This project features the 'Bathing in Wind' attire of the Tianxiang sect from Moonlight Blade Online. As the game marks the Moonlight Blade Online 10th Anniversary, I dedicated most of my creative energy toward filming a dance video for this milestone, meaning relatively few still photos were taken; these frames are candid snapshots captured in between takes.
Selecting the 'Bathing in Wind' set was largely motivated by how seamlessly it flatters the Graceful Swan Dance. The garment's palette is woven around white, pink, and pastel blue, where the semi-sheer white tulle robe yields breathtaking extension in motion. Orange-and-white striped wrist bracers with lace trims inject a playful touch, while the pastel blue and pink floral knot ornaments at the waist prevent the styling from feeling flat. To accompany the choreography, I held a pink Oiled paper umbrella throughout. In dance mechanics, this umbrella acts as both a prop and a constraint; spinning it demands precise wrist control, and the reddish-purple tassel on the handle traces arcs through the air that still photography can hardly capture in full dynamic glory.
The location was chosen in a classical garden framed by crimson wooden bridges and historic architecture—a traditional aesthetic that resonates organically with Tianxiang lore. The pose standing atop the red bridge with one leg kicked back demanded serious core balance: wearing flat-soled shoes under the tangible weight of the outer robe required rehearsing camera angles repeatedly to ensure fluid extension and graceful posture. Photographer Ayase Wakaba was exceptionally skilled at freezing kinetic instants. To accommodate umbrella tilts and leave space for post-production luminous butterfly visual effects, we tuned lighting and compositions carefully. The overlay of glowing pink butterflies serves to embody the nimble, dreamlike martial arts identity that defines Tianxiang in-game.
The overall experience of this shoot was bittersweet exhaustion and pure joy. Walking around the garden in this ensemble meant the white gossamer and jewelry continually threatened to snag on branches or rockeries. Yet once slipping into character, angling the umbrella against the backdrop of traditional pavilions allowed that authentic Tianxiang allure to flow naturally. The opening poetic sentiment—'Boasting matchless beauty across heaven and earth, blooming as the foremost fragrance among mortals'—genuinely represents the pride and sense of belonging I wished to express for this 10th anniversary project.
Since dance recording was the primary focus, these snapshots are all that exist for now. The dance video is currently in intensive editing and post-production, featuring choreography that integrates my personal interpretation of the Graceful Swan Dance through umbrella manipulation and sweeping footwork. The kinetic vitality of this costume shines far brighter in motion than in static frames; once the final cut is wrapped up, everyone will be able to enjoy the complete dance performance.