IW-9 Sui-Xiang

...Young man.

Hm?

Can I ask the way to the estate of Liang, Magistrate of Shangshu?

Uhh... it's close by, I think. Turn right there and keep going, and once you see the paifang arch, turn left and you're at the Liang estate.

Is it spacious?

Who knows, I'm not allowed in.

But from the outside... I think it doesn't look that different from any other place. Might even be a little run-down.

What does it say on the arch?

I don't remember.

Thank you.

Hey, old man.

It's getting dark, how about I show you the way? You might get hit out here.

...No need.

I can see the way.

—Ugh!

(My foot... it's stuck in a rock?!)

That's enough.

You've lasted thirty-three moves. Commendable.

You never were pulling your true weight at all.

If you're interested in joining the army, your prospects will surely be bright.

Hahah... I'll admit I contemplated it when I left Kou-wu City, but the proverb puts it well: don't bite off more than you can chew. I'll repay Rhodes Island's grace to me for now.

To know grace and repay it. Qualities hard to come by.

A shame you're trapped in your situation.

In a literal sense, to boot.

(If I break my leg, maybe I can tug it out still... let's try it and see...)

Zheng Qingyue, I'll assist you!

Stop right there!

—!

*Pant*... *pant*...

You...

......

I regarded this tangle as a farce, and invested nothing in it.

But you've shown me I was wrong.

......

You've got less to say now.

You always had so little to say in the past.

......

Zheng Qingyue is only silent when going all-out. But when he goes all-out, no opponent escapes intact.

Are you done talking?

I'm only speaking to myself.

Huff...

It's raining...?

—!

What?!

(He broke Shang Zhong's staff so easily?! Before we could even react—how did he do it?)

—Who are you?!

A bamboo hat and raincoat, the rain as your sword.

Excellent kung fu.

Stop fighting. Stop, all of you.

Would it hurt to be a little peaceful?

......

Not to mention how capable they were. If they were willing to cause a commotion, they'd have won, and come out looking reasonable too.

You're the boatman who was with the Lungmenite since the beginning...

Of course. Liang Xun had two plans prepared.

He's deceived both the Sui Regulator and the Ministry of Rites.

*Sigh*... As an official, Mr. Liang has his restrictions. Don't you think the Sui Regulator's been too arbitrary this time?

It wouldn't be the Sui Regulator's first time, either.

......

My son died because of you. Don't forget it.

And why all the fighting for our lives here?

Hmph. Sticking your nose into this too. How capable do you think you are?

......

Hahah... making that hat such a permanent fixture always did strike me as awfully odd.

Unless, of course...

Shen Lou, this is Sui Regulator business. It's not yours to interfere in.

I'm just a passing boatman, encouraging you all to stop slaughtering each other here, from the goodness of my heart—

—and checking on the state of the summit. Mr. Liang asked me to take a look.

There were bandits terrorizing the border waterways in recent years. The court sent men to sort it out, cracking down like thunder. With a tianshi leading them, some of the best in the court infiltrated enemy lines.

In order to avoid alarming the enemy, the heroes pretended to be waterway bandits themselves, stealing into their den, rounding them all up at once.

—But when they came back out, they ran headfirst into a group of boaters who sought to stand up for justice. There was quite some misunderstanding.

*Sigh*...

They were hardly lifelong boaters, though, and the boat was just a skiff, approaching the waterside bandit den on its own.

No more, no more, I'll die of embarrassment... I'm not young anymore, and I didn't want to wade in for a fight like some brawler!

The people only knew that tianshis took the lead. They had no idea that others beyond could truly be calling the shots.

The Imperial Guard drillmaster appraised you quite highly.

Oh, that girl was so young, but her kung fu was incredible. I heard she'd already been helping train the other warriors. She would go far, very far...

But I'm not here today to reminisce.

An escort like me has only deep respect for you, Master Shen. No matter if it's our first meeting, I'd hear you out.

It's just that we're settling both public and personal bills today, and your word might not make it in... that's the size of it.

But I did agree with Mr. Liang that I'd express some things of my own.

No matter what the Department of Discipline and Supervision decides afterwards, I'll shoulder the burden. But for now, don't let any dogma here harm our friendships.

That won't fly.

If Liang Xun sent you, then this can't be as simple as a 'check.'

......

You plan to meddle in the Sui Regulator's affairs?

The Sui Regulator just wants to push Tianshi Bai into action. Does it make any difference if I act for him?

