From Growls to Grace

From Growls to Grace is the third part of the Trailblaze Continuance chapter Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue (I). It automatically begins after completing Emissary Mystique.
==Steps==
# Accompany Yanqing to the Artisanship Commission
# Help Yanqing debate with the IPC staff
# Defeat the "goods" that the IPC is transporting
==Dialogue==
===Accompany Yanqing to the Artisanship Commission===
;(Upon teleporting to the Artisanship Commission)
: ???: Can I really reason with you Xianzhou people?
: ???: Heh, I think I get it now. In your words, this is called "looting a burning house," right?
: Xikui: But I AM trying to reason with you here!
----
;(Approach marked location)
: (Trailblazer): (That toxic voice sounds familiar... Haven't I heard it before in ?)
: Skott: You know what? This isn't my first time dealing with the Sky-Faring Commission, I can handle your unreasonable ways.
: Skott: But straight-up snatching IPC cargo, isn't that going a bit too far?
: Kongqing: Just as I've said it many times already. Once we've inspected the cargo and completed the security check, you can be on your way. Is there something wrong with your ears, or is it just your brain?
: Skott: I'm hearing you loud and clear! I'm thinking clear! And my answer is crystal clear: Not a chance!
: Skott: Keep detaining my cargo, and I'll file a complaint directly with your general!
: What's all this arguing about?
:: Skott: Don't think you can possibly convince me! Uh huh?! Why are you here?!
: Skott, what are you doing here!?
:: Skott: I was gonna ask you the same thing! Why do I keep running into you?!
: Did I just hear a dog barking?
:: Skott: You jerk! Who are you calling a "dog?" Wait... w-why are you here?!
: Skott: You're staying on the Xianzhou, are you? What terrible luck. Wherever you go, disasters aren't far behind...
: Xikui: Aren't you the guests from the Astral Express? What brings you and Yanqing to the Artisanship Commission?
: I heard you're in trouble.
:: Skott: They're in trouble? No, it's me! I'm the one in trouble!
: I'm here to help Yanqing sort out the trouble caused by the IPC.
:: Skott: Trouble caused by the IPC? I'd say it's caused by the Sky-Faring Commission!
: Yanqing: Looks like you've met this IPC worker before, (Trailblazer)... I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.
----
: Yanqing: I was sent here to deal with the IPC protest, Miss Xikui. What's going on here?
: Xikui: As you know, this IPC transport ship was attacked by the borisin and rescued by the Zhuming's diplomatic ship. Then the Cloud Knights were instructed to bring it back to the dock for repairs and inspections.
: Xikui: And this is Mr. Skott, the person in charge of this transport ship.
: March 7th: So, you're Skott! I've heard (Trailblazer) mention you! Weren't you kicked off the Luofu before? Why did you come back?
: Skott: Like I wanted to come back! I thought I'd just dock at the harbor for repairs and leave this forsaken place for good. Little did I know, as soon as the ship entered the harbor, a bunch of Cloud Knights showed up and snatched all our cargo from the hold!
: Xikui: What do you mean by "snatched?" I've told you a million times. It's a security check.
: Skott: Then why did you bring the cargo to the Artisanship Commission? You even brought in some shady craftsman. It's obvious that you're trying to steal the IPC's patented technology!
: Kongqing: Listen here... Firstly, the Sky-Faring Commission detected dangerous items that could possibly be weapons in your cargo hold, that's why they called me here to double-check. Secondly, where the heck did you get the idea that I'm a "shady craftsman!?"
: Skott: Even if there are dangerous items, what do they have to do with you? It's not even being shipped to the Luofu. We'll just fix the ship and be on our way, we won't unload our cargo here.
: Xikui: But you'll have to stay in the port for several days before your ship is repaired and you can take off again. How can we just leave unchecked items sitting here?
: Yanqing: I understand... but we don't need to disassemble the cargo if it's just a security check, right?
: Kongqing: In most cases, we don't. However, our scans discovered that the cargo doesn't only contain machinery but also some... substance that resembles biological tissue.
