The Quieting of Quillons

The Quieting of Quillons is the fourth part of the Trailblaze Continuance chapter Finest Duel Under the Pristine Blue (I). It automatically begins after completing From Growls to Grace.
==Steps==
# Follow Lingsha to the Alchemy Commission meeting
# Watch Yanqing duel Yunli
==Dialogue==
===Follow Lingsha to the Alchemy Commission meeting===
;(Talk to Sushang, optional)
: Sushang: Hey, (Trailblazer)! You're back! Why didn't you say anything in the group chat?
: Sushang: I'm on duty. Let's catch up later.
: You look so pretty when you're serious.
:: Sushang: Cut it out. I'm carrying out my sacred duty.
: Why are you standing guard here?
:: Sushang: Because of someone important. So, stop asking and be serious. I'm on duty right now.
: Alright, I'll leave you to it then.
:: Sushang: Yeah, see you later.
: (Pull a funny face at her.)
:: Sushang: ...
:: Sushang: ...
:: Sushang: *laughs* ...Hey, I'm warning you, I'm carrying out my sacred duty! It'll be annoying if you keep cracking jokes like that!
: Sushang: Stop hanging around here and find something better to do. Once I'm done in a few days, call up Lil Gui and Huohuo, and let's grab a meal at Aurum Alley. It's been ages since we hung out.
: Sushang: Goodbye!
;(Talk to Sushang again, optional)
: Sushang: Please do not hinder me from carrying out my sacred duty! We can discuss whatever you want after my shift!
----
;(Idle quotes)
: Preceptor Servant: I'm here to pay my respects to the new Cauldron Master.
: Yuluo: Cauldron Master Lingsha is busy with official business...
;(Talk to Yuluo, optional)
: Shehong: I'm Shehong, a messenger sent by Preceptor Taoran. He wanted to come and congratulate his kindred on becoming Cauldron Master personally, but health limitations hindered his visit.
: Shehong: So, I'm here to pay my respects to the Cauldron Master on his behalf. Could you let her know about my arrival, dear chief alchemist?
: Yuluo: Master Lingsha just arrived on the Luofu and is still settling in and getting her work in order. She's quite busy and unable to meet guests right now. Please understand.
: Shehong: Well then... Please pass this humble gift on to her.
: Yuluo: I'm pretty sure this "humble gift" from the Preceptor himself is quite valuable. As a mere chief alchemist, I am unable to deliver it. Should any mishap occur, I couldn't bear the consequences.
: Shehong: I see. So when will I be able to see Master Lingsha?
: Yuluo: I'm not sure. Whenever Master Lingsha feels it is appropriate, she will most certainly get in touch with you.
: Shehong: Then I shall wait with anticipation.
;(Talk to Yuluo again, optional)
: Yuluo: There you are, Master Lingsha. Just a reminder, the Alchemy Commission on the Luofu has always had a close relationship with the Preceptors, so avoiding a meeting like this doesn't align with our long-standing practices...
: Lingsha: Practices? Come on, you make it sound like the "long-standing practices" in this Alchemy Commission are something great.
: Yuluo: You're right, Cauldron Master. In this case... I'll continue handling them on your behalf.
: Lingsha: Thank you for your help.
----
;(Idle quotes)
: Angry Patient: I've been waiting for years for my turn!
: Angry Patient: And now someone cuts in line?!
: Resigned Medic: Sorry, but it can't be helped...
: Resigned Medic: Don't worry. Your turn will come soon. Please bear with me.
;(Talk to Patient, optional)
: Angry Patient: Do you have any idea how many years I've waited just to see the Healer Lady? And now someone cuts in line? How is that fair?
: Resigned Medic: Please calm down... That person is an esteemed guest who has traveled from afar. She simply couldn't wait in line for years, so we had to let her see the Healer Lady before you.
: Resigned Medic: But don't worry. As soon as she's done, it'll be your turn. By the way, the esteemed guest said she'll cover your medical expenses as compensation.
: Angry Patient: Well... I guess that's acceptable. Your "esteemed guest" seems reasonable, so I'll just pretend nothing happened.
: Resigned Medic: Thanks for understanding. Please have a rest over here.
----
;(Approach marked location)
: Lingsha: All these years, and the view at the Alchemy Commission hasn't changed a bit.
: Lingsha: The tides come and go, but the ancient sea remains the same. For us Vidyadhara, there's nothing more nostalgic than our homeland.
: Dan Heng: ...You're a Luofu native, Miss Lingsha?
