act40side

Do you still not get it?

I'm afraid... they've arrived.

Arrived?

Would those old fellows at Baizao let him go in that easily?

Did you forget? A century ago, he walked into the tomb the exact same way. Afterward, Jie vanished... and we still don't know what even happened.

This time...

Dusk... you scared?

Yes, I am.

This is it. Only someone without a heart or brain wouldn't be afraid.

I have no intention to just vanish.

Ooh, it's rare we agree on something.

Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry before those old bones realize what we're up to.

You want to...?

With how things are, there's no way we're just going to sit here and wait to die. The Sui Regulator is the least of our concerns right now.

Let's go back 'home'... and hold a real family reunion.

So it's you...

I heard your voice. It's been a long time.

Ssh, I know you're in a bad mood. I can feel it too.

*sigh*... I mean, I spent the longest time in the tomb after all. I probably know you better than the others.

Strange. We're all 'I', so what's the point of going into this 'one side must perish' situation?

There's no explaining it, so I can only reluctantly accept it.

Hmph... You're strong, but I don't think Wang—I don't think we will lose to you.

You've slept for a thousand years after all, while we've spent that time living real lives—so how can we lose, right?

I can't use the power I took from you... so take it back. Consider it a farewell from me.

There's no avoiding this outcome, so we might as well treat it as a salvation.

Sleep...

A stove fire is lit. It is a warm flame, harboring life and hope, enough to dispel the chill of the winter night and the anxiety in the people's hearts.

The restless ancient behemoth far away returns to calm yet again.

Moonlight fills the city, and every dreamer dreams a good dream.

<i>Seeking an answer, he feels lost,</i>

<i> Clarity he finds in worldly flavors,</i>

<i> His life is a feast, an eternity aflame.</i>

It's gotten quiet inside...? I suppose our youngest brother's soup was timely...

We ended up troubling him a little.

Was your visiting him earlier not part of your plan?

Truly, nothing gets past you...

This is it... shall we go in together?

No...

Hand me the items.

With this blade... and what we got from our dear sister and youngest brother.

Our strength still pales in comparison, but at least the odds don't seem insurmountable.

What now?

Brother...?

This is well enough.

You've done what I've asked of you. What I promised you, you already have.

Our debt is settled. I will finish this myself.

What's that supposed to mean...?

Things are finally even... If we have it your way, won't I be in your debt again?

Leave, Ji...

What happens next, is between us.

I've been playing against <i>me</i> all along, in order to determine a winner.

We have long since ceased to be your vassals. Now we must fight, for victory or death.

Just like the battle a millennium ago, this too is inevitable.

Your arrogance, your indifference, it all stops here.

Are you angry? Afraid? Anticipating?

Come.

Your move.