A reflection of their state

Yang Qing's gaze lingered briefly on the two lanterns before shifting back to the two escort supervisors, who struggled to conceal the desperate hope gleaming in their eyes.

"Do these soul lanterns function like the heartshade candles?" Yang Qing asked, deciding to pose a question of his own before addressing their unspoken inquiries.

"Yes, they work in a similar fashion," Duan Ting replied without hesitation.

"What are the similarities?" Yang Qing asked, his focus returning to the lanterns on the table.

"The flames change color based on our condition. I think it's better if we demonstrate," Duan Ting suggested, turning toward his colleague. "Liu Ying, could you bring ours?"

Liu Ying nodded and quickly left through a door behind them. She returned moments later, carrying two lanterns identical in design to the ones already on the table.