Happiness, Wrath, Sorrow, and Joy (after battle)
We quickly made our way outside as the flooding Tiekan Temple turned into a lake.
Dammit, it must've been swept away by the cascade! It must be here somewhere, find it!
... Here! Drat, the precious specimen...!
... I briefly turn to see Gubo wading through the cascading flood, searching frantically amid the rising waters. Jia Huan, meanwhile, stands gazing toward the hall… before quietly making his way to the center of the Tiekan Temple.
…….
Then, all of a sudden, Jia Huan raises his blade... then stabs it into the center of the Tiekan Temple...
... and the sceneries that the Xianren have been peeping at begin to grow delayed, fuzzy, and warped.
... Hah.
Let's get out of here for now...
The "Xianren", swept off their pedestals by the powerful flow of water, crawl pathetically toward the door as Jia Huan shoots them a contemptuous glare and escapes the chamber. Gubo follows, not far behind him.
... But we still didn't have anything to break through the defensive field put up by their E.G.O gear.
Tsk... you never have anything more than empty platitudes to convey...
So this is the true form of the Xianhuang Worm... We were supposed to capture it alive.
Well... it can't be helped. Even half dead, it is extremely close to the form of the pure human she seeks. This specimen will still be of use to us.
Don't be too vexed, old-timers. At least it's the rightful heir of the family that's taking the Xianhuang Worm.
Hold on, Gubo. Was that also an ability of that E.G.O?
... This is technically not my area of expertise. I had only made an educated guess from context clues that this E.G.O would allow for such a usage... and my guess simply happened to be true.
I thought we were the ones who had a direct hand in choosing these E.G.O, but... perhaps we were actually guided to 'choose' the appropriate ones for ourselves.
Mm. It seems that the other team has secured our escape route.
... The newcomer's team? One led by the former Chief Butler? Hmph, she's competent, I'll give her that.
A ripple radiates from the clear, jade-blue lake...
... until stillness comes.
Tiekan Temple reflects clearly on its surface.
The initial sense of oppressiveness was replaced by... peace.
... Looks like Tiekan Temple's been completely cut off from the rest of the world.
<... I guess no one's ever getting in or out of there again.>
The people in there... they won't hold any sway on Xichun or any subsequent Family Hierarchs to come.
So... now they have an opportunity to really bring about change to Hongyuan. If they can utilize it.
No one'll ever know what... happens in there. No one'll be able to help them if something were to happen, either.
It is likely that the sole nutrient supplier for them was the Family Hierarch. Their deaths will be very slow.
Puff... just like a gu poison jar. Ultimate solitude.
Besides, all they'll ever get to witness in their last moments is the blurred, barely-recognizable, and heavily delayed display. It's gotta be pretty infuriating.
Big bro...
What'll happen to me once we leave here?
I couldn't do anything in there but shudder with fear. Do I... even deserve to rule over Hongyuan and its families?
Here's what I think, Xichun.
I think the people who most deserve to be the Family Hierarch...
... are the people who are afraid of becoming one.
... You think so?
Well... if you say so, I'll try to convince myself of that, too.
Let's leave this place, now.
... Unlike the lake overlooking Tiekan Temple, however, what greeted us outside was far from peaceful.
The view outside had become even more gruesome.
The promised Chen hour is come.
In midst of striking up a storm with his staff, Jia Qiu notices us - and gives us a barely perceivable look of relief.
You've done it, little brother.
Surrounding him were piles of dead and heavily wounded bodies...
He was covered in so many cuts, bruises, and bloodstains that I couldn't even tell if all that blood came from him, or from those around him, or how many people bled on him.
Bao...yu...
I'm... so glad...
Behind him stood Daiyu, looking terribly exhausted.
They've been guarding this entrance against this endless stream of enemies this whole time, to keep their word.
... Hah.
The only ones still engaged in battle were Jia Qiu and Lei Heng.
Dangit. Shit's fucked, ain't it?
I'm all outta gas... my boys are dead as shit... and now that y'alls got yourselves twelve fresh fellers... I reckon I don't got that many options left...
And when y'all get the girl to the seat... them yaller dogs out there'll pack up 'n go home 'n pretend none 'o this ever happened.
Lei Heng looks at us despondently, panting with fatigue.
Awright, lemme be straight with y'all. Any way I get to walk outta here alive?
He begs for his life in an impressively self-assured manner.
…….
Of course, Jia Qiu had no reason to accept this request.
But...
Instead of rebuking Lei Heng, he slams the ground with his staff with a heavy boom before addressing him.
