Keeper of the Qingming Sword
Last updated 2026-03-22
Keeper of the Qingming Sword is the fifth episode of Season 2 - Chapter 6: To Be Fuel for the Night in Phaethon's Story.
Parts
- Troubled thoughts [sic]
- I'll Catch You
- Like Falling Leaves
- Sacrifice
- Long-Planned Plea for Help
- I'll Definitely Remember
- I'm on Your Side
- Ancient Prophecy
- Important Person
Steps
- Be the Blade
- Return to your room and rest
- Return to your room and rest
- Go to the kitchen to make osmanthus cakes
- Ask Xiao'Guang what's wrong
- Try to cheer up little Xiao'Guang
- Check out what's happening outside
- Leave through the back door of Suibian Temple
- Head to Failume Heights Plaza to check on the situation
- Meet up with the other members of Yunkui Summit
- Deal with the Hollow crisis
Gameplay Notes
- Completing step 1 grants the Phaethon's Story achievement Chasing Brilliance.
- During steps 2-3, the story will be played from Ye Shunguang's perspective.
- During steps 4-5, the story will be played from young (ProtagonistProtagonist)'s perspective. The player cannot run and will not have access to most menu functions.
- The story can be paused during steps 2-10.
Dialogue
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): It's getting late... Time to head back...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hmm... come to think of it, Xiao'Guang's osmanthus cakes have always been on the sweeter side. Maybe she just really loves sweets.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I guess we just have different tastes...
- (Reach the marked location)
-
- (Ye Shunguang sits on top of the roof in contemplation)
Troubled thoughts
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Troubled thoughtsVideo Summary: "Love... will be the end of me."
Story Description: Ye Shunguang appears alone on the rooftop late at night. (WiseWise /
- Ye Shunguang: ...
What's up, Xiao'Guang?- Anything bothering you?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): H—Hey, Xiao'Guang, what's going on? You're not thinking of doing anything dangerous, (are youare you /
rightright)? - Ye Shunguang: I'm fine. It's just... I felt so happy earlier today. Sooo happy it almost feels unreal. I couldn't sleep.
- Ye Shunguang: Everyone in Failume Heights seems happy too. That's wonderful. I just wish they can stay that way, forever.
- Ye Shunguang: ...(WiseWise /
BelleBelle), can I... ask you something? - Ask away.
- I'll tell you everything I know.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Go ahead.Go ahead. /
Ask away!Ask away!) I'll tell you anything I (can.can. / can~can~) - Ye Shunguang: What if... It's just a "what if," okay?
- Ye Shunguang: What if we knew an abyss was ahead... should we still keep going?
- Ye Shunguang: ...Sorry, it's a weird question, right? I just had a nightmare where I fell into a bottomless pit... It's okay if you don't wanna answer...
- But I do want to answer.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I'd actually like to answer. Hmm... since we've got time, let me tell you a short story.I'd actually like to answer. Hmm... since we've got time, let me tell you a short story. /
But I do kinda wanna answer. Hmm... since we're not doing anything right now, how about I tell you a story?But I do kinda wanna answer. Hmm... since we're not doing anything right now, how about I tell you a story?) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): When I was really little, there was this cliff near where I used to play a lot. I used to love leaning over the edge just to look down. The bottom was filled with these (colorfulcolorful /
prettypretty) flowers. - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I loved those bright and colorful flowers, but the cliff was high, and honestly, I was terrified of falling. Until one day, I actually did...I loved those bright and colorful flowers, but the cliff was high, and honestly, I was terrified of falling. Until one day, I actually did... /
I loved those flowers. But the cliff was super high, so I was always scared. Until one day, I slipped and fell off it...I loved those flowers. But the cliff was super high, so I was always scared. Until one day, I slipped and fell off it...) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (But thankfully, nothing happened. The ground below was just a soft patch of grass.But thankfully, nothing happened. The ground below was just a soft patch of grass. /
And guess what? Nothing happened. Turns out the bottom was just this soft, squishy patch of grass.And guess what? Nothing happened. Turns out the bottom was just this soft, squishy patch of grass.) My butt hurt a little, but that was (allall / itit). And I finally got to see those flowers up close! - (ProtagonistProtagonist): I remembered that for years, thinking I'd just gotten lucky. But when I went back there as an adult, I realized that "cliff" was barely even a hill — just a dirt slope I'd totally exaggerated as a kid.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Sometimes, what we think is a bottomless abyss, in hindsight, might not turn out to be bottomless at all. (But you'llBut you'll /
You'llYou'll) never know unless you take that first step forward. - (ProtagonistProtagonist): So if you ever feel (uncertainuncertain /
unsureunsure), just keep moving forward. Things could turn out to be different than you expected... You never know. - Ye Shunguang: ...I get it now.
- Ye Shunguang: Thank you, once again...
- What was that? Didn't catch it.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Huh? What'd you just say? I didn't quite catch that.
- Ye Shunguang: I said, thank you. And sorry, for making you worry again.
- Ye Shunguang: I'm all grown up now, and I still get scared by nightmares about falling... It's kind of embarrassing.
- I'll catch you.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't worry. I'll catch you.
I'll Catch You
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
I'll Catch YouVideo Summary: "Love... will be the end of me."
Story Description: Ye Shunguang confides her fears to (WiseWise /
- Standing under the eaves, you stretch your arms open toward Xiao'Guang.
Xiao'Guang turns to look at you, momentarily taken aback... 
