Reflections on the River of Forgetting

This must be the place, a clinic nestled among the apricot trees.

I wonder how Fushu and that young lady attacked by Bi'an are doing...

Fushu~! We've come to see you!

Hm... doesn't seem like anyone's home.

Come on, Little Minion, let's have a look inside!

Whoa...! It's absolutely spotless... and so... empty.

It's like... no one's been living here at all.

L, Little Minion, please don't say stuff like that! You're giving me the creeps... Fushu does live here... doesn't she?

Mm...

Vita, Snow... You've come.

Don't tell me... you stayed up all night watching over her, without a moment's rest?

Our family teachings say: "Zhuyou therapy user must bring salvation to all living beings..." Is there any fault in what I do?

But how can you help others if you don't look after yourself first!?

I can use a secret technique to purge the corruption from my body, truly, there's no need for concern.

That's still not okay! Ugh, you're so stubborn, it's like talking to a brick wall!

You said before that by taking my bamboo flute, you owed me a favour, didn't you?

I did.

Then here's my request: take good care of yourself.

...Such a trifling matter hardly counts as a request. You shouldn't squander a favour on that.

There's someone very dear to me. She's just like you, never takes care of herself. No matter how much she's hurt, or how others treat her, she always pretends it doesn't matter. I hate that about her.

Just thinking she might be out there, somewhere... suffering, in pain... it keeps me up at night.

There must be someone who worries about you the way I worry about her. Don't make that person suffer. Please, Fushu, take care of yourself.

...Forgive me. I didn't mean to stir old grief.

I understand. I'll take your words to heart.

Now that's more like it! Didn't know you had the gift of gab, Little Minion, no wonder you're my number-one sidekick!

...

Is she waking up?

Mama... is that you? I'm so cold...

...Just a dream, it seems.

How is she doing?

She's stable for now. But the Bi'an's power still gnaws at her meridians. I fear it will be some time before she wakes.

In my sister's pharmic notes, there was mention of a herb called Wangyou. It grows at the liminal crossing of this world and the next, its gentle essence said to be the perfect foil for the Bi'an's brutal energy.

If we use this herb in her treatment, it may soothe the violent currents within her and steady her condition.

While my sister devoted her life to the study of herbs and medicines, I was raised in the Art of Ephemerality. Our ways share a purpose, but the paths diverge. I know little of her methods... but for now, this is the only path left to try.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find it!

You arrived at just the right moment. I was about to set out to find it myself. Had you come any later... you might have missed me altogether.

So, where's that place again? The one that's supposed to be between two worlds or something?

It's called the Spring of Yu. Even those born and raised in Huaxu may never see it for themselves, let alone newcomers like you.

It is nurtured by Huaxu's unique soil and water. When mortals perish with lingering attachments in their hearts, the ever-present perfume acts as a conduit. Those yearnings give birth to spirits known as Wishen.

The Spring of Yu is their resting ground. Only children with a pure heart, or those they choose to invite, may step into its realm.

Wow... that sounds so mysterious! So... can my Little Minion and I get in there?

Of course. Stay close. I shall lead the way.

...I hadn't foreseen that the Gritblight would touch even this sanctuary.

Don't worry. I've got this.

Uh-huh! After all, the great Demon King and her Little Minion are now proud honorary learners of the Jishu Sect! Just watch us!

The Jishu Sect...? That name has all but faded from memory. How did you come to be involved with them?

Heh! Just like one of those wild tales you hear in old legends, pure luck, I'd say!

Ah! White monsters!

Eek! Wh, Who's talking!? A ghost!? Little Minion, help!!

Calm yourself, Snow. This is a Wishen I spoke of. Those who have not been invited cannot see their form.

Wei Shen, these two are my friends. We seek an audience with Elder Wishen. Could you reveal yourself and show them the way?

Sure! Friends of Fushu are friends of mine!

Whoa... so this is a Wishen? It's all round and puffy, kinda cute, actually!

Why aren't you at the altar? What are you doing out here?

The Gritblight... it rose up from the ground... now my feet are stuck. I can't walk or run at all...

I didn't make it home before dark... and Mama must be so worried...

Don't worry! We'll get you home safe and sound!

Home... I've lost it. I looked everywhere, but I can't find Mama... I don't have anywhere to go anymore!

Uh-oh... why did it get so upset all of a sudden?

Snow, let me handle this.

