You meet an old storyteller when you roam about in Hongzhen. While you listen to the the immortality tales about Mt. Firmament, you notice another interested listener...
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| 1 |
...The Weiqi pieces were scattered, but the guru remained calm. "It's getting late," he said gently to the woodcutter. "Shouldn't you be heading down the mountain?"
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| 2 |
As he glanced at the sky, the woodcutter was shocked to see how much time had passed. "It couldn't have been more than two hours," he thought in disbelief. Feeling apologetic, he prepared to leave, worried that the guru would be annoyed with him.
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| 3 |
But when the woodcutter turned around, he nearly jumped out of his skin. The hermit guru, who had been playing Weiqi and drinking wine, was now gone. In his place lay a shattered Weiqi board and a heap of decaying bones.
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| 4 |
The woodcutter was so scared that he dropped his bamboo basket and ran down the mountain without even looking back.
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| 5 |
As he reached the mountain's base, he was hit with a stark realization. The quaint village he remembered had bloomed into a bustling town, with sturdy brick houses replacing the humble thatched cottages. And where his home once stood, only an empty wasteland remained.
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| 6 |
He noticed a date on the calendar that he had never seen before. In shock, he grabbed a passerby and urgently asked, "Excuse me, can you tell me the current date and time?"
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| 7 |
As he heard the answer, his legs went weak. Everything had changed—time had passed and his loved ones were gone. No one remembered him anymore.
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| 8 |
So the woodcutter left Mt. Firmament, but how was he still alive and kicking? With a hundred year's worth of time inside him, shouldn't he...
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| 9 |
Your story... It's a bit far-fetched, don't you think? I mean, if I wasn't from Hongzhen, I might have fallen for it.
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| 10 |
...Well! That's the whole point. The truth is stranger than fiction, my friend. Every detail in that story is based on real events.
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| 11 |
Let me share with you the other legend of Mt. Firmament, for deep within its sacred peaks lies a powerful secret... the “Secret of Immortality”!
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| 12 |
We all know that Mt. Firmament is the abode of the Sentinel, gathering spiritual energies from both heaven and earth for countless eons. Over time, even the mountain itself has taken on the form of our majestic Sentinel!
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| 13 |
Living in the mountains for long stretches of time, surrounded by fresh air and drinking from nature's own bounty, can add years to one's life span!
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| 14 |
It all starts with that game of Weiqi, one that the woodcutter stumbled upon. Too bad those secrets have been long forgotten...
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| 15 |
Gather around now, people. You're in for the story of a lifetime...
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| 28 |
…Changli?
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| 16 |
Shh...
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| 17 |
...I'll see you there.
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| 18 |
*yawn* What's with the ruckus... Huh, what’s that in your hands?
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| 18 |
Changli gave it to me a moment ago.
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| 19 |
Hmm... "Behold Hongzhen in its entirety, next to a ring and hanging eaves. When eternal snow thaw into flowing streams, let us reconvene.”
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| 20 |
Ooh... I see, I see...
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| 20 |
Do you know what it means?
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| 20 |
Ooh... So that's how it is...
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| 21 |
I see I've got no clue at all!
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| 21 |
So much for the anticipation!
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| 21 |
Wow, I'm so shocked to hear that.
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| 22 |
I get the very last part, at least! She’s asking you out! Well that's a fancy way to write stuff...
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| 22 |
...The first part reads like it's about the meeting spot.
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| 23 |
According to the description, it's somewhere in Hongzhen.
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| 24 |
And now... this next sentence, "eternal snow thaw into streams"... What is that supposed to mean?
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| 24 |
Maybe it has something to do with local folklore.
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| 25 |
How did you manage to get all that hidden meaning?
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| 25 |
I'm experienced. Dealt with Jinhsi's riddles already.
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| 25 |
Thanks to my big brain.
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| 26 |
But the buildings in Hongzhen all look pretty much the same. Which one exactly was she talking about?
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| 26 |
We can ask around to find out. I’ve done this before.
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| 27 |
Makes sense. Lead the way!
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| 1 |
Hey. Why are the people here so divided about Changli?
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| 1 |
She doesn't seem to have ill intents.
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| 1 |
We'll have to figure it out ourselves.
