Ebb of Past Sins

Ebb of Past Sins is the twelfth part of the Trailblaze Continuance chapter Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue (II). It automatically begins after completing Under the Spell.
==Steps==
# Go to Scalegorge Waterscape and meet with the Vidyadhara Preceptors
# Defeat the Vidyadhara Preceptors' lackeys
# Settle the crimes of the Vidyadhara Preceptors
==Gameplay Notes==
* This mission uses the Fate's Ensemble system, played from the perspective of Lingsha. The game provides her for use as a Story character.
==Dialogue==
===Go to Scalegorge Waterscape and meet with the Vidyadhara Preceptors===
: Lingsha: I'd like to hear their explanations.
----
;(Approach marked location)
: Taoran: Welcome, Miss Lingsha. I am Preceptor Taoran.
: Lingsha: Greetings, my honored Preceptor. It's been a while since we last touched base. I've brought a friend with me today. I believe you're already familiar with each other.
: Dan Heng: Taoran... Elder Taoran? I remember when I was exiled, you were on the verge of passing on. What's with this new look?
: Taoran: All of this is thanks to your past life. Had you not been so rash, I wouldn't have had to walk such a dangerous road to free our clan, becoming this specter of my former self.
: Dan Heng: ...
: Taoran: Dan Heng, you've returned twice, but it seems that meeting us fossils wasn't on your agenda. Regrettable, indeed. Now here you are to meet me anyway — life does love its ironies, doesn't it?
: Dan Heng: I didn't come here with Miss Lingsha today to reminisce.
: Taoran: Indeed. When the Cauldron Master extends an invitation, it's only proper for the Preceptors to attend.
: Lingsha: As the newly appointed Cauldron Master, there's been much to take care of within the Alchemy Commission. It's only now that I've had the chance to speak with you. Please forgive the delay, Elder.
: Lingsha: I sent over some evidence regarding the prison break in The Shackling Prison. I trust you've already looked it over.
: Taoran: Yes, you sent us the remains of mara-struck soldiers, a map of The Shackling Prison, and a Semblance Reversion Essence pill.
: Lingsha: These are the remains of assassins who used cloudhymn magic to conceal their tracks. They aided in the borisin's escape, allowing them unimpeded passage through The Shackling Prison.
: Lingsha: That marked-up map is a map of prisoners' escape routes. Vidyadhara craftsmen once made blueprints for the prison's construction, so I imagine, Mr. Taoran, you have a similar map in your possession. This pill —
: Taoran: Is Semblance Reversion Essence. Indeed, I helped plot the prison break in The Shackling Prison.
: Lingsha: So the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus joining forces with the Lord Ravager to stir up trouble in the Alchemy Commission, the introduction of the Stellaron, and the Ambrosial Arbor's resurrection — all have something to do with the Vidyadhara?
: Taoran: That's right.
: So you admit it?
:: Taoran: Are you surprised? After all, both of you were sent here by the Seat of Divine Foresight as messengers, to hear my confession, weren't you?
: This is not unexpected, but it still brings me pain.
:: Taoran: You were sent here by the general to hear my confession, weren't you? If there's even a shred of empathy in you, you should understand the reasons behind everything I've done.
: Taoran: Ever since the Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae, the population of the Vidyadhara has dwindled. With the high elder exiled, a few of us Preceptors had to do what we could to turn the tide. My methods might have been drastic, perhaps even incomprehensible, but it was all for one cause — the survival of the Vidyadhara.
: Taoran: Yet, the Xianzhou natives zealously forbid any plaguemarks and did nothing while the Vidyadhara suffered. Dan Heng, Lingsha, as Vidyadhara, you should understand the desperation behind my actions. All I've tried to do is to ensure our survival.
: Lingsha: I'm well aware of the challenges the Vidyadhara face. Fighting for survival isn't a sin.
: Lingsha: But Elder, your actions have gone beyond mere survival... You've become a beast driven solely by the Propagation, devoid of even a hint of empathy.
: Taoran: Oh? Despite calling ourselves a "noble draconic bloodline," at our core, we're merely bipedal beasts. The survival of our kind is paramount. If I hadn't resorted to beastly actions, the Vidyadhara might not even exist!
: Taoran: The sages show no mercy, as the old wisdom goes. When the high elder abandoned our people's survival, I had to shoulder the world's sins alone!
: Taoran: Lingsha, Dan Heng, the past is behind us, but the future of the Vidyadhara still lies within your grasp. The situation on the Xianzhou Luofu has changed rapidly. As Vidyadhara, we must unite in purpose and avoid the mistakes of the previous Imbibitor Lunae.
: Lingsha: I was initially skeptical about the Vidyadhara's betrayal of the Alliance... But after hearing your confession, I realize that there is no point in talking about trust.
: Lingsha: Breaking the covenant of our alliance will bring war upon the Vidyadhara. Even if we are able to have offspring again, what difference will it make?
: Taoran: Once my plan succeeds, the alliance will see the Vidyadhara as their saviors, because both parties ultimately share the same interests.
: Lingsha: Oh? So now that "survival" won't convince us, you want to talk about "interests"?
