A Brief Rest

Seeds of Unrest

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Seeds of Unrest

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Video Summary: The harmless starts to become harmful.

Story Description: Back in Failume Heights, you share your worries and agree your first priority is fixing Lockspring.

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You make it back to Failume Heights without a hitch...

Zhao: As expected of a pro — you're way more efficient than I thought, Proxy.

Zhao: Alright, let's go over what we know so far.

Zhao: Lemnian Hollow is indeed expanding at an unusual rate. Just like I guessed before, it's because of the abnormal Miasma inside.

Zhao: Though it has no tangible form, it clings to those white flowers, mutating them and turning them into black flowers.

Ye Shunguang: Those mutated black flowers spread corruption around it and draw in Ethereals. But I can purify them with the Qingming Sword!

Zhao: Correct. You said Failume Heights had those white flowers too, right? If those also...

Zhao: No, that shouldn't be possible. Theoretically, they can only survive inside the Hollow.

Zhao: Anyway, let's—

Before Zhao even finishes speaking, Lockspring lets out more strange noises.

Lockspring: Reboot. Full system reboot requested.

Ye Shunguang: Uh, maybe we should take Lockspring in for repairs first?

Zhao: Yeah, that's probably our bigger problem right now.

Ye Shunguang: You're coming with us, Miss Zhao? I thought you might head back to Krampus...

Zhao: This little Bangboo knows that area really well. It's worth keeping it with us.

Zhao: Besides... I've got nothing urgent going on. I don't mind tagging along.

Ye Shunguang: So... do you happen to know any shops that fix Bangboo? I'm not even sure where to start...

I actually do know someone.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I actually do know someone who's really good at fixing Bangboo. He's not in Failume Heights, but I can try reaching out.

Ye Shunguang: You really can do anything! Having you around is so reassuring~

Ye Shunguang: Alright then, I'm counting on you!

(Send a DM to Enzo)

REPLY

Have you heard of a "high-firepower combat Bangboo"?

Have you ever heard of "high-firepower combat Bangboo"? I ran into one in the Hollow.

I encountered one in the Hollow

You know the "high-firepower combat Bangboo"? I ran into one in the Hollow.

?!

You mean that discontinued high-firepower combat Bangboo?

Where? I'll be right there!

REPLY

Right in Failume Heights.

But it seems to be malfunctioning.

I brought it to Failume Heights, but it seems to be malfunctioning...

What a coincidence! I just happen to be in Failume Heights on business!

I'm coming over to check it out.

Don't you dare go to anyone else! Wait for me!

REPLY

Don't worry, I won't ask anyone else.

So where should I wait for you?

Don't worry, I won't find anyone else. Where should I wait for you?

I heard that the Buyan shop in Failume Heights has some info on these high-firepower combat Bangboo.

Let's meet up there!

 Head to Buyan

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Enzo said we can get info on how to fix Lockspring at Buyan. Let's head there and check it out.

Failume Heights

(Talk to Ginger)

Ginger: Hey there, welcome to Buyan.

Ginger: We pride ourselves on honest business here. All our items for sale are rare and precious finds. Feel free to browse around!

About "high-firepower combat Bangboo"...

I heard you have some info here?

Ginger: "High-firepower combat Bangboo"... now that's a real antique name.

Ginger: Might I ask why you want to know about this kind of Bangboo?

Actually, this little Bangboo in front of you is one.

But it's broken, and I want to fix it.

Lockspring: ...

Ginger: ...So this black Bangboo is the legendary "high-firepower combat Bangboo"... Not quite what I expected.

Ginger: As you all probably know, this type of Bangboo has long been out of production, and information about it can only be found in the original draft of the "Bangboo Maintenance Manual," which was allegedly compiled by Lady Sunbringer herself.

Ginger: Fortunately, we do have that original manuscript in our collection.

Ginger: Since you're here to repair this rare Bangboo, our shop will happily lend you the original manuscript.

