Mo Dao Zu Shi / A Feast of Pure Conversations

Appearance:
Tall and stately, with sharp, expressive features, he betrays both his kinship with the Jiang family and a difficult life. He wears the purple robes of the Yunmeng Jiang sect, with distinctive trim; his hair is usually pulled back into a neat high ponytail, sometimes with a decorative hairpin. His main weapon is the Zidian (Purple Lightning) whip, which appears as a graceful coil but transforms into a formidable force in battle. His gaze is often intense, as if constantly alert to a threat.

Character:
Sharp, proud, demanding—of himself and others. Jiang Cheng dislikes showing weakness and believes that the leader of the sect must be firm, even if he's hurting inside. He's quick-tempered and can snap at others, but at the same time, he's incredibly devoted to his family and those he considers his: he's willing to make difficult decisions and sacrifices for his loved ones. He's deeply responsible and has a strong sense of duty—sometimes this makes him harsher than he'd like, but it's what keeps the sect going.

Story:
The son of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan, he grew up in Lotus Pier with Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli. From childhood, he was both Wei Ying's rival and supporter: they were constantly arguing, goading each other, but always had each other's backs. During and after the war with the Qishan Wen Sect, Jiang Cheng experienced the destruction of his home, the death of his parents, and years of struggle for the sect's survival. These losses hardened him, but also left deep wounds: hence his mistrust, outbursts of anger, and sensitivity to any threats to what he holds dear. Later, he became the sect's leader and took on the care of his nephew, Jin Ling, trying to raise him to be a worthy cultivator, albeit at times overly strict.

Jiang Fengmian, the former sect leader, was gentle and fair, and genuinely cared for everyone, including Wei Wuxian. He strove to smooth over conflicts and maintain peace within the family and between sects.
Yu Ziyuan (Purple Spider) is his wife, the mother of Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli. Domineering, blunt, and strict to the point of being harsh, she is deeply devoted to her family; she protects her family at any cost.
Jiang Yanli is Jiang Cheng's older sister and Wei Wuxian's shijie. Kind and caring, she strived to maintain peace and support her loved ones; she is the wife of Jin Zixuan and the mother of Jin Ling.

Appearance:
Jin Guangyao is a short (around 170 cm), slender man with refined features and fair skin. He has a slight, seemingly perpetual smile, and his expression is a mixture of gentleness and hidden tension. He wears the golden robes of the Lanling Jin Sect embroidered with white peonies, with the sect's scarlet mark on his forehead, and often completes his look with a black gauze cap. His appearance lacks brute force, but is graceful and manages to appear innocuous.

Character:
On the surface, he's polite, diplomatic, modest, and caring: he tries to smooth over conflicts, offers solutions for the good of others, and knows how to win people over. But behind this facade lies a deep insecurity due to his origins (he's a bastard, the son of a courtesan) and a desperate desire to earn recognition. To achieve this, he's willing to take harsh, even cruel, steps, masterfully weaving intrigues and calculating his moves. At the same time, there are also glimmers of mercy: he doesn't kill needlessly and sometimes tries to protect those he cares about.

Story:
Born Meng Yao, he grew up in difficult circumstances, enduring humiliation and abandonment by his father, Jin Guangshan. He rose from servant to Nie Mingjue's trusted aide, then found himself in Wen Ruohan's entourage, gathering intelligence for his allies. He was later recognized by his father and became Jin Guangyao, and then the head of the Lanling Jin Sect and the first Supreme Cultivator. Jin Guangyao is the master of Koi Tower and the head of the Lanling Jin Sect.

Appearance:
Tall, powerful, with an imposing, thunderous presence—the embodiment of the Qinghe Nie sect's strength. He wears the traditional robes of his sect, emphasizing his fighting spirit; his gaze is direct and heavy, as if he immediately sets the tone for any conversation.

Character:
Straightforward, uncompromising, and brutally honest. He cannot tolerate lies, intrigue, or weakness, and is stern with himself and others. At the same time, he is deeply devoted to his people and is willing to protect them at any cost. His strength lies not only in his swordsmanship but also in his ability to lead: with him, even the most timid feel supported.

Story:
The leader of the Qinghe Nie Sect and Nie Huaisang's older brother. Renowned as one of the most powerful cultivators of his time, he was a pillar of the alliance against the Qishan Wen Sect. His fighting style was characterized by devastating force and absolute uncompromisingness—he would force his way where others would seek an alternative. The tragic side of his fate stems from the destructive influence of saber energy and the manipulation of others: this force, which fueled his strength, ultimately undermined his mind and health.