: March 7th: Biological tissue? Does this crate contain living things?
: Kongqing: I'm afraid we'll need to wait for the Alchemy Commission for further confirmation. In any case, according to our regulations, we need to unseal one of the crates for further examination, but this IPC specialist has been hindering us on the grounds of patent secrecy.
: Xikui: The Alliance's regulations on biological products are very strict. Without further inspection, there is no way for the Sky-Faring Commission to release the cargo.
: Skott: Oh, really? Fine! If anyone lays a finger on that shipment, they'll have me to deal with! It doesn't matter if it's mechanical or biological, it's none of your business! I'm filing a complaint against the Sky-Faring Commission's ridiculous regulations!
: Yanqing: This Mr. Skott seems stubborn and difficult to persuade. Honestly... I really don't want to have a vicious confrontation with the IPC...
: Well, I know a thing or two about convincing Skott...
: Leave it to me! I'm an expert negotiator!
: Yanqing: I heard how you helped Aurum Alley, (Trailblazer). The IPC representative back then was Mr. Skott, right? Since you've dealt with him before... it looks like I'll have to rely on you again, (Trailblazer).
: Skott: What are you guys whispering about over there? Just hurry up and give us back our cargo!
===Help Yanqing debate with the IPC staff===
;(Talk to Skott)
;(Open Negotiation Tutorial)
;(Negotiate with Skott)
: (Trailblazer): (As I recall, this guy Let's use that against him.)
;Opponent information:
::Skott
::One of the representatives stationed on Xianzhou by the IPC.He picks on the weak but fears the powerful. His experience in the IPC has taught him that he has to , at least on the surface.
;Negotiation strategies:
;(Emotional Trigger)
:: (Trailblazer): Your logic is too confusing for anyone to follow. Maybe you should learn the art of communication from a monkey before you continue spouting nonsense.
;(Smoke and Mirrors)
:: (Trailblazer): Alright, we understand your position, but rules are rules, and we can't bend them now... However, we'll note down your concerns and pass them on to management. We'll keep you updated on any developments.
;(Feigned Retreat)
:: (Trailblazer): Huh...? Could you repeat that? I didn't quite hear you. Could you say it again?
----
;(Round 1)
: Skott: Speaking of regulations, we have our own laws and regulations too. According to Article 4 of the Xianzhou Alliance-IPC Trade Consensus, the Alliance and IPC shall never infringe on each other's intellectual property rights.
: Make proposals from the legal perspective.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): The Alliance can sign a non-disclosure agreement with you. That way, you won't have to worry about any infringements, right?
:: Xikui: We can sign a mutually acceptable non-disclosure agreement in accordance with the IPC's rules.
:: Skott: Well, t-that makes sense, but... how can we trust you to honor the terms?
: Start by making him feel uncomfortable.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): I didn't expect to see you again, Mr. Skott! We had such fun in Aurum Alley last time. It seems our paths are destined to cross once more.
:: Skott: ...Stop pretending we're friends! If I could actually beat you, I'd punch you in the face! So, are you guys going to resolve this problem? Or are you just going to let this clown put on a show here?
:: March 7th: Let's just pretend we don't know , Dan Heng.
: Use Yanqing's identity to intimidate him.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Back in Aurum Alley, you were dealing with civilian merchants, where you could use the IPC's name to scare them.
:: (Trailblazer): But this time, the Cloud Knight lieutenant standing before you represents the will of Luofu's general and won't be intimidated by your words.
:: Yanqing: Of course, I'm sure we both want a peaceful resolution.
:: Skott: Yeah, that's true. Of course, I want things to be resolved peacefully, but aren't we getting stuck in rigid formalities here?
: Remind him of his embarrassing past.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Hey, everyone! Meet my old friend, Skott. He's very talented, especially at imitating animals.
:: Skott: S-stop it! Let's focus on the business at hand. What's the point in dragging up the past?
:: March 7th: Whoa, you're amazing! Can you teach me? Which animals can you imitate?
