A Knight Stranger

* Rewards
* Characters

 450 100 5 5 "Into the Desolate" 110,000

Back'n, Dahao, Forth, Jingyan, Luocha, March 7th, Pom-Pom, Trailblazer, Trailblazer, Void Archives, Welt, Yinshu, Yunshen

Luocha, the cryptic Outworld traveling merchant, is so similar to that person... Looks like it's a job for genius detective, March 7th!
***A Knight Stranger*** is the first and only mission in Luocha's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the Outworld Sojourner chapter that takes place on The Xianzhou Luofu.

## Acquisition

After reaching Trailblaze Level 34 and completing Trailblaze Mission *Humming Antlers, Entwined Horns*, read the message from Dahao.

## Steps

1. Speak with Dahao at the Realm-Keeping Commission
2. Speak with Jingyan and check the video recording the cycrane took
3. Talk to Jingyan and confirm her new finding
4. Find Yinshu, the shopkeeper of Spare Time Book Shop, at the Exalting Sanctum
5. Find Yinshu at the Exalting Sanctum and talk to her
6. Return to the Realm-Keeping Commission and learn about the new clues of the case from Jingyan
7. Collaborate with March 7th to put on her detective show
8. Reach the meeting point and start the dangerous trade
9. Leave the Realm-Keeping Commission and check out the "scene of the crime"
10. Listen to what Jingyan is telling Back'n and Forth

## Gameplay Notes

* This mission requires the use of Luocha, and provides him for use as a Trial character.

## Trial Character

* Skill Lv. 10
* Ultimate Lv. 10
* Talent Lv. 10

## Dialogue

### Receive a message from Dahao

(Open message from Dahao)
**Dahao:** (Trailblazer), is this your number? I am Official Dahao from the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery.
As you are aware. there's been some... minor issues on the Luofu recently. Anyways, I was hoping you could help me with something
 But I'm not from Xianzhou
**(Trailblazer):** But I'm not from Xianzhou. I shouldn't interfere with official business
**Dahao:** That's even better!
 Could I actually manage to help you?
**(Trailblazer):** I'm just an Outworlder. I might not be able to help...
**Dahao:** That's even better!
 I'm busy
**(Trailblazer):** I'm busy
**Dahao:** Really?
**Dahao:** Sorry. You might have misunderstood. I meant if you can take some time out of your busy schedule to help us, the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery would be very grateful and will provide appropriate rewards
**Dahao:** Please don't spread the following information.
After the incident. the general and the master diviner drew up a list. and want the Sky-Faring Commission and us to check all the people who traveled at certain times to certain locations. They suspect someone smuggled "contraband" onto the Luofu...
**Dahao:** The Commissions checked everything against the records and didn't find anyone suspicious. so we're here to ask your assistance...
 You think I'm suspicious?
**(Trailblazer):** You think I'm suspicious?
**Dahao:** No, that's not what I mean
 How do I fit in here?
**(Trailblazer):** Um... Okay? So what do you want me to do?
**Dahao:** The Xianzhou Alliance is not a part of the Interastral Peace Corporation's commercial sphere and does not share much information with the IPC. For one, we are not linked with their law enforcement system... If a criminal wanted by the IPC sneaked [*sic*] onto a Xianzhou ship, we would have no means of immediately detecting them
**Dahao:** It takes time and effort to send a formal request to the IPC to check, so the general advised us to seek help from the Astral Express Crew to filter the list for any suspicious persons
**Dahao:** If you can, please bring a few companions with you to help us go through the data.
(Accepted Mission ***A Knight Stranger***)

### Speak with Dahao at the Realm-Keeping Commission

 **Mission Description**

After the Stellaron Crisis outbreak, the six commissions were busy as a bee trying to find the perpetrator in vain. Official Dahao of the Realm-Keeping Commission requested support from the Astral Express to identify suspects. Sounds like another bothersome case... However, as a Nameless, you should lend a helping hand as much as you can. Go talk to him. Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Dahao)
 I'm here to help with the investigation.
**Dahao:** Oh, so you are. And these would be... Miss March 7th and Mr. Yang, I presume?
**March 7th:** That's right, I'm the first one, he's the second! We're here to help!
**Welt:** March, try not to sound too excited...? We're here for work, remember.
**March 7th:** Hmph, you're the one getting excited... My first detective case! Finally, my intelligence and wisdom have a chance to shine!
**Dahao:** Miss March, Mr. Yang, I've been looking forward to meeting you. Make yourselves comfortable. One moment, please... Jingyan! Get me the photos!
**Jingyan:** Coming, coming, stop yelling.
**Dahao:** And you, whatshisname... Get our guests some tea.
**After a while, Jingyan hurries over with a scroll.**
**Jingyan:** Thanks for waiting. These are the outworld— ...uh — travelers who were sighted in the location specified by the general and the master diviner. This was two days before the Ambrosial Arbor came back to life.
**Dahao:** We'd like you to take a look — do you recognize any of them as a threat?
**March 7th:** Let me take a look... Mm, so these are the suspects. Ahem, hmm, I see...
(Flashbacks of Welt and Void Archives from Honkai Impact 3rd — A Post-Honkai Odyssey)
**March 7th:** ...What's wrong, Mr. Yang? See anything fishy?
**Welt:** Who's he? ...I'd like to see more information on him.
**Dahao:** Which one? Let me see...
 ...What's wrong, Mr. Yang? See anything fishy?
**March 7th:** ...I thought we talked about copying people.
 Is one of them a threat?
 Let's kick some butt so we can get back to resting.
**March 7th:** Resting? Booooring!
**Welt:** I don't have any concrete evidence... but I think he's worth checking out.
**Dahao:** Oh, him? I remember him. He's a traveling merchant. He trades throughout the universe, knows a thing or two about remedial arts too. He registered himself on the Xianzhou as... what was it again...
**Jingyan:** Luocha. His name is Luocha.
**Dahao:** That's right, Luocha. He came to the Xianzhou with a huge box this time — some sort of funerary contraption. It had a funny name... something to do with coughing? It was pretty conspicuous — I had to ask him about it.
**Jingyan:** "Coffin." It's a tool that certain non-Xianzhou travelers seem to use in death rites... I'm guessing our guests here might recognize it.
**Dahao:** Hmph, I swear he said "coughing"... Anyway, we checked him out — his record on the Xianzhou is squeaky-clean. As for this "caffeine" thing...
**Jingyan:** Coffin.
**Dahao:** Yeah, yeah. Either way, it definitely had something to do with funerals. There are lots of travelers on the Luofu, each with their own star system and death rites — I guess that must be Luocha's line of work... Is there something up with him?
**Welt:** Not necessarily... but I have my reasons for wanting to investigate. What was he doing in the days leading up to the Ambrosial Arbor's resurrection?
**Dahao:** Hmm... that's complicated. Come with me to the Foursquare Mirror — it'll be easier to explain.
**Dahao:** Exalting Sanctum is one of the Luofu's crucial central cities — the higher-ups are very concerned about security issues here. That's why there are so many cycranes stationed in the area.
**Dahao:** Luocha arrived on the Luofu a few days prior to the Ambrosial Arbor's resurrection. Up until the day before the resurrection, there was nothing suspicious about his behavior...
**March 7th:** I figured it out! The day before the resurrection, he appeared near the Ambrosial Arbor with a Stellaron!
 The Realm-Keeping Commission would have arrested him by now...
**March 7th:** Oh yeah, I guess. You're pretty smart... sometimes.
 Eureka! That solves everything!
**Welt:** If that were the case, the Realm-Keeping Commission would have arrested him by now — why look to us for help?
**March 7th:** Oh, yeah... Ah Geez, this is gonna be a tough case to crack if even my instincts are off...
**Dahao:** Hahahaha, you lot are enthusiastic, I'll give you that. The reason I mention the day before the resurrection is because... we have no idea what he did that day.
**Dahao:** The resurrection brought about unusual yinyang phenomena that caused the entire cycrane system to malfunction. The image data from the day of the incident is beyond restoration, and data from the day before was badly affected.
 Why don't you just ask him?
**Dahao:** We will, in due course. But we can't be too general — specific questions are key. Not to mention, without a clear suspicion, it would involve multiple interrogations...
**Dahao:** So... if you feel this Luocha is suspicious in some way, make it known. Then I can arrange for his detention and interrogation.
**Welt:** How should I put this... He just looks kind of...
**March 7th:** Mr. Yang! You were going off his appearance this whole time? I thought you had some super secret thing up your sleeve! Didn't your mom ever tell you not to judge a book by its—
 —Cover!?
 His appearance? He looks pretty handsome to me...
**March 7th:** Exactly! ...Huh? W—Wait! That's not the point!
 Yup, he just rubs me the wrong way!
**March 7th:** Where's this anger coming from?
**Welt:** Sorry, what I mean is... hmm. It's difficult to explain, but my instinct tells me this Luocha is involved somehow.
**Welt:** Apologies, I realize this is personal speculation.
**Dahao:** That's alright — instinct is an important part of any Realm-Keeping Commission investigation. There are times when my gut tells me something's not right, and there's usually a reason for it. I'm with you on this one.
**Dahao:** Be that as it may, as an official, I can't go bringing someone in based on a villainous appearance...
**Jingyan:** ...Because if a complaint led to his dismissal, it would leave a blemish on his resume, making it difficult for him to advance his career for the next few centuries.
**Dahao:** Precise— No! What are you talking about... Anyway, if you do want to investigate, I can grant you access to the Foursquare Mirror... Jingyan, you'll be assisting our esteemed guests in their investigation.
**Jingyan:** Isn't it inappropriate for an officer of the Realm-Keeping Commission to assist the public in investigating someone?
**Dahao:** Bah, not at all... Make sure you don't leave the Commission — just help them check the cycrane footage.
**Dahao:** Keep me updated on progress — if you find hard evidence, I'll be there in a flash. One thing though — don't approach him. If you make a discovery, contact me first.
**Welt:** We're thankful that you're entrusting this to us — we'll keep it by the book.
**March 7th:** Don't worry, the Express Crew keeps its promises. We won't disappoint you.
**Dahao:** \*sigh\* Jingyan, over to you. I need to get going.
**Jingyan:** Understood.
**Jingyan:** This might take you some time. Come and find me when you're ready.

