Speak with Guangda

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

Investigate

System

A Lost and Found Notice has been slapped onto the wall, sticking out like a sore thumb.

System

Go ask Guangda outside the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery. He's responsible for fixing such scars found in the city.

Are you having trouble with something?

Guangda

When you're working in the Realm-Keeping Commission, every day is trouble.

Guangda

Seriously, sometimes I have a feeling that the Realm-Keeping Commission doesn't have a respectable social status at all. It is responsible for all the dirtiest, most tedious work.

Guangda

Official Dahao told me that someone had been putting up advertising posters in the Exalting Sanctum, and he wanted me to remove them.

Guangda

You get it? He asked me to remove the posters.

Options

Yes, I can hear you clearly.

How can there still be such uncivilized people in Luofu?

Guangda

You don't get it. The job is so meaningless! Is that within the job description of an orderly?

Guangda

Exactly! That point aside, do you think removing posters is my duty?

Guangda

Come to think of it, it really does seem to be my job!

Guangda

How about I pay you, and you help me remove the posters, especially the ones that are particularly eye-catching? I remember there are some Lost and Found notices. Please remove them all.

Options

Do I hand the posters over to you after removing them?

These peanuts are not enough to hire me!

Guangda

Oh, please don't. Just throw them away when no one's looking. I don't need the posters to report on my work.

Guangda

It'll be a kind deed if you can find the lost item for the owner.

Guangda

What I pay is more than enough, seeing you're only removing the Lost and Found notices.

Guangda

You'll get more rewards if you can find the lost item for the owner.

Guangda

Take your pay and start searching.

+ Immortal's Delight x 1

Follow the lost and found notice and find the owner, Cong

Baroumbrella

You are asking a mushroom whether it can write poetry.

Baroumbrella

How do you think the mushroom will respond?

Options

"I can't write poetry."

"I'm just a mushroom."

"I can write poetry. I'm the best at writing poetry!"

Baroumbrella

That's right.

Baroumbrella

That's right.

Baroumbrella

...

Baroumbrella

Have you really seen this kind of mushroom before?

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I feel true pity for this bias of yours that's exclusive to primates belonging to the family hominid and genus homo.

Did you put up the Lost and Found notices?

Cong

...I have indeed put up many Lost and Found notices. Which one specifically are you talking about?

Options

Lost and Found Notice

Cancel

Cong

Oh, that one. The Gloomy Poet. Have you found any clues about it?

Options

When you put it like that, it sounds like there are multiple poets?

I know where the Baroumbrella is...

No clues at the moment — but I can help you out.

Cong

Mmm, that's right. I made several other poets besides the gloomy one.

Options

Y—you can't be serious about getting them all back, can you?

Cong

Of course I want them all back!

Cong

They say, "Gloominess is the backbone of poetry." If a poet is melancholic enough, the most beautiful poetic verse will flow out... I had such high hopes for this Gloomy Poet.

Cong

I set its Gloomy setting very high, and it ended up wailing for half a day at the sight of a buttonhole missing a button.

Cong

In the end, just like all other artistic youths, it got lost in the hustle and bustle of city life before it ever got the chance to write a decent piece... Ahem, I hope circumstances haven't forced it to have to get a job. That wouldn't be very poetic, would it?

Options

When we met, it was very sentimental.

It's so depressed that it can't communicate at all.

Don't be so dramatic. Give it a whack and it'll be fine.

Cong

Sounds like it hasn't forgotten its roots... But it's time for it to come home.

Cong

That's not really the case here. While being overly depressed is a serious illness for humans, for an ingenium it counts as a malfunction.

Cong

That's why the Xianzhou expressly prohibits most ingenia from imitating human emotion. Emotions are not only superfluous to machines — they are dangerous.

Cong

*sighs* I have my reasons for wanting it to be depressed, so I'm stuck bringing despair to this bot.

Cong

If you break it, then you have to pay me for labor and materials.

Cong

Excellent. I never thought I'd get such a speedy reply.

Cong

They say, "Gloominess is the backbone of poetry." If a poet is melancholic enough, the most beautiful poetic verse will flow out... I had such high hopes for this Gloomy Poet.

Cong

I set its Gloomy setting very high, and it ended up wailing for half a day at the sight of a buttonhole missing a button.

Cong

In the end, just like all other artistic youths, it got lost in the hustle and bustle of city life before it ever got the chance to write a decent piece... Ahem, I hope circumstances haven't forced it to have to get a job. That wouldn't be very poetic, would it?

Options

When we met, it was very sentimental.

It's so depressed that it can't communicate at all.

Don't be so dramatic. Give it a whack and it'll be fine.

Cong

Sounds like it hasn't forgotten its roots... But it's time for it to come home.

Cong

That's not really the case here. While being overly depressed is a serious illness for humans, for an ingenium it counts as a malfunction.

Cong

That's why the Xianzhou expressly prohibits most ingenia from imitating human emotion. Emotions are not only superfluous to machines — they are dangerous.

Cong

*sighs* I have my reasons for wanting it to be depressed, so I'm stuck bringing despair to this bot.

Cong

If you break it, then you have to pay me for labor and materials.

Cong

That's great! I've always wanted a good helper just like you!

Cong

They say, "Gloominess is the backbone of poetry." If a poet is melancholic enough, the most beautiful poetic verse will flow out... I had such high hopes for this Gloomy Poet.

Cong

I set its Gloomy setting very high, and it ended up wailing for half a day at the sight of a buttonhole missing a button.

Cong

In the end, just like all other artistic youths, it got lost in the hustle and bustle of city life before it ever got the chance to write a decent piece... Ahem, I hope circumstances haven't forced it to have to get a job. That wouldn't be very poetic, would it?

