A white loong rises through clouds and mist, while a celestial figure lingers like a whisper among ink-washed mountains. A spirit cat darts through the forest, its shadow barely seen as the story of dreams painted by brush and ink continues on.
From the half-mask that radiates the might of the Loong, to the flowing sleeves that capture the elegance of an immortal. From bold floral hairpins and fluttering butterflies to feline grace hidden in the details. This set of five-star outfits captures the spirit of Danqing Season. Inspired by the fated encounter between the White Loong and the Spirit Cat, each look blends traditional silhouettes with fresh accessories, clever color palettes, and imaginative abilities.
Now, let’s take a closer look as we unveil the creative journey behind the Danqing Season five-star outfits!
⭐Forever Bond
The Story Behind the Outfit
Observations of Yin Yuan
The ink in my inkstone is running low again.
This morning, I added a new stone mill west of the village. By afternoon, I painted a few shallow riverbanks upstream. I can capture the shapes of mountains and the flow of rivers but the invisible, unbreakable threads of Yin Yuan connecting them are something my brush cannot trace.
Yet by the stream, two White Egrets have, for as long as I can remember, rested on the same stone, even spreading their wings in perfect unison. The newly painted stone arch bridge reveals its perfect reflection only when the moon is at its peak, mirroring the moon in the sky. A bamboo raft tied at the shore is gently pushed by the night breeze, drifting slowly toward a cluster of fresh reeds. Everything is silent, yet fate quietly grows in the stillness.
I paint every day and light my lamp every night. I have captured clouds blown by the breeze and wisteria twisting around tree trunks. Every brushstroke hopes to awaken a connection, not seeking anything extraordinary, just letting my brush follow my heart, flowing with the pulse of nature until figures appear between mountains and rivers.
At first, people walked the earth barefoot, feeling the warmth of stones and listening to the sound of flowing water, eyes wide with wonder at all the world’s mysteries. I stayed behind the scenes, only painting a bush of berries for them to eat or a campfire on a cold riverbank to keep them warm.
Gradually, people gathered.
They learned language and identified plants, humming simple songs between work and rest. They settled by the streams, built houses, and lit the first smoke rising from kitchens. Sometimes I left my marks too, hiding clever weaving patterns and blacksmith’s chants carved into cliff crevices for the right person to find.
This painted village, born from countless fateful encounters, slowly grew from a faint ink dot beneath my brush into a living place of laughter and tears, reunions and farewells.
Stories give this place its spirit and fate makes it eternal.
I believe that as long as these two remain, even if I someday vanish from this world, this place will renew itself, endlessly alive.Thinking this, I put down my brush and returned to Loong Peak.
The sun was warm and the bamboo charcoal was roasting five-spice pork. The mingling scents of tea and meat brought comfort.
Mo Doudou clutched his abacus and ran out with a tap tap tap. Ms. Mo paused in organizing her scrolls. Even the usually lazy Mo Yu leaned against the doorframe and smiled, saying, “Welcome home.”
Yue Bai, practicing her calligraphy, set down her brush. She looked up, startled for a moment, then her clear eyes curved like the moon as she smiled warmly at me.
At that moment, the wind was warm, flowers bloomed, and the world was full of things to cherish.
But I knew I would eventually leave.
I only hope that when we meet again, this world will have flourished and the painted realm will have become real. The inhabitants would remain unchanged, hearts as pure as ever, and all will be well.
The Inspiration Behind the Design
On the night of a full moon deep within the palace, a Spirit Cat who has lived for over a hundred years is transforming. Soft light from a lantern dances over her fluffy tail and the layers of her intricate outfit, casting waves of pink and red that bloom like vibrant flowers. This bold color imagery was our vision from the very start.
Rather than depicting a fully grown mystical creature, the art team aimed to capture the youthful spirit of a newly transformed Spirit Cat during a time of prosperity. She carries a hint of mischief but still seems innocent and curious. The elaborate costumes serve as her essential disguise. Through the shifting layers of her attire, she blends seamlessly into the human world while holding onto her true kitten nature.
The Spirit Cat’s design draws heavily from the Linqing Lion Cat breed, so compared to short-haired cats, she appears noticeably fluffier.