(Talk to Welt, optional)
**Welt:** I owe you two an apology — my speculations have gotten us into a delicate situation... I'll treat you to some Xianzhou delicacies later.
 I want a full Garden of Gourmet feast!
**Welt:** No problem. Let's get this settled first, though.
 No big deal, we're all on the same team after all.
**Welt:** Mm, I'm glad to hear you say that.
 With March here, it's always a delicate situation.
**March 7th:** Yeah right... Anyway, since when did investigators shy away from delicate situations?
**March 7th:** ...I did wanna say something, though. Umm, I don't think Mr. Yang is the kind of person to make a judgment based only on instinct...
 Why do you say that?
**March 7th:** Gut feeling.
 I think so too.
**Welt:** Mm... It's not something I need to conceal from you.
**Welt:** As you know, there are infinite worlds in this universe that can be similar yet different from each other in various ways. The same is true of the people on those worlds.
**Welt:** That's why it's possible for us to run into individuals on multiple worlds who share an appearance, but not a personality... For all we know, in some faraway world, March's adorable face might belong to an intergalactic pirate.
 \*silence\*
 I knew she was suspicious.
**March 7th:** Hey! He was just giving an example! I'm the nicest girl in the galaxy.
**Welt:** However... in most cases, their fates will walk a similar course. I've seen two people who looked almost identical to this Luocha... They were not of the virtuous persuasion.
**Welt:** That's why the moment I laid eyes on him, a chill ran down my spine. March is right — we shouldn't judge a book by its cover... but I can't overlook this.
**Welt:** \*sigh\* I don't want to force you into trusting my judgment, but...
**March 7th:** What are you talking about? Of course we trust your judgment, Mr. Yang! Right, (Trailblazer)?
 That's right, we believe in you!
 It isn't our trust you need...
**Welt:** You're right, (Trailblazer). The key is whether the Realm-Keeping Commission will trust a judgment based on this logic.
 On the Express, we always trust our own.
**March 7th:** Of course, crew members are always right.
**Welt:** I'm glad you believe in me, truly. But the problem remains: Will the Realm-Keeping Commission trust a judgment based on this logic?
**Jingyan:** From a Xianzhou legal standpoint, the Realm-Keeping Commission is unable to accept a judgment like this.
**March 7th:** ...
**Jingyan:** It's not that we distrust you, Mr. Yang, but we cannot act on groundless accusations. I hope you understand.
**Welt:** Of course. We raised the accusation, we will carry the burden of proof.
(Obtained  Research Records "Trying to Persuade")

(Talk to March 7th, optional)
**March 7th:** Hoo-wee! We may be new to the Xianzhou, but we're already investigating the mysterious disappearance of Luocha...
 You're acting a little weird today...
**March 7th:** Am I? I feel pretty normal. Anyway, this case has really got my detective blood pumping. I need to get to the bottom of it...
 You're in high spirits today.
**March 7th:** Yup! I always dreamed of a head-scratcher like this — a chance to showcase my detective genius.
**March 7th:** I've been familiarizing myself with The Angler Mystery lately. — I think it's safe to say I have the best investigative mind on the Express at this point...
 The Angler Mystery?
**Jingyan:** You have good taste, Miss March. The Angler Mystery is a classic detective novel on the Xianzhou... I read it when I was young and dreamed about working in the Commission ever since.
**Jingyan:** I didn't think it would be attracting new readers more than 200 years later.
**March 7th:** \*gasp\* A fellow reader! But Miss Jingyan, the author — Su Fang — was the lead medical assistant in an apothecary, and the main character — the angler — is a healer... Why didn't you want to join the Alchemy Commission instead?
**Jingyan:** \*sigh\* A number of reasons. This job may be trivial, but I have my reasons for being here... Plus, hehe, the threshold for the Alchemy Commission was too difficult for me to reach.
**March 7th:** I see... But your lives are so long — shouldn't career change be easy?
**Jingyan:** I considered it once... That was a long time ago. The longer I stay in this job, the more I understand its purpose. Fighting crime, helping the weak, solving the problems no one wants to touch... It's a satisfying feeling.
**March 7th:** Wow, good for you Miss Jingyan.
**Welt:** Sounds like you really care.
(Obtained  Research Records "Pretend to Be an Officer")

### Speak with Jingyan and check the video recording the cycrane took

 **Step Description**

In the process of helping the Realm-Keeping Commission in identifying suspects, something unexpected happened. The Realm-Keeping Commission isn't too anxious about it, but Welt was. The moment he saw Luocha's flawless face, he was stunned and cold sweat drenched his shirt. You don't know the reason, but Welt must have a good reason for being so unnerved. Continue to investigate this Mr. Luocha.
Say, what is March 7th so excited about. and since when did she have a "Genius Detective" tacked onto her name? Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Jingyan)
**Jingyan:** I can bring up the data anytime from here. Are you ready?
 Ready, let's do it.
 Just a moment.
**Jingyan:** Alright, follow me.
**Jingyan takes everyone to the Foursquare Mirror and begins to retrieve the footage.**
**Jingyan:** As Official Dahao mentioned, the Arbor caused unusual yinyang phenomena which affected the entire cycrane system.
**Jingyan:** We lost a lot of video footage, and for the image data we recovered, the timestamps are all jumbled up... Look, this is Mr. Luocha on the day prior to the resurrection.
**March 7th:** So we have to clean up and reorder the footage ourselves?
**Jingyan:** Exactly. Thank you again for your help.
**March 7th:** (Trailblazer), this is your forte — over to you.
 Roger that!
**March 7th:** I knew we could rely on you!
 My forte? Says who!?
**March 7th:** Hey, I said over to you! You can't back out now!
 Aren't you the genius detective?
**March 7th:** That's right, and you're the sidekick!