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| 2 |
Hmm... You humans make everything so complicated.
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| 3 |
Well, at least now we know what she wanted to say.
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| 3 |
"Let’s meet at the highest place in Hongzhen, in the early afternoon."
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| 4 |
Now that’s much easier to understand. Why did she have to make it a whole riddle? *yawn*... I’m getting sleepy again.
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| 5 |
Rover?
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| 6 |
Nice to see you again. How are you liking Hongzhen so far?
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| 6 |
It's nice. The place is bustling with life.
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| 6 |
It's much more lively than before.
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| 7 |
The crisis at Mt. Firmament has been resolved, and the waterway between Jinzhou and Hongzhen is open once again. As a result, there has been an increase in visitors from Jinzhou, making the town more lively than before.
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| 8 |
With the chaos subsiding, our town and city are now reconnected, allowing residents to live and work in peace.
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| 9 |
We owe you a debt of gratitude, Rover, for your efforts in clearing the remaining effects of Temporal Disruptions in Mt. Firmament over the past few days.
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| 9 |
Just doing my part.
(Jump:11)
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| 9 |
Couldn't have done it without everyone.
(Jump:11)
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| 9 |
That job was a beast. You better have my money ready.
(Jump:10)
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| 10 |
*chuckle* Of course.
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| 10 |
(Jump:11)
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| 11 |
We're all indebted to you, Hongzhen and its people alike. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask.
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| 12 |
I couldn't help but notice you've been asking around. Is there something you need assistance with?
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| 13 |
(Xinyi and Changli have a mutual trust as acquaintances. It should be fine to ask Xinyi instead...)
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| 13 |
Well...
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| 14 |
You tell Xinyi about your encounter with Changli and what the passersby said about her.
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| 15 |
Hmm... I see. That sounds like something Changli would do.
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| 16 |
Even though we're not that close, I know a bit about her personality. She wouldn't just hand over something that symbolizes her identity to anyone, especially when...
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| 16 |
Especially what?
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| 17 |
I think it would be better for her to tell you personally.
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| 18 |
The Magistrate's Counselor is shrouded in mystery, and her motives are often hard to decipher...
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| 19 |
When she wants something done, it's never as straightforward as it seems, and few can grasp the true meaning behind her plans.
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| 20 |
The rumors and controversies surrounding her never cease, but she seems unfazed.
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| 21 |
However... I believe one has to get involved personally to truly understand Changli's intentions, regardless of public opinion.
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| 21 |
My plans exactly.
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| 21 |
I'm very curious about her plans.
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| 22 |
About the riddle... it seems you have already figured it out by yourself.
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| 23 |
But remember, it's not just about the answer, but also what she wants you to understand.
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| 23 |
Indeed.
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| 25 |
*chuckle* Then... If you'll excuse me.
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| 24 |
If there's anything else you need here in Hongzhen, please do not hesitate to let me know.
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| 24 |
Thank you.
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| 1 |
Apologies for my delay.
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| 1 |
It's fine. I just got here too.
(Jump:2)
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| 1 |
Something tells me you've been here for a while.
(Jump:3)
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| 2 |
Thank you for accepting my invitation.
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| 2 |
(Jump:5)
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| 3 |
You looked adorable, focusing on the Weiqi board. I didn't want to interrupt you.
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| 4 |
Thank you for accepting my invitation.
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| 4 |
(Jump:5)
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| 5 |
I see you really love your riddles.
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| 6 |
Oh? And what makes you think so?
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| 7 |
Those tokens from Jinhsi... It was your idea, was it not?
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| 8 |
*chuckle*...So you've guessed it.
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| 9 |
Sorry, {PlayerName}. Jinzhou faced multiple threats back then, and we had to be cautious. We did not intend to inconvenience you. I regret our lack of hospitality.
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| 9 |
It's okay. Jinhsi had explained your reasons.
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| 9 |
I'm more or less used to it by now...
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| 9 |
It's a thing of the past.
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| 10 |
Still, I owe you an apology in person.
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| 11 |
This time... *chuckle* I just wanted to see you. The brilliant mind that always understood my unspoken words.
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| 12 |
...I am very grateful you decided to come.
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| 12 |
What's the deal this time? Another Tacet Discord to beat?
