Beyond Dafeng's Reach

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

What is it?

Pardon the suddenness... but have you ever heard tell of the Oracle of Xuantian?

The Oracle of Xuantian? What's that supposed to be?

A voice that speaks not to the ears, but within the mind... as though cast down from realms beyond the stars, stern as a father, gentle as a mother...

(That voice... Could he mean...?)

You've heard it too?

"Too"? You mean... you've really heard it!?

Huh? You're the one who brought it up, why act so shocked?

Uh... I mean, only now am I certain. You must be the hero I've long awaited. Forgive my excitement.

But let's not stray from the moment. A divine insight has come to me, and the time has come to pass it on.

What kind of insight? Come on, let's hear it.

All in good time. The first verse goes: "Beyond mountains piled and rivers layered, between lone sail and rotted hull."

That sounds like that old wreck near the black market... What's supposed to be there?

Just as I thought, such keen intuition. That very verse is what led me here.

The moment I laid eyes on you, such presence, such radiance, I knew you were marked by boundless fortune. Surely this place is where your riches lie in wait.

Then let's have a poke around! If anything looks fishy, we'll dig, maybe we'll even find treasure!

If treasure were that easy to find, he wouldn't be roping us into it, would he?

Ah, but there you misjudge me. Fortune is heaven's to bestow, I merely follow its tide, nudging it where I may. To cross paths with the truly blessed... that alone is reward enough.

But if you remain unconvinced, take this reading as a gift. Go and see for yourselves, return only if it proves worth the telling.

My heartfelt thanks, noble heroes.

Perish the thought.

...Five copper coins?

Ah, a sign, just as foretold! The oracle spoke true after all.

This is the treasure? No way! Are you sure it's not just some kid's pocket money?

W, Well... every journey begins with a step! Perhaps the next stop holds greater reward.

I'm starting to think you're just stringing us along...

Now, now, don't say that. I merely speak when fate guides me to the right souls. I've no mind to pressure you.

The second verse runs thus: "Where brittle bones lie by broken blades, moss gleams beneath a stonebound sea." Whether or not to seek it, that choice is yours.

(Broken blades... stone sea...? That does ring a bell. Might be worth a look, if time allows.)

This should be the spot that odd fellow spoke of...

This place gives me the creeps... Are we sure there's treasure here?

If there were, I doubt anyone would be tipping us off about it.

Roaaaar...!

Ugh, not these mangy mutts again! Where do they keep crawling out from!?

Get behind me.

Whew! Lucky we're tough, any regular folks would've been monster snacks by now!

"We"? Since when?

Uh... maybe we should skip the treasure-hunting and just go home?

No rush. Let's look around, I want to know what that guy's really up to.

Huh? What's this?

Little Minion, quick, come look! I think we've found real treasure this time!

Well then, don't mind if we help ourselves!

Not so fast.

I'm afraid I cannot let you walk off with those spoils.

What are you doing here?

Now that the beasts are dealt with, I've simply come to reclaim what's rightfully mine.

Thanks to you valiant souls ever so "conveniently" clearing out the danger, I can now retrieve the stash I buried here.

If that's all it was, you could've just told us from the start.

Ah, but then I'd have had to pay for your help. Why part with coin when fate might lend a hand for free?

Makes sense... wait a sec! You tricked us into doing your dirty work for nothing!?

And if I did? These goods are mine by right. Surely you wouldn't defy the Nine Chapters of Dafeng and take them by force... would you?

Your property? I'd say it's more like the spoils of a swindler's game.

Now, now, no need for baseless slander. The future is unknowable. I merely offer speculation... and there'll always be those willing to pay a little for a chance at riches.

As for whether those dreams come true... well, that's in fate's hands.

Admittedly, my methods may seem a touch... speculative. But if the Nine Chapters have never ruled against me, can you truly call it fraud?

He's actually proud of himself! Ugh! This guy's driving me up the wall!

...

Little Minion, don't just stand there, do something!

Best make yourselves scarce. Keep meddling, and the Nine Chapters may take an interest in you.

Still here? Have you nowhere else to be?

I suggest you step away from that chest, or I'll be forced to call for aid!

I'll summon help, don't test me!

Ah, I see...

S, See what, exactly?

I was wondering why you'd go to such lengths, even showing up yourself to warn us away...