**Footage One:** Luocha crossed the street and turned into a strange corner. It looks dangerous there, but he didn't seem to care at all. He paced in with nothing but a sword in hand.

**Footage Two:** Luocha walked out of a small inn without any heavy luggage.

**Footage Three:** Luocha walked into Spare Time Book Shop and stepped out after a while. He left with nothing in hand — perhaps he didn't buy anything.

**Footage Four:** Luocha is looking into the distance at the dock of Exalting Sanctum with coffin at his side. Maybe he just left a starskiff, maybe he is waiting for a new starskiff. He walked along the dock for a while and put aside his luggage, leaning on the railing and watching starskiffs passing by the dock.
**March 7th:** What do you think? Any idea what the correct order is?
 1, 2, 3, 4.
**March 7th:** Is this order really correct? Lemme see...
**March 7th:** Luocha turns a corner, but the corner leads straight to an inn... Then he exits the inn and goes into Spare Time Book Shop without buying anything.
**March 7th:** And then he runs to the dock and picks up some luggage?
**March 7th:** This doesn't seem right to me. Wanna try again?
 3, 2, 1, 4.
**March 7th:** Really? That feels like a messy order to me.
**March 7th:** So Luocha enters Spare Time Book Shop and then the inn, but leaves moments after empty-handed. Then he turns a corner into a dark alley... and then goes to the dock with all that luggage?
**March 7th:** Do you think he captured someone and put them in the coffin?
**Welt:** That's quite a conjecture, March. The Xianzhou scans all luggage moving into and out of their territory — it'd be nearly impossible to pull off. Not to mention, when Luocha turns the corner, he doesn't have the coffin with him.
**March 7th:** Phew, thank goodness. Looks like this order is still a little problematic. Try again?
 4, 2, 3, 1.
**March 7th:** Lemme see if this order works... Hmm, Luocha exits the starskiff, enters Exalting Sanctum, goes into an inn, and puts down his luggage — including the coffin.
**March 7th:** Then he goes to Spare Time Book Shop, but doesn't buy anything. Finally, he leaves and turns a corner into a dark alley.
**Welt:** The logic in this is sound — looks like the correct order. Nice work, (Trailblazer).
**March 7th:** Nice work indeed — you're sidekick to a genius detective after all!
 2, 3, 1, 4.
**March 7th:** Hmm... 2, 3, 1, 4... Luocha emerges from the inn, goes to Spare Time Book Shop, turns into an alley, then appears at the dock with his luggage...
**March 7th:** I know! He must have found a treasure map at Spare Time Book Shop. He went into the alley to dig it up and then went home with his newfound riches!
**March 7th:** On second thought, nah... (Trailblazer), this order feels awkward, try arranging it again.
 I wanna see the videos again.
**March 7th:** Sure, which one do you want to watch?
 Watch footage one.
**Footage One:** Luocha crossed the street and turned into a strange corner. It looks dangerous there, but he didn't seem to care at all. He paced in with nothing but a sword in hand.
 Watch footage two.
**Footage Two:** Luocha walked out of a small inn without any heavy luggage.
 Watch footage three.
**Footage Three:** Luocha walked into Spare Time Book Shop and stepped out after a while. He left with nothing in hand — perhaps he didn't buy anything.
 Watch footage four.
**Footage Four:** Luocha is looking into the distance at the dock of Exalting Sanctum with coffin at his side. Maybe he just left a starskiff, maybe he is waiting for a new starskiff. He walked along the dock for a while and put aside his luggage, leaning on the railing and watching starskiffs passing by the dock.
 Not now.
**March 7th:** Where does this corner lead to?
**Welt:** I checked the map and found a gate in this open area... Look, there's a small dock on the other side. He may have left on a starskiff.
**March 7th:** Why would he leave Exalting Sanctum via a secluded dock? That's so suspicious!
**Jingyan:** I don't think Mr. Luocha could've departed from there. The dock you're referring to is Yuanshou-Crag CMXCIX — it belongs to the Seat of Divine Foresight. It's only used during invasions.
**Jingyan:** That's why that gate is almost always locked. As far as I know, it's been locked for centuries and only gets opened for occasional inspections.
**Welt:** The key question is... when did he leave? There's only one gate in this area, at least on the map... Miss Jingyan, does the remaining footage show anyone else entering or leaving this place?
**Jingyan:** I can find out, but you'll have to wait awhile. Most of the footage was lost, but at least there was a whole day of recording. There's a lot that needs checking and confirming first...
**Welt:** Understood, thank you.
 Thanks for your hard work.
**March 7th:** Thanks so much! We'll be waiting — patiently.
**Jingyan:** Your assistance in this matter is what requires gratitude. I'll get you what you need as soon as possible.
 When will you be done?
**March 7th:** Hey, don't rush her! So sorry, Miss Jingyan, they can be a little impatient. Take your time, we can wait.
**Jingyan:** Not to worry, I understand. After all, you're taking time away from your own affairs to lend a helping hand. I'll get everything to you as soon as possible.

### Talk to Jingyan and confirm her new finding

 **Step Description**

Jingyan seems to have made a new discovery, as expected of her!
Genius Detective March 7th is already on the case. as expected of... her? Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Jingyan)
**Jingyan:** Thanks for waiting. I checked all the footage we have of the open area... I say "all" — a lot of it was lost.
**Welt:** Are the corrupted parts recoverable? Can we use the same methods again?
**Jingyan:** For some of them, maybe... but I can't guarantee anything. I'll do my best, of course. It'll take more time — I can't hand them over just now.
**Welt:** Thank you. Did you find anything in the remaining footage worth paying attention to?

