The Heart (after battle)
More of a sprinter than a marathoner, eh...
Ya power don't hold up too well when the fight drags on. Time's up.
Y'all had heart, I'll give ya that... Shame this is where it ends.
<But... this should've brought him down to our level...>
This may be... attributed to the gap in our combat experience.
I can... barely stand...
Oi... no more whingin', lad.
It ain't over 'till it's over, yeah? We'll... we'll get him eventually.
Heathcliff encouraged us with his usual bluntness, but... it was true that determination was the only thing keeping some Sinners on their feet.
The Tiekan Temple is right there, right in front of us... but we simply can't get past this final threshold.
Jia Qiu said that we were the key to stopping this war's powder keg from blowing, but...
... we're stopped by this one man on a bridge between us and the Temple.
I thought I'd finally found a way to even things out by resonating with the Golden Bough, but...
... I just don't see how we can get past this wall.
Do not kneel.
A low, deep voice boomed from behind us.
Well I'll be - Ya sure got here fast.
You coulda just taken yer sweet darn time, but you just had to get here now right as I was 'bout to finish 'em off, eh?
Ohhh~! I see now. Honey bunny didn't dig that hole for no reason, huh.
I'm mighty honored you came all the way down here to see me, but I reckon things'll go south real quick without ya bustin' heads out there.
My presence here took precedence.
For they are not the kind of people who must stagnate here.
That so?
Hwell, lessee, then.
Let's see who'll greet them fellers when they're done with their business...
Let's see which of us'll get to roll out the red carpet.
…….
Always wanted to kick yer behind. Ain't this a mighty fine place to do it?
Hot dang, I'm burnin' up...!
Despite Lei Heng's gung-ho provocations, Jia Qiu paid him no mind. He looked to Zilu, who was barely breathing. She was slumped against the wall.
How long will you remain in slumber, Zilu?
She ain't gonna wake up anytime soon, friendo. I really cut 'er up good this time.
Why don't I put ya to rest right next to 'er?
Lei Heng's blade flashed with fire once again, and he charged like a lightning strike toward Jia Qiu.
But...
Jia Qiu's staff brought Lei Heng's blade to a screeching halt.
Brother...
Go.
Lei Heng's forces have already been alerted to the fact that Jia Xichun has already entered the Tiekan Temple.
Thus... in that brief moment where Jia Xichun completes her ascension and exits the Tiekan Temple...
... they will attempt to cut off her head before she gains full control of the Hierarch's Heishou Pack.
They will use the loophole that the ritual to become the Family Hierarch isn't truly over until she rises to the surface.
Jia Xichun does not have any substantial foundation nor sponsor who protects her - no family will come to her aid; it is most likely that they are simply waiting for someone to kill her in their stead.
However...
One thing I can give you is that, once you enter, and until you exit the temple alongside Jia Xichun...
... not a single foe shall cross this bridge as long as I stand. Jia Xichun will survive this day.
And we will bring Xichun safely back to the surface and escort her to the seat of the Family Hierarch.
Indeed. It will be a considerable undertaking for any family to strike down a Family Hierarch, even one without a foundation like Xichun.
... If that is your will, then I will help as well.
Daiyu...? How did you...
What in the goshdarn... I thought the Xue family'd turned against Daguanyuan already.
... Not all Xue has.
Miss Baochai has sent me in secret to assist you.
…….
I have not come to discuss or pursue a lofty goal like... the future of Daguanyuan.
I only wish that - ... Neither I nor Miss Baochai wish to see you fall here.
... That is all.
... Then stand with me.
Stand with me against the tide and defeat any foe that has made it through.
Gladly.
... Thank you, Daiyu.
…!
Over there, soldiers...! A different force is marching toward the temple.
You knew darn well that this was only a matter of time.
If y'all think ya got what it takes, just try 'n stop us. Lessee if y'all can live up to your boasts.
Go forth, Jia Baoyu.
I have faith that your heart is true.