📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Stargazer Navalia

Meet up with Welt at Stargazer Navalia

Welt

{NICKNAME}, looks like there's smoke rising in the distance. Miss Xikui sent us a cycrane — see if you can get an aerial visual. This is an emergency, we need to find where the starskiff crashed as soon as possible.

Options

Connect the cycrane

Use the cycrane to search for the victim

Welt

We found it... looks like the pilot isn't inside. If they escaped before it came down, they should still be nearby.

Welt

Not good — looks like the crash disturbed monsters in the area. We need to get there — fast.

System

Cycrane is returning...

Welt

There — that must be who Miss Xikui asked us to save. We need to hurry — those abominations have trapped her. Be careful, {NICKNAME}.

🏃‍♂️

Move

Welt

{NICKNAME}, why are you here on your own?

Welt

I know you want to help, but we need more intel on the crash site before we start the rescue. There's no time to lose — let's go.

Welt

I'm afraid there's no time for chit-chat — lives could be at stake.

Options

Connect the cycrane

Let's talk about it later

Welt

We found it... looks like the pilot isn't inside. If they escaped before it came down, they should still be nearby.

Welt

Not good — looks like the crash disturbed monsters in the area. We need to get there — fast.

System

Cycrane is returning...

Welt

There — that must be who Miss Xikui asked us to save. We need to hurry — those abominations have trapped her. Be careful, {NICKNAME}.

Set out to rescue the trapped victim

🏃‍♂️

Move

???

Hey! Get out of here — it's too dangerous! Go get someone from the Sky-Faring Commission — tell them Qingni is in trouble!

Options

It's okay, we're pretty tough.

They're only abominations — we got this.

Okay, see you later then.

Welt

Don't worry, Miss Qingni. We've been in worse danger.

Welt

Don't worry, Miss Qingni. We've been in worse danger.

Welt

No, {NICKNAME}, it's too late to call for backup. Don't worry, Miss Qingni — the Sky-Faring Commission sent us to help.

⚔️

Combat

🏃‍♂️

Move

???

Get back, you demons! I—I'm not afraid of you! Stay away!

Eliminate the Abominations of Abundance surrounding the trapped victim

Head to the Palace of Astrum and accept Yukong's gratitude

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Palace of Astrum

🏃‍♂️

Move

➿

Unknown

Welt

Apologies, Madam Yukong, we should have given you some time.

Options

Yes, apologies...

Mr. Yang, I told you we'd be early...

Welt

You're right, an oversight on my part.

Yukong

On the contrary, I apologize for allowing my own personal matters to encroach on your time.

Welt

We don't intend to pry into private business, Helm Master Yukong, but if there's anything we can help with, please don't hesitate to ask.

Yukong

Family issues, I'm afraid. You probably heard a thing or two just now?

Yukong

Despite my earnest wish that she continue in her post, Qingni is fixated on becoming a fighter pilot. I may seem overbearing, but the situations she gets herself into send a shiver up my tail...

Yukong

Hehe, it's funny, isn't it? I've seen every disaster imaginable, from the Abundance Axis to a living planet. I thought I'd forgotten what fear was.

Yukong

But when I fought alongside you, I realized there are still things that can terrify me... Sorry. Talking about such vexing matters is unbecoming in front of guests.

Yukong

I invited you here to gain a better understanding of the Express, not bore you with these trivialities.

Yukong

Oh, I prepared refreshments for you. Please, you must try this excellent Whale-Tide Spring!

System

Though things didn't get off to a great start, everyone enjoyed this meeting with Yukong.

Yukong

Please accept these gifts as thanks for saving my daughter. I'd heard that the Nameless had traversed the starry sea, but I wasn't prepared for how much I could learn from you.

Welt

Well, I'd heard from members of the Sky-Faring Commission that you were a top-tier pilot, Madam Yukong, and an ace among the Cloud Knights. Now that I've seen you in action, I know the rumors were true. I hope to witness your flying ability for myself one day.

Welt

We'll head off now — the Commission must be busy. I look forward to our next meeting, Madam Yukong.

Yukong

On my flying ability, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, Mr. Yang. The sky no longer suits me.

+ Longevity Pill of Cruelty x 1

🏃‍♂️

Move

Yukong

Why won't you listen to me?

Qingni

Because it's MY life!

Leave the Palace of Astrum

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

🏃‍♂️

Move

Qingni

You two! Please wait!