The Details in the Design
Outerwear
The most striking feature of the Forever Bond outerwear is its layered sheer sleeves, each tier fading from deep red to soft pink. Delicate gold and silver floral patterns shimmer across the fabric, while the edges are shaped like flower petals, giving the garment the feeling of a blooming epiphyllum in a time of flourishing beauty.
Two large flowers embroidered on the shoulders add an enchanting, otherworldly touch. Along with the four long silk ribbons trailing behind, the outfit perfectly captures the Spirit Cat’s graceful and lively movements during gameplay.
Dress
For the dress design, we focused on incorporating petals and butterfly elements. The butterfly on the chest features intricate and lavish embroidery, with three overlapping layers of wings that enhance the outfit’s overall delicacy.
The petal-shaped sheer skirt balances the richness of the chest embroidery, adding a touch of lightness and graceful softness to the ensemble.
Shoes
For the shoes, we took a fresh approach by replacing traditional heels with swirling cloud effects. Walking barefoot on tiptoe adds to the Spirit Cat’s light and delicate steps, just like a real cat.
Paired with ornate golden bangles and bells on the ankles, plus shimmering gold tattoos on the legs, every step jingles softly, highlighting the lively and spirited nature of the Spirit Cat.
Hair Accessories
The elaborate blooming flowers echo the decorations on the shoulders and appear in clusters giving the impression that the Spirit Cat is hiding among the blossoms.
The four long hairpins at the back combined with the cat ears create a silhouette from the front that subtly resembles cat whiskers. This effect is designed to give players that instant cat whisker impression.
The Concept Behind the Abilities
The overall design centers on the Spirit Cat as the core inspiration combined with the identity of an artist to enrich the abilities further.
When wearing this outfit the cat’s traits show up in every detail from unique purification actions to dashing. (Cat’s OS: Hooman, you’re just too slow. I’m so much faster!)
When unleashing the ultimate skill the Spirit Cat paints just like a kitten after catching a small enemy she quickly scratches and creates a masterpiece by this genius little cat artist.
Behind every cat painting is a story of sunrises and full moons seen during journeys with the White Loong, along with memories of gentle spring breezes and autumn leaves.
⭐Clouded Loong
The Story Behind the Outfit
Awaiting Tomorrow - Part I
Long ago, she left in a hurry, leaving me behind with no word of when she would return.
This world bears the traces of her brushstrokes. I walk alone among them, following her old footsteps, recalling the sound of her voice and her presence.
I still remember her teaching: “If you see a child lost, guide them home. If you see an elder burdened, lend a hand. If neighbors quarrel, speak kindly to soothe. Never let fate be broken by harsh words.”
I have faithfully followed her words, one by one. At first, I did not grasp their deep meaning, but seeing the village filled with laughter and joy, I now understand that fate is like plants. It grows and spreads when nourished by rain and dew.
The fate she hoped for is not just a few brush marks on paper but a greeting, a lantern’s light, a glance exchanged. These are things I once had but can no longer reach.
Since she left, cold moons and warm days have passed, and the years stretch long and bitter.
Suddenly the Yin Yuan Festival arrives again, and this time, I stand alone on the high platform.
I watch the crowds weave together, people exchanging gifts and holding hands in promise. I wanted to send her wishes in their place, but amid the noisy cheers, my heart felt lost. Everyone paired off, but I stand solitary. The festive bustle around me feels distant and meaningless.
In that moment, unsure how to express myself, I forced a faint smile just like she used to.
About to leave, I suddenly saw an elder guiding a child beneath the corridor, pointing to scriptures and speaking gently. In that moment, I felt transported back to Loong Peak. She was once like this too, teaching me to read, understand, and be courteous. Her voice engraved deep within, every word etched on my heart.
The child finished learning, waved happily, and said, “See you tomorrow.”
Tomorrow is such an ordinary word yet it weighed heavily in my ears.
As the sun set, I watched them go, realizing everyone longs for tomorrow. Children to learn new things, lovers to journey side by side, even old men beneath the eaves hoping for the warm sun again.