:: Skott: J-just forget it...
----
;(Round 2)
: Skott: Even if we set aside the secrecy of intellectual property, these prototypes built by the Intelligentsia Guild are incredibly valuable, beyond your wildest imagination! If anything goes wrong, you won't be able to pay for it even with your lives!
: Just skip the reasoning part and resort to good old violence.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): I've got a brilliant idea! I'll just smash everything with my bat, and then you can hire someone to assess the damage. That way, your cargo won't need any inspection, right?
:: Yanqing: Calm down, (Trailblazer). The general wants us to handle this peacefully.
:: Skott: So, this is the great idea you came up with? Fine! Why don't you just step over my lifeless body?
: Assure him that you will proceed with caution.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Don't underestimate Xianzhou technology. Even if they need to dismantle your cargo, the Artisanship Commission can easily put it back together.
:: Skott: Yeah, go ahead and brag about their skills. After all, you're just a negotiator they hired.
:: Skott: But I'm different. I'm an IPC member, and my fleet has accepted this transportation order. Naturally, I need to be responsible for the integrity of every piece of cargo.
: Pay you compensation? You wish!
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Hah! I've taken Herta's curios, and even destroyed Ruan Mei's experimental subjects, but have I ever paid a penny for them? And now you think you can just come and ask me for compensation?
:: Skott: Listen up, brat. Don't think that your fancy connection to the Genius Society scares me. The IPC and those geniuses are working together. We're not taking orders from them.
: The Sky-Faring Commission can pay compensation.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Can you give us an exact amount, Mr. Skott? If there's any damage after the inspection, the Express... um, I mean, the Sky-Faring Commission will compensate you.
:: Xikui: The Sky-Faring Commission... Yeah, they will compensate you... provided a detailed report of the damage is submitted.
:: Skott: I don't doubt the financial strength of the Sky-Faring Commission... However! This is not just about money!
----
;(Round 3)
: Skott: Besides, the cargo on this transport vessel belongs to the Intelligentsia Guild. If you want to inspect the cargo, shouldn't you at least call in a member of the Intelligentsia Guild to be present?
: Show him your extensive connections.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): I'm pretty tight with Dr. Ratio from the Intelligentsia Guild, almost like family. Doesn't that make me practically a member of the Intelligentsia Guild too?
:: Skott: What's all this nonsense? Even if you were married to him, you still couldn't represent the Intelligentsia Guild!
: It's time to escalate the issue!
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): You're pulling out all the stops, and you've even dragged members of the Intelligentsia Guild into this. Seems like you're not interested in resolving this at all.
:: (Trailblazer): Since we've met each other before, Mr. Skott, let me share some information. Your transport ship was attacked by the borisin, and the Cloud Knights might see it as more than just a random attack.
:: Skott: Hehe, you think you can scare me with that? What exactly do you mean?
:: Yanqing: Sure, you might purely be innocent victims of a borisin attack, but think about it another way. Why would the borisin launch such an attack near the Luofu? Perhaps some of your crew members colluded with them?
:: Yanqing: We may need to interrogate every one of your crew to eliminate this potential risk?
:: Skott: ...You know what? I don't think we really need a member from the Intelligentsia Guild present. I'm just hoping... that all the procedures will be thoroughly followed, you know?
: Try to resolve this according to Xianzhou regulations.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): According to the principle of territoriality, since your vessel is stranded on the Xianzhou, the Sky-Faring Commission has the right to inspect it.
:: Yanqing: Indeed. According to Article 27 of the Xianzhou Legal Code: "All official and private goods, upon entering the port, shall be subject to inspection. Failure to submit to such inspection shall be deemed equivalent to the possession of unlawful items and shall be subject to legal ramifications."
:: Skott: Huh? My Synesthesia Beacon must not be working... because I have no idea what you just said.
:: Yanqing: Simply put, if you insist on hindering the inspection, we'll have to treat the cargo as unlawful items and confiscate it.
:: Skott: Confiscate it?! How... how can you Xianzhou people be so unreasonable!
