Frosty Blade's Trial

Frosty Blade's Trial is the first and only mission in Yanqing's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the Vita Infinita chapter that takes place on The Xianzhou Luofu.
==Acquisition==
Complete the and interact with the NPC Diting in Central Starskiff Haven.
==Steps==
# Go to Central Starskiff Haven and interact with the Diting
# Find someone who could understand a Diting's bark
# Follow the Diting and find the clue
# Investigate a jade tracer dropped by someone
## Ask the Cloud Knights Captain about Cloudford's current situation
## Find clues at Cloudford
## Head to the Cloudford dock
## Make the Diting track down the wanted man and ascertain his direction
## Escort Jingliu
## Investigate the navigator array for the location of the starskiff that Blade took
## Compete swordsmanship with Jingliu as you vanquish abominations
## Keep going, it's a race against the clock
## Read the words left behind by Jingliu
# Send the jade tracer along to the Seat of Divine Foresight to tell them about Yanqing's current situation
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
===Help the Diting that seems to want something===
;(Talk to Diting)
:Diting: Woof woof, howoof woof woof woof!
: Please speak in human.
::Diting: Woof woof, woof woof woof woof!
::Diting ignores your unreasonable request.
: Woof woof woof!
::Diting: Woof woof woof? Woof~
::Evidently, you guessed some vocabulary right and communicated with Diting. However, this is not enough.
: Meow meow meow!
::Diting: Ruff? Woof woof, ruff ruff woof!
::Clearly, you are meowing up the wrong tree.
: The food stall is over there.
::Diting: Woof woof, ruff ruff woof!
::Maybe Diting was not looking for a food stall.
:Diting: Woof woof, howoof woof ruff woof!
: (Find someone who can understand)
::Speaking of someone who can understand Diting's woofs, you immediately think of...
:: March 7th!
:::That's right, she's the one.
:: A certain cute pink-haired girl...
:::"The psychic bond between cute girls and cute puppies" ...Hey, isn't that what March 7th said?
:: Nothing to think of...
:::Try and remember, when Tingyun handed Diting to you, and Diting woofed...
:::March 7th said, "He says the wind is too strong here at the port, so it's not easy to follow the scent."
:::March 7th can communicate with Diting.
: (What if, I just leave it be)
::Diting: Woof, woooof~
::Being the responsible person you are, you can't just leave it here... How about asking March 7th for help?
:Diting: Awooo?
: Let's go, I'll bring you to March 7th.
;(Accepted Mission Frosty Blade's Trial)
===Find someone who could understand a Diting's bark===
;(Talk to March 7th)
:March 7th: Everything okay, (Trailblazer)?
: March, can you help me translate something?
:March 7th: Hmph! Why is Diting talking to you? I've always been nice to cute little animals!
: This isn't a contest...
::March 7th: You wouldn't understand! All cute things in the world should share a mutual affinity!
: So you understand what it's saying, right?
::March 7th: Of course I understand! All cute things in the world share a special connection, after all.
: ...Aaaand why not me?
::March 7th: I think I'm a better fit, that's all. Ugh, never mind, no need to get offended.
:March 7th: The first time we met Diting was during the Kafka hunt. I could tell there was a mysterious connection between us — whenever he barked, I understood what he wanted to say.
:March 7th: ...For example, "Woof woof, woof woof woof woof!"
:March 7th: Meaning: "Hello, dear (Trailblazer). I found a strange thing at the port of Cloudford. You may want to come and have a look for yourself."
: You got all that from a few woofs?
::March 7th: Diting can convey a lot of information with only a few sounds.
: You wouldn't happen to be... related to Diting?
::March 7th: Hey, enough with the passive aggression!
::March 7th: The simple truth of the matter is that I can understand him.
:March 7th: So, what did Diting find at the port? Come on (Trailblazer), let's go check it out.
===Check out the clue discovered by the Diting at Cloudford===
;(Approach designated spot)
:Diting: Woof! Woof woof!