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't be fooled by how I (look...look... /
look, okay?look, okay?) Ever since I joined Yunkui Summit, I've actually been secretly training (a lot.a lot. / a lot!a lot!) Catching you is no problem at (all.all. / all!all!) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): So (thethe) next time you have that nightmare, just (rememberremember /
tell yourselftell yourself) — no matter what happens, I'll be there to catch you. You won't have to be afraid (anymore.anymore. / anymore~anymore~) - Ye Shunguang: Junior...
- Ye Shunguang: Okay, I won't be afraid.
- Ye Shunguang: When I have that nightmare again, I know you'll be there.
- Ye Shunguang: I believe you'll catch me.
- Ye Shunguang: I know that as long as you're by my side, I can do anything. Even touch the sun.
- Ye Shunguang: ...
- Ye Shunguang: Actually, I...
- Xiao'Guang freezes for a split second.
Then, just like before, it happens again...
Like Falling Leaves
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Like falling leavesVideo Summary: "Love... will be the end of me."
Story Description: Ye Shunguang seemed to have something to tell (WiseWise /
- Xiao'Guang's dark hair turns pure white... It's "Ye Shunguang"!
She smiles at you, and jumps from the roof without a hint of hesitation... - The crash you expect never comes.
"Ye Shunguang" is light, like a bird, or maybe a falling leaf... She drifts gently into your arms.
Her hair brushes against your nose, carrying that faint scent... - "Ye Shunguang": We meet again, my dear junior~
- You again?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You? Again?! Where did Xiao'Guang go?
- "Ye Shunguang": What's this reaction? Do you like her better? Too bad. I'm all you've got right now. Besides, there's something I need to tell you.
- Xiao'Guang had something to say to me...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Xiao'Guang was just about to tell me something...
- "Ye Shunguang": Is that so? What a coincidence.
- "Ye Shunguang": You wanted to know what's been bothering her, right? Then listen carefully.
- "Ye Shunguang": Let me tell you — the secret of the Qingming Sword.
Sacrifice
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
SacrificeVideo Summary: "Love... will be the end of me."
Story Description: "Ye Shunguang" reveals to (WiseWise /
- "Ye Shunguang": Inside the Qingming Sword, there are two mysterious forces, both equally powerful and destructive.
- "Ye Shunguang": The two are constantly battling — think of them as two duelists locked in an endless fight.
- "Ye Shunguang": And when two people fight that long, they start damaging everything around them — if that destructive energy seeps out, it can lead to disaster beyond imagination.
- "Ye Shunguang": Judging by the power of those two forces... if they ever broke free, the outcome could be a catastrophe on par with the fall of the old capital.
- "Ye Shunguang": So... what do we usually do in this situation?
- "Ye Shunguang": We bring in a third party. A mediator, someone to keep things from falling apart.
- "Ye Shunguang": The third presence maintains the balance, absorbs the overflowing energy, and ensures the world outside remains safe.
- "Ye Shunguang": And this is precisely why that third person gains unmatched power.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Wait, you don't mean...!
- "Ye Shunguang": You're smart. I bet you've already figured it out, huh?
- "Ye Shunguang": That's correct. Every wielder of the Qingming Sword is that "mediator."
- "Ye Shunguang": The true nature of the Qingming Sword's power is built on sacrifice. Each sword wielder gives up their life, their strength, their everything...
- "Ye Shunguang": ...To contain those two raging forces, to shield the outside world from being affected.
- "Ye Shunguang": In other words, without the sword wielder to bear that burden, the rest of the world would pay the price instead.
- "Ye Shunguang": So, no, Xiao'Guang will never give up this sword.
- "Ye Shunguang": Because that would mean putting the world in danger...
- "Ye Shunguang": How could Little Miss Perfect always so eager to "protect everyone"... have the heart to just walk away and let it all burn?
- "Ye Shunguang": She'd rather break herself than let anyone else get hurt.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I... I had no idea...
- "Ye Shunguang": Because It's a secret. Not even Yixuan knows.
- "Ye Shunguang": All they ever do is repeat the same empty words — "Find the next wielder for the sword. Uphold the honor of Yunkui Summit."
- "Ye Shunguang": That's why I told you before, "The more noble the excuse, the uglier the truth behind it."
- "Ye Shunguang": It's not the kind of truth you can share with everyone, right? The so-called "hero," from the very beginning, is really just a sacrifice.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...But why are you telling me this?
- "Ye Shunguang": Because... I want you to save me.
Long-Planned Plea for Help
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Long-Planned Plea for HelpVideo Summary: "Love... will be the end of me."
Story Description: "Ye Shunguang" seeks help from (WiseWise /
- "Ye Shunguang": I'm asking for your help.
- "Ye Shunguang": Your precious Senior Xiao'Guang will want to save everyone. She'll keep using the Qingming Sword, even if it means she needs to sacrifice herself...
- "Ye Shunguang": But I want to live. I don't care about other people's lives, just as they've never cared about mine.
- "Ye Shunguang": The only way to save us is to stop her from using the Qingming Sword's power.
- "Ye Shunguang": Of course, if you could convince her to give up the sword... that'd solve everything once and for all.
- "Ye Shunguang" leans even closer, her soft and cool fingertip lifting your chin.
She whispers, her breath brushing against your ear — soft, warm, and almost teasing. For a moment, her voice alone makes it hard not to nod and agree with everything she says... - "Ye Shunguang": You'll help me, won't you? If not for me then for your sweet Senior Xiao'Guang?
- Of course I want to help both of you...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Of course I want to help you both... but I can't just give you my word right now. This isn't something (I canI can /
youyou) promise lightly. At the very least, I need to talk to her first. - "Ye Shunguang": Did I ever tell you? I like how adorable you look when you're serious.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Of course I want to help you both... but I can't just give you my word right now. This isn't something (I canI can /
- I'll respect whatever Xiao'Guang decides.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'll (bring it upbring it up /
talktalk) to her when I get the chance. Whatever she decides, I'll respect her choice. - "Ye Shunguang": Complete trust and respect, huh... That must be why she cares about you so much.
