Talk to Todd and see what he wants to do

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

Why are you looking around?

Todd

You came at a good time, {NICKNAME}. There's something I want to ask you.

Todd

I heard there has been thunderous noise coming from Scalegorge Waterscape recently. Has something big happened?

Options

Are you asking me to investigate something again?

I have no clue!

Todd

Nothing of that sort. I'm just curious about the happenings on the Luofu. Besides, aren't we close friends who help each other out?

Todd

That's not what I gather from your face.

Todd

Looks like you are quite perturbed after helping with my research last time. I swear, on Nous's name, that your investigation will not be used immorally!

Todd

Back to the topic, could you tell me what happened in Scalegorge Waterscape?

System

You talk about your experience briefly...

Todd

The reincarnated high elder has returned to his homeland, parted the sea, and stirred the waves? Just hearing you say these gives me a vivid imagery, it's as if I were there.

Todd

Since I started studying the history of Xianzhou civilization, I have been longing to visit the famous sites on the Luofu mentioned in the books.

Todd

It's a shame that the star rail has become unstable since the disappearance of Akivili. The worlds are getting further and further away from each other, and the Guild has gradually lost interest in the Xianzhou.

Todd

My teacher, Bernini, was a fan of Xianzhou culture all his life. He once wrote to me, describing the peculiar ecology in Scalegorge Waterscape and the water that was full of vitality.

Todd

Unfortunately, cultural study has always been a niche thing. Without an impressive result, a study would not be funded. In the end, my teacher never returned to his teaching post out of embarrassment and left to work elsewhere.

Todd

As for me, I'm just a mediocre and untalented person. In fear of ending up the same way as my teacher, I've wasted most of my life on things that would quickly get me rich and famous. Now that I'm getting older, I have decided to stay true to myself and come here.

Todd

Help me, {NICKNAME}. I want to complete what was left unfinished by my teacher and witness the beautiful Scalegorge Waterscape before I am too old to walk.

Todd

Of course, you can take some time to think it over. This time, I won't promise you a handsome pay, as I understand the offer is humiliating to a Nameless.

Todd

After all, both of us have the same kind of courage. While we scholars study the unknown, the Nameless pursue the unknown, right?

System

Todd gets breathless after speaking too fast. He waits for your decision while catching his breath.

Take a photo of the high elder statue

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Scalegorge Waterscape

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(Todd wants to see the high elder statue. I'll look for it in this area...)

📸

[A]

Options

Success

{NICKNAME}

(This is an artifact left by Dan Heng... Errr, no, by Dan Heng's previous incarnation... Errr, actually, by his previous incarnation's previous incarnation... Seems I've made a remarkable friend indeed.)

Take a photo of a Vidyadhara egg

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(The Vidyadhara egg Todd wants to see seems to be nearby...)

📸

[A]

Options

Success

{NICKNAME}

(Todd is looking for a Vidyadhara egg. Those eggs differ so much in size...)

Take a photo of a Vidyadhara historical mural

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(The historical murals Todd is interested in seem to be nearby...)

📸

[All]

Options

Success

{NICKNAME}

(There's a continuity in the story... Looks like this is the mural that records the Vidyadhara history that Todd mentioned.)

Take a photo of the dragon-shaped ray of light

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(Todd wants to see the dragon-shaped ray of light... This place has an unobstructed view. Let's look around here...)

📸

[A]

Options

Success

{NICKNAME}

(The light is untouchable but can be captured by the camera... This should be the one Todd is looking for...)

Hand the photos over to Todd

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

I took the pictures.

Todd

Fantastic! Let me have a look!

System

Todd takes the pictures from you and scrutinizes them one by one.

Todd

I'm sorry for keeping you waiting... As we get older, we can't see and tell colors apart that well.

Todd

These views look exactly the same as those described by my teacher. If only I could have admired them earlier...

Todd

Huh? Hold on. What's this shiny mark? Are my eyes failing me? Isn't it a marking of the Guild?

Options

I didn't notice it when I took the pictures...

Is there a problem with the pictures?

Todd

Oh, this is a special optical marking used only by the members of the Intelligentsia Guild. It shows that a scholar has done research at that particular location and left some clues for his or her peers.

Todd

No, there's no problem at all. On the contrary, you captured something interesting. I thought I was lucky enough to be able to see these views through the pictures.

Todd

In one of the pictures, I noticed a special optical marking used only by the members of the Intelligentsia Guild. It shows that a scholar has done research at that particular location and left some clues for his or her peers.

Todd

It was automatically detected by the processing program of the Guild when I received the pictures. What an unexpected and pleasant surprise, haha.

Todd

Did you leave this marking, Bernini? You really were driven.

Options

Are you sure this is your master's marking?

It's uncivilized to vandalize a historical monument!

What's the purpose of leaving these markings?

Todd

After all these years of being a scholar, the only thing I am certain of is that nothing is certain.