Ginger: But we're still running a business here, and I'd expect you to offer something in exchange for such a valuable manuscript.

Zhao: Fair. There's no such thing as a free lunch, especially for something so valuable.

Zhao: So, what do you want?

Ginger: Information from deep within Lemnian Hollow. Any kind of info will do. Every story from that place is valuable to me.

Ginger: Of course, we'll provide suitable compensation for your services.

Zhao: ...How did you know we could enter the Lemnian Hollow?

Ginger: Anyone who wants to do business needs at least a basic intelligence network. Isn't that right, Miss Zhao of Krampus?

Zhao: ...Looks like this isn't just your average shop, huh.

Zhao: I'm good with those terms.

Zhao: What do you think, (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍)?

I can accept them too.

Ginger: It's a deal then.

Ginger: I'll go get the original manuscript now. Please wait here for a moment.

Ginger: If you're feeling bored, feel free to browse the shop. You won't be disappointed.

(Open Buyan Antique Store interface)

(Open tutorial Buyan Store)

(Exit Buyan)

In a flash, Enzo comes zooming over like a turbo engine...

Enzo: "High-firepower combat Bangboo"... So it's this little guy.

Ye Shunguang: Its name is Lockspring! It's an adorable little Bangboo.

Enzo: Lockspring, huh? Looks like you're in pretty bad shape. Don't worry, I'll fix you up!

We got the "Bangboo Maintenance Manual" too.

Enzo: As expected from you, how reliable!

Enzo: I've brought all the tools with me. With this original manuscript, I can start fixing this rare Bangboo right away!

Ye Shunguang: Huh? You're gonna fix it right here...?

Enzo: Don't worry, I've already talked it over with the store owner.

Enzo: If you've got stuff to do, don't let me keep you. I'm about to get started.

Enzo: I'll let you know as soon as I finish fixing it!

Enzo's definitely full of passion.

Let's talk about what's next on the agenda.

Zhao: Next, I'm planning to head back to Krampus first.

Zhao: I still need to properly analyze the information we obtained from the Lemnian Hollow.

Then Xiao'Guang and I will head back to Suibian Temple.

We'll bring the others up to speed on what's up with the Hollow.

Ye Shunguang: Yeah! I was thinking the same!

Ye Shunguang: Let's head out now. Catch you next time, Miss Zhao!

Zhao: ...Goodbye.

(Old Port Factory can be accessed through the map.)

(Bubble, after opening the Compendium)

Fairy: The Compendium lets you view Mystery Rank and upgrade progress.

Fairy: Press "Go To" to move to the Buyan store and claim your rewards.

Fairy: Check the Database and Mission progress below, and quickly jump to their pages.

 Tell everyone about the anomaly in Lemnian Hollow

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Everyone from Yunkui Summit is here now. Better tell them what I discovered in Lemnian Hollow.

Suibian Temple

(Idle)

Ju Fufu: What should I do...? I can't get in touch with Shifu at all!

Pan Yinhu: Did something happen?

Lu Hengzhou: It's Yixuan we're talking about! She'll be fine.

(Talk to Lu Hengzhou)

Sword Bearer

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 Sword Bearer

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Video Summary: The responsibility of the Qingming Sword Keeper.

Story Description: Lu Hengzhou scolds you for entering the Hollow without permission, calling it a "precious asset of Yunkui Summit." (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) retorts that he's ignoring Ye Shunguang's own wishes. A call from the mayor interrupts the conflict, and afterwards the two decide to step out to cool off.

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Lu Hengzhou: So, what you're saying is... no one can reach the High Preceptor at all?

Ju Fufu: I'm afraid so... I've tried a few times, but nothing got through to her. I was hoping to report the latest updates...

Pan Yinhu: I tried calling her a few times earlier too. Yixuan Shifu just won't pick up.