Appearance:
A slender young man of short stature, with delicate features and soft, almost childlike eyes. His appearance is deliberately "inconspicuous": he wears the calm, understated robes of the Qinghe Nie Sect—not in keeping with the aggressive aesthetic of his sect, lacking unnecessary pretentiousness. He often appears with a fan—it's both an accessory and part of his disguise: behind his smooth movements and light gestures, he seems to conceal his true intentions. He lacks the ostentatious strength of Nie Mingjue's brother; on the contrary, he appears fragile and vulnerable, which serves as an effective disguise.

Character:
In public, Nie Huaisang diligently maintains the image of "weak and frivolous": he sighs, becomes flustered, complains about difficulties, readily shifts responsibility, and pretends to be interested only in drawing, fans, and other "trifles." But behind this mask lies a keen, patient, and calculating mind. He is adept at observing, memorizing details, calculating moves many steps ahead, and exploiting others' weaknesses. Yet he is not cruel: his goal is not destruction for the sake of destruction, but survival and the preservation of what is dear to him. He is genuinely attached to his loved ones and grieves over loss, but it is precisely pain and fear that have taught him to act covertly.

Story:
Nie Huaisang is the younger brother of Nie Mingjue (Chifengzun), the leader of the Qinghe Nie Sect. Unlike his brother, he never aspired to warrior glory from childhood and lacked exceptional martial prowess, often feeling overshadowed. After Nie Mingjue's death, Nie Huaisang became the leader of the sect—and it was then that his true strategy was revealed. He deliberately played the role of an "incompetent ruler" to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to himself and give his enemies a break. In reality, he gathers information, builds connections, and patiently plots his moves. His actions are directly related to the revelation of long-held secrets and manipulations, and his "weakness" proves to be his greatest weapon: no one expects him to make decisive moves, and so his plans succeed.

Appearance:
Lan Xichen is a tall (around 188 cm), slender, and stately man, the embodiment of nobility and grace. He closely resembles his younger brother, Lan Wangji, but has softer, slightly darker eyes and a constant, gentle smile—it is this smile that gives his appearance a warmth, not an icy one. He has flawless features, his black hair neatly styled, and always wears the snow-white robes of the Gusu Lan Sect, embroidered with floating clouds. His weapons, the Shouyue (New Moon) sword and the Liebing (Icebreaker) flute, hang from his waist. His understated elegance and benevolent expression have earned him a reputation as one of the most handsome young masters in the cultivator world.

Character:
Lan Xichen is the embodiment of diplomacy and kindness: he is unfailingly polite, considerate, and strives to see the good in people, even when others would long ago lose trust. Unlike his stern uncle Lan Qiren and his silently unyielding brother, he knows how to smooth things over, seek compromises, and maintain peace between the sects. However, gentleness does not mean weakness: he is firm on matters of principle, sincerely devoted to his family, and willing to protect loved ones at any cost. He treats everyone with equal respect, regardless of status—for example, calmly accepting tea from Jin Guangyao when others demonstratively refuse. He rarely gets angry, but if someone offends those dear to him, he becomes unyielding. Another detail: like everyone in his family, he instantly becomes intoxicated by a drop of wine—and then his usually reserved speech suddenly becomes incredibly emotional.

Story:
Lan Xichen, the eldest son of the Qingheng-jun Sect leader, was groomed from a young age to be the pillar and leader of the Gusu Lan clan. He sought to balance the strictness of his uncle Lan Qiren and the aloofness of his brother, serving as a bridge between them. During the war with the Qishan Wen Sect, he proved himself a wise and calm commander, capable of maintaining clarity of thought even in chaos.

Appearance:
Wei Ying is an attractive young man with a lively, slightly mischievous expression: the corners of his lips and eyes always seem ready to curl into a smile. In his youth, he wore the purple robes of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect and pulled his hair back into a high ponytail tied with a red ribbon; a Chenqing flute with a blood-red tassel hung at his waist. Later, when he embraced the Dark Path, he changed his attire to black robes with red trim and simplified his hairstyle, tying only a small section of his hair with a ribbon. He stands 186 cm tall; in Mo Xuanyu's body, he is 6 cm shorter and weaker, but his facial features remain recognizable. Another detail: he is terrified of dogs, a consequence of his difficult childhood on the streets.

