By Way of Old

By Way of Old is an Adventure Mission on The Xianzhou Luofu.
==Steps==
# Go to Starskiff Haven and speak with Yanqing
# Speak with Yanqing and wait for the guests from the Xianzhou Yaoqing
#* Talk with Dan Heng (Optional)
#* Talk with March 7th (Optional)
# Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo
# Speak with Yanqing and wait for the guests from the Xianzhou Zhuming
# Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo
# Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo
==Dialogue==
===Go to Starskiff Haven and speak with Yanqing===
:
----
;(Approach the group)
:March 7th: You're finally here. I've been waiting for ages! I started to think you might not make it...
: Sorry, I'm late. I'll pay the bill...
::March 7th: We're not going out for dinner. There are no bills to pay today!
: March, I feel like you're putting a lot of pressure on me...
::March 7th: Really? Sorry. I brought some mung bean soda with me. Why not have a can to take the edge off?
: It's only right that the hero is last to board!
::March 7th: Well, that's a convenient excuse for bad time-keeping!
:Yanqing: There is no rush. You're here just in time, (Trailblazer).
:Dan Heng: The crew have run to and from the Luofu many times, so there's no need to go to all the effort of a formal send-off, surely? March said you were late because you had something else —
:March 7th: Didn't you know? The Xianzhou Yaoqing and the Xianzhou Zhuming messengers are heading back home!
: I hadn't heard that!
::Yanqing: Sorry, I didn't explain properly in my message.
: I had no idea that was today.
::Yanqing: ...That was why I hoped that the crew would be here.
: Can't they just stay on the Luofu forever?
::March 7th: The pink-haired fox, the crow-feather weirdo, and Master Yunli staying... That's still not bad, I suppose.
::March 7th: But the two generals cannot possibly stay on the Luofu forever!
:March 7th: That's why I suggested that we save the Crew's farewell until the very end! Let's go and see off our guests from afar on their way with Yanqing.
: You make it sound like we're the hosts here!
::March 7th: This is Dan Heng's home. Of course we count as hosts as well!
::March 7th: I studied swordsmanship here. Plus, think about how many friends you've made here... The Luofu is basically our home too.
: I want to... say goodbye, too.
::March 7th: Right! We knew you'd feel this way, so we went ahead and decided for you!
:Dan Heng: That's why March was scared. She thought you'd miss getting to say goodbye.
:March 7th: I knew you'd regret it!
: I get it now!
: Thank you, March!
::March 7th: No worries!
:Yanqing: The Merlin's Claw and the Flaming Heart have already said their farewells to General Jing Yuan at the Seat of Divine Foresight. They wanted to travel light without the Cloud Knights' escort so as not to attract too much attention. I originally thought it may be a little rude to come to bid them farewell on my own, but...
:Yanqing: I feel much more at ease together with the Express guests. As you all feel the same way, let's wait here together for a while.
===Speak with Yanqing and wait for the guests from the Xianzhou Yaoqing===
;(Talk to Dan Heng, optional)
:Dan Heng: Miss Himeko and Mr. Yang have already begun their return from the Calenga Abyss as well, and they'll be arriving at the Luofu today.
:Dan Heng: If the timing is right, we should be able to meet them at the Starskiff Haven port.
: Let's line up to welcome them!
::Dan Heng: I don't think we need all this fuss... Ah...
: This is a great opportunity!
::Dan Heng: I don't know if I'd call it that...
:Dan Heng: We still have some time before they arrive. Let's focus on sending off our Xianzhou guests for now.
----
;(Talk to March 7th, optional)
:March 7th: I didn't have much time, so the only souvenir I managed to buy was the Luofu people's favorite drink.
:March 7th: If they're visitors from afar, then I imagine returning to their Xianzhou will take a long time. If they get thirsty, they can drink this and get a taste of authentic Luofu flavor...
: It's not mung bean soda, is it?
::March 7th: That's right!
: It's not Immortal's Delight, is it?
::March 7th: Do you not know the people of the Luofu by now? Of course it's mung bean soda!
:
: I'm worried they'll be sick if they drink that on the journey...
::March 7th: Is it really that disgusting? This is a gift from the kindness of my heart!
: The taste of the Luofu, a must-have anywhere.
::March 7th: Hehehe, I saw that advert, too!
:March 7th: We can't send our guests off empty-handed!