Options

When we met, it was very sentimental.

It's so depressed that it can't communicate at all.

Don't be so dramatic. Give it a whack and it'll be fine.

Cong

Sounds like it hasn't forgotten its roots... But it's time for it to come home.

Cong

That's not really the case here. While being overly depressed is a serious illness for humans, for an ingenium it counts as a malfunction.

Cong

That's why the Xianzhou expressly prohibits most ingenia from imitating human emotion. Emotions are not only superfluous to machines — they are dangerous.

Cong

*sighs* I have my reasons for wanting it to be depressed, so I'm stuck bringing despair to this bot.

Cong

If you break it, then you have to pay me for labor and materials.

Cong

Come on {F#miss}{M#mister}, help me out. Open up its back flap, find its jade abacus core, and give it a solid repair job.

Cong

As long as you can reduce the Gloomy setting, it'll probably come back with you.

Activation Conditions:C2020901I0==1

Options

Success

- Lost and Found Notice x 1

Head to the Exalting Sanctum and find the Gloomy Poet

{NICKNAME}

Cong sent me to get you.

Gloomy Poet

Why did my master ask you to find a mushroom?

Gloomy Poet

Let alone a failed mushroom like me.

Options

Cong wants you to write poems.

Your master asks you to go home. He misses you.

(Open up its back flap)

Gloomy Poet

Why ask a mushroom to write poetry?

Gloomy Poet

I don't know how to write poetry. All I know is sadness.

Gloomy Poet

Huh, don't you know what mushrooms are?

Gloomy Poet

Mushrooms are mushrooms.

Options

What would it take for you to go back to Cong?

...How about I just pick you up and carry you off?

I'm a mushroom too.

(Open up its back flap)

Gloomy Poet

Do you always place such high expectations on mushrooms?

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

Gloomy Poet

Why do you want to pick up a mushroom?

Gloomy Poet

This mushroom just wants to wallow here alone in its own shroomy misery.

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

Gloomy Poet

What type of mushroom are you... I can't tell. No, you're not the same species as me.

Gloomy Poet

I'm a lonely mushroom. Alas, how sad am I.

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

System

You remember Cong's suggestion. You locate the back flap and try to reduce the Gloomy setting. Luckily, there is no resistance from Gloomy Poet.

Gloomy Poet

Please be gentle with me. Don't be too rough.

Gloomy Poet

You are as cold and heartless as the Creator, peeling open my untainted shell and dissecting my depressed heart...

System

You remember Cong's suggestion. You locate the back flap and try to reduce the Gloomy setting. Luckily, there is no resistance from Gloomy Poet.

Gloomy Poet

Please be gentle with me. Don't be too rough.

Gloomy Poet

You are as cold and heartless as the Creator, peeling open my untainted shell and dissecting my depressed heart...

Gloomy Poet

Why would he want a mushroom to go back home?

Gloomy Poet

It's truly a doom-and-gloom thing to have mushrooms growing in a house.

Gloomy Poet

Huh, don't you know what mushrooms are?

Gloomy Poet

Mushrooms are mushrooms.

Options

What would it take for you to go back to Cong?

...How about I just pick you up and carry you off?

I'm a mushroom too.

(Open up its back flap)

Gloomy Poet

Do you always place such high expectations on mushrooms?

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

Gloomy Poet

Why do you want to pick up a mushroom?

Gloomy Poet

This mushroom just wants to wallow here alone in its own shroomy misery.

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

Gloomy Poet

What type of mushroom are you... I can't tell. No, you're not the same species as me.

Gloomy Poet

I'm a lonely mushroom. Alas, how sad am I.

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Options

(Open up its back flap)

(Quit wasting time and open the flap)

(Drag Gloomy Poet away)

System

There's no need for more words with a pretentious thing like this. Just drag it away.

Gloomy Poet

Don't... drag... me... away...

Gloomy Poet

Please, open me up. Set... me... free...

System

You remember Cong's suggestion. You locate the back flap and try to reduce the Gloomy setting. Luckily, there is no resistance from Gloomy Poet.

Gloomy Poet

Please be gentle with me. Don't be too rough.

Gloomy Poet

You are as cold and heartless as the Creator, peeling open my untainted shell and dissecting my depressed heart...

System

You remember Cong's suggestion. You locate the back flap and try to reduce the Gloomy setting. Luckily, there is no resistance from Gloomy Poet.

Gloomy Poet

Please be gentle with me. Don't be too rough.

Gloomy Poet

You are as cold and heartless as the Creator, peeling open my untainted shell and dissecting my depressed heart...

System

You remember Cong's suggestion. You locate the back flap and try to reduce the Gloomy setting. Luckily, there is no resistance from Gloomy Poet.

Gloomy Poet

Please be gentle with me. Don't be too rough.

Gloomy Poet

You are as cold and heartless as the Creator, peeling open my untainted shell and dissecting my depressed heart...

Talk to the Gloomy Poet

Gloomy Poet

Oh, I'm so sad.

Gloomy Poet

Mmm? I don't seem to be that sad at all.

Gloomy Poet

Alas, everything is but a predetermined program, all smoke and mirrors. Everything is but a daydream of code... never-ending mirage...

Gloomy Poet

I didn't go back as ordered, as therein lies the true meaning of separation.

Gloomy Poet

But my master could not comprehend, and kept trying to beckon for me.

Options

What a poet — and a modernist, at that...

Come on. Let me take you home.

Bring the Gloomy Poet back to Cong

Gloomy Poet

Softly I go, just as softly I came; I softly beckon my leave to the soft Exalting Sanctum clouds.

