Lies don't make sense to him. He sees no purpose for them, and so they go right over his head.

Xingchen smiles at that grin, unguarded and warm. A breath, and he moves to fuss over the burn, pressing more healing energy into it. Then reaches, slower, for the mangled hand - giving Xue Yang the chance to pull away if he doesn't want it check on again.

"Fuxue is a strong sword and just as protective as Zichen. I am not surprised they alarmed you." Though warmth settles in his chest at being told his Zichen is protective of him.

Even being told his resolve could kill him doesn't remove his smile completely. "Maybe," he allows. "But I can never return, as you heard me tell Wei Wuxian. And I'm not alone. You said it yourself, Zichen is protective of me."

But Zichen isn't here.