The Dragon Returns Home

The Dragon Returns Home is the first and only mission in Dan Heng's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the Vita Infinita chapter that takes place on The Xianzhou Luofu.
==Acquisition==
Complete the and read the messages received from Dan Heng.
==Steps==
#Receive a message from Dan Heng
#Meet up with Dan Heng at Synwood Pavilion
#Find the Ferryman and head to the Alchemy Commission delve together
#Request an audience with the high elder and meet the messenger
#Speak with Huanxi and head to the Scalegorge Waterscape
#Head to the Roots of the Arbor and repair its seal
#Leave the Scalegorge Waterscape using Mirage Echolocation
#Meet with Huanxi and leave the Scalegorge Waterscape
#Speak with Bailu and complete the sealing
==Gameplay Notes==
*This mission requires the use of Dan Heng • Imbibitor Lunae, and provides him for use as a Trial character.
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
===Receive a message from Dan Heng===
:
===Meet up with Dan Heng at Synwood Pavilion===
;(Approach designated location)
:Vidyadhara Lady: I have delivered the missive about the meeting. Do you have any questions, Master Dan Heng?
:Dan Heng: I know all that I wish to know. Thank you, Miss Huanxi.
:Huanxi: You need not address me as "Miss" — I am but one of Miss Bailu's maids. Then again, if I may be so bold as to make a humble request...
:Dan Heng: Go ahead.
:Huanxi: Before this goes ahead... Oh, who might this be?
: Seems I came at a bad time.
: A pleasure to make your acquaintance. The name's (Trailblazer).
: Just imagine I'm a street lamp, barely even here!
::Huanxi: I'm sorry, but Xianzhou street lamps aren't in the habit of eavesdropping on conversations.
:Huanxi: I'm speaking with Master Dan Heng. I'm afraid this doesn't involve you — please take your leave.
:Dan Heng: (Trailblazer) is a close friend, I've invited to bear witness. Please treat as you would me. Now, what was your request?
:Huanxi: ...
:Huanxi: Then, I hope you don't plan on meeting with Miss Bailu.
: Care to elaborate?
: A High Elder's maid turning away guests without her master's knowledge?
::Huanxi: Bailu is simple and innocent, incapable of ill intent. It's natural for a servant to care for her master and share in her worries.
:Huanxi: Please hear what I have to say, I have good reason to be concerned.
:Huanxi: Perhaps you should know that Miss Bailu's path to becoming a high elder was neither in compliance with proper protocol nor of her own volition — everything was a result of the stubbornness of her predecessor — Dan Feng. His hubris and tyranny brought about the end of the Luofu's high elder succession.
:Huanxi: The Preceptors heard of Master Dan Heng's return, and were uncertain whether it constituted good or ill fortune. However, many have surmised that the Luofu's high elder succession tradition will soon be back in force. If true, that is indeed something worth celebrating.
:Huanxi: Whether we find another suitable candidate in accordance with the laws of our people... or have you take up the position anew — everything can still be mended.
:Huanxi: But, if Master Dan Heng were to hand everything over to Miss Bailu, it could lead to great upheavals on the horizon. No good would come of it for her.
: Another suitable candidate? Who does the Vidyadhara hope for?
::Huanxi: Hehe, such a major matter as this is naturally up to the Preceptor elders. I couldn't possibly say.
: I don't think she even wants to be the High Elder.
::Huanxi: I've been a maid here for twelve years now, and was with my mistress every day as she studied medicine and received tutelage. I've witnessed her countless escapes, and the inevitable unwilling returns.
::Huanxi: As far as the Xianzhou is concerned, children like her enjoy a charmed and happy childhood. But as a high elder in nothing but name alone, Miss Bailu is highly restricted in her actions and has no freedom or say about her own life.
::Huanxi: I can't bear it! Your Highness, please, think about this poor child!
: Shouldn't you ask Bailu herself about this?
:Huanxi: Miss Bailu is young, naive, and easily manipulated by others. I worry that under the pressure of others, she would be convinced into taking up too great a burden.
:Dan Heng: I understand your concern... but I have nothing more to say on the matter at present.
:Huanxi: Then I will bid my farewell.
:Huanxi: Master Dan Heng, whether you choose to meet Miss Bailu or go with me to see the Preceptor elders, I will be waiting for you by the ferry leading to Scalegorge Waterscape.
;(Huanxi leaves)
:Dan Heng: I haven't even set eyes on Bailu, and people are already urging me not to meet her...