**Jingyan:** Hmm... Only that someone left the area through that exit around two hours after Luocha's appearance here. Luocha's nowhere to be seen, though.
**March 7th:** Huh? I... Isn't this a scene from The Angler Mystery?
 That novel's gone to your head...
**March 7th:** Shh — you're being annoying! I'm not kidding — this is straight out of the book.
 What are you talking about?
**March 7th:** The Angler Mystery — the novel! There's a scene that's identical to this footage.
**Jingyan:** Now that you mention it...
**Welt:** I'm not sure I follow.
**March 7th:** The angler's origin story, of course. He's a healer from the Alchemy Commission who gets on the wrong side of a mysterious organization called the Tea Society. Two agents in dark clothing wait for him to be alone and then poison him.
**March 7th:** The drug has the same de-aging effect as the Vidyadhara's hatching rebirth — the angler gets younger and turns back into a child. From there on out, the angler pursues the Tea Society while solving all kinds of strange cases.
 Why would a "tea society" be so vicious...?
**Welt:** Their tea must be stronger than Himeko's coffee...
**March 7th:** The Tea Society is just a code name, did you think they'd call themselves the Evil Society? They have to have a nice-sounding name to conceal themselves!
 A drug like that sounds like it would help people stricken with mara...
**March 7th:** It wouldn't. In the book, the drug only de-ages the body — it can't repair damage to the soul. In other words, it's like molting, not a true rebirth.
**Welt:** Hatching rebirths are specific to the Vidyadhara... Can humans also experience de-aging?
**March 7th:** Eh, it's just a novel — who knows if something like that could happen in reality. I thought of it as soon as I saw this footage, though.
**Jingyan:** Su Fang, the author, was a medical assistant in the Alchemy Commission. The medical principles in the novel are strictly grounded in reality.
**March 7th:** True... If someone from the Alchemy Commission was suggesting it could be done, then there's always a possibility.
**Welt:** So, March, what you mean is, the two people in dark clothing are Tea Society agents, and the child is... a de-aged Luocha?
**March 7th:** \*gasp\* What if a crazy angler mystery fan decided to commit a copycat crime? Luocha gets turned into a child, then follows a mysterious duo in black... The plot thickens — this could be a kidnapping!
**Welt:** \*sigh\* The child in the footage has black hair. Luocha's hair is blonde.
 Adult Luocha might look blonde, but maybe he's just going grey with age...
**March 7th:** Yeah! Makes sense to me.
 True, their hair color is completely different.
**March 7th:** Hmm... Maybe he dyed his hair!
**Jingyan:** Hold your horses, everyone... I recognize this child now. That's Yinshu — the young shopkeeper at Spare Time Book Shop.
**Welt:** Too bad, March. No de-aging, no angler.
 And the child is a girl.
**March 7th:** ...Uh, a d—detective's initial conjectures are bound to be wrong! Totally expected!
 Remember Julian back in Belobog...?
**March 7th:** No, no, this is completely different.
**Welt:** The cycranes weren't able to get a clear look at the two people in dark clothing... Let's ask Yinshu, maybe she saw something.
**Jingyan:** I'll keep trying to recover the lost footage. I'll contact you if there's a breakthrough.
**March 7th:** Alright, let's go! Time to interview the witness!

### Find Yinshu, the shopkeeper of Spare Time Book Shop, at the Exalting Sanctum

 **Step Description**

Yinshu has appeared in that obscure corner with two men in black, in the period that Luocha happened to be there. Maybe Yinshu can provide some eyewitness statements to help you understand what Luocha was up to. Exalting Sanctum

(Approach objective marker)
**March 7th:** I don't see the shopkeeper. Let's look for her in the area.
**Welt:** Business hours aren't over yet, she should be nearby. You two go ahead, I'll wait here in case she comes back.
**March 7th:** Okay, let's go (Trailblazer).

### Find clues about Yinshu around Spare Time Book Shop

 **Step Description**

Yinshu doesn't seem to be at Spare Time Book Shop... Look for her nearby. Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Welt, optional)
**Welt:** You two go ahead, I'll wait here. The Xianzhou has some interesting literature — I'd like to get better acquainted.
**March 7th:** We'll be back soon, don't get too comfortable!

(Investigate note on shop counter)
Away on temporary business, please come back later
**March 7th:** Looks like Yinshu isn't here after all... Where could she be?
(Investigate note on ground)
Hi Yunshen! I have an errand to run, please watch the store for me while I'm gone. Back soon — Yinshu
**March 7th:** So she asked someone to look after the shop for her... but where are they? Looks like they must have left too.
(Investigate scroll pile on shop counter)
Demonic! Mysterious! Treacherous! The Xianzhou masterpiece, Records of the Supernatural, on sale now!
**March 7th:** Huh? A supernatural tales anthology! Sounds like a good bedtime read... Might stop me daring to run to the bathroom at night though...
(Investigate book pile beside shop)
After 40 years, the latest edition to The Angler Mystery series — The Hatching Rebirth Conundrum! Selling out everywhere!
**March 7th:** \*gasp\* A new addition after so many years! Looks like I made the right choice coming to the Luofu! As soon as we've cracked this case, I'm getting myself a copy — Su Fang is the greatest.
(Talk to Yunshen to the left of shop counter)
**March 7th:** Hey mister, are you manning the counter for the young shopkeeper of Spare Time Book Shop?
**Yunshen:** Huh? Young shopkeeper? You mean Yinshu? Yeah, I am. Something wrong?
**March 7th:** Um... Can you please tell us where she is?
**Yunshen:** Why should I?
**March 7th:** Because we're asking nicely? What's with the attitude?
**Yunshen:** I can tell you... if pay me 500 strales.
**March 7th:** Pay you? What is this? You want paying for a simple favor?
**Yunshen:** Hehe, come on. No one ever tell you that information and intelligence are the most valuable commodities?
**March 7th:** This guy doesn't seem like the negotiable type. What should we do?
 We have no money, but we can pay you with a beatdown?
**Yunshen:** Oh, you dare threaten me? Do you know who I am?
**March 7th:** The question is, do you know who we are?
 We're from the Tea Society!
**Yunshen:** Oh, you mean like the one in that work of fiction? Who are you trying to kid?
**March 7th:** Hah — and who do you think were the inspiration for the Tea Society? Us, that's who.
**Yunshen:** Sounds like a pack of lies... Still, they don't seem like pushovers...
 We're the Express Crew!
**Yunshen:** The Express Crew...? Never heard of you. I mean, they couldn't be higher-ups from one of the other Xianzhou ships... could they?
**Yunshen:** Dang it, am I in trouble? Ugh... Better to live and fight another day.
**Yunshen:** \*sigh\* Forget it, I'm not stooping to your level. Yinshu said she had a voucher for a food stall over in Exalting Sanctum — she wanted to use it before it expired... You know, she's not been gone long — probably finishing up her food right now.
**March 7th:** Hmph, about time you saw the light. Come on (Trailblazer), let's go.
(Obtained  Research Records "Intimidating")
 I'll pay you, but don't even think about lying.
**March 7th:** In your dreams! This is genius detective March 7th's case — I should be the one paying...
**Yunshen:** Yeah, yeah, yeah – same difference, pay up.
**March 7th:** If you lie to us, we'll be back!
**Yunshen:** Hehe, I'm not that kind of person. Come on! Yinshu said she had a voucher for a food stall over in Exalting Sanctum — she wanted to use it before it expired... You know, she's not been gone long — probably finishing up her food right now.
**March 7th:** 500 strales! 500! Ugh, my purse is crying. Come on (Trailblazer), let's go.
(Obtained  Research Records "Bribing")