Qingni

Thank you for saving me, benefactors... and I'm sorry you had to witness all that...

Options

I understand. It's the parent-child relationship.

You shouldn't have talked like that to your mother.

Qingni

So you've experienced it yourself, benefactor? That's great! I—I mean... I'm happy I finally found someone who can understand me.

Qingni

You think so too, benefactor...? I—I mean, I know getting emotional only makes things worse.

Qingni

But I've had the Hairpin Ceremony — I'm an adult now! I have the right to pursue my dreams! Mom still insists on sheltering me under her wing, as if I can't even stay alive without her.

Welt

Ahem... Miss Qingni, these are family matters, I'm not sure it's my place to comment. However, in my personal experience...

Welt

...becoming a parent often means we become obstinate. To erode a rock, one must be patient and persistent, like water.

Welt

What I mean to say is, instead of trying to prove yourself suddenly, perhaps you could demonstrate your ability to look after yourself methodically, over time. Don't you think, Miss Qingni?

Options

Don't think I have the qualifications to advise here...

When it comes to family stuff, I leave it to Mr. Yang...

Qingni

My mom is actually a reasonable person, but she gets unreasonable as soon as I mention flying.

Qingni

She hid my starskiff toys, dragged me away from the port when I stayed behind to count ships, forced me to study for ages... I did everything I could to work my way into the Sky-Faring Commission, but she used her authority to assign me a desk job.

Qingni

*sigh* Every time I walk along Starwatcher Avenue and look up at those ships flying freely across the sky, I feel empty inside...

Welt

...

Qingni

Hehe, speaking of empty inside... So how were Mom's refreshments? Good?

Options

Yes! The aroma was incredible...

Help yourself, I'm sure there's some leftover.

Qingni

*sigh* I've been so angry today I forgot to eat anything.

Qingni

How about this? My mom thanked you guys with refreshments, so I should do the same! Let me take you around Starskiff Haven — we can try the most authentic snack on the Luofu!

Accompany Qingni through the streets to help clear her mind

Vending Machine

Qingni

We're here! The thing about the most authentic snack on the Xianzhou Luofu is... it's a drink! And it's inside this vending machine.

Options

Wow, the full five-star treatment...

Tea again? I got enough in the Palace of Astrum.

Qingni

I'm sorry! I'm afraid I don't have the money for anything fancy.

Qingni

No, no, it's a local specialty, trust me.

Qingni

Here. Mung bean soda. One can each.

Qingni

This thing has a bit of a unique flavor, but I love it.

Welt

Let me try. *glug* Hmm, a nostalgic experience.

Qingni

Oh? Is there a drink like this where you're from?

Welt

No, no, this reminds me of when I first boarded the Express... and forced myself to drink Himeko's coffee... and how my tastebuds never fully recovered.

Qingni

How is it, {NICKNAME}? Bearable?

Options

Delicious! Simply delicious!

*retch* ...Anyone have a bucket...?

Are you sure you're not angry at us for rescuing you?

Qingni

Whoa, I've never met an outworlder who could down a mung bean soda like that!

Qingni

D—Don't worry, I choked the first time too! Have a few more sips, it takes a while for the unique flavor to, uh... work.

Qingni

Th—That bad? Sorry!

Qingni

But I guess not everyone can accept what I like. *sigh* Just like flying...

Qingni

Well, don't force yourself. Let's go somewhere else — I know a really great place in Starskiff Haven to starskiff-watch!

Head to Stargazer Navalia and search for Yukong's lost item

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Stargazer Navalia

🏃‍♂️

Move

Qingni

The fight with the abominations was pretty chaotic... I think Mom's trinket would've dropped around here.

Welt

Do you know what it looks like, Miss Qingni?

Qingni

Lemme think... It should be a little square thing? She's usually got something like that on her.

Welt

{NICKNAME}, this is your area of expertise.

Options

Isn't combat my expertise?

Isn't solving puzzles my expertise?

Who do you think I am, Diting!?

Welt

You're a great fighter, but your perception is even more impressive. No matter how well a treasure chest is hidden, you're always able to spot it...

Welt

...so, {NICKNAME}, when it comes to finding a needle in a haystack, is there really anyone more capable than yourself?

Welt

Well, isn't finding a needle in a haystack a type of puzzle-solving?

Welt

Your powers of perception are impressive — no matter how well a treasure chest is hidden, you're always able to spot it... I think you're the right person for the job.