......

Master Shen, I'm on your side.

Friendship is wealth, they say.

Where's your benefactor?

Ahead for now.

That's fine—

—!

......!

Wh... What? Where did that summit and pavilion... come from?

......

That's what... we've all been looking for...

Here's hoping we can keep this under control...

...Or else we can only resort to violence.

Are you aware of what you're saying?

I need your agency's help, young Candleholder. We should be in agreement about the stakes here.

Are you going to kill yourself?

I'm not that out of it yet, but... things are getting tight.

Is Its mind not your minds?

Of course not.

It's about time we rose up against that giant self of ours.

All nonsense.

What ideas do you have?

Are you willing to trust me?

I'm only obligated to hear out your idea. Whether I trust it, or not, is the Sui Regulator's decision.

You hold fine tastes, my Lord, to be admiring the snow in the mountains at this hour.

Here, sit.

You knew I would come.

Of course you would come.

When did the Sui Regulator first seek you?

A year ago.

On what matter?

Finding the goblet.

Merely finding it?

At first.

A year ago, Yan realized something.

Victoria's incidents. Ursus's endless unrest. One of Leithanien's Empresses losing her voice.

All under heaven was in turmoil, and Yan had to prepare.

The court met day after day, and passed the 'Twenty-Eight Policies.' Nothing unaccounted for, and not solely seeking the safety of Yan, but offering survival to the known world.

But outside of the Twenty-Eight Policies published, there were still hidden two more that needed Yan's urgent decision.

...Hoh.

What two?

There are wicked foreign spirits to the north, seas to the south, and ever more hidden dangers from Sui's bestializations.

All along, the Sui Regulator has advocated for initiative in settling this Feranmut problem.

The Ministry of Rites doesn't agree. Not at all.

The High Minister is indeed correct. There lies not only usable talent among those twelve... there are, above all else, several brilliant and virtuous.

But the Sui Regulator's very founding was aimed at sorting out the issue of this Feranmut.

Their opinion cannot be taken on all matters. The Sui Regulator was, at its founding, but subordinate to the Ministry of Rites.

It was only the disaster following that game of stones that elevated the Sui Regulator in position.

......

*Sigh*... It is a hidden malice of a thousand years, brewing calamity 'til today. To reckon with it is due.

But it's not the Sui Regulator's right to decide, nor for the Ministry of Rites to say.

...The current Grand Tutor?

The Grand Tutor has met with that great offender.

I see.

Looks like I really did nap too long... So that's what the old guy's like?

His physique was paper-thin, and he didn't seem like he knew Arts. I thought he was just some random nosy guy, poking into everybody's business.

The Grand Tutor mends the realm's affairs, inspecting for leaks and patching holes.

Huh, I thought you'd get angry at me badmouthing the oldie.

Angry?

Would you show anger at a rascally child who blames the sky for raining?

......

(This boy... he's got a steely tongue...)

(That's the first time I've seen Nian get checked like that.)

The Grand Tutor gave the Sui Regulator a hidden aim. Something that must be accomplished, whether or not we openly chafe with the Ministry of Rites for it.

Oh. And what's that?

Three things.

It is turning colder.

The mountains are always quicker to cool.

This mountain truly did not choose its scenery well. How does it keep hold of its customers?

How do you figure?

You cannot see the sunset.

That's fair.

Is it very arduous, that you do so much for the Sui Regulator, my Lord?

It's even more arduous hiding it from you, Miss Ning.

Three years ago, for the Ministry of Rites, I was sent to Shangshu to supervise Ling, who was suspected of settling here.

And you, magistrate of Shangshu, had more sway in reality than some of your ordinary colleagues, it is true.

I first thought you were inflexible, easily riled.

I must have amused you, Miss Ning.

My Lord, for what purpose have you done so much, over all these years?

My own outlook has never changed.

I do it seeking the wellbeing of the people of my home.

Hesitating not to deceive the Ministry of Rites and the Sui Regulator?

What could be more important than the people's safety?

You know the Ministry of Rites is prepared.

Spring thunder was always the emblem of the passing of winter. I wish not for its clap to reduce the Three Mounts' Seventeen Peaks by yet another.

You are as you ever were, my Lord.

But you still are not willing to face me, in the end.

How could I?

And how could you not? Your behavior is all too clear.

Our ranks are different. Our posts burden us.

But if...

...Mm?

If you come as no more than Miss Ning, then I, Liang, would be more than glad to.