- "Ye Shunguang": Fine, I'll admit it — right now, you're... dangerously charming.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'll (bring it upbring it up /
- "Ye Shunguang": Which is precisely the problem...
- "Ye Shunguang": She loves you, you know. The same way she loves Yixuan, her brother, and all her precious little friends... no, maybe even more than that.
- "Ye Shunguang": But love is a curse. A trap. Something cold and damp that seeps into your bones...
- "Ye Shunguang": Love... will be the end of me.
- "Ye Shunguang": Oopsie... seems like I've said too much.
- "Ye Shunguang": Anyway, to show my sincerity about asking for your help, I'll answer one question — just one.
- "Ye Shunguang": So tell me, my dear junior... What do you want to know?
- What exactly is your relationship with Xiao'Guang?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I've always wanted to ask — what exactly is your relationship with Xiao'Guang? You claim you're one, yet the two of you couldn't be more different.
- "Ye Shunguang": ..You've seen the dark-haired Ye Shiyuan, right? I was the same. It's a gift we were both born with.
- "Ye Shunguang": But unlike my brother and his other self, my existence isn't just about looking different.
- "Ye Shunguang": Because "Ye Shunguang" never just wanted to be the perfect Qingming Sword keeper, the well-behaved junior everyone expected... She wants to live, just like any other ordinary person.
- "Ye Shunguang": I'm that side of her. The part that's wild, human. I'm her instincts, her desires... her humanity, the side she keeps trying to suppress.
- "Ye Shunguang": Surprised, huh? Obviously, from the outside, I look more like what you'd call a "divine being"...
- "Ye Shunguang": Humans are so good at turning what they don't understand into "gods."
- "Ye Shunguang": Too bad I'm neither divine nor interested in being worshiped.
- "Ye Shunguang": If being sacrificed is my destined path, and death is supposed to be the end... then I'll fight it.
- "Ye Shunguang": No one gets to decide my fate — not that damned Qingming Sword, and not that sanctimonious Yunkui Summit.
- "Ye Shunguang": Well then, I suppose our little midnight rendezvous ends here.
- "Ye Shunguang": Until next time, my dear junior.
- "Ye Shunguang" gives you a long, searching look... as if she has more to say, but no words come.
Then, just like that, Xiao'Guang returns to her usual self...
- (Idle)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Good night, Xiao'Guang.
- (Talk to (WiseWise /
BelleBelle), optional) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (It's getting late, you should head to bed.It's getting late, you should head to bed. /
It's getting late! Don't stay up, get some rest!It's getting late! Don't stay up, get some rest!) - Ye Shunguang: ...Okay!
- (Interact with Warm Bed in Ye Shunguang's room)
- Ye Shunguang: ...I feel like I'm forgetting something...
- Ye Shunguang: ...
- Ye Shunguang: Ah! Right. I promised my junior I'd make (himhim /
herher) osmanthus cakes again. - Ye Shunguang: If I wait until morning, Senior Yinhu might need to use the kitchen too...
- Ye Shunguang: Better to do it now.
- (Ongoing)
- Ye Shunguang: Thank goodness I remembered... I'd hate to let Junior down.
- (Interact with the kitchen)
I'll Definitely Remember
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
I'll definitely remember.Video Summary: Even if forgotten, it will be remembered again.
Story Description: Late at night, Ye Shunguang remembered she had promised to make osmanthus cakes for (WiseWise /
- Ye Shunguang: Next, three spoons of sugar...
- Ye Shunguang: ...Was it... three?
- Ye Shunguang: ...
- Ye Shunguang: No, this color, this scent... it's not right.
- Ye Shunguang: I could've sworn I had it in mind just now... Why? Why can't I remember?
- Ye Shunguang: I've done these steps so many times... and yet...
- Ye Shunguang rubs at her temples, trying to oust the emptiness in her mind.
She closes her eyes and breathes in deep, trying hard to remember. - In a daze, blurry, fragmented images flash through her mind: the sun setting over Failume Heights and her Junior's smile.
- But those fragments scatter and melt away... leaving no trace behind.
- Ye Shunguang: My head... Urgh... It hurts...
- Ye Shunguang: It feels like... I've forgotten something... A lot of things...
- Ye Shunguang: Will I one day end up forgetting my junior's face...?
- Ye Shunguang: No! I don't want that!
- Ye Shunguang suddenly stops what she's doing, her gaze becoming determined.
She flips through her notebook, finding the page that details how to make osmanthus cakes. - Ye Shunguang: It's alright. If I've forgotten, I'll just relearn it.
- Ye Shunguang: If I forget ten times, I'll master it eleven times.
- Ye Shunguang: ...I will... I will remember.
- Ye Shunguang bites her lower lip and hurries to make the cakes.
It's almost as if she's fighting a silent battle with the erosion of her memories. - Ye Shunguang: Junior...
- Ye Shunguang: If one day I'm no longer here...
- Ye Shunguang: Will you... remember me?
- (Meanwhile, (ProtagonistProtagonist) drifts into a dream...)
- (Wasn't I... just sleeping? How did I suddenly end up in Failume Heights...)
- (And my body... has reverted back to a child...?)
- (Logically speaking, this should be a dream. But can you actually know you're dreaming while you're in a dream...?)
- (What's going on? I can't seem to control my body...)
- (Wait, I think I hear a kid crying over there...)