### Find Yinshu at the Exalting Sanctum and talk to her

 **Step Description**

After leaving the daylight-robbing thug, you can finally meet Yinshu.
A little secret for you: Genius Detective March 7th loved the experience, because even genius detectives need to encounter unreasonable, daylight—robbing, uncultured witnesses like that, it made her feel even more like a genius detective. Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Yinshu)
**March 7th:** Are you Yinshu, the shopkeeper at Spare Time Book Shop? There's something we want to talk to you about.
**Yinshu:** Yeah... that's me. Can I help you?
**March 7th:** You're heading back to the store, right? Let's walk and talk. I'll tell you all about it on the way.
**Yinshu:** Oh, uh... okay. Let's go.
You return to Spare Time Book Shop. On the way over, you get Yinshu up to speed.
**Yinshu:** That footage... I remember that day. After I closed up the store, I walked around for a while. I was looking for a place to read.
**Yinshu:** I found that empty area — it seems like a good reading spot at first... but then I noticed two people dressed in dark clothing and a blonde outworlder hanging around. Something didn't feel right, so I left. Those two people left the same way I did.
**March 7th:** So you just happened to be going the same way... Did you see what the outworlder was doing?
**Yinshu:** Sorry, I was only trying to find a place to read, I didn't pay much attention to him... or the two in dark clothing.
**Yinshu:** All I remember is... the two people in dark clothing — they smelt pretty bad. I guess that's not much of a clue. Sorry I can't give you any useful information.
**Welt:** On the contrary, any information you can give is valuable. Thank you very much.
**Welt:** Still, according to the cycrane recordings, Luocha's final stop before heading towards the open area was your store.
**Yinshu:** My store... Spare Time Book Shop? You're sure he came to... Oh, that's right! I remember now, he did pay a visit — how could I forget?
**Yinshu:** He came in, looked at a few titles, and then handed one to me... an old paperback.
**Yinshu:** Everything seemed normal, but after paying for it he immediately tore off the title page. I was shocked, but he was grinning ear to ear, so I didn't dare ask him about it.
**Yinshu:** After that, he just left the book on the counter and went on his way.
**Yinshu:** I can't believe I'd forget something like that... I guess the Ambrosial Arbor's resurrection the day after pushed everything else to the back of my mind...
**Welt:** So, what was the book?
**Yinshu:** The Angler Mystery. I was wondering what to do about it — I can't sell a book without a title page... But, since you asked about it, here — you can have it.

**March 7th:** Mr. Yang's instinct was right all along — Luocha is a villain! How could he do this? Tearing up a book as well-written as The Angler Mystery... Unacceptable!
 Why did Luocha tear out the title page?
**March 7th:** If I knew the answer to that, wouldn't that make me as evil as him?
 Right? Outrageous!
**Welt:** Calm down a moment, you two. I don't think Luocha has anything against the book.
**Welt:** Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We're forgetting that the Realm-Keeping Commission was initially investigating whether someone brought a "dangerous object" onto the Luofu.
**Welt:** Dahao and the others are probably not aware of what that "dangerous object" might be. But we know for a fact that it's the Stellaron.
**Welt:** I think that by removing the page, Luocha may have provided us with a key piece of the puzzle.
**March 7th:** I don't understand. What does tearing out a page have to do with the Stellaron? Are you following Mr. Yang, (Trailblazer)?
 I think so.
 It might seem like a random action at first glance, but there has to be more to it.
 Maybe the page will mean something to his accomplices.
**Welt:** Exactly. I think Luocha may have friends on the Luofu, and they're using the title page to communicate.
 I'm lost...
**Welt:** That's alright, this is a bit of a conjectural leap.
**Welt:** What I'm trying to say is — I think Luocha may have friends on the Luofu, and they're using the title page to communicate.
**March 7th:** That makes him even worse! How dare he use a book that praises justice for his evil plans!
**Welt:** I'm afraid "evil plans" are still within the realm of speculation at this stage. We have no way of knowing exactly what he did because the cycrane data was lost.
**March 7th:** So... is this a dead end?

(Message from Jingyan immediately opens)
**Jingyan:** Do you have some time? Please come back to the Realm-Keeping Commission when you can. I've fixed some of the recordings and there is a section you might find interesting
 That's good...
**(Trailblazer):** Miss Jingyan's help is right on time. Thank you so much. We'll head there immediately
**Jingyan:** Okay. Please be careful on the way here

**March 7th:** Ha! That's more like it! New clues always turn up in the nick of time.
(Obtained  Research Records "Title Page")

(Talk to Yinshu, optional)
**Yinshu:** Where did Yunshen get to, I asked him to watch the shop while I used my voucher... He's often hanging around here — always seemed nice enough. \*sigh\* Not trustworthy after all.
(If in possession of  Research Records "Intimidating")

**March 7th:** That crook wanted to cheat us out of 500 strales.
**Yinshu:** What? You didn't give him the money, did you?
**March 7th:** Of course not! We scared him off.
**Yinshu:** You two are incredible. I'll have to have a word a with him later... Ugh, asking him to help was my mistake — I apologize.
 No worries! You weren't to know.
**March 7th:** That's right. Making mistakes is part of growing up.
 It was a bit of a goof, huh...
**Yinshu:** Mm-hmm, I won't be so quick to leave my post in the future.
**Yinshu:** Here — a little something for the inconvenience. It's yummy.
(If in possession of  Research Records "Bribing")

**March 7th:** That crook cheated us out of 500 strales.
**Yinshu:** What!? I apologize, this is my fault — I'll have a word with him later. Let me give you your money back first.
 No need, you couldn't have known this would happen.
**March 7th:** Yeah, it's his problem, not yours.
**Yinshu:** \*sigh\* At the end of the day, this wouldn't have happened if I'd stayed at my post.
**Yinshu:** Here — a little something for the inconvenience. It's yummy.
 Thanks very much.
**March 7th:** Hey, you're gonna take it!? Yinshu, this isn't your fault — you don't have to do this.
**Yinshu:** \*sigh\* At the end of the day, this wouldn't have happened if I'd stayed at my post.
**March 7th:** This is your hard-earned money. Looking after a bookshop is no easy task.
**Yinshu:** Th—Thanks... In that case, have this instead — it's tasty.
**March 7th:** Aw, that's so kind of you! You just made a loyal customer out of me.‍[*Check which dialogue pathway(s) this belongs to*]
**Yinshu:** Glad to hear that! Please come by anytime!
**Yinshu:** It'd be best if Mr. Xiyan didn't find out about this... He doesn't show up very often, but he's the manager here. I'll be in big trouble if he finds out what happened.
**March 7th:** Don't worry, we can keep a secret. Just make sure it doesn't happen again!
(Obtained  Research Records "Sincere Request")
(Obtained  Tasty Field Nutrient Bar ×1)

### Return to the Realm-Keeping Commission and learn about the new clues of the case from Jingyan

 **Step Description**

An obscure corner, mysterious men in black, a torn-off title page... Pieces of evidence slowly emerged to put together the puzzle. Maybe you only need a final puzzle piece to complete the quest... Is the new piece of information Jingyan had come into the key puzzle piece you need? Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Jingyan)
**Jingyan:** So, we now know what time Luocha left the open area...
**March 7th:** Nice! You found footage of him leaving?
**Jingyan:** Yes. According to the cycrane recordings, he left the area two hours after he entered.
**March 7th:** Strange... Why spend two hours in such a confined area? He must've been up to something...
 Diarrhea?
**March 7th:** I'm gonna stop you right there. Refined wardrobe, elegant bearing... He may be a villain, but he doesn't look like someone who'd give up on finding a bathroom, even in an emergency...
 Afternoon nap?
**March 7th:** Maybe he spent all his money on startaro bubble tea and couldn't afford a hotel room!
**Welt:** Oddly specific, March...
**March 7th:** It's a shame no cycranes are installed in that area — we still have no idea what he was up to. This Luocha is getting more suspicious by the minute...
**March 7th:** (Trailblazer), I know Mr. Yang never wears his heart on his sleeve, but do you get the feeling he's a little... restless?
 I wouldn't call it restless. A little concerned, maybe.
**Welt:** Ha, don't worry about me. It's just... my mind keeps wandering back to those other "Luochas" I mentioned. Not the greatest memories.
 I reckon he must have bad blood with the other "Luochas..." he mentioned.
**Welt:** Remember, we're talking about different worlds here. However, I can't deny I'm a little worried that... what happened to my home world could befall this place too.
**March 7th:** How does he always hear us!?
**Jingyan:** Well, I'm afraid I have some other business to attend to. Let me know if you need anything — you know how to reach me.
**March 7th:** Thanks for the help, Miss Jingyan!
**Welt:** So... what did Luocha get up to during those missing two hours...?
**March 7th:** I think it's high time detective March took the gloves off.
**Welt:** Oh? And what do you have in mind, detective? Fieldwork?
**March 7th:** That won't be necessary, Mr. Yang. As the angler once said: "A true detective operates as effectively from their armchair as from the scene of the crime."
 Or to put it another way: "I'm too lazy to explore the map."
**March 7th:** It's too early to start fieldwork — we must wait until my deduction is complete. Then, when we arrive at the scene, you'll see that the facts match my theory to a T!
 I think the Realm-Keeping officers might disagree with you there...
**March 7th:** Hmph, I'll quote the angler again: "The field officer is a diligent specimen, yet they lack the detective's instinct to deduce facts from evidence."
**Welt:** Hehe, well, seeing as you're so confident, let's give your idea a try.
**March 7th:** Yay! Mr. Yang is the best!