But the tomorrow I long for, where is it?
Which tomorrow will bring me to her again?
Awaiting Tomorrow - Part II
Dear Nikki,
As I put pen to paper, the flowers beneath the tower cast gentle shadows and the wind whispers softly through the branches. For some reason, I suddenly felt compelled to write to you.
When I first set up this classroom, I worried no one would come. Yet many villagers have gathered, each bound by fate in their own way.
Some have misunderstandings to mend and hope to reconcile. Some feel uncertain about the path ahead and seek comforting words. Others, like the children, are curious about what it means to care for someone.
Every time I help them find answers, it feels like a mirror reflecting my own heart. In my dreams at night, after so long, I find peace from past troubles.
Lately, I have grown closer with the villagers.
An aunt once said I looked too frail, afraid I might be blown over by the wind. At first, I didn’t understand, but now I see her words were out of care.
Some mischievous children picked wildflowers to give me. Their words were blunt but their intentions sincere.
A quiet neighbor often leaves a bundle of fresh firewood at my door.
Looking back, I was like a kite with its string cut, drifting aimlessly in an invisible wind, unsure where I would land.
But the bond I formed with you has been a lifeline, pulling me back from endless wandering to this shore of the mortal world.
Now, I have a name I cherish in my heart and a place where I long to stay. Though my days are busy, my heart feels anchored, my steps purposeful, my thoughts full of hope.
I walk among all living beings, so how can I fear the high mountains and long roads?
There are a thousand words I wish to say, but paper can barely hold a fraction of them.
What I desire most is this — to see you again tomorrow.
With deepest respect,
Yue Bai
The Inspiration Behind the Design
The Clouded Loong outfit draws inspiration from the immortal White Loong. The art team blended the mysterious majesty of Loongs from ancient legends with the ethereal grace of immortals. They also took cues from the use of negative space in traditional landscape paintings, combining the Loong’s strength with the immortal’s lightness to highlight the outfit’s noble aura both divine and elegant.
The entire set is based on white with blue accents. It features sharp-edged masks paired with soft, silky fabrics, transforming the wearer into a being that is between a Loong and an immortal. As the dress flows with every step, it brings to life the magnificent imagery of Eastern mythology.
The Details in the Design
Outerwear
The design of the outerwear highlights the long multicolored silk ribbons at the chest and the trailing auspicious clouds at the back. The use of lightweight gauze softens the otherwise formal and imposing inner layer, adding more depth and layers to the overall atmosphere of the outfit. When viewed from behind, the hem of the outerwear features a landscape design: green mountains in the center with clouds on either side. Above these, the colorful ribbons represent the glowing light of the mountain peaks. If you look all the way to the top, you'll see a majestic Loong standing on the mountain surrounded by glowing clouds—a breathtaking sight.
Dress
The neckline design draws inspiration from the traditional Hanfu style with crossed collars and wide sleeves. The cuffs are shaped like a dragon’s body and feature subtle patterns of a soaring dragon weaving through the clouds. The water sleeves at the edges add a touch of misty cloudiness to the overall look.
The dress features a layered sheer design inspired by Chinese mountain landscapes. The innermost layer of the dress is adorned with delicate gold dragon scale ornaments, giving the garment a refined yet luxurious feel.
Handheld
The Loong-shaped mask is designed as a half-face cover with sharp, striking lines and intricate, mysterious patterns. Soft feathers trim the edges, blending strength with gentleness. From the feathers extend mist-like cloud effects that shimmer with a pale blue glow when touched by light.
Headwear
The round crown features a winding Loong weaving through the mountains, highlighting the traditional style of the outfit. Behind the crown, silver effects inspired by drifting clouds and mist add an airy yet elegant touch to the design.
The Concept Behind the Abilities
The ability design for the Clouded Loong outfit draws inspiration from the adventures of two close friends exploring mountains and rivers. When the immortal summons the White Loong, it marks a warm reunion. As they soar through clouds and mist, the White Loong shares breathtaking views with its companion. For places beyond reach, an orb imbued with the White Loong's energy will be left, allowing rapid travel to its location for future opportunities to journey together once more.
