Crowsong Hollow: The Stirring Flock

Ah, you've arrived, young friend. Come, let us not keep the day waiting.

We're leaving? Where are we going? Don't you think you owe me some kind of explanation?

An explanation? ...Heh.

Timing is everything. Idle chatter can cost us dearly, and once lost, the prey may never be seen again.

That's your problem. What matters to me is whether this mission is dangerous, and whether it's even legitimate.

Uwah, the tension is unreal... Little Minion, maybe we should just let it go?

Haha... Calm yet assertive. Standing your ground with reason, reminds me of my own youthful days. I admire that.

...He put on a new face just like that!?

Hold on, who compliments others like that? This man's so full of himself!

Come, then. Let us speak as we walk. I shall do my best to answer what questions weigh upon your mind.

Tell me, young friend, have you ever wondered why the Scourge of Zhuyin takes the form of Sable Bi'an?

The Bi'an, revered in Huaxu, is elsewhere known as a Filthoid, a harbinger of calamity and dread. The difference lies in the constraints imposed by the Nine Chapters of Dafeng.

The emergence of these Sable Bi'an suggests but one troubling possibility: that the Nine Chapters are beginning to waver.

But Proprietress Zhiliu said once we resolve the Scourge of Zhuyin, everything will go back to normal.

Indeed. But that would be a temporary reprieve at best.

What if it returns, again and again, steadily hollowing out the people's strength?

The Proprietress has her own considerations, some suspicions she may not yet share with you.

From my perspective... if the very foundations of the Nine Chapters are compromised, no amount of patchwork can truly cure the rot.

So you're saying... you've never really believed in the Nine Chapters?

Haha... No need to be so categorical, young friend. As the saying goes: Know yourself, know your enemy, and you shall never taste defeat.

This trip's purpose is to capture a Bi'an for my "collection." I intend to study it thoroughly, a form of insurance against the worst.

So, does this reasoning satisfy you?

...Won't turning against a Bi'an bring punishment from the Nine Chapters?

Heh. We in the black market have long walked the knife's edge of the Nine Chapters. We know well how to stay within bounds.

Tell me, young friend, have you ever wondered why the Scourge of Zhuyin takes the form of Sable Bi'an?

The Bi'an, revered in Huaxu, is elsewhere known as a Filthoid, a harbinger of calamity and dread. The difference lies in the constraints imposed by the Nine Chapters of Dafeng.

The emergence of these Sable Bi'an suggests but one troubling possibility: that the Nine Chapters are beginning to waver.

But Proprietress Zhiliu said once we resolve the Scourge of Zhuyin, everything will go back to normal.

Indeed. But that would be a temporary reprieve at best.

What if it returns, again and again, steadily hollowing out the people's strength?

The Proprietress has her own considerations, some suspicions she may not yet share with you.

From my perspective... if the very foundations of the Nine Chapters are compromised, no amount of patchwork can truly cure the rot.

So you're saying... you've never really believed in the Nine Chapters?

Haha... No need to be so categorical, young friend. As the saying goes: Know yourself, know your enemy, and you shall never taste defeat.

This trip's purpose is to capture a Bi'an for my "collection." I intend to study it thoroughly, a form of insurance against the worst.

So, does this reasoning satisfy you?

...Won't turning against a Bi'an bring punishment from the Nine Chapters?

Heh. We in the black market have long walked the knife's edge of the Nine Chapters. We know well how to stay within bounds.

Tell me, young friend, have you ever wondered why the Scourge of Zhuyin takes the form of Sable Bi'an?

The Bi'an, revered in Huaxu, is elsewhere known as a Filthoid, a harbinger of calamity and dread. The difference lies in the constraints imposed by the Nine Chapters of Dafeng.

The emergence of these Sable Bi'an suggests but one troubling possibility: that the Nine Chapters are beginning to waver.

But Proprietress Zhiliu said once we resolve the Scourge of Zhuyin, everything will go back to normal.