(Jump:13)
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| 12 |
What's the deal this time? Another errand to run?
(Jump:14)
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| 12 |
Let's cut to the chase. What do you want from me?
(Jump:15)
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| 13 |
Apologies for giving you that impression, Rover. That’s not how we treat our saviors.
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| 13 |
(Jump:15)
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| 14 |
Apologies for giving you that impression, Rover. That’s not how we treat our saviors.
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| 14 |
(Jump:15)
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| 15 |
I merely have a few questions, and I was wondering if you may have the answers.
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| 16 |
Does this game of Weiqi look familiar to you, Rover?
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| 16 |
No.
(Jump:17)
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| 16 |
...I'm not sure.
(Jump:18)
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| 17 |
...I see.
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| 17 |
(Jump:19)
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| 18 |
...Apologies. I heard about your memory loss. Please pardon me.
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| 18 |
(Jump:19)
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| 19 |
There is a local tale about the "Secret of Immortality" being hidden on Mt. Firmament. Have you heard about it?
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| 19 |
The one I heard in Hongzhen?
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| 20 |
Yes. I have a slightly different version of this tale to share.
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| 21 |
Centuries ago, a Taoist cultivator met an enigmatic visitor on Mt. Firmament. Despite their age difference, they soon became friends and often played Weiqi together.
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| 22 |
One day, a woodcutter stumbled upon them, having lost his way home. Their game mesmerized him so much that he didn't notice the red tie on his basket rotting away… Panicked, he bumped into the Weiqi board.
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| 23 |
Despite the interruption, the visitor remained unfazed. They offered the woodcutter some tea, then guided him down the mountain, shielding him from dangerous Temporal Disruptions. After that, the visitor disappeared.
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| 24 |
Many years later, the Taoist cultivator became a legendary hermit guru. Upon returning to Mt. Firmament in his final years, he reunited with that elusive visitor.
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| 25 |
The two resumed their unfinished game. People believe the visitor shared their Secret of Immortality through cleverly-placed Weiqi pieces, as a final parting gift.
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| 25 |
You mean this game in front of us?
(Jump:26)
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| 26 |
Yes... and no. This game is missing the final twenty moves. It is unfinished.
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| 26 |
(Jump:27)
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| 27 |
That was a bit different from what you heard before, I guess? The story changed over time, infused with fantasy in each retelling.
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| 28 |
But that's how old tales go, slowly losing their truth as they're passed down.
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| 28 |
You mean the other folklores may hold some truth too.
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| 29 |
Precisely.
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| 30 |
The legend may be shrouded in myth, but that game of Weiqi was real. Embedded within its records lies a cryptic message: "This game record can solve the crisis of time."
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| 31 |
From what I know, only the Sentinel in its prime has the power to manipulate time through its possession of a complete Temporal Mandate. For us mere mortals, controlling time is indeed similar to gaining immortality.
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| 32 |
As the records state, it only reveals itself when Mt. Firmament emerges. But how it ties to the Temporal Mandate remains an enigma... at least for now.
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| 32 |
The Sentinel's wounds...
(Jump:33)
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| 32 |
There might be an undamaged sample of Temporal Mandate.
(Jump:34)
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| 33 |
Yes. We may find a way to heal them.
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| 33 |
(Jump:35)
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| 34 |
If that is the case, we’ll be able to heal the Sentinel's wounds.
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| 34 |
(Jump:35)
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| 35 |
But... our chances are looking slim. That game record could just hold my teacher's memories, not any real value.
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| 36 |
So I am presenting this as merely a personal request.
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| 37 |
I am planning to go find that record. Could you please join me?
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| 37 |
Sure.
(Jump:38)
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| 37 |
Why me?
(Jump:39)
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| 37 |
I’ll consider it, but what's in it for me?
(Jump:43)
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| 38 |
Thank you for lending me a hand. I promise it will be worth your while.
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| 38 |
I am interested in this tale too.
(Jump:45)
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| 39 |
As we have been to Mt. Firmament before, I imagined it would pique your interest, as the tale concerns our Sentinel.
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| 40 |
And, moreover... You are special to me, and… to Mt. Firmament. I hope I have provided enough reasons to clear your doubts.