### Collaborate with March 7th to put on her detective show

 **Step Description**

The boring evidence-collection task finally ended, and it is time for the mind-bending, action-packed deduction segment!
Genius Detective March 7th is confident to reveal the truth to the world as she gets to the bottom of the case.
Luck be with her. Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to March 7th)
**March 7th:** Ready? I'm gonna start my reconstruction.
 I'm good. Let's do it.
**March 7th:** Okay, here we go... Eh-heh, explaining a theory in front of everyone is a more nerve-wracking than I expected.
 Not yet, give me a second.
**March 7th:** Sure, gives me time to make a few more adjustments.
(Enter Exploratory Excursion Hidden Corner)

Luocha entered this hidden corner and stayed there for two hours. Genius detective March 7th concluded, "Something's fishy!"

#### Pry open the lock of the door that seals the dock

 **Step Description**

According to Genius Detective March 7th's deduction, a door lock like this could not stop Luocha, but visualizing a gentlemanly Luocha picking the lock while squatting in a dark corner like this is pretty humorous. Heh. Divination Commission

**March 7th:** (Right. I'll be using the angler's deductive method: reconstruct what happened from the bad guy's perspective.)
**Luocha:** Aaaand now I'm Luocha~
 Is this deduction or necromancy?
 Mr. Yang, I'm scared.
**March 7th:** (Quit messing around, I'm thinking.)
**March 7th:** (Oh, almost forgot about that title page... He took it with him, so it must have had some significance.)
**March 7th:** (Next up... I need to have a look at the map, Mr. Yang. Hmm... He must have gone through that gate up ahead. No way he would've stayed put in such a small area for two hours.)
**Welt:** (But Miss Jingyan mentioned that gate is a military asset — it's locked all year round.)
**March 7th:** (You think that would stop the likes of Luocha? What kind of a Stellaron smuggler would he be if he couldn't get past a door?)
**Luocha:** Hmph, you think a lock like this can stop a girl like me!?
 I think I'm actually going insane.
 I'm losing the immersion...
**March 7th:** (\*sigh\* Fine, I'll be me. You guys will have to imagine his lines instead.)
**Luocha:** ...Such a rudimentary lock. Easy pickings.
**Welt:** (Even if Luocha was able to unlock the door, what was his goal?)
**March 7th:** (His villain friends must have been waiting on the other side to buy the Stellaron. He went to meet them.)
(Try to go up the right stairs, optional)
**Welt:** (Where are you going? We're trying to trace Luocha's movements — we shouldn't backtrack.)

(Solve Abacus Circuitry)

#### Find the meet-up point on the dock

 **Step Description**

According to Genius Detective March 7th's deduction, Luocha should have met with the Stellaron buyer here. Look around, there should be a location suitable for illegal trades around. Divination Commission

**Welt:** (Now that I think about it, something's not right. Why would they rendezvous at a military airfield?)
**March 7th:** (B—Because, uhh... Well, we're too law-abiding to understand bad guy logic.)
**Welt:** (...Hiding in plain sight, perhaps.)
(Approach objective marker)
**Welt:** (Hold on... this would've been too quick a route.)
**Luocha:** And? What's wrong with a quick route, hmm?
**March 7th:** (Ahem... What's wrong with a quick route, Mr. Yang?)
**Welt:** (We're trying to uncover what Luocha did during those two hours. But even if he repeated this route twenty times, it wouldn't have taken him that long.)
**March 7th:** (\*sigh\* True... He must've had a tougher journey than I imagined. Come on, let's start over.)

**Monster:** RAAAAWWWWWRRRRR! You look like a tasty morsel! Those who dare to enter here must face a delicious fate!
**Luocha:** Your eyes are bigger than your stomach, foul villain! Have at you!
**Welt:** (Why is the monster talking now?)
**March 7th:** (Y'know, just a little dramatic effect...)
(Begin battle against  Entranced Ingenium: Golden Cloud Toad ×2,  Entranced Ingenium: Illumination Dragonfish ×2)

#### Find the meet-up point in the super dangerous dock

 **Step Description**

According to Genius Detective March 7th's deduction, Luocha spent two whole hours to complete the trade, it must mean it is super danger, with monsters all round.
Hmm? Isn't this a detective story? Why are there so many combat fillers? Divination Commission

(If enemies aren't avoided)
**Luocha:** Ugh, what are all these enemies doing on the Luofu!?
 Same question.
 March 7th, explain yourself.
**March 7th:** (It's becaaaause... because, because, because...)
**Welt:** (...March, you don't have to add in combat scenes while you're figuring out where to take the story — we can wait.)

(Approach objective marker)
**Welt:** (Monster lairs and black market spaces... I doubt the Luofu has any of that. At least, I doubt things of that nature existed before the Ambrosial Arbor's resurrection.)
**March 7th:** (Is it really so far-fetched? We're already assuming that Luocha came here to sell the Stellaron to a bunch of cut-throats — may as well throw in some monsters here and there...)
 Does the story have to be this... stimulating?
**March 7th:** (It's more fun this way...?)
 Is this a detective story or an action movie?
**March 7th:** (The angler is both a detective and a fighter!)
**March 7th:** (Anyway, it's not like we're gonna be able to conjure up exactly what Luocha ran into. Why not use our own interpretation to bridge the gap?)
**Welt:** (Hmm... I suppose that makes some kind of sense.)
 You're clearly enjoying this, Mr. Yang...
**Welt:** (I, uh... I try to go with the flow.)
 Make sense how!?
**March 7th:** (I don't see any major plot holes.)
**Luocha:** I didn't expect this place to be so treacherous. I'll need to be on my guard going forward.
**Luocha:** I wonder, just who is the buyer interested in the Stellaron...

**Luocha:** The buyer is waiting there, time to head over.
**Welt:** (Plausible — looking at the map, this place is well-hidden.)
**March 7th:** (Finally, Mr. Yang approves detective March's theory!)
**Welt:** (...Let's see where this leads first.)

#### Reach the meeting point and start the dangerous trade

 **Step Description**

According to Genius Detective March 7th's deduction. after a danger—laden adventure. Luocha finally reached the meet-up point. Who is so daring as to purchasing Stellaron to wreak havoc on the Xianzhou ship? Divination Commission

(Try to approach dock)
**March 7th:** (They wouldn't have met up at the dock, it's too open. No good for discussing evil plans...)

