"Be the Magistrate's guard?"
Though this was indeed a good opportunity to get close to Jinhsi, as a man who cherished freedom, he could never give up an entire forest for just one tree!
Sanhua wasn't surprised that Lucian refused her.
"Enough idle talk. First, come back to Jinzhou with me for a physical examination."
"What about Rover? Weren't you here to protect them?"
Sanhua froze for a moment. "...Right. Let's go meet up with them first."
Thanks to Lucian's interference, Sanhua had nearly forgotten why she had come here in the first place.
...
The two followed Rover and Yangyang's trail to the entrance of a cave, where they happened to run into Rover and Yangyang emerging from inside.
"Is that... Sanhua?" Yangyang was startled when she saw the two approaching.
Then, realization dawned on her. "So you noticed Sanhua was following us all along..."
Rover, however, had already known. "Did you find anyone else tailing us along the way?"
As Scar had mentioned, ever since her awakening, various factions had been secretly watching her.
Sanhua shook her head. "Only Fractsidus members. They've indeed been keeping an eye on you."
Lucian suddenly thought of something. "Are you that 'Unknown User' on the forum?"
Sanhua shook her head. "My name on Jinya Forum is 'Snow-Clad Clarity.'"
"As for that 'Unknown User'... I don't know who they are."
Jinya Forum was a public platform, so naturally, anyone could see its contents.
She had also seen the post where the "Unknown User" claimed to have been tailing them all day.
Sanhua speculated, "Perhaps it's one of Fractsidus' members."
Lucian sighed. "Rover's surroundings are truly a mixed bag..."
Rover smirked. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess, Lucian."
Sanhua straightened her expression. "Enough of that. You've uncovered the hidden truth of Qichi Village—this matter must be reported immediately."
Lucian: "By the way, did you find anything in that cave earlier?"
Rover pulled out a tattered diary and handed it to Lucian.
When Lucian opened it, he recognized the handwriting as the little girl's.
Most of the entries were the girl's prayers, pleading for the villagers' salvation.
However, at the very end of the diary, there was a line written in unfamiliar handwriting, completely different from the girl's.
"It seems you were much luckier."
Lucian frowned. "Who wrote this? Scar?"
Rover nodded. "We suspect it was him."
"Then it seems this little girl was saved," Lucian deduced. "Scar mentioned that Qichi Village was where his connection to Jinzhou began... Could it be because of this girl?"
Rover guessed, "Could the girl be the woman who appeared beside him earlier?"
Lucian: "Hmm... possible. But we'd need to check if the timeline matches..."
"If he said the girl was 'much luckier,' it means he must have gone through something similar but didn't receive 'salvation' from someone like she did. That's probably what led to his downfall."
Lucian's mind conjured up a dramatic backstory for Scar's childhood.
Though "dramatic" might not be the right word—more like a relentless downward spiral.
In any case, a person's character is deeply tied to their childhood experiences.
Yangyang affirmed, "Your theories make sense. Regardless, we should report this. The Magistrate will likely know more about the specifics here."
She sighed. "I truly hope nothing like this ever happens in Jinzhou again."
"But I don't yet have