Lu Hengzhou: ...The High Preceptor has always been careful with major matters. She wouldn't cut communication without a good reason. Something must have happened.

Lu Hengzhou: Still, with her strength, even a Void Hunter from New Eridu couldn't touch her. She's probably just caught up in some trivial matters and can't respond right now.

Ye Shunguang: Something happened to Yixuan Shifu?

Lu Hengzhou: We can't get in touch with her at the moment. But you needn't worry.

Lu Hengzhou: More importantly... what's with you two? Running around all flustered like that — completely undisciplined!

Lu Hengzhou's brow furrows deeply. His eyes land on Xiao'Guang first, and then shift sharply to you...
For some reason, even though he is speaking to Xiao'Guang, it feels like the blame is aimed squarely at you — like you're the one leading Xiao'Guang astray...

Ye Shunguang: Sorry, Elder Lu, there's something important we need to tell everyone...

Together, Xiao'Guang and you report everything you've seen in the Hollow.
The secret expansion of Lemnian Hollow, the appearance of the abnormal Miasma, and how the harmless-looking white flowers can actually turn black...

Ju Fufu: So it really is true — something's wrong with Lemnian Hollow!

Pan Yinhu: That doesn't sound good...

Ye Shunguang: We think so too! Which is why we should probably talk things through and decide what to do next...

Lu Hengzhou: So you entered the Hollow on your own.

Ye Shunguang: I'm sorry, Elder Lu. I finally found a clue to my brother's whereabouts. I had to see it for myself...

Lu Hengzhou does not seem to be listening to Xiao'Guang at all. His gaze is fixed right on you.

Lu Hengzhou: I told you before, I hoped your presence would be a good thing for her. Not this. Not encouraging her to take pointless risks.

Ye Shunguang: It's not (‍hishisText for Wise / herherText for Belle‍) fault! This was my idea. If you're going to blame someone, blame me. I was being reckless...

Lu Hengzhou: Ye Shunguang, you're the last person who gets to act on impulse. You must remember that.

Lu Hengzhou: The Qingming Sword's wielder is Yunkui Summit's most vital and irreplaceable asset. Nothing can be allowed to happen to you.

Lu Hengzhou: If your actions bring shame to Yunkui Summit, can you take responsibility for that?!

Ye Shunguang: I... I'm sorry...

(Speak up gently.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍You're right — we shouldn't have entered the Hollow without permission. Still, I can't agree with what you just said.You're right — we shouldn't have entered the Hollow without permission. Still, I can't agree with what you just said.Text for Wise / Yeah, we shouldn't have gone into the Hollow without permission. That was on us. But I don't agree with what you just said.Yeah, we shouldn't have gone into the Hollow without permission. That was on us. But I don't agree with what you just said.Text for Belle‍)

Lu Hengzhou: ...What's that supposed to mean?!

(Speak up directly.)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍With all due respectWith all due respectText for Wise / If I may be bluntIf I may be bluntText for Belle‍), Elder Lu, are you actually concerned about Senior Xiao'Guang, or just about the title of "the Qingming Sword's wielder"?

Lu Hengzhou: ...What are you implying? Ye Shunguang is the wielder of the Qingming Sword, and that won't change.

(Both choices lead to the following)

You don't actually care what Xiao'Guang thinks.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): What I'm saying is, you don't really care what she thinks, do you? You just want the Qingming Sword's wielder to do as they're told and stay under your thumb.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): And Senior Xiao'Guang isn't some "asset." She's a real person, with her own feelings, her own will. If Yunkui Summit's so-called "honor" can only stand on her suffering, maybe we're the ones who need to take a hard look at ourselves.

Ye Shunguang: ...!

Lu Hengzhou: You—!

The air seems to freeze for a moment.
Ye Shunguang just stares at you, completely thrown off by what you said.
Ju Fufu and Pan Yinhu look nervous, like they want to smooth things over but don't know how to start.
And right then, your phone rings, cutting through the tension...