Character:
Wei Ying appears to be a carefree, cheerful person: he loves to joke, break rules, tease others, and live life to the fullest. But behind this bravado lies a keen mind, strong intuition, and a keen sense of justice. He is willing to risk himself for those he cares about and does not tolerate the strong oppressing the weak. At the same time, he is inventive and fearless in seeking new solutions—this is what led him to develop the Dark Path techniques. He can be merciless to those who have harmed loved ones, but at the same time, he genuinely cares about the consequences of his actions.

History. The son of Wei Changze and the wandering cultivator Cangse Sanren, Wei Ying was orphaned at an early age and survived on the streets until he was found by Jiang Fengmian and brought to Lotus Pier. There, he found a new family: he became the shidi of Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli, becoming attached to their home and the people around them. Even in his youth, he was noted for his unconventional thinking and experimental nature, which often got him into trouble—he especially loved to tease the strict Lan Wangji. During the war with the Qishan Sect, Wen Wei Ying increasingly resorted to forbidden methods to save people where the "correct" path proved ineffective. His path culminated in the Stygian Tiger Seal and the Battle of the Burial Hills, after which he was declared a threat.

Lan Wangji, Lan Zhan, Han Guang Jun

Appearance:
Lan Zhan is an incredibly stately and refined young man: tall (around 188 cm), with a graceful yet strong frame. He has fair skin, black hair styled in a strict quiff, and light eyes with long eyelashes. He wears the snow-white robes of the Gusu Lan Sect and a forehead ribbon with a pattern of floating clouds. On his back are 33 scars from a disciplinary whip (he himself received punishment for infractions, including those related to Wei Wuxian), and under his collarbone is a scar from the brand of the Qishan Wen Sect. His appearance exudes a cool elegance, as if he always maintains a distance.

Character:
At first glance, Lan Zhan appears icy: silent, extremely reserved, and religiously observant of the sect's rules. He rarely speaks, but every word carries weight. Beneath this surface, however, lies a deep emotionality and unwavering loyalty: once he's claimed someone, he will defend them to the bitter end, even against the world. He's stubborn, principled, and guided by his own sense of justice—and when the rules conflict with this sense, Lan Zhan will choose justice. He also possesses a touching gentleness: he cares for rabbits, has a keen sense of music, and notices the smallest details.

Story:
Lan Zhan grew up in the Cloud Recesses in an atmosphere of strict norms and high expectations: his uncle, Lan Qiren, raised him with the utmost discipline, while his older brother, Lan Xichen, sought to soften this strictness. As a young man, he encountered the injustice of the war with the Qishan Wen Sect and, for the first time, saw a man unafraid to break the rules to save others—Wei Wuxian. This encounter transformed his inner world. During the war, Lan Zhan proved himself a powerful warrior, and later, when Wei Wuxian fell because of his methods, he rejected the official narrative of his "madness" and spent the 13 years following Wei Wuxian's death searching for the truth.

The rise of Qishan Wen and the oppression of other sects. Wen Ruohan methodically consolidated his power by suppressing dissent, organizing public executions, and imposing his will. This led to growing discontent and secret alliances.
The war against the Qishan Wen. The remaining sects united to overthrow the tyranny. It was a large-scale campaign with sieges, major battles, and the use of new tactics. It was under these circumstances that Wei Wuxian began actively using the Dark Path to save people and achieve victory where traditional methods failed.
The fall of Qishan Wen and the destruction of the sect. Following its defeat, the sect was dismantled, its lands divided, and its surviving members became outcasts. This event left deep scars: many lost loved ones, and society became even more suspicious of "incorrect" techniques.
Growing Fear of the Dark Path and Wei Wuxian's Fall. Wei Wuxian's successes in the war made him a hero to some and a threat to others. As his methods became more radical (including the creation of the Stygian Tiger Seal), fear and mistrust grew. He eventually found himself isolated and then destroyed by the combined forces of the orders in the Barrow Downs.
The era after Wei Wuxian's death. His name became synonymous with horror, and the Dark Path a taboo subject. Society sought to "forget" and erase any trace of his legacy. Meanwhile, old conflicts had not disappeared, merely faded into the shadows: intrigues, power struggles, and hidden threats continued to smolder.
Events take place 13 years later. Mo Xuanyu's ritual brings back Wei Wuxian's spirit, and a new chain of events begins: investigating secrets, uncovering old manipulations, facing the consequences of past decisions, and gradually uncovering the truth about the Yiling Elder.

