Listen to why Gao Tang is quarreling

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

Listen

???

Did you steal my Faunus Red Sheep?

Gao Tang

Don't make a scene here, or I'll sue you for slander at the Realm-Keeping Commission.

???

If you didn't steal my Faunus Red Sheep, why are there suddenly so many lamb dishes on your shop's menu?

Gao Tang

It's the season when the Puffergoats are ready! I've purchased lots of premium Puffergoats, which explains why there are so many goat dishes at my place.

Gao Tang

Also, there are plenty of restaurants on the Luofu that offer lamb dishes. Why do you only look for my trouble?

???

Their lamb don't taste as good as yours. I find it hard to believe you only use ordinary Puffergoat meat in your food!

Gao Tang

For the Garden of Gourmet's prestige, we'll never use stray sheep from unknown sources as ingredient for our food.

???

It's not a stray sheep! It's the Faunus Red Sheep!

Gao Tang

I don't care what it's called, cos it's not my business. Just stop causing trouble here, you nutcase!

Ask the weird person about the cause of the argument

???

Alas, my poor Faunus Red Sheep. They didn't even get to enjoy much freedom after leaving the harsh pen... Oh, Aeon of Abundance who spares us from suffering, please don't forfeit my merit for this!

Options

Aeon of Abundance?

Are you the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?

???

Shh, can you keep your voice low? I'm just an outworlder who lives here and keeps to myself. I have nothing to do with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

???

Greetings, my name is Benna. I like to set animals free with some of my outworlder friends when I have the time.

Benna

Let me make it clear that I'm different from those evil people who kill and steal in the name of Abundance. On the contrary, my friends and I are practicing the virtuous side of Abundance with our actions!

Options

Why are you bothering Gao Tang then?

Benna

It's because the Faunus Red Sheep I released have gone missing! The lovely sheep with crimson wool is an endangered species in their home. So, I've spent a fortune to buy a herd of them, thinking of releasing them into the Scalegorge Waterscape...

Benna

But when I went back home to check on them, I realized they were all gone!

Benna

Alas, it would be great if an expert investigator could suddenly show up here... I wish the investigator would be generous and willing to help kind people like us gratuitously...

Options

That's me.

Pay me, and I'll help you.

Benna

You... Could you help me find out the truth behind the disappearance of the Faunus Red Sheep? I knew you were a kind soul the first time I met you!

Options

But my help isn't gratuitous.

About my pay...

Benna

That's so mercenary of you. When I released the sheep, I never thought of asking them for my money back.

Benna

You should know that by helping me, you're helping those missing sheep too, and that will earn you merit with the Aeon of Abundance. You'll be in good health and have great luck in the future.

Options

That's right. Money is the only reward I want.

What's merit? Can you eat it?

Benna

Fine, I get it. Both sheep and humans have to eat well to survive. Since someone is willing to give up merits in exchange for cold hard credits, I'll fulfill {F#her}{M#his} wish.

Benna

Let's exchange numbers to keep in touch. As I have other businesses to manage, I'll leave the Faunus Red Sheep case to you.

Benna

Let's meet at the Alchemy Commission to discuss updates on the investigation.

{NICKNAME}

(Some professional equipment might come in handy for the investigation of a disappearance case like this... Let me borrow a Diting from the Realm-Keeping Commission. It's the real professional detective.)

Go to the Realm-Keeping Commission and borrow a Diting

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery

Jingyan

What brings you to the Realm-Keeping Commission today?

Options

I'd like to borrow a Diting...

Jingyan

Do you mind telling us the purpose of your loan? Diting is forensic equipment. By right, it can't be lent to civilians.

System

You talked about Benna and the matter about the Fau-whatever Red Sheep.

System

After listening to you, Jingyan heaves out a meaningful sigh.

Jingyan

It happens again... You can borrow this Diting, but you have to submit your result to us after you complete your investigation.

Options

Thank you so much!

Is there a problem?