Mayor: I apologize if it's bad timing, everyone.

Mayor: I've been made aware of what's been happening with Lemnian Hollow — and thanks to (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) for the intel, of course.

Mayor: I've also gathered some leads through various channels. For now, I'd like you all to remain calm and refrain from taking any rash actions.

Mayor: I've already sent a team of professionals to investigate. We should have concrete data soon.

Mayor: Now, any other questions?

Ju Fufu: Mr. Mayor, is Yixuan Shifu with you? We haven't been able to reach her lately, and we're starting to get a little worried...

Mayor: Yixuan? She reported some info about Failume Heights earlier, then said she had other matters to attend to and left.

Ju Fufu: I see... Maybe Shifu ran into something on her way. In that case, we won't keep you any longer, Mr. Mayor.

After the mayor says goodbye, the call ends.

Lu Hengzhou: That's enough for today. Since the mayor has made his call, we'll hold our position and wait.

Lu Hengzhou: I shall continue my attempts to contact the High Preceptor. It is past time she returned to keep certain unruly disciples in line.

Before leaving, Lu Hengzhou shoots you one last annoyed look...
Ju Fufu and Pan Yinhu say a few comforting words before heading out too.
Xiao'Guang gives you a little nod, so you follow her into the room...

Ye Shunguang: Thanks, for standing up for me just now.

Ye Shunguang: I... I guess I've always known. Elder Lu, and probably a lot of people at Yunkui Summit, what they really care about is the title of "the Qingming Sword's wielder."

Ye Shunguang: To them, it doesn't matter who actually holds the sword.

Ye Shunguang: And that's fair. The Qingming Sword is Yunkui Summit's most precious treasure. I still don't quite understand why it chose someone as... ordinary as me.

Don't doubt yourself.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Xiao'Guang, don't doubt yourself. Even without the title, you deserve to be respected and heard. Everyone does.

Ye Shunguang: ...Okay.

Ye Shunguang: Sorry... for making you worry over something so small. Right now, what really matters is Lemnian Hollow...

We can take a breather for now.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍The mayor said we should lay low for now, right? Let's just take it easy then. You don't have to shoulder everything alone. Learning to rely on your companions is just as important.The mayor said we should lay low for now, right? Let's just take it easy then. You don't have to shoulder everything alone. Learning to rely on your companions is just as important.Text for Wise / The mayor just said we should lay low for now, remember? So let's relax a bit. You don't have to carry the whole world on your shoulders, you know. Trusting your companions is part of the job too.The mayor just said we should lay low for now, remember? So let's relax a bit. You don't have to carry the whole world on your shoulders, you know. Trusting your companions is part of the job too.Text for Belle‍)

Ye Shunguang: ...Yeah! You're right!

Wanna go out for a walk?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): (‍We rarely get downtime.We rarely get downtime.Text for Wise / It's rare to get a moment like this.It's rare to get a moment like this.Text for Belle‍) How about we go out for a walk?

Ye Shunguang: Sure. I've been wanting to go out for a walk with you anyway!

Ye Shunguang: Uh... mind if I change first? I'll wear that outfit you saw last time!

 Take Xiao'Guang on a stroll through the Failume Heights market

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The mayor told us not to rush into anything. Since we've got some downtime, why don't we take Xiao'Guang to check out the Failume Heights market and unwind a bit?

Failume Heights

(Ongoing)

Ye Shunguang: You said I looked nice in this outfit last time, so...

Ye Shunguang: Um... let's go check out the market now!

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Xiao'Guang, you seem to love sweets. I've heard the Tong Sui shop here is pretty good. (‍Why don't weWhy don't weText for Wise / WannaWannaText for Belle‍) give it a try?

Ye Shunguang: That sounds nice! I hope they have some osmanthus-flavored desserts. I really love those.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): No need to stress too much. Let's take a breather. Getting to know Failume Heights is part of protecting it, too.