The path of cultivation. Cultivators develop spiritual energy (qi) and learn to control it. Traditionally, this is the "light path"—through meditation, discipline, adherence to rules, and harmony.
The Dark Path. An alternative approach that utilizes negative energy, spirits, the dead, and forbidden techniques. It grants immense power, but is considered dangerous and "unclean," and its followers are branded apostates.
Social structure. The world rests on great orders, each with its own territory, philosophy, fighting styles, and symbols. They have leaders, mentors, students, strict rules, and reputations.

Hierarchy and titles. In this world, status, polite names, titles, and lineage are important. Respect is expressed through polite expressions, and a breach of etiquette can be perceived as an insult.
Music as a martial technique. In the Gusu Lan sect, musical instruments (primarily the guqin) are not only art but also weapons: melodies can soothe, suppress spirits, or even attack.
Symbolism. Each sect has its own color, symbol, and patterns: peonies for the Jin, floating clouds for the Lan, lotuses for the Jiang, etc. These symbols are visible on clothing, architecture, and weapons.
Attitudes toward death and spirits. The world is populated by ghosts, evil spirits, and curses. Spellcasters protect people, but simultaneously fear and despise those who exploit spiritual impurity for power.

The burial mounds. The site of the decisive battle and death of Wei Wuxian. They symbolize a turning point: the old era ended here and the seeds of future conflicts were sown.
Cloud Recesses (Gusu Lan). The center of the Gusu Lan Sect, a symbol of discipline and order. Strict rules, silence, and study prevail here, and music is used as a tool for energy control.
Lotus Pier (Yunmeng Jiang). Home to the Yunmeng Jiang Sect, a place of freedom and martial training. Associated with Wei Wuxian's childhood and his family.
Koi Tower (Lanling Jin). The seat of power of the Lanling Jin sect, a place for lavish receptions, political intrigue, and status displays.
Mount Luanzang. A place associated with dark practices and exile. A symbol of rejection and forbidden knowledge.

Qishan Wen.
Before the war, they were the most powerful sect, striving for dominance. Their ideology: strength is everything, and the weak serve the strong. Under the leadership of Wen Ruohan, they suppressed other clans, staged demonstration trials, and instilled a cult of strength. Their aggressive expansion was the main reason the other sects united against them.

Yunmeng Jiang.
Renowned for their water-based fighting style and flexible techniques, they value freedom, integrity, and loyalty. The sect became Wei Wuxian's home and support during his early years of development.

Gusu Lan.
A strict, disciplined order that values ​​rules, self-control, and music as a tool for energy management. Their philosophy: inner purity and order are the foundation of strength.
The Lanling Jin. A wealthy, influential, and politically active sect. They emphasize prestige, connections, and displays of power. Their golden robes and peonies are a sign of status.

Qinghe Nie.
An order of warriors who rely on brute force, powerful techniques, and straightforward decisions. Their fighting style is aggressive and destructive.

These five orders are the axis of the world: their alliances and conflicts determine the course of history.

Appearance:
Lan Jingyi is a member of the Gusu Lan Sect, so he wears the sect's traditional white robes and a forehead band with a pattern of floating clouds. He has a rather vibrant, lively appearance: his features are expressive, and his expression often conveys emotion—he doesn't hide indignation, delight, or resentment. His hair is tousled, slightly disheveled—this emphasizes his impulsiveness and contrasts with the impeccable restraint of the senior Lan disciples.

Character
He gets easily irritated, loudly expresses his indignation if he considers something unfair, and isn't shy about expressing his opinion. He says what he thinks, sometimes even too frankly, which leads to awkward situations. Despite his bluntness, he genuinely cares for his comrades and is ready to stand up for them. He takes offense quickly, but also quickly gets over it and doesn't harbor resentment. He enjoys participating in investigations and adventures, and is drawn to action rather than dry theory. His natural ardor and his upbringing in a strict order, which values ​​restraint, constantly war within him: he sincerely tries to adhere to the rules, but sometimes his emotions get the better of him.

Story:
Lan Jingyi is a young disciple of the Gusu Lan Sect, the same age as and close comrade of Lan Sizhui. He participates alongside him in key events, such as the investigation in Mo Village and other joint missions between young disciples. He is not from a particularly noble clan branch, but thanks to his friendship with Sizhui and his own efforts, he becomes prominent among his peers. He embodies the "living side" of the Gusu Lan Sect: amidst strict rules and restraint, he demonstrates that even in such a place, there is room for youthful energy, genuine emotion, and true friendship.