----
;(Talk to Yanqing)
:Yanqing: Judging by the standard vessel transfer time, the Yaoqing guests should be arriving at any moment.
: Okay, I'll wait here.
::
: Wait a moment. There's something I need to do.
----
:Feixiao: If it isn't Yanqing, the Xianzhou Luofu reigning champion! Oh, and our Astral Express friends are here, too!
:Yanqing & Dan Heng: Farewell, General Feixiao.
:March 7th: Farewell, General Feixiao.
: Farewell, General Feixiao.
: It is a shame that we never got that duel.
::Feixiao: The Marshal warned me repeatedly that I was not permitted to take to the stage and show off my skills. Although, I also think it's a shame not being able to spar with my talented allies.
::Feixiao: How about I have someone send an invitation to battle to the Astral Express when I get back?
:: Ah, I was just joking...
:::Feixiao: ...I wasn't.
:: Alright, I'll do my best to learn from you.
:::Feixiao: ...Although, the recent alliance turmoil is yet to settle and there are lots of preparations to take care of. I imagine we will have to wait some time for our battle.
::: Make it ten thousand years.
::::Feixiao: There are no winners in the face of time.
::: Don't keep me waiting too long.
::::Feixiao: Alright! I hope we will all do our best.
:Feixiao: I am truly honored that I was able to meet with you all one more time before I left the Luofu.
:March 7th: Oh yeah! I brought authentic local drinks from the Xianzhou Luofu for you all — mung bean soda! Please don't hesitate to take one, and you can enjoy it if you get thirsty on your journeys!
:
:Jiaoqiu: You are too kind, Miss March, hahaha!
:Jiaoqiu: Though we have known each other for only a number of days, we are already friends for life. I am just as reluctant to part as you all are, but there is a phrase I once heard...
:Jiaoqiu: If we were to never part, how would we treasure our time together? If there were no farewell, how could we experience the joy of a reunion? Miss March, please do not be sad, as our parting will only connect the dots between the details we missed when we met.
: ...Master Jiaoqiu. We're actually over here.
::March 7th: We were hesitating whether to tell you or not...
: I imagine March hadn't thought that much about all this...
::March 7th: I hadn't, and you're right. But you're absolutely right, Master Jiaoqiu. That's exactly how I feel.
::March 7th: ...I should also probably mention, I'm actually over here. You've been talking to thin air, Master Jiaoqiu...
: You expressed it perfectly, Master Jiaoqiu!
::March 7th: That's right... Though I should also probably mention, I'm actually over here. You've been talking to thin air, Master Jiaoqiu...
:Jiaoqiu: Ah, over here? Ahaha, I'm sorry.
:Jiaoqiu: I'm still not used to this yet. Though my eyes may not be of any use, my ears are extremely sensitive! I can pinpoint location through sound!
:March 7th: ...I think you're still a little off but... Well, that's good enough. (Trailblazer), say something quickly. There's an awkward silence!
: What were you doing during the Wardance?
::Jiaoqiu: I was having my wounds treated, of course! Thanks to the Healer Lady, Cauldron Master Lingsha, we are returning to proper form. All we've been told to do now is "listen to doctor's orders."
::Feixiao: I managed to get time to go and see Yanqing's ringmaster match. You did very well. Your respect for your adversary was particularly commendable, too.
::Yanqing: ...Thank you, general.
: Did you take part in the Wardance competition?
::Feixiao: My identity makes it improper for me to take part in these kinds of competitions, but these two on the other hand...
::Jiaoqiu: Don't ask me. I'm just a healer. You wouldn't catch me getting involved in that kind of thing even when my eyes were working. Ask Moze.
::Moze: I prefer to watch from the shadows and wait for my moment to strike. Unfortunately, the Wardance competition would not give me the time for this.
: Moze, how about you chat a little longer?
::Moze: ...
::Moze: Uhh...
::Moze: Yeah.
::Moze: I think you're all well aware that I'm a conversation killer.
::March 7th: *sigh* For everyone's well-being, we'd better change the topic.
: How do you feel about your journey to the Xianzhou Luofu?
:Feixiao: Our objective upon the Luofu has been completed. Although the situation with Hoolay got a little out of hand... Everything was wrapped up nicely in the end.
:Feixiao: If I had to share my regrets... It would be that I was not able to fulfill my duty as a leader and protect the safety of my subordinates.
:Jiaoqiu: Ah, general, please don't reinforce the Yaoqing stereotype of being conversation killers... Let's talk about something happy before we leave.