... Very well, <ruby=Tiantui Star, the Winged Tiger>Chachihu</ruby>. Then I will make you the same offer you gave <ruby=Tianjiu Star, the Unrestrained>Meizhelan</ruby>. Take a singular hit.
I ain't even worth unwrappin' that staff of yours, am I?
Lei Heng let out a hollow laugh, then produced a cigar from his pocket.
Hold your horses, be done in a jiffy.
He bit one end of it off, then...
Slowly, carefully lit the cigar in an almost ritualistic reverence.
... Hit me.
Jia Qiu lifted the staff and placed it lightly on Lei Heng's right shoulder.
…….
Warm rings of light materialize around the staff...
... until there were five of them.
<…….>
I see... Five Mangs(五望) of the Tiangang Star...
Puff... Ain't that a real motherfu -
The staff gently slid across Lei Heng's shoulder even before he got to finish his sentence...
... and his head exploded into chunks of meat, then rained down in tatters like fireworks.
... He would rather call me by the star's name, hm. Yet my name is Kong Qiu.
Puff... the Pinky.
Omnipresent yet unknown to each other...
... Everyone fell silent for a moment.
... We have no time to waste on ruminations.
Our task is not over until she ascends to the seat of the Family Hierarch and seizes the Heishou Packs' leash.
Jia Qiu's resolute voice woke us from that stunned silence, and...
... with him at the vanguard, one by one, we routed the forces that still sought to stop the new Hierarch from assuming the responsibility.
It was no easy task, but...
…….
... Hong Lu appeared more unburdened than ever, so...
... I was pretty happy.
... A few days later...
…….
Here to see us go, Xichun?
... She doesn't seem too happy for this to be just a friendly gesture.
Hey... we'll stop by from time to time.
Hmph, sure. But don't expect me to make the time to greet you guys.
I'm about to be busier than I've ever been in my entire life.
My lady expresses that you will always be welcomed with the greatest honors here.
Huh... I don't really know you well, Mister Wei, but... I feel a strange sense that we might be kindred spirits...
Looks like you'll have your hands full too, Wei.
Indeed I will. There is much work to be done.
So much of the information has been esoterically handed down via the Anamnaworm... it'll take years for us to put it all to paper. We're having difficulty even getting an idea of how long it might take.
But you have broken one of many cycles here; I am certain that Hongyuan will become a better place to live under my ladyship's rule.
A lot of things did not go according to plan, but... in the end, Xichun did become the next Hierarch.
A Family Hierarch without the Imperial Worm.
Everyone here at Daguanyuan, they... they all seem to have a lot of questions for me, but...
Heh, what are they gonna do? Directly challenge the Family Hierarch?
Gotta say, ya were real charismatic out there from your first command as the Hierarch~ "Turmoil has come to Daguanyuan. Release the Heishou Pack - Chou, Chen, and Shen branches and quell the chaos!" Right?
... Don't ever do an impression of me acting like that again.
Many must be looking forward to your governance, given your initial charismatic demonstration.
You are, in essence, a new kind of leader that this land hasn't seen in many years... Much they must have to ask for your judgment in terms of rules and laws.
Yeah, what about it? Rules are there to be rewritten.
... The whole... damn thing, I guess...
Jia Xichun sighed lightly and looked around Daguanyuan.
Ugh... I feel like I've aged ten years all at once.
I thought I'd be the artist behind the brush for this painting, yet...
... I did not expect us to allow a brush held by another to guide us, my lord.
…….
It is fortunate that our brushstrokes shared the general direction.
A Family Hierarch who does not seek to be free from aging and death... I wonder what winds of change that will bring to Hongyuan?
It was a far more peaceful resolution than the one your guidance would have provided. "Gouge out your little brother's eye and use it to enter the temple", was it?
Whaaat?!
Efficiency in the veil of cruelty. Minimalistic... puff.
It was a mere jest, my lord. Though... I suppose I did add "If things do not go according to plan...".
Ah, whichever was the case... What will you do next, my lord?
... Today, I observed that the Pinky has strayed from the path of humanity. Thus, I will now join Yan Hui, journey to Mount Liang, and come to a few agreements with the Mohists.
We must also discuss the matter of the Tiantui Star, whose seat has just become vacant.
Indeed we must. Then we shall journey to Q Corp. next.
<The Pinky?>
Yes. ... It seems that Kong Qiu's allegiance lies with the Pinky.
Indeed. As one of the Pinky, I intend to change the world with the Way of true humanity.
Given what Ryōshū said...
Lei Heng and Zilu are both from the Pinky, right...? So how come they were trying to kill each other?
Members of the Pinky gather and scatter when certain conditions are met. However, when there is no call...