:: Yanqing: If this were Pier Point, and incoming cargo posed a safety risk, the IPC would take it in for containment and disposal, correct?
:: Skott: Umm... t-that's true, but the IPC s-sometimes makes exceptions. For example, they've always given special terms to Xianzhou vessels.
: Try to resolve this according to IPC regulations.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Since the Intelligentsia Guild entrusted the cargo to the IPC for transportation, it's the IPC's responsibility to ensure its safety, right? Why would you need a member of the Intelligentsia Guild to be present?
:: Skott: Hehe, let me tell you something! As stated in Article 17 of the IPC's Building Material Logistics Department Transport Agreement Law: "Subsequent to the dispatch of goods and during their transit, all risks, save for those pertaining to the transportation safety, shall be the sole liability of the consignor."
:: Skott: Well! We only protect the integrity of the goods and prevent anyone with ill intentions from getting their hands on them, for example...
:: Skott: As for whether the cargo itself poses a security threat to the destination, that's not our responsibility. It appears we have reached an area beyond your expertise, doesn't it? The complexities of legal studies are indeed challenging!
----
;(Round 4)
: Skott: We both need to follow the regulations, because that's how the IPC and the Xianzhou operate, right? As an IPC worker, I have to abide by its regulations. If I make an exception and allow you to inspect the cargo, it'll spell disaster for me.
: The Xianzhou people are just following their own rules.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Everyone has their own set of rules. Now that you're on their turf, shouldn't you follow their rules, too?
:: Skott: Yeah, I get it. I know I'm on the Xianzhou, but if I violate the IPC regulations, I'll be in deep trouble when I get back!
: Try to bribe him.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): How about this, pal? We go way back... so, if you make things easy for us today, we'll make it worth your while. What do you say?
:: Skott: Are you seriously trying to bribe me right in front of everyone? If I show you any favoritism, the disciplinary officers will come down on me!
:: (Trailblazer): Don't worry! They'll get their cut too!
:: Yanqing: Let's just do this legally, (Trailblazer).
: Talk about his unpromising career prospects.
:;(+1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): I understand that you're trying to stick to the IPC regulations, and that's commendable, Mr. Skott. But what you fail to see is that this argument is tarnishing the IPC's reputation on the Xianzhou.
:: (Trailblazer): If this conflict with the Sky-Faring Commission escalates, it won't just make things difficult for your business, but it'll also have an impact on your career down the line.
:: Skott: Of course, I... I never wanted conflict with the Xianzhou. Like I said, all I wanted was to retrieve the cargo and be done with it, but they just refuse to let us go.
: Swallow your pride and beg him.
:;(-1 morale)
:: (Trailblazer): Please, help me! I mean it! I bragged to my friends that I could convince you... If you don't do me this favor, I'll be so embarrassed! Come on, don't be so cold-hearted!
:: (Trailblazer): I'm truly sorry for what I did in Aurum Alley. Please, just forgive me and give me an opportunity to fix things!
:: Skott: Huh? Attempting to play the humility card to gain my sympathy? I'm an IPC specialist. Do you honestly think I have even a shred of sympathy left in me? Just get lost already!
:: Yanqing: (Trailblazer)... do we really have to stoop this low?
----
;(If negotiation fails)
:: Skott: Alright, that's enough. I'm not going to repeat myself a hundred times.
:: Skott: I thought you were reasonable and civilized, but now it seems you Xianzhou folks just don't understand the basics of business.
:: Skott: We've signed a confidentiality and security agreement with the Intelligentsia Guild, and if we breach it, we'll have to pay a hefty sum! Even if we sold the souls of every employee in the Marketing Development Department on this planet, it still wouldn't be enough to cover the costs.
:: Skott: Listen up, kid. I don't mind delaying this transport for a few more days. Once the engines are repaired, our ship will leave immediately, and you won't have any reason to inspect the cargo.
:: Yanqing: If that's the case, I can assure you the Cloud Knights won't let your ship leave.