: Lingsha: Yes, I grew up here, listening to the sound of waves while researching prescriptions with my mentors and peers at the Alchemy Commission.
: Lingsha: It's kind of sad, isn't it? Everything changes but somehow remains familiar. Just like you, Dan Heng, I traveled far from home, and now I've returned. Seeing the familiar scenery brings back a hint of nostalgia.
: Yanqing: The view here would be even better without the Ambrosial Arbor.
: Lingsha: Oh, really? I think that towering tree looks pretty impressive.
: Yanqing: Even if it's impressive, it's a plaguemark. The Xianzhou have been fighting abominations for thousands of years, and now that the Ambrosial Arbor has been reborn, it's only natural for everyone to feel uneasy.
: Lingsha: Well, once a seed is planted, no matter how long it takes, it'll eventually sprout and bear fruit.
: Lingsha: In my humble opinion, the rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor and the resurgence of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were inevitable. The seed was already planted when the ancestors of the Xianzhou sought immortality.
: Why such a serious topic all of a sudden...?
: We can't just make wild speculations about these things, Miss Lingsha.
: I thought we were here to have some tea, but where's the tea?
: Lingsha: My bad. Well, since you went through the entire Ambrosial Arbor Crisis firsthand, Dan Heng and Lieutenant Yanqing, I'd like to discuss something with you.
: Yanqing: What would you like to discuss, Miss Lingsha?
: Lingsha: I was lucky enough to be chosen by the Alliance to come in and clean up all the old grime in the Alchemy Commission.
: Lingsha: Honestly, the Alchemy Commission is riddled with problems and has reached a point where fixing it seems impossible. I'm looking to "remedy" this problem, but was wondering if you could provide any insights?
: Dan Heng: Well, even though I'm a Vidyadharan like you, I'm an outsider just like my companions here. I can't really say much about a "remedy," but... I do have a piece of advice, Miss Lingsha.
: Dan Heng: The Vidyadhara and the Alchemy Commission on the Luofu have always been intricately connected. If you cannot distance yourself from these ties, Miss Lingsha, changing the situation within the Alchemy Commission may be quite challenging.
: Yanqing: I may not know much about politics, but I do know that the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have been operating within the Alchemy Commission for years. If you're determined to root them out, maybe you should discuss it with the general.
----
: Lingsha: I see. Thank you for your valuable insights.
: Lingsha: While the Lux Arrow from the Reignbow possesses unparalleled power to sever the Ambrosial Arbor, it can't sever mortals' desire to prolong their existence.
: Lingsha: Just like how the Cloud Knights can eliminate the remnants of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, but are unable to calm the hearts and minds of the people within the Alchemy Commission.
: Lingsha: Our Xianzhou forbears knew this well, and that's why they entrusted the duty of guarding the Roots of the Arbor to the Vidyadhara. However, the Vidyadhara are still only mortal beings.
: Lingsha: Thirty years ago, my mentor served as Alchemy Commission's Cauldron Master. She recognized the emerging undercurrents and sought to cleanse the source of the disturbance.
: Lingsha: Unfortunately, even though she was skilled in the art of healing, she didn't understand the human heart or how to eliminate the sickness lurking within the depths of the Alchemy Commission. In the end, she was framed and exiled to the Zhuming. I was also implicated and had to leave the Luofu.
: Lingsha: And guess who arbitrated that case and handed down the sentence...? None other than General Jing Yuan himself.
: Yanqing: W-what?!
: Lingsha: You heard it right. The ones responsible for the corruption in the Alchemy Commission are not just the remnants of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, but even the Divine Foresight himself.
: Lingsha: Alas, why is your face turning pale, Yanqing?
: Lingsha: Don't worry about it. I understand that when someone holds a position of power, they may sometimes have to make tough decisions. I won't hold any personal grudges against him. Besides, at our age, holding personal grudges is a luxury we can't afford.
: ???: Lingsha, you're back! I've been waiting ages for you!
: Lingsha: Yunli? Why aren't you with your grandpa? What brings you to the Alchemy Commission?
: Lingsha: Well, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to Yanqing...
: Yunli: What a small world...
: Yanqing: You...! You stole my sword! Give it back!
: Lingsha: I see. Let's skip the "introduction" part then.
----
: Yunli: Why do I keep bumping into you? Are you stalking me or something?
: Yanqing: Of course not. Unlike you, Miss Yunli, I have important things to take care of. You, on the other hand, seem to have all the time in the world to wander around without returning my sword.