... they just live their lives without knowing which is which. No call, no solidarity.
P.O.S.
Playing on Solo-mode... right?
It seemed that Zilu and Lei Heng were aware of each other's identities, but did not know about Kong Qiu.
You know this well. I hear that you are the primary purveyor of esoteric knowledge in your group?
…….
Then, you must also be aware of the weight of information regarding our, and our lord's allegiance to the Pinky is rather heavy.
I trust that you will maintain your silence regarding the matter, as it is right to do so.
I have aught to ask you.
Kong Qiu approached me as the other people were starting to scatter.
At first, I looked away because I couldn't imagine that he could possibly be talking to me.
Dante, the manager.
Will you continue to push to open their paths...
... for every Sinner under your management, no matter which road they walk?
As you have done for my brother?
I nodded.
Even if one of them seeks to walk the path of Asura?
Kong Qiu's gaze briefly lingered on one of the Sinners before moving on.
The Sinner takes a long draw from the cigarette and releases the smoke with a large sigh, which then turns into a scattering plume. Her hand rests, out of habit, on her never-drawn sword.
I'm going to keep helping them as long as they have the will to move forward, no matter what. My thoughts on that matter haven't changed at all. They never will.
I nodded once again.
... I see.
... Ah. My lord, I have another subject to discuss. While this is but a conjecture at the moment... evidence seems to point to Jia Yuanchun being among the treasonous forces of Hongyuan, in cahoots with the Xue and the Shi families.
While this suspicion is yet to be developed beyond supposition, it seemed likely that Jia Yuanchun had aligned herself with the treasonous forces of Hongyuan.
She made herself scarce as soon as the troubles were quelled, which could mean... yes.
The first thread to find is the influential individual within the Shi family who ordered Shi Yihua's execution. Once their identity is determined, it should be no trouble making the connection to the masterminds behind this incident.
Will you continue to roam the lands, brother?
Indeed I will.
I will walk the City, converse with the lords of each Nest.
He gives a muted reply to Hong Lu before turning around to look at Jia Xichun.
... None may say for certain if Jia Xichun, over her long tenure to come, shall not be tempted by promises of immortality.
Ugh... seriously?! I'm -
Yet, if one's heart truly lies steady upon the path of humanity, they will not be swayed to commit evil...
... thus, I believe that you are worth watching.
Upon our next meeting...
Hm, though I cannot say for certain whether our goals shall be aligned then as they were today, but...
... I suppose we shall have much to take in from each other.
What are your thoughts, Zigong?
Did you enjoy this lesson as well?
Yes... I was... foolish, my lord. Once again.
It is all right.
Learning and understanding must go hand-in-hand, as I always say.
You are a student worthy of discourse still.
... I have much to learn.
It seems that you weren't repeatedly recounting that story over and over at me again for nothing.
You were trying to insinuate that he was the only one in Hongyuan who was worthy of faith...
... Zigong, Zilu, let us converse in private for a moment, for I have an important task for you...
…….
Xiren's expression that regarded us was the same as it always was.
Your nu'er tea is always so delicious.
Thanks, Xiren.
Yes, young master.
…….
I will be departing again soon. I don't know when I should return.
Understood.
... Stay safe until then.
A-actually, no.
What do you think, Xiren? About the fact that I'll be leaving soon.
…….
Walk the path of your choosing, young master. Whichever that may be.
Her reply sounded as cold as ever, to the point that the now lukewarm, clacking tea cups on her clean-up tray sounded warmer...
Alright.
... but Hong Lu smiled as though something had been lifted from his heart, as though he found something he'd been looking for.
Even the opulence of Daguanyuan fades.
The trees are wilting... as the once beautiful pavilions and towers now lay in ruins and abandonment.
It seems that all of existence is, indeed, but a great cycle of rises and falls.
It is.
But isn't that...
... exactly why every moment in life is so beautiful?
... Yes, yes it is.
…….
I will no longer wait for you.
And I might one day disappear from Daguanyuan myself, now that I know that idle waiting is not the sole answer.
…….
Daiyu, I loved that day when we went out kiting together.
That was my favorite game.
... And mine as well.
Hong Lu leaves Daguanyuan as the happiest descendant it has ever produced.
Finding meaning in every moment of his life...
No longer a passive witness to tragedy, as he once was to the deaths and suffering of his siblings,
Hong Lu will walk tall with his friends.
Yet even that will one day fade. For in the end, we have but one chance at life, and to live at all is to exist in futility.
His home, too, shall one day be taken by loneliness and solitude, gradually eroding away with time...
and we will all one day go our separate ways.