Welt

Your powers of perception are impressive, that's all — I think you're the right person for the job.

Control the cycrane to search for Yukong's missing items

Investigate

Qingni

Come on {NICKNAME}, are you kidding? It's a trinket, remember?

Qingni

You think my mom would carry this with her?

Welt

It's a beautiful vase though — what an intricate pattern. Isn't that the Divine Beast Fortune pattern?

Qingni

You're so smart, Mr. Yang!

Welt

Well, I only recently found out about it.

Welt

A devastator glaive? Is this from the battle? There were a lot of Cloud Knights.

Qingni

No, this is only a replica... Probably some kind of film prop.

System

Cycrane is returning...

Qingni

Mom always carries this trinket around with her, but I never realized there was something inside...

Qingni

Is this... the Hunt crest?

Options

Modern art?

A lucky charm?

I don't get it...

Qingni

This is what pilots hang in their starskiff cockpits for good luck.

Welt

It must be very close to Helm Master Yukong's heart. Let's head back, Miss Qingni — I think you should return this trinket in person. This is an opportunity for the two of you to talk.

Qingni

...Not yet, I want to go back later. There's something I hope you two can help me with first.

Welt

If you want us to help you persuade your mother, I'm afraid that could be difficult. It's not easy to solve a family dispute as an outsider...

Qingni

You misunderstand, I just... wanna know what she's thinking.

Qingni

What turned an ace pilot — someone who loved to fly — into someone like her?

Qingni

My mom clearly misses her flying days, otherwise she wouldn't keep this on her person. But she doesn't fly anymore and refuses to let me become a fighter pilot. Why?

Welt

Maybe we can ask some people who might know the truth.

Options

Like Jing Yuan?

We could ask around the Sky-Faring Commission?

Who would that be?

Welt

Well... the general's been busy at the Seat of Divine Foresight recently — we might not get to see him right away. Still, it's worth a try — he was the one who promoted Helm Master Yukong — he probably knows more about her past than anyone.

Welt

If the helm master herself is reluctant to talk about it, then the Sky-Faring Commission staff would be even less likely — even if they know the truth. I think we should try General Jing Yuan first.

Welt

He promoted Helm Master Yukong himself — he probably knows more about her past than anyone.

Welt

I think we should try General Jing Yuan first. He's been busy at the Seat of Divine Foresight recently — we might not get to see him right away. Still, it's worth a try — he was the one who promoted Helm Master Yukong — he probably knows more about her past than anyone.

Qingni

General Jing Yuan? Are you sure it's okay to go straight to him? ...Oh, right, you're the general's guests... Even so, this is asking a lot of you...

Welt

No problem. If we can get to the bottom of why Helm Master Yukong no longer flies, we might be able to find out why she doesn't want you to be a fighter pilot.

Welt

We can't help you too directly, but an indirect conversation like this might give us a clue on how to convince your mother.

Options

Leave it to us!

Do we really know Jing Yuan that well?

Welt

Yes, leave it to us.

Welt

Don't worry — General Jing Yuan is understanding. I'm sure a small visit won't trouble him — especially if it's about a young girl's future.

Qingni

In that case... thank you so much, benefactors... I'll head back to Starskiff Haven. I'm not ready to return to the Sky-Faring Commission yet...

+ Divine Arrow Embers x 1

Qingni

A birdcage... Huh, that reminds me. Have you guys heard of the birds that live in the Ever-Hunt Plains? They have beautiful feathers but you can't domesticate them. They don't live long if you lock them up in a cage.

Qingni

Makes sense... How could a bird that's known the sky live in a cage.

Welt

Well, this is too big for a trinket.

Head to the Seat of Divine Foresight and ask Jing Yuan about Yukong's past

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Seat of Divine Foresight

Jing Yuan

Mr. Yang, and {NICKNAME}? What brings you to the Seat of Divine Foresight this time?

Welt

It's nothing urgent. We were hoping to... understand Helm Master Yukong a little better.

Jing Yuan

Yukong? I heard an office worker from the Sky-Faring Commission flew a starskiff to assist in the present crisis, but ran into trouble herself. She was only saved thanks to a couple of travelers... On behalf of the Luofu, you have my thanks, once again.

Jing Yuan

The Seat of Divine Foresight heard that Yukong's seldom-seen but often-feared temper was on display. I believe the two of you were caught between mother and daughter?