Cong

"Humans compare depths to the ocean, I am a tsunami in motion. Oh ocean, a mistress so fickle, but I would rather just eat a pickle."

Cong

...There's nothing wrong with this new verse I just composed, right?

Options

Your poet is back.

...You're not great at this poetry business.

Cong

Ah, isn't that my little poet ingenium?

Cong

But she only likes poets... Forget it. I'd better take a look at my poet ingenium first...

Cong

You're finally back. I thought you were taken away by the Mourning Actors?

Gloomy Poet

This is all your fault. The moment you booted me up, you entered a Gloomy command. You gave me this divine punishment called sadness. Did you ever stop to wonder how I felt?

Gloomy Poet

It feels like I was destined to be abandoned by this world. And I continued to repent and self-exile, just to extract another morsel of poetry to ease my sadness.

Options

This is all Cong's fault, forcing you to write poetry.

It's difficult to understand a robot's sadness...

At least your melancholy can be transformed into verse...

Gloomy Poet

You don't have to understand me. You can't really understand me. Just as a flower cannot understand why the rain clouds cry. There is no such thing as true empathy in this world.

Gloomy Poet

Why is my master so obsessed with poetry?

Gloomy Poet

Ahh, melancholy is just melancholy most of the time. It doesn't make for any kind of poetry.

Gloomy Poet

Why is my master so obsessed with poetry?

Cong

Well, I write poetry... to win the heart of a fair maiden.

Gloomy Poet

For Love: One of the tritest of all human triteness. My chip has no way of understanding this concept.

Cong

I have my eye on a girl named Jingzhai, but she shot me down. I heard that she was in love with a poet and that this poet has a whole book of poetry published — but me, I could barely put together a rhyming couplet.

Cong

I thought to myself, there have to be more solutions than problems in this world, right? As a member of the Artisanship Commission, I may not be able to put together any kind of poetry myself — but these hands of mine could sculpt a different kind of poet, if you get my drift!

Options

C'mon, she's already got a partner.

It wasn't poetry she rejected — it was you.

...Does this really count as having written it yourself?

Cong

I may have been asking around. Her colleagues said that she's single right now.

Cong

Feels like that poet is not that great a lover after all. But that's alright, because otherwise I wouldn't be getting this chance, would I?

Cong

Really? I don't believe you. She told me before that her past lover was a talented poet, and how she was infatuated with his poetic talent.

Cong

I have to set myself a lofty goal to surpass, right?

Cong

I've checked the relevant legislation, and ingenia do not enjoy property rights aboard the Xianzhou. So all the copyrights for all the poems written by it belong to ME — of course it counts as my writing!

Cong

Speaking of which, I've built more than just one of these poet ingenia. And there're still three of them out there who haven't returned. I wonder if they're still running.

Cong

If you could bring back their Inspo Jade Abaci, then I should be able to craft a poem that'll move my dear Jingzhai.

Cong

Mushroom, you should be able to pinpoint the locations of the other poet ingenia, right?

Gloomy Poet

I am a poet, not some piece of navigation software.

Gloomy Poet

Found one: The Borderland Poet is over in the Scalegorge Waterscape delve.

Options

Heading over now.

Now's the time you're going to ask me to work, right?

How is there a Borderland Poet?

Cong

That's so proactive. Was it my perseverance for love that moved you to action? Hmm, I guess it could be the promise of reward, too...

Cong

You get it. You're so proficient. You must help people out for fun, right?

Cong

Uh, I actually don't know what kind of poet Jingzhai's ex is, so I've rolled out a few different ones — so I can master each genre of poetry!

Cong

Please, {NICKNAME}, find these ingenia, and you'll be my celebrity matchmaker for real! I'll reward you well.

Head to the Alchemy Commission and find the Borderland Poet

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Alchemy Commission

Borderland Poet

"Rugged rocks and gorges winding through, where clouds hide the peaks from view. A glance back at the journey true, in Waterscape Gorge, I test anew."

Borderland Poet

Who goes there? Dare thou approach this old timer from behind!

Options

Old timer?

How very Borderland Poet of you!

I have a feeling that we're going to fight, aren't we?

Borderland Poet

I studied in-depth all the classics of borderland poetry of yore, distilling each poet's life essence and style. Realizing that each poet had encountered many diverse and rich experiences.

Borderland Poet

I've only been running for two months, twelve days, and eight system hours, and I'm no match for them — so I've changed my personal pronoun to try and fathom the minds of such poets.

Borderland Poet

Hahaha! Seems my fame has already preceded me.

Borderland Poet

Hohoho! You worry too much, {F#young lady}{M#young sir}, I've no reason to hurt you.

Gloomy Poet

Oh, your figure so imposing and tall, while I'm feeble and short. How tragic.

Borderland Poet

Hohohoho! Is the master still playing around with those soppy, limp poems?

Gloomy Poet

...I don't think the master's doggerel can be considered poetry. Even calling it "doggerel" is being generous...

Borderland Poet

Sensible. I do give the master too much credit.

Options

Anyway, hand over your Inspo Jade Abacus.

Gloomy Poet

Master asked the two of us to come and take your Inspo Jade Abacus.

Borderland Poet

"Better be a lieutenant than a scholar." What's important isn't whether you're a poet. I think that heading to the battlefield and striking down foes is more important.

Borderland Poet

I've traveled distances to come to the Scalegorge Waterscape just to show off my skills, but never expected the Cloud Knights' suppression of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus to be over already! I've come in vain.

Borderland Poet

Alas, without being baptized in the flames and steel of war, I daren't call any poetry I write true "borderland poems." This Inspo Jade Abacus of mine is worthless! I shall destroy it!

Options

The war is over. You don't have to fight anymore.