Indeed. But that would be a temporary reprieve at best.

What if it returns, again and again, steadily hollowing out the people's strength?

The Proprietress has her own considerations, some suspicions she may not yet share with you.

From my perspective... if the very foundations of the Nine Chapters are compromised, no amount of patchwork can truly cure the rot.

So you're saying... you've never really believed in the Nine Chapters?

Haha... No need to be so categorical, young friend. As the saying goes: Know yourself, know your enemy, and you shall never taste defeat.

This trip's purpose is to capture a Bi'an for my "collection." I intend to study it thoroughly, a form of insurance against the worst.

So, does this reasoning satisfy you?

...Won't turning against a Bi'an bring punishment from the Nine Chapters?

Heh. We in the black market have long walked the knife's edge of the Nine Chapters. We know well how to stay within bounds.

Boss!

How is everything going?

Just as you foresaw, the prey's been wounded and driven into Crowsong Hollow. The place is ringed by the sea, like an island cut off from the world. There's no way out for it. Now we've only to close the net.

Crowsong Hollow? Whose idea was that?

...

Is there something wrong with that place?

Well, sir... it's part of the ancient battlefield, cold winds, eerie as can be. Nobody goes near it, so we thought it would be safer, less chance of interruption...

This was indeed the site of the Battle of Shuli. But do you know what it was before that?

Uh... no, sir. Please, enlighten us.

Long ago, this place served as a key research ground for the Jishu Sect, until a few centuries past, when the Xuanheng Sect grew suspicious of rebellion and sent in a heavy force to put it down.

In the end, both sides were lost, no survivors. From then on, the Jishu Sect faded into obscurity.

Those who vanished into the mists of history... left behind what they had crafted.

The mechanisms here have long been concealed by time. Should any be carelessly triggered... the consequences could be unpredictable.

Uh... well...

Since Vita has spoken on your behalf, I'll let it slide. But from now on, proceed with extra caution. Do not startle the prey.

Yes, sir!!

We'll go with what Vita suggested. From now on, proceed with extra caution. Do not startle the prey.

...Yes, sir.

It's time to close the net. Vita, stay close behind me.

Get him!

D, Did something just wake up from under the ground!? Whoa... an ancient mega maze!?

Mr Qiu went ahead. Let's catch up and find out what's going on.

Fascinating... utterly fascinating. Centuries have passed, yet these ancient war contraptions still function flawlessly.

The forebears of the Jishu Sect created such masterworks, yet thanks to the bans of the Nine Chapters, their legacy has slipped into obscurity. Don't you think that's a pity?

What's going on? How do we get out of here?

Yeah! Enough with the history lessons, I don't want to be stuck here!

Tsk. No appreciation for the beauty of ancient marvels... How disappointing.

Every mechanism leaves a fail-safe... like that Enlightenment Stele ahead. Doesn't it look as though it's just waiting to be struck?

Um, what if you're wrong?

Hehe... then we'll be counting on your nimble moves, Vita.

I've heard the Jishu Sect revered the colour red above all others.

So the red path is the safer one, got it.

Look, some of the blocks lit up... What does that mean, Little Minion?

The intent is quite clear. Proceed in the order the blocks illuminated, and you shall resolve our current predicament.

...We didn't need you to tell us that! My Little Minion already knew!

Alright, I'll give it a try.

Whoaaaa, these blocks are moving! If we miss a step, we'll fall right down!

The great Demon King almost got bested by such a cheap trick... How treacherous!

Heh. A predictable path can hardly be called a challenge, can it?

Hmph! Nobody asked you!

Ah! Where did these things come from?! They're moving... and they're attacking us!

Must be guardians left here since this place was built, meant to defend against intruders.

Stay sharp and deal with them, Vita.

Huh? Two identical Steles at the same time...?

Hmm... Perhaps they must be struck simultaneously from separate positions.

