year's bloom.

Gather sweet blossoms while you may. And not the twig devoid of flowers.

What it takes

The game lists no joining conditions for Velvet Shade.

Where to start

No ordinary path leads to Velvet Shade. As the world says, while many may seek to pluck the flowers, here, the flowers choose their companions. Disciples of Velvet Shade are guided by the desires of their amorous hearts. Amidst whirling blossoms, they glide, untouched by a single petal. To enter Velvet Shade, one must share its romantic spirit and embrace relationships of all kinds, or possess extraordinary elegance.

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From Velvet Shade Disciple

I've heard whispers of someone exquisite, $T(2005), who reminds me of Velvet Shade itself. Your name reaches my ears every day, yet I can't find you. Isn't it unfair for me to hear of you without meeting you? Under the flower tree at Heaven's Pier, I'll be waiting for you to join us. If you keep me waiting too long, I'll be heartbroken.

From Velvet Shade - Qin Ruolan

The sunset's glow spills from the palace's bronze palms, casting a shimmering light that stretches into the distant horizon. A twilight breeze stirs the scented flowers around the jade hall, their fragrance drifting on the evening air. While the blossoms sleep in quiet grace, the wind whispers with yearning. Rumors swirl like autumn leaves around the performer of the Masked Troupe, igniting endless whispers in hushed corners. True or not, in this mortal realm, hearts drawn by passion are but the natural dance of love and life. If your soul burns with fierce passion, why shroud it in cold, unyielding stone? If charm and grace are your birthright, then step into my Velvet Shade—a sanctuary where boundless poetry and romance bloom eternal. I'm waiting for you at Nimbus Tower of Velvet Shade.

From Velvet Shade - Qin Ruolan

The heart blooms and withers like a night flower, love lasts but one night, yet the debt remains. Wanderer, your actions remind us of disciples from Velvet Shade, which is why others lay that debt upon us. But tell me, does your heart belong to Velvet Shade? Will you let us bear that debt for you? Meet me at the Bustling Abode and let me hear your heart. The petals there will fall within a day. If you don't come before they do, your debt will only deepen.

From Velvet Shade - Qin Ruolan

I wish to compose a song about the petals of love, but its meaning escapes me. In spring, some love many blossoms yet choose only one, disappointing the rest. Others say that picking more flowers means neither love nor spring is left wanting. What do you think? For seven days you've watched the flowers—do you understand spring's spirit? I invite you to Nimbus Tower to discuss both music and the path to Velvet Shade. Will you come? Spring passes quickly, and I shall wait only one day.