Then let's fight!

Gloomy Poet

Condition: [Borderland Poet] needs to experience [Combat]. Output Result: You two fight each other.

Options

Are you trying to make trouble!?

Borderland Poet

Great idea! Let me take the battlefield with you, smashing the inspiration of poetry headfirst into fierce fighting passion!

Options

You really want to fight it out!?

You get it better than me!

Let's agree that if I break you, I won't have to pay for you!

Borderland Poet

Great idea! Let me take the battlefield with you, smashing the inspiration of poetry headfirst into fierce fighting passion!

Options

You really want to fight it out!?

You get it better than me!

Let's agree that if I break you, I won't have to pay for you!

Borderland Poet

"The air is filled with killing intent, rising like mist and cloud. The cold light shines, blades in formation marching loud. With laughter, watching as white blades turn crimson. The Cloud Knights care not for glory, nor their victory."

Borderland Poet

Artisanship Commission Security Aurumaton Type-C, here to seek guidance!

⚔️

Combat

Trade blows with the Borderland Poet and ignite some inspiration

Borderland Poet

...Alright, alright. Here you go, my Inspo Jade Abacus.

Borderland Poet

I... I've got no complaints or regrets in this life...

Options

Take care, brave warrior.

That's enough melodrama out of you. It's not like I destroyed you or anything...

Hmph. A defeated opponent.

Borderland Poet

Take care.

Borderland Poet

I still have to thank you for going easy on me.

Borderland Poet

How despicable, but even the shame of defeat serves as good inspiration for another poem.

Gloomy Poet

...I've located the next poet over in Starskiff Haven. Let's go.

Respond to Cong's message

Head to Starskiff Haven and find the Graceful Poet

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

Graceful Poet

I know why you're here, croak. But before we address that, please answer my question — what about writing poetry is of the most importance?

Gloomy Poet

The most important thing about poetry... Surely it is depression?

Options

It's about subject and theme.

It's about rhythm and style.

It's about emotion and meaning.

It's about the poet!

Graceful Poet

Subject and theme alone without profundity, sentimentality, or the ingenuity of metaphor — without all that, it's just boring.

Graceful Poet

Rhythm and style alone make for moronic wailing. Just a bunch of bad code, croak.

Graceful Poet

That's right — I can see that you have a deep understanding of poetry, croak!

Graceful Poet

Croak...You're not wrong. The poet's talent dictates the quality of a poem. But I asked you about writing poetry itself!

Graceful Poet

Look, the most important thing about writing poetry is capturing those simple human emotions which resonate with everyone. And of all the simple human emotions, the pain of separation and the longing for eventual return is the most universal across all peoples.

Graceful Poet

But, alas! Croak! I've been waiting all day here on this jetty but haven't managed to brew up the requisite emotions to compose a poem of departures.

Options

What do you mean by "poem of departures"?

Poems aren't spaceships. Can it come just by waiting?

Graceful Poet

"'Tis hard to meet — and hard to say goodbye"... A poem that describes human emotion when parting from others is called a poem of departures.

Graceful Poet

"From wanderlust to sojourns afar, we all come home a visitor." If it doesn't even arrive at the departure jetty, then you won't be able to find it anywhere, croak.

Graceful Poet

I curse the convenience of modern-day transport and communications aboard the Luofu. People depart yet don't have to worry about when they'll return. There's no earnest pleading, no heartfelt emotion, croak...

Graceful Poet

The thought of how easy and satisfied goodbyes have become makes me want to stomp my feet in rage — even though I can't actually reach the ground.

Options

You just don't have the mindset that can see goodbyes.

Can't you just make do and write whatever?

Graceful Poet

When you put it like that... can you, croak?

Graceful Poet

No way, croak! Poetry shan't ever just "make do."

Graceful Poet

Have you read the doggerel that Master Cong writes? No emotion. You may as well just kill me.

Graceful Poet

It's hopeless just waiting here. Please help me find what I'm looking for. There has to be an emotional parting scene nearby.

Graceful Poet

You know the tropes, "the voyager saying farewell to his family," "the star-crossed lovers bidding goodbye," "parting friends"... that kind of thing. If you see anything, please help me snap a photo.

Options

Alright, I'll help you snap a pic of a "parting scene."

I want to bid you farewell right now to gift you an emotional departure.

Graceful Poet

Thank you, croak.

Graceful Poet

No. I don't have any emotions for you, croak. That's not enough material for a poem, croak!

Graceful Poet

Don't worry. I just need to see that human emotion of parting, and the poem would write itself. Then I can give you my Inspo Jade Abacus, and you'll be done with your mission.

Respond to Cong's message

Talk is cheap, you must show the Metrical Poet what you mean

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

System

After an ear-splitting sound, the Metrical Poet exploded into a firework, probably from taking in too much poetic knowledge. It did not even say "I'll be back!" before it was gone.

System

You taught the old-fashioned Metrical Poet a lesson and schooled it about the power of free verse. It was a shame that it no longer has the chance to change the style of its poems. How wonderful.

Gloomy Poet

Let's go. Since we already have the Inspo Jade Abacus and the Drifting Clouds, we may set off to meet our master.

+ Inspo Jade Abacus: Metrical x 1, Drifting Clouds x 1

Head to the Exalting Sanctum and find the Metrical Poet

🏃‍♂️

Move

Passerby A

What is your take on Drifting Clouds?

Metrical Poet

Thanks for inviting me...

Metrical Poet

I just arrived at the Luofu and got off the starskiff.

Metrical Poet

The Drifting Clouds is not considered a poetry collection...

Metrical Poet

The verses inside do not follow a certain pattern, and they do not rhyme.