......

So such... openness... is also within your capacity.

...Three things?

First, retrieve the goblet. We don't know why, but he spilled all to the Grand Tutor as to the cup's origins and rough whereabouts.

And you weren't worried it was a trap?

Second, aside from preserving the two hidden policies, find an even more reliable proposal, to keep this situation suppressed to a minimum.

Oh... Yan always comes off real cautious whenever you touch on the folk of the realm.

Third...

Go on.

No matter who they are, should more than three proxies gather on one side, pass on personal handwritten instructions from the Grand Tutor.

Handwritten instructions?

Correct.

So, I ask, Where is Dusk?

Ugh... how did I...

Hm?

......

Wh-Who are you...

I forgot about you.

Whatever. Someone knocked you out.

—!

Wh-Where's dad? And Shang Zhong?! And that giant bull—

Don't bother looking.

You won't find them.

This is...

Hmm...

So she could alter heaven and earth in the blink of an eye...

That woman who suddenly appeared... Just what could her game be?

Gkh...

You're joking! Not again?!

Th... They're in a painting?

What do you mean?

You wouldn't understand, even if I told you.

W-Wait, where are you going?

The summit.

But isn't the Field of Forgotten Water right th—

—When did... that pavilion appear?

It came from time immemorial.

Ao—!

Eek!

Hmph.

These things... Is she imitating me with these things, to mock me?

...You really don't know how to cut slack.

This is my duty.

I have a question. Just a question, okay?

If I don't go along with you, what'll the Sui Regulator do?

They'll simply do again what was done a millennium ago.

Moreover, now, we are strong, and your powers feeble.

...Hoh.

The Sui Regulator's principles are simple. Finish it once and for all, and forever rid the future of plague.

And that's why I'm telling you, we've got the same stakes in this as you.

You're only scheming to allow yourself escape.

Even if I believed you, why should I believe you can accomplish this preposterousness?

If you can't, then how much unnecessary danger will your existence engender? Doesn't the Sui Regulator have an even more 'dependable' plan to solve this problem?

You cannot convince me.

Looks like we're at a deadlock.

What do you think?

Are you asking me? You could just go ask the one you were looking for.

You must be...

I see.

So this is his supposed big idea?

What do you mean?

You're the one who doesn't know anything at all, boy.

If you don't want three hundred years of standing in the corner, then don't give me that look.

......

D-Dusk, it's alright, calm down...

Hmph.

You know how this goblet came about.

Hand it over.

You tasked Liang Xun with it, Liang Xun tasked me. If you want the cup, I think you should go ask Liang Xun for it.

You understand reason, Mr. Lee. You should know the severity of this.

I'm sure Liang Xun has his reasons.

If Ning Ciqiu doesn't give a reasonable explanation, Liang Xun will pay for his unilateral action.

Hm.

Okay, we can dial down the aggression once in a while, little buddy. If the Sui Regulator's so thirsty to have this...

Wait.

Why does the Sui Regulator want this goblet so bad again?

It's that weiqi weirdo's scheme, probably. He's bored enough to—

—No... he's not like this.

Is he actually still locked in the capital...? What happened?

......

The last time the Sui Regulator neared that shrine, a body was discovered inside it.

It was Grandmaster Xiang Ru. Heart failure, died while vomiting blood. The weiqi board was empty, save for a single black stone at the center.

Didn't you say you had a whole taboo about meeting him?

The Sui Regulator is investigating it.

But this goblet, without a doubt, is a crucial key to uncovering his plot. And the two of you, Miss Nian, Miss Dusk...

The Sui Regulator wishes for you to come with us.

Ahahah, now that's getting a little complicated...

Tch.

Is he really a step ahead of us?

Why limit yourself to one step?

No wonder the old man was so overbearing.

In that case... how about Miss Ling?

The Sui Regulator records that he disagrees with all the other bestials, willing only to recite poetry and make merry with Ling and Shu.

If she still won't show herself, then the Sui Regulator's only option is to—

...Mmm...

Do you seek me?

Phew... aaahh... come, look now at this view.

The sun is through, and water runs yet long... while snowfall flows through moonlit vacant sky.

The setting light sets clouds ablaze. How charming, yea, how fine.

With such beautiful scenery, why still must you persist with such unjoyful topics?

When did...

Mm, you and your father in his younger years do seem so alike. And yet...

You could turn a blind eye to this, to a sky of endless twilight clouds?