(Approach objective marker)
**Welt (Fake):** Stop right there. State your business.
 Is that Mr. Yang?
**March 7th:** (No, that's Pu'er, the Tea Society's gatekeeper.)
**Welt:** (Isn't pu'er a type of tea?)
**March 7th:** (That's right. He's a member of the Tea Society, so, naturally, he chose a type of tea as his alias.)
**Pu'er:** Hey, I'm talkin' to you! What's your business here?
**Welt:** (Can you tell him to be less agressive...?)
**March 7th:** (Oh, sure.)
**Pu'er:** Excuse me, sir! May I ask whether you're here on business, or...?
**Welt:** (...Nevermind.)
**Luocha:** I have a delivery for your boss — I need to give it to him in person. If you could let him know I'm here.
**Pu'er:** Delivery? ...Ah yes, the delivery — the boss is waiting for you. I'm afraid I'll need to see some ID first.
**March 7th:** (I wonder if Luocha has something prepared for this moment...)
(Submit  Research Records "Trying to Persuade")

**Luocha:** You see, I'm selling this Stellaron to bring food to my dear family — or we'll all have to starve tonight. So, be a good chap and do me a favor, will you?
 So Luocha's an impoverished Stellaron peddler now?
**March 7th:** (This is Luocha's trick — feign weakness to get the gatekeeper to lower his guard.)
 If Luocha's such an upstanding family man, shouldn't he have considered not stealing the Stellaron in the first place?
**March 7th:** (He, uh... had no choice? Times are tough.)
**Pu'er:** I can't do that. Why bother making rules if everyone can just ask for a favor?
**March 7th:** (Looks like this isn't gonna work...)
**Welt:** (Didn't take Pu'er for a man of rules.)
**March 7th:** (Don't forget — he's modeled after you, Mr. Yang.)
(Submit  Research Records "Pretend to Be an Officer")

**Luocha:** My apologies. Truth is, I work undercover for the Realm-Keeping Commission.
**Luocha:** I have important matters to discuss with your boss. You need to bring him to me now.
**Pu'er:** Working undercover dressed like an outworlder? You think I'm stupid?
 He has a point...
 March, why do your characters act smarter than you do...
**Welt:** (March's logic does seem to improve when it comes to minor details.)
**March 7th:** (I'm always logical! And based on my deduction, pretending to be an officer isn't gonna work...)
(Submit  Research Records "Intimidating")

**Luocha:** I said I need to see your boss. If you're not willing to cooperate, then perhaps some physical persuasion might be in order.
**Welt:** (Luocha's personality changes by the minute...)
**Pu'er:** Threats will get you nowhere. I have principles, and I don't give in to bullies.
 Strong Mr. Yang vibes...
 Still a little aggressive for Mr. Yang...
**March 7th:** (Hey, this is Pu'er, not Mr. Yang!)
**Luocha:** Enough talk. Have at you!
**Welt:** (Hang fire, March — I don't think Luocha was here to beat people up... He wanted to make a deal, right?)
**March 7th:** (\*sigh\* True. Looks like using force isn't the right way...)
 More's the pity — I wanted to see some action...
**March 7th:** You're just here for the show!
 Of course not...
**March 7th:** Hey, this is called "proof by exhaustion!" It's what the angler does best!
(Submit  Research Records "Bribing")

**Luocha:** Here, this is all I have: 96,720,000 credits. Take it, and bring me to your boss.
 You think he'd spend his life savings on a bribe?
**March 7th:** (You know how evildoers can be — sometimes they have a higher purpose than just money. It's only natural he'd try everything to achieve that purpose.)
 If you ever feel like you have too many credits, you could always take us out for dinner.... Just a thought.
**March 7th:** (I think it was Mr. Yang who promised us Xianzhou delicacies earlier? Wouldn't wanna steal his thunder, hee-hee...)
**Pu'er:** No can do. If the boss found out that I took a bribe, I'd be in big trouble.
**March 7th:** (Hmm... Seems bribing isn't an option.)
**Welt:** (When it comes to minor details, March's logic is actually pretty good.)
**March 7th:** (How is this minor? It's an important link in my deduction!)
(Submit  Research Records "Sincere Request")

**Luocha:** Please let me see your boss? Pleaaaase?
**Luocha:** Have a heart, good sir! I'm begging you!
**Pu'er:** People ask for favors every day. Am I supposed to say yes to all of them?
**March 7th:** (This isn't working.)
 Surprised?
**March 7th:** (Hey! You don't know if you don't try!)
 Is that... something Luocha would say?
**Welt:** (Doesn't sound like any of the "Luochas" I came across...)
(Submit  Research Records "Title Page")

**Pu'er:** That's... the code. So you're the one. Wait here a moment — I'll call the boss right away.
**Luocha:** Take your time.
**March 7th:** (Pu'er takes the page and goes to find the boss. Before long, Luocha sees an imposing figure walking towards him.)

**Pu'er:** Boss, this is the one... He brought the delivery.
**???:** I'll be the judge of that.
 Is that... Pom-Pom?
 Cutest boss I ever saw...
**March 7th:** (I couldn't think of anyone else to be Mr. Yang's boss...)
**Pu'er:** This is our boss — Startaro Bubble! Let's see this delivery, and make it snappy.
 Startaro Bubble... the milk tea?
**March 7th:** (So what! This is the Tea Society, remember?)
**Luocha:** Not before I see the money. I'm sure you understand the rules of such a transaction?
**Pu'er:** Save it! Show us the goods first!
**Startaro Bubble:** Easy now. The item in question is extremely dangerous. It's understandable that our friend here wants to take extra precautions...
**Welt:** (I'm not sure Pom-Pom is the best casting choice for a gang boss...)
**March 7th:** (I—It kinda works, right...?)
**Startaro Bubble:** Pu'er, give him the money. Happy now? Ready to hand it over?
**Luocha:** Be careful, dangerous is an understatement with this item. I'll take my leave.
**Startaro Bubble:** Yes, you will... permanently. Pu'er, get rid of him.
**Luocha:** Oh? This was all going so swimmingly.
**Startaro Bubble:** Selling a dangerous item to me makes you my accomplice, and I've got too many of those. To keep our little secret safe, I'm afraid I need to take special measures.
 Quite sensible when you think about it...
**Welt:** (When it comes to minor details, March can be very logical. As for the rest of the story...)
**Welt:** (Speaking of which, when did I turn into an aurumaton?)
**March 7th:** (That's Pu'er's little secret — he transforms into an aurumaton in dire situations.)
**Welt:** (I... okay.)
**Luocha:** And there I was thinking you gangsters still had some decorum.
(Begin battle against  Entranced Ingenium: Golden Cloud Toad ×2,  Aurumaton Gatekeeper ×1)
**Startaro Bubble:** Darn it! This isn't over!
**Luocha:** Fights like these don't go unnoticed in Exalting Sanctum — Cloud Knights could show up any minute... Better get going.
**March 7th:** (And so Luocha has to make a break for it! But where to? Lemme have a look at the map... Aha, gotcha!)

#### Transaction failed, the Cloud Knights are coming, run

 **Step Description**

According to Genius Detective March 7th's deduction. the transaction failed, there's no time for futher deductions! Run! Divination Commission

(Try to go in the opposite direction of the dock)
**Luocha:** The Cloud Knights will have been alerted by now — I need to hurry to the dock.

(Approach objective marker)
**Cloud Knights Patroller:** Halt! Who goes there?
**March 7th:** (Uh-oh! His only escape is...)
**???:** Climb aboard, Luocha! Time to get out of here!
**March 7th:** (So Luocha hopped on a starskiff and fled with the help of his accomplice... And that, ladies and gents, is the truth behind Luocha's disappearance.)