- (Is that... Senior Xiao'Guang from when she was little...?)
Ask Xiao'Guang what's wrong
- (Idle)
- Ye Shunguang: *sobbing*
- (Approach Xiao'Guang)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): H—Hey... What's wrong? Why are you crying here all alone?
- Ye Shunguang: My music box is broken. It was a gift from my mom... Now it won't play anymore, and she's never coming back...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Aw, don't be sad. Let me take a look at the music box... I'm (actuallyactually) pretty good at fixing things.
- After a while of tinkering, you manage to fix Xiao'Guang's music box... The music box starts playing its melody again.
- Ye Shunguang: ...Thank you... *sob*
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's wrong? You still don't look happy. If something's bothering you, you can tell me.
- Ye Shunguang: If... if you knew the road ahead led straight into an abyss, would it still be worth moving forward?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Hm... That's a tough question... Uh, give me a second to think...Hm... That's a tough question... Uh, give me a second to think... /
Uh, that's a tough question... Give me a second to think!Uh, that's a tough question... Give me a second to think!)
Try to cheer up little Xiao'Guang
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hmm... They should be selling it here...
- (Talk to Reed)
- Reed: Welcome to Good Goods. What can I get you?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'd like some candy.
- Reed: For candies, we've got strawberry and osmanthus. Which one would you like?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'll go with the osmanthus flavor then.
- Reed: Here you go, osmanthus candy. Take care.
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Osmanthus candy... Feels like something she'd like! I hope she does.
- (Approach Xiao'Guang)
- Ye Shunguang: This is... for me? Thank you... Mmm, it smells so sweet, and tastes delicious...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): About what you asked earlier... I don't really have an answer either. But I'd like to tell you a (story.story. /
story~story~) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): I fell from a really high place a long time ago. I leaned over to admire some pretty flowers below... and accidentally slipped.
- Ye Shunguang: Huh?! What happened after that?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Other than a sore butt, nothing at all. It turned out the ground below was just a patch of grass, something I only realized after falling.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Sometimes, if you don't take a step forward, you'll never know what might happen. But if you give up, it's all over.
- Ye Shunguang: So maybe... the abyss I imagine isn't really that scary after all?
- Ye Shunguang: Thank you. I think I understand a little better now...
- Xiao'Guang finally cracks a smile...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Alright, it's getting late. (I should get going.I should get going. /
I better go.I better go.) - Ye Shunguang: Huh? You're leaving already? I... I was hoping we could chat a bit more...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Sorry, but I've got other stuff...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): But don't worry, we'll definitely meet again.
- Ye Shunguang: ...Mhm!
- Ye Shunguang: Um... we still don't know each others' names yet. I'm Ye Shunguang, what's your name?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I'm (WiseWise /
BelleBelle). - (ProtagonistProtagonist): (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)... I'll remember that name! - Ye Shunguang: Oh right, thanks for the candy! It was really good... I had no idea osmanthus-flavored candy could be this good!
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You're welcome. I'm glad you like it.
- Ye Shunguang: So... see you around...?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): See you around.
- As if to match those words, the scene before your eyes suddenly blurs, and your consciousness gradually slips away...
- Is the dream... coming to an end?
But then again, is this... really just a dream? - And those osmanthus candies I just bought at Good Goods... feels like they're hinting at something...
- (That dream just now... wasn't it a bit too real...?)
- (Could it be that I had this dream because I made osmanthus cakes with Xiao'Guang and bought osmanthus candy at Good Goods earlier in the day...?)
- (But how did Xiao'Guang know that Good Goods sold osmanthus candy...?)
- (Something feels off about that dream...)
- Just then, a somewhat hesitant knock comes from outside the door...
I'm on Your Side
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
I'm on Your SideVideo Summary: Nothing is more important than your safety.
Story Description: Ye Shunguang comes by with osmanthus cakes. (WiseWise /
- You rub your eyes and open the door...
Only to find Xiao'Guang standing there! And in her hands... Is that a box of osmanthus cakes? - Ye Shunguang: Um... Did I wake you?
- Ye Shunguang: I was thinking we said we'd eat osmanthus cakes together, so I tried making some myself...
- Didn't we already have some earlier today?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (But...But... /
Wait...Wait...) didn't we already have some earlier? - Ye Shunguang: Huh?!
- Ye Shunguang: Ah, sorry! I meant, we said I'd make you some myself...
- Are you okay?
- Don't tell me you've lost your memory...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Hold on. Xiao'Guang, (tell me honestlytell me honestly /
be honest with mebe honest with me) — did you forget what we did today? Don't tell me... you're starting to lose your memory?! - Ye Shunguang: I... I...
- Stop hiding it from me.
- You promised me.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Stop hiding this from me. You promised me you'd always put your own safety first, no matter what.
- Ye Shunguang: ...Sorry.
- Ye Shunguang: You're right... I've been forgetting some things.
- When did it start?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): When did it start? Was it after the last time you used the Qingming Sword?!
- Ye Shunguang: No... it didn't start recently. It's been a long time — long before we met in Failume Heights.
- (Ye Shunguang's Diary added to the Workbench)
-
- Ye Shunguang's Diary
- Xiao'Guang's diary.
Within its pages lie the most genuine joys and sorrows, written in the dead of night when no one was there to see, by a girl who always wore a smile.
- Ye Shunguang: Ever since it started, I've been writing a diary every day and memorizing the previous day's entries, so people would think everything's alright with me.
- Ye Shunguang: Cause I know there's no way to stop it. Even if I told you all, it'd only make everyone worry. That's why my brother did what he did... he was just worried about me...
