Go to the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery and speak with Dahao

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery

It's about the Dragon Lady?

Dahao

Yes, you have extraordinary skills, and you earned her trust when you rescued her...

Options

Earned her trust? When did that happen?

Why do people here keep making me run errands?

Okay, I'll do it!

Dahao

You rescued her from the mara-struck... I'd say she's forever in your debt.

Dahao

If you go see her, I'm sure she won't run away.

Dahao

If I had more people, I wouldn't have to ask for external help. But as things stand...

Dahao

Hah, that was fast! Thanks for your help.

Dahao

Here's the situation: Lady Bailu, the Vidyadhara Dragon Lady, has escaped from the Alchemy Commission again. I say "again" because the Realm-Keeping Commission has seen more than a few of her bad-tempered escapes.

Options

Vidyadhara?

What does a Dragon Lady do exactly?

She escaped? Was she imprisoned?

I'm listening.

Dahao

This must be your first time on the Xianzhou... It's a long story. The Vidyadhara is one of the three races that established the Xianzhou Alliance.

Dahao

Their bloodline is different from us Xianzhou natives. The Vidyadhara are born with great vitality, the gift of the Permanence, as they say.

Dahao

That's all you need to know. The rest is irrelevant to what's happening today.

Dahao

A Dragon Lady... isn't an official position. People address her that way out of love.

Dahao

The Vidyadhara "high elder," on the other hand, is a position similar to a chief — it's been passed down from generation to generation. But only the Vidyadhara that possess draconic features and inherit the dragon heart can be successors.

Dahao

And Miss Bailu is the Vidyadhara's future high elder on the Luofu.

Dahao

The rumor has always been that she can heal the wounded merely by touching them and shedding tears. She also studied medicine in the Alchemy Commission. That's why her other title is "Healer Lady."

Dahao

Not imprisoned exactly... Vidyadhara customs are somewhat different from Xianzhou native customs. Miss Bailu has incredible talents and is next in line to rule over the Vidyadhara — it's normal that her people would want to keep a close eye on her.

Dahao

However, she also has a somewhat free spirit... She always manages to find a way to escape her residence.

Dahao

It used to be the duty of the Realm-Keeping Commission to go after her and take her back to the Alchemy Commission.

Dahao

But, this time is different. Because of the Stellaron crisis, we're constantly short of manpower. Besides, even if we catch the Dragon Lady, we can't take her back anytime soon.

Dahao

I don't know if you heard — someone locked down the delves connected to the Alchemy Commission.

Dahao

Now nobody can get in or out — it's completely cut off. Something very fishy is going on.

Options

So how did the Dragon Lady get out?

But I saw doctors...

Then... is there really anything I can do?

Dahao

That's what I want to know. I guess she sneaked out before the delves were locked down. She might even know what happened in the Alchemy Commission...

Dahao

Those doctors came from apothecaries in other delves. I've asked them, and they don't have the slightest clue what's going on.

Dahao

I'd like you to help with two things. First, find the Dragon Lady and take care of her until the Alchemy Commission delves are reopened. Don't lose sight of her.

Dahao

The second thing might be a bit hard to understand... I want you to stop her from treating the mara-struck.

Options

Can't the Realm-Keeping Commission take care of her?

Why stop her from treating the mara-struck?

Then, what can be done for them?

I see. Leave it to me.

Dahao

Like I said — we don't have enough people! The Dragon Lady is smart. If we try to keep her in the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery, she'll sneak out the first chance she gets. Trust me, it's happened before...

Dahao

Besides, it isn't a crime for her to run away from her residence. And even if it were, given her status, we couldn't exactly stick her in jail and throw away the key! You're the only person we can turn to.

Dahao

Being stricken with mara isn't like catching a curable disease. All the Healer Lady can do is slow the process.

Options

It's not a disease?

Dahao

Take you short-life species as an example. Do you consider aging a disease?

Dahao

Aging can be slowed, but it's still unavoidable — just like being stricken with mara for the people of the Xianzhou... Unfortunately, becoming mara-struck is more terrifying than death. It's an inevitable curse in the blood of Xianzhou natives.

