Stumbling Into Qingbo Stockade

No ... I only found you after I woke up.

She's not a bad person, just ... a bit money-minded. Can't blame her, though — her people have it tough.

If she's made it to the top, her people are bound to be nearby.

We play along — and flip the script.

I'm sure Perlica's fine... She's tough and skilled.

Yeah. I first met her when I was practicing swordmancy outside Wuling City.

She kept butting in, throwing advice everywhere. One thing led to another, and we became sparring partners.

Wooo, I got an idea...

Anyway, if this really is Qingbo Stockade's turf, we better play it safe.

Ah! That? Well, I didn't really get dragged out... It's more like me failing the trials...

Aiyo. Let's just leave talking about ME for another day. Our top priority is to look for Perly!

Done jawing? Qingbo Stockade's all about survival — as long as the hills stay green, there'll always be firewood to burn.

You two are my "green hills," alright? Drop me some good loot, and I'll let you walk. Not gonna gut you dry. Ain't my style.

Supreme Chief!

Nyaa?

Chief, you know it, right? How Wuling threw me out cold and callously, without any mercy!

Well now I'm back. I'm back to show them Wulingers — they were wrong, that decision was utterly, completely wrong!

I've never forgotten the shame. It still haunts me. Luckily, I ran into my new boss.

The one and only Endministrator of Endfield!

En-end what? Never heard of it. Whatever.

So you rolled back in here just to give Wuling hell?

You bet I did!

Hehheh. But look at you now, Chen. Full of fire! You're one tough cookie!

Hmph! Well said. Can't deny that!

Ah, now I get it. So this is what you are up to.

Chief, actually we are looking for a girl. Please — you've got to help us. She's a white-haired Liberi. Name's Perlica. She's one of us.

She ... she's a smart one. She's got tricks and knows tactics. She could be our trump card against Mi Fu and her watchguards!

Oh...?

Hmph, consider it done! Finding your little pal is child's play for me.

Oh, stop it, Chief. I'm nothing in front of YOU. You're tougher than any of us here!

Hehheh, tracking folks isn't easy around here. You're lucky I'm on it.

Wha...?

Hmm ... thinking back, you were totally bawling your eyes out when you left. I almost thought you'd lose it.

That was... Wait, how did you...

You made the right choice! Around here, only we Qingbo Stockaders have the guts to go head-on with Wuling.

Did you just say, Mi Fu?

Exactly!

You mean that rude, rough, mad woman who nicked my favorite handcannon like it was nothing?

Absolutely!

Okay! I got you covered!

Perlica!

With us? Look at how they're dressed. They don't look like one of us.

As I have explained, we are not part of Wuling. We are from Endfield. We do not want to start any conflict with you.

That was legitimate self-defense. They should be regaining consciousness soon.

HAHA! Good! I'm impressed!

...*Sigh*.

Sneaking off to the limestone cave again, huh? Told you to stick to the Stockade these days.

Aiyo, girl needs some fresh air!

I ran into these guys on the way. Told me they're fixing to mess with Wuling City, so I stepped in and brought them under!

Aiya, just trust me on this, bro...

So ... what's happening now?

Bro!

Endmin, Chen... I'm so glad you're both alright.

Leave this to us.

Tangtang...? What are you doing out here?

Put your fist down, bro. They're with us.

But you just injured my men.

Thought you just had brains, but you're an artful caster — could be a big help for sure!

Tangtang...

Chillax, bro. Let me clear up this little mix-up for you. These guys roll with me.

Look at this goofball — ring any bells? She's Chen Qianyu! She got kicked out before, now she's back to shake things up. I can't miss that!

Hey, quit standing there like a bunch of goobers.

This is my big brother, Qingbo Stockade's first mate — Ruan Yi!

Think, how long's it been since we last opened for biz? All thanks to those splatters.

Don't matter if they're serious about throwing down. For now, we can boss them around a bit!

If we don't get these folks to fix our waterwheelies, what, we gonna run crying to the Wuling City Tianshi?

I'm with you on most things. But ... bringing outsiders into Stockade affairs?

C'mon, bro, don't be so rockheaded! Times're getting tougher — we gotta do something, right?

Don't worry, Endmin. I'm alright.

I ... appreciate it.

Nefarith really is in Wuling, and she has found herself a mysterious ally... Things are getting out of control.

Mhm, we must hurry to Wuling City and tell Viceroy Zhuang about this.

That girl, Tangtang, why did she say we are with her...

Hmm... Slightly improper, but an effective exit strategy.

...Like Chen said, we are operating on Qingbo Stockade's territory. Neither confronting them directly nor sneaking past them seems viable.

Hey, Darkmask! Listen up!

Ahem, deal's settled!

Hmph. You wanna go to Wuling City, right? Too bad the way's been cut off.

Cut off?

Only problem is, our Stockade has some little troubles recently, so taking that path may take some effort...

See where I'm getting at, right?

Decide quick, then come knocking!

And unless I misheard, she also said we're to stir up trouble in Wuling City. What's that about?

