[Gongsun Li Cosplay] Twelve Pavilions of Yujing, Catching Fairy Traces Amid the Smoke of Partings

\"I laugh at the decay of righteousness, ascending the Twelve Pavilions of Yujing.\" This line perfectly captures the aloof and carefree tone aimed for during this outdoor photoshoot. Having long planned a cosplay for my main hero's Smoke of Partings skin from Honor of Kings, I finally got the chance to recreate it in real life, bringing the look into this moisture-laden, misty forest.

First, the soul of the look—wig and hair styling. The wig heavily tested the stylist's craftsmanship; the deep blue-black long hair was built with intricate structural layers. The dramatic horn-like hair mounds on top, paired with a high loop bun, required layers of hairspray and pins to hold firm against outdoor wind and humidity. For accessories, golden metallic arcs and rings were paired with bold red beaded strands; this contrast between cool tones and warm accents greatly enhanced the overall opulence. Small tassels and delicate chains cascading on both sides balanced the weight, adding a touch of graceful motion. To complement this lavish hair design, light grey-blue lenses were chosen alongside a clean base and subtle lip color, creating a more ethereal gaze.

The tailoring and texture of the outfit were another major reason for choosing this character. The top features a modified sleeveless off-the-shoulder white design, bordered with red and gold lines along the neck and shoulders to slim the neck profile. Both arms are outfitted with cyan-blue sleeve covers and wraps, adorned with delicate metallic pieces and golden bangles near the elbows, creating rich visual layering. The highlight remains the massive flowing skirt. Transitioning from pure white at the waist into cyan and emerald ink-wash gradients, the pattern closely resembles a traditional Shan Shui landscape painting. This ink-gradient texture glimmers brilliantly under natural light. Walking reveals a hint of pink inner ribbons beneath cool-toned outer layers, catching the eye with dynamic elegance.

Props served as another core element. The long staff was custom-made with precise proportions. Its light cyan pole feels smooth, while golden spiral patterns and flower-leaf carvings adorn the body. Carrying noticeable weight, it functions both as a support for battle or relaxed poses and as a visual extension when directing my gaze toward the tip. Its texture and cyan-green color align seamlessly with the dress.

Location selection was crucial for atmospheric creation. We located a dawn cypress forest growing in water and scheduled the shoot during early morning mist. The tranquil water acted like a mirror, weaving tree shadows and thin fog together to transport us into a secluded fairytale realm. Sitting on the edge of a wooden boardwalk, the stylist continually adjusted my flowing skirt. The photographer adopted a low-angle upward shot, lengthening body proportions while capturing tall trees and open waters to heighten the aloof, solitary atmosphere.

Maintaining poses proved the most challenging part. Due to the voluminous skirt and slippery boardwalk edges, maintaining core stability and natural facial control required constant effort. I love the composition of Photo 1: a casual seated pose with the staff standing upright before me, hand resting naturally on my knee, sleeves falling loosely to capture rare relaxation. Photo 2, shot from behind, highlights the ink-wash gradient skirt spread across the wooden planks, illuminated by sunlight piercing through fog from behind to add dimensional light.

Preparing this ensemble took nearly two hours between wig styling and intricate dressing procedures. Yet seeing the final photos—flawless light and shadow combined with complete immersion into the character—made every effort worthwhile. This is the charm of cosplay: temporarily stepping out of oneself to experience beauty and storytelling in a parallel dimension.