: Yunli: Grandpa used to say that a sword reflects its master. I talked to your sword, and it told me that you've been distracted. You hesitate when you should strike and struggle to stay calm when your sword is unsheathed...
: Yunli: Now that I see you again, I realize your sword was right. It wasn't me who took your sword. It was you who lost focus.
: Yanqing: Do you really expect me to believe that nonsense? I've been taking it easy on you because you're a guest from the Zhuming, but you're not taking the hint. Don't people from the Zhuming know you're supposed to return what you've borrowed?
: Yunli: Just look at this flying sword. Even if I give it back to you now, it'll just be taken away again in a few hours.
: Yunli: You know the Cloud Knight saying: "A Cloud Knight must never let slip their weapon," yes? Well, sure, I can give it back to you now, but on the battlefield, that's a whole different story. Poor flying sword.
: Yanqing: Fine, you don't have to give it back because I'll take it back myself!!
: Maybe I should call the general...
:: (Trailblazer): But which general should I call?
:: March 7th: Between these two, who do you think is tougher? Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious.
: Oh, to be young and at the whim of impulse.
:: March 7th: Between these two, who do you think is tougher? Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious.
:: Dan Heng: Get ready to separate them.
: So, is this the Wardance?
:: March 7th: Between these two, who do you think is tougher, Dan Heng? Don't get me wrong, I'm just curious.
:: Dan Heng: Get ready to separate them.
: Lingsha: It is my first day at the Alchemy Commission — a brawl is definitely not how I imagined celebrating it.
: Yunli: Well, since you don't approve, I won't draw my sword here.
: Lingsha: I didn't mean it that way. Since you've already drawn your swords, you'd be disappointed if you didn't get to test one another, right?
: Lingsha: I've received reports that the delves near the Alchemy Commission are still infested with abominations. Seems like my predecessors left quite a mess. So, if you two want to determine who's better, why not focus on them instead of each other?
: Yunli: Clearing out some abominations? Meh, sounds boring.
: Yanqing: It's the Cloud Knights' duty to eliminate those abominations. You don't have to ask me twice, Miss Lingsha. I'll help you get rid of them.
: Yunli: Oh, you think you're the only one who knows how to behave? If Lingsha needs anything, I'll gladly draw my sword and help her out.
: Lingsha: It's so heartwarming to see both of you being so sweet and caring. So then, shall we get going?
: Let's go!
:;(Enter Exploratory Excursion)
: Wait a second!
----
;(Talk to Lingsha)
: Lingsha: Are you all ready?
: Let's do it!
:;(Enter Exploratory Excursion)
: Let's wait a moment.
===Watch Yanqing duel Yunli===
: Lingsha: Ever since the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were eradicated, their experimental abominations have been festering here.
: Lingsha: If you want a contest, I'll be the referee. The one who kills the most abominations within an hour wins.
: Yunli: Lingsha, as always, you're still an expert in making unpaid work sound so noble and grand...
: Lingsha: It's for your own good, little Yunli. While you desire to compete against each other, I don't want to see either of you getting hurt.
: Yanqing: That's really thoughtful of you, Cauldron Master.
: Lingsha: So, are you both ready?
----
;(Talk to Lingsha)
: Lingsha: Looks like my predecessors left quite a mess.
: Lingsha: Let me say it again: The one who kills the most abominations within an hour wins.
: Lingsha: Be careful when you draw your swords, and make sure you don't hurt each other.
: Yunli: Can we start now, Lingsha?
----
;(Begin battle against )
;(When Yunli takes action)
:: Yunli: Through the clouds, it cleaves a path, Hah!
:: Yunli: To earth, it descends with might, eradicate!
;(When Yanqing defeats more enemies)
:: Yunli: I didn't expect someone who can't even hold onto his sword to actually have some skill.
:: Yanqing: I won't lose to you when it comes to swordplay.
;(When Yunli defeats more enemies)
:: Yunli: You've got style with those moves, but you're not striking where it counts. It's such a shame to see you misuse your sword like that.
:: Yanqing: She wields her sword with ease. I shouldn't underestimate her.
----
;(If Yanqing wins)
:: Yanqing: I win, Miss Yunli!
:: Yunli: You got lucky.
:: Yanqing: Why don't you just give me back my sword, sincerely apologize, and then go cry your eyes out to your grandpa?
:: Yanqing: Consider yourself lucky that I'm not interested in your rusty sword, as I don't have the nasty habit of snatching other people's weapons.