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| 40 |
Special?
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| 41 |
I asked you about the unfinished Weiqi game, because I believe it may have something to do with your past.
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| 41 |
You mean...
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| 42 |
Yes… After all, it takes two to play Weiqi, right?
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| 42 |
I see. Then I suppose I have no reason to not go.
(Jump:45)
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| 43 |
If my speculation is correct… That game of Weiqi may hold clues to your lost memories.
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| 44 |
In addition… I promise to aid you in any way I can after we return with the record. How does that sound?
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| 44 |
I see. Then I have no reason to not go.
(Jump:45)
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| 44 |
Alright. Count me in!
(Jump:45)
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| 45 |
Splendid.
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| 45 |
It's still early. How about we set off now?
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| 46 |
Very well. Let's meet on the gallery road outside Hongzhen.
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| 47 |
I still have some preparations to do. Please go ahead, I'll join you later.
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| 1 |
T-Thanks for your help...
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| 1 |
Are you all right?
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| 2 |
I... I'm okay. Wait, you... Are you THE Rover...?
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| 2 |
How do you know me?
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| 3 |
You're that hero who fought against the Threnodian, and you also resolved the time crisis here with Madam Magistrate. Everyone's been talking about you...
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| 4 |
And Lady Changli... I-I never thought I'd have the chance to see you in person...
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| 5 |
...Without your help, I would've been a goner for sure...
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| 6 |
I can't die here. Not when I've got someone waiting for me...
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| 7 |
I've finally, finally found it... After all this time... Ugh...
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| 7 |
Take it easy. Everything's all right.
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| 7 |
Relax. Your wounds look pretty bad.
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| 8 |
While we've solved the crisis in Mt. Firmament for the time being... Public access to the mountain is still restricted. Before entering the mountain, any explorer must submit a request and can only do so while accompanied by the Midnight Rangers.
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| 9 |
Sir, could you please share your reasons for traveling here alone?
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| 10 |
I, I heard about Mt. Firmament's legend... So I came to find its secret...
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| 11 |
I've only been in the mountain for half a day, everything was going smoothly before those monsters pounced on me on my way back... *cough*...
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| 12 |
I must get back... Fuling... She's still waiting for me...
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| 12 |
He doesn't look like he's only been here for half a day...
(Jump:13)
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| 12 |
He seems a bit off.
(Jump:14)
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| 13 |
It seems he is still hiding something from us.
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| 13 |
(Jump:15)
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| 14 |
Some of those injuries are older than half a day...
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| 14 |
(Jump:15)
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| 15 |
He needs to go back to Hongzhen for proper medical attention... Time is against us.
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| 15 |
We’ll need to escort him down the mountain.
(Jump:16)
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| 15 |
Something feels strange about this place.
(Jump:18)
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| 16 |
Agreed.
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| 17 |
The appearance of Tacet Discords is indeed unusual… We can ask him later when he's recovered a bit more.
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| 17 |
(Jump:20)
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| 18 |
Indeed. Tacet Discords appearing in such numbers on Mt. Firmament, of all places… This is unusual, to say the least.
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| 19 |
We can continue our conversation later, after getting him to safety.
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| 19 |
(Jump:20)
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| 20 |
On that note, we still don't know his identity... Judging from this uniform, he might be affiliated with the Pioneer Association.
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| 20 |
The Association has a presence in Hongzhen right now.
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| 20 |
He mentioned someone waiting for him.
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| 21 |
Then perhaps that "someone" is in Hongzhen. Could be his friend or an acquaintance.
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| 22 |
Good point, Rover. Let's head back.
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| 23 |
You take the adventurer in coma and return to Hongzhen with Changli
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| 1 |
W-Wuli! I.. *cough*...
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| 2 |
Breathe. Take it easy.
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| 3 |
*cough*... Thank you. I'm okay now. Who are you? ... And Wuli, is he...
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| 3 |
You must be Fuling?
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| 4 |
Yes, I am... Can you please tell me what happened?
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| 5 |
Fuling...!
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| 6 |
Wuli... You're hurt?! I've been looking for you... You didn't pick up my calls...
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| 7 |
Great news, Fuling! ...I found it! Finally!