: Finally, we can learn about Dan Heng's past!
::Dan Heng: ...You've been spending too much time with March.
: Should I keep this a secret from the others?
::Dan Heng: No need. March will find out sooner or later.
:Dan Heng: You now know that I'm a descendant of the Luofu Vidyadhara. In Scalegorge Waterscape, you witnessed my... "secret strength," as March would call it...
:Dan Heng: ...yet that power stems from Dan Feng — my previous incarnation. He altered the process of high elder succession, plunging everything into catastrophe... ultimately, he suffered the punishment of molting rebirth.
:Dan Heng: Based on the physiological principals of Vidyadhara reincarnation, I ought to have been an entirely new entity... and in view of the law, all crimes from my previous reincarnation should have been wiped clean...
:Dan Heng: ...but in reality, I was locked up in The Shackling Prison at birth. Even after I was released and left the Xianzhou, my high elder past and Dan Feng's pursued me like a haunting shadow.
:Dan Heng: Now, I plant to face that shadow. In order to make amends, I want to repair the Ambrosial Arbor's seal... and visit the high elder, to see what more I can do.
:Dan Heng: The starskiff's ready. Let's go.
===Find the Ferryman and head to the Alchemy Commission delve together===
;(Approach designated location)
:??: The rumors are true — you really are back...
:Luying: I am healer Luying from the Alchemy Commission. As you can see, I'm a Vidyadhara too. I heard the reincarnation of the great sinner has returned to the Luofu, and I'd like to meet them to offer up some advice.
:Dan Heng: Oh?
:Luying: Leave this troubled place immediately.
: Looks like the Vidyadharas aren't big fans of yours.
::Dan Heng: I'm not surprised in the slightest. What does the Alchemy Commission want, then?
::Luying: Return to being a Nameless — stay out of the high elder succession.
::Luying: The Luofu Vidyadhara have finally recovered from Dan Feng's grievous sins, and were blessed with a compassionate and caring high elder in Bailu... none of this was easy. Your return has stirred up resentment and ambition among the Preceptors, and threatens our situation.
: Are you here about the high elder succession, too?
::Luying: Certainly! Miss Bailu has weathered nothing but criticism since she was granted the title, but the Alchemy Commission firmly believes that girl to be a precious diamond in the rough. She is compassionate, kind, and a hundred times better than Dan Feng.
::Luying: Moreover, Dan Feng selected her as high elder, making her the leader of the Luofu Vidyadhara. Fate chose her as our sovereign, and we bowed down before that destiny.
::Luying: Now that you're back, everything has changed. The Preceptors are starting to think of finding other candidates, which means nothing but trouble for Miss Bailu.
:Dan Heng: I have no intention of threatening Bailu's position.
:Luying: You may have a clear conscience, but even so... As long as you remain on the Luofu, invisible forces will try to coerce you. Leave now. It's the best outcome for everyone involved.
:Luying: Do not repeat the mistakes of a past life in this one. Farewell.
----
;(Talk to Ferryman)
:Ferryman: Excuse me, are you two on your way to the Alchemy Commission delve?
: Depart.
: Wait.
===Request an audience with the high elder and meet the messenger===
;(Approach Jing Yuan)
:Jing Yuan: Hello, what brings you two here? The wind and waves are restless around Lunarescent Depths today.
:Dan Heng: Even you came to dissuade me from visiting the high elder, General?
:Jing Yuan: Haha, this encounter was not of my making. I've been recuperating in the Alchemy Commission under the Dragon Lady's care — our paths have merely crossed...
:Jing Yuan: But your question would suggest that there are others interested in dissuading you from such a venture.
: Yes — many. Each with their own agenda in mind.
: It's just a quick meeting. What's the big deal?
:Jing Yuan: Matters that concern the rise and fall of the Vidyadhara will inevitably attract certain parties — those that would work circumstances to their advantage. Be it Dan Feng, the Preceptors, or the Alchemy Commission that trained the Dragon Lady...
:Dan Heng: Your injury hasn't dulled your instincts, general — the Preceptors and the Commission seem deeply concerned.
:Jing Yuan: A chance meeting is a gift from fate. Why don't I help you to fathom their intent, then?
: The Vidyadhara elders want to choose a new High Elder.
::Jing Yuan: Haha, the power struggle between the Preceptors and their High Elder is a tale as old as time. And someone as powerful as Dan Feng, who was completely beyond their control, was enough for them to harbor a hidden rage.