Jingyan

Don't mention it. It's my job to help people with their problems.

Jingyan

Hmm... I'm not sure. Why don't you check out the situation first? Just drop me a line if there is a problem.

Jingyan

Please be careful, though I know you can probably deal with any danger with your combat skills.

Head to Scalegorge Waterscape and use a Diting to search for the little sheep

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Scalegorge Waterscape

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(According to Benna, this is where the released sheep went missing. Let me use Diting to search for clues in this area.)

Investigate

{NICKNAME}

(A huge tuft of red fur... with blood stains... It seems to be that the sheep have suffered a mishap.)

Investigate

{NICKNAME}

(Is this... a bone? To be more precise, it's the scraps of a bone... It's been chewed to such fine pieces. Whatever beast is the culprit, I'm sure it's got strong teeth.)

{NICKNAME}

(Footprints... They seem to belong to an animal, and I think there is more than one pair. Let's follow the footprints for clues.)

🏃‍♂️

Move

{NICKNAME}

(A wolf? Does it even exist in the Scalegorge Waterscape? Let me check it out.)

🏃‍♂️

Move

System

You are simply a walking, moving lunch. A pack of wolves watches you hungrily. They are hungry.

Options

I don't taste good. Go eat that Diting.

(Get ready to battle.)

Diting

Woof?

⚔️

Combat

Head to the Alchemy Commission to meet with the Three Benevolent Ones

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Alchemy Commission

🏃‍♂️

Move

Zhongshan

Look, the four people over there are the Four Benevolent Ones of the Unshackled. Let me introduce them to you...

Zhongshan

The woman on the left is Tonya, the leading figure of the Beast Faction in the Unshackled and passionate about releasing powerful wild beasts. The wolves you killed were released by her.

Zhongshan

I think you've met the one next to Tonya. Her name is Benna, and she's the leader of the Nurture Faction. This faction mainly releases rare, fragile, and endangered animals.

Zhongshan

Next is Heathmann. He leads the Plant Faction that is dedicated to releasing plants.

Zhongshan

Last but not least, that's Nannan.

Options

Their names are all over the place...

Zhongshan

This fella is a local, but he's just been jointly ousted from the Four Benevolent Ones by the other three.

Zhongshan

It's because he likes to release... the microorganisms in water. The other three leaders think he's not taking the act of releasing life seriously, so they called him leader of the Fooling Around Faction and kicked him out.

Zhongshan

Please wait here while I explain your incident to them.

System

Zhongshan approaches the Four Benevolent Ones and talks to them. After a while, she turns around and beckons you over.

Chat with the Benevolent Ones in the Alchemy Commission

Tonya

Zhongshan, is this the young talent who is interested in joining us?

Zhongshan

Yes, this is {NICKNAME}. Some of you might have heard of that name... This is the distinguished guest invited by General Jing Yuan of the Seat of Divine Foresight.

Options

I see you know who I am...

When did I say I want to join them?

Zhongshan

Huh? Don't you realize how famous you are?

Zhongshan

When you agreed to come with me and meet them. Didn't you say yes because you wanted to do good and learn more about the way of Abundance and the Unshackled?

Benna

Wait a minute... Isn't this the person I hired to investigate the disappearance of the Faunus Red Sheep? Have you got to the bottom of it?

Zhongshan

Yes, yes. It was a bunch of Abominations of Abundance that ate your sheep. Don't worry! This {F#heroine}{M#hero}, {NICKNAME}, already eliminated those monsters!

Options

I already told you that wolves attacked first.

I'm not injured, so there's no need to pay for my medical fees.

Yes, I did. So what?

Tonya

E—Eliminated them? You killed the wolves I released? How brutal!

Tonya

And you, Zhongshan! What do you mean by the "Abominations of Abundance"? How many times do I have to repeat myself? Those that received Yaoshi's blessing are no abominations!