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| 8 |
I've found a way to slow down your illness. No more pain, my love... We can finally be together, forever!
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| 9 |
You mean... that legend? It's real?
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| 10 |
Fuling... Are you... Are you not happy?
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| 11 |
No... I am... I'm so glad to hear it.
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| 12 |
Haha... Yes...
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| 13 |
...Wuli!
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| 14 |
You carry an exhausted and unconscious Wuli to a doctor to treat his injuries.
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| 15 |
Thank you, {PlayerName}, Lady Changli. You saved his life...
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| 15 |
I'm glad he's okay.
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| 16 |
May I please ask... what on earth happened? I've never seen Wuli like that...
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| 16 |
Well...
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| 17 |
... And then we found you.
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| 18 |
So... He said he only spent half a day in the mountains?
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| 19 |
Was that not the case?
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| 20 |
No... I've been... I've been waiting for almost a week.
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| 21 |
It's not unusual for Wuli to be out of touch for a few days when he goes on long trips. This time, however, seemed longer than usual. If it weren't for you two showing up, I would have asked the Midnight Rangers to help me search for him in the mountains.
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| 21 |
What's his obsession with the mountains?
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| 22 |
Wuli, he... He did it for me.
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| 23 |
I used to work as a landscape painter. Wuli and I met through work, and we traveled to many places together.
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| 24 |
A few months ago, I got really sick. It affected my ability to walk, which got worse over time. We couldn't go on our adventures like we used to. Wuli stopped taking on work and traveled all over the world to find a cure for me.
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| 25 |
Despite his efforts, we couldn't find any cures... Until two weeks ago, when he brought me to Hongzhen. Said he had a surprise for me.
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| 26 |
I thought it was just going to be a relaxing trip, but he disappeared for seven days. Now he's back, rambling about having found a way to stop my condition from progressing...
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| 26 |
He was saying something about the "legend"...
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| 27 |
Mt. Firmament's "Secret of Immortality", I presume?
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| 28 |
Yes... Wuli told me that he's researched and found an untouched paradise on Mt. Firmament. A place where time stands still. He said if I lived there, my condition would never worsen...
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| 29 |
...It cannot fully cure me, but at least we can spend eternity together.
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| 30 |
At first, I thought it was just a myth... But then you brought up how he only spent half a day in the mountains...
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| 30 |
He may have run into Temporal Disruptions.
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| 31 |
Those were my thoughts as well, but Wuli seemed very certain.
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| 32 |
Mt. Firmament used to have Temporal Disruptions caused by its tumultuous history. However, thanks to Magistrate Jinhsi and Rover, these disruptions have been dealt with. Or so we had hoped.
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| 32 |
Looks like there might still be some of them.
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| 33 |
So there are still unaddressed Temporal Disruptions in the mountains. And unfortunately, Wuli has stumbled upon one, mistaking it for the legendary cure he was searching for.
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| 34 |
But little did he know, it would only put him in more danger.
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| 35 |
I see...
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| 36 |
...So that's why there were rumors of Rangers being here to take care of the leftover Tacet Discords, and block off access to the mountain...
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| 37 |
Then... if this Temporal Disruption you speak of is truly so dangerous...
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| 38 |
{PlayerName}, Lady Changli, please help us get rid of it. For the sake of everyone here.
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| 38 |
But your friend...
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| 39 |
He truly thinks it's the only way to save you. He's willing to take a slim chance, just for you.
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| 40 |
I...
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| 41 |
Freezing my own time... I don't think I should do that. It's not my best option. I appreciate your concerns, but I'll be fine.
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| 42 |
Dreams always come to an end. Eventually we have to wake up, and keep moving forward.
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| 43 |
*cough* I... I'm okay. I haven't talked this much in a long time.
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| 43 |
I'll go get a doctor for you.
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| 43 |
You need to rest.
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| 44 |
...I'm just a little tired. I'll be fine after some rest.
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| 45 |
Once Wuli wakes up, I'll explain everything to him.
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| 46 |
If you have any other ideas, just tell him.
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| 47 |
But if you keep it all to yourself... No one, even those closest to you, will know how you really feel.
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| 48 |
...Yes. I understand.
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| 49 |
{PlayerName}, things are taking a turn. We should probably tell Lady Xinyi first.