Metrical Poet

This is rubbish. Take it back!

🏃‍♂️

Move

Gloomy Poet

{NICKNAME}, look! It's right here.

Metrical Poet

Surely it's the wily Cong, sent you here to crack the whip. The task at hand, a tedious slog, my duty's weight hard to equip.

Options

...What kind of virus did you catch?

How about you hand over your Inspo Jade Abacus, and we go our separate ways?

Metrical Poet

Human, I know you're criticizing me indirectly. Do you think I'm happy speaking in that rhythm all the time? It's so inefficient.

Metrical Poet

I have no choice, as this is the primary task assigned to me.

Metrical Poet

Hey, learn some manners when you've got downtime. Do you think I'm happy speaking in that rhythm all the time? It's so inefficient.

Metrical Poet

As an ingenium, I have no choice. If my master wants me to study poetry, I must read of them in spades.

Metrical Poet

Poetry relies on the special rhythm of language. Only the permutations that conform to the rhythm can be considered a poem. Master Cong has created me to master the standard of poetry.

Metrical Poet

As long as your rhythm and counterpoints meet my standard, I'll hand over my Inspo Jade Abacus. Otherwise, stop disturbing my poetry study.

Options

Hmph, this is a piece of cake for me.

How can you test me when you are not competent yourself?

Metrical Poet

First, I'll test your rhythm. Poets often use words with the same rhyme regularly in a verse to create an artistic echo-like effect.

Metrical Poet

Listen carefully. The first line is: "Picking chrysanthemums and drinking wine at sunset."

Options

My sleeves leave a silhouette.

I have a good meal that is hard to forget.

I saw a jade pillow and a luxurious kitchen.

I listen to the wind rolling up the curtains.

Metrical Poet

Not bad.

Metrical Poet

...

Metrical Poet

I'll let you pass.

Metrical Poet

You did not rhyme with my line, and I must punish you for that. However, considering that you haven't got the swing of things, I'll give you another chance.

Metrical Poet

You did not rhyme with my line, and I must punish you for that. However, considering that you haven't got the swing of things, I'll give you another chance.

Metrical Poet

"The sky matches with the earth, the rain matches with the wind. The great land matches with the vast sky, the flower matches with the mountain, the red sun matches with the blue sky."

Metrical Poet

Counterpoint is about contrasting or combining two terms, phrases, or clauses with opposite meanings. This is not easy.

Metrical Poet

Listen carefully. My line is, "Speech is silver."

Options

Silence is golden.

Life is bitter or sweet.

Mr. Yang is a flirt.

Two is one plus one.

Metrical Poet

Hmph, that must be a lucky guess. Still, I approve of it.

Metrical Poet

This clause does not contrast with my line. I must oust you myself!

Metrical Poet

What Mr. Yang? This clause does not contrast with my line. I must oust you myself!

Metrical Poet

This clause has no meaning at all. I must oust you myself!

Activation Conditions:C2020901I1==1

Options

Fail

Metrical Poet

Great. I'll give you the Inspo Jade Abacus and this Drifting Clouds.

Metrical Poet

I'm not a fan of the Drifting Clouds as the verses do not follow a certain pattern. Still, I must say this is a good poem that stirs my heart.

Gloomy Poet

Let's go and find Master Cong.

Metrical Poet

No more small talk, and show your true talent. Take it or leave it. Don't disturb my study.

Options

Let's begin.

Metrical Poet

First, I'll test your rhythm. Poets often use words with the same rhyme regularly in a verse to create an artistic echo-like effect.

Metrical Poet

Listen carefully. The first line is: "Picking chrysanthemums and drinking wine at sunset."

Options

My sleeves leave a silhouette.

I have a good meal that is hard to forget.

I saw a jade pillow and a luxurious kitchen.

I listen to the wind rolling up the curtains.

Metrical Poet

Not bad.

Metrical Poet

...

Metrical Poet

I'll let you pass.

Metrical Poet

You did not rhyme with my line, and I must punish you for that. However, considering that you haven't got the swing of things, I'll give you another chance.

Metrical Poet

You did not rhyme with my line, and I must punish you for that. However, considering that you haven't got the swing of things, I'll give you another chance.

Activation Conditions:C2020901I1==2

Options

Success

Fail

+ Inspo Jade Abacus: Metrical x 1, Drifting Clouds x 1

+ Achievements <Wordsmith>

⚔️

Combat

Give the collected Inspo Jade Abaci to Cong

{NICKNAME}

We've collected all the Inspo Jade Abaci.

Cong

Thanks for your hard work. Leave them to me.

Options

Deliver item

Cancel

Cong

"Mushroom," I'll engrave the talismans in these Inspo Jade Abaci into your brain so that you can write the "most beautiful love poem"!

Gloomy Poet

...I have reservations about this.

Cong

It should be done now. "Mushroom," try writing something.

Gloomy Poet

...Give me some keywords.

Cong

Cong, loves, Jingzhai... How about that?

Gloomy Poet

That isn't helpful at all... Isn't Jingzhai a fan of the Drifting Clouds? Do you want a love poem like that?

Cong

Oh, you're right. Let me take a look at the Drifting Clouds.

Options

Deliver item

Cancel

Cong

...

Cong

"When your graceful figure blends in with the pure dance of stars, nature becomes peaceful and orderly."

Cong

"Mushroom," I want something like that!

Gloomy Poet

...Let me try.

Gloomy Poet

...The algorithm is being generated.

Gloomy Poet

"I offer you whatever insight my reflections may hold,"

Gloomy Poet

"Whatever creativity and frankness my life."

Gloomy Poet

"I offer you the spark of emotions that the Vidyadhara could never have."