Dahao

The Xianzhou has long had other methods. When mara is about to strike, the spiritfarers and judges of the Ten-Lords Commission promptly take the afflicted away. It's not something the Alchemy Commission should be meddling in.

Dahao

Mara is scary, but it won't cause any harm if you have it under control. We have the Realm-Keeping Commission and Cloud Knights here in Exalting Sanctum — more than enough to handle any eventuality.

Dahao

However, the Dragon Lady's mara-suppression could lead to mara-struck falling under the Ten-Lords Commission's radar. If we let her carry on, we'll have mara-struck on every street corner — people will panic!

Dahao

Seeing as we're already dealing with one crisis, we need to be extra vigilant when dealing with the mara-struck. This is not something that can be taken lightly.

Dahao

You're the distinguished guest of General Jing Yuan and Diviner Fu Xuan. As such, you also have the full trust of the Realm-Keeping Commission.

Dahao

Oh, one more thing... There's a lot of suspicion surrounding the Alchemy Commission these days. If you discover someone from the commission on the hunt for the Dragon Lady, watch your step.

Options

It'll be a piece of cake.

Babysitting? No thanks, I'd rather watch paint dry.

I have a feeling this is more complicated than it sounds...

Dahao

Great!

Dahao

There's no other way. The Realm-Keeping Commission will pay you handsomely for your help.

Dahao

Bah, don't fret. Looking after children is a pain, but as the general's distinguished guest, I know you'll do great.

Head to the Exalting Sanctum and find Bailu

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

Help Bailu and the nurse evade the Alchemy Commission's search

🏃‍♂️

Move

🏃‍♂️

Move

System

If you and the nurse are both as short as Bailu, then this stone design would be enough to hide you. You shall find a better place to hide.

🏃‍♂️

Move

System

Of course, you can pretend to be a player and stand beside a game table, commenting on other players' moves with some head-shaking and finger-pointing. However, it's not a proper hiding spot. You shall find a better place to hide.

Talk with the Alchemy Commission healer and ascertain his motive

🏃‍♂️

Move

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

You there, excuse me. I want to ask you something.

Options

Make it quick, I'm in a hurry.

You came to the wrong person — I don't know anything.

Are you looking for a little girl?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Hmph, you're not the only one. Can you at least hear me out first?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

I haven't asked anything yet. At least hear me out first?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Little girl? You've got the wrong person. I am looking for someone, though...

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Have you seen a woman wearing an Alchemy Commission uniform? She's about the same height as you — I think she was heading towards the jetty.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

We walk the same path, but it would seem she's hiding from me, hehe...

Options

I haven't seen anyone like that.

Did you come from the Alchemy Commission delves?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Very well, thank you. I'll head over to the jetty.

Options

You won't find the person you're looking for there.

...Come to think of it, I did see her — she was going in the opposite direction.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

And why's that?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

...Say, now that you know who I'm looking for, why don't you tell me who you are?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

The opposite direction? It can't be. I just came from that direction.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Are you covering for her? You know something alright — I have a few more questions for you.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

...What makes you say that?

Options

I just came from the Alchemy Commission.

I'm here to catch her as well.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

What? The Alchemy Commission delves were locked down ages ago. If you aren't a disciple, then...

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

You're trying to get me to say something, aren't you? You said you came from the Alchemy Commission. Where's your proof?

Options

I came here the same way you did.

I'm General Jing Yuan's guest. Understand?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Tsk, you think this is a joke?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Jing Yuan? I understand. That makes you a general's lackey.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

You're covering for that woman — it's obvious. I'm not done questioning you...

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

...You too?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

"Mercy of Sanctus Medicus, the Arbor's new growth..."

Options

What are you talking about?

Mercy of Sanctus Medicus, the Arbor's new growth.

Clemency of Sanctus Medicus, the Eternity's pure birth!

Unity of Discipuli Medicus, the Immortality's true path.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

You claim to walk the same path, yet you don't even know the code.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Still, it's clear you know something... I'm not done questioning you.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Ha, repeating it back to me? What kind of organization would devise a code like that...?