Welt

...We heard that Helm Master Yukong was an outstanding pilot, but that she refuses to let her daughter embark on the same career...

Jing Yuan

Yukong herself is best placed to answer such questions...

Jing Yuan

...but naturally, you are here because you fear that Helm Master Yukong would decline to answer.

Jing Yuan

If you wish to dispel Miss Qingni's curiosity, perhaps we can take a small step back from the topic at hand. What do you wish to know about Yukong the pilot?

Options

Qingni's Memories

Divine Arrow Embers

Cancel

Jing Yuan

Did Qingni tell you any of this?

Jing Yuan

Hehe, it all serves to remind me... A long time ago, a young foxian girl, charged by the Knights with a high-speed flight violation, was brought before me as punishment... now she's the Madam Helm Master — my equal.

Jing Yuan

If I were to turn back the sands of time and try to convince my past self that the little girl in front of me would one day become a wise and experienced helm master... I would probably never have believed it.

Jing Yuan

The Yukong of the past was nothing like she is now — spending her days surrounded by documents at her desk.

Jing Yuan

She was a flaming wind. The only one who could ever calm her... was her comrade.

Options

Comrade?

Jing Yuan

Yes. Large fighter starskiffs need to be operated in pairs. One pilot takes the helm, the other controls the turrets.

Jing Yuan

The legend of the ace fighter pilot is incomplete without the ace gunner. Yukong's partner was Caiyi.

Jing Yuan

Both at the controls and behind the turret — Caiyi was like a cold blade... efficient, decisive, unfeeling when she had to be.

Jing Yuan

It's hard to imagine such contrasting personalities working in perfect harmony... As I mentioned, the campaign inflicted heavy losses on the Xianzhou air force...

Jing Yuan

This is... a divine object from the Reignbow Arbiter? Where did you find this?

Options

Inside a trinket belonging to Yukong.

Qingni gave it to us.

...Picked it up off the road.

Welt

This object has been stored inside Helm Master Yukong's personal trinket all along — Miss Qingni lent it to us.

Welt

This object has been stored inside Helm Master Yukong's personal trinket all along — Miss Qingni lent it to us.

Jing Yuan

Which road? I should head there myself — a divine object like this possesses a market value of at least 20,000 strales.

Welt

...{F#She's}{M#He's} kidding. This object has been stored inside Helm Master Yukong's personal trinket all along — Miss Qingni lent it to us.

Welt

She thought it might be a way to find out more about Madam Yukong's past, and... why she no longer flies.

Jing Yuan

This object is no ordinary trinket. It has borne witness to blood and tears.

Jing Yuan

I'm sure you're both familiar with the Xianzhou's long galactic hunt, but have you heard of the Denizens of Abundance Wars? As the Xianzhou has continued to cleanse the universe of immortal abominations, so too has the Abundance Axis succeeded in breaching our defensive lines. They pushed the Xianzhou to the brink of disaster.

Jing Yuan

Thirty years ago, the Xianzhou Yaoqing and Fanghu were besieged by our enemies. Even in the long history of warfare between the Xianzhou Alliance and the Denizens of Abundance, that air battle was one of the most tragic.

Jing Yuan

We were greatly outnumbered by the Abominations of Abundance. Almost a million fighter pilots fought in the bitter battle. Those who survived numbered no more than a hundred thousand.

Jing Yuan

Had the Reignbow Arbiter not descended and destroyed the enemy's assault with their Sky-Shattering Lux Arrow, who's to say whether the Luofu would still be here today?

Jing Yuan

Such divine objects were forged from the embers that the Arbiter's divine arrow left behind. For the survivors, these relics contain the blood of their comrades, the ashes of their enemies, and the dust of their memories...

Jing Yuan

Yukong is a survivor of that war. Her best friend, Caiyi, perished on the battlefield.

Welt

I don't have any other questions. Thank you, general.

Jing Yuan

I do not wish to speculate on the reason behind Helm Master Yukong's reluctance to fly, nor do I want to open up old wounds.

Jing Yuan

However, it's difficult to discard one's past. Yukong and Caiyi trusted each other with their lives. The helm master will have strong memories of that time.

Jing Yuan

Perhaps it is not my place to say, but I believe Qingni has the right to know about the past... as the past is starting to affect her future.

Options

Thank you, general.

Welt

Thank you, general. We apologize for taking up your time with such triviality.