:March 7th: Little Diting says he's been dutifully searching for clues all over the Xianzhou. He notified us as soon as he found something strange.
:Diting: Woof!
:March 7th: So what does he want us to take a look at?
===Follow the Diting and find the clue===
;(Upon approaching the jade tracer)
:Diting: Woof!
===Investigate a jade tracer dropped by someone===
;(Investigate the jade tracer)
:A jade tracer lying on the ground. Its light green vein flashes out an image of a teenager in the air.
:Yanqing: This is Yanqing, retainer to General Jing Yuan.
:Yanqing: I'm in active pursuit of a fugitive. The situation is unpredictable and developing rapidly, so I've planted this jade tracer to record my whereabouts in case I lose contact.
:Yanqing: If anyone finds this tracer, please take it to the Seat of Divine Foresight so the Cloud Knights have the necessary intel to act swiftly.
:March 7th: So it's a recording device. Diting must have heard its signal and called us over here to investigate.
: Even the general's retainer is getting in on the action...
::March 7th: He looks about eight or nine years old! And he's already the general's retainer? The Xianzhou really does have some child prodigies, huh.
: They sent a child to apprehend a major criminal...?
::March 7th: Can't disqualify him just for being a widdle baby! If he's the general's retainer, there must be more to him than meets the eye.
::March 7th: We're not that old ourselves, right? And yet here we are — Express passengers on trailblazing expeditions!
:: Yep, even the dogs here can give out missions. Nothing shocks me now.
:: I don't think the two of us count as "widdle babies..."
:March 7th: Given everything that's been happening on the Xianzhou recently, I reckon the only "fugitive" worthy of a retainer's attention... would be a Stellaron Hunter. I wonder how he's getting along?
: Check operations log
: Leave
===(Enter instance Cloudford Port)===
;May Encounter:
:*Disciples of Sanctus Medicus: Shape Shifter
:*Mara-Struck Soldier
:*Disciples of Sanctus Medicus: Internal Alchemist
----
:Yanqing: Blade tracking entry: Traces run cold at Starskiff Haven.
:Yanqing: I'll have to ask the Cloud Knights in the area if they saw anything...
====Ask the Cloud Knights Captain about Cloudford's current situation====
:Yanqing: Captain, could you spare a moment?
:Cloud Knights Captain: Yanqing? Why are you all the way out here on the front lines? Shouldn't you be back at the Seat of Divine Foresight?
:Yanqing: The general already has a lot on his plate. As his retainer, it's my duty to share the burden...
:Yanqing: Nothing new to report, I assume?
:Cloud Knights Captain: Correct. After this "Blade" escaped from The Shackling Prison, he disappeared into thin air. I wonder if he's even still on the ship?
:Yanqing: Or perhaps he had no intention of escaping in the first place.
:Cloud Knights Captain: *sigh* What foul demons found their way across the stars to wreak havoc on the Luofu?
:Yanqing: That's why I'm here — to help the general eliminate those demons.
:Cloud Knights Captain: Is that so? I didn't receive any orders from the general.
:Yanqing: Ahem... This is a covert operation.
:Cloud Knights Captain: ...Then shall we dispatch a few knights for this "operation" of yours?
:Yanqing: I appreciate the gesture... but the fewer people who know about a covert operation, the better.
:Yanqing: Making a big show of it will only scare the snake deeper into the grass... A good hunter must operate alone.
====Find clues at Cloudford====
;(While walking towards the designated area)
:Yanqing: "Dispatch a few knights..." Hmph, how incapable does he think I am?
:Yanqing: I might be young now, but just you wait...
;(Investigate the document lying on the floor)
::Cloud Knights Patrol Report
::
::Cloud Knights Patrol Unit "Prosperity" - Patrol Records
::
::Previous records skipped
::
:: • East Cloudford, Chenxu-Steel II dock, 17:00
::
::The incident and all related documents have been checked. A total of 32 cycranes were deactivated. No members of personnel were found to be trapped.