**Welt:** So... who was piloting the starskiff?
**March 7th:** I'm not sure either — the pilot didn't show themself, so... Let's just assume it was (Trailblazer).
 How come I got dragged into this...
**March 7th:** No one gets left out of my stories!
 At least let the audience see my face!
**March 7th:** Too many faces, too small a budget. Maybe next time.
**Welt:** ...March, a—as much as I enjoyed your deduction, I do have a few... questions.
**Welt:** For example, if Luocha took flight from the dock, how could he appear in cycrane footage two hours later?
**Welt:** Also, the dock is a military installation — the Cloud Knights would be on the scene at the slightest disturbance. How did so many monsters show up without warning?
**Welt:** Last but not least, even if Luocha did encounter all the troubles you described, it wouldn't have taken him two hours to escape.
**March 7th:** Hmm... You're right, Mr. Yang. Guess I can't compete with the angler just yet...
**March 7th:** You know what? Time for some fieldwork. Maybe the answers to our questions are waiting for us at the scene.
**Welt:** That might be the best approach. Let's go.

### Leave the Realm-Keeping Commission and check out the "scene of the crime"

 **Step Description**

Maybe because of some missing key information. or maybe it's because a certain genius detective's reasoning skills is incongruous with the truth. or maybe, Luocha was just too good... Genius Detective March 7th's first detective debut doesn't seem to be very successful. You decide to check out the scene of the crime. armchair detectives have limited understanding. after all. Exalting Sanctum

(Leave the Realm-Keeping Commission)

### Listen to what Jingyan is telling Back'n and Forth

 **Step Description**

The moment you step out of the Realm-Keeping Commission. you see three individuals discussing something. One of them is Jingyan, and the other two are Back'n and Forth of crosstalk fame. You detected a few keywords in their conversation... Blonde. Outworlder, savior... This isn't the key information on Luocha's disappearance, is it? Exalting Sanctum

(Talk to Jingyan)
 Inquire
**Forth:** Excuse me, officer — we're looking for someone. Can you help us?
**Back'n:** He's got blonde hair, and judging by the way he's dressed, I'd say he was an outworlder.
**Jingyan:** An outworlder with blonde hair? Could it be... May I ask why you're looking for him?
**Forth:** He saved our life.
**Back'n:** Since when did we start sharing a life?
**Forth:** Back'n, we're not rehearsing...
**Welt:** Excuse me, gentlemen. Would this blonde-haired, life-saving outworlder bear any resemblance to our suspect, here?
**Forth:** That's him!
**Back'n:** Mr. Luocha! He rescued both of us.
**Welt:** Can I ask when this rescue occurred?
**Forth:** It was... the day before the Ambrosial Arbor came back to life.
**Back'n:** We were planning to thank him properly, but in the aftermath of the Arbor incident, we never had the time.
**March 7th:** Are you two... \*gasp\* the people in dark clothing? What's with the wardrobe change?
**Forth:** Dark clothing? ...Ah! I know what you're talking about. What a pair of clowns we are... Dark clothing, hmph.
**Back'n:** We... fell into a ditch.
**March 7th:** Wait, what?

**Forth:** There we were, looking for a spot to practice our new routine. We found a place eventually — a little dilapidated but nice and quiet... \*sigh\* Shame about the giant ditch.
**Back'n:** I lost my footing and slipped right in. My associate here, Forth, yelled after me: "Don't panic! Forth's got your back!" Two seconds later, he landed on my back.
**Forth:** Unfortunately, the ditch was connected to a sewer outlet — we were covered head to toe in... Anyway, I assume that's why you thought we had dark clothing on. A dignified story, I'm sure you'll agree.
**March 7th:** No wonder Yinshu said she had to cover her nose...
**Forth:** Anyway, thankfully Mr. Luocha was passing by and dragged us back to dry land. It took all his strength, I'll wager.
 What did Luocha do, exactly?

**Back'n and Forth:** A thousand thanks, kind stranger!
**Forth:** Without your bravery, we'd never have gotten out of that ditch alive!
**Back'n:** Know, sir, that if you ever need anything and it's within our power to help, you can count on us.
**Forth:** Even it's beyond our power to help!
**Luocha:** That's too kind of you. It was nothing, really.
**Back'n:** Nonsense! You went out of your way to—
**Luocha:** Don't worry about it. You should head back home now, take care.
**Forth:** We can't thank you enough!
**Luocha:** Ah, one moment, both of you. That sewage could well contain harmful compounds. I'm something of a doctor — let me give you a prescription. Make sure to use the medicine and get some good rest.
**Luocha:** There you go.
**Back'n:** I don't know what to say! Sorry to trouble you — we'll take our leave now.
**Luocha:** Be careful on the back — wouldn't want to find ourselves in another ditch now, would we?

**Forth:** Here, that's the prescription he gave us.
**March 7th:** A paper flower? It's beautiful... Did Luocha make this?
**Forth:** That's right, he wrote down the prescription and folded it into shape.
**Back'n:** A man of romantic sensibilities, one might say.
**March 7th:** The paper looks familiar... can I open it?
**Forth:** Of course. We'd already opened it when we showed it to the pharmacy.
**Back'n:** We were planning on handing it over to the Realm-Keeping Commission — we suspect it's probably our best chance of tracing him.
**Jingyan:** We can take it off you — we'll let you know when we find him.
**March 7th:** Let me see... Ah! Of course!
**Welt:** What is it?
**March 7th:** It's the title page of The Angler Mystery!
**March 7th:** The prescription's on this side, but on the back there's... Huh? So that's what this is all about!?
 What's on the back?
 Is it a secret code?
**March 7th:** Sadly not...
**March 7th:** Take a look yourself.

**The Title Page of a Detective Novel Torn Off By Luocha**
To the next reader:

The killer is Chang Hong, the nephew of Chang the Ninth.

Yours sincerely

Best regards

The Immortal Spoiler

**March 7th:** "The Immortal Spoiler"? Ugh, some people just wanna watch the world burn.
**Jingyan:** I'm starting to think the Luocha we envisioned doesn't square with the real one... Would a villain do a good deed like this?
**March 7th:** So he paid for the book and tore off the title page to protect people from the spoiler...
**March 7th:** He must be a fan of this book too... I knew Angler Mystery fans couldn't be bad!

(Mission complete)

(Visitor Verification)

(Luocha has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Luocha when you return to the Express)
(Obtained  Luocha's Paper Flower)
(Obtained  "Into the Desolate")
(Unlocked Achievement A Perfect Detective)

### Post-Mission

(Talk to March 7th)
**March 7th:** Looks like the whole thing was just a big misunderstanding.
**Welt:** Indeed, and I've learned not to judge a book by its cover... Anyway, that's enough reflection for one day. Let's get going.
**March 7th:** Get going to where, Mr. Yang?
**Welt:** Garden of Gourmet. You two deserve a treat.
 Yay!
**March 7th:** Yay!

(Leave Exalting Sanctum)
(Open message from Jingyan)
**Jingyan:** I tried fixing some other relevant recordings in the cycrane, and I found this part about Luocha
**Jingyan:** I've left it with the Foursquare Mirror. Please have a look when you can. However, l still lean towards Mr. Luocha having nothing to do with this
 I see. Thank you
**(Trailblazer):** I see. Thank you
**Jingyan:** You're welcome. I'm just doing my job
 We'll be there soon
**(Trailblazer):** Got it. We'll be there soon
**Jingyan:** Keep up the great work

(Interact with Foursquare Mirror)

**Luocha:** Worry not... I'll handle it.
**Luocha:** Yes. None of this is our concern... The journey has only just begun to—
**March 7th:** Huh? Where'd the sound go!?
**Welt:** ...
**March 7th:** Ugh, don't do this to me... Hearing half a sentence is like developing half a photo. I'll be up all night thinking about it...
(Unlocked Achievement Coffin Dancer)

## Change History

Released in **Version 1.1**[Create New History]