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| 49 |
Indeed. Let's go.
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| 1 |
Now it has become quite clear what the two were thinking.
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| 1 |
So this is what she had on her mind...
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| 1 |
Did you know about it all along?
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| 2 |
I had my speculation.
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| 3 |
Fuling has come to terms with her impending death. She doesn't buy into the legends of "immortality." Instead, she simply wants to make the most of the time she has left and fulfill her and Wuli's dreams together.
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| 4 |
If Wuli wants to reach that so-called "paradise," he'll be trapped inside forever. It also means he'll have to give up his entire future as an explorer.
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| 5 |
That is not what she wants for him.
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| 6 |
Her ultimate desire is for her lover to embrace her inevitable passing, and to realize the joint aspirations they hold in her place.
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| 7 |
She hasn't given up, but rather clings to hope for their future, even if she won't be there to see it unfold.
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| 7 |
Would you make the same choice... If it had happened to you?
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| 8 |
Hmm...? Why the sudden question?
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| 8 |
It seems you don't care that much about your own death.
(Jump:9)
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| 8 |
You seem to understand Fuling deeply.
(Jump:10)
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| 9 |
Is that how you see me? Hmm... Perhaps for some, death is just a destination. There are more significant things to focus on.
|
| 9 |
(Jump:11)
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| 10 |
I'm just making an educated guess from what we've collected. And honestly, Fuling isn't exactly good at keeping things to herself.
|
| 10 |
…
(Jump:11)
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| 11 |
Let's stay focused on the issue. While the diary is cryptic, it still exposes the true intentions of whoever misled Wuli.
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| 12 |
It's no coincidence. All the clues point to a correlation between the Temporal Disruption and the legends of the Weiqi game. Or maybe... someone's trying to make us connect the dots.
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| 12 |
Wuli's diary mentioned the Sentinel.
|
| 12 |
Since the Fractsidus already know so much about the Sentinel...
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| 13 |
Yes. Information on the actual powers of Jué... This isn't the kind of information an ordinary explorer can obtain.
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| 14 |
I guess our "old friends" have still not given up.
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| 15 |
They went to great lengths just to lead us here. It would be rather rude of us to not respond in some way.
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| 16 |
According to the information in my master's notes, and Wuli's map...
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| 17 |
...The place we're looking for should be just ahead.
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| 1 |
It's so beautiful...
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| 2 |
Wuli, this is the miracle we've been waiting to see! It's hope reborn after destruction...
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| 3 |
Fuling...
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| 5 |
It's over.
|
| 6 |
Did you find what you were looking for?
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| 7 |
...
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| 8 |
Thank you for your help. The Midnight Rangers have successfully apprehended all remaining Fractsidus members in the mountains, and the effects of the Temporal Disruption have now vanished.
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| 9 |
I lost all contact with you during this whole time. Did you run into any trouble?
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| 9 |
(Tell Xinyi what happened.)
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| 10 |
Temporal Disruption hidden inside a Sonoro Sphere... It makes sense now why it stayed hidden for so long.
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| 11 |
I never thought the solution would be to burn down the entire Sonoro Sphere from the inside...
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| 12 |
You went too far back there, Changli.
|
| 12 |
Changli, about your condition...
|
| 12 |
Yeah, that was a bit too risky.
|
| 13 |
I know my limits.
|
| 14 |
Rover, Lady Changli...
|
| 14 |
How are you feeling?
|
| 15 |
Wuli is fine now, thanks to his doctor's help. As for me... Well, at least I can still walk a bit.
|
| 16 |
After all, it's been almost five days...
|
| 16 |
So it's already been five days...
|
| 17 |
I never properly thanked you for bringing me back to Hongzhen. I heard about the attack by the Fractsidus in the mountains. I... I'm so sorry...
|
| 18 |
*chuckle* No need for that. I understand.
|
| 19 |
The Fractsidus had their eyes on the same thing as we did. They've been planning an ambush on us for a long time. Why would we blame it on you?
|
| 20 |
We will never forget how you saved us. You gave us the opportunity to witness such a breathtaking sight. Thanks to your help, this journey holds no regrets for me.