Have you never been alive upon this land?

Okay, keep applauding the sunset in a moment.

I spent a looooot of effort hauling Dusk out to find you, and I didn't do it just to hear you wax poetic.

......

Long time no see, Nian, Dusk.

And you.

Me?

Huh? You and old Lee know each other?

No.

Prior to this...

—

Do such lowly means not insult your character some?

I couldn't get it past you.

But I never imagined you'd see through me in an instant.

Whose path did you think you walked?

I wasn't banking on truly fooling you.

And besides, he's the one who daydreamed. The one who met him in a dream was only me.

Isn't this a game I learned from you?

Myself I stay when I awake; the butterfly it stays in dreams.

But will it be him still, when he comes to?

Who knows.

It is beyond you.

How dearly rude, Ling.

If you have the true capability, go bicker so with our eldest brother. Why the cruel trickery on a common human?

Those of different ways cannot plan for one another.

Hm? So you and I are of the same way? Why did I not know?

For how vivid your toast-drinking and revelry was, you're quite merciless.

Which is right. After all, you've thrown away... that goblet I sent you.

Could I ever? It was simply a moment's distraction, while singing to the moons.

I should be the one disappointed. At that time, you had far in advance... laid one stone.

Hmph... hahah...

And what do you laugh at?

Nian's own overestimation. Dusk's timid impotence. Your uninvolvement. And myself, for considering myself so infallible.

You...

...You truly wish to substitute?

......

Hm? What is it? What are you looking at me for?

No, it is only me seeing through a dull game.

What did you seek me for?

What, we can't just pay you a nice little visit, Ling?

You fell asleep?

Hm?

I'm asking. Did you fall asleep?

How are you able to—

When drunk, I simply sleep.

What of it?

......

......

How did you do it?

You ask how I did it... ah, I understand.

You cannot fall asleep, can you? My poor little sister.

Is it because you fear to have nightmares?

If it can even be called a nightmare.

Mm... In many years, we have not met.

So such things are vexing you. And your paintings? Could your paintings not bear the weight of your dreams?

No... is it that you finally began to feel, that paintings—are but false?

You...

Ah! Hey, don't mess with my paintings!

You bundled all those guys below us into your little world, I'm guessing.

And what for... Crude mounts, parched waters. A heart like unto ashes.

How dull.

Gkh...?

But these adorable minor scrawls, these I still find so amusing.

What need you feed them?

You should know what we're here to do.

...Nian.

By your idea, where will our course ultimately be taken?

......

Don't stare at me like that. I'm thinking about it here, alright...

But right now, I still don't know.

You don't know, then... mm... you do not know.

Not the finest of plans.

Dusk. That scroll all filled with matter in death. It is stagnant, stuck. Somewhat boring. Be rid of it, perhaps.

You don't get to tell me just like that.

Forget not her at the outset, who gave you all true names in one lone word, and what hopes she had for you.

Ancient history by now.

What did you just...

Nothing. Only a moment of bliss snatched, away and apart from this world.

The Grand Tutor had something for you to hand to me, no?

This and that are independent. Even once you see his instructions, you must still behave and come with the Sui Regulator.

All to find him. Find that... basket of blunders.

Indeed.

Take it.

Oh? A letter?

Your so-called Grand Tutor's instructions... no.

This handwriting... would it be him...?

The Grand Tutor is an ever stern one. He would never draft instructions in such flowing script... Did he tell you no more?

My duty is solely to give the letter.

A letter of the court... the first in a long time.

...Heheh.

Is it to us? When did humanity ever get the guts for that? I thought only the True Lung and his little posse would work that sort of courage up.

Then you look at its contents.

Hm?

......!

...One affair no more than thrice, I see.

Okay, I get it. Yeah, we sure do fit that bill right now.

A fulfilled omen...? That decrepit Grand Tutor couldn't have written this!

This handwriting looks like Jie's, but she already... could someone else have copied her, somehow? But why do it as the Grand Tutor's 'instructions?'

It was that basket of blunders. It seems in recent years, he's 'written' no shortage of things.

I thought he was obstinate, that it would only be right he incur Yan's flames... and now this written orders, is another move of his? And why should the Grand Tutor send the letter in his stead...?

Hey!

Unless... the Grand Tutor chose to play white?

Hey! Stop mumbling to yourself!

...Tha—That's...

I—Impossible... Is even this something he can do...

Don't ask me...