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Still, it's clear you know something... I'm not done questioning you.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

The master said many times that anyone using "clemency" instead of "mercy" should be killed without exception.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Still, it's clear you know something... I'm not done questioning you.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

...Hm, not something you could've guessed.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

Good to be acquainted with another disciple, {F#sister}{M#brother}.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

There's been a leak. Here are the orders — read them and you'll understand.

Anxious Alchemy Commission Doctor

We must catch the traitor. I'll go search in another direction.

+ Disciples of Sanctus Medicus Letter x 1, Strange Prescription x 1, Golden Badge x 1, Folded Photo x 1

+ Disciples of Sanctus Medicus: Collection of Exhibits — Disciples of Sanctus Medicus: Secret Order x 1, Disciples of Sanctus Medicus: Collection of Exhibits — Semblance Reversion Essence x 1

Defeat the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus

Investigate the identity of the Alchemy Commission healer and obtain evidence of his involvement

{NICKNAME}

(There's more to this Alchemy Commission doctor than meets the eye. I wonder if I can glean more clues from him.)

Tell Bailu and the nurse about the stalker

Knock the door

Bailu

Nobody home.

Options

It's me, {NICKNAME}.

The person following you has been dealt with.

Bailu

You're back! Does that mean we're safe now?

Bailu

Dealt with...? Does that mean we're safe now?

Bailu

We're coming out.

Bailu

After making sure they are not pursued anymore, Bailu and Banxia walk out of the room.

Bailu

What happened? That man wanted to catch me and take me back to the Alchemy Commission, right? I knew it!

Bailu

See? I told you this {F#girl}{M#guy} was trustworthy.

Banxia

...Thank you for helping us, but I'm worried you being here could just complicate matters further... Please leave us be.

Options

That man was looking for you, Banxia.

Banxia

...

Bailu

Huh? Why were they looking for Miss Banxia? That can't be right, they must've been looking for me.

Options

I disagree!

I have evidence!

He was looking for an Alchemy Commission woman "about the same height" as me.

Banxia

...How is that possible?

{NICKNAME}

(How can I prove the doctor from the Alchemy Commission was looking for Banxia?)

Options

Golden Badge

Disciples of Sanctus Medicus Letter

Folded Photo

Strange Prescription

Cancel

System

The testimony doesn't seem at all at odds with the beautiful badge...

{NICKNAME}

W—Wait a minute! I'll keep looking.

System

The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus letter indicates that Banxia, the nurse who betrayed the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, has already escaped the Alchemy Commission delve.

{NICKNAME}

Here's the proof!

Banxia

This letter...!

Bailu

Wait, {NICKNAME}, I've heard of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

Bailu

Aren't they those crazy followers that worship the mara-struck and the Plagues Author? But Banxia's nothing like them... She... wanted me to treat the mara-struck.

Banxia

Lady Bailu! You promised you wouldn't tell anyone about that!

{NICKNAME}

(Wanted her to treat the mara-struck? Suspicious... Could she be a disciple of Sanctus Medicus? I wonder if I have any evidence...)

Options

Golden Badge

Disciples of Sanctus Medicus Letter

Folded Photo

Strange Prescription

Cancel

System

The testimony doesn't seem at all at odds with the beautiful badge...

{NICKNAME}

W—Wait a minute! I'll keep looking.

System

The letter has proven a link between Banxia and the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, but it's not decisive proof

{NICKNAME}

W—Wait a minute! I'll keep looking.

System

An ordinary family photo, nothing to see here...

{NICKNAME}

W—Wait a minute! I'll keep looking.

System

The strange prescription has a note in scribbled writing: "slowing the mara-struck process"

{NICKNAME}

This is a prescription from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Bailu, can you take a look?

Bailu

The handwriting on this prescription is exactly the same as on the one you gave to me...

Bailu

Banxia... are you really from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? Hmph, you're a liar! A great big liar!

Banxia

...I'm sorry, Lady Bailu.

Banxia

I am a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, and that doctor from the Alchemy Commission was sent to catch me.

Banxia

But I... I never meant to harm Lady Bailu! On the contrary, by taking her away from that place, I was protecting her.