::
::Recorded by: Changsui
::
:: • East Cloudford, Chenxu-Steel III dock, 17:30
::
::We received reports from evacuated persons that a suspected criminal has been sighted at the Yuanshou docks. I have dispatched three members of my unit to assess the situation.
::
::Recorded by: Changsui
::
:: • East Cloudford, Chenxu-Steel VI dock, 19:00
::
::The three team members dispatched have yet to return and cannot be contacted. I have decided to put together another group to look for them.
::
::Recorded by: Changsui
::
:: • East Cloudford, Yuanshou-Tide III dock, 19:30
::
::I got to where Yi lost contact
::And I saw... saw that strange tree... him... [sound cannot be transcribed]
::Yi and everyone else are staked onto the branches of that thing... [sound cannot be transcribed]
::
:: • East Cloudford, Yuanshou-Tide III dock, 19:45
::
::That thing... [sound cannot be transcribed]
::That thing with [sound cannot be transcribed] growing all over his body... I read his dog tag. He's from the "Gallop" Unit.
::How did he become something like that... I cut him down!
::But he's climbing back to his feet again... [sound cannot be transcribed]
::I need to report everything to the Seat of Divine Foresight quickly...
::Why... Why won't the comms connect!? The [sound cannot be transcribed] in the Logistics Department probably all took (sound cannot be transcribed] bribes!
::
::Recorded by: Changsui
::
::Recording ended
:Yanqing: The perimeter is well guarded, but there are no traces of the fugitive passing through. It seems he has no intention of leaving the Luofu for the time being.
;(Investigate the cycrane)
:Yanqing: If the cycrane hadn't been damaged, we could've extracted some footage... *sigh* That's no longer an option.
;(Investigate the table near the right side of the cycrane)
::Directory of Lost Starskiffs
::
::Summary of starskiffs lost in East Cloudford docks
::
:: • Chenxu-Steel II dock
::
::Two Stagplains Lioncub (collectors' edition).
::
::Twenty-two Beyond the Dust (standard edition)
::
::One large commercial vessel from the Whistling Flames guild. This vessel has already been found.
::
::Two combat escort vessels from the Celestial guild.
::
:: • Chenxu-Steel III dock
::
::The Sky-Breaker, an ambassador vessel from the Interastral Peace Corporation. It collided with the guide lanes of the Palace of Astrum due to logistic issues. Financial losses are to be calculated separately.
::
::The Visage of Qlipoth, a commercial logistic vessel from the Interastral Peace Corporation. This vessel has already been found.
::
::The Roaring Tide, an ambassador vessel from the sea-people of Thalassa. [sound cannot be transcribed]
::These [sound cannot be transcribed] amphibian frogs put 60 cases of vicious carnivorous tetras in the ship! [sound cannot be transcribed] Residents of the Drifters Sanctum reported to the Realm-Keeping Commission's weather pavilion that it started to rain at about noon [suspected transcription error. To be confirmed], and 12 locals were injured due to this. I can't thank you enough, Outworlder buddies. we at the Realm Keeping Commission do this for a living!
::
::…
::
::…
::
::Footnote: Damages relating to Cloud Knight fighter jets have already been submitted. That report currently cannot be viewed due to the Secrecy Act and related regulations. Please submit a viewing application to the document office of the Palace of Astrum and wait for their reply. (A reply will be issued within three working days from the day of the application.)
:Yanqing: Tsk, the Sky-Faring Commission really made a mess of this — who knows if we'll ever find all these missing ships.
:Yanqing: Starskiffs are blocked from entering or exiting. There's no way the fugitive got through...
:Yanqing: But if he fled towards the interior of the ship... it'll be hard to track him down over such a vast area.
:Yanqing: Hmm... A fugitive would still have to rely on starskiffs to travel between different delves.
:Yanqing: If we start by investigating the starskiff he stole, maybe we can get a lead...