:: Skott: Oh, really? Then you'll receive a ton of complaints from the Intelligentsia Guild and the IPC's Marketing Development Department. You're too young, I don't think you understand the chaos your rash decision will cause.
:: Yanqing: Since you put it that way, Mr. Skott, I'll take it as your agreement to the inspection procedure. Now...
:: Skott: Not so fast, you little brat. According to the IPC regulations, I have the right to arm myself and protect the property on my transport ship.
:: Yanqing: I thought you were reasonable and civilized, but now it seems the IPC just wants to play by its own rules. My apologies, Mr. Skott.
:: Skott: Stop him, guys! For the Amber Lord!
:: IPC Staff Members: For the Amber Lord!!!
:;(Begin battle against )
:;(After the battle)
:: Skott: Get up, all of you! Why is the IPC even paying you? You're a bunch of losers!
:: ???: Just be grateful that the "little brat" showed you mercy. At least your staff aren't seriously injured.
:: ???: How do you IPC cronies have the audacity to fight Cloud Knights...? You practically assaulted law enforcement officers.
:: Skott: Another one? Who the heck are you?!
:: ???: I may be a bit late, but the good news is: I'm here now.
;(If negotiation is successful)
:: Skott: Well, you guys sure know how to argue your case...
:: Skott: Fine! I'll allow you to do the security inspection. It's just that... I need some time to sort things out. This is a big deal. Let me talk to headquarters first.
:: Yanqing: So, Mr. Skott, are you just stalling for time, and planning to leave the Xianzhou as soon as your ship is repaired to avoid the Sky-Faring Commission's inspection?
:: ???: Well, IPC staff are free to come and go, as long as they don't break any laws.
:: Skott: Yeah, you've got some insight there. Who are you again?
----
: ???: Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Lingsha, Cauldron Master and Head of the Alchemy Commission on the Luofu.
: Dan Heng: Could she be...?
: Yanqing: Yeah, she's the new Cauldron Master assigned here from the Xianzhou Zhuming.
: Lingsha: I received a report from the Artisanship Commission about cargo containing samples of unknown organisms. It said they needed help from the Alchemy Commission. I had nothing better to do, so I came myself.
: Lingsha: It's fine, Mr. Skott. If you really don't want your cargo to be inspected, it doesn't matter.
: Yanqing: It doesn't matter? How can you say that?
: Skott: Why are you being so nice all of a sudden? Well, since you're not going to check it, I'll take this crate and be on my way. Is that okay with everyone?
: Lingsha: Yeah, sure. Why should I object? Not only this sample, but all the goods on the transport ship are yours to keep. Like I said, we won't inspect them.
: Yanqing: Wait a minute!
: Skott: Well, that's more like it! If only the young displayed a more... reasonable attitude, we could have sidestepped that altercation just now.
: Skott: Our ship will leave in a few days once the engines are repaired.
: Lingsha: Your ship can leave whenever you want, but I'm afraid I can't say the same for the cargo.
: Lingsha: According to the import and export regulations signed between the Xianzhou and IPC, all biological shipments can only leave the port when they have confirmed to be of no threat, or when all biological activity expires.
: Lingsha: Since we can't determine if your shipment is safe for the environment, I guess we'll have to wait for its biological activity to expire. Let me check the previous cases...
: Lingsha: Normally it'll only take around forty-seven star calendar years.
: Skott: "Only" forty-seven years?
: Lingsha: Why so surprised? You're still young and full of energy. I'm pretty sure you'll live a few more decades. Have some confidence in yourself!
: Skott: Typical of a long-life species, your words are dripping with sarcasm. While you may not care about time, I do! I'll be demanding double compensation from the Sky-Faring Commission for every minute wasted!
: Lingsha: Sure thing, Mr. Skott. You seem pretty confident that your career and life will last long enough to witness this victory unfold.
:Skott: ...
: Skott: Step aside, guys. Let them do the inspection.
: IPC Worker: But Mr. Skott...