:: Yunli: All you did was chop down a few monsters. Don't get carried away with yourself.
:: Yunli: Heh, if you think you can just take this sword from my hand, go ahead and try.
;(If Yunli wins)
:: Yunli: See? I won.
:: Yunli: Your technique was all over the place, and you relied too much on speed. Is this really all the Cloud Knights of the Luofu can muster? So disappointing.
:: Yanqing: All you did was chop down a few monsters. Don't get carried away with yourself.
:: Yunli: Oh? Well then I'll give you a chance. Defeat me, or hand over all your swords.
:: Yanqing: If you're trying to pick a fight, just ask, because I'm ready for you!
;(Cutscene plays)
----
: Nimble Foxian Lady: Well fought, my young friends.
: Nimble Foxian Lady: However, both of you have shortcomings. One of you focuses on dodging and weaving, while the other relies on brute strength, trying to take down targets with a single strike.
: Yunli: Who are you?
: Nimble Foxian Lady: Me? I'm just a patient seeking medicine from the Alchemy Commission. A passerby, if you will.
: Nimble Foxian Lady: I thought I'd see my fill of impressive fights during the Wardance — yet here I am, able to witness a remarkable fight at the Alchemy Commission, of all places. Well, the Luofu is never short of surprises.
: Nimble Foxian Lady: However, I have a small suggestion for you. Why don't you settle this dispute fair and square in the Wardance's ring? That way, you can resolve your differences with a proper duel, and put your grudges behind you.
: Yanqing: Grudges? No, not at all. Yunli and I... we were just sparring.
: Nimble Foxian Lady: Sparring? You summoned your flying swords, and she swung her sword with full strength. No grudges between you? I don't believe it.
: Lingsha: Aha! What brings you here, Lady Feixiao? Have you finished your health consultation with the Dragon Lady?
: Yunli: Fei... Feixiao? Grandpa always talks about you... Could it be that you are...
: Yanqing: ...The Merlin's Claw of the Xianzhou Yaoqing?
: Feixiao: Looks like I'm quite famous on the Xianzhou Luofu, too.
: Lingsha: Of course, everyone has heard of , known to all, and unbeknown to none.
: Feixiao: ? Isn't that title a bit too narcissistic? I don't like it.
: Feixiao: I heard there's a Dozing General on the Luofu, so I came up with a humble nickname for myself: The "lacking general" — lacking in worries, regrets, and rivals.
: Feixiao: Sounds much better, right?
: Lingsha: Yeah, that's a befitting title that sounds both humble and impressive.
: Lingsha: Now that the sparring session is over, Yanqing and Yunli, shouldn't you politely thank General Feixiao for her guidance and bury the hatchet?
: Yunli: ...Here's your sword. Keep it safe, or it might get taken away again. By the way, we haven't settled the score yet. I'll defeat you fair and square next time we fight.
: Yanqing: This is how she apologizes? Now that I finally got my sword back, I should report to the Seat of Divine Foresight. I'll take my leave, General Feixiao.
: Yanqing: Oh, by the way, Miss Lingsha, if you've got some free time, I'd like to invite you to the Seat of Divine Foresight for a chat with General Jing Yuan. I think there's more to those "personal grudges" you mentioned earlier...
: Lingsha: Thanks for stepping in, General Feixiao. Otherwise, I'd have had to knock them out with my incense.
: Feixiao: Not at all, just doing what you asked. How about we call it even as payment for the Healer Lady's consultation?
: Lingsha: Sorry, but even a general needs to pay their bills. We don't do credit here. And let's not forget, you'd have been waiting decades for a chance to see the Dragon Lady if it weren't for me.
: Feixiao: Well, you can always send the bill to the Seat of Divine Foresight and say it's for mentoring those kids. After all, it was quite the effort splitting them up, I nearly had to get tough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a spot and get some fresh air...
:
: Feixiao: Back already? You've met with Jing Yuan and wandered around for a few hours. So, what do you think?
: Jiaoqiu: It appears that the Divine Foresight is using this Wardance as a show of strength to convince everyone that the Luofu is prospering after the Ambrosial Arbor Crisis...
: Feixiao: But... I know you're going to say "But," right?
: Jiaoqiu: But, the influx of people attending the Wardance is like a breeding ground for disorder and rumors. One wrong move, and the Luofu could be in a world of chaos.