Turns out the Nine Chapters don't recognise this stash as yours, that's why you kept bluffing, trying to scare us off.

All I need to do is touch the chest... and when nothing happens, that proves it, I can claim it freely, without breaking the Nine Chapters.

Whoa, you're right, nothing happened at all!

No wonder Yuming said the black market's full of swindlers. Even the Nine Chapters can be bent for the sake of silver...

You... you...!

What now? Going to rob us under the watchful eye of the Nine Chapters?

Even if you try, you wouldn't last a second against my Little Minion~!

Tch... mark my words. Should we meet again, you will not walk away so easily!

Oh really? And if we do walk away easily, will the Nine Chapters condemn you a liar?

You... I... Ugh!

Hmph! Serves you right! Now then, Mr Treasure Box~ Let's see what goodies you've been hiding!

(Still no closer to knowing what that voice really was...)

(But to think someone would exploit the Nine Chapters for profit... Is this the price of laying down sword and shield, and handing power to "rules" alone?)

(Mr Qiu... is this what you meant for me to see?)

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

What is it?

Pardon the suddenness... but have you ever heard tell of the Oracle of Xuantian?

The Oracle of Xuantian? What's that supposed to be?

A voice that speaks not to the ears, but within the mind... as though cast down from realms beyond the stars, stern as a father, gentle as a mother...

(That voice... Could he mean...?)

You've heard it too?

"Too"? You mean... you've really heard it!?

Huh? You're the one who brought it up, why act so shocked?

Uh... I mean, only now am I certain. You must be the hero I've long awaited. Forgive my excitement.

But let's not stray from the moment. A divine insight has come to me, and the time has come to pass it on.

What kind of insight? Come on, let's hear it.

All in good time. The first verse goes: "Beyond mountains piled and rivers layered, between lone sail and rotted hull."

That sounds like that old wreck near the black market... What's supposed to be there?

Just as I thought, such keen intuition. That very verse is what led me here.

The moment I laid eyes on you, such presence, such radiance, I knew you were marked by boundless fortune. Surely this place is where your riches lie in wait.

Then let's have a poke around! If anything looks fishy, we'll dig, maybe we'll even find treasure!

If treasure were that easy to find, he wouldn't be roping us into it, would he?

Ah, but there you misjudge me. Fortune is heaven's to bestow, I merely follow its tide, nudging it where I may. To cross paths with the truly blessed... that alone is reward enough.

But if you remain unconvinced, take this reading as a gift. Go and see for yourselves, return only if it proves worth the telling.

My heartfelt thanks, noble heroes.

Perish the thought.

...Five copper coins?

Ah, a sign, just as foretold! The oracle spoke true after all.

This is the treasure? No way! Are you sure it's not just some kid's pocket money?

W, Well... every journey begins with a step! Perhaps the next stop holds greater reward.

I'm starting to think you're just stringing us along...

Now, now, don't say that. I merely speak when fate guides me to the right souls. I've no mind to pressure you.

The second verse runs thus: "Where brittle bones lie by broken blades, moss gleams beneath a stonebound sea." Whether or not to seek it, that choice is yours.

(Broken blades... stone sea...? That does ring a bell. Might be worth a look, if time allows.)

This should be the spot that odd fellow spoke of...

This place gives me the creeps... Are we sure there's treasure here?

If there were, I doubt anyone would be tipping us off about it.

Roaaaar...!

Ugh, not these mangy mutts again! Where do they keep crawling out from!?

Get behind me.

Whew! Lucky we're tough, any regular folks would've been monster snacks by now!

"We"? Since when?

Uh... maybe we should skip the treasure-hunting and just go home?

No rush. Let's look around, I want to know what that guy's really up to.

Huh? What's this?

Little Minion, quick, come look! I think we've found real treasure this time!

Well then, don't mind if we help ourselves!

Not so fast.

I'm afraid I cannot let you walk off with those spoils.

What are you doing here?

Now that the beasts are dealt with, I've simply come to reclaim what's rightfully mine.

Thanks to you valiant souls ever so "conveniently" clearing out the danger, I can now retrieve the stash I buried here.

If that's all it was, you could've just told us from the start.

Ah, but then I'd have had to pay for your help. Why part with coin when fate might lend a hand for free?