: Skott: Come on, we're already in enough trouble... Just let them do the security inspection. And if needed, I can always grovel before the Guild later — I'm just using my head for what it's apparently good for, right?
: Sorry for the trouble.
:: Skott: Well, honestly, at least you're not as annoying as that woman.
:: (Trailblazer): But you're still as annoying as ever.
: Thanks, bro.
:: Skott: Well, honestly, at least you're not as annoying as that woman.
:: Skott: "Bro?" Just do the inspection!
: At least you've wised up for once.
:: Skott: Well, honestly, at least you're not as annoying as that woman.
:: Skott: Just get on with the inspection! Don't act all chummy with me now that you've got your way.
: March 7th: This lady... is really something else!
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Lingsha: Is this the IPC product?
::Skott: Listen up, any damages caused by inspections will be filed with the IPC...
::Lingsha: Turn it off!
;(Cutscene ends)
===Defeat the "goods" that the IPC is transporting===
;(Begin battle against )
:;(Open Terror Grip Tutorial)
::Lingsha: Well, how unexpected... that was a surprise~
;(Unlock Achievement A Closing on Open Casket)
----
: March 7th: Were you seriously planning to leave this stuff unchecked at the dock for days? That's way too dangerous!
: Skott: I... I had no idea about it! You must have accidentally triggered the cargo's defense program!
: Dan Heng: I don't think trying to shift the blame is a wise choice.
: Skott: But seriously, I don't know why that thing suddenly started moving...! I swear on the Amber Lord!
: Yanqing: Enough. Miss Xikui, please escort our IPC guests to the Sky-Faring Commission.
: Xikui: I'm on it. Please follow me, Mr. Skott.
;(Xikui, Skott, and the IPC workers leave)
: Lingsha: Our preliminary inspection shows that there is indeed hidden biological tissues inside, just like the craftsman feared.
: Lingsha: I can't even tell if it's ingenium or biological in nature.
: Why do you say that?
: Kongqing: The core of this device is what they call "wetware" in industry slang. To put it simply, this machine operates with a kind of biological nerve as its control center.
: Lingsha: I'll take some samples for the alchemists to analyze and figure out where the biological tissue comes from.
: Dan Heng: Why would the Intelligentsia Guild use such unethical technology? Perhaps they are trying to create a new weapon?
: Yanqing: Whatever the reason is, it's probably why the borisin attacked the ship.
: Yanqing: No wonder the IPC were trying to obstruct our inspection. I'll contact the Ten-Lords Commission and ask the judges to come and give their final verdict on this.
: Yanqing: According to our rules, all prisoners and weapons involving dangerous creatures must be taken to The Shackling Prison for further sentencing. After all, it's the safest place on the Luofu.
: Yanqing: As for you, Mr. , please go with the Cloud Knights and explain the situation to the judge.
:
: Yanqing: I had a feeling that the IPC members would cause trouble, but I didn't think they'd be this tricky. Thanks for your help, Miss Lingsha.
: Lingsha: I should thank you for saving my life. Your sword skills were impressive, taking down that big guy.
: Lingsha: I thought the General's retainers were all burly martial masters. I didn't expect Yanqing to be so...
: Young.
:: Lingsha: Yeah, exactly. He's young and talented.
: Cute.
:: Lingsha: Hmm, can't argue with that.
: Miniature.
:: Yanqing: Huh???
: Lingsha: As for you, you must be the guests from the Astral Express, right? Saving the Luofu from that crisis, it's so impressive.
: March 7th: Hehe, it wasn't a big deal, really...
: Lingsha: It's still early, so why don't we get some tea at the Alchemy Commission? We can discuss your suggestions for revitalizing the commission.
: Yanqing: I'd be happy to accept your invitation.
: Lingsha: And you three are coming too, right?
;(Mission completed)
;(Talk to Stern Cloud Knight, optional)
: Stern Cloud Knight: Nothing to see here. These machines are to be shut down, keep your distance until then.
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==Change History==
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ru:Лай сторожевого пса, сладкие речи