Todd

But that's a logical explanation. After all, the research hype has long gone, and very few scholars are sent to Xianzhou for cultural exchange.

Todd

Please let me explain. If it is an optical paint that is non-corrosive, harmless, and can only be detected by a device of the Guild, I'd personally call it "protecting history."

Todd

These markings serve as reminders for those moronic Armed Archaeologists, so they won't blow up the historical sites.

Todd

I have no idea. Since they were left there, they're meant to be clues. What did Bernini discover?

Todd

{NICKNAME}, I'm going to follow this lead and see what Bernini has left behind.

Options

You mean "you'll send me there to see"...

I knew it wouldn't be so simple.

Todd

Hahaha, what a nitpicker you are. That's right. I'll need you to check it out for me.

Todd

Well, if you insist on me being there myself, I'd be more than willing to oblige. However, I'm afraid you can't accept the idea of carrying me on your back when doing the investigation.

Todd

Ah, this is what research is like. It starts with a "why" and ends with an "I knew it wouldn't be so simple"...

Todd

I'll install the Guild's detection plug-in to your phone. That way, you'll be able to recognize the markings and take pictures of them... Ahem, in terms of archaeology, it should probably be called "optical rubbing."

Todd

Bernini mentioned several places he had visited in the letters. I've marked them out on the map for you.

Todd

Just bring your phone with you. The plug-in will issue a notification if the reflection signal of a nearby marking is detected. Your job is to locate the marking and make a rubbing of it. Easy-peasy, right?

Todd

That's all. You may set off now.

Head to the Alchemy Commission, piece together the hidden markings, and collect the completed rubbing

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Alchemy Commission

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(The coordinates given by Todd show that the marking is nearby, but I can't find it here.)

{NICKNAME}

(Should I switch on the camera's detection system, just to be safe?)

Options

Enable the Precise Recognition mode.

System

Note: Specific response detected. An optical marking of the guild is nearby. Owner: Scholar Bernini Serrano.

{NICKNAME}

(Hm... Is this what Todd meant by marking? This drawing is interesting, but it isn't complete.)

{NICKNAME}

(But the coordinate that Todd gave leads here. The missing markings are probably around somewhere... Maybe I should look around?)

{NICKNAME}

(Nothing really looks out of place, maybe I should switch on the camera's detection system?)

Options

Enable the Precise Recognition mode.

{NICKNAME}

(...Something's glimmering over there? It's worth going to take a look.)

Todd

Is there a problem, {NICKNAME}? Should I explain the objectives of this investigation again?

Options

Sure.

No, thank you.

Todd

I've marked out several points on the map. They are the places where Bernini may have investigated.

Todd

I've installed the plug-in for you so you won't be lost. Just walk around the place, and the plug-in will tell you where to look for the markings.

Todd

Your job is to hold the camera and snap pictures of the markings.

Todd

I knew you were smart enough to get what I meant right away.

Todd

Set off now, {NICKNAME}. I wonder what Bernini left behind. I can't wait to find out.

Hand the collected rubbings over to Todd

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

I've got the rubbings of the Alchemy Commission's markings.

Options

Deliver item

Cancel

Todd

Let me take a look. Did you find this complex shape on a building, or was it pieced together by the plug-in?

Todd

This... is indeed the handiwork of Bernini.

System

As Todd is fiddling with the rubbing you provided, his withered Adam's apple moves up and down before he starts coughing vigorously.

Todd

*coughs* Interesting. These motifs seem to depict a significant historical moment in Xianzhou.

Todd

Look at this. It's a depiction of a deity figure with multiple arms and branches growing behind. It portrays...

Options

The advent of Yaoshi.

I must say you're very good at making up stories.

Todd

You're pretty well-versed in Xianzhou history. This might be an image without any special meaning for a layperson, but a professional can surely understand its meaning.

Todd

This rubbing depicts the moment when the Abundance bestowed the Ambrosial Arbor upon Xianzhou.

System

Todd lowers his voice and looks around as though to make sure not a single soul can hear him.

Todd

I'm not making this up. A professional can understand its meaning, but for those without the knowledge, this is just a meaningless drawing.

Todd

Look at this drawing. A warrior bends his bow and shoots at an enormous tree. It's clearly about The Hunt chopping off the Ambrosial Arbor — a well-known myth about the Reignbow Arbiter.

Todd

Yet, instead of crediting the deed to the deity, a regular human form is drawn instead... Interesting.

Todd

If these drawings are about the important moments in Xianzhou history, there must be more than three. {NICKNAME}, let's go deeper into Scalegorge Waterscape and explore. Since my master went there before, he must have left some other clues.

Todd

If you find anything, please show me. As for now...

System

Todd's auto-note starts taking down information rapidly upon his touch.

Todd

By the way, please take this. You can find my interpretation on the drawings inside. Although it isn't much, it's got potential to be made into a good Xianzhou history report.

