Portraying Qixiu from JX3 this time truly allowed me to experience the dynamic shift between dual disciplines—from a tender-hearted healer to a cold, focused damage dealer, switching between these emotional states was immensely satisfying.
First, regarding the experience of wearing the outfit: it consists of multiple cascading layers of gossamer fabric in a striking crimson, pink, and blue palette, which demanded tremendous patience to put on. The upper bodice incorporates sheer mesh, while the gilded hot-stamping and jewel embellishments at the chest are quite heavy, requiring meticulous adjustment to prevent slipping. The crimson bow and tassels at the waist also carry noticeable heft, slightly digging in over long hours. The most eye-catching element was definitely the weapon prop—a transparent sphere encasing artificial flowers and topped with twin transparent rabbit ears. The staff was quite long, requiring continuous arm strength to hold steady during takes. Styling the wig took considerable time as well; the twin hair buns and floral ornaments had to be firmly anchored, or they would tilt at the slightest movement. To maintain eye makeup longevity in the noisy convention hall, I resisted rubbing my eyes and retouched several times. I chose blue-violet contact lenses, paired with rose-toned eyeshadow and the forehead huadian bindi, keeping the facial aesthetic clean.
Switching states during the shoot was fascinating. The post's caption mentions the contrast between a soft-hearted Qixiu healing teammates and a cold Bingxin unleashing burst DPS, which accurately reflects a player's genuine in-game reality. To capture the healer's essence, I sought out soft lighting, gently raising a hand with a relaxed, gentle gaze to convey that warm, protective nature. When transitioning to Bingxin, I needed to project command: adjusting my breath, squaring my shoulders, and letting my right hand open naturally with a hint of pride. Even though gestures and expressions were captured in separate takes, transitioning from tenderness to sharpness on set required genuine emotional channeling. The photographer guided me along, encouraging me to envision the precise moment of hitting burst keys in combat.
This set was shot in relatively quiet corners of the convention venue. The lighting was complex, requiring us to walk around the perimeter to find suitable backgrounds and shadows. While the bustling surroundings aren't overt in the framing, people constantly moved around us, testing focus. Holding the heavy-headed staff continuously made my arms ache, but seeing the finished chiaroscuro and overall vibe made the physical toll worthwhile.
As for styling nuances, the sheer light-blue gauze across the sleeves delivered wonderful translucency on camera. The gilded borders and draped tassels swayed gently with motion, pairing with the crimson skirt hem and waist pearl pendants to look lavish without feeling cluttered. Because the outfit features abundant sheer textiles and metallic gold ornaments, managing reflections was critical; during lighting discussions with the photographer, we prioritized softboxes while avoiding harsh direct beams.
This creative project fulfilled a personal dream regarding the Qixiu sect. Whether practicing Yunchang Xinjing or Bingxin Jue, both form the character's soul. Wearing this attire in reality to mirror the feeling of casting skills in-game is deeply rewarding. Free from obsessing over combat stats, simply standing or sitting allows one to inhabit the character's charm, which remains the foundational reason I continually pursue cosplay.