::Jing Yuan: The elders used to have a small say in appointing the new High Elder. Who could have imagined that Dan Feng would pick his own successor? And yet, that is precisely what happened, and all they could do was accept the result.
::Jing Yuan: Now that Dan Heng has arrived, the elders see yet another chance — how could they let it go?
:: Pretty bold of them!
:::Jing Yuan: Haha! Us outsiders should not judge the laws of the Vidyadhara.
:: Pretty reasonable!
:::Jing Yuan: The Dragon Lady has no power and Dan Feng is a criminal. One can understand their desire for a new high elder.
::Jing Yuan: The Preceptors have been suppressed for some time now — they will inevitably try to overturn the situation.
: The Alchemy Commission hopes that Bailu can stay on as High Elder.
::Jing Yuan: These people speak of "legitimacy." They believe that Bailu was chosen as heir apparent by the previous High Elder, and that unless she were to commit a terrible sin, the Preceptors should have no right whatsoever to choose again.
::Jing Yuan: The Healer Lady has draconic features and scarcely believable therapeutic abilities. Some regard this as evidence that she is the High Elder. But the Preceptors are fixated on strength, and are unwilling to accept her...
::Jing Yuan: Now that Dan Feng's reincarnation has shown a command over the vast marine expanse of Lunarescent Depths, those longing to keep the traditional bequeathal of the High Elder feel increasingly uneasy.
:: Very conservative of them!
:::Jing Yuan: After Dan Feng's abdication, they fought against the Preceptors and saved Bailu's dignity. They demonstrated a true devotion.
:: Very reasonable!
:::Jing Yuan: Before Dan Heng arrived, everything was quiet as a windless lake. In that regard, it is understandable that they want to get rid of him.
::Jing Yuan: These folks aren't the type to just let it go.
: General, what do you think about this?
:Jing Yuan: It is an internal affair of the Vidyadharas. As long as it does not disturb the peace aboard the Luofu, it does not involve the general of the Cloud Knights.
:Jing Yuan: Nevertheless, as a friend, the me remind you of one thing. So long as Dan Heng and Bailu, with their respective High Elder powers and titles, both remain on the Luofu, the Vidyadhara will never cease their internal strife. This is not to say that either of you are to blame.
:Jing Yuan: It's getting late. You are headed to repair the Arbor's seal at Scalegorge Waterscape, and visit the High Elder, no? Farewell, for now. I should start taking this business of rest and recuperation a little more seriously.
----
;(Talk to Jing Yuan again, optional)
:Jing Yuan: I must return to my quarters, now — I merely took advantage of the healer's absence to slip out and relax a little... Be on your way.
----
;(Approach designated location)
:Huanxi: Master Dan Heng, you're back. Have you made your decision?
:Huanxi: Will you come with me to meet with the elders first? Or... are you set on seeing Miss Bailu?
:Dan Heng: Miss Bailu is already waiting at Scalegorge Waterscape.
:Huanxi: ...
:Huanxi: Your stubborness is redolent of your previous incarnation.
:???: Sorry, but you're not going anywhere.
:Angry Vidyadhara: A criminal who destroyed our succession is unworthy of setting foot in the sacred places of the Vidyadhara.
:Huanxi: Wait. Master Dan Heng's presence at Scalegorge Waterscape has been approved by the Six Charioteers and the Preceptors. He is no longer the criminal he once was...
:Angry Vidyadhara: Empty rhetoric, there are ways of unearthing his true identity...
:Angry Vidyadhara: ...and even his reincarnation should answer for the monstrous crimes of the past. The Vidyadhara will never accept him!
:Dan Heng: ...
;(Begin battle against )
::Vidyadhara Assassin: Die, Dan Feng!
:;(After first cycle)
:::Vidyadhara Assassin: You say Dan Feng was merely your previous reincarnation...
:::Vidyadhara Assassin: ...how then do you still possess the power of the high elder?
:;(Upon defeating last enemy)
::Vidyadhara Assassin: As I expected... Dan Feng... you have returned... hahahaha...
;(After battle)
:Huanxi: Thank you for rescuing me, Master Dan Heng.
:Dan Heng: They came for me — I'm sorry you got dragged into it.
:Huanxi: It's risky to remain here — we should leave. Master Dan Heng, after your meeting, will you go with me to see the elders?
:Dan Heng: Should I ever want to meet the Preceptors, Miss Huanxi, I'll ask you to pass on the message.
:Huanxi: ...
:Huanxi: I understand. Please alight, Your Highness. Miss Bailu awaits you at Dragonvista Rain Hall.