Banxia

I made a deal with Lady Bailu before we escaped — we have an urgent task to complete. Please, don't take her away!

{NICKNAME}

(Wanted her to treat the mara-struck? Suspicious... Could she be a disciple of Sanctus Medicus? I wonder if I have any evidence...)

System

An ordinary family photo, nothing to see here...

{NICKNAME}

W—Wait a minute! I'll keep looking.

System

A strange prescription, doesn't seem to be anything to do with Banxia

{NICKNAME}

(...Does this prescription really have anything to do with Banxia?)

{NICKNAME}

(How can I prove the doctor from the Alchemy Commission was looking for Banxia?)

(Optional) Ask Bailu's opinion

Bailu

Ugh... Treating wounds and diseases is one thing, but curing the evils of humanity...? There I was thinking someone helped me escape the Alchemy Commission because they genuinely wanted to help me.

Bailu

Hmph, enough. Being angry will stunt my growth... Let's put this behind us.

Options

You've heard of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus...

Just what does it mean to be mara-struck?

What's the connection between the Alchemy Commission and the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?

I don't have any other questions.

Bailu

I don't know much. If it weren't for those scrolls in the Alchemy Commission's Elixir Research Terrace, I doubt anyone in the Xianzhou would've heard of them.

Bailu

A long time ago, even by the standards of long-life species, the Xianzhou eliminated an organization that worshiped the "Plagues Author."

Bailu

Why were they eliminated? Because they held an incredibly dangerous notion.

Bailu

Xianzhou people wanted to be released from the threat of mara and return to the stability of life and death. Yet the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus believed that being stricken with mara was a blessing — a natural evolutionary step in casting off the mortal coil.

Bailu

Sounds great, right? Well, only if you think becoming a monster devoid of all humanity is a good thing. That's why the Cloud Knights and Ten-Lords Commission cooperated to eliminate the organization.

Bailu

But just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. It's like eradicating a sickness — easier to do when the symptoms are visible. In hindsight, not only did the Disciples endure, they expanded the organization in secret.

Bailu

The people of the Xianzhou have asked themselves that question thousands of times.

Bailu

Countless doctors and sages have dedicated their lives to researching a cure for the curse. Tragically, besides a few theories, no one has come to a definite conclusion.

Bailu

In truth, nobody in this world can fully comprehend the curse of the Plagues Author.

Options

And the theories...?

Then, why are you still treating the mara-struck?

Bailu

Some doctors believe that because the people of the Xianzhou have immortal bodies, their memories accumulate until no more can be stored in the brain.

Bailu

Only the most vivid and extreme memories persist... but such memories are usually ones of regret, hatred, grief, and other negative emotions.

Bailu

That's when the symptoms of being stricken with mara begin to show. But the physical changes are the most terrifying...

Bailu

When symptoms strike, the mara-struck are quickly taken away by the spiritfarers and judges of the Ten-Lords Commission. I just want to reduce their suffering and let them leave with dignity...

Bailu

But the people of the Realm-Keeping Commission do have a point...

Bailu

How should I know? It's not like commission members walk around with "Disciple of Sanctus Medicus" on their foreheads.

Banxia

I'm sorry I wasn't honest with Lady Bailu, but I had no other choice...

Options

What deal did you make with the Dragon Lady?

Banxia

I asked her to save my beloved. In return, I helped her escape from the Alchemy Commission...

Banxia

I broke many of the Vidyadhara's laws, and the Alchemy Commission is bound to punish me, but I just can't let my beloved die...

Options

I still have some questions for you...

Bailu, do you want to go with her?

Cut to the chase, what do you want me to do?

Banxia

I don't have much time left, but go ahead...

Options

Why did you hide all this from Bailu?

Who is your beloved...?

You said you didn't have much time left?

That's all I wanted to ask.

Banxia

I thought we'd be fine after we escaped... I didn't know those people would come after us.

Banxia

I just couldn't find a way to tell her I was a disciple... and about all the things I experienced there...

Bailu

You've been nice to me, but you shouldn't have kept me in the dark. I hate when grownups hide secrets and only tell you half the story — it's such a headache.

Banxia

His name is Liangmu. He's a short-life species that requested an elixir.