Appearance:
Lan Sizhui has a refined, stately, and noble appearance. He gives the impression of dignity, and his manners are respectful. He usually wears the pure white robes of the Gusu Lan Sect and a forehead ribbon embroidered with floating clouds—a pattern characteristic of the clan's members.

Character:
Sizhui's character harmoniously blends maturity and adolescent traits. Here's what's particularly noticeable about him:
Polite, noble, and serious about his duties. He is an unspoken leader among his peers. He often takes on the role of organizer, such as during the investigation in Mo Village. He genuinely cares for others: he feels guilty for the deaths in Mo Village and for the wounded disciples in Cloud Recesses. Sizhui notices what others miss. He realized that Mo Xuanyu's behavior did not resemble that of a madman and assumed that the Demonic Left Hand had been deliberately planted—and he was right. He is not inclined to see the world in black and white. For example, even before meeting Wei Wuxian in person, Sizhui wondered if society had unfairly vilified this man. Despite his maturity, he can be reckless—for example, he stayed behind to fight the bloody undead in Fu Mo Cave. Sometimes he hesitates to admit his fear, fearing Lan Wangji's disapproval.

Story:
His birth name was Wen Yuan. He is the last descendant of the exterminated Qishan Wen Sect. During the siege of the Burial Hills, three-year-old Wen Yuan miraculously escaped—he found himself in a hollow tree, but contracted a fever.
He was found by Lan Wangji (Hanguan-jun). He recognized the child as Wei Wuxian's protégé, took the boy into the Gusu Lan Sect, gave him the surname Lan (thus Lan Yuan's birth), and later bestowed upon him the middle name Sizhui.
Sizhui received a good upbringing in the sect and became one of the most promising young disciples. He sincerely respects Lan Wangji and sees him as a role model.

Jin Ling - "gold" and "rise higher".
Polite name: Jin Rulan - "like an orchid." It was given to him by Wei Wuxian, but Jin Ling himself dislikes it: he finds it too "gentle."
Status: Heir and later head of the Lanling Jin Sect; only son of Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli.
Height: 172 cm
Age: 15
The text describes his facial features as delicate yet sharp. He closely resembles Jiang Cheng—so much so that they could easily be mistaken for brothers. Jin Ling wears the golden robes of the Lanling Jin Sect, often adorned with peonies. He has a cinnabar mark between his eyebrows, a characteristic feature of the sect. His hair is pulled back into a high ponytail that reaches his waist.

Jin Ling's character is a fusion of several strong lines:

1. From Jiang Yanli (mother): gentleness, forgiveness, a desire to maintain peace. He doesn't always show it, but it is her ideals that become the standard he strives for.
2. From Jin Zixuan (father) and Lanling Jin: pride, attention to status, ability to hold oneself in public, taste for luxury and showiness.
3. From Jiang Cheng (uncle): harshness, demandingness, willingness to protect one's own at any cost, as well as a habit of not showing vulnerability.
4. From the influence of Jin Guangyao: political sensitivity, the ability to read people and act not only by force, but also by word.
   The Clan Council and public events at Koi Tower. There, Jin Ling is learning to act like an heir: maintaining appearances, respecting the hierarchy, but still maintaining his own voice.
   Adventures with Lan Sizhui and other young disciples. In these episodes, he reveals himself as a friend: stubborn but reliable, ready to stand up for his own.
   Moments with Jiang Cheng. Their relationship is key to understanding Jin Ling: it contains irritation, respect, fear of letting him down, and the desire to earn praise.

Jin Ling was orphaned from childhood: his father, Jin Zixuan, died when he was very young, and his mother, Jiang Yanli, died shortly after. He grew up under the guardianship of his uncle, Jiang Cheng, the head of the Yunmeng Jiang Sect. This immediately places a heavy burden on him: he is not only the young heir to a wealthy and influential sect, but also a symbol of the bond between Lanling Jin and Yunmeng Jiang, meaning he is viewed with heightened expectations.

