I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed.

[His body language grows more relaxed, even if the topic matters are slightly more serious. The idea of monsters is hardly out of the ordinary.

A flood? He can't help wondering if Black Water is involved; if Xie Lian has been drawn here, who's to say how many others might have as well?]

Monsters? Like, sea creatures?

[It's definitely familiar territory, but it's hard to be sure He Xuan has a hand in any of it. At the mention of a mask though, Xie Lian's posture stiffens, hands tightening in his lap.]

I'm sorry to question you so thoroughly, but-

How so? What sort of mask was it?