: Let's go.
::Dan Heng: It could be dangerous ahead... we should proceed carefully.
: Wait.
===Speak with Huanxi and head to the Scalegorge Waterscape===
:Huanxi: Please alight, Your Highness. Miss Bailu awaits you at Dragonvista Rain Hall.
: Let's go.
::Dan Heng: It could be dangerous ahead... we should proceed carefully.
: Wait.
;(Enter Exploratory Excursion Scalegorge Waterscape)
::Dan Heng hopes to repair the Ambrosial Arbor's seal and give an account to the current high elder, Bailu...
----
:Bailu: *sigh* So slow. I've been waiting for you here for aaaages.
: Everyone on the way here wanted to chat with Dan Heng.
::Bailu: Hello there, (Trailblazer). Long time no see — what are you doing here?
::Huanxi: We were met by an assassin on the way over, Miss.
: We met an assassin on the way over.
:Bailu: An assassin!? Are you okay? Are you injured?
:Huanxi: Fortunately, the skills of Master Dan Heng and his friend were too much for them. There are those that wish to assassinate Master Dan Heng, Miss... presumably to preserve your legitimacy as High Elder.
:Bailu: Hmph, I don't care about my legitimacy — why do they? I told you, whoever wants to be the High Elder is welcome. I never wanted the title.
:Dan Heng: I am Dan Heng. It is an honor to meet you, Miss Bailu.
:Bailu: You're Dan Heng? I heard about how you parted the ancient sea in Scalegorge Waterscape. These assassins have got their work cut out for them.
:Huanxi: Miss Bailu, please don't say things like that!
:Bailu: Let me take a look at you... Dragon horns. Well, they say you're Dan Feng's reincarnation. I suppose it must be true, then? But you're different from me — where's your tail?
:Dan Heng: ...
:Bailu: If I let you be High Elder, will you grow a tail?
:Dan Heng: About the high elder succession — I have no intention of getting entangled in that.
:Dan Heng: I'm here to repair the Ambrosial Arbor's seal — this is the duty of the Luofu Vidyadhara.
:Bailu: Oh, really? Then why did you come to see me? All I've learned since my hatching rebirth are some medical skills at the Alchemy Commission — I can't repair seals or part the sea like you can.
:Dan Heng: I should take this opportunity to talk with you about the past, Miss Bailu. I've heard about your situation, and while I can't guarantee a solution, I will do my best to improve things for you.
:Bailu: Hmm, interesting... You're not like other grown-ups. You say what you think, and you seem trustworthy. So, you want me to go with you to Scalegorge Waterscape?
:Dan Heng: Precisely.
:Bailu: Let's go then.
:Huanxi: Ah!? Miss Bailu?
:Bailu: Huanxi, please wait here for me. I'll come back as soon as I can. I've got these two to look after me — don't worry.
:The group walks through the empty ruins of the Dragon Palace and arrives at the roots of Ambrosial Arbor.
===Head to the Roots of the Arbor and repair its seal===
;(Approach designated location)
:Bailu: ...Wowwww, what a magnificent sight! Is that the Ambrosial Arbor?
:Dan Heng: Yes. Forming a seal and using their power to curb the spread of the Arbor's roots is an important task entrusted to the Luofu's high elder.
:Bailu: News to me. The elders must be well aware that I'm not qualified for this position.
:Bailu: Which begs the question... why did Dan Feng choose me all those years ago?
:Dan Heng: That's exactly what I've come to Scalegorge Waterscape to find out.
:Dan Heng: Among the Vidyadhara, the high elder is the existence closest to the Permanence.
:Dan Heng: According to historical records, the high elder succession involves a secret ritual known as the Transmutation Arcanum, as well as a treasure known as dragon heart. Once succession is complete, the former high elder undergoes a hatching rebirth, while the new high elder begins to display dragonic features.
:Dan Heng: However, Dan Feng's ritual failed, and his powers remained within me... And yet for some reason, it also created you.
:Bailu: So in medical terms — he messed up the prescription and brought suffering down on himself and just about everyone else in the process.
:Dan Heng: I want to use this opportunity to repair the Ambrosial Arbor's seal and see if I can help recall our memories...
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Dan Heng: Shun the tree's growth, the residual plague. Water of the ancient sea, upon the High Elder's command, subdue the eternal roots.
::Dan Heng: Strange... This is different from the breaking of the seal. Why is there no reaction?
::Bailu: What's wrong? Not going to plan, huh...