- Ye Shunguang: I don't want anyone else to worry because of me.
- Ye Shunguang: I'm sorry... for hiding it from you for so long. ...But please don't worry. I will keep our promise. I swear!
- Ye Shunguang: So... could you please keep this between us for now?
- Ye Shunguang: When the time's right, I'll tell Yixuan Shifu, and everyone else too! I just need a little more time.
- ...Fine. I'll keep your secret.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): ...Alright, I'll keep your secret. But don't keep me in the dark again, okay?
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): And once you're ready, we have to tell everyone. It's not about burdening them — it's about giving you every possible chance to get better. Okay?
- Ye Shunguang: Okay! Thank you... When I'm with you, I always feel... safe.
- This is just dangerous...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): This is too dangerous. And I promised Yixuan Shifu I'd monitor your condition...
- Ye Shunguang: ...I know! I'll talk to Shifu, I promise. Just... not now. We still can't reach her — She might've run into some trouble. Everyone's already so worried... and with the Hollow expanding on top of that...
- Ye Shunguang: When... when Shifu gets to Failume Heights, I'll tell her in person, okay? Just please, don't tell anyone until then...
- Okay, but...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Fine. (But when you're ready, we need to tell everyone.But when you're ready, we need to tell everyone. /
But once you're ready, we have to tell everyone together.But once you're ready, we have to tell everyone together.) It's not about burdening them — it's about finding any chance to help you get better. Okay? - Ye Shunguang: ...Okay! Thank you!
- Like she's finally set down something heavy that has been weighing on her for a long time, Xiao'Guang looks relieved, her smile softer than usual.
- Whatever comes, I'm on your side.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): And... Xiao'Guang, I want you to know — no matter what happens, I'm on your side. Always.
- Ye Shunguang: ...I know. And I—I've been wanting to tell you something too!
- Ye Shunguang: Junior, actually, I...
Before she can say another word, a sudden commotion breaks out outside. If you listen closely, you can even hear faint screams...
You and Xiao'Guang exchange a glance, and the same uneasy feeling hits you both...
Hurry out and check it out.
You and Xiao'Guang exchange a glance, and the same uneasy feeling hits you both...
Hurry out and check it out.
- (Outside, the atmosphere is filled with the haze of Miasma)
- (Dark flowers bloom within the temple)
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): What's going on...?! Better go outside and see!
- (Idle)
- Lu Hengzhou: I see... I see...
- Lu Hengzhou: The Qingming Sword... Yunkui Summit... This is the moment we've been waiting for...
- (Approach Lu Hengzhou)
Ancient Prophecy
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Ancient ProphecyVideo Summary: Nothing is more important than your safety.
Story Description: Everyone discovered that the Hollow had grown larger, and black flowers appeared in Failume Heights. Lu Hengzhou says something strange about a prophecy, but (WiseWise /
- Ye Shunguang: No! If things are this bad here at Suibian Temple, the outside must be...
- Ye Shunguang: We need to hurry and regroup with the others!
- Ye Shunguang: We must not let these things hurt anyone in Failume Heights!
- Lu Hengzhou: Ye Shunguang, the time has come.
- Ye Shunguang: Elder Lu?
- Lu Hengzhou: I told you before — the Qingming Sword is one of Yunkui Summit's most valuable assets. It must never be wasted on trivial things. It can only be drawn when it truly matters...
- Lu Hengzhou: And now... is that moment.
- Lu Hengzhou: An ancient prophecy once said, "When darkness devours the land, when all life withers and even sorrow falls silent, only the blade of Bai Ze can pierce the night and awaken the dawn."
- Lu Hengzhou: This is your time to step forward, Sword Keeper.
- Lu Hengzhou: Use the Qingming Sword to save Failume Heights — restore the glory of Yunkui Summit!
- Ye Shunguang: I... I know...
- Xiao'Guang, don't listen to him.
- Let's meet up with everyone first...
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): Don't listen to him, Xiao'Guang. (Let'sLet's /
We gottaWe gotta) meet up with everyone and talk about it first! - Lu Hengzhou: ..."The path of Bai Ze is never walked alone. When fate shifts, shadow follows light. Blessing and curse, joy and grief — one thought leads to heaven, the next... to the abyss."
- Lu Hengzhou: You shouldn't stand in her way. As Yunkui Summit's Sword Keeper, wielding the Qingming Sword is Ye Shunguang's destiny.
- Lu Hengzhou: Heaven's will cannot be defied!
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Xiao'Guang's fate is hers to decide.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (I don't know about all that... But what I do know is that Xiao'Guang's fate should be hers to decide.I don't know about all that... But what I do know is that Xiao'Guang's fate should be hers to decide. /
I have no idea what you're even talking about. All I know is — Xiao'Guang's fate should be hers to decide.I have no idea what you're even talking about. All I know is — Xiao'Guang's fate should be hers to decide.) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): Xiao'Guang, (let'slet's /
we've gottawe've gotta) check what's happening outside. We should be able to get out through the back door. Follow me! - You don't give Lu Hengzhou a chance to argue. In a rush, you grab Xiao'Guang's hand and pull her toward the back door of Suibian Temple...
She freezes for a second, looking surprised, but then her fingers tighten around yours, warm and steady. - Ye Shunguang: Yeah! Let's go!
- (Ongoing)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): If the abnormal Miasma is appearing outside Suibian Temple, then the people in Failume Heights are definitely in trouble...
- Ye Shunguang: I have to figure out how to handle this! For now, I should discuss it with the others...
- (Idles)
- NPC 1: What's going on... why is everyone running away?
- NPC 1: We're not gonna die here, are we?!