Benna

So, Tonya, you are the culprit! I only released the Faunus Red Sheep in the Scalegorge Waterscape because I thought that area was free of beasts. Why did you release the wolves there too?

Heathmann

Shut up, both of you. The gold-fringed alfalfa I released were all eaten by the sheep.

Benna

Your annoying alfalfa grew all over the place and disrupted the entire ecosystem of that planet! If it hadn't been for your alfalfas, the Faunus Red Sheep population wouldn't have boomed, and they wouldn't have been hunted to near extinction by the local hunters, and I wouldn't have had to buy them at a high price and release them!

Nannan

Alright, stop bickering! It isn't appropriate to fight before outsiders!

Tonya

Keep your mouth shut, you mineral water-releasing clown!

Nannan

What's wrong with releasing the Scalegorge Spring Water? At least I won't get embroiled in this ridiculous battle of the food chain! What exactly are you guys doing? Are you releasing animals or holding a beast fight?

Benna

A certain suspended employee shouldn't be fanning the flames here!

Options

I'll leave you to your argument.

Is this how you welcome new members?

Why not decide the winner through a fight? I'll be the referee.

Zhongshan

Hey, please don't go... I'll mediate their dispute.

Zhongshan

Ahhh... Please don't be offended. We argue only because of the firm conviction we hold in our hearts.

Zhongshan

It's not good to resort to violence. As practitioners of the way of Abundance, we should cherish life instead of hurting ourselves.

Zhongshan

Everyone, please stop fighting.

Zhongshan

Although {NICKNAME} has killed the wolves released by Tonya and ruined those kind efforts, {F#she}{M#he} intends to redeem this error by joining the Unshackled. They'll do a lot of kind deeds in the future.

Zhongshan

How does that sound, everyone?

Tonya

Sob, sob, my darling wolves... No! I can't accept this!

Benna

I'm fine with it. After all, {NICKNAME} has helped me get to the bottom of the disappearance of the Faunus Red Sheep.

Nannan

It's nay for me too! This person seems to be violent by nature. Can they understand the spirit of "releasing life"?

Tonya

Enough, mineral water guy! Hmph, I can let {F#her}{M#him} join us, but I'll be especially strict with them.

Heathmann

I have no problem with that.

{NICKNAME}

(Someone seems to have sent me a message... I should reply to it.)

Zhongshan

Awesome! Your membership has been approved unanimously! I remember every new member of the Unshackled has to go through a newcomer trial. Let's discuss the trial to be arranged for {NICKNAME}.

Benna

Zhongshan has a point. Let's test {NICKNAME}'s abilities through the newcomer trial.

Options

Let me reiterate that I have no intention of joining.

Fine. What do I have to do?

Someone's looking for me. Please go ahead with the discussion...

Tonya

That won't do. Now that you have killed my wolves, you must contribute the same amount of merits whether you join our group or not. That's the only way I'll forgive you.

Heathmann

We'll tell you after having a discussion.

Tonya

Don't go too far away, {F#girl}{M#boy}. Now that you have killed my wolves, you must contribute the same amount of merits whether you join our group or not. That's the only way I'll forgive you.

{NICKNAME}

(Tsk, I'll ignore them and check the message first...)

Go to a quiet place to answer a text message

🏃‍♂️

Move

📱

Messages

System

As Zhongshan and the Four Benevolent Ones hold an animated discussion, you find it hard to chip in.

{NICKNAME}

(Wow, the discussion is intense... Let me reply to the message first.)

Go back and continue discussing with the Benevolent Ones

{NICKNAME}

(Jingyan is literally talking to herself... I should probably go back and talk to the members of the Unshackled. I wonder whether they have decided on the kind of trial to put me through.)

Zhongshan

{NICKNAME}, you're back. I just discussed with the Four Benevolent Ones about the newcomer trial...

Tonya

It's Three Benevolent Ones now! Well, we've agreed that we should let you solve the problem at hand for us.