|
| 21 |
As for the truth behind the so-called Secret of Immortality... Fuling has told me everything.
|
| 22 |
I had a gut feeling it would turn out to be a disappointment, but I couldn't give up. And in the end, I lost sight of why I even started this journey...
|
| 23 |
...But this isn't the first time this has happened. Let's just call it another adventure coming to an end.
|
| 24 |
I've talked about it with Fuling. From now on, I'll take her on more trips to see more new places together.
|
| 25 |
Until...
|
| 26 |
Until the day... when I can no longer hold a pen. I've already talked to the folks at the publishing house, and they're happy to let me continue painting for them.
|
| 27 |
My eventual departure may be unavoidable, but I want to give it my all until the very end.
|
| 27 |
No matter what happens, please take care.
|
| 28 |
Even if...
|
| 29 |
I know you have already looked past death, but remember... There are people who care about you. They want you to live on and be happy.
|
| 30 |
Yes, I understand. Sometimes, I wish...
|
| 31 |
...we could stay together a little longer, if only for a while...
|
| 32 |
Of course, Fuling, I... We've always been...
|
| 33 |
It's not time to be sad yet, is it?
|
| 34 |
I've compiled a list of renowned doctors in Huanglong. They're highly skilled and may offer assistance for your medical condition, which is challenging but not impossible to cure.
|
| 35 |
Lady Changli, I truly can't thank you enough...
|
| 36 |
No need for thanks.
|
| 37 |
Hmm... If you're feeling generous and want to repay me, I hope to see Fuling's work in the next issue of "Artists of Huanglong".
|
| 38 |
Everyone's been missing seeing their favorite landscape artist's work lately.
|
| 38 |
Didn't know you were a magazine reader.
|
| 39 |
Are you surprised? Well, now I'm curious. What kind of a person do you see me as?
|
| 40 |
Now that the situation has been resolved, you should return to Hongzhen. You deserve some good rest.
|
| 41 |
After going through so much, you must be exhausted, {PlayerName}.
|
| 41 |
What about you?
|
| 42 |
Me? Well, I think Lady Xinyi could use the extra help with dealing with the aftermath.
|
| 42 |
Are you sure you'll be okay?
(Jump:43)
|
| 42 |
Got it.
(Jump:44)
|
| 43 |
Well, It wouldn't hurt to have a little more faith in me, {PlayerName}.
|
| 43 |
(Jump:45)
|
| 44 |
Splendid.
|
| 44 |
(Jump:45)
|
| 45 |
It's getting late. Maybe we should wait until we get back to discuss anything else.
|
| 1 |
How are you feeling, {PlayerName}? Well-rested, I hope.
|
| 1 |
I'm feeling great, but...
|
| 1 |
I'm more concerned about you.
|
| 2 |
Aww. Can't you see I'm perfectly fine, sitting right in front of you?
|
| 2 |
I'm still a little worried.
|
| 2 |
Is Mt. Firmament back to normal?
|
| 3 |
Don't worry, {PlayerName}. We are only having a casual conversation today. Nothing taxing.
|
| 4 |
Besides, you only agreed to join me here for more questions, right?
|
| 4 |
That's not my only reason...
(Jump:5)
|
| 4 |
Indeed.
(Jump:6)
|
| 5 |
Oh, is that so? I'm curious then.
|
| 5 |
(Jump:6)
|
| 6 |
Sure, ask away. I'm happy to answer them to the best of my ability.
|
| 6 |
About the game record and "Secret of Immortality"...
(Jump:7)
|
| 6 |
About the Sonoro Sphere...
(Jump:12)
|
| 6 |
About the little girl in that Sonoro Sphere...