: Moze: The Cloud Knights on the streets remain vigilant, so at the very least General Jing Yuan is aware of this. As for other matters, I'm unable to say.
: Jiaoqiu: I'd prefer to be excused from future meetings with generals. I'm just a military healer, and now all of a sudden I'm thrust onto the center stage having cordial chats with two generals?
: Moze: My work doesn't lend itself to being in the limelight, either.
: Feixiao: Just stop whining. At least you're in one piece, right?
: Feixiao: Before getting in touch with General Jing Yuan, I want to put aside my assumptions and see his "momentum." That includes the overall bearing of the Cloud Knights on the street, what people are saying, and how those close to him behave.
: Jiaoqiu: "The might of an army dwells not within its pawns, but within the force of its collective momentum. Recognizing this fact reveals the true measure of power." Thanks for enlightening me, General.
: Feixiao: A perfectly clear statement turned confusing thanks to your translation — you've made me lose where I was now. Anyway, this is how I operate in battle, so you might as well get used to it.
: Jiaoqiu: Are you treating General Jing Yuan as your enemy?
: Feixiao: The longest-serving general of the Xianzhou Luofu. Do you think he'd have only a few enemies?
: Jiaoqiu: By the way, General, you met the Healer Lady, yes? Could you show me the medicine she prescribed you?
: Feixiao: Well, the Healer Lady couldn't do anything about my condition. She just told me to "enjoy some tasty food."
: Jiaoqiu: ...So, not even the famed Healer Lady could help?
: Jiaoqiu: Don't worry. I'll fulfill my promise and find a way to cure you. Actually, I've found some leads.
: Feixiao: Well, life and death, Jiaoqiu, it's all predetermined.
----
:
: Feixiao: Upon starting my military career, I made a pledge that the rest of my life would be dedicated to being the Xianzhou's spearhead, hunting down the Abominations of Abundance till the end of my days.
: Feixiao: As long as I can fulfill that deep-seated desire... I don't care how long I live.
----
: Feixiao: You asked if I view General Jing Yuan as my enemy... No, my real enemy has always been myself.
: Moze: "Enjoy some tasty food" So... what's for dinner tonight?
: Jiaoqiu: Geez... you really know how to read the room, don't you?
: Feixiao: You guys figure it out for yourselves. I'm due to catch up with an old war friend I've not seen for quite a long time.
:
: March 7th: Hey, was that the Yaoqing General who just dropped in out of nowhere? She's so awesome!
: March 7th: I mean, when Yunli swung that massive sword, she just casually blocked her attack with ease...
: Yanqing: ...And mine, too.
: March 7th: Ahem, yeah... But to go up against Yunli is quite impressive, you know? That aura of heroism and grace. It almost makes me want to learn Xianzhou swordplay!
: March 7th: You think so too, right, (Trailblazer)?
: Yep, those moves were fabulous!
:: Dan Heng: I agree. General Feixiao is indeed impressive.
:: (Trailblazer): Uh... I was talking about Yanqing, actually.
: Hmmm, that general is totally something else...
:: Dan Heng: I agree. General Feixiao is indeed impressive.
:: March 7th: I was actually hoping you'd give Yanqing some praise!
: Oh, yeah, Xianzhou swordplay is really good! Like really, really good!
:: March 7th: Can't you put a little more enthusiasm into it?
: Yanqing: Thanks for the kind words, Miss March. The Wardance is coming up, and I've been chosen to represent the Cloud Knights in the ceremony.
: Yanqing: I've had my fair share of defeats lately, and even though I know there are always more skilled swordmasters out there, seeing General Feixiao's skills today has made me feel a bit uneasy again.
: Dan Heng: Don't underestimate yourself. After all, generals won't fight in the ring during the Wardance. Just remember the state of mind you had when you single-handedly took on me and Blade, putting life and death aside. With that mindset, you can prevail against most challengers.
: Yanqing: I see. Thanks for the advice, Master Dan Heng! By the way, now that today's events are over, General Jing Yuan wants to invite all of you to the Seat of Divine Foresight. He has something important to discuss.
: Something important?
: March 7th: I bet it's about how to deal with the generals from the Yaoqing and the Zhuming.
: Yanqing: *sigh* I really don't want to get caught up in grown-up games so soon... I just hope Generals Feixiao and Huaiyan can see the truth. We don't need any more chaos on the Luofu before the Wardance.
;(Mission completed)
;(Unlock Achievement A Crossing of Blades and Hearts)
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ru:Пение клинков кладёт конец войне