But, well... even if it's just a reflection... I don't like how it's looking at us.

......

Dusk, you scared?

Don't you always have plenty of ideas? Think of something.

Hey, Ling.

We've gotta band together—what are you doing?

Something suddenly came to me. Last I fell dead drunk, I should have left two vessels of wine here... there, there they are.

Husong? Mm... the flavor is still fine to the nose.

If you're so cool, do you have any solutions?!

Solutions? What solutions?

Solutions to deal with It—

—A solution to address Ourself? Need I tell you?

I...

You're not just going to sit on the sidelines this time, are you?

I hardly could.

We meet again.

On this turn, do I dream of you, or do you dream of me?

......

Shall we drink?

I will refrain.

May you all come one by one, and take your seats,

Ah...! What happened?

Where are we?

This feeling—it's just like being in one of Dusk's paintings...

In that case... who are you?

If you have nothing to do...

What say you chat over a game with me?

What's going on? Is it thundering?

It looks like it's storming in the mountains. What's been happening with the weather recently...

Hm? Is there something above there...?

Huh? Can anyone tell what that is?

......

We've been stuck in here for two or three days now.

If we still can't find a way out, maybe that means...

Quiet.

Hahah... perhaps someday a good mood will strike Dusk on the outside, and she'll let us all out.

That said, where might that pole-carrier sir be?

His son's buried in the mountains. He doesn't want to run in with us in a place like this.

I've heard tell of the grievances between you two... but, erm... must you settle matters by such means?

What else?

I just feel that...

Don't bother feeling about it.

Bystanders always think they understand it all, but people's empathy always turns out to have limits.

I know in my heart what the right thing to do is, what's 'necessary' and what's 'unnecessary.' It's common sense. Anyone would know.

But sometimes, our feelings won't listen to sense.

It's raining?

......

*Sigh* Well, it's not as if just waiting around like this poses much problem.

Gkh...

Why don't you all give raising an Ink Spirit a try? I've discovered that if you just grant these things a level mind and calm approach, they're actually quite affectionate...

Gkh...?

This goes to show the Sui Regulator had reason to beware her.

Alright, alright, there's not much to gain from quarrelling over them in here... how about we head inside, away from the rain?

Strange how it can rain in here, too.

Truly strange how what falls isn't even ink.

Mr. Taihe? Won't you come in?

......

What of Master Shen?

......

What's the Master up to? It's been a moment now, but he's still fixated on his palms...

Are you watching the rain?

...Yes.

According to Nothing, this whole world is just her scroll. Artwork all around, vivid and lifelike.

At sunrise, fowls fly from the steep forests, mist covers the land. You see sunlight without the sun itself, reflections of thousands of floors, and all is silent.

If this is a painting, then who knows just what this artist has seen within Yan's scenery...

How refined, Rainmaster.

I only know that Rainmaster of Duckweeds Shen Lou once served ten years in the army. Who knew he was so versed in literature?

...*Sigh*. I've just been around for a while.

The only shame is that rain in spring shouldn't be so warm.

Go. Part this open.

Erk...?!

Wh-Where are we?

Very wise, Rainmaster.

I did it without thinking.

Shang Zhong.

Was this the reason you all fought over the goblet?

The clouds roll above the mountains. What's happening over there?

(Wordless roar)

Ugh, I'm getting a little twitchy now.

......

Oh... more resilient than the Sui-Xiang I met alone, it seems.

Mere lofty posture. It possesses Its form, but ultimately, has not Its spirit.

We're still here. What 'spirit' is it going to have?

It probably used a similar method to that goblet, but for completely opposite effect, so it got a little of the shape. That's all.

Form but no spirit. In the end, it's just a—

(Wordless roar)

—!

Hey, look at that. You're pretty scared, aren't you.

Wh-What did you say?!

You know, I feel like you've been digging at me with that 'form but no spirit' stuff.

It's been contained with this pavilion for the time being, but if it's disturbed any further... things will be tough.

What a pain. This sure isn't the kind of thing you throw a firecracker at.

Phew... haah.

Hm? Aren't you going to keep at it?

You really don't like lifting a finger!

(Wordless roar)

Ah... so this is what scared you.

I—

O little Dusk.

Don't call me that!

I see you even shiver so. Are you fine?

My li'l sister here hid in a scroll for a century without closing her eyes, all because she was so scared of this shadow of us here. Makes sense she's got stage fright now.

Don't you make such light of it...