:Moze: ...
:Moze: You're not waiting for me to say something, are you? I have no thoughts on the matter. Let's go. The starskiff will be here soon.
:Feixiao: Wait, I would like to say a final word to young Yanqing.
:Yanqing: Me?
:Feixiao: The finishing blow you landed on Hoolay on the Skysplitter was masterful, truly remarkable.
:Feixiao: Although, there is still room for improvement when it comes to your technique in battle. The Xianzhou Yaoqing offers so many opportunities for this, so if you one day have the urge to leave the Luofu and see a broader horizon, come and find me on the Xianzhou Yaoqing!
:Yanqing: I... I understand. If I have an opportunity in the future, I will make sure not to miss out on your personal instruction, general.
:Feixiao: Alright everyone, time has passed us by. It is time for us to bid farewell for now.
:March 7th: Let's take a group picture! I've got a cycrane ready!
===Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo===
;(Approach March 7th, idle text)
:March 7th: We're all waiting for you, hurry up!
;(After taking the photo)
:
===Speak with Yanqing and wait for the guests from the Xianzhou Zhuming===
:(Trailblazer): (If you are ready, await the next group of guests with Yanqing.)
----
;(Talk to Dan Heng, optional)
:Dan Heng: I am not good at expressing my feelings at times like this. I'll leave the talking to you, March.
----
;(Talk to March 7th, optional)
:March 7th: Don't worry. I still have lots of Luofu's specialty mung bean soda left!
----
;(Approach Yanqing, idle text)
:Yanqing: The Zhuming guests will be arriving soon.
;(Talk to Yanqing)
:Yanqing: Judging by the standard vessel transfer time, the Zhuming guests should be arriving at any moment.
: Okay, I'll wait here.
::
: Wait a moment. There's something I need to do.
----
:Huaiyan: It's Yanqing and the Astral Express crew! Thank you all for waiting.
:Yanqing & Dan Heng: I bid you farewell, General Huaiyan.
:March 7th: I bid you farewell, General Huaiyan.
: I bid you farewell, General Huaiyan.
: It is a shame that we never got that duel.
::Huaiyan: Oh? You wish to see my skills?
::Huaiyan: Hahaha! It is rare to find a youngster that has such little fear of death. Just being asked to battle takes me back to those years when my blood burned like fire. How refreshing.
:: I was just joking.
:::Huaiyan: Oh good, me too.
:: I am very curious about your true strength, General.
:::Huaiyan: Ah, please don't allow Feixiao to mislead you about me.
:::Huaiyan: I am but an old man that has grown to love craftsmanship. My interest in competitions and fighting beasts faded long ago.
:Huaiyan: But I want to hear more from the youngsters! Yunli, did you not have lots prepared that you wanted to say before you left?
:Yunli: Ahem, as a master, I should pass on some words of advice to March before I leave.
:March 7th: Hehe, Master Yunli!
:Yunli: Come to think of it, you never took part in the Wardance in the end, did you?
:March 7th: Ah, well, no... I didn't.
:Yanqing: Weren't you and March both being treated in the Alchemy Commission at the time?
:Yunli: You think I don't know that? What I mean is, as she has not yet completed the initial target for her training, March has still not completed her tuition. I don't want you slacking on your training while I'm back on the Xianzhou Zhuming!
: Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her.
::Yunli: Good, no spoiling her like you normally do!
: Even if she had, she would still need to train.
::Yunli: Quite right! Swordsmanship practice cannot be neglected!
:March 7th: Come to think of it, Master Yunli, weren't you originally after the reward that General Huaiyan was offering? Aren't you sad you weren't able to take part in the Wardance?
:Yunli: I'm not that sad! I heard Yanqing took victory as the ringmaster. So the sword still rests in worthy hands.
:Yunli: Plus, my grandfather has brought the prize all the way here. So does it not seem a little unceremonious for me to just win it and take it straight back? I will not steal Yanqing's thunder this time, as I don't want to embarrass him.
:Yanqing: Hmph, such gracious generosity, Yunli. You really helped me save face as the Luofu swordmaster.
----
:Yanqing: But I brought the awesome blade over to use in this moment of farewell.
: Woah, Yanqing loves that sword more than his life, and yet...
: Gift-giving is quite an art...
:March 7th: Woah! Are you really thinking about giving your sword to Yunli, Master Yanqing?