Makes sense... wait a sec! You tricked us into doing your dirty work for nothing!?

And if I did? These goods are mine by right. Surely you wouldn't defy the Nine Chapters of Dafeng and take them by force... would you?

Your property? I'd say it's more like the spoils of a swindler's game.

Now, now, no need for baseless slander. The future is unknowable. I merely offer speculation... and there'll always be those willing to pay a little for a chance at riches.

As for whether those dreams come true... well, that's in fate's hands.

Admittedly, my methods may seem a touch... speculative. But if the Nine Chapters have never ruled against me, can you truly call it fraud?

He's actually proud of himself! Ugh! This guy's driving me up the wall!

...

Little Minion, don't just stand there, do something!

Best make yourselves scarce. Keep meddling, and the Nine Chapters may take an interest in you.

Still here? Have you nowhere else to be?

I suggest you step away from that chest, or I'll be forced to call for aid!

I'll summon help, don't test me!

Ah, I see...

S, See what, exactly?

I was wondering why you'd go to such lengths, even showing up yourself to warn us away...

Turns out the Nine Chapters don't recognise this stash as yours, that's why you kept bluffing, trying to scare us off.

All I need to do is touch the chest... and when nothing happens, that proves it, I can claim it freely, without breaking the Nine Chapters.

Whoa, you're right, nothing happened at all!

No wonder Yuming said the black market's full of swindlers. Even the Nine Chapters can be bent for the sake of silver...

You... you...!

What now? Going to rob us under the watchful eye of the Nine Chapters?

Even if you try, you wouldn't last a second against my Little Minion~!

Tch... mark my words. Should we meet again, you will not walk away so easily!

Oh really? And if we do walk away easily, will the Nine Chapters condemn you a liar?

You... I... Ugh!

Hmph! Serves you right! Now then, Mr Treasure Box~ Let's see what goodies you've been hiding!

(Still no closer to knowing what that voice really was...)

(But to think someone would exploit the Nine Chapters for profit... Is this the price of laying down sword and shield, and handing power to "rules" alone?)

(Mr Qiu... is this what you meant for me to see?)

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

What is it?

Pardon the suddenness... but have you ever heard tell of the Oracle of Xuantian?

The Oracle of Xuantian? What's that supposed to be?

A voice that speaks not to the ears, but within the mind... as though cast down from realms beyond the stars, stern as a father, gentle as a mother...

(That voice... Could he mean...?)

You've heard it too?

"Too"? You mean... you've really heard it!?

Huh? You're the one who brought it up, why act so shocked?

Uh... I mean, only now am I certain. You must be the hero I've long awaited. Forgive my excitement.

But let's not stray from the moment. A divine insight has come to me, and the time has come to pass it on.

What kind of insight? Come on, let's hear it.

All in good time. The first verse goes: "Beyond mountains piled and rivers layered, between lone sail and rotted hull."

That sounds like that old wreck near the black market... What's supposed to be there?

Just as I thought, such keen intuition. That very verse is what led me here.

The moment I laid eyes on you, such presence, such radiance, I knew you were marked by boundless fortune. Surely this place is where your riches lie in wait.

Then let's have a poke around! If anything looks fishy, we'll dig, maybe we'll even find treasure!

If treasure were that easy to find, he wouldn't be roping us into it, would he?

Ah, but there you misjudge me. Fortune is heaven's to bestow, I merely follow its tide, nudging it where I may. To cross paths with the truly blessed... that alone is reward enough.

But if you remain unconvinced, take this reading as a gift. Go and see for yourselves, return only if it proves worth the telling.

My heartfelt thanks, noble heroes.

Perish the thought.

...Five copper coins?

Ah, a sign, just as foretold! The oracle spoke true after all.

This is the treasure? No way! Are you sure it's not just some kid's pocket money?

W, Well... every journey begins with a step! Perhaps the next stop holds greater reward.

I'm starting to think you're just stringing us along...

Now, now, don't say that. I merely speak when fate guides me to the right souls. I've no mind to pressure you.

The second verse runs thus: "Where brittle bones lie by broken blades, moss gleams beneath a stonebound sea." Whether or not to seek it, that choice is yours.

(Broken blades... stone sea...? That does ring a bell. Might be worth a look, if time allows.)