Let's give it a try, Vita.

Aaaahhhh...! My poor buns! They really took a critical hit!

Where did Mr Qiu end up...?

Could it be... this entire mechanism array was meant to separate anyone travelling together...?

Wait, Little Minion! There's someone up ahead!

Haha... Finally, some company! I'm not alone in this pit anymore.

The name's Kezhou, a Drifter from Huaxu. And you two are...?

Since you asked... Ahem! I am the Pure-White Redeemer ☆ Demon King of Light! You can call me Snow! As you can see, I'm a real Demon King, and my purpose is to conquer the world!

And this is my Little Minion, Vita. She's the second strongest fighter in the world, right after me!

Huh, so that's the trick! No wonder I battered this place with all the blades I carry, and it wouldn't budge an inch... turns out you just have to give the right spot a tap! Gotta hand it to the Jishu Sect, they built things to last.

A pleasure... Seems like the world beyond Huaxu has no shortage of colourful characters! Since fate brought us together, why not share the road for a while?

Oh-ho! So you admire this Great Demon King that much? Well then, of course! Heehee, Huaxu folks do have good taste!

Listen well: I, Snow, hereby dub you the "Black-and-White Blade Vagabond, Free-Spirited Swordsman, and Grand Ambassador of the Demon King's Court to Huaxu!"

Haha... meeting you two has truly lifted my spirits! If we weren't stuck here, I'd be swinging my sword in celebration and drinking with you till dawn!

By the way, did you happen to see a man about my age on your way here? Dark hair, dressed head to toe in black, he'd be hard to miss.

Um... that describes about half of the people we met...

We didn't see anyone like that on the way here.

Ah... never mind. Four years of chasing, what's a little longer now? Anyway, do you two have any idea how to get out of here?

Whoa... That sounds really violent!

If only every problem in life could be solved with a good fight... things would be so much simpler.

Ah, enough talking, let's get out of here.

It really worked! Very impressive, Vita.

Hey, look at those patterns... any idea what they're supposed to mean?

If I step on the right blocks... maybe I can cross to the other side.

Finally, time to limber up!

I've been cooped up here so long I couldn't even get a proper swing in... but now? A fight's just the thing to wake me up! Watch close, Vita, this is what I'm made of!

These arrangements are getting more and more complicated... I can't make heads or tails of them anymore.

Hmph! Big guys like you are only muscles, this kind of brain work? Leave it to my Little Minion!

Right, right... we're counting on you, Vita!

...Fine.

Hey, Little Minion, look at that orb floating up there. It's kinda suspicious, don't you think? Maybe try using the Mechanical Nexus on it?

What a leap! That was thrilling!

This looks familiar... isn't this the mechanism Master Gongshang taught us?

Let's try using that Mechanical Nexus right now!

The... Mechanical what? Is that the name of some top-tier sword?

So uncultured! It's the hottest invention from Jishu Sect! Just stand back and watch!

Solving puzzles is a breeze with you two! I knew I picked the right team!

Hehe, you bet!

Big guy, you'd better stick close. If you get lost, you're on your own!

(Yikes, Snow's getting a bit full of herself... She's practically floating on air!)

It's those Steles again... here's how it works: we'll have to strike them both at once. Then the platform will flip, dropping us in different places.

Then this is goodbye. Thank you both for the company, until we cross paths again!

You recount to Mr Qiu everything that happened while you were separated.

So... even more twists to our little hunt... Heh. It grows more and more intriguing.

I've had my fill of this place. Let's keep moving and be done with it.

Heh... you're getting rather good with these Jishu Sect trinkets. Quite the amusement, wouldn't you say?

Looks like this is the final trial. Come, Vita, it is time to bring it all to an end.

What's this giant bronze guy?!

This is Terracolossus, the ancient creation of Jishu Sect.

Legends say the Jishu Sect once sought to develop giant, humanoid-shaped mechapuppets pilotable for humans. I assume this thing witnessed that piece of history.