Benna

I believe you can tell that the creatures we released have formed a food chain. Heathmann's plants were eaten by my Faunus Red Sheep, and my sheep were eaten by Tonya's beasts...

Benna

If this goes on, all the merits we have accumulated will be in vain!

Heathmann

Plants can't fight. This makes them the biggest loser!

Nannan

I don't have to worry as I'll never have such concerns. That's why our Microscopic Faction is better than everyone else.

Tonya

One more word from you, "Fooling Around Faction," and I'll smack you.

Zhongshan

Okay, okay. Please don't start another fight. Anyway, the newcomer trial for us two, as the master and a student, has been decided: We have to solve the food chain problem among the Three Benevolent Ones.

Heathmann

Indeed.

Options

You won't have this problem if you all stop the act of releasing wildlife.

When did I become your student?

Tonya

This is out of the question! Abandoning the way of Abundance will oust me from the team of life!

Benna

If I were in danger one day and needed Yaoshi's help, I wouldn't want my merit account to be empty without a single kind deed that I could take pride in.

Heathmann

No way. Being a part of the Unshackled is glorious and meaningful.

Zhongshan

Well, it's my duty to train the newcomers of the Unshackled and help them pass the trial. In a sense, that makes you my student.

Tonya

Finding the solution that meets the needs of all three of us is the core of this trial.

Zhongshan

Hmm... this newcomer trial is quite interesting. Please allow us two to discuss it in private... {NICKNAME}, follow me.

Zhongshan

The living creatures released by this trio formed a food chain and consumed each other. This has dealt a devastating blow to their friendship and beliefs...

Zhongshan

But how can we guarantee the living creatures they release won't form a food chain?

Options

Get them to release in different worlds?

How about we let them release the same species of creature?

Zhongshan

You mean we should ask them to release the living creatures in different places? These traveling merchants have to look after their businesses on the Luofu. They wouldn't be willing to do that.

Zhongshan

I have an idea. Look, the living creatures these three love to release can form a food chain, but the same species won't hunt their own kind, right?

Zhongshan

That is a brilliant idea! Three species can form a food chain, but the same species won't hunt their own kind, right?

Zhongshan

But the Three Benevolent Ones are very stubborn. Once they have decided to do something, hardly anything can change their minds.

Zhongshan

Let's find out the similarities among the creatures they like to release. There must be a kind of being in this world that can meet the needs of all of them...

Listen to Benna's request

Benna

What's the matter, {NICKNAME}?

Options

What are the criteria for a species that can be released by the Nurture Faction...?

Benna

Our position is pretty straightforward — We aim to rescue and protect endangered species that are so overhunted and scarce that they can hardly sustain their population.

Benna

Alas... it was for this reason that I released the Faunus Red Sheep into Scalegorge Waterscape. Little did I know that I was sending them to their demise!

Listen to Tonya's request

Tonya

If you can pass this trial, it shows that you have great potential.

Options

What are the criteria for a species that can be released by the Beast Faction...?

Tonya

If you ask me, I think everyone from the Unshackled should endeavor to free powerful beasts from human captivity! No more hunting falcons or fighting dogs! Let them unleash their vitality in nature!

Tonya

After all, isn't it in line with the laws of nature and the way of The Hunt on the Xianzhou to allow living creatures to hunt freely in an environment suitable for them?

Listen to Heathmann's request

Heathmann

Looking for me?

Options

What are the criteria for a species that can be released by the Plant Faction...?

Heathmann

Capable of photosynthesis, easy to cultivate, and has no excretion... that would be a "plant," the perfect creature to be released.

Listen to the Benevolent Ones' request

Zhongshan

{NICKNAME}, let's compile a summary and see whether there are similarities among these three...

Zhongshan

Firstly, there's Tonya. She wants to free powerful beasts from human control.

Zhongshan

Next, it's Benna. Her goal is to rescue endangered species that are unable to reproduce.

Zhongshan

Lastly, it's Heathmann. His criteria are the simplest yet most demanding, as he's only interested in plants.