Gloomy Poet

"I offer you all the love I could muster that I have saved, somehow..."

Gloomy Poet

{NICKNAME}, could you add one sentence for me?

Options

That love which I've been holding onto since I was born.

The love that is untouched by joy, by adversities.

Jingzhai, I love you!

{TEXTJOIN#52}=That love which I've been holding onto since I was born.

Cong

Holding onto... Oh! It's referring to the Unity Lock.

{TEXTJOIN#52}=The love that is untouched by joy, by adversities.

Cong

You're very talented.

{TEXTJOIN#52}=Jingzhai, I love you!

Gloomy Poet

Isn't it too direct?

Cong

It's good to be direct!

Cong

...Even if Guyu were here, the poem would still be written this way.

Cong

{NICKNAME}, I'll pluck up the courage to confess to Jingzhai again. Please come with me to witness it.

Cong

Um, haven't you found the Drifting Clouds?

Cong

Haven't you finished collecting the inspo jade abaci yet?

Activation Conditions:C2020901I2==1

Options

Success

- Inspo Jade Abacus: Borderland x 1, Inspo Jade Abacus: Graceful x 1, Inspo Jade Abacus: Metrical x 1

Go to the Divination Commission and bear witness to Cong's confession

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Divination Commission

🏃‍♂️

Move

Jingzhai

Why are you here again? I already told you...

Cong

No, I'm no longer the Cong you know. I've written the most beautiful poem for you. Please listen till the end.

Jingzhai

I was once in love with a poet, but that doesn't mean I'll like every poet I meet. Do you understand?

Cong

I don't understand.

Jingzhai

...Fine. Just read it.

Cong

"I offer you whatever insight my reflections may hold, whatever creativity and frankness my life."

Cong

"I offer you the spark of emotions that the Vidyadhara could never have. I offer you all the love I could muster that I have saved, somehow — {TEXTJOIN#52}"

Jingzhai

...

Jingzhai

This is much better than the doggerel before, but I can't feel your affection. You didn't write this, did you?

Cong

I've made some poet ingenia. The poems they write are considered mine. And you know what? You can have as many poems like this as you want. If you like it, I can write more for you.

Jingzhai

Thank you, but I'm sorry I can't accept it. Please go home.

Cong

I—I...

Catch up to Cong

Cong

*sniffle* I failed again... "Mushroom," do you have a better poem?

Gloomy Poet

Being a poet won't win the heart of Ms. Jingzhai. Please face the music.

Options

You don't need a poet ingenium from the start.

Even if you have the best poems in the world, they won't help you.

Gloomy Poet

This is difficult to hear, as it denies the meaning of my existence... Yet, you're right.

Gloomy Poet

None of what we've done so far has anything to do with Ms. Jingzhai.

Gloomy Poet

Master, you've adopted the most expensive but least efficient solution — writing love poems — for the issue of "winning the heart of Ms. Jingzhai."

Gloomy Poet

Love poems cannot replace care and communication.

Options

Have you made the effort to understand Jingzhai?

Have you just been writing poems so far?

Cong

I thought she would fall in love with me as long as I could write the best poem in the world.

Cong

Her ex is a poet, so she must be into people who write poems...

Gloomy Poet

You've never made the effort to understand Jingzhai.

Gloomy Poet

You're just jealous of the poet whom she dated before. Yet, jealousy is a useless emotion.

Cong

...I don't feel like giving up yet. Can you help me again?

Gloomy Poet

Oh, a mushroom is not in the position to teach you things like this.

Gloomy Poet

{NICKNAME} and I will help you find out Jingzhai's preferences. You should prepare a gift that she likes and a moving speech. When an opportunity arises, you'll do another love confession.

Options

How do you know so much about this...

Gloomy Poet

When I was wandering outside, I downloaded books about romantic relationships such as The Key to a Good Long-Life Species Relationship... Yet, I don't have the need for love. Oh, this is depressing.

Gloomy Poet

{NICKNAME}, let's get in touch with Jingzhai's colleagues and friends. Perhaps, we can gain some useful info for my master.

Ask Mingyue for more information

Mingyue

I'm busy, what do you want to tell me?

Options

I'd like to ask you about Jingzhai.

Mingyue

Although I'm a diviner, I don't gossip about others.

System

The girl looked around. After making sure the coast was clear, she turned to you with her eyes filled with excitement.

Mingyue

Tell me. What do you want to know?

Options

Have you heard about someone named Guyu?

Does Jingzhai have any hobbies?

What kind of person is Jingzhai attracted to?

Mingyue

Oh, it's the poet that Jingzhai dated before. I've heard of him!

Mingyue

I heard that Jingzhai had a sweet relationship with him. But she seems to be single now. Perhaps, the poet has gone through hatching rebirth or fallen in love with another. No one is sure.

Mingyue

No matter how happy a couple is, their relationship is bound to end up badly. Just like divination, woe is the norm.

Mingyue

That's why I insist on staying single!

Mingyue

It's undoubtedly writing and reciting poems. Haha, Jingzhai's hobbies are quite old-fashioned. Oh, you want to know about her other hobbies?

Mingyue

Among us, she's the most serious about her profession. When she's free, she'll do divination and predict the future. The questions she asks are mostly about her relationship, but the results are not very accurate.

Mingyue

Hee-hee, I'm tempted at times to give her a plaque that reads "Genius Diviner" as her birthday gift.

Mingyue

I've discussed this with my colleagues before. I think Jingzhai is into people who are unpredictable and romantic. As for why, well, it's been ages since she dated someone. I think it's been a century...

Mingyue

She was deeply in love with Guyu, the great poet. I heard that she still keeps the Unity Lock from him as she can't move on from the relationship.