::Dan Heng: Shun the tree's growth, the residual plague.
::Bailu: Shun the tree's growth, the residual plague.
::Dan Heng & Bailu: Water of the ancient sea, upon the High Elder's command, subdue the eternal roots.
;(Cutscene ends)
----
:
:Bailu: This feeling...
:Dan Heng: ...Th—That's it — you did it! This alone should prove to everyone that you are the true High Elder.
:Dan Heng: When the seal was re-established, did you recall anything?
:Bailu: Umm... it was like a tide surging through my mind. I became really, really, huge, and the whole of Scalegorge Waterscape was responding to my voice — resonating with me.
----
:Bailu: Whew, that's fun. Dan Heng, teach me another trick. Let's see if I can remember anything else.
:Dan Heng: Wait, (Trailblazer). Can you feel it? There's someone coming!
:Dan Heng: You... Who are you?
;(Begin battle against , , )
::Dan Heng: (Trailblazer), protect Bailu.
::Bailu: Hey, I'm doing the protecting here! Nobody's getting hurt with me around!
;(After battle)
:Bailu: How did they manage to appear right next to us without a sound?
:Dan Heng: They may have used a cloudhymn to create mist and provide a smokescreen. I'm afraid this ambush was probably lying in wait for us...
:Dan Heng: Seems like some people have had enough of my presence.
: Is it an assassin from the Alchemy Commission?
::Dan Heng: ...If so, why would they want to harm Bailu?
: Was the assassin sent by the Preceptors?
::Dan Heng: If I'm their target, why would they come after Bailu?
: Should we retreat?
:Dan Heng: We don't know how many there are — let's get out of here. Go!
=== Leave the Scalegorge Waterscape using Mirage Echolocation===
;(Approach designated location)
:Bailu: Look — look at that shadow... Could it be an assassin?
:Dan Heng: Fear not — those things aren't hostile.
----
:Old Voice: This power... it rivals the tidal forces in Scalegorge Waterscape. Is that you, Dan Feng... Have you returned?
:Dan Heng: I'm afraid you have the wrong person.
: What is this?
: Is this... a Vidyadhara ghost?
:Dan Heng: These floating shadows are called Mirage Echoes. They are memories of past lives and echoes from the past that the Vidyadhara shed during their rebirth.
:Bailu: The books say that these mirages only speak to people they can recognize, and the water on their bodies can be used as medicine!
:Dan Heng: Seems like this mirage mistook me for Dan Feng.
:Old Voice: There's no mistake... This old man would recognize your voice anywhere. Hehe... Have you come to this sacred place to repent?
:Old Voice: The proud son of the Vidyadhara, hero of the High-Cloud Quintet, hehe... You fought with us your whole life — how far you have fallen...
:Old Voice: You availed yourself of the Transmutation Arcanum to summon that draconic abomination... and almost laid waste to Scalegorge Waterscape in the process!
:Old Voice: If your allies hadn't united to slay it, then the abomination would have destroyed the Ambrosial Arbor's seal. Tell me, did it sadden you to watch the abomination perish?
:Old Voice: As the high elder, you should have freed us from the plight of rebirth and set foot on a brand-new path... but instead you were seduced by your reputation and abandoned yourself... You counted Xianzhou natives and even short-life species among your friends...
:Old Voice: The upcoming clan trial is your final chance. Hand over the secrets of the Transmutation Arcanum now, and the Preceptors can help you keep your secret.
: The Transmutation Arcanum?
::Old Voice: Isn't that dragon abomination you created the proof of the Transmutation Arcanum's success?
::Dan Heng: Hmm... I heard that Dan Feng craved the powers of our dragon ancestor, Long the Permanence, and created a monstrous dragon-like creature. That must be what he's referring to.
::Dan Heng: And so the hero of the Xianzhou became its arch-villain.
: Trial?
::Old Voice: Our laws could have seen you executed — pity that the high elder succession could not be allowed to die with you.
::Old Voice: Caelorum Venti of the Yaoqing put forward a strong case for you, and the Ten-Lords Commission spared you from capital punishment. But the punishment of molting rebirth could not be avoided.
:Dan Heng: Elder, look around you. You've long since reincarnated. What remains here are just the mirages of the waters of the ancient sea.
:Old Voice: Impossible, I—I still live! The high elder succession will not be severed in this generation...
:Bailu: ...I don't like this Mirage Echo.
:Bailu: He thought that the Vidyadhara was superior to other races and that he was superior to other Vidyadhara... As if the Vidyadhara would never progress without their plans.