This should be the spot that odd fellow spoke of...

This place gives me the creeps... Are we sure there's treasure here?

If there were, I doubt anyone would be tipping us off about it.

Roaaaar...!

Ugh, not these mangy mutts again! Where do they keep crawling out from!?

Get behind me.

Whew! Lucky we're tough, any regular folks would've been monster snacks by now!

"We"? Since when?

Uh... maybe we should skip the treasure-hunting and just go home?

No rush. Let's look around, I want to know what that guy's really up to.

Huh? What's this?

Little Minion, quick, come look! I think we've found real treasure this time!

Well then, don't mind if we help ourselves!

Not so fast.

I'm afraid I cannot let you walk off with those spoils.

What are you doing here?

Now that the beasts are dealt with, I've simply come to reclaim what's rightfully mine.

Thanks to you valiant souls ever so "conveniently" clearing out the danger, I can now retrieve the stash I buried here.

If that's all it was, you could've just told us from the start.

Ah, but then I'd have had to pay for your help. Why part with coin when fate might lend a hand for free?

Makes sense... wait a sec! You tricked us into doing your dirty work for nothing!?

And if I did? These goods are mine by right. Surely you wouldn't defy the Nine Chapters of Dafeng and take them by force... would you?

Your property? I'd say it's more like the spoils of a swindler's game.

Now, now, no need for baseless slander. The future is unknowable. I merely offer speculation... and there'll always be those willing to pay a little for a chance at riches.

As for whether those dreams come true... well, that's in fate's hands.

Admittedly, my methods may seem a touch... speculative. But if the Nine Chapters have never ruled against me, can you truly call it fraud?

He's actually proud of himself! Ugh! This guy's driving me up the wall!

...

Little Minion, don't just stand there, do something!

Best make yourselves scarce. Keep meddling, and the Nine Chapters may take an interest in you.

Still here? Have you nowhere else to be?

I suggest you step away from that chest, or I'll be forced to call for aid!

I'll summon help, don't test me!

Ah, I see...

S, See what, exactly?

I was wondering why you'd go to such lengths, even showing up yourself to warn us away...

Turns out the Nine Chapters don't recognise this stash as yours, that's why you kept bluffing, trying to scare us off.

All I need to do is touch the chest... and when nothing happens, that proves it, I can claim it freely, without breaking the Nine Chapters.

Whoa, you're right, nothing happened at all!

No wonder Yuming said the black market's full of swindlers. Even the Nine Chapters can be bent for the sake of silver...

You... you...!

What now? Going to rob us under the watchful eye of the Nine Chapters?

Even if you try, you wouldn't last a second against my Little Minion~!

Tch... mark my words. Should we meet again, you will not walk away so easily!

Oh really? And if we do walk away easily, will the Nine Chapters condemn you a liar?

You... I... Ugh!

Hmph! Serves you right! Now then, Mr Treasure Box~ Let's see what goodies you've been hiding!

(Still no closer to knowing what that voice really was...)

(But to think someone would exploit the Nine Chapters for profit... Is this the price of laying down sword and shield, and handing power to "rules" alone?)

(Mr Qiu... is this what you meant for me to see?)

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.

What is it?

Pardon the suddenness... but have you ever heard tell of the Oracle of Xuantian?

The Oracle of Xuantian? What's that supposed to be?

A voice that speaks not to the ears, but within the mind... as though cast down from realms beyond the stars, stern as a father, gentle as a mother...

(That voice... Could he mean...?)

You've heard it too?

"Too"? You mean... you've really heard it!?

Huh? You're the one who brought it up, why act so shocked?

Uh... I mean, only now am I certain. You must be the hero I've long awaited. Forgive my excitement.

But let's not stray from the moment. A divine insight has come to me, and the time has come to pass it on.

What kind of insight? Come on, let's hear it.

All in good time. The first verse goes: "Beyond mountains piled and rivers layered, between lone sail and rotted hull."

That sounds like that old wreck near the black market... What's supposed to be there?

Just as I thought, such keen intuition. That very verse is what led me here.

The moment I laid eyes on you, such presence, such radiance, I knew you were marked by boundless fortune. Surely this place is where your riches lie in wait.

Then let's have a poke around! If anything looks fishy, we'll dig, maybe we'll even find treasure!