You've lingered here far too long, you must be weary. Let us return to the altar, so you may find a moment of rest.

...Okay!

We may continue.

We may continue.

, Thank you!

The Wishens are spirits woven from unfulfilled longings.

This little one was likely a child who slipped away to play... and met a sudden end. Ever since, "going home" has lingered as its last, unfulfilled wish.

Sadly, it was far too young to remember where home lay. And now... so many seasons have passed, its family... is likely long gone.

So Wishens really are ghosts... but not the scary kind from old stories. If anything... they're a little bit sad.

There should be two more nearby. I fear the Gritblight has found them too. Come, let us search for their traces.

"One, two, three... Red Light!"

There lies a little Wishen within the cave, yet the way has been sealed by fallen rocks...

Got it! Time for the Demon King's demolition crew to work their magic!

"We're all statues... no talking, no moving..."

Where could it be?

Maybe the unfamiliar scents here make it wary, so it hides away.

Let's light the incense. The familiar fragrance may soothe it...

These buds have been tainted, giving off unfamiliar scents. That might be why it refuses to show itself.

Let's clear out these buds.

You found me!

"I, I'm a statue! You can't see me, and you can't hit me either!"

I know the way... the altar is up ahead, thank you!

Hey! There's something written on that stone tablet!

Come on, playtime's over! Let's go back!

Uh-uh! Not until you solve my riddle!

Ugh, this is giving me a headache... Vita, any idea?

"Lofty above, drifting down"... I suppose, maybe we need to hit the buds from top to bottom?

Ooh, that makes sense! Let's try it, Little Minion!

We may continue.

We may continue.

We may continue.

"I, I'm a statue! You can't see me, and you can't hit me either!"

I know the way... the altar is up ahead, thank you!

Do you have the answer for me now?

Gazing down from above, yet returning to the soil without a trace... I would say you speak of the clouds.

Heehee! You're really smart, Miss Fushu! That was fun, okay, let's head back!

We may continue.

Finally found all three of the little Wishens... This Demon King's worn out!

Listen up, you three! From now on, no more chattering or sneaking off! Stay right here, got it?

Do not tease them further, Snow. If you upset them, they may refuse to open the gate to the Spring of Yu for you.

Wait, what!? You mean... we're not there yet?

Whoa...!

*sobbing*... Big sis... where are you...?

We may continue.

Ah... so long as we can keep basking in the sun, the days will stay warm, and our smiles will never fade.

To behold an old friend once more, such fortune in this lifetime. Lady Zhuyou. Travellers from beyond. Welcome.

You honour me too greatly, Elder, I am unworthy of such a title.

Hehe... A century ago, in the days of pestilence, it was your healing hands that spared my life. That kindness has never faded from my heart, Lady Zhuyou. Pray, tell me what you would ask of me.

Wait a second, Little Minion... did you hear what he said? Notice anything weird!?

Didn't you catch that!? He said Fushu's been around for over a hundred years!

She doesn't look it at all! Don't tell me Huaxu medicine's already reached the level of immortality!

...It is not as you might think.

Immortality is but an illusion, across this world, life flits by like the mayfly's shadow. Though I have mastered the Art of Ephemerality, I too remain bound to the cycle of birth, aging, and death.

During the great plague a hundred years past, I... fell ill while tending to the sick. My sister, using a secret art, placed me in stasis to halt the disease's advance.

It was only recently that her disciples woke me, armed with a new remedy to purge the illness at last. And thus, I returned to the world once more.

That explains why your home felt so neat... as if no one's ever lived there.

After all these years, your sister... is she still alive?

After I awoke, I searched far and wide... only to learn she had already passed on, some years ago.

Death comes to all, like the withering of leaves, like clouds that rise and drift away. You who still draw breath, there is no need to burden your hearts with it.

Right... Wishens are the dead, too.

Indeed. In life, my sister fulfilled her aspirations. Her devotion to the study of herbs took root and flourished, now a cherished tradition of Huaxu. There's no need to grieve for her.

But... all those you once knew are gone. You're the only one left in this world.

Don't you feel lonely?

...

Hey, you're not alone! Not anymore, you've got this Demon King and her Little Minion watching your back now!

Then I shall rely on you, my friends. Thank you.

Now, I suspect you didn't come all this way merely to reminisce with an old spectre.

You're right. We seek a plant known in the old records as "Wangyou." Do you know where it might still grow?