Jing Yuan

Mr. Yang, you jest. How can harmony between parent and child constitute a triviality? If you ask me, the mountains of documents in the Seat of Divine Foresight are the only triviality around here.

Welt

Mm, we'll take our leave.

Welt

Let's go, {NICKNAME}. We should head to Starskiff Haven and find Qingni.

+ Jing Yuan's Memories x 1

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

Head to the Palace of Astrum and meet up with Qingni

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Palace of Astrum

Qingni

You're here. My mom... isn't in a great mood. She went for a walk.

Options

Isn't in a great mood?

She skipped work?

Qingni

Mm-hmm... probably because of me...

Qingni

Hehe, my mom isn't the irresponsible type — she only skips work if she's managed to delegate everything.

Welt

You two are very similar.

Qingni

Well, we do both like to take a walk after a fight. The only difference is that I come to this side of Starskiff Haven, and she heads to the other... That way we don't bump into each other.

Options

It's actually kind of cute...

That's a bit childish...

That's a bit silly...

Qingni

Really? I think it's silly.

Qingni

Yeah, I agree.

Qingni

You can say that again.

Qingni

Anyway... did you find anything out from General Jing Yuan?

System

You relay the information provided by Jing Yuan to Qingni.

Welt

Did Helm Master Yukong never bring this up with you?

Qingni

*sigh* I was always curious about her past, but she either dodged my questions or pretended not to hear them.

Qingni

In the end, I realized she probably experienced something that left a scar... a scar that never fully healed. I never asked her again.

Options

She was afraid of you ending up like her friend...

Even a flying ace can get into trouble...

Welt

Indeed. That's probably why Yukong was never willing to fly again after the battle, and why she forbids you from flying.

Welt

Yes, Yukong doesn't want you to feel the pressure of her name. Besides, reputation and talent count for something, but you need luck on the battlefield.

Qingni

So, she doesn't want me to fly because she remembers the pain of losing her friend... and she thinks that my talent makes it more likely that she'll lose me in the same way?

Welt

I can't guarantee that's what she's thinking, Miss Qingni. You should talk with her yourself.

Qingni

Hmm... You're right, Mr. Yang... but I still have something else to check first. This past that General Jing Yuan mentioned is probably archived in the Palace of Astrum.

Qingni

I remember watching her handle a document with great care before she filed it away... it looked like a diary.

Welt

Do you still remember where it was filed, Miss Qingni?

Qingni

Vaguely. But there are so many files stored in the Sky-Faring Commission. Could I ask you benefactors to look for it with me...?

Welt

Hmm... A couple of outworlders going through Sky-Faring Commission files isn't a good look... I'm afraid we can only accompany you, Miss Qingni — you'll need to do the searching yourself.

Qingni

Of course, you're right, sorry!

Search for the location of Yukong's personal archive in the calculation device

Investigate

System

This calculation device is running a voyage simulation. It shows that it needs two more hours to simulate the voyage from the Luofu to the floating city of Cordelia.

Welt

It seems like this device is handling some important procedures. Let's leave it alone.

Investigate

System

The desktop background on this calculation device is a line of floating calligraphy — "Yanming's work station, unauthorized personnel prohibited."

Qingni

Mr. Yanming is a stickler for rules — I don't wanna annoy him. Let's go to a different device.

Investigate

Qingni

We can use this one! Okay... hmm... lemme see — helm masters, personal archive... got it! Let's go take a look.

Investigate

Lazy Sky-Faring Commission Staff Member

Uhh... can I help you? I—I know what it looks like, but I'm using Celestial Jade to... improve the algorithm! I—I'm working, I swear!

Welt

Uh sorry... Sorry, we'll get going.

Investigate

Coping Sky-Faring Commission Staff Member

I love work. I love overtime. I love work. I love overtime. I love work. I love overtime. I love work. I love overtime.

Qingni

Umm... let's leave her alone...

Search for information related to Yukong's past

Investigate

Qingni

It should be here. Let's see... yes! This is Mom's diary.

Welt

Miss Qingni, I don't think the two of us should be reading your mother's diary.

Qingni

It should be fine — this is from decades ago. For you travelers, that's more than half a lifespan.

Welt

No, I still think... I shouldn't read it. {NICKNAME}, you stay here with Miss Qingni. I'll be waiting over there.

Qingni

*sigh* ...Fine.

Qingni

Is it really that big of a deal? I'm sure they're just her notes on life as a pilot...