- Yidhari: You okay? Don't panic yet, we don't even know what's going on...
- NPC 2: Wh—What's happening? Why's the sky so weird?
- NPC 2: Hold up, if something's really going down... does that mean I can skip overtime today?
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, you're tall; take a look over there and see what's going on.
- (Talk to Yuzuha)
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Great, you're here too. Do you know what's going on?
- Alice: The sky suddenly turned red, and these odd-smelling black flowers started appearing everywhere...
- I'm not really sure about the details.
- But there may be a disaster on the horizon.
- Yidhari: A disaster, huh...
- Lucia: It definitely feels like something big's coming.
- Komano Manato: I saw Defense Force soldiers guiding people to evacuate from Failume Heights.
- Komano Manato: Let's go help too. There must be quite a few elderly people, children, and other people with mobility issues around here.
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Manato, you sure are as reliable as ever.
- Ukinami Yuzuha: How about you, Proxy? Wanna join us?
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh right, I almost forgot to ask: Who's this next to you?
- She's my senior, Ye Shunguang.
- Ye Shunguang: N—Nice to meet you all.
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Oh, so you're a disciple of Yunkui Summit too. Nice to meet ya!
- Ye Shunguang: Um, sorry, but we might need to have a meeting with everyone else from Yunkui Summit...
- Just like Senior Xiao'Guang said...
- We probably won't be able to join you guys.
- Ukinami Yuzuha: I see. Then you guys be careful out there!
- Ukinami Yuzuha: Everyone, let's go with what Manato said earlier and help evacuate everyone from Failume Heights safely.
- Komano Manato: Yeah. We probably know this place better than the Defense Force does.
- Komano Manato: Hope we can help.
- After everyone in Spook Shack has a quick discussion, everyone rushes off to help more citizens...
- (Idles)
- NEDF NPC A: Citizens, please remain calm and evacuate in an orderly manner towards Seagaze Road!
- NPC 3: What's going on? Why are we suddenly evacuating?
- Soldier 11: It could be dangerous if you stick around here any longer.
- NPC 4: Which way is the emergency evacuation route?! Is it this way? Or that way? What do I do... Can I... Can I still make it out of here?
- Trigger: This way. Please try to stay calm if you can. Panic will only cloud your vision.
- NEDF NPC B: That's right, let's take it one at a time. So long as everyone follows orders, we can get everyone out!
- (Approach Orphie and Seed)
- Magus: Long time no see. You look energetic, good.
- Obol Squad...
- Even you guys...
- Magus: As you can see, Waifei's found its way into trouble again. Of course, we had to come.
- Ye Shunguang: When you say trouble... do you mean those black flowers?
- Magus: You are...?
- Ye Shunguang: Ah, hello everyone. I'm Ye Shunguang.
- Ye Shunguang: (WiseWise /
BelleBelle)'s senior. - Seed: So you're also a disciple of Yunkui Summit~ No wonder you feel so unique.
- Seed: As for the crisis Waifei's facing...
- Magus: ...I'm afraid it's not just about those black flowers.
- Seed: Look over thataways, it's definitely something crazy.
- (The black flowers bloom in abundance around the city)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): The abnormal Miasma has taken over all of Failume Heights...
- Ye Shunguang: I never thought something like this would happen...
- Ye Shunguang: Hey junior, are you okay...? You're looking pretty pale... Are you feeling unwell?
- It's nothing...
- Just need some time to process things...
- Ye Shunguang: I just got a Yunkui Summit group announcement, telling us to gather near the cable car station.
- Ye Shunguang: If we put our heads together, we might come up with something... Let's hurry over there too!
- (Idle, in front of Yum Cha Sin)
- Lee: What's going on...
- Sweety: At times like this... we need to keep our cool...
- (Listen to Sweety, optional)
- Lee: What's going on...
- Frightened Shop Clerk: Sweety... I—I'm scared...
- Anxious Shop Assistant: Maybe this is the time to round everyone up and make a run for it...
- Sweety: Everyone, please stay calm!
The masters at Suibian Temple and the Defense Force must have noticed these anomalies. - Sweety: At times like these... we need to keep our cool more than ever. We can't add to their troubles.
- Sweety: Right now, our job is to do as instructed... and believe in them!
- (Idle, near the Sailume Bay cable car)
- NPC 5: Let me through!
- NPC 6: I gotta get out of here!
- NPC 7: Please maintain order, everyone!
- NPC 5: How much longer do we have to wait!
- NPC 6: Out of my way! I'm getting on that cable car!
- NPC 8: Everyone will get a chance to ride the cable car! Trust us on this one!
- NPC 8: We'll make sure you're safe and buy you time to evacuate!
- (Idle, near the cable car station)
- NEDF NPC C: Stay alert! If any Ethereals show up, we'll be the first line of defense!
- NEDF NPC D: Got it, Captain! I'll keep my eyes peeled!
- (Talk to Ju Fufu)
- Ju Fufu: Besides the expanding Hollow, there's also these black flowers...
- Ju Fufu: I just tried everything, but there's no way to completely destroy them!
- Pan Yinhu: These black flowers reek of miasma...
- Pan Yinhu: If we can't clean them out, it's definitely gonna affect the residents of Failume Heights!
- (SiblingSibling): If it's Miasma we're dealing with, it could even put everyone's lives at risk...
- Ye Shunguang: Everyone! This is the black flower I was telling you about: the one I found in the Lemnian Hollow!
- Ye Shunguang: This thing's covered in abnormal Miasmic energy. Whatever you do, don't touch it directly!
- Ju Fufu: Xiao'Guang, you're finally here! How do we deal with this thing?