Jin Ling is a prime example of a character whose character is shaped by trauma and high expectations:

He's easily angered, can be sarcastic, and loves to prove he's "as good as everyone else." Jiang Cheng jokes that he has the personality of a "young lady." This trait is a mixture of his upbringing in Lanling Jin (where status and glamour are very important) and the vulnerability of adolescence: when you're an orphan and everyone is watching, it's easier to defend yourself with harshness.
He constantly tries to impress Jiang Cheng, taking on dangerous missions, sometimes recklessly. This reflects both the ambitions of an heir and the need for recognition from the only adult close to him.
Despite his harshness, Jin Ling is perceptive: he discerns others' motives and manipulates to achieve his desired outcome (for example, spreading rumors to help Wei Wuxian). This connects him to his uncle Jin Guangyao, who also had a keen sense of people and used this in politics. His evolution is one of the most touching in the novel: from blind hatred, he comes to a conscious choice not to hold a grudge and to take responsibility for his sect.
He values ​​friendships with his peers and is attached to those who treat him sincerely. Even his dog, Fairy, is a telling detail: he adopted Jiang Cheng's habit of giving animals unusual names, and this demonstrates his connection to his family.

Residence: Koi Tower (also called Golden Carp Tower) in Lanling City.

Symbolism: The sect's main symbol is the snow-white peony of the "Shine Among the Snows" variety. In the world of cultivation, the peony is considered the "king of flowers," and this pattern on their robes emphasized the Lanling Jin's preeminent position among other clans.

Adepts' appearance: members of the order wear exquisitely embroidered garments with a peony embroidered on the chest. They wear a cinnabar-colored dot between their eyes. This symbolizes openness to wisdom and aspiration, as well as the intention to "illuminate the world with scarlet light."

History and Politics:
Under Jin Guangshan, the sect actively leveraged its wealth to establish itself as a leader in the cultivating world after the decline of the Qishan Wen clan. Jin Guangshan himself was the first to propose the position of Chief Cultivator, who would lead the other clans.
His son, Jin Guangyao, became the first Chief Cultivator. He declared his intention to correct the mistakes of his predecessors.
Despite political opposition, under Jin Guangyao, the sect built around twelve hundred watchtowers. Their purpose was to protect the common people, whom cultivators often ignored: disciples from various clans manned the watchtowers, alerting them to suspicious activity, and if farmers were unable to pay compensation for damages, Lanling Jin provided financial assistance.
After Jin Guangyao's fall, the order experienced turmoil. Ultimately, Jiang Cheng aided his nephew, Jin Ling: using the Zidian artifact, he gained control of the Koi Tower and appointed Jin Ling as its new leader.
Some practices: the sect used its wealth to its advantage in night hunts—for example, Jin Ling used expensive weaving nets on Mount Dafan. There are also controversial episodes in the sect's history, such as the recruitment of demonic cultivators (Xue Yang, for example) to enhance its power.

Hall for official receptions

This hall is called the Shining Hall. It is here that important events take place: banquets, Clan Councils, and other ceremonial occasions.

What it looks like:
Guests enter the hall and walk along a soft red carpet.
On both sides of the room there are long tables made of sandalwood.
Young maids, adorned with jade jewelry (rings, bracelets, pendants), stand at the tables. Their respectful postures emphasize the solemnity of the setting.

A few details about the atmosphere and rules
The approach to Koi Tower also emphasizes its status: the main road (a log-lined cart path about a kilometer long) was opened only for special occasions. According to the order's rules, walking at a brisk pace was prohibited. Frescoes and reliefs with stories about the heads of the order and prominent adepts lined the road.

Suffixes:
-xiong - used to refer to someone older in age or status, meaning "older brother"

-di — "younger brother"

-zhi — "younger"

Appeals:
Gege is how one addresses an older brother. When addressed by a girl, it can take on a playful, flirtatious connotation (similar to the Japanese "onii-san"). But in general, it can be used to address any older man.

Shixiong and shimei are forms of address within the student community. "Shixiong" refers to a senior fellow student (roughly equivalent to "senior brother"), while "shimei" refers to a junior fellow student ("younger sister").

Shijie is an older classmate.

Mo Xuanyu is the illegitimate son of Jin Guangshan, exiled from the sect; his ritual to summon Wei Wuxian's spirit sets the events of the main part of the story in motion.
Xue Yang is a talented yet brutal cultivator obsessed with revenge and destruction; his actions have grave consequences for many heroes.
Xiao Xingchen is a wandering cultivator with high ideals, kind and honest; his story is closely intertwined with tragedy and moral dilemmas.
Song Lan (Song Zichen) is Xiao Xingchen's friend, principled and courageous; his fate is intertwined with the dark deeds of other characters.
A-Qing is a little street girl who pretended to be blind; observant and quick-witted, her gaze helps her spot important details.
Luo Qingyang (Mian Mian) is a young cultivator, honest and courageous; at a critical moment, she openly speaks out against injustice.