Ah, Wangyou... In my younger days, it blanketed every hill. But now, you'll find only a few sparse clusters near the waterfall beyond the rear mountain.

I see. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

One more thing, if you're heading that way, may I trouble you to watch for something on my behalf?

Sure. What is it?

Not long before you arrived, the Gritblight reached the Spring of Yu. Some of the little ones vanished, last seen near the waterfall.

Should you come across any of them trapped... please lend your aid. They have been weeping for days on end.

We'll keep an eye out.

Thank you. Then be on your way. The living mustn't squander their fleeting hours.

When your time in the mortal world is done, you can always return, I will be waiting still for a proper catch-up.

Okay, that was... kind of spooky, even though he's got a point...

Let's get going, Little Minion...!

Crimson stalks, paired leaves, tiny white blossoms... Yes. This is Wangyou.

Vita, Snow, could you lend a hand? Before the dew vanishes, I need ten fresh sprigs of Wangyou.

Focus on the ones in full bloom, with vibrant roots, they will be the most potent.

You got it!

Hey, Little Minion! Come over here a sec!

...Am I hearing things? Little Minion, come here and check, did a voice come from this way?

Alright.

...Save me... save me...

There is a voice, someone calling for help.

Did she say... "Baby"? ...Is she calling out for someone she loves?

Can't disappear... I still have to...

Before it's too late... let me...

See? I knew I wasn't hearing things! Ha, never doubt this Demon King's ears. Sharp enough to catch whispers in every corner of The Asphodel!

Duly noted. Next time I've got a secret to keep, I'll make sure you're nowhere nearby.

Hey! Not cool, Little Minion!

Still... where's that voice coming from? And how do we even start looking for them?

Little Minion, what was that noise?

Little Minion...? Little Minion! Vita, what's wrong!?

Say something...!

Oh no... oh no, Fushu! Fushu, something's really wrong...!

What happened?

Waaah... There was a voice, coming from somewhere we couldn't see, so we went to look... and then all of a sudden, there was this flash and a fwoosh, and my Little Minion just... froze up!

I called her name many times, but she just stood there like a statue, like her soul's been snatched away!

Take a breath, Snow. Panic will only cloud your thoughts. Don't worry, I'm here with you.

So... the last place you saw Vita before she froze, was right here?

What is that!? Is Vita going to be okay!?

If I'm not mistaken, her spirit has been swallowed by a place known as the Oblivion Rift.

The Oblivion Rift...? That sounds awful! What is it?

The Spring of Yu is a realm woven from human yearning, and the Oblivion Rift is its shadow, born of Zhuyin's corruption. It is a lightless void where all memory is consumed and undone.

Anyone who falls in must find their way out within one hour of the Rift's birth. If they do not... their soul will be lost forever, with no path home.

Then what do we do...!?

Don't be afraid. I will go in and bring her back. Stay here and wait for us.

...I'm coming with you!

No, it's far too perilous. If you were to be lost as well... it would only make things worse.

But... but I don't want to just wait here doing nothing! Not knowing what's happening in there... or if my Little Minion is safe...

I can't take it... Waaaah!

Snow, come here. Give me your hand.

Huh? What is this?

My sister once said, "When potion is bitter, chase it with something sweet." I believe hearts work the same way.

So no more tears, alright? I'll bring her back safe and sound. I promise.

Then... then go already! I'll keep an eye on this creepy rift, no way I'm letting it shut!

I go around telling everyone I'm the Demon King... and I can't even protect my own Little Minion...

You evil rift thing, don't you dare close up! I'm watching you!

And you, stupid Little Minion, you'd better come back in one piece! Or else I'll have you waiting tables for Camilla for a year, no, ten, no, a hundred years!

(Where... am I?)

(No one's here. Not a sound. It's so still I can hear my own heartbeat...)

(It's as if... I'm back where it all began. Where the white sand flows from the sky. As though nothing ever happened.)

Can you hear me, Vita?

Fushu? Is that you? Where are you!?

There lies a distance between us in the mortal realm. Yet this place is not bound by such constraints. Here, thoughts connect, I can see you, and my voice may find you.

Do not fear. You are safe here. I shall guide you back to where you belong.

...Okay. I understand.

Do you see those lantern blossoms? The living send forth their prayers upon them, setting them adrift in deep, silent waters, hoping they might reach those who have departed.

Their gentle light shall shield you from the oblivion's creeping grasp.

How am I supposed to leave here, Fushu?

Beware the river that lies close at hand. That is Lethe, the River of Forgetting. Should its waters touch you, your sense of self will begin to fade, and your will to live shall wane.

...But there's water everywhere. There's no path forward. What do I do?

Vita, do you bear a wish that you must see fulfilled, no matter the cost?

That wish is your tether to this world. Face the Aeolian Chime that stands before you, and let that wish take shape upon your mind.

It shall call to the wind, carrying your wish to the heights, and guiding you back to the land of the living.

(Something I must do no matter the cost...)

(Berry is still waiting for me... I have to bring her back. I can't stop here!)

...! The lanterns lit up. How beautiful.

The flames of the sky lanterns shall awaken the blossoms ahead, lighting the path for your return.

Vita, is that you?

...Berry!

We'll definitely meet again. Until then, take good care of yourself and stay safe.

Keep going forward now. I'll always be watching over you.

She is the family you have sought so long to find, right?

Yet I must tell you this, what you beheld was but a wisp of longing, not her true form.

I understand.

But even so... to see her here, to believe she is waiting for me somewhere in this world... it brings me solace. It gives me strength.

Another Aeolian Chime. You know what must be done, Vita.

(I must make it back to Icelake safely. Everyone's still waiting for me. I can't stop now!)

It's been a long time, Vita.

Have you gone somewhere new and different? A place that I've never heard of?

Could you tell me about it when you come back to Icelake?

I know it's kind of way too much to ask, but... please don't forget about me.

Hurry up, Little Minion! The Demon King still needs your help to conquer the world!

Where on earth have you gone? It's making it so hard to find you. Come back soon, Fina still wants to hear stories from you.

Mind you don't go breaking a leg out there. I've saved you a hot drink, but it won't stay warm forever. Just head back to The Asphodel once you're done with your business.

Earning your keep's one thing, but it's pointless if you don't have the time to enjoy it.

It seems there are many who care for you, who've formed bonds of rare and precious worth. This is nice.

The way out lies just ahead. Cross the River of Forgetting, then step onto the Bridge of Forgetfulness, it will carry you back to the living world.

...Phew. Vita is safe now.

The link between the Oblivion Rift and this world is growing faint... I must hurry and leave.

Ee-ee-ya...

Little one, what brings you here...?

Ee-ya, ee!

...You've lingered in this realm too long, and have lost even the power of speech. How pitiful.

Stay close to me. I will guide you to safety as well.

Ee!

(In this fleeting life, my sole resolve is to wield the Art of Ephemerality, to heal all who suffer. That resolve, I shall never forsake.)

The colour of the flame... it's not as it should be.

It hurts so much... My wounds are festering, I haven't known sleep in days...

There's no hope left, is there? Lady Zhuyou... please, put me out of my misery...

My baby... she's just come into the world, and hasn't even called me "Mama" yet! Please, I beg you, save her. Save her!

They say the House of Zhuyou can heal any affliction, so why won't you help us? Don't you care!?

This was... the plague that ravaged our lands a century ago.

I ran from dawn to dusk, doing all I could... yet still, all I could do was watch them die, one by one, helpless in their agony.

(Such is the flame's response... So my heart had wavered, after all?)

(Is it only the pain of others I grieve... or is it something I've long kept hidden?)

(Yet all I have known, all I have ever offered, is the Art of Ephemerality. If my heart wavers... how can I find a way back?)

...As I feared.

Forgive me... I promised to lead you out. But now... it seems I must break that promise.

Ee-ya, ee-ee-ya, ee!

...! You would burn yourself as fuel? If you continue, your form will fade into nothingness...

Ee!

...I understand. Then I shall shield you with all that I am.

Fushu, I heard you collapsed while treating the sick, I travelled far to see you... You must stop using the Art of Ephemerality.

Thank you for your concern. But I am well now, Sister. You should return.

Well? You call this "well"? You're harming your own life, Fushu, can't you see that?

Saving lives is the mission the Nine Chapters gave to us. Should I stand idle as others suffer in agony?

Had you not forsaken our ancestral art to pursue pharmacology, I wouldn't have pushed myself this far!

Forgive me, Sister... but I cannot bring myself to cherish my own life above others', as you do.

...So this is how you see me, Fushu.

(Those words... they were never what I meant. But once I spoke, the bitterness surged forth like a flood I couldn't hold back.)

(In the end, I didn't know how to face her... so I left. That was the last time we ever spoke.)

Fushu... You're still in the prime of your life. I will not stand by and watch you die.

I will find a cure for you. Even if it costs me everything, my life, my years, I will not rest until I do. Wait for me.

...

...Sister...

She gave her whole heart to me, and I was blind to it.

All I want is to see her again. To say that "I'm sorry."

Ee-ee! Ee!

Fushu! I thought...

I am well. Forgive me for worrying you.

Thanks to this nameless little one, I did not lose myself in the Oblivion Rift. As the old saying goes: "By guiding others, we find our own path as well." Once again, these words have proven true.

Ee, ee-ya-ee, ee!

I'm glad you're safe. That's a big relief.

We are not yet free of peril. Though we have emerged from the deepest shadow, we must not let caution slip. Come, let us return to the world of the living.

Right. I'm ready.

Follow the Luminous Jades. They shall illuminate the path ahead.

Fushu, what did you see in the River of Forgetting?

Just echoes of the past... people and moments long since gone.

Doesn't sound like they were happy memories...

Help...!

Ee-ya, ee!

Someone's calling for help, let's move!

Thank you, kind soul!

Others... more of us, still trapped.

This place... feels wrong. Must leave. Need everyone's strength, to escape!

You mean there are still more of you trapped here? Got it. I'll keep an eye out.

Thank you, thank you! My strength... take it!

Dim stones... with strength, and they glow!

The road ahead is blocked by a stone gate...

Let us take a closer look around. There might be some hidden mechanism or clue.

Dim stones... light up, all at once!

Whoa...! It's Lady Zhuyou! And... another human!

The exit to the Spring of Yu looks so, so far away... I'm so tired... I don't think I can keep going...

I just want to curl up here, forget everything... and let myself fade away...

But now that our friends are here, we can't just give up. Let's keep going!

You've walked the River of Forgetting for so long... Are your souls feeling heavy? Let me lighten them, make you as swift as the wind!

Then let me clear the path ahead, no more obstacles in your way!

Ee-ya! Now we're all set, let's go!

Ee-ee, ya!

The mean flowers have trapped my friends! Please, help them!

I have seen this kind of flower in the old records. When its petals are shut, no blade can cut it. We must wait for it to bloom.

The core is exposed, strike now!

Lady Zhuyou! And the white-haired stranger, thank you both!

Let me lend a hand too! My iron headbutt can even crack the earth!

The last ones! Friends still trapped!

It is the same kind of flower as before. Vita, wait for it to bloom fully, then strike the core and all the vines in one stroke.

With all my years of martial skill, I nearly met my end here... How shameful...

Now we're all here, no one left behind, not a single one!

The final path is blocked by a monstrous Filthoid flower. Let me stand with you. Together, we shall cut it down and restore this place!

Thank you, both of you! We'll never forget this kindness. Goodbye for now!

Waaah... Fushu! Vita! You're finally back! I was worried sick...

I thought you were... uh-uh! If I don't say it out loud, those bad things will never happen to you!

Fushu, thank you for risking your own life to bring me back.

It was what I had to do.

Are you okay? You look pale...

My body is unharmed. It's only my thoughts, still tangled and unclear. I need a moment to gather them.

Alright... But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here for you.

Sure. After all we have endured together... you and Snow are the only companions I hold dear in this world.

Aww, Fushu...

Well then. Though it was a harrowing journey, we have managed to gather the herbs we needed. I must see them safely home, so I can begin refining them before the dew fades.

Ee!

Ahh! Where did you pop out from!? You nearly gave me a heart attack!

You did not depart with the others...

I came across this little one deep within the Oblivion Rift and brought it back with me. A chance encounter... or perhaps that, too, is fate.

Ee-ee! Ee!

It seems really attached to you.

That may be a problem... I will need complete focus and peace to tend to the patient.

Vita, might I trouble you to watch over it for a while?

So now my Little Minion has a little minion of their own? Guess that makes you Minion #2!

Ee-ya-ee! Ee-ee!

It doesn't look happy with that arrangement.

...My apologies. That was thoughtless of me. Since fate has brought us together, stay with me. I promise I won't turn you away. Will that suffice?

Ee!

Vita, could I trouble you to report to Elder Wishen? Once the patient is resting more easily, I will meet with you again.

It's a promise!

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!