act31side

Not just for us, but for all things living in these lands.

How ironic. If death is the <i>effect,</i> then does that not make life itself the <i>cause?</i>

Do you never get tired of standing watch here?

Everything in existence is worthy of being cherished, just as it is now.

All things have their time. People, beasts, mountains, water, grass, trees. They are all alike in this regard. That is the <i>Dao</i> the people speak of.

The grass becomes lush and green every spring. We have come, and we have existed. Is that not enough?

So, you've resigned yourself to this end.

That's not what you really think.

I was simply wondering...

Have we ever lived as our true selves?

Wait, don't tell me you...?

I've been contemplating this for a long time... Calculating.

Finally... I have seen another outcome.

Not far away, a green sapling pokes its head out from underneath the snow.

I know you can see it, Shu.

The haggard man stretches out his hand, his fingertips still covered with rough callouses.

Can you read my palm for me?

'Endless solitude; kalpas blurred, death nigh inexorable.'

I'm very much looking forward to that... I shall be waiting.

...Were you able to see her again?

You know that wouldn't be possible.

I often find myself thinking of her.

She said that 'education is the great equalizer' and wished for every person to be able to read and write... All those schools and books are her legacy.

In that regard, you are quite similar.

But, these last few years, I've forgotten many things... including her.

About the books she wrote, and the meaning held by a <i>true name in one lone word...</i>

I can clearly recall that she once played a game with me. She wanted to tell me something during that game, but I've already forgotten what it was.

I thought...

Yes... Even <i>we</i> cannot escape this influence.

You have regrets.

I want to find a remedy...

A hundred and eighty-one fragments. Everyone thought... you had lost your mind.

Perhaps...

What do you intend to do?

I wish to return to that husk. I require Its power.

I will slay It. And then I shall become It.

And using Its power, I will plot a 'great windfall' for all beings in this realm.

It'll cost you your life.

But the rest of you will live. And truly be yourselves...

Shu, lend me a portion of your power.

The twelve of us, with each additional portion of strength comes another chance at victory.

The vast farmland crisscrosses, and this particular visitor places a piece on the weiqi board.

Shu opens her palm, and a handful of seeds fall onto the board.

This must be your answer.

You reap what you sow.

If you haven't veered off the path and really are heading towards our end, then these seeds will germinate at the right time and bear the fruit you desire.

You will have conditions for me as well.

We can't let you keep creating problems for us.

Hah...

And so concludes the discussions concerning my affairs. If there's anything else, you should speak.

You've really grown up, huh? Ready to fly the nest?

I'm a thousand years old... my dear sister.

I can't stop you.

We had a big argument the last time I left. Could you leave me something to remember you by, this time?

You've already woven all of Dahuang into that brocade of yours. What else do you want to take from me?

If you have a bit of remorse in there, you'd better come back alive.

Fair enough...

Dusk, can I ask one last thing from you?

What?

That painting... Can you give it to me up front?

How did you–

I will take good care of it.

And with that, consider our account settled.

Who said you could go?

You again...

The second Sui brother! Ni ya ting de! I knew you were behind this!

Do you have nothing better to do? Done hiding out in your ruined temple playing your shitty game of weiqi, and now you have to come to my turf to ruin everything?

Look at the mess you've all made with your little spat here, and all the crops you've destroyed! See if I won't beat your ass right here and now!

Watch out!

The satin-silk ignites upon contact with the incandescent white flames, reduced to smoke and ash in the blink of an eye.

Originium Arts that can reverse decomposition? When did you learn how to...? No, that's not it... This is <i>causality?</i>

Hah... Let's see how many more seeds you have left to withstand my flames!

Tianshi... This might not be the best time to launch your attack.

The Chamber of Heaven's Designs has suffered grave losses. Any more wrong moves, and Great Yan's entire northern defensive line may be imperiled.

It is more than just the demonic taint that has eyes on Yan's northern border, right?

Stop trying to scare people! I swear, I'm gonna teach you a lesson if it's the last thing I do!

Then, do you not care at all about the other long-lived among you?

You little...

Ahh... You feign lunacy to protect your mind from demonic contamination, but you've not forgotten your true purpose at all.

Weigh the pros and the cons. Surely there's no reason we shouldn't be able to come to some accord.

Until we meet again.

Is it... over...?

Yes, it's all over now.

You were willing to throw away your life for this project. Why?

...To become renowned for such a grand accomplishment.

And then what?

I have a dream...

Cities interconnected for ten thousand li, stretching to the palace of Heaven; no longer would anyone across this great land want for shelter from wind and rain.

What is the point of being a Tianshi without any accomplishments to his name...?

Must you stand head and shoulders above the rest in order to lay the bricks of the city of your dreams?

Are you... one of the Heavenly Xians?

I'll trade your life for your dream.

(Shallow breathing)

The Skybound White Jade Capital, of Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities... The Xian strokes my head, knots my hair, and grants eternal life...

The Skybound White Jade Capital, of Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities.

Alas, could I get mansions of ten thousand chambers, I'd shelter all the needy under Heaven, blessing them with joy.

You're awake?

Where am I...?

Don't worry, the monsters are gone.

You saved me...?