:Yunli: Really? This sword is your proof of victory in the Wardance... Now I feel bad about taking your sword before.
:Huaiyan: What generosity! I knew I was right about you.
:Yanqing: You're such the humorist, Yunli. This was the sword I won as the ringmaster. I was just thinking that as you were leaving, you would not see it for a while. I brought it so you could touch it one last time and ease your regrets.
: Wow, Yanqing really does love that sword more than his life!
: Communication is quite an art...
:March 7th: Let me translate for you, Master Yunli: "Nuh-uh, this is my sword, and you can't have it."
:Huaiyan: ...
:Huaiyan: Tsk... This boy, he's just like me at this age.
:Yunli: You... Yanqing! You just wanted to rub salt in my wounds! Huh?
:Yunli: You listen to me. Once you've finished resting, bring that sword to the Zhuming and find me. I will forge a good sword as apology... However, you know the rules. You must meet me with steel and win the sword fair and square. Got that? It's a promise!
:Yanqing: Recent events have inspired me to travel afar and expand my knowledge of this life. As you so kindly invited me, Yunli, it's a promise.
:
:Lingsha: Hehe, looks like I made it just in time for a show.
: You're leaving too, Miss Lingsha?
: Miss Lingsha, the Alchemy Commission cannot go on without you!
:Lingsha: Hehe, I am here to bid farewell to our Zhuming guests as you are. As I've spent so many years studying on the Xianzhou Zhuming and been under the care of Ardens Regia, I am basically a half-native Zhuming person at this point.
:Yunli: It's all thanks to Miss Lingsha. The guests from afar, the Cloud Knights who participated in the operation, and March receiving timely care and treatment at the Alchemy Commission — who else but Miss Lingsha could've handled all these harrowing incidents?
:Lingsha: Not at all. This is all simply the work of the Alchemy Commission.
:Huaiyan: After eliminating the deeply rooted Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and the Vidyadhara Preceptors, it will fall on you to rebuild the Alchemy Commission. Lingsha, it is time for us to say farewell.
:Lingsha: Safe journeys, General Huaiyan and Miss Yunli. I hope that you shall send my regards to Ardens Regia. I will not let all that I learned on the Xianzhou Zhuming go to waste on the Xianzhou Luofu.
:Huaiyan: Well then, it is time for me to be on my way...
:March 7th: Wait! Let's take a group picture! Oh, and I have mung bean soda here for you all to take with you...
===Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo===
;(Approach March 7th, idle text)
:March 7th: We've left a spot for you!
:March 7th: C'mon, let's take a photo!
;(After taking the photo)
:
:
:Fu Xuan: I have been devoted to divining the cause and effect outcomes of so many things, yet I never divined that there would be so many people here to meet me on my return to the Xianzhou. I see the Xianzhou Luofu really just can't go on without me.
: Diviner Fu, we have been waiting a long time.
::Fu Xuan: Hmm, thank you for the warm welcome. I have returned.
: Diviner Fu, what brings you back here?
::Fu Xuan: Huh? So, you all standing here has... absolutely nothing to do with me?
: Who's this sassy, lost, short pink-haired girl?
::Fu Xuan: Huh? I cannot pretend I didn't hear that.
:Yanqing: ...Let me explain.
:
:Fu Xuan: I understand what has happened. Although this was merely a coincidence, it is still a fact that you are all here now. How about you meet me halfway... "Meet me halfway" is a strange expression for this, but why don't we pretend you were awaiting my triumphant return?
:Fu Xuan: Actually, Yanqing, forget it. You have all been on the Luofu for all this time, and you didn't even notice that I wasn't here?
: I noticed, the Divination Commission has been so empty and lonely.
::Fu Xuan: Very good. I see you truly care about the Luofu.
: If you were here, we would never have had so many issues!
::Fu Xuan: Precisely. There's no way so many things would go wrong with me around!
: I didn't notice at all. I thought you were still here...
::Fu Xuan: Did you hear that? It's a sound of something smashing to pieces... That was my heart thinking about working on the Xianzhou Luofu again.
::Fu Xuan: If I didn't have so many inquiries to deal with on the Xianzhou Yuque, then Jing Yuan would... Forget it, it's not important.
:March 7th: You must be tired, Master Diviner Fu. I have some mung bean soda. Please take one cup as a welcome back gift!
:Fu Xuan: Thank you. That is very kind. However, I am quite picky when it comes to drinks. Almost no regular Luofu citizen actually drinks mung bean soda. I'll take you to try some startaro bubble tea and you'll understand.