:Yanqing: Guess it's back to the docks again.
;((Optional) Investigate the table with books near the right side of the cycrane)
;(Quotes from A Martial Arts Novel That Stopped Updating 300 Years Ago)
:A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: In a silent room in the middle of the fleet, a wolf-head Master broke from his meditation and opened his eyes, facing up his fatal enemy.
:A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: At the moment, a graceful young lady was standing at the end of the corridor, like a sharp sword unleashing from its sheath.
:A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: Countless spots of light encircled her, like stars breathing and dancing in the universe. If you look closer, you may find that the light spots are sealed in a translucent jar, like shrines immured on walls.
:A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "These Core Esses..." The wolf-head Master uttered, "So they are what you obtained from the divine relic."
: (Next page)
::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "The long-life master only granted us power, but cultivated the seed of the sacred tree in you. How unfair..."
::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "I put thirty thousand people to death and had the anatomist dissect their live Core Esses to build all these Esse Shrines, so that I can make further studies of them."
::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "My studies have proven me right. If the purpose of the heart is to sustain life, then the Core Esse transcends life itself. It is to absorb power from the root. It is an organ that is much more important than the heart. It should be viewed as the 'engine' of the body."
::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "Now I am using them to propel this fleet, using their organs to destroy their own alliance!"
:: (Next page)
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: The wolf-head man lifted off the gorgeous mantle that covered his chest, and revealed a jellyfish-like translucent armor coating his bulging muscles.
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: He inhaled deeply, as if he could consume all the air within this narrow space. In seconds, his hunched body expanded muscle by muscle, and turned into a huge iron tower of flesh.
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: The cracking bones and warping flesh generated a sharp and painful noise during the deformation, and quickly healed. The wolf-head man has long been used to these pains.
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: As he breathed, a weak glimmer of light overflowed from his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears. His Core Esse started to shine brightly.
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: "This armor fits well my blood and flesh. It is like it were an organ attached to my body. However, its prowess is yet to be tested."
:::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: My opponents have all turned into balls of flesh with just one blow. Maybe the High-Cloud Quintet can help me know its true limit!"
::: (Next page)
::::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: The lady's eyes were as dark and cold as ice, as if the things happening in front of her were dull and uninteresting.
::::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: Thirty thousand soldiers, thirty thousand Core Esses, thirty thousand kindles of life... She tried not to get distracted by the cruelty of the miracle before her eyes.
::::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: The subtle balance between the two sides is hard to maintain. One would take their advantage precisely when they get the chance. The wolf-head man soared forward as a mass of gray storm.
::::A Novel Left Behind By Tourists: In the next heartbeat, the lady disappeared. The spot she stoof before was only left with a sharp footprint. With a flicker of a sword flash, comes a loud sonic boom...
:::: (The following chapter requires payment to read)
: (Put the novel down)
:Yanqing: Eh, bad writing, terrible pacing... Wait, what was I supposed to be doing again?
:Yanqing: Focus, Yanqing! You can't let novels distract from your duty to the general... especially not ones as crummy as this...
;((Optional) Investigate the slip at the opposide side of the books)
::A Found Divination Slip
::
::Writing on the slip:
::
::The heavens open for good fortune
::The sun turns to a lucky spot
::Receiving this slip is no small feat
::Today you are in for good luck!
::
::(The final sentence on this common divination slip was crossed out, and something else was scribbled there.)
::
::"If guests arrive from afar, thou shalt rush to their service, fulfill their every wish, and respect them with uttermost care, so to turn good fortune into ill fate. — from Ruoyue"
:Yanqing: The master diviner is always boasting about her foresight. Didn't manage to foresee this disaster, did she?
====Head to the Cloudford dock====
;(While walking towards the designated area)
:Yanqing: Looks like the influence of the Stellaron spirits is growing...
;((Optional) Investigate the body near the gate)
:Yanqing: Playing dead? What a childish trick...