Even if it's just a reflection...

To be precise, it's us three's reflections, and a quarter of it's Sui's.

But It's us.

What are we going to...

(Ridiculing laughter)

Grrrr. Rummaging through my paintings. Are you mocking me?!

Uh, I'm gonna suggest to you right now to rein your imagination in. This thing already forged up my seventh weapon concept without me even thinking it...

Just take a deep breath, okay? Save us from getting slammed inside one of your paintings next—

—Paintings?

......!

You have noticed?

The way is natural, and the foundations simple.

Sui was never of such fanciful tricks. In the end, this great Correspondence before Us, Sui-Xiang, is no more than the most unrealistic colors in our deepest selves.

Yea... Sui is but the Years of months drawn out long, and change has been vast. It is on the brink of madness.

It's already mad.

Right now, at this moment, we're just one of Its dreams.

When It wakes, we'll all be done for. We won't just be done for, Yan will suffer for it too.

Ling!

O little Nian, is that why you wish to resist It?

Yes.

Then you surely have quite the sophisticated plan.

That part I can't guarantee. I can only say this beats sitting around waiting for it.

I see.

Why?

Because I don't accept this.

I really don't.

And you?

She just dragged me here, that's all... and maybe I have the slightest bit of expectation.

Really?

Shut it.

I asked after you just now, as to our collective exit, and your reply to me was that you 'don't know.'

This answer truly is not a fine one.

Look now. You are still you, with your own ideas, your own emotional ranges, your own adorations, your own fancied persons, your own fond sceneries...

To live in this land is quite fine, is it not?

Whatever It may do.

Don't we have any responsibility for It?

—I am me. Why should I have much ado about It?

Myriad years the human realm was drunk, and it won't permit me one farcical dream?

So your answer is?

Haha...

—'I mind not.'

A board game? What game? I'm not too educated in the whole Art of the Piece.

Weiqi, the Go of Yan.

Now that's too complicated.

What say you, then?

How about that five-in-a-row one?

A child's game.

Quite fine enough for me. You like playing this chess stuff, then?

I don't. The chesses are extremely boring.

Here I thought you were a board game maniac. You know, those types who only stop to eat and then keep on playing.

Both sides of a board follow the same rules, black and white doing death unto each other along crossing lines. What's the meaning in it?

Pieces, in the end, are just a method of playing games.

So why fetch me?

A fight of I against I is far too boring.

......

Wh-Where... Were we not just at the mountain's foot...

Only they would be capable of this sort of thing.

......

Miss Ning, follow me closely, please.

There seems to be... a bright light in the room ahead.

Really, now, starting the game without even explaining the rules.

What about you all?

You'd really put me on the spot, asking me to play this stuff...

I only know general strategy.

No rush, no rush.

I've waited... a great many years for this match.

Now, what exactly is beating a layman like me going to do for you?

You should wait for your helper.

Lee? Why are you...

Liang Xun?! Er, and Miss Ning...

......

Greetings, Assistant Minister Ning.

There is much I wish to ask of the Candleholders, but now seems not to be not the time.

(Assistant Minister?!)

Sit, sit.

With this, it's more or less set.

What do you intend on doing?

Having a game of weiqi with you all.

You don't like weiqi, but you'd yank all these people in just to play with you?

I suppose.

That goblet of yours has done me some serious damage.

If that lady hadn't finally exposed the truth... how on Terra would I have ended up?

Uncertain. Perhaps at some waking, you would find yourself to be the illusory dream instead. The bubble pops, and the one who opens his eyes, is me.

What?

Now that's just plain terrifying.

Terrifying, indeed.

You don't seem to feel any way about it.

Really, I said it was terrifying.

Heh... I'll leave it at that, then.

Both of you may think it was random chance, that Liang Xun should choose to involve you in this.

But unfortunately, though it's true there is countless coincidence in this world, for this, you are the sole exception.

......

There is a man by the name of Huai.

......!

Your expression changes. It seems you only let out that mote of superfluous seriousness when your friends are mentioned.

Come. It's your turn.

......

I must warn you.

One mindless move, and the whole game is lost.

Hmm.

Lee.

Be calm.

How did you escape, sir?

I thought for a long, long, long time, and realized one way. That's all.

A ko fight. How will you respond to this calamity?

This game...

In the game of weiqi, few can surpass you, sir, is that not so?

I've simply lived for a while. Any longer and it'd be boring.

Miss Ning, what say you to this one?