- Pan Yinhu: Didn't Xiao'Guang purify it earlier with the power of the Qingming Sword?
- Ye Shunguang: Y—Yeah, that's right... but I still remember how it felt back then.
- Ye Shunguang: Maybe... Maybe there's another method.
- Ye Shunguang: Senior Fufu, try not to just destroy it. Instead, use our energy to perceive the essence of these flowers... their most chaotic, most corrupted core!
- Ye Shunguang: Then try to focus your energy like a needle, piercing into that core... and purifying it from within!
- Ye Shunguang: Think of it like a drop of ink in clear water. What we need to do isn't to scatter the ink... but to turn it back into clear water!
- Pan Yinhu: Th—That's such a complicated description...
- Ye Shunguang: Oh! Sorry, I don't even know if what I'm saying really makes sense...
- Ju Fufu: No worries, I think I get it now. Let me give it a shot.
- Senior Fufu takes a deep breath, and stops her offensive techniques, instead closing her eyes and reaching out her hand to carefully probe the black flower with her energy...
- Time ticks by, second by second.
Beads of sweat form on her forehead, her fingers trembling slightly. The black flower seems to sense danger too, beginning to sway ever so slightly... - After what feels like forever, just when everyone is starting to worry, Senior Fufu suddenly opens her eyes.
- Ju Fufu: I found it... Right here~!
- As soon as she finishes speaking, a stream of pure energy shoots from her fingertips, striking the black flower dead center...
- The black flower lets out a silent shriek, its entire form violently twisting.
The black petals, like ice and snow under sunlight, begin melting away from the edges until... finally dissolving into a wisp of smoke that dissipated into the air. - Ye Shunguang: You did it... Senior Fufu, you did it!
- Ju Fufu: ...So that's how it's done... Phew... This is way more mentally draining than I imagined.
- Ju Fufu: How long did that take me?
- After hearing the number reported by Senior Yinhu, everyone falls silent once again...
If even Senior Fufu needs this much time to purify a single black flower, clearing out all the black flowers that appeared in Failume Heights would surely require an enormous amount of manpower... - Ye Shunguang: It would be much faster to just use the Qingming Sword...
- Xiao'Guang, don't be silly.
- There are too many black flowers here.
- Ye Shunguang: But—
- Ju Fufu: Don't worry, Xiao'Guang. With so many of us here at Yunkui Summit, we can't let our junior sister shoulder all of this alone.
- Ju Fufu: At least we've proven that these black flowers aren't some unbeatable foe.
- Ju Fufu: Together, we can always find a way!
- Ye Shunguang: ...Right!
- Ju Fufu: Yinhu, let me teach you...
- After spending quite some time, Senior Fufu and Xiao'Guang finally manage to teach Senior Yinhu how to purify the black flowers...
Important Person
The following is recorded in the Video Archive
Important PersonVideo Summary: Nothing is more important than your safety.
Story Description: The group agrees that the Yunkui Summit disciples will deal with the Black Flowers in Failume Heights, while Ye Shunguang, (WiseWise /
- Ju Fufu: Alright, we'll take the Yunkui disciples and clear out all the black flowers in Failume Heights first.
- Ju Fufu: But just doing that probably won't stop the Hollow from expanding. From what we can tell, the real source is inside Lemnian Hollow...
- Ye Shunguang: The flowers react to the Qingming Sword's power. So I'll head into Lemnian Hollow and clear out the flowers!
- Ju Fufu: But your body...
- Ye Shunguang: Really, it's fine. I've tried it before. As long as I use it that way, it won't hurt me at all!
- Ye Shunguang: Junior went in with me last time — (hehe /
sheshe) knows! Right, Junior? - Xiao'Guang turns to look at you, almost like she is waiting for you to back her up — to help convince Fufu...
- Side with Xiao'Guang.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (......Right.......Right. /
...Right....Right.) Last time in the Hollow, Senior Xiao'Guang cleansed the black flowers' Miasma with the sword, and (there were no side effects.there were no side effects. / she was totally fine afterward.she was totally fine afterward.) - Lu Hengzhou: Even if there were, so be it. That burden was hers to bear the moment she became the keeper of the Qingming Sword.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (......Right.......Right. /
- Disagree with Xiao'Guang.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Uh... last time might've been fine, but in your current condition, Senior Xiao'Guang, it's not a good idea to enter the Hollow again.Uh... last time might've been fine, but in your current condition, Senior Xiao'Guang, it's not a good idea to enter the Hollow again. /
Uh... it was fine last time, but Senior Xiao'Guang, you're not in any shape to enter the Hollow again...Uh... it was fine last time, but Senior Xiao'Guang, you're not in any shape to enter the Hollow again...) - Lu Hengzhou: She does not get to choose. It's her duty as the Sword Keeper.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): (Uh... last time might've been fine, but in your current condition, Senior Xiao'Guang, it's not a good idea to enter the Hollow again.Uh... last time might've been fine, but in your current condition, Senior Xiao'Guang, it's not a good idea to enter the Hollow again. /
- Ju Fufu: Elder Lu? You were against letting Xiao'Guang enter the Hollow on her own before, weren't you?
- Lu Hengzhou: The situation has changed. I opposed before because she wasn't "absolutely needed". But now, there's no one else who can take her place.
- Lu Hengzhou: Right now, other disciples will be tied up clearing the flowers in Failume Heights. We simply lack the manpower to investigate the Hollow.
- Lu Hengzhou: But you're different, Ye Shunguang. If the Qingming Sword can purify Miasma that efficiently, you must enter the Hollow, find the source of all this, and stop the disaster... for everyone.