: Poke...
:: The stiffed remains started trembling with a sudden anger out from its hollow eyes.
:;(Enter battle)
: Wait a second...
;(Upon approaching the area)
:Yanqing: What's this...?
;(Yanqing approaches the bodies on the floor)
:Yanqing: This kind of wound... is not the work of a Cloud Knight.
:Yanqing: The best prey is one that leaves traces.
:Yanqing: Here Diting, let's follow the scent!
====Make the Diting track down the wanted man and ascertain his direction====
;(Upon entering the area)
:Yanqing: Civilians are still getting attacked? Where are the Cloud Knights?
:Yanqing: Hey, don't panic, I'll get you out of there!
;(Enter battle)
----
;(After the battle)
:Yanqing: Huh? They were on their feet a second ago...
:???: Thank you for your assistance, young man.
:Yanqing: Just doing my job. The port has been sealed off, why are you here alone?
:???: I came with a merchant ship. The shadows of old friends have returned to my thoughts of late... I came to reunite with them and relive old times...
:???: Who would have imagined the Luofu could become such a dangerous place?
:Yanqing: You chose a bad time for a visit I'm afraid — there's been an incident. It won't take long for the general to fix it, though. This place isn't safe — we should head to the nearest Cloud Knight garrison.
:Yanqing: By the way, did you see a man with long hair and black clothes around here...?
:Yanqing: You... you can't see? Apologies, I thought...
:Yanqing: My name is Yanqing — I'm registered with the Cloud Knights. And your name is...?
:???: Jingliu.
:Yanqing: Nice to meet you. Um... Miss Jingliu, allow me to lead the way. We might have to take a bit of a detour, but I promise to get you to the Cloud Knights safely.
====Escort Jingliu====
;(Talk to Jingliu)
:Jingliu: Where exactly are we headed, young man?
:Yanqing: To the docks. Don't worry, you'll be safe.
: (Where did she come from...?)
::Yanqing: So are you from one of the Xianzhou ships? The Yaoqing? The Fanghu?
::Jingliu: ...I'm from the Cangcheng.
::Yanqing: The Cangcheng? There's a ship called the Cangcheng? Why haven't I heard of it...?
: (How long has she been away...?)
::Yanqing: Miss Jingliu, how long has it been since you last set foot on the Luofu?
::Jingliu: Are you always this talkative?
::Yanqing: Uh... Just making conversation — I wanted you to know I was still here.
: (Let's get going...)
::Yanqing: Let's get going, miss. Careful — take your time.
;(Upon approaching the next area)
:Jingliu: Where do we go from here?
:Yanqing: Shh, quiet... We've got trouble to deal with first.
:Yanqing: Wait here a moment, miss — I'll be right back.
;(Enter battle)
----
;(During the battle)
:Yanqing: Who are you and what are you doing here?
:Disciple of Sanctus Medicus: You've come at the perfect time, little one. We can use your blood... to irrigate the celestial traces.
:Yanqing: "...Little one"? This little one is about to teach you a big lesson.
----
;(After the battle)
:Yanqing: Where did these guys come from? Huh, the general was right — there's a threat lurking on the Xianzhou itself.
:Jingliu: You are quite the swordmaster, young man.
:Yanqing: You... you saw that?
:Jingliu: I heard it. A sword whistles through the air and rings out upon contacting the enemy ... Whilst invisible to the eye, such signals reveal the quality of one's swordplay.
:Jingliu: As a musician listens to the notes of a song, so a poet listens to its rhyme... and in the flow of combat, a skilled swordmaster delivers both with their blade. I'll wager the Cloud Knights capable of wielding six flying swords at a time number few indeed.
:Yanqing: Uh, haha, thanks, miss.
:Jingliu: However, your zealousness inhibits your ability to hide your line of attack....
:Yanqing: Huh...?
:Jingliu: ...which causes your sword's song to become somewhat mumbled at the end.