Options

Mr. Yang has rules for these things.

I shouldn't look either...

Qingni

I understand, I can tell Mr. Yang is a principled person — there are some lines he won't cross.

Qingni

C'mon, pleeeease look at it with me? I need someone to give me some advice.

Qingni

Let's read it together. Maybe her diary holds the key to all of this.

📖

Yukong's Exchange Diary

+ Yukong's Exchange Diary x 1

Ask Yanming about Yukong's past

Yanming

What is the meaning of this? The Helm Master's daughter, bringing outworlders in to sneak around...?

Yanming

What do you have in your hands? Let me see... *gasp* Madam Yukong's diary!? The nerve!

Yanming

How dare you read Madam Yukong's personal diary! And with her daughter, too!? By the Arbiter, you two are in for a—

Qingni

Mr. Yanming, please, calm down — let us explain...

System

Qingni tells Yanming the whole story.

Yanming

I see... Qingni, I know Madam Yukong's position on you becoming a pilot is tough for you to accept, but she has her own concerns...

Qingni

I understand, Mr. Yanming... but now, compared to becoming a fighter pilot, I'm more interested in knowing what my Mom went through...

Qingni

I want to know what happened... how she went from ace pilot to helm master.

Yanming

*sigh* I've been here for a long time, Qingni. If there's something you wish to know, just ask... but don't go rummaging around — that's a bad habit.

Options

Divine Arrow Embers

Jing Yuan's Memories

Yukong's Exchange Diary

Cancel

Yanming

This divine object... If I remember correctly, it's the one Madam Yukong always carries with her?

Yanming

I heard the war that forged this object was only won thanks to the Reignbow Arbiter's blessing. If Madam Yukong still carries objects from that pilot, then perhaps she still longs for the sky...

Qingni

If Mom still longs for the sky, then why does she no longer fly?

Yanming

Perhaps Caiyi's passing was too much for her. You shouldn't be asking me about this — ask your mother.

Yanming

Miss Caiyi? ...I remember her. She was an ace gunner — many people wanted to be her flight partner.

Yanming

Her husband, Mr. Guangyuan, was a pilot. They manned the same skiff, and were the envy of many...

Yanming

...but when it came to pilots, your mother was the best match for her — they flew together all the time. Even Mr. Guangyuan couldn't match their numbers. After he passed away in battle, Caiyi rarely teamed up with anyone except your mother.

Yanming

*sigh* It was tragic when Caiyi died soon after. That's the life of a pilot — no one knows which flight will be their last.

Yanming

Caiyi's death was a big blow to Madam Yukong. After the battle, she refused to turn in Caiyi's possessions as per regulations. She kept them locked away — occasionally taking them out to admire.

Options

I didn't think you'd know this many details, Mr. Yanming...

Why do you pay so much attention to Yukong?

Yanming

Nonsense. As a Xianzhou native, I've lived long enough to remember more than the foxian pilots could ever hope to.

Yanming

In the end, all the ace pilots perished. The only thing I can do is to remember them and ensure they are not forgotten too soon.

Yanming

Well, I... As her subordinate, surely I should be concerned with her mental well-being?

Yanming

If Madam Yukong is unhappy, how can I be happy? I mean to say, how can I be happy in my duties to her?

Qingni

Where are Miss Caiyi's possessions stored?

Qingni

Thanks for telling us all this, Mr. Yanming.

Yanming

You're welcome... I know this is important to you...

Yanming

...I suppose you're going to go through Madam Yukong's office desk next?

Yanming

...I can understand your position, Qingni. I'll take my leave and pretend I didn't see anything. After all, it's an unwritten rule that subordinates should be absent when their superior's privacy is exposed.

Yanming

Please, don't tell your mother that you saw me today!

Qingni

Got it.

Options

Thank you, Mr. Yanming!

So much for Sky-Faring Commission security.

Don't let us catch you nosying around here again!

Yanming

Ensuring the security of public assets and order is the duty of every Xianzhou citizen.

Yanming

Hehe, you're a cheeky one... You're lucky I have a sense of humor.

Yanming

Hurry. Madam Yukong will be back soon.

Yanming

No, this isn't something I should read. Don't show it to me...

Options

C'mon, we've both had a look.

Never mind. Let's talk about something else.

Yukong won't know.

Yanming

Just listen to yourself... I suppose you think if you ate your shoes I'd follow suit?