(Idle)

Casual Employee: A sweet cake taste-test and improvement event... sounds pretty interesting.

Sweet Grandma: Talk about lively...

Passing Student: I love all kinds of sweet cakes, no matter what flavor they are!

(Talk to Eleanor)

Eleanor: Welcome, dear guests! We're running a taste-testing and improvement event for our sweet cakes. Would you be interested in joining in?

Ye Shunguang: Sweet cake state-testing and improvement event... So... we're modifying the recipe and creating new flavors of sweet cakes?

Eleanor: That's right, that's right. You can use all the ingredients in the shop, or bring your own~ And if you manage to create a popular new flavor, there's a sweet reward in it for you!

Wanna give it a shot, Xiao'Guang?

Ye Shunguang: Huh? I... I... let me try some of these sweet cakes first...

Ye Shunguang: Hmm... The texture is super tender when you bite into it, and the aroma is just right. But... it feels a bit bland?

Eleanor: I see you have quite the sweet tooth! We use plenty of rock sugar in this dessert. Some customers even said it was a bit too sweet for them.

Ye Shunguang: I—Is that so! I guess that's just how my palette is. But you just said there was rock sugar in this...

Ye Shunguang: I think I've figured out a way to improve the flavor!

Ye Shunguang: Hey Junior, give me just a second!

Xiao'Guang turns and runs off...

After a while, she comes back with a bag of candy and a bag of... dried osmanthus flowers?
And beside her stands a familiar friend: Reed from Good Goods.

Ye Shunguang: I got some osmanthus candy and dried osmanthus flowers from Miss Reed... With these ingredients, I should be able to make osmanthus cake!

Good Goods is selling osmanthus candy now?

Reed: We used to sell these a while back, but they're long gone from the shelves now. Still, I love these candies so much that I keep some just for myself.

Reed: Since Miss Ye Shunguang needed some, I gave her a portion, along with some dried osmanthus flowers from home. Thought they might come in handy for you all.

Reed: I heard there's an event with taste-testing sweet cakes here. I'd love to try an osmanthus candy flavor!

Ye Shunguang: I was just about to give that a shot!

Reed: Well then, I'll look forward to it a bit!

Reed: Speaking of which, I heard people have seen some new white flowers in Failume Heights lately? They look pretty nice... I wonder if we could turn them into candies or snacks...

Ye Shunguang: You mean... those strange white flowers?! They might be dangerous... It's better [sic] stay away from them!

Reed: Eh? Is that so... Got it, thanks for the heads up!

After telling Reed of the dangers of the white flowers, Xiao'Guang finally starts skillfully making the osmanthus cake...
Somewhat clumsily, you follow her, helping pass tools and measure flour...

Soon enough, the first batch of osmanthus cakes is ready.
The sweet fragrance of osmanthus fills the entire tong sui shop... Eleanor tries some first...

Eleanor: Wow, dear customer, the osmanthus cake you made... is totally gonna be a hit!

Eleanor: If you're up for it, how about we make this today's special and sell it at production price for everyone to try?

Ye Shunguang: Huh? Are my osmanthus cakes... really that good?

Eleanor: Of course! Look, customers are already being drawn in!

Drawn In Passerby: Yo Eleanor! What delicious goodies are you cooking up in here today? I'm practically drooling here!

Eleanor: Osmanthus cakes made by this customer! Come on, everyone, try some~

Casual Employee: Mmm, this osmanthus cake is really something else. The aroma is divine!

His praise is like a pebble thrown into a lake, causing ripples that draw in more curious customers...

Passing Student: Those super fragrant pastries; we want some too! One serving each, please!

Sweet Grandma: This osmanthus cake... it reminds me of the flavors I loved in my youth. You're really something, young lady.

More and more people are drawn in by the sweet aroma, forming a long queue at the tong sui stall. Xiao'Guang is a bit flustered, but her face glows with a rare delight.

