act15side

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?

Her gaze is at the setting sun.

Crossing the immemorial, and other times besides.

For in truth, time is a place.

A place only the free and unshackled can halt their step in.

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.