And since Nefarith has already made her move, the locals might provide some clues.

You can roll with us, but you're fresh meat and you roughed up our brothers — gotta earn our trust first. No freebies.

Relax, Qingbo's got tricks up its sleeve!

Oh, that was fast! You in?

Okie dokie! Now, tail me tight!

See that? Our Stockade's right up ahead past this part.

You could've rolled straight into Wuling City from there. Too bad the way was cut off lately.

When did that happen...?

Uh, couple of weeks back?

Two weeks.

Whatever, the way's blocked for now. C'mon, follow me!

Da Jiang! How'd you get so banged up!?

*Cough* Argh... Chief... Those splatters...

Shhh, save your strength! Let's get you treated first.

Endmin, time to put them down!

Seems like we're thinking the same thing.

Compared to Valley IV, it's way too peaceful here...

You mean ... there's danger lurking behind Qingbo Stockade?

Hey, Liberi, you really got skills! Knew you'd be useful!

I told Da Jiang to get some rest. I'll handle the bridge repairs.

Perhaps we can lend a hand too.

......

Not a single denstack or camp.

Nice! I'm sure that we just need to ... pour some clean water into that mechanism there, then the bridge moves... Think we can use lake water?

Here, take these Ferrium Bottles and fill them up with water.

Why are there so many Aggeloi here?

Endmin, I'll go help her!

The Stockade's in a mess and it's easy to get lost. I'll show you the way.

Tch... Freaking splatters!

Thank you in advance, everyone.

The food's safe, so yeah, I'm fine!

Big Bro! I'm here!

Didn't I tell you to lay off the fin-hunting lately?

Our food supplies are runnin' low. I'm Fin of the Waves after all — gotta do somethin' for the fam!

You're hurt, try not to talk so much. Leave this to us.

Big Bro, think them Wuling City clowns are behind all this...?

Uh-uh, don't say that too soon! Everyone here's been ruined by those Wuling City fools, so I'm skeptical!

Stonefang, go with Younger Dame and help look after the others.

Okay, Big Bro.

Plus, this water flows from our Ancestral Spring. I can't pretend it doesn't exist.

Don't worry, you're safe now.

Ah, your clothes ... are you from the city?

Qing, you made a really clever move! How'd you figure out to bring everyone here for shelter?

Heheh. I learned about emergency survival tactics at the Tianshi Bureau...

That's our Delicate Bead, never fails to impress!

P-Please, Chief, no more embarrassing nicknames! I'll take everyone back now.

Don't be silly. Qing's been with us for years since she left Wuling City!

From the city? You don't look like the others around here either... Are you new as well?

Thank you. Ugh, my fists were totally useless against those splatters!

How are things here?

I got all gates shut tight, just like you told me. Those splatters and freaks shouldn't be getting through.

Freaks?

No problem!

Possibly the Landbreakers...

Leave the outside to us. You go find somewhere safe.

Hey, sword girl! You totally crushed those splatters. I'm Mountain Guardian, let's have a spar when you got the time!

Good thing we moved fast. Everyone's safe and here.

Honestly, when I took you in, I just wanted some free labor to help with Stockade chores.

Didn't expect you to rescue my fam, fix the bridge, and take down splatters... Gotta admit, you're really good!

Alright, listen up, folks!

This one here is Darkmask, aka the Endministrator, aka the boss of Endfield.

From now on, Qingbo Stockade and Endfield are united! Their problems are my problems!

Haha... Oh well, maybe we went a little overboard with the act?

It's a surprising development to get local backing. Let's take it step by step.

Chief! Chief! We found them—

The missing group, they ... they're trapped at a small reef, hiding from the splatters.

Tangtang, these folks in trouble. We can help!

No no, we were just doing our part...

Tangtang's right.

We all know what this world is like. Not many have shown us such kindness.

Such is the belief of Endfield: we shall never forsake anyone.

Endfield...? What exactly does Endfield do?

......

So long as they're on my turf, I got them covered!

Haha! Darkmask, why didn't we have you at the Stockade earlier!

...You've been smiling a lot today.

I'm glad we could help. To be honest, we have plenty of questions and doubts too...

"Landbreakers" ... those freaks only started showing up recently, and we don't really know where they are hiding.

Whatever their plan is, Qingbo Stockade won't be scared off.

They've caused trouble over the years, but lately, they've been way more active.

I've been dealing with them for quite some time, and I picked up a few life-saving tricks along the way.

Oi, Darkmask, remember our deal from earlier?

Well, you probably seen those waterwheelies, right?

They run the gate to the path going to Wuling City. But lately they been acting up one after another.

We tried fixing them, but never got it done.

Please take us to the place. We'll have a look.

Ha? Really?

Ever since things went downhill in the Stockade, you've been frowning nonstop.

That's so not true! I ALWAYS—

You can't fool me. I'm your brother.

Thank you for everything. I really appreciate it.

They haven't made any major moves yet, like they're waiting for something. And with their limited numbers, the Landbreakers don't pose a real threat for now.

The splatters love to lurk in polluted waters and strike out of nowhere.