Yanming

Just ask some other questions. Ones I can answer.

Yanming

Yes... Just ask some other questions. Ones I can answer.

Yanming

She won't, but I have my principles.

Yanming

Just ask some other questions. Ones I can answer.

Search for information related to Yukong's past

Investigate

Qingni

My mom keeps lots of stuff in her desk. Let's have a look.

Options

This desk has space to put stuff?

There must be a hidden compartment...

Is this some special Xianzhou technology...?

Qingni

That's the selling point of this desk: Super simplistic design with super spacious hidden compartments. Lots of office staff use this desk.

Qingni

There are hidden compartments on the left, right, and under the desktop. Which one should we check first?

Options

Left side.

Right side.

Under the desktop.

Qingni

A paper kite... personal letters... and a copy of Otherworldly Delights? So Mom likes these kinds of novels? I thought she'd prefer more heroic stuff...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

There are hidden compartments on the left, right, and under the desktop. Which one should we check first?

Options

Left side.

Right side.

Under the desktop.

Qingni

A paper kite... personal letters... and a copy of Otherworldly Delights? So Mom likes these kinds of novels? I thought she'd prefer more heroic stuff...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

There's some exhibition material, not sure if it's relevant... Ah! This is... the fallen heroes archive... Mom stored them right next to her..

Qingni

Every time our pilots returned from the battlefield, my mother would tell me never to forget the cost of victory...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

...Got it.

Qingni

This looks similar to Mom's diary... but it looks like it belonged to Miss Caiyi...

📖

Caiyi's Exchange Diary

Qingni

There's some exhibition material, not sure if it's relevant... Ah! This is... the fallen heroes archive... Mom stored them right next to her..

Qingni

Every time our pilots returned from the battlefield, my mother would tell me never to forget the cost of victory...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

There are hidden compartments on the left, right, and under the desktop. Which one should we check first?

Options

Left side.

Right side.

Under the desktop.

Qingni

A paper kite... personal letters... and a copy of Otherworldly Delights? So Mom likes these kinds of novels? I thought she'd prefer more heroic stuff...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

There's some exhibition material, not sure if it's relevant... Ah! This is... the fallen heroes archive... Mom stored them right next to her..

Qingni

Every time our pilots returned from the battlefield, my mother would tell me never to forget the cost of victory...

Qingni

...but what we're looking for isn't here.

Qingni

...Got it.

Qingni

This looks similar to Mom's diary... but it looks like it belonged to Miss Caiyi...

📖

Caiyi's Exchange Diary

Qingni

...Got it.

Qingni

This looks similar to Mom's diary... but it looks like it belonged to Miss Caiyi...

📖

Caiyi's Exchange Diary

Qingni

So... I was adopted? And this Miss Caiyi... was my real mother?

Qingni

...I suppose I've always had a feeling... but now I know the truth, I feel like I'm dreaming...

Qingni

"Don't let that child touch the sky..."

Qingni

Is this why Mom refuses to let me become a fighter pilot?

Options

I kinda guessed this myself...

She doesn't want to lose Caiyi again...

Qingni

When I was little, I asked my Mom where my dad was... She said I was grown from the starskiff assembly line at Stargazer Navalia...

Qingni

I thought she was just a bad liar... I even thought she meant I'd inherited her talent with starskiffs.

Qingni

For a pilot, the most important oath before departure is the promise to bring your comrade back.

Qingni

Mom didn't manage to bring her comrade back... so she vowed to prevent me from setting out. Not only am I her daughter — I'm also her final promise to Caiyi.

Qingni

I... I never thought my dream would put Mom in such a difficult situation.

Qingni

...I feel a lot closer to Mom after reading this diary. Even if we're not connected by blood, I understand her a lot more now.

Qingni

{NICKNAME}, can you come with me one more time? I want to have a proper chat with Mom.

Options

No problem.

But this is a family affair...

Can we really convince her?

Qingni

Yes! Thank you!

Qingni

It's fine, I don't need you to do anything... I just want you and Mr. Yang to stand nearby... I'll feel more confident that way...

Qingni

I want to try one last time. If Mom still doesn't agree... then I'll resign myself to signing documents in the Sky-Faring Commission.

+ Caiyi's Exchange Diary x 1

Meet up with Welt

Welt

You're all done? Did it go smoothly?

System

You tell Welt everything that just happened.

Welt

...I see. Let's find Helm Master Yukong — we'll accompany you...