If treasure were that easy to find, he wouldn't be roping us into it, would he?

Ah, but there you misjudge me. Fortune is heaven's to bestow, I merely follow its tide, nudging it where I may. To cross paths with the truly blessed... that alone is reward enough.

But if you remain unconvinced, take this reading as a gift. Go and see for yourselves, return only if it proves worth the telling.

My heartfelt thanks, noble heroes.

Perish the thought.

...Five copper coins?

Ah, a sign, just as foretold! The oracle spoke true after all.

This is the treasure? No way! Are you sure it's not just some kid's pocket money?

W, Well... every journey begins with a step! Perhaps the next stop holds greater reward.

I'm starting to think you're just stringing us along...

Now, now, don't say that. I merely speak when fate guides me to the right souls. I've no mind to pressure you.

The second verse runs thus: "Where brittle bones lie by broken blades, moss gleams beneath a stonebound sea." Whether or not to seek it, that choice is yours.

(Broken blades... stone sea...? That does ring a bell. Might be worth a look, if time allows.)

This should be the spot that odd fellow spoke of...

This place gives me the creeps... Are we sure there's treasure here?

If there were, I doubt anyone would be tipping us off about it.

Roaaaar...!

Ugh, not these mangy mutts again! Where do they keep crawling out from!?

Get behind me.

Whew! Lucky we're tough, any regular folks would've been monster snacks by now!

"We"? Since when?

Uh... maybe we should skip the treasure-hunting and just go home?

No rush. Let's look around, I want to know what that guy's really up to.

Huh? What's this?

Little Minion, quick, come look! I think we've found real treasure this time!

Well then, don't mind if we help ourselves!

Not so fast.

I'm afraid I cannot let you walk off with those spoils.

What are you doing here?

Now that the beasts are dealt with, I've simply come to reclaim what's rightfully mine.

Thanks to you valiant souls ever so "conveniently" clearing out the danger, I can now retrieve the stash I buried here.

If that's all it was, you could've just told us from the start.

Ah, but then I'd have had to pay for your help. Why part with coin when fate might lend a hand for free?

Makes sense... wait a sec! You tricked us into doing your dirty work for nothing!?

And if I did? These goods are mine by right. Surely you wouldn't defy the Nine Chapters of Dafeng and take them by force... would you?

Your property? I'd say it's more like the spoils of a swindler's game.

Now, now, no need for baseless slander. The future is unknowable. I merely offer speculation... and there'll always be those willing to pay a little for a chance at riches.

As for whether those dreams come true... well, that's in fate's hands.

Admittedly, my methods may seem a touch... speculative. But if the Nine Chapters have never ruled against me, can you truly call it fraud?

He's actually proud of himself! Ugh! This guy's driving me up the wall!

...

Little Minion, don't just stand there, do something!

Best make yourselves scarce. Keep meddling, and the Nine Chapters may take an interest in you.

Still here? Have you nowhere else to be?

I suggest you step away from that chest, or I'll be forced to call for aid!

I'll summon help, don't test me!

Ah, I see...

S, See what, exactly?

I was wondering why you'd go to such lengths, even showing up yourself to warn us away...

Turns out the Nine Chapters don't recognise this stash as yours, that's why you kept bluffing, trying to scare us off.

All I need to do is touch the chest... and when nothing happens, that proves it, I can claim it freely, without breaking the Nine Chapters.

Whoa, you're right, nothing happened at all!

No wonder Yuming said the black market's full of swindlers. Even the Nine Chapters can be bent for the sake of silver...

You... you...!

What now? Going to rob us under the watchful eye of the Nine Chapters?

Even if you try, you wouldn't last a second against my Little Minion~!

Tch... mark my words. Should we meet again, you will not walk away so easily!

Oh really? And if we do walk away easily, will the Nine Chapters condemn you a liar?

You... I... Ugh!

Hmph! Serves you right! Now then, Mr Treasure Box~ Let's see what goodies you've been hiding!

(Still no closer to knowing what that voice really was...)

(But to think someone would exploit the Nine Chapters for profit... Is this the price of laying down sword and shield, and handing power to "rules" alone?)

(Mr Qiu... is this what you meant for me to see?)

A moment, if you please, noble heroes.