Banxia

I used to think that the suffering of short-life species was nothing. But my heart... my heart ached when I saw him in such pain.

Banxia

It's something I never expected to experience in my lifetime — falling in love with a short-life species... such a bittersweet feeling.

Banxia

That's when I thought of Lady Bailu — the Dragon Lady that can heal mortals through tears alone. But it would take 30 years for her to treat all those in need.

Banxia

I had no choice but to come up with this plan. Please forgive me...

Banxia

I'm already showing symptoms of the mara-struck...

Banxia

The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus regard the mara-struck as saints — they take all kinds of strange medicines to speed up the process... I was no exception.

Banxia

But since I met Liangmu, I've realized that these "saints" are horrible creatures. Even if I were to become immortal, to not recognize him, to forget him or become something that he doesn't recognize...

Banxia

That's why I stopped taking the medicines and escaped. Thanks to the Dragon Lady, I made it here safely.

Bailu

Hmph, she hid everything from me... but I promised her I'd save her beloved.

Bailu

After all these years, I'm still not used to seeing people suffer.

Banxia

Lady Bailu...

Bailu

Banxia, tell us what you want to do next.

Banxia

I can't let the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or the Ten-Lords Commission find us. We need to find a way to get to Cloudford without drawing their attention.

Options

I have someone in mind.

Banxia

I can't let the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or the Ten-Lords Commission find us. We need to find a way to get to Cloudford without drawing their attention.

Options

I have someone in mind.

Ask Banxia why she is hiding something

{NICKNAME}

(I should ask Bailu what she thinks about all this first.)

Banxia

I'm sorry I wasn't honest with Lady Bailu, but I had no other choice...

Options

What deal did you make with the Dragon Lady?

Banxia

I asked her to save my beloved. In return, I helped her escape from the Alchemy Commission...

Banxia

I broke many of the Vidyadhara's laws, and the Alchemy Commission is bound to punish me, but I just can't let my beloved die...

Options

I still have some questions for you...

Bailu, do you want to go with her?

Cut to the chase, what do you want me to do?

Banxia

I don't have much time left, but go ahead...

Options

Why did you hide all this from Bailu?

Who is your beloved...?

You said you didn't have much time left?

That's all I wanted to ask.

Banxia

I thought we'd be fine after we escaped... I didn't know those people would come after us.

Banxia

I just couldn't find a way to tell her I was a disciple... and about all the things I experienced there...

Bailu

You've been nice to me, but you shouldn't have kept me in the dark. I hate when grownups hide secrets and only tell you half the story — it's such a headache.

Banxia

His name is Liangmu. He's a short-life species that requested an elixir.

Banxia

I used to think that the suffering of short-life species was nothing. But my heart... my heart ached when I saw him in such pain.

Banxia

It's something I never expected to experience in my lifetime — falling in love with a short-life species... such a bittersweet feeling.

Banxia

That's when I thought of Lady Bailu — the Dragon Lady that can heal mortals through tears alone. But it would take 30 years for her to treat all those in need.

Banxia

I had no choice but to come up with this plan. Please forgive me...

Banxia

I'm already showing symptoms of the mara-struck...

Banxia

The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus regard the mara-struck as saints — they take all kinds of strange medicines to speed up the process... I was no exception.

Banxia

But since I met Liangmu, I've realized that these "saints" are horrible creatures. Even if I were to become immortal, to not recognize him, to forget him or become something that he doesn't recognize...

Banxia

That's why I stopped taking the medicines and escaped. Thanks to the Dragon Lady, I made it here safely.

Bailu

Hmph, she hid everything from me... but I promised her I'd save her beloved.

Bailu

After all these years, I'm still not used to seeing people suffer.

Banxia

Lady Bailu...

Bailu

Banxia, tell us what you want to do next.

Banxia

I can't let the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or the Ten-Lords Commission find us. We need to find a way to get to Cloudford without drawing their attention.

Options

I have someone in mind.

Banxia

I can't let the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus or the Ten-Lords Commission find us. We need to find a way to get to Cloudford without drawing their attention.

Options

I have someone in mind.

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven