[ He isn’t quite sure how to read the long stare—so Chongyun can only wonder if he broke some other rule by accident. Or is there some kind of gross river youkai suction-cupped to his face? When he finally makes a noise, the young exorcist exhales, unaware he’d been holding a breath in the first place.

The question following that soft noise comes as a surprise, and the youth blinks twice. ]

Yes, at times. I myself use them exclusively. [ hot springs? hell no. the others indulge in such things, but that’s not something he can do. ] We are a clan, though, not a sect.

[ He nods his head again—it would be appropriate to take his leave and allow this man to return to guard duty, but he finds himself speaking anyway. In the end, he really can’t resist the curiosity. ]

My name is Chongyun. Sir, are you also an exorcist?