:Bailu: I guess Dan Feng probably never told them the secret of the Transmutation Arcanum...
:Dan Heng: ...
:Dan Heng: We shouldn't linger here.
:Dan Heng: The assassins are using skilled cloudhymn magic to make themselves invisible... but their presence is all too real.
:Dan Heng: These Mirage Echoes, on the other hand, are vestiges of the past. 
:Dan Heng: Let's look for Mirage Echoes and send out pulses. Move carefully.
;(Opens Cloudhymn Concealment tutorial)
----
;(After entering battle)
:Bailu: Another invisible assassin?
:Dan Heng: Careful, they're waiting for us to get close and reveal our weak spots.
----
;(Approach designated location)
:Kind Female Voice: Miss Bailu, you fled the Alchemy Commission yet again! How many times have I told you, our rules state that—
:Bailu: Sorry, I'm sorry! I won't do it again!
:Bailu: ...Wait, I remember that voice. That's the old chief alchemist. So she's... been reborn?
:Kind Female Voice: Reborn? More excuses. Who brought you out this time. Is that... Master Dan Feng?
: You've got the wrong person.
::Kind Female Voice: I don't think so. The appearance of the Luofu's High Elders have been similar through the ages, but there's no mistaking Master Dan Feng...
: He's not Dan Feng.
::Kind Female Voice: Why do you remain silent? Your Highness, you're still as cold and lonely as you ever were, like the eternal ice on the Fanghu.
:Kind Female Voice: Bailu, return to the Forbidden Residence. I must speak with Master Dan Feng.
:Bailu: O—Okay.
:Bailu: ...W—Wait, no! You're just a Mirage Echo. Ugh, I got tricked again!
:Kind Female Voice: Master Dan Feng, I finally understand your plan. That little girl is the key to the Transmutation Arcanum! This is a breakthrough for my research!
: ...Your research?
: ...The key?
:Kind Female Voice: The Vidyadhara perform self-reincarnation, but we are unable to reproduce. Natural and artificial disasters inevitably reduce our population.
:Kind Female Voice: If this continues, one day our noble draconic bloodline will perish, and the fated decree of The Permanence will be violated. For this very reason, I have spent my entire life researching ways to free the Vidyadhara from the cycle of reincarnation.
:Kind Female Voice: I have been without success for a long, long time, thinking that this reincarnation had been nought but a waste. But now you have enlightened me!
:Dan Heng: Dan Feng... What did he do?
:Kind Female Voice: Master Dan Feng, your changes to the Transmutation Arcanum created a draconic abomination that wreaked great destruction... but it also created a new life! This is the hope that will one day allow the Vidyadhara to reproduce!
: Allow the Vidyadhara to reproduce once again?
: Created a new life?
:Kind Female Voice: My understanding of reproduction was limited by ordinary notions — how constrained I was! Why should Vidyadhara reproduction remain trapped within the confines of our race...
:Kind Female Voice: To unearth the potential might of Long's blood... and incorporate other races into the flesh of the dragon — isn't that the real meaning behind the Transmutation Arcanum?
:Kind Female Voice: The Preceptors are too narrow-minded to see your talent. They want to install another High Elder. Foolish!
:Bailu: ...What does she mean by that?
:Dan Heng: The Transmutation Arcanum seems to contain a secret that allows the Vidyadhara to escape the cycle of reincarnation and return to normal reproduction... but the mechanism eludes me.
:Dan Heng: Let's go.
----
;(Approach designated location)
:Angry Voice: It's you, Master Dan Feng! Why did you disgrace yourself!
:Angry Voice: You were my hero — I dreamed of being just like you — of joining the Cloud Knights... But you betrayed the hopes and dreams of the elders!
:Dan Heng: This Mirage Echo... he must be a Cloud Knight who fought alongside Dan Feng all those years ago.
:Angry Voice: How many of us perished in that disaster and could not be reincarnated? And I... My leg was torn off by that abomination... Oh, the pain...
:Angry Voice: The doctors at the Alchemy Commission said I have to reincarnate as soon as possible to avoid affecting my immortal life... But my poor comrades have no chance of returning to the ancient sea.
:Angry Voice: You once told us that we should cherish every life cycle, and that you would use cloudhymn magic to heal our wounds... But in the end, all you did was betray us!
: Dan Heng, you don't have to listen to him.
: Let's go...
:Dan Heng: I must to listen to him very carefully — we cannot afford to miss any information.