: Taoran: For a thousand years, the Alliance has been engaged in brutal warfare against the Denizens of Abundance, yet victory has remained beyond reach. Have you ever wondered why? Should the Alliance emerge victorious, they will inevitably become the next Denizens of Abundance. However, if they suffer defeat, the Alliance will face extinction.
: Taoran: Thus, the Alliance has deceitfully upheld this precarious balance. However, I have a way to escape from this dilemma.
: Taoran: The Alliance's path to salvation lies within the secret of dragon transmutation!
: Taoran: Imagine if there were a way to transform other life forms into Vidyadhara. The Alliance would then possess an endless stream of soldiers and would not need to worry about casualties.
: Taoran: Once the war ended, these soldiers would cease reproduction, eliminating concerns of overpopulation. This is the way to salvation for the Xianzhou Alliance, the ultimate path to end the universe's suffering under the immortality plague. Only we, the Vidyadhara, can achieve this!
----
: Lingsha: So, you relied on this rhetoric to manipulate the ignorant members of the Vidyadhara into serving you?
: Lingsha: I am deeply disappointed in you, Elder. Your thoughts and intentions are completely devoid of empathy. Cloud Knights!
: Taoran: Hold it!
: Dan Heng: Miss Bailu!
: Bailu: Mr. Dan Heng, and Sister Lingsha! Everyone's... here?
: Taoran: You think I don't know why you're really here? Jing Yuan sent you here to test me, didn't he?
: Taoran: According to the oath between the Alliance and the Vidyadhara, it's forbidden to spill Vidyadhara blood on their own territory. Are you all ready to violate this oath in the presence of the Luofu's high elder?
: Lingsha: Dragon Lady, there's no need to panic. Elder, the Vidyadhara sacred grounds and the high elder are not to be used as pawns in exchange for your life!
: Dan Heng: You talk a big game, as if you have the nation and people's best interests at heart. But when it really matters, you use a small girl as your shield. It's ridiculously pitiful.
: Taoran: I've said it before, survival is never a sin. We are all Vidyadhara, so you should understand my intentions. And as a Vidyadhara, I will leave for you a dignified solution.
: Taoran: Leave the Scalegorge Waterscape immediately, and appeal to the top echelons of the Alliance. Let the Six Charioteers hold a trial and sentence me to exuviation and rebirth.
: Exuviation?
: You wish for rebirth?
: Dan Heng: I see right through your plans, Mr. Taoran. Vidyadhara rebirth erases past crimes... but I'm well aware of the Preceptors' dirty tricks during rebirth. You might not be you, but you will still be you.
: Dan Heng: I won't forgive myself for past sins under the pretext of "knowing nothing," nor will I allow you to evade accountability.
: Taoran: Dan Heng, I've always disliked your inability to see the bigger picture. Rebirth hasn't changed you one bit.
: Dan Heng: Miss Bailu, as high elder of the Luofu Vidyadhara, please share your thoughts at this moment.
: Bailu: I... I don't want to stay here. I'm tired of being pushed around! I'm not some puppet to be controlled! Please, take me away with you!
: Dan Heng: I understand.
: Dan Heng: As the oath dictates, members of the Alliance are forbidden from harming Vidyadhara here. But I've long since severed ties with the Alliance. Right now I'm simply a Nameless, free to come and go as I please.
: Dan Heng: The oath of the Xianzhou means nothing to the spear in my hand!
;(Cutscene plays)
===Defeat the Vidyadhara Preceptors' lackeys===
;(Begin battle against , )
: Taoran: Get them! Do whatever it takes! Make sure they don't leave here alive!
===Settle the crimes of the Vidyadhara Preceptors===
;(After the battle)
: Lingsha: Dragon Lady, are you alright?
: Bailu: I... I'm fine. Thank you for rescuing me.
: Taoran: You... you actually came here in person!?
: Jing Yuan: Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to hear your lofty opinions.
: Jing Yuan: The public trial you seek with the Six Charioteers is inevitable. In addition, I'll write to of the Fanghu. With her hatred for evil, I'm sure she will make a just decision.
: Lingsha: If it's her, she will earn the respect and assent of all the Vidyadhara on the Luofu.
: Taoran: ...In terms of martial prowess, you indeed have the upper hand. But if you're under the impression that this advantage can be used to settle the score with us Preceptors, that's quite an overestimation.
: Taoran: Given the Vidyadhara's foundation within the Alliance, do you really think you can do anything to us?
: Taoran: As I mentioned, I'll take all the blame and become the scapegoat.
: Taoran: With the secrets I possess, the interrogation alone will take an eternity. And in the end, through various exchanges of interests, I am certain to survive. You understand this better than anyone, as it's the very art of "trade-offs" you love to wield.
: Taoran: Lastly, a word of caution to you... I heard that Hoolay has escaped from prison and is headed directly for the Skysplitter. The bloodshed at the Wardance is bound to be gruesome. Perhaps, even before my trial, your impeachment will have you in dire straits first?
: Jing Yuan: Regrettably, Mr. Taoran, the Skysplitter only hosted Cloud Knights today, no audience.
: Jing Yuan: And just moments ago, Hoolay was executed by the Cloud Knights.
: Taoran: ...
: Taoran: Heh... Haha... Hahahahaha...
----
:Returning to the Trailblazer's POV...
:When you have a chance to make a choice, make one that you know you won't regret.
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ru:Брызги волн, старая вражда избыта