(Jump:27)
|
| 7 |
It all started a century ago, when my mentor, Master Xuanmiao, had a brief encounter with a certain peculiar visitor.
|
| 8 |
During a TD Outbreak, my master was rescued by that individual. She exuded a unique energy and was always elusive. My master dug through ancient texts and unearthed her presence in long-forgotten history.
|
| 9 |
After searching for several years, he finally met that person on Mt. Firmament again. They played a game of Weiqi together, and that was how the legendary game record came into being.
|
| 10 |
At first, I thought my master meant the game record held actual information about the time crisis. But it was just a clue. The real key was finding you, the person behind it all.
|
| 11 |
And lastly, the Secret of Immortality... It's most likely just the woodcutter's own spin on the tale.
|
| 11 |
(Jump:6)
|
| 12 |
My master and the mysterious "visitor" had set a trap with the Sonoro Sphere, using the Weiqi game as a guise. They hid it with the Court of Savantae's Chronosorters, and it would only activate once the time flow on Mt. Firmament was restored to its normal state.
|
| 13 |
Despite the Sentinel and Mt. Firmament being saved, the Fractsidus would not go down without a fight. They were convinced that the Temporal Mandate was hidden within the game of Weiqi, but little did they know, they had already fallen into a trap.
|
| 14 |
Pure coincidence or the calculated workings of the Fractsidus, the explorer stumbled upon the Weiqi board, setting off its defense mechanisms.
|
| 14 |
I see...
|
| 15 |
The Sentinel was already damaged when it arrived here. My master had foreseen the disasters that would befall Mt. Firmament, so he created this mechanism as a precautionary measure.
|
| 16 |
The Sonoro Sphere would devour all who attempted to enter, unless they knew the solution to that puzzle.
|
| 16 |
The solution? You mean burning down everything?
|
| 17 |
Precisely.
|
| 18 |
The only way to escape was by burning the Sonoro Sphere without hurting anyone inside. It required masterful control of Forte. Thinking back, it was probably his ultimate test for me.
|
| 18 |
It also thwarted the Fractsidus's plans.
|
| 18 |
Didn't know someone could plan so much ahead...
|
| 19 |
That was his first goal with this Sonoro Sphere.
|
| 19 |
There is a second one?
|
| 20 |
Before leaving, Master entrusted me with a mission: To find that individual... The one who played Weiqi with him. The one who left behind that game record.
|
| 21 |
After my master's passing, she would be the only one who could control the Sonoro Sphere. By now, you should know who she is.
|
| 21 |
Is it me?
|
| 21 |
I think it's me.
|
| 22 |
Yes.
|
| 22 |
But I don't even remember that Sonoro Sphere.
(Jump:23)
|
| 22 |
I see that's why you seemed to know a lot about me.
(Jump:24)
|
| 23 |
That's why you needed me as your Wayfinder.
|
| 23 |
(Jump:25)
|
| 24 |
My master often mentioned you before his passing.
|
| 24 |
(Jump:25)
|
| 25 |
And from the moment you arrived in Jinzhou, I had my suspicions about your true identity. Our journey to Mt. Firmament solidified my beliefs.
|
| 26 |
And finally, the Weiqi board in that Sonoro Sphere sealed the truth for me.
|
| 26 |
(Jump:6)
|
| 27 |
Indeed... Those memories... They were all real.
|
| 27 |
I saw... a little girl in the Sonoro Sphere.
|
| 28 |
I assume that was a younger version of you?
|
| 29 |
Yes... That's all in the past, just a little homeless girl with no name.
|
| 30 |
I never thought we could make new memories in the Sonoro Sphere, where only the past repeats itself.
|
| 30 |
(Jump:31)
|
| 31 |
A moment of companionship and protection meant everything to me.
|
| 31 |
But I wasn't really there for you. Not in the real past.
|
| 31 |
If there isn't a Secret to Immortality, what about you...
|
| 32 |
I can sense your unspoken question. Did I sacrifice my life when I burned down the Sonoro Sphere, like when I was a child?
|
| 33 |
What I told you there was true. But I've grown and gained control over my powers. Using my Forte now won't harm me in any way. Of that you can rest assured.
|
| 34 |
Also... If you really are the legendary person who changed the course of history, then you are perhaps the closest to immortality aside from our Sentinel.
|
| 35 |
We mortals come and go, our lives are full of meetings and goodbyes. Our time on this earth is fleeting compared to yours. So don't let it bother you.
|
| 35 |
I live in the moment, just like you do.
|
| 35 |
...That is not the same.
|
| 36 |
...
|
| 37 |
I see. Perhaps this is why... It's so hard to leave this beautiful world behind.
|
| 38 |
Then... Would you be willing to finish that game of Weiqi with me instead?
|
| 38 |
Of course.
|