......

Don't overthink it.

I've been too recklessly about, these past few days.

It's not your fault.

What does this match signify?

It's only a game. Don't overthink it.

It's very hard not to.

Think about who wins and loses first. Your turn.

The state of things is evident to all at this point. You don't need to carry on mystifying them.

So you want to concede. What about the others?

......

......

......

I imagine—the meaning of this game isn't on the board at all.

Hmm...

It's only right that our win or loss shouldn't be determined in this corner.

The best tactic, with people who love to confuse things, is to play just as mad along with them.

I'm not good at any kind of chess, but I am good... at reading people.

I'll answer the question you just posed, young Candleholder.

There was an accident previously. I lost a... younger sister. You may be young, but as the responsibility lies with you, I'm sure you can understand what I'm saying.

This isn't a topic you can discuss here.

That is true. Please speak, sir, with caution.

After that, my tiny little residence's piece basket was less one black stone.

It was merely... broken, in that accident.

And after that, I thought and thought. About what I should do, and what I even could do.

The current Grand Tutor... The first time I saw him, he was but a deprived student, led by that teacher of prestige past the stagnant city, gazing towards that towering estate wall...

You have no freedom of movement. You shouldn't have seen the Grand Tutor before.

He's an intriguing one. He said something that lodged deep within my heart, at a time when I'd gotten sick of these stone-cold counters.

You seem very boresome.

To the point of stiffness.

......

One more move, and even if I somehow understood less about board games, I'd still be able to tell it was your win long ago.

If you and I agreed to identical rules, what victory or loss could lie on the board?

Well, that's some sophistry. You need to apologize to every grandmaster in all the realm.

So be it. All in all, I've enjoyed my days carried at your side very much.

This match is your win.

It seems we haven't quite finished playing.

I simply underestimated my... little sisters.

Our match has no real meaning. Call this my surrender.

I thought you'd be the type who never likes losing.

Hm? Ah... yes, I did indeed lose.

And you, Cautus, name of Kroos.

Nian has an ulterior motive in choosing Rhodes Island.

I wish you'd used a bit more positivity to describe Nian and our's relationship, ya know.

Mm... no matter. Understand it how you want to.

You've no way to uninvolve yourselves anymore.

*Sigh* Should little Dusk catch sight of your squalid garden, I predict she'll be of quite some temper.

You've arrived.

Your tone, to my ears, does not welcome me.

Having so many about you to keep you company with game and talk? What could it be? Have you been too lonely?

You saw through that mirage. If so, Nian and Dusk must not have been able to beat it.

So you had guessed... Kroos, now allow me past. Let me be closer to my brother.

Uh... alright.

(Come to mention it... when'd she ever learn my name?)

You played black. Who played white?

I cast myself as the piece, contested with the common folk, and was restless without victory.

Was Jie's disappearance the cause?

I've surrendered now. You all needn't stay longer. Only, Ling, there's a small present I've sent you that you haven't noticed yet. Once you witness it, come find me again.

Your regard for her...

Has nothing to do with this.

I only fault the human realm for being so exceedingly dull.

Let's continue.

What were you doing while we were stuck inside that strange place?

I wanted to choose a handy staff. I didn't find one.

Unfortunate.

Hey! Are you still about to go at it?! You had so long to rest, and you couldn't cool your tempers one bit?

Lummox! Master Shen! Come, now, give them a piece of your minds!

......

A change in the summits. This means what Mr. Liang briefed us about has come true.

Sui-Xiang has manifested. Higher priorities first.

I'd better go up the mountain too.

Then go ahead.

*Sigh*... Will you really not listen to what I have to say?

Urgh! What happened up there—

—Watch your heads!

Ugh––!

Dad! Watch out!

—Ye, my girl!

Innkeeper!!

Tch.

Hey, now, hey! What are you doing—

—Why did he jump down along with her—

Shen Lou!

Cheh. I'll look below, and you get up there! Don't act without thinking, no matter what you see at the summit!

I'll go with you!

Ugh... how... Ye! Ye!

......

Ye!

Thank heaven, she's only unconscious...

If I wasn't deflecting at the critical moment, you two would have long fallen to your deaths.

...Shang Zhong.

Once again, Zheng Qingyue, once again!

Back then, you couldn't protect my son, protect Du Yaoye's father, protect that damned goblet!

......

You should know the blame you carry. It's still not time for you to bemoan yourself, and you can forget having any right to.

