Glossary

A late-Qing/early-Republic bronze mirror that Lan Yingchen's grandmother designated for him before she passed. The pattern on its back is identical to the split ring he saw in midair—yet appears in no bronze-mirror catalogue.

The academy's first lesson teaches no technique, giving only two words: 'See'—perceive what should not exist; 'Void'—stop for five minutes each morning. The mentor does not explain 'Void.'

Before 'those who can see' set foot in the academy, someone first seeks them out. They call themselves Arts Censors, hidden behind the most ordinary of signboards—say, a counseling center.