Welt

...We're here to help, but {NICKNAME} and I really shouldn't interject when you're conversing with your mother.

Qingni

Mm, it's okay, I understand. Just having you stand next to me is already a great help, benefactors.

Qingni

When Mom feels down, she usually goes to take in a view of the Jade Gate. She should still be there, let's go find her.

Qingni

When Mom feels down, she usually goes to take in a view of the Jade Gate. She should still be there, let's go find her.

Accompany Qingni to talk with Yukong

📍 The Xianzhou Luofu Central Starskiff Haven

🏃‍♂️

Move

Qingni

When Mom feels down, she usually goes to take in a view of the Jade Gate. She should still be there, let's go find her.

Qingni

Mom...

Yukong

Qingni? Why are Mr. Yang and {NICKNAME} here too?

Welt

Miss Qingni kindly agreed to show us around Starskiff Haven. She mentioned she was trying to mend things between you, but was feeling shy about it. We volunteered to come with her.

Yukong

Thank you. I must apologize for the trouble my daughter has brought you.

Qingni

Mom!

Yukong

Alright, it's getting late. Let's talk once we're home.

Qingni

Actually... I want to talk to you about something right now.

Qingni

I want to become a fighter pilot, no matter what.

Yukong

*sigh* We've talked about this many times. No means no.

Qingni

But...

Welt

Seems like Miss Qingni is a little hesitant. Try giving her a little push.

{NICKNAME}

(I thought Mr. Yang said we shouldn't interject... What should I say?)

Options

Qingni's Memories

Divine Arrow Embers

Jing Yuan's Memories

Yukong's Exchange Diary

Caiyi's Exchange Diary

Cancel

{NICKNAME}

(Qingni remembers that Yukong has always avoided talking about her career as a fighter pilot, and that she wants to prevent Qingni from following the same path... Why?)

{NICKNAME}

(...Still, it doesn't seem like something to bring up now.)

{NICKNAME}

(This divine object is a testament to Yukong's devotion to The Hunt... Qingni believes it's a sign that Yukong still misses the life of a fighter pilot...)

{NICKNAME}

(...Still, it doesn't seem like something to bring up now.)

{NICKNAME}

(Qingni's birth mother, Caiyi, was Yukong's lifelong friend. When Caiyi passed away in that devastating war, Yukong adopted her daughter. Perhaps this unbearable memory is the root of Yukong's concerns...)

{NICKNAME}

(...Still, it doesn't seem like something to bring up now.)

{NICKNAME}

(It's clear that Yukong suffered greatly after that terrible war. Is that why she doesn't want Qingni to be a fighter pilot?)

{NICKNAME}

(...Still, it doesn't seem like something to bring up now.)

Yukong

Is that... Caiyi's diary? How did you...?

Yukong

...I understand now... I'm sorry, Qingni... I cannot support your dream because I made a promise to someone else.

Yukong

I don't expect to gain your forgiveness. I just hope you can... understand my reason.

Qingni

Mom, what are you talking about? I'm your daughter — our bond is bigger than forgiveness and reason. I'll listen to anything you have to say...

Yukong

Just like you, I once longed for the sky. I know what it feels like... to fly through infinite space, to be surrounded by the vast expanse of nothingness, with unimaginable splendors looming in the distance.

Yukong

To float like a single leaf in the fathomless stellar sea... Some called it "loneliness," but we called it "freedom."

Yukong

Caiyi was like that, too. We were friends since childhood. We flew starskiffs everywhere — causing trouble until the Knights caught us and dragged us before General Jing Yuan.

Yukong

We soon became the most elite fighter pilots of the Sky-Faring Commission. It wasn't an easy life... you could even say it was a cruel one.

Yukong

You never knew if the friend next to you would make it back alive. Of course, the same could be said of yourself.

Yukong

But those are my best memories. We would strike out into the sky — repelling demons and upholding justice — the blood we shed bore witness to it all. The life of a foxian is short and fleeting... surely we should dedicate ourselves to such glorious aims?

➿

Unknown

Yukong

The mind is mysterious... I've lived for more than two hundred years, forgotten nearly every conversation I've ever had... but I still remember us shooting the breeze that day — it's crystal clear.

Yukong

It was the last time I spoke to Caiyi.

➿

Unknown

➿

Unknown

+ Yukong's Exchange Diary x 1, Caiyi's Exchange Diary x 1