- Guild Insignia Rubbing (I) x 1, Guild Insignia Rubbing (II) x 1, Guild Insignia Rubbing (III) x 1

+ Investigation of Ancient Pattern Rubbings from the Luofu: Ambrosial Arbor's Arrival x 1, Investigation of Ancient Pattern Rubbings from the Luofu: A Shot From the Sky x 1, Investigation of Ancient Pattern Rubbings from the Luofu: Divine Root Subdual x 1

Take Todd to inspect the Vidyadhara high elder statue

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Scalegorge Waterscape

🏃‍♂️

Move

Todd

Oh, is that the high elder statue? Nothing beats seeing it in person.

Todd

According to my teacher, the legendary Vidyadhara high elder is empowered by a secret spell. Not only can the high elder transform into the dragon form at will, but their appearance will also never change.

Todd

...Alas, look at how youthful the high elder looks. Without trouble and without hardship.

Options

Did your teacher ever meet the high elder?

The current high elder doesn't look like this.

Are you done? We need to head to the next spot...

Todd

Whether he did or did not, it isn't likely that a long-life species can remember a short-life species like us. We are like fruits that look fresh one day, shrunken and dry the next, and are reduced to dust in yet another few days.

Todd

The Xianzhou people regard us just like how this statue would regard me. It won't be long before I'm gone.

Todd

I know. Something complicated took place. It's a shame that the Guild is unable to unearth the secret.

Todd

Tsk, youngsters nowadays are so impatient. Only dying old people like me should feel anxious.

Todd

Let's go and check out the Vidyadhara eggs.

Take Todd to inspect the Vidyadhara eggs

🏃‍♂️

Move

System

The old man approaches the pearl-like Vidyadhara egg to examine the glimmer and scales on its surface. He is so captivated that he has lost track of time.

Todd

The foxians have a long lifespan, but they aren't immortal. The Xianzhou people have an endless lifespan, but it has driven them to madness...

Todd

Only the Vidyadhara undergo rebirths and endless circles of life.

Todd

So... there will always be an "insurmountable limit." Is this inevitable in the pursuit of immortality?

Todd

Do we, short-life species, really want to live forever? We just want to stay youthful for as long as possible.

Todd

Bernini must have realized that. That is why he has left behind those drawings.

Options

It's time to go.

Should we check out some other places?

System

Todd seems like he had just been awakened from his sleep. Instinctively, he reaches for his pocket and immediately looks anxious.

Todd

{NICKNAME}, my notebook... It's missing.

Options

Where did you last use it?

You dropped it somewhere?

Todd

My memory is failing me because of old age. Let me think...

Todd

I guess so? I'm not sure. I must have misplaced it.

Todd

I think I used it at the high elder statue. I wrote something down and put it down somewhere.

Todd

{F#M'girl}{M#M'boy}, please do me a favor and help me look for my notebook.

Todd

I'm sorry. The effect of the pill is waning, and my joints are hurting like there are needles inside. I can't walk anymore.

Return to the Vidyadhara high elder statue and look for the lost notebook

Investigate

System

A notebook is left near the base of the high elder statue.

Options

Pick up the notebook.

{NICKNAME}

(This is Todd's notebook, but it's empty inside. How strange...)

+ Todd's Notebook x 1

Return Todd's notebook to him

Todd

{NICKNAME}, did you find my notebook?

Options

I found your notebook.

Todd

You really can't do much when you're getting old.

Todd

When I was young, I could hop from star to star no matter the millions of light years apart. Now, I feel like I'm going through the pain of hell and going on a journey to the end of the universe when taking just a few steps.

Todd

When I was young, I enjoyed taking solo adventures and trips and felt like there was nothing I couldn't do. Now, I have to beg for the kindness of a youngster to retrieve my lost notebook.

Todd

Thanks, {NICKNAME}... I owe you a big one.

Options

The notebook is empty...

(You glance at him without making a comment.)

System

Todd falls silent.

System

He looks like he has aged another ten years in an instant. The wrinkles and the age spots that resemble stubborn stains on his face suddenly become more visible.

System

His eyes are bleak and weary when he gazes at you. He looks like a helpless beggar cowering in a dark corner, pleading for charity.

System

You can hear him silent imploring. He wishes for you to stay silent.

Todd

Thanks, {NICKNAME}. I'll pay you as promised.

Todd

As for the knowledge, I'll never forget the Intelligentsia Guild's rule of reciprocity. I'll summarize my recent research and share the results with you.

Todd

I'm done paying my respects. Should we go back, {NICKNAME}?

System

Todd and you return to Starskiff Haven. None of you have spoken during the journey.

- Todd's Notebook x 1

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

System

You sense something is off and a peculiar feeling of foreboding comes over you: Todd's issues don't seem to be as straightforward as they appear, and your entanglement with him shouldn't stop here.

{NICKNAME}

I wonder if Todd has truly gotten everything he wanted...

{NICKNAME}

Perhaps he got what he wanted and left. Or maybe he'll contact me again tomorrow. Who knows...