Options

Is the lock similar to this?

Mingyue

I think it's the same as this one. Tsk, you can't expect any surprises from the things men give you.

Mingyue

Their gifts are either tiny stones polished into unique shapes or small cheap crafts that can be bought anywhere.

Mingyue

A guy even wanted to gift me the right to name a star once... Oh, please! Once the Xianzhou sails off, I can't even see the star anymore...

Ask Huixing for more information

Huixing

It's you, {NICKNAME}. Is there something you need?

Options

I'd like to ask you about Jingzhai.

Huixing

Jingzhai, our Managing Diviner? As her colleague, I shouldn't comment about her in public.

Huixing

Jingzhai has a great personality and excels at what she does. She is an amazing colleague.

Options

Have you heard about someone named Guyu?

What does Jingzhai like?

What kind of person is Jingzhai attracted to?

Huixing

Oh, I see you're interested in her love life.

Huixing

I've heard of him. I think he was a Vidyadhara poet. Jingzhai used to talk about him a lot.

Huixing

It is said that they are lovers not only in this life. Guyu and Jingzhai dated each other in their two previous lifetimes too. Everyone considers that a romantic love story.

Huixing

However, this isn't possible from the perspective of the Vidyadhara like us.

Huixing

Without consuming a special potion, there's no way we can remember our lovers from our past lifetimes. Otherwise, one needs to carry something like a token during their hatching rebirth.

Huixing

Like? She always complains about how she needs more beautiful clothes. Well, girls will never think they have enough clothes, even if they live to be a thousand years old.

Huixing

Shouldn't you ask her directly? Forget it. I understand. I'm sure many are interested in such a lovely lady like her.

Huixing

Still, most suitors end up being disappointed. I think you will be no exception.

Options

I didn't say I was interested in Jingzhai.

Why?

Huixing

Well, here's my advice for you — it's better not to date a long-life species, especially the Xianzhou natives, as you will likely get hurt.

Huixing

If the rumor is right, Jingzhai has gone through too many memorable relationships. To put it bluntly, she can't feel the excitement of being in a relationship anymore now.

Huixing

She might have a youthful look, but her soul has aged. Her heart will not flutter for anyone again.

Reduce the "gloomy" emotional weight

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

Jingzhai

Looking for me?

Options

I'm Cong's friend. Can we talk?

Jingzhai

I... see. How can I help you, Cong's friend?

Options

Do you still love Guyu?

Why did you ask Cong to throw away the Unity Lock?

Do you have anything you like?

Why do you find Cong unattractive?

Jingzhai

Oh, my... You're just like Cong. He always asks me questions that make me uncomfortable from the get-go.

Jingzhai

However, I don't mind answering this once if it means you'll give up. I don't love Guyu anymore, but that doesn't mean I'll accept Cong.

Jingzhai

That was the lock he held in his hand when he underwent hatching rebirth. Yet, that lock means nothing to me now.

Options

Why are you so sure about that?

You also have a lock like that, don't you?

Jingzhai

...Please stop bothering me.

Jingzhai

New clothes and jewelry? Still, I won't accept them if they are from Cong.

Jingzhai

Cong is a great guy. Unlike his previous lifetime, he is very talented in the manufacturing of ingenia.

Jingzhai

I just won't fall in love with anybody anymore. This isn't Cong's fault...

Jingzhai

Just tell Cong that when you get back.

Head to the Exalting Sanctum and find Cong

🏃‍♂️

Move

Cong

Ruoyue, what do you mean by that? I just want to know who Jingzhai likes...

Ruoyue

I've said it three times. "It's you, but it's not you." That's the result of my divination.

Ruoyue

I can't reveal too many details, but there is nothing wrong with this result.

Options

Cong, have you finished writing the poem?

Cong

Oh, you are back. Have you gathered any info?

System

You tell Cong all the information you gathered, including what Jingzhai wanted you to convey.

Cong

Thank you. I see Guyu has already gone through the hatching rebirth... Still, I feel like I have missed out on something.

Options

Guyu has undergone the hatching rebirth?

What's Jingzhai's attitude toward the Unity Lock?

Gloomy Poet

Just like you, Guyu is a Vidyadhara, loves Jingzhai, has a Unity Lock, and has probably gone through the hatching rebirth...

Gloomy Poet

Miss Jingzhai knows you've had the lock since your birth and she hopes you will throw it away...

Gloomy Poet

If my guess is right...

Options

In Cong's former life, he was Guyu.

Have you thought of something?

Cong

Do you mean... I was Guyu in my former life? I am the poet I've been jealous of so far...

Cong

So, that's what "It's you, but it's not you" means... Do you have evidence?

Options

You already have it.

Take a closer look at your Unity Lock.

System

Cong and you examine the beautiful lock. A phrase that read "I love Jingzhai" is engraved near the keyhole.

System

The engraving was no longer clear due to the passage of hundreds of years. After checking it repeatedly, the two of you are even more certain of what the phrase meant.

Cong

I didn't engrave the words. Was I really Guyu in my former life? Jingzhai and I are fated to be together!

Cong

I'm bursting with confidence now. I have to confess to her again.

Options

Let's go!

Didn't you just get rejected?

Cong

Do I look like someone who wallows in self-pity?

Cong

If Jingzhai turns me down again, I'll show her our love token. I'm sure she'll be surprised and curious about my identity.

Cong

Let's pick a gift for her. Come and help me think of what to buy.

Options

Get Salesby to make a plaque that reads "Genius Diviner."

Go to Cloudbreadth Sleeves to buy some beautiful clothes.

Go to the Iridescent Parlor to buy the latest jade abacus model.

Cong

I believe in your taste! Let's go!