:Angry Voice: I will never forgive you. The High Elder's power belongs to the Vidyadhara of the Luofu — you are unworthy. The Vidyadhara must not sever the High Elder succession tradition just because of you.
:Angry Voice: Hand it over!
:Bailu: Dan Heng, is this the price we pay for bearing the power of the High Elder? Carrying the weight of all these expectations, all this hatred...
:Dan Heng: Before any of this transpires, you have enough time to prepare.
===Meet with Huanxi and leave the Scalegorge Waterscape===
:
;(Talk to Vidyadhara Mirage Echo, optional)
:Twisted Voice: Miss Bailu, what are you doing in my pharmacy? Don't tell me you've already heard about Sanctus Medicus... Have you come here to make an accusation?
:Bailu: Seems like none of the Mirage Echoes realize that they've already been reborn...
:Dan Heng: They are mere fragments stripped from the lives of the Vidyadhara.
:Twisted Voice: I have never believed in the High Elder! You are unworthy of the condemnation you spout!
:Twisted Voice: Especially you, Miss Bailu. You simply do not have the power of the High Elder — the power to summon the forces of nature... Why should I believe you are superior in any way to Master Dan Feng?
:Twisted Voice: The Preceptors, our people... they think that the High Elder is the Vidyadhara's only savior. Arrogant, illogical! Have you seen what Merciful Medicus can do?
: Restore the ability to reproduce.
::Twisted Voice: Precisely!
: Give people immortality.
::Twisted Voice: The Vidyadhara already have immortal bodies. What they should pray for is the ability to reproduce like the Xianzhou natives.
:Twisted Voice: Merciful Medicus will help us to grow our population and bear descendants. They can do what the High Elder cannot.
:Twisted Voice: One day you will come to know that I was right.
:Bailu: I never knew the Vidyadhara had believers in the Plagues Author among their ranks...
----
;(Talk to Vidyadhara Mirage Echo, optional)
:Timid Voice: Miss Bailu, are you okay? I was so worried.
:Bailu: Yuanli? Is that you? I thought something must have happened to you.
:Timid Voice: It's me, Miss Bailu. I'm so sorry that I can't be your maid anymore, but I heard that a smart and talented replacement would be coming soon.
: Why did you leave?
::Timid Voice: I refused a request from the Preceptors, so they asked me to leave.
: Is the new maid named Huanxi?
::Timid Voice: Yes, I suppose you must have met her already? I hope she is more competent than I was.
:Timid Voice: The Preceptors are very fearful of you, Miss Bailu. They asked every maid to record your dreams and daily activities. And I did so, at first.
:Timid Voice: After a while, I felt that the Preceptors were asking this not out of concern for you, but for some malevolent purpose... so I stopped.
:Bailu: ...Yuanli, don't worry. I never told anyone about my dreams.
:Timid Voice: Good, good, then I needn't worry. They'll be assigning me to a different job soon — I hope we have another chance to see each other one day.
:Bailu: Yes. So long.
: She's already been reborn.
::Bailu: ...Yes.
: ...
:Bailu: Let's keep going.
----
;(Approach designated location)
:Huanxi: Miss Bailu? Are you okay? You were in there for such a long time...
:Bailu: Luckily, I had Dan Heng and (Trailblazer) to protect me all the way. If anyone's owed a thanks, it's them.
: This has been a very dangerous journey...
: It's a good thing we managed to escape.
:Huanxi: I didn't expect those assassins to be so brazen and reckless, storming a sacred place like Scalegorge Waterscape and pursuing you... Rest assured, Miss Bailu. I'll report them to the elders and round them all up.
:Huanxi: Fortunately, the three of you were blessed by the gods. If anything had happened to you, it would've been a dereliction of duty on my part.
:Dan Heng: Assassins? None of us mentioned that the danger involved assassins... How did you know that?
:Huanxi: Oh, it's because... We were already attacked at the ferry, no? I—I was just worried that those people would try to attack you again...
:Bailu: You said those assassins only came for Mr. Dan Heng.. But the ones we met in the ruins were coming for me instead.
:Huanxi: ...
:Huanxi: Hmph, perhaps the real dereliction of duty was that not enough happened to you.
:Dan Heng: So, did the elders send you to take out the "unworthy" high elder?
:Huanxi: Hmph, that was my idea alone. How could the Preceptors have come up with that?
:Huanxi: From my perspective, the Vidyadhara requires only one High Elder. A second High Elder — one who is weak and useless must be removed.