:Yanqing: ...I guess the connection between music and swordplay is real after all. The general told me something similar — he said my swordplay was too proud and angular. He said it lacked the maturity required to win the title of Sword Champion...
:Jingliu: Sword Champion? If I recall correctly, that title is bestowed on one who reaches the pinnacle of swordsmanship in the Cloud Knights. But that was a long time ago...
:Yanqing: Right! Ever since the Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae, the title of Sword Champion has gone unclaimed. But once everything settles down and the Combat Arts Ceremony returns, it's a title I'm determined to win!
:Jingliu: The Cloud Knights have many martial arts traditions. Who was it that instructed you in swordplay, young man?
:Yanqing: I see you're no stranger to the art — I won't keep you in suspense. My master is none other than General Jing Yuan of the Luofu.
:Jingliu: General...
:Yanqing: I know you haven't visited for a long time, but surely you've heard of General Jing Yuan? He says he has no affinity with the sword — that his skills are getting rusty... Well, if that's true, I never noticed from his training.
;(While walking towards the designated area)
:Yanqing: Alright, the coast is clear. Let's keep moving.
;((Optional) Investigate the body on the floor)
::Order from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus
::
::Yellow Milkvetch:
::
::The master primus had ordered all disciples to head to one specific delve and guide the mystical roots to grow and thrive.
::
::However, we were shocked to learn the disciple Rose Mallow, who was responsible for the Chenxu docks at the Cloudford, had perished under the hand of various Outworlders.
::
::Before immense duties, one ought to put aside personal vengeance. You shall now take over Rose Mallow's task. Remember, do not disappoint the master primus.
::
::Golden Pothos
====Investigate the navigator array for the location of the starskiff that Blade took====
;(Upon arrival)
:Yanqing: The starskiff voyage log can be accessed through the dock navigator array.
: Investigate
;(Solve Abacus Circuitry)
:Yanqing: Active starskiff, active starskiff... there!
:Yanqing: This one goes past the Divination Commission and the Artisanship Commission...
::Starskiff Traffic Records
::
::Traffic Records of Chenxu-Crag XXII dock
::
::Dock contractor: Heron Express
::Dock designation: Traffic Records of Chenxu-Crag XXII dock
::Operator: Yanqing (Seat of Divine Foresight)
::Starskiff operation status:
::
::…
::…
::
::Stagplains Lioncub
::Registration number: Sky-Faring Commission, Star-class, first rank, 135346
::Time: 03:45
::Destination: Central Starskiff Haven
::Status: Did not return to coordinate
::
::Beyond the Dust (acceleration edition)
::Registration number: Sky-Faring Commission, Rapid-class, third rank, 253034
::Time: 07:15
::Destination: Central Starskiff Haven
::Status: Did not return to coordinate
::
::Cloudbanner Flying Ark
::Registration number: Sky-Faring Commission, Rapid-class, first rank, 6383524
::Time: 07:15
::Destination: Divination Commission, Artisanship Commission
::Status: Did not return to coordinate
::
::…
::…
:Yanqing: Well, my work here is finished. Now to make sure you get to a safe destination.
:Jingliu: Given the present circumstances, the Cloud Knight garrison probably isn't a safe destination, wouldn't you say?
:Yanqing: Correct, so we're not going there. I'm taking you to The Shackling Prison. Safe, well-guarded, plenty of food, and a place to sleep.
:Jingliu: ...Young man, if you wish to apprehend someone, shouldn't you have a reason?
:Yanqing: ...Suspicious behavior and half-truths — those alone are reason enough. You think you can fool me just because I'm a child?
:Yanqing: A sealed-off port with a stranded passenger? Unlikely. Not to mention you walking the whole way here without so much as a stumble — you can see as well as I can.
:Yanqing: The biggest giveaway was comment about my swordplay. Correctly guessing the number of swords from the sound alone? You'd have to be more than human.
:Yanqing: You're not blind at all, are you?
:Jingliu: I never claimed to be. You came up with that yourself.