Hey, that actually sounds kinda cool...

If such mechapuppets really exist, the Demon King would want to try!

This little game of cat and mouse... it ends here. Wouldn't you agree, dear Magistrate of Yingtian?

...

Yuming!?

The "Bi'an" you've been talking about, you meant him all along?

That's it. I'm out.

Even the Demon King has lines she won't cross!

Easy now, young friend.

Why do you both act as though I intend to kill him? Quite the opposite, I mean to offer him a chance to break free of the Nine Chapters' shackles.

And did you ever ask him if he wanted that?

Your actions have already endangered the people and the realm. I ask that you stand down.

Hehe... tell me, am I the one endangering the realm, or is it the manners and morals of the age? Will you pretend not to see the cracks the Nine Chapters have wrought?

If I could decipher the means by which you became a Magistrate of Yingtian, I might forge a counter to the Sable Bi'an, and perhaps grant you the freedom you seek. Would that not be a fitting outcome for all?

...This is not your burden to bear.

He's made himself clear. I won't help you.

Still clinging to your tiresome pretence of duty and honour, I see... Tsk. I had hoped it wouldn't come to this.

Finally got to see my shixiong again, only for you lot to ruin everything. Now he's slipped away once more.

This osmanthus cake... I've been carrying it around for so long, it's gone cold and hard. Who knows when I'll ever get to give it to him?

So the one you've been looking for was Yuming.

Say... what are you doing here? What exactly happened here before I came?

That bastard, he set you up, didn't he!? Vita, are you hurt?

Damn it... my shixiong's tied down by those nonsense rules, but I'm not. Anyone who messes with him, I'll make sure they pay for it!

I've had it with those people too! Let's team up and turn this whole place upside down!

Alright, alright, no need for all this fuss. I heard every word, clear as day. Consider this my most humble apology.

You'd better keep your mouth shut. I'm still mad at you.

The only reason I'm not coming after you right now is because I refuse to stoop to your level.

Fair enough. Such magnanimity is admirable, young friend.

And your loyalty... truly stirring. You have my respect. I'll gladly shoulder the blame for this failure: I'll let the "prey" go out of deference to you. As for Proprietress Zhiliu, I'll explain to her myself.

Are you saying this is all Proprietress Zhiliu's idea? I don't buy it. And another thing, stop calling him the "prey."

Haha... as I told you before, the Proprietress has her own designs.

If it weren't for you lot butting in, I'd have had a proper reunion with my shixiong! Old Fox, how exactly are you planning to make this right?

Oh? From what I saw, that Magistrate of Yingtian is avoiding you quite deliberately. If he'd stayed behind, and the two of you joined forces, who here could possibly stand in your way?

Shut it! Another word and I'll shut it for you myself!

Hahahaha!

But enough chatter. I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave for now.

A small piece of advice, Yuming slipped off that way. If you don't hurry, you'll lose him yet again.

And one last word for you, young friend, not everyone is as candid as I am. You may know a man's face... but never assume you know his heart.

We may continue.

There he goes again, so full of himself!

And what was that last thing he said supposed to mean, anyway? Talking in riddles, that guy...

...

Vita, you seem to know my shixiong pretty well.

I don't know if you've heard this, he became a Magistrate of Yingtian because of... an accident, a twist of fate. But I can tell, he's not at peace with it.

When you meet him again, tell him something for me, will you? Tell him... what happened back then wasn't his fault. Everyone from the Outer Peaks misses him and hopes he'll come back home.

What happened back then?

Uh... it's a long story, too much to explain here. I've got to go after him. I'll tell you another time.

Tell me, Vita, why is it so hard for people just to follow their hearts? Why is it that every time we want to act on a whim, we're tied down by all sorts of rules?

I have to go. But don't you forget, next time we meet, we'll drink until dawn and talk till we drop!