:Huanxi: Miss Bailu, our relationship as mistress and maid ends here. Farewell.
:;(Phase 1 against , )
:;(Phase 2 against , , 
:::Jing Yuan: Ah! Am I too late!?
:::Bailu: General! Did you bring reinforcements?
:::Jing Yuan: Reinforcements? I am the reinforcements!
;(After battle)
:Huanxi: A pity, hehe... So close...
:Jing Yuan: Did the Preceptors truly believe that nobody knew of their scheme?
:Jing Yuan: They should return to their senses. Attacking the Dragon Lady only destroys what little prestige they have remaining.
:Huanxi: The whole thing was planned by me and me alone. Beware of false charges, General...
:Jing Yuan: Save your breath. We'll know the truth once the Cloud Knights send you to the Ten-Lords Commission's Judges.
:Huanxi: Too late, Jing Yuan. I go no further...
:Huanxi exhales her last breath and collapses to the ground.
:Bailu: I always felt useless in the eyes of the elders — a false dragon who failed to inherit the power of the High Elder...
:Bailu: ...and today I realized — they'll use any means of removing me.
:Jing Yuan: Not all of the Vidyadhara harbor evil intentions. If you feel uneasy, Dragon Lady, the Seat of Divine Foresight can arrange for you to stay elsewhere.
:Bailu: Thank you, general. I'd like to talk more with Dan Heng first.
:Jing Yuan: Very well. I will await all of you at the ferry.
===Speak with Bailu and complete the sealing===
;(Talk to Bailu)
:Bailu: The Vidyadhara have neither parents nor family members. Once born, a teacher is assigned to instruct the young Vidyadhara in the art of cloudhymn, as well as various life skills.
:Bailu: ...Dan Heng, did you have a teacher like that?
:Dan Heng: If you're asking about Vidyadhara tradition, I'm afraid that's something I never had any experience of. I've always been a wanderer... I can never return to my homeland.
:Dan Heng: In my fragmented dreams, I meet enemies on the battlefield... but in my travels, I meet many people who I can describe with the word "teacher".
:Bailu: As far back as I can remember, I've had the Preceptors and Alchemy Commission healers telling me what to do. "Cure diseases, save lives..." I don't know if that counts as "teaching..."
:Bailu: You know something? It feels like you're the teacher I've been waiting for. "Virtuous in the past life, master in the next life..." Perhaps we were friends or disciples in our previous incarnations.
:Dan Heng: A friend or disciple of Dan Feng? Maybe.
:Dan Heng: Miss Bailu... at first I was worried that your title of high elder was in name only, and that an absence of true power would eventually put you in grave danger... It seems I was overthinking things — you have no shortage of true power.
:Bailu: You mean the power to repair the seal? The power you taught me?
:Dan Heng: The Mirage Echoes of Scalegorge Waterscape mentioned that not only was Dan Feng a brave warrior — he could heal others with cloudhymn magic.
:Dan Heng: What you have is the power of the high elder that belongs to you — the power of life that can reforge the Arbor's seal and the vitality of the eternal roots... It is a world away from my power of destruction.
:Bailu: In that case, Dan Feng probably had a gentle side to him too, right?
:Dan Heng: Perhaps...
:Bailu: Hmm... We should head back to the Healer's Market, I have other things to do today. Let's go.
;(Challenge complete)
:;(Obtained , , )
----
:Dan Heng: Now that the seal is complete, my affairs on Xianzhou draw to an end... for the time being.
:Jing Yuan: Are you planning on staying on the Luofu? The banishment decree has been revoked, and the Preceptors have regained an awareness of the situation. This is your chance to return to your homeland.
: Dan Heng belongs to the Astral Express...
::Jing Yuan: Hahahaha, I do not seek to take Dan Heng away from you.
: You should stay... but remember to write to us.
::Jing Yuan: You're... asking him to stay here?
: (Wait for Dan Heng's response)
:Dan Heng: As a Nameless, the Express still needs me.
:Jing Yuan: Ah... that is a pity.
;(Mission completed)
:;(Obtain Achievement Raindew of Yore)
----
;(Talk to Jing Yuan, optional)
:Jing Yuan: I think I should refrain from violating the healers' orders any further — the weariness is creeping up on me once again. Time to lie down.
:Jing Yuan: Farewell, all of you.
==Gallery==
Companion Mission The Dragon Returns Home - Bailu and Dan Heng Repair the Ambrosial Arbor's Seal
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
ru:Возвращение дракона