:Yanqing: Uh...
:Jingliu: Fear not, young man, I hold no grievance against you and have never held ill intent towards the Xianzhou. The black veil covering my eyes is merely proof of my resolve to never look back, to never fall again into mara and destruction.
:Jingliu: I came here to catch one person. It's quite fortunate that our paths have crossed.
:Yanqing: The one you're looking for... is it Blade?
:Jingliu: He goes by "Blade" nowadays? A fitting name for someone who dedicated his mind and body to the ways of the sword.
:Jingliu: Take me to him, young man.
:Jingliu: You are no match for me, and therefore, no match for Blade either. Let me accompany you — there is no need to throw your life away.
:Yanqing: Hmph, we've not even drawn swords yet and you declare yourself the winner? Let me offer you a word of advice — don't underestimate me.
:Jingliu: *sigh* I was hoping to avoid a conflict with the Cloud Knights. How about this...
:Jingliu: Let's have ourselves a little contest. We can use the abominations that have infested the Luofu as target practice... and see whose sword can slay more, and slay faster.
:Yanqing: And if I win...?
:Jingliu: Then I will obediently follow you to The Shackling Prison and receive whatever judgment awaits me there. Don't worry, I'll keep my end of the bargain.
:Jingliu: But if I win, you have to share Blade's whereabouts with me. Fair enough?
:Yanqing: A Cloud Knight never gambles with official business. But in any case, you won't beat me.
:Jingliu: I admire your confidence. But what was it you said earlier about declaring a winner before swords were drawn?
;(After defeating all enemies}
:Jingliu: It would seem we've cleared every abomination from the area. Let's find another location and continue our contest.
----
:The two journey together before coming to a stop.
:Jingliu: May the best swordmaster win.
:Jingliu: This place is brimming with mara — the perfect environment for honing one's skills. Surely slaying abominations doesn't count as "gambling with official business"?
:Yanqing: How do we tell who's won?
:Jingliu: We go from here to the end of the path without leaving a speck of abomination behind us. The first one to the end wins.
:Yanqing: Deal.
:Jingliu: Lead the way.
:Yanqing: What if you're just using this as a chance to escape?
:Jingliu: Hmph, Jing Yuan trained you alright...
====Compete swordsmanship with Jingliu as you vanquish abominations====
;(During the battle)
:Yanqing: Show me what you've got.
;(After the battle)
:Yanqing: Where did she go...?
====Keep going, it's a race against the clock====
;(Upon approaching Jingliu)
:Yanqing: I didn't even see you overtake me!
:Jingliu: Too slow, young man.
====Keep going, it's a race against the clock====
;(Upon approaching Jingliu at the next area)
:Yanqing: But... how is that possible?
:Jingliu: What kept you this time?
:Yanqing: Argh!
;(While walking)
:Jingliu: You'll need to work harder.
:Jingliu: Otherwise, you won't even catch me in a starskiff.
:Jingliu: I haven't had this much fun in a long time...
;(Upon approaching Jingliu at the next area)
:Yanqing: ...
:Jingliu: A long time has passed since I wielded this sword... The heat of combat nearly cast me into the darkness.
:Jingliu: Come, young man — I'll let you finish up.
;(Enter battle)
----
;(During the battle)
:Jingliu: I'll let you make three moves.
:Jingliu: Draw your sword. Don't you know it's rude to keep an elder waiting?
;(After Yanqing makes the first attack)
:Jingliu: Hesitant, weak.
:Jingliu: What happened to that confidence of yours?
;(After Yanqing attacks again)
:Jingliu: My turn.
:Jingliu: Once you draw your sword you must strike down your adversary in one blow without turning back.
;(Continuing the battle)
:Jingliu: Jing Yuan taught you how to slay abominations...
:Jingliu: ...but did he ever teach you how to deal with the mara-struck?
:Jingliu: The answer is: There is no difference. The sword pierces the body and severs its life.