Your arm is hurt, and so is my leg. You and I are even.

Let us continue, before they get in the way again.

One move will be enough.

It's so tall. You really never sense it, walking ordinarily on the roads, how steep this peak truly is.

People should not always walk on the given path.

Your move just now counts as having saved my life.

I saved the child.

Yes, you saved the child too. So how am I going to duel you for life or death now?

Why you!

Come on, then.

......

Who is it?

*cough* *cough*... Did we... make it out from that weird guy's grasp?

Looks like we're still not out of the woods yet.

Getting blackmailed by myself really isn't a happy experience...

Lord Zuo.

Uncle Taihe.

What happened?

I met the offender.

But if we truly take him at his word, then the three face their own self-shackles at this moment.

You have misgivings.

I just don't understand why the Grand Tutor would trust that offender.

If they fail, we'll be confronting their reflection here in Shangshu. Even if... it's only a small fraction.

The Sui Regulator was planning to pressure Tianshi Bai into action with this.

...Yes.

That's what my father hopes.

—!

The sky!

The shadows are taking form... Is this... Sui's reflection?

The Ministry of Rites has Bluethunder Count Bai Dingshan in Shangshu overseeing a team. This is only the Sui-Xiang shadow. It won't make waves.

......

What is it... looking at?

What! It disappeared?

From a farcical dream, it awoke, and so disappeared.

How did you...

Ling.

Hm?

You could do things... like this, all along?

We were there thinking of every way we could possibly save our own existential skins, and you could've just clapped your hands and broken that illusion up?

Our lives are but a fantasy, like a dewdrop or lightning, leaving not a trace in the end.

Scarcely known was it if you, I, or It, like the shadow's shadow and its shade, seem to be yet turn out not.

So, may the one who comes to nothing and is shattered not be It?

You say that real lightly.

It is but a lightest thing.

And that is why I am your big sister, after all.

The Sui Regulator demands Nian and Dusk give an explanation.

Additionally, the three of you cannot act in concert. You must leave Shangshu under the Sui Regulator's supervision.

What? Can't we just have a family reunion at Rhodes Island instead?

I still wanted to pull a couple more in.

(Wait... are you serious?)

If Rhodes Island intends to attract even more scrutiny...

If you believe what I say, then maybe you ought to come see for yourself.

*cough* *cough*—

That's, uh... Well, considering this whole...

I will provide assurance.

Lin Qingyan.

Leizi!

Long haven't we met, Kroos.

Is that a new operator by your side?

I-I am the humble Nothing. Well met, Miss Leizi.

Right.

I thought the Central Judicial Office was unwilling to interfere in the Sui Regulator's affairs.

As a disciple of the Tianshi Bureaus, I simply exhorted my Master's good friend Master Taihe to allow all some leeway on this matter.

No wonder Miss Ning always held her fire... You persuaded Tianshi Bai beforehand.

But at what moment can the Tianshis take charge of this matter?

Naturally, they can't.

But at this juncture, the Sui Regulator may not be allowed to throw down decisions either.

What?

The Grand Tutor has arrived in Shangshu.

Sui Regulator Candleholder Zuo Le, Assistant Minister of Rites Ning Ciqiu, Department of Discipline and Supervision Deputy Monitir Censor Taihe, Shangshu Magistrate Liang Xun, and I myself, must all return to the Liang estate before the Hour of Tzu.

We will await the Grand Tutor's orders.

......

As you command.

Nian, Dusk, Ling.

The three of you to the Liang estate too, please. The Grand Tutor wants to see you for himself.

Quite good.

Some thirty years and more passed since last I met him. How much he could have changed from then to now.

Alright, here we go again...

Tch.

Hmm.

You are awake.

A daydream.

You and I know well this was their strategy.

That game of weiqi...

All in all, it was by a fluke we didn't lose.

It was but the combined power of all present, facing a lone person over a game of weiqi. No great brilliance to it in the end.

Brilliance...

Doing battle with him, what do brilliance and disgrace matter?

—Ye, my girl!

...*cough*... You're still fighting in this sorry state?!

Ye! You're hurt worse than we are! Don't be brave!

Zheng Qingyue!

Why did you... stow your blade at the last moment? If you didn't, would a hurt little girl be able to hold you back?

I...

You want to run? I humiliate you and you have your peace of mind, is that it?!

......

......

What about you?

I'm the same.

Ye, you've grown up.

You've grown up...