Zhongshan

In other words, we need to find an endangered and ferocious... plant? This is so challenging... Do you have any ideas?

Options

A man-eating plant?

Zhongshan

Do you mean a carnivorous plant? That's indeed a ferocious plant, but I don't think they are endangered species. If you've been to Vonwacq, you'll know it's full of carnivorous crown flowers.

Zhongshan

Lately there have been sightings of scary "leaf walkers" on the Xianzhou — creatures with foliage growing all over their body! It's hard to say whether those things are human or plant, but I don't think anyone would want to keep them in captivity...

Options

How about inorganic beings?

Zhongshan

Do you mean mechanical creatures like cycranes and Ditings?

Zhongshan

Hmm... Your idea sounded outrageous at first, but now that I think about it... it sounds even more outrageous!

Zhongshan

What's ferocious about cycranes? Besides, people see them flying by all the time — they couldn't be endangered!

Zhongshan

If there exists a mechanical lifeform species that is unable to be repaired or manufactured for some reason, it might fit the criteria. However, I've never heard of such a place.

Options

I've been to a world that is on the brink of destruction...

There's an isolated doomsday city called Belobog!

Zhongshan

Are you talking about the one that has returned to the IPC's economical sphere recently? Ya... Yaloli-8?

Zhongshan

Belobog? I think I've heard of it before! Are you talking about the planet that has returned to the IPC's economical sphere recently? Ya... Yaloli-8?

Zhongshan

How intriguing. It is said that the planet was never heard from again after it was struck by a large-scale disaster.

Zhongshan

If mechanical lifeforms were present on such locations, most of them will be troubled with technological regression. In that scenario, they can be counted as ferocious and endangered!

Zhongshan

Your idea is promising, but there's a problem — this thing isn't a plant!

Options

The word "plant" has a broad definition...

Zhongshan

Hmm... I know where you're going with this! We can use a broad definition of plants to include mechanical creatures!

Zhongshan

Since you proposed this idea, you must know where a rare rob— no, a rare mechanical creature — from Belobog can be acquired, right?

{NICKNAME}

(Who should I turn to if I wanna purchase Belobogian mechanical creatures? Serval, maybe. After all, she owns a workshop.)

📱

Messages

Chat with Zhongshan about Belobog

Zhongshan

Oh? Do we have to refurbish discarded products?

Zhongshan

Since this is a decision we made together, let's do our best to make it work.

Zhongshan

Let's set off to Belobog!

Go to the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone to chat with Serval

📍 Jarilo-VI Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone

Serval

{NICKNAME}, it's been a while! Who's this lady next to you?

Zhongshan

Hello, my name is Zhongshan. I'm {NICKNAME}'s strategic partner in the purchase of mechanical lifeforms.

Serval

Mechanical lifeforms? Strategic partner? Hahaha, interesting choice of words.

Serval

Before taking these scrap metals with you, I must ask you a question, and I'll take your answer as the advanced payment. Why are you two interested in the technology of Belobog?

System

You tell Serval the whys and wherefores of how you joined the Unshackled.

Serval

Treat the machines in Belobog as endangered creatures and release them to a faraway world in order to "accumulate merits"?

Serval

...Hahahaha! Being isolated in Belobog for so long, it's hard for me to accept such a novel idea.

Options

Do you mean the idea of releasing machines...?

Do you mean the idea of accumulating merits...?

Serval

Everyone defines machines and living things differently. About releasing the machines... If it's to protect certain animals from being harmed, then I can understand.

Serval

However, the idea of pleasing the Aeon through such actions is quite bold. Does it matter to Aeons how humans behave?

Serval

Is there someone up there who constantly reviews the morality of our actions? Will we get our points deducted when we hurt a living thing and gain points when we rescue one?

Serval

I'm afraid it's a sign of arrogance for humans to think that their actions are that important.

Options

I agree.

Perhaps Yaoshi really does care about what humans do...