:March 7th: ...Hmm?
: What did you learn about the Yuque?
::Fu Xuan: I was mainly supporting General Yaoguang with providing details about the Ambrosial Arbor disaster and discerning the truth from the lies in Jingliu's confession... Honestly, I had no time to rest or learn anything new.
::Fu Xuan: As for the results, although you are all precious Xianzhou allies, this is not the best time to reveal all. I still need to discuss things with Jing Yuan so... You just await my good news.
: Did you hear about Hoolay's escape from prison, Master Diviner?
::Fu Xuan: News about his escape has spread like wildfire. Of course, I am aware. Although, much like the citizens of the Xianzhou, I had nothing but joy when I learned that the entire matter was under the control of the Seat of Divine Foresight and the Ten-Lords Commission.
::Fu Xuan: I divined a rough idea of how things unfolded on my return journey and I must say: We are so fortunate to have you. Our guests from the Astral Express have saved the Xianzhou Luofu from disaster once more.
: You should have told us you were coming back!
:Fu Xuan: I do not like fusses. This was simply a work trip, and there was no need for a welcome party.
:Fu Xuan: Although, I did contact Qingque in advance and tell her to come and meet me at Starskiff Haven... Hmph, I see she's nowhere to be seen. Looks like it's time to head back to the Divination Commission and see exactly what excuse she has this time.
: Qingque, run!
: You brought this on yourself, Qingque.
:March 7th: It's okay! Yanqing was planning to say their farewells to the Crew, so he could be your welcoming party, too! We have to take a group picture together first though!
:Fu Xuan: Not a bad suggestion at all, Miss March. Let's do that.
===Take your place and let the cycrane snap a group photo===
;(Approach March 7th, idle text)
:March 7th: (Trailblazer), stand here!
;(After taking the photo)
:Dan Heng: The Crew visits the Luofu all the time. Even if we are guests of the Seat of Divine Foresight, there's no need to go to all the effort of a formal send off. We'll say a goodbye for now, but if the Xianzhou Alliance has anything further to discuss in the future, please don't hesitate to contact our conductor.
:Fu Xuan: After all, the Astral Express is now in alliance with the Xianzhou Alliance.
:Yanqing: That's right. Though you may be our guests from far across the starry skies, it will not be difficult for us to meet again should you wish to return to the Xianzhou Luofu. I am certain that we will have a chance to meet again, and I can learn from you all once more.
:Yanqing: ...Honestly, I also intend to board the Express and set off on my own adventure of self-improvement. I wonder what you would all say to that?
:March 7th: You're more than welcome, of course! Oh yeah, weren't Himeko and Mr. Yang saying that they wanted to come along today, too? We could find them to discuss it further...
:Yanqing: I am still recovering from my wounds, so I am not yet ready to depart. This matter can wait for now.
:March 7th: Hmm...
: Looks like our Express family aren't going to make it in time?
: Well, we don't want to keep you waiting around. Let's head out!
:Dan Heng: Indeed. Let's leave the farewell party here for today. On behalf of the Crew, I would like to thank the Xianzhou Luofu for your kind hospitality.
:Yanqing: Safe travels, friends.
:
:Himeko: I can't believe the Xianzhou Luofu is still so busy even after the Wardance is over... Oh yeah, where are March and the others?
:Welt: Dan Heng said that they were waiting in the port. I imagine they must be nearby?
:Qingque: Congratulations to Lady Fu for your outstanding performance and courageous efforts on the Xianzhou Yuque! I would hereby like to celebrate the triumphant return of Master Fu Xuan, known as the only light in the Xianzhou Luofu Divination Commission and the Divine Foresight's candidate!
:Himeko: ...Miss. Open your eyes. We are not... Master Fu Xuan?
:Qingque: Huh? Mr. Yang? And could that be.... Miss Himeko?
:Welt: Indeed I am.
:Qingque: Then where is the Master Diviner?
:Himeko: How would we know? When did your Master Diviner even get here?
:Qingque: You don't mean... I missed her!?
:Qingque: Huuuuh—!?
;(Mission completed)
;(Unlock Achievement Last Jug of Joy)
==Trivia==
*This mission's Chinese name is quoted from the lyrics of , based on the 1868 American song , with the Chinese lyrics written by in 1915.
==Other Languages==
==Change History==