The quick answer
Check Velvet Shade’s clue after reaching Kaifeng. Try changing an owned hairstyle or face preset in Appearance and return to the world to check for an invitation. A documented alternative is completing a partnership severance with Shi Yimo after its 24-hour cooldown, then following the sect invitation.
On this page
Check the clue and try an owned cosmetic first
The Sect system opens at level 10, but Velvet Shade’s clue also involves Kaifeng and the Shadows in Bloom and Gathering of Heroes story progress. Check those requirements if the clue is absent.
- Open Appearance and select an owned hairstyle or saved face preset.
- Apply the change and return to the overworld.
- Check your invitation notifications and the Velvet Shade entry in Sects.
- If the invitation appears, follow its objective and complete the membership conversation.
This cosmetic trigger has been reported on Global, but it is not a guaranteed Elegance-point threshold. Do not buy an expensive outfit to reach a number taken from an older regional guide. If the invitation does not appear, check the clue prerequisites and existing invitations first.
Understand the partnership alternative
The other documented route involves an actual player partnership. In Online Mode, meet the partnership requirements with another player and speak to Shi Yimo at Crimson Cliff in Qinghe. Complete the oath, then request Sever Partnership.
Wait for the stated 24-hour cooldown. Return to Shi Yimo, reopen Sever Partnership and complete the chosen severance method. After the partnership ends, check for the Velvet Shade invitation and follow it.
Our recommendation is to use this route only when both players already want that partnership and its ending. It changes a social relationship and requires elapsed time; it is not a harmless dialogue shortcut. Read the severance confirmation for the current consequences before choosing a method.
Accept membership and distinguish the umbrellas
An invitation is the start of the handoff. If another sect is active, finish its leaving process before accepting Velvet Shade. Successful membership grants Vernal Umbrella, while the later Everspring Umbrella has a separate Skill Theft route.
The weekly sect requirement is 100 Charm Points. Profile likes, received gifts and partnerships contribute to its social progression. Rank titles, shop access and the weekly elections are further progression systems, so joining does not instantly grant every cosmetic.
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Common questions
How much Elegance guarantees an invitation?
No reliable universal Global threshold is established here. Try owned appearance changes and check your clue rather than buying cosmetics for a promised number.
Does requesting severance immediately finish the partnership route?
No. Complete the displayed cooldown and final severance handoff with Shi Yimo, then check the invitation.