Isn't this place protected by the Amber Lord?

Zhongshan

That's what I think too.

Zhongshan

Exactly. Don't forget about those Aeons who are particularly interested in humans.

Serval

In my opinion, this city was able to survive the Eternal Freeze only because the remnants of the Architects made good use of the technology left behind by their ancestors.

Serval

Of course, using phrases like "we have the blessing of Qlipoth" in teaching materials and speeches is a good way to inspire everyone.

Serval

Anyways. I don't expect the opinion of a mere mechanic like me to hold sway over the Unshackled.

Serval

Since you regard these machines as living things, you need to at least administer treatment and bring them back to life.

System

Zhongshan crouches down to examine the automatons.

Zhongshan

Things are slightly better than I thought... The technology used in these automatons is archaic... Oh, sorry Miss Serval, I mean to say that it is vintage.

Zhongshan

As the presiding physician, I can't do all the work by myself.

Zhongshan

{NICKNAME}, I require your assistance. See those override modules I brought? Try to remove the casing of the automatons and search for the right port to connect with the modules.

+ Override Module x 3

Repair Automaton Direwolf

Zhongshan

Oh, the engine is still running. This machine seems to be in pretty good condition.

Options

Deliver item

- Override Module x 1

Repair Automatons

Zhongshan

Wow, this is indeed a world that has survived a catastrophe. Every automaton is ready for battle.

Serval

Thank goodness {NICKNAME} and you are okay.

Options

If I'm injured, the Unshackled will have to bankrupt themselves to compensate me.

These automatons are nothing. I've destroyed many of them before.

Zhongshan

Um, please don't count me in when you ask for compensation.

Serval

Hehe, just assume these big guys can't rest in peace and have come to take revenge on you.

Zhongshan

Since {NICKNAME} has shown those automatons who's the boss here with their fist, I shall take on the duty of fixing... no, curing them.

Repair Automaton Spider

Zhongshan

Let me see... How should I connect to the central processor? Forget it. I'll just connect them directly to the override modules.

Options

Deliver item

- Override Module x 1

Repair Automaton Grizzly

Zhongshan

These automatons are defunct to the core. However, they might be salvageable if some of their key parts can be replaced.

Options

Deliver item

- Override Module x 1

Go receive your reward at the Realm-Keeping Commission

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

Zhongshan

Alas, no good deed goes unpunished. Poor things!

Options

Is this appropriate...

Hahaha, how interesting.

Zhongshan

Why are you being such a worrywart? Aren't you here to solve the trouble caused by the Unshackled? Now that you've done your job, you should be pleased.

Zhongshan

Indeed... Now that the Unshackled is in a mess, you've completed your mission. You can receive your reward at the Realm-Keeping Commission.

Options

How did you know about that?

Zhongshan

Don't ask so many questions. As your tutor, I must prepare some surprises for you, right?

Zhongshan

Look at how worried you are. {NICKNAME}, I'll take care of this.

Zhongshan

You don't have to worry about how this all plays out. I can promise you a happy ending for everyone.

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery

Jingyan

Hi, {NICKNAME}. Can I help you with anything?

Options

I'd like to talk about the Unshackled...

Jingyan

That's what I want to discuss with you too, {NICKNAME}. Thank you for your help.

Jingyan

Thanks to your brilliant plan, the three leaders of the Unshackled have suffered the consequences of their actions.

Options

Seems like you got the memo...

Did I go too far?

Jingyan

Now they should be able to realize their mistake.

Jingyan

I get it. You feel that way because you're a virtuous character.

Jingyan

For those who have been troubled by the actions of the Unshackled all this time, this punishment is nothing.

Jingyan

Here is your reward. You deserve it.

Jingyan

Please feel free to drop by if you encounter any issues. You're always welcome at the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery.

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Exalting Sanctum

🏃‍♂️

Move

Angry Cloud Knight

That tree is older than me.

Heathmann

I'm sorry, sir...