- Lu Hengzhou: This is your duty, your calling.
- Ju Fufu: But... Shifu made it very clear before. Xiao'Guang mustn't take any more risks!
- Pan Yinhu: *sigh* If only Shifu were here... Too bad we still can't reach her.
- Ju Fufu: Elder Lu was right, we don't really have the manpower to send anyone else. But sending only you two into the Hollow is...
- Zhao: How about counting me in?
- Lockspring: I'll help as well.
- Ye Shunguang: Miss Zhao? And... and Lockspring! You're here!
- Zhao: Yeah. I heard what's going on. Since it's urgent, I brought this little Bangboo along.
- Lockspring: My basic modules are mostly repaired. Everyone, I have some understanding of the abnormal Miasma in that area of the Hollow. I hope that knowledge will be of use to you.
- Zhao: Don't worry. We've entered Lemnian Hollow this way before. We made it out once, we can do it again.
- Zhao: Oh, and one more thing — last time, the Qingming Sword resonated faintly with the Hollow. I suspect they're connected somehow.
- Zhao: If we keep an eye on its reaction, we should be able to trace it back to the source of the anomaly. So one way or another, Ye Shunguang — or rather, the Qingming Sword — must enter the Hollow.
- Lockspring: I think so too. From what I can tell, if we can clear away the black flowers in that area, it might stop the Hollow's abnormal changes.
- Ju Fufu: Looks like that's our best option. Okay, we'll stay here and clean up the mutated flowers, and you guys can enter the Hollow and try to find the source inside.
- (SiblingSibling): (Then I'll talk to...Then I'll talk to... /
In that case, I'll work with...In that case, I'll work with...) my Supreme Assistant and try to learn more about the Creator! - Ju Fufu: There's no time to waste. Let's split up and get moving. Xiao'Guang, please, come back safe.
- Everyone scatters to do their assigned tasks, leaving only Xiao'Guang, Zhao, Lockspring, and you...
- Zhao: ...I may have said that, but I'm actually not totally sure if your body can handle it.
- Zhao: If it can't, you'd better tell me sooner rather than later.
- Ye Shunguang: Aww... Are you worried about me? Thank you! But really, I'm fine!
- Zhao: ...I don't get it.
- Zhao: This mission's a bad deal for you. The sword's already chosen you — even if you do nothing, you still have your value.
- Ye Shunguang: My value...? I—I'm not sure I understand. But... I do know I wanna help everyone.
- Ye Shunguang: For Yunkui Summit, and for the people of Failume Heights... I don't want to see them panic or suffer like that anymore.
- Ye Shunguang: If my power can make a difference, then I have to use it. Like Elder Lu said, this is my duty as the Sword Keeper.
- Zhao: You're weird... Whatever.
- Zhao: By the way, it looks like Proxy's been wanting to talk to you. I'll leave you two to it. We don't have much time, so make it quick.
- Zhao and Lockspring step aside... Now, it's only you and Xiao'Guang here.
- Ye Shunguang: Junior... you wanted to talk to me?
- (Tell Xiao'Guang your thoughts.)
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): I know you want to help everyone, and I respect that. But I also need to tell you something.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): You're really important to me, Senior Xiao'Guang. If helping others makes you smile, I'll truly be happy for you. But if you get hurt because of it, I'll also feel that pain, right along with you.
- (ProtagonistProtagonist): So, just like you promised me before — (don't overdo it. Your safety comes first, always.don't overdo it. Your safety comes first, always. /
don't push yourself too hard. Nothing's worth more than your safety.don't push yourself too hard. Nothing's worth more than your safety.) - (ProtagonistProtagonist): As your friend, as your companion, as your Proxy, I just hope you can (value for [sic]value for [sic] Tooltip for value for [sic]ⓘ /
valuevalue) yourself a little more. - Ye Shunguang: I will! Thank you... I definitely will.
- Ye Shunguang: Um... This is kinda embarrassing — but you're really, really important to me too!
- Ye Shunguang: So if we work together... we're totally gonna nail this mission, right!
- Zhao: You're done?
- Ye Shunguang: Yeah! Time waits for no one, let's move as soon as we can.
- Ye Shunguang: For this mission, our target is to enter the Lemnian Hollow and purify the black flowers, just like before.
- Ye Shunguang: At the same time, we gotta keep a close eye on the Qingming Sword's condition and try to track down the source of all this abnormal Miasma!
- Ye Shunguang: This is the only way... to protect Failume Heights.
- Ye Shunguang: It's my duty as the Sword Keeper. I must do this.
- Zhao: I don't like admitting it, but it really is something only you, Ye Shunguang, can do.
- Zhao: Proxy, if you're ready, let's head out.
Let's go now.- Wait a sec.
- (Talking to Ye Shunguang again will repeat dialogue)
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Keeper of the Qingming Sword |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 青溟剑剑主 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 青溟劍劍主 |
| Japanese | 青溟剣剣主 |
| Korean | 청명검 검주 Cheongmyeonggeom Geomju |
| Spanish | Portadora de la espada Qingming |
| French | Détentrice de l'épée Qingming |
| Russian | Хранительница Небесного меча Khranitel'nitsa Nebesnogo mecha |
| Thai | ผู้ถือครองดาบชิงหมิง Phu Thuekhrong Dap Chingming |
| Vietnamese | Kiếm Chủ Thanh Minh Kiếm |
| German | Trägerin des Qingming-Schwerts |
| Indonesian | Pemegang Pedang Qingming |
| Portuguese | Portadora da Espada Qingming |
Change History
Released in Version 2.5 - To Be Fuel for the Night
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