But every wilting fertilizes the next blossom, every fallen home may become a place for new beginnings, and every goodbye is a promise of new meetings.
Thus Jia Baoyu, once the peerless treasure of Daguanyuan...
... boards the bus once again as Hong Lu.
The clouds I once saw in his jade-eye had all but withdrawn.
I only see an incandescent, radiant smile.
Well...
I guess it's a bit of a shame to just let you guys go like this.
But I tried to make our farewell a memorable one. Made sure you got the best of the best food we had to offer, to commemorate the day I took office...
Mffh, I mew Xichewwn's ze bescht~!
Just how are you still finding all that leftover food? Everyone's already left the banquet.
Cam't washte gooh fooh~!
'Course... Uh, hey... is the bus not starting or something?
Yeah... wait, where are we headed to, anyway?
How should we know, lad? Guide's gonna tell us soon anyway.
Uh... hang on, where'd that bloke go?
Hi, I'm subbing in for him today~
Huh? We could've switched out our guide all along? Well, why didn't we get Saude to -
No, that's not - that's not how it works... ha ha.
It's just that you have some unfinished business here.
For your information, the Red Gaze is currently away because he's accompanying Pilot on a mission elsewhere. More urgent LCCB business~
What misery it is to be him...
...? Ah, I did not mean to insinuate that Pilot would be the source of his misery.
You have more business here at Daguanyuan...?
Oh yes, we do.
Very, very important business, in fact.
... Why are you looking at me like that? What is it this time?
So, you know how Miss Jia Xichun, a very important and friendly ally of ours, has become the de facto leader of a Wing?
... Oho?
You're a crafty one, aren't you?
Oh, of course~ Veterans like me tend to pick up a thing or two after some experience in the field.
Ha ha! Very well, this more than makes up for your subordinate's blunder from last time!
Aww~ I knew you'd be the first to pick up what I'm putting down! We both know what's the best for our company~
Okay, now I'm starting to get really creeped out... why are you both looking at me like that...?
... Oh.
I see how it is. Even the biggest catch of the day'll just rot in the shed if you don't bother to fillet it, right?
Alright, I'd like to have everyone's attention for the LCB's next mission.
... Wait, just wait a damn second. Do you need me here for this?
Miss Jia Xichun, as you've quickly become one of our most precious human resources, as the Family Hierarch...
... we're going to give you a total makeover training!
…? ?? ?!?
Ah, we can't spend too much time on the training, though. So we're gonna have to fast-track this.
Y-you dare?! I'll have you know, I'm still the -
I am very much in agreement that there is much you must learn to be an effective Family Hierarch of Hongyuan.
To further solidify your base within Daguanyuan... Ahem, ahem.
Then we should get right to it.
Meursault! You seem to be well-versed in the art of physical fitness.
Your intent has been understood, but it is up to the manager to command me.
<... Well. I don't see why not.>
Then it will be done.
Huh?! Hey, put me down!
The first order of business is to improve your fitness level! Now, on my count -
Y-y-yo-you bastards...! Would it kill you to go a single second without ruining my day?!!!
You're all like a family of bedbugs I can't get rid of, you know that?!!! I'm gonna make you throw up everything you ate today, you assholes!!!
- FIN -
I-it's so dark...
We have brought her here, my lord.
I wish to be left alone with her. Leave us.
Your wish is my command.
S-so, big sister Yuanchun...? Why did you...?
You appear troubled.
It is no wonder to me that you are, for you have betrayed your own Xue family.
H-how did you...?!
I... didn't think anyone would notice in all that chaos...
Ha ha ha ha!
Baochai, oh dear Baochai, my poor child.
Can you hide from a black kite by blocking out the sky with your palms? Can tiptoeing hide your footsteps from earthwyrms?
... N-no, big sis Yuanchun... If my parents were to find out...
Wait, do they... do they already know?
Wouldn't you like to know?
…….
If not, I have ways to make sure that they don't know.
Not even your parents... hm, no. I can make this story...
... stay between just you and I in this vast Daguanyuan.
W-what do you want from me...?
Fuhu... that is the wrong line of thinking, little Baochai.
I only... wish to help you achieve your desires.
Your betrayal wasn't to make an enemy of your own Xue family, I understand.
It was for Baoyu. Someone you were afraid would never return.
... Your gaze is so penetrating, so piercing that... I feel so naked, even in the dark.
Will... Baoyu never come back to me?
Baochai, it is pointless to ask whether he will or will not return.
Why seek the sway of currents, when you can simply make him return?
B-but how...?
Come closer to me.
The night is long, and we have much to confer.