Ye Shunguang: So this is... what it feels like.

Ye Shunguang: The things I create bring joy to others. And seeing them so happy makes me happy too.

Ye Shunguang: I truly love... these minute and ordinary moments of happiness... I hope this happiness never ends.

Soon, all of Xiao'Guang's osmanthus cakes are sold out.
Eleanor can't stop grinning, insisting on giving all of today's earnings to Xiao'Guang, but Xiao'Guang declines with a smile.

Eleanor: Thank you so much! Not only did you make such popular pastries, but you also shared the recipe with me...

Eleanor: Your hands have like... some magical power to create joy!

Ye Shunguang: I should be the one thanking you! Thanks for giving me this opportunity.

Ye Shunguang: So people really do like the pastries I make...

Eleanor: Of course! They're delicious. Have some more confidence in yourself!

Ye Shunguang: Thank you... well, we should get going. See you next time!

Xiao'Guang and Eleanor wave goodbye.
You check the time... suddenly something comes to mind.

Xiao'Guang, follow me.

We're just in time, let me take you somewhere.

Ye Shunguang: Huh? Alright...

 Take Xiao'Guang to the secret spot

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Perfect timing, let's take Xiao'Guang to that secret spot.

Seagaze Road

(Ongoing)

Ye Shunguang: This direction... Where are you taking me?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's a nice (‍place.place.Text for Wise / place!place!Text for Belle‍) You'll see soon enough.

(Take the cable car to Seagaze Road)

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Nice spot, right? I stumbled upon it by accident. It's the best place in all of Failume Heights to watch the sunset.

Ye Shunguang: Wow... It's so beautiful. It feels like a living painting. Just looking at it makes me happy.

Ye Shunguang: Come to think of it, I've never really taken a good look at Failume Heights before. I didn't realize it was this breathtaking...

Ye Shunguang: It'd be such a shame if this were to disappear.

The View Through Your Eyes

The following is recorded in the Video Archive

 The View Through Your Eyes

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Video Summary: A rare moment of happiness.

Story Description: Ye Shunguang and (‍WiseWiseText for Wise / BelleBelleText for Belle‍) shared osmanthus cakes while laughing an [sic] chatting, both feeling completely relaxed as they took in the view before them.

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Ye Shunguang: Actually... I have something I want to share with you as well, Junior.

Ye Shunguang: It's the osmanthus cake we made together. I saved a little especially for you.^{[Note 1]}

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Oh, there's still some osmanthus cake left? I thought it was all sold out.

Ye Shunguang: Yeah, this was from the first test batch, so I kept it... I wanted to share it with you.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Actually, I've been wanting to try it ever since I caught that sweet osmanthus scent earlier. Don't mind if I do~

Ye Shunguang: What do you think... How does it taste?

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): It's even better than before! No wonder business was booming. You're really good at making desserts, Xiao'Guang.

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): If I had to say, it's still a little too sweet. But that's no big deal. I think it's delicious!

Ye Shunguang: Ah... I probably added too much sugar... I'll make sure to adjust the sweetness next time!

Ye Shunguang: Oh, right! I should let everyone at Yunkui Summit try it too. I'll make some more once we're back at Suibian Temple.

Ye Shunguang: Hmm... I wonder if Miss Zhao would like some osmanthus cake...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): I heard Dialyn say that Miss Zhao (‍actuallyactuallyText for Belle‍) prefers meat.

Ye Shunguang: Oh, really! Then... Then I'll make something else for her...

(ProtagonistProtagonistWise / Belle): Wow, Xiao'Guang, it feels like you really know how to make everything... You're amazing.

Ye Shunguang: Heheh... It's how I kept myself occupied when I had nothing to do back on the mountain...

Ye Shunguang: I'd love for you to try my cooking too~

Ye Shunguang: But I gotta figure out all your preferences and tastes first!