:Jingliu: If this sword came for your throat, would you be able to deflect it!?
:Jingliu: Did you think this swordplay was just a game of victory and defeat, future Sword Champion?
----
;(After the battle)
:Jingliu: Your final move... was the only one that didn't disappoint.
:Yanqing: ...I lost.
:Jingliu: Our contest has not yet come to a conclusion... for I have yet to make my final move, and the field has no opponent...
:Jingliu: Unsheathing this sword without merit is to blaspheme the divine will of the Reignbow Arbiter, and invite calamity.
:Yanqing: You...
:Jingliu: Even with your strength, if you were to cross paths with Blade, it would mean death for you.
:Jingliu: I can give you a more dignified end than dying at his hands... To die as a swordmaster having witnessed the perfection of my technique — refined a thousand times over.
:Jingliu: What say you to that, young man?
:Yanqing: ...
: I refuse!
: I refuse!!
: I refuse!!!
;(Yanqing steps forward)
:Jingliu: You have courage.
;(Cutscene plays)
====Read the words left behind by Jingliu====
;(After the cutscene)
:Yanqing: I... I deflected it?
:Jingliu: I'll take those records you found.
:Jingliu: Thank you, young man.
: Investigate
:Jingliu's Note: That move was a token of my appreciation. We were fated to meet this day, and in days to come.
:Yanqing: This mysterious woman also wants to find the whereabouts of Blade...
:Yanqing: No, no matter what she wants to do with the fugitive, she must not be allowed to get to him first.
:Yanqing: I have to pick up the pace.
----
: Stop record checking
::March 7th: And that's... the end? There's nothing else in the operations log?
:: Writer's block perhaps...
:: Who doesn't like a good cliffhanger?
::March 7th: That Jingliu seems pretty dangerous... *sigh* The Stellaron crisis sure has attracted a lot of strange people to the Luofu.
::March 7th: (Trailblazer), shouldn't we hand this over to Jing Yuan as soon as possible?
::Diting: Woof!
:: Yeah.
:: Woof!
:;(Obtained )
: Hold on a moment
===Send the jade tracer along to the Seat of Divine Foresight to tell them about Yanqing's current situation===
;(Talk to Jing Yuan)
:Jing Yuan's apparition turned to you. You are not sure whether this is some kind of automatic audio-visual answering technique, or a real-time remote materialization from himself.
: We found something left behind by Yanqing...
:;(Submit Jade Tracer)
::Jing Yuan's hologram waves. The jade tracer emits a beam of light as the illusory figure flickers.
::Jing Yuan: Without a doubt — this jade tracer belongs to Yanqing. I can't thank you enough.
: Who is Jingliu?
::Jing Yuan: You... already accessed the recordings?
::March 7th: Uh... (Trailblazer) accidentally pressed a button...
::Jing Yuan: ...No harm done. She was my mentor and superior when I was a member of the Cloud Knights. However, she left the Xianzhou a long time ago...
::(Jing Yuan is silent for a while)
::Jing Yuan: If you see her, be sure to keep your distance and notify me immediately.
: Is Yanqing safe?
::Jing Yuan: He took on the charge of pursuing a major criminal — it is not my place to impede him for fear of his wellbeing. That is the nature of the Cloud Knights and their duty.
::Jing Yuan: I do have confidence in him, though.
: About Blade...
::Jing Yuan: *sigh* Forgive me, but I cannot disclose this information.
: I don't have any other questions.
::Jing Yuan: Thank you again for your help, friends from the Express. The situation remains unpredictable, so take care.
::Jing Yuan: I hope to be able to drink and talk freely with you once again when everything is settled.
;(Mission completed)
:;(Obtain Achievement Master Among Swords)
;(Visitor Verification)
:;(Yanqing has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Yanqing when you return to the Express)
==Gallery==
Companion Mission Frosty Blade's Trial - Jingliu vs Yanqing
==Other Languages==
==Change History==