Gloomy Poet

In Cong's former life, he was Guyu.

Cong

Do you mean... I was Guyu in my former life? I am the poet I've been jealous of so far...

Cong

So, that's what "It's you, but it's not you" means... Do you have evidence?

Options

You already have it.

Take a closer look at your Unity Lock.

Buy a gift for Jingzhai

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

I'd like to order a plaque that reads "Genius Diviner."

Salesby

As long as you can afford it, I can even make one that reads "The Unparalleled Diviner, Supreme of the Universe."

Cong

I—I've asked her to meet me at the Starskiff Haven. She seems to have something to tell me too. I must succeed this time.

Gloomy Poet

...I have a bad feeling about this.

Cong

Don't jinx it.

+ Stainless Steel Plaque x 1

Witness Cong's confession again

Jingzhai

I thought you would come alone, but it doesn't matter. Please forget about me, Cong.

Cong

I've written a poem and prepared a gift for you. {NICKNAME}, the gift. Give it to me.

Options

Stainless Steel Plaque

Auspicious XV

Cloudbreadth Sleeves Limited Vertical Collar Jacket

Cancel

Jingzhai

...

Jingzhai

Cong, you don't get it.

Jingzhai

You're a great person, and I can feel your sincerity. However, I just can't fall in love with anyone anymore. This has nothing to do with you.

Cong

...I'm not just anyone. I'm Guyu's reincarnation. Look, you also have a Unity Lock like this.

Cong

Guyu held this lock tightly in his hands before he underwent the hatching rebirth in the moonlight. He hoped to continue his relationship with you after the reincarnation.

Jingzhai

...That is just his wishful thinking, which is why I want you to throw the lock away. You are not him, and he isn't related to you. You should search for your own happiness, not the shadow of someone else's joy.

Cong

But I'm not pursuing Guyu's happiness...

Jingzhai

Cong, I don't want to get your hopes up. You still have passion for love, but I don't. You'll just be a parched man dying of thirst in a desert, with me incapable of reciprocating your emotions.

Jingzhai

No matter how many times you confess in the future, I'll just keep on rejecting you.

Cong

I—I...

Jingzhai

*sigh* I really hope that he gives up on me.

Options

I understand, but...

Perhaps, this is the best ending for Cong.

Jingzhai

Cong... For the Vidyadhara, the hatching rebirth will wash away their memory. However, for some reason, after every reincarnation of Guyu, he will always find me and immediately fall head over heels for me.

Jingzhai

I thought it was romantic and fun too in the beginning. He was a Cloud Knight at some point, and a diviner working with me at some other point, and was also once a poet who wrote poems for me...

Jingzhai

For Cong, it's his first time meeting me, and the feelings he has for me are new. But for me, this has been my fourth reunion with him.

Jingzhai

Short-life species couples easily make promises about eternal love... But once you live long enough, you will discover how life slowly deprives you of your feelings.

Jingzhai

I used to do wild things for love too. But now, love does not leave a single ripple in my heart. I don't want to lie to Cong, so I hope he can give up as early as possible.

Options

I want to hear more stories about you.

I get your point. Let me check on Cong.

Jingzhai

Fine, but there's nothing much to tell.

Options

You're very faithful to your lover, but your love life is pretty complicated...

Is it because you're a long-life species?

Cong's case is special...

I get your point. Let me check on Cong.

Jingzhai

Just like you short-life species, I've experienced breakups and reconciliations in my love life too. Everything has got to do with the previous incarnations of Cong...

Jingzhai

Every previous incarnation of Cong is jealous of the talent of his predecessor. While Cong is jealous of Guyu, Guyu was jealous of the Cloud Knight before him.

Jingzhai

I think it's time to end this absurd love cycle.

Jingzhai

I can't say it applies to everyone. Just imagine a short-life species couple that has been together for fifty or sixty years. They might still love each other, but they won't be as enthusiastic as when they were young.

Jingzhai

Even if the relationship can last for a millennium, they will be just two people living together.

Jingzhai

Perhaps, short-life species are best suited to enjoy the sweetness of love.

Jingzhai

Do you mean how he manages to find me after every reincarnation? I find it interesting too. When it happened for the first time, I thought it was very romantic, and we were meant to be together. On the second time, I thought I would have no problem loving him for another ten lifetimes...

Jingzhai

But now, I'm sorry to say that I have no feelings for him at all.

Jingzhai

...

Jingzhai

Cong, you don't get it.

Jingzhai

You're a great person, and I can feel your sincerity. However, I just can't fall in love with anyone anymore. This has nothing to do with you.

Cong

...I'm not just anyone. I'm Guyu's reincarnation. Look, you also have a Unity Lock like this.

Cong

Guyu held this lock tightly in his hands before he underwent the hatching rebirth in the moonlight. He hoped to continue his relationship with you after the reincarnation.

Jingzhai

...That is just his wishful thinking, which is why I want you to throw the lock away. You are not him, and he isn't related to you. You should search for your own happiness, not the shadow of someone else's joy.

Cong

But I'm not pursuing Guyu's happiness...

Jingzhai

Cong, I don't want to get your hopes up. You still have passion for love, but I don't. You'll just be a parched man dying of thirst in a desert, with me incapable of reciprocating your emotions.

Jingzhai

No matter how many times you confess in the future, I'll just keep on rejecting you.

Cong

I—I...

Jingzhai

*sigh* I really hope that he gives up on me.

Options

I understand, but...

Perhaps, this is the best ending for Cong.

Jingzhai

...

Jingzhai

Cong, you don't get it.

Jingzhai

You're a great person, and I can feel your sincerity. However, I just can't fall in love with anyone anymore. This has nothing to do with you.