Where the Tides Meet

There it is, right beneath the roots of the great tree. The largest trading guild in all of Mistwharf, EverSpring!

May this incense rise in fragrant clouds to the halls of Heaven. With humble prayer, we seek mercy, to grant peace and joy to all beings.

So many people making prayers... Can Lord Argent really hear them all?

Hehe... You mustn't think of incense offerings as a way to demand things from Lord Argent.

As I mentioned before, the Nine Chapters of Dafeng rely on incense as a medium to stay effective.

People offer incense to the heavens to sustain the Nine Chapters, and in turn, the Nine Chapters manifested Lord Argent, who upholds their will and grants protection through incense.

Wishes come true only through tireless effort, one step at a time. Lord Argent simply bears witness to that journey, as it has for centuries.

Though... on rare occasions, a few blessed souls do catch Lord Argent's eye and are granted unexpected fortune.

Huh? Now I'm curious. Since we're here already, I wanna give it a try too!

Sure thing. Just head over to the table by the incense altar. That man over there is an incense warden from the Xuanheng Sect, he's in charge of keeping the shrine in order.

The Xuanheng Sect? That name rings a bell... They were founded by the same person who could commune with Heaven, the founder of the Nine Chapters, right?

That's right! Looks like Vita was paying attention during my crash course, gold star for you!

Back in ancient times, the Xuanheng Sect were the first to uncover the divine power of incense, and they've guarded that secret ever since.

Even today, they're in charge of everything related to incense in Huaxu. Every censer you've seen along the way? All made by their hand.

And everyone can receive three sticks of incense per day for free from their incense wardens. Why not go try it for yourselves?

May your virtue endure for all time.

Almost there!

That's EverSpring's guild hall just up ahead! Miss Zhiliu is probably waiting for you upstairs. Alright, my job here is done, you can head up on your own!

My stall's right here, drop by if you've got time! I'll even give you a special 0.02% discount on anything you buy!

Wait... what!? 0.02%!? You're such a cheapskate!

Well, I'm striving to become Huaxu's number-one Starweaver!

I don't have horns like you, so I'm already starting behind the line. If I don't double down on seizing every chance and being meticulous, sheer hard work won't get me there!

Huh? I, I see...

See? That's what happens when you go around horn-chatting with other Lunos.

A, Anyway! Let's go, Little Minion, we don't want to keep our big benefactor waiting!

...I lost my voice earlier. Now that I've calmed down and thought it over, I realise I was in the wrong.

I shouldn't have acted out of desperation and hired some shady outsider to transport my goods on my own.

Who would've thought that man was all talk and no substance, not only useless against a Sable Bi'an, but also a despicable thug who stirred up more trouble than I could imagine... To all my fellow traders, I owe you a deep apology.

You don't need to be so hard on yourself. These past few days, everyone's been anxious, EverSpring understands this well.

We're already working on solutions. The sooner we weather this crisis, the sooner trade and commerce will return to normal.

But how long is this lockdown going to last? We Starweavers can wait, but our goods sure can't...

Fresh herbs only sell for a good price when they're still dewy from the picking, they lose value by the day just sitting around.

That's... hard to say. With the Scourge of Zhuyin still raging... no one can promise when it'll end.

Three days, no more. There shall be a solution.

Miss Zhiliu, you've returned!

You mean... you've found a solution?

That was the purpose of my trip. And yes, I've found a lead.

Rest assured. For goods with expiration concerns, EverSpring will purchase them at eighty percent of market price. We'll take it all, no matter how much.

Considering transport losses and turnaround costs, I believe this is a fair offer.

Once the Scourge has passed, if you wish, you may buy them back at the same price.

Of course, if anyone still wishes to hire their own escort and test their luck, EverSpring will not stand in your way.

But should you bring in a disreputable lot who violate the Admonitions of the Nine Chapters... EverSpring may not intervene, but the Bi'an certainly will. And if it all ends in ruin, lives and fortunes both lost, do not say I did not forewarn you.

We won't, Miss Zhiliu! We've learned our lesson...

Your words put our minds at ease, Miss Zhiliu. In times like these, it really takes someone like you to calm the waters.

You have all borne enough these past days. If there is nothing more urgent, take some time to rest, and await good news.

You have come. So, how was your little tour?

Everyone we met was so nice and welcoming. The sights and people of Huaxu... they're really nothing like Icelake.

We also saw what happened down here, you calmed all those Starweavers and handled the whole situation with just a few words! You're amazing!

Hehe. Business is all about knowing how to deal with people, that's nothing new to me. What's rare... is meeting someone like you.

Now then, let's get to the point. The reason I hired you is to help us prepare for dealing with the Scourge of Zhuyin. As for what that truly is...

Oh! We already got a bit of a crash course on that!

Hm? Let's hear it.

On our way here, we were attacked by Sable Bi'an. Fortunately, a passing trader helped us out, and we managed to drive them off without getting hurt.

She told us the Scourge of Zhuyin creates all kinds of nasty beasts like the Sable Bi'an, and they go around biting people and making life miserable!

That's about right. Tell me, before the Sable Bi'an emerged, did either of you notice anything out of place?

I think... there was a roar. It came from the void, sounded like some kind of beast.

Yes... That roar came from Zhuyin, the ancient evil jiaolong once sealed away. It is now stirring from its slumber.

According to Huaxu's oldest myths, Zhuyin is the evil foe of Lord Argent. Its mindless, frenzied power seeps into the realm, unleashing vicious beasts wherever it touches. In those tainted places, even plants refuse to grow.

About a hundred years ago, the Scourge of Zhuyin was first witnessed at Mistwharf. Back then, the unprepared people of Huaxu only barely managed to contain it, at great cost and heavy loss.

Now, Zhuyin is awakening once more. This time, I intend to stay ahead of the disaster, lest we be caught off guard again.

Wow... fighting against a real loong! The Demon King is fired up already! So, what do you need us to do?

Combats are forbidden in Huaxu. Even the most well-travelled Starweavers know little of how to defend themselves.

That is why I am entrusting you with this commission: you shall go alone into the tainted wastes of the Gritblight Expanse, and secure for me three Zhuyin Scales, for they are essential to the sealing ritual.

Proprietress Zhiliu, may I ask you something?

This commission... it sounds incredibly important. Why entrust it to an outsider like me?

I'm just a green Phoxhunter, I'm sure there are many far more skilled than I am.

Back at the theatre, when I touched that censer, the smoke shifted towards me... as if it was drawn in. Does that have something to do with why you chose me?

...You're indeed perceptive.

I'm sure someone has already warned you, your ability is rare... and precious. And precious things are always coveted. Handle them carelessly, and they only invite disaster.

The Zhuyin Scales cannot be harvested through normal means. They require resonance with a highly concentrated active substance, only then can their bonds be softened for extraction.

Originally, I travelled to Icelake to see if the Imperial Alchemy Academy's high-purity Phoxichor might suffice. But by sheer chance, I met you, someone who possesses the priceless power of Resonance.

I need your ability to soften the Zhuyin Scales. Of course, the choice is yours. You may refuse, I would never force you to risk your safety.

Thank you for telling me all this, Proprietress Zhiliu. I take this commission.

...Have you ever considered that the reason I helped you back then might not have been out of kindness, but because I saw your worth... and had my own ulterior motive?

Actually, I have. But that doesn't change the fact that you did help me. And I have my own selfish reasons, too.

I'm searching for my family. But I'm powerless to do it alone. To reach that goal, I'll cling to any strength I can find.

If helping you means I can count on your help someday... I'd say that's a trade well worth making.

Besides, when we first met at the theatre, you didn't know I had this power. I was just a stranger to you. You didn't have to help me, and yet you did. Now... I want to return that favour.

Hehe... You've covered every perspective. I've nothing to add. Given time, you might just make an excellent "merchant" yourself.

Before you leave, there's a pouch on the table. It's for your travelling expenses. Spend it as you see fit. If you run short, feel free to come back for more.

Lemme see... Whoa, this pouch is heavy! Miss Zhiliu, you're really generous!

Just a bit of pocket money. Feel free to use it however you see fit.

You'll also need a special tool to collect the Zhuyin Scales. I arranged it through some... connections.

But with the Sable Bi'an rampaging, our usual lines of communication were cut off. It still hasn't been delivered. You'll likely have to go and fetch it yourself.

In business, there are always... delicate matters best handled by certain "professionals."

Here in Huaxu, the sorts of dealings that prefer to stay in the shadows usually happen at the black market among the shipwrecks on the western shore. Go there and find a man named Mr Qiu. He'll give you your next steps.

But you are new faces. They won't trust you right away.

By custom, first-time visitors to the black market have to come through the coastal cavern, wearing a special pendant at their waist. If the signal matches, they'll know you're one of ours.

Alright! So my Little Minion and I get to play the badasses this time? That sounds like a job for us!

Exit through EverSpring's main gate and look to the right. In the distance, you'll see the entrance to the coastal cavern, that's a shortcut to the black market.

I trust I don't need to say more... I'll be waiting for your safe return, Vita.

A coastal cave... looks like that's the place.

Do you remember our first adventure together, Little Minion? We went down into a cave that time too, it feels like it was just yesterday!

And now look at us, all the way out here, so far from home, on some epic, destiny-shaping quest!

...Yeah. That time we ran into Outsider and kind of... shook him down. And Psyche... was still with us back then.

I, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to upset you...

It's alright. Once we're back, let's visit Lamenting Lake and tell her everything we've seen in Huaxu.

Hellooo...! Anyone here?

Whoa, it's so pitch black in here! And even our voices echo. Are you scared of the dark, Little Minion?

Not really. But we'd better keep our voices down, no telling what we might attract.

...Waaaah!!

You saved us, thank you.

It's okay. I am merely fulfilling my duty.

...Your duty?

Hmm, you're a Charon, and you fight really well... Wait, are you one of those Magistrates of Yingtian that Lunocarp mentioned?

...I was assigned to purge the Sable Bi'an here. With danger still looming, my duty remains. I have no time for idle chatter.

Assigned by who? We'll go thank them properly once we're out of here!

The Nine Chapters of Dafeng. The Mandate of Heaven.

Oh, right, yeah, that's a thing... then we're definitely offering up a lot more incense once we're out!

Speaking of which, the incense we just replaced ran out the second we faced those beasts. Total rip-off if you ask me...

If your incense has burned out, I may not be able to keep you both safe on my own. If you have no urgent business here, I suggest you leave for safer ground.

Thanks, but we can protect ourselves. We have something to take care of on the far side of this cave, that's why we came in. I hope we haven't been a bother.

The far side? As far as I know, there's nothing there but some beached wreckage.

Exactly! We're going to the black market among the shipwrecks! We have a big business deal to settle there!

The black market... for business? If you insist on mingling with swindlers and scoundrels, I have nothing more to say.

Uh-oh... what do we do, Little Minion? He totally misunderstood us...

It's not what you think. We're here on an assignment from Proprietress Zhiliu, to help deal with the Sable Bi'an outbreak. There's a tool we need to retrieve from the black market.

Exactly! We're not doing anything shady, thank you very much!

...My apologies. It was hasty of me to pass judgement.

Still, that place harbours all manner of folk. Beware of deceit and manipulation.

This cavern is not safe. Allow me to escort you across.

So, Magistrates of Yingtian are kind of like the Escort of Huaxu, right? Do you guys get paid? Any special perks?

...

Alright, alright, I get it. I won't pry.

As a Magistrate of Yingtian, I serve only to safeguard the people and bring peace to the land. I did not assume this role for worldly gain.

...Hear that, Little Minion? That means they don't get paid. Guess the higher-ups here are even more tight-fisted than those of the Empire, huh?

The exit lies just ahead. This is where I leave you.

That guy seems kinda aloof... but deep down, he's a good person.

Can he really hold off all those Sable Bi'an in the cave on his own...?

Rrrrrrraaaahhh...!!

Whoa! What was that!? Did you hear it? I think it came from behind us...

Sounds like a huge pack of Bi'an all howling at once.

Then... do you think maybe we should...?

Yeah. The black market can wait. Let's go check on that Magistrate of Yingtian.

This fight doesn't concern you outsiders. Just leave. I'll deal with them myself.

No time for idle chatter with danger still looming, your words.

Exactly! And look at you, you're hurt so bad already. Stop playing the hero and let us help!

...Alright.

These vile beasts... finally cleansed. Thank you both for your aid.

Forgive my earlier rudeness. We never properly exchanged names. I am Yuming. May I ask who you are?

I'm a Phoxhunter from a foreign land, Vita. And this is...

Uh-huh, uh-huh! And you can call me, the Pure-White Redeemer ☆ Demon King of Light!

The culture of foreign lands is... truly mystifying.

H, How come it sounds so much more embarrassing when someone else says it out loud...? Ugh, forget it, just call me Snow!

And what happened to "No time for idle chatter," huh?

I was focused on eliminating the enemy and neglected proper manners. I ask your forgiveness.

Alright then. I have a big heart, so you're forgiven!

You okay?

...It's okay. I fought off too many Bi'an earlier and ended up a bit off balance, just some surface wounds.

That doesn't look like "just some surface wounds" to me!

Here, take this. I brought some bandages and healing potions from Icelake, just in case.

Thank you for your kindness. I didn't mean to worry you... Truly, all I need is to sit and rest awhile. These injuries will mend soon enough.

You sure? That looks pretty bad... Maybe we should have a doctor take a look?

As a Magistrate of Yingtian, my strength does not come solely from flesh and bone, it draws upon the Nine Chapters of Dafeng.

So long as my spine remains unbroken, even the gravest wounds can mend with the Nine Chapters' energy. It's slow and painful, but certain.

Whoa, that's amazing... like something out of a story, the "unbreakable body"! Now I'm a little jealous!

That's merely the bright side.

Oh? So there's a downside?

...

It's nothing. I spoke out of turn.

I was once a condemned soul. Looking back... though clad in armour and armed with blade, I failed to save a single life. To serve the Nine Chapters now... it is my chance to atone.

Thank you both once again. I must remain here to recover, forgive me that I cannot see you off properly.

You both fight well. But the threat of Zhuyin is not to be underestimated. Take care.

We will. Don't worry.

Such a relief... to hear that...

...

...Did he... fall asleep?

Probably just exhausted. I did a quick sweep, there aren't any more Sable Bi'an around, so it should be safe for now. Let's find something to cover him up.

There we go, mission accomplished!

With all these leaves for camouflage, no one will spot him easily. He can rest here in peace.

What a masterpiece! I'm so talented! Lemme add a few final touches, teehee!

Those Luno doodles are a dead giveaway. If someone comes asking, don't expect me to cover for you.

It's getting late. Let's head to the black market.

Little Minion, this places looks perfect, let's hide him here!

These vile beasts... finally cleansed. Thank you both for your aid.

Forgive my earlier rudeness. We never properly exchanged names. I am Yuming. May I ask who you are?

I'm a Phoxhunter from a foreign land, Vita. And this is...

Uh-huh, uh-huh! And you can call me, the Pure-White Redeemer ☆ Demon King of Light!

The culture of foreign lands is... truly mystifying.

H, How come it sounds so much more embarrassing when someone else says it out loud...? Ugh, forget it, just call me Snow!

And what happened to "No time for idle chatter," huh?

I was focused on eliminating the enemy and neglected proper manners. I ask your forgiveness.

Alright then. I have a big heart, so you're forgiven!

You okay?

...It's okay. I fought off too many Bi'an earlier and ended up a bit off balance, just some surface wounds.

That doesn't look like "just some surface wounds" to me!

Here, take this. I brought some bandages and healing potions from Icelake, just in case.

Thank you for your kindness. I didn't mean to worry you... Truly, all I need is to sit and rest awhile. These injuries will mend soon enough.

You sure? That looks pretty bad... Maybe we should have a doctor take a look?

As a Magistrate of Yingtian, my strength does not come solely from flesh and bone, it draws upon the Nine Chapters of Dafeng.

So long as my spine remains unbroken, even the gravest wounds can mend with the Nine Chapters' energy. It's slow and painful, but certain.

Whoa, that's amazing... like something out of a story, the "unbreakable body"! Now I'm a little jealous!

That's merely the bright side.

Oh? So there's a downside?

...

It's nothing. I spoke out of turn.

I was once a condemned soul. Looking back... though clad in armour and armed with blade, I failed to save a single life. To serve the Nine Chapters now... it is my chance to atone.

Thank you both once again. I must remain here to recover, forgive me that I cannot see you off properly.

You both fight well. But the threat of Zhuyin is not to be underestimated. Take care.

We will. Don't worry.

Such a relief... to hear that...

...

...Did he... fall asleep?

Probably just exhausted. I did a quick sweep, there aren't any more Sable Bi'an around, so it should be safe for now. Let's find something to cover him up.

There we go, mission accomplished!

With all these leaves for camouflage, no one will spot him easily. He can rest here in peace.

What a masterpiece! I'm so talented! Lemme add a few final touches, teehee!

Those Luno doodles are a dead giveaway. If someone comes asking, don't expect me to cover for you.

It's getting late. Let's head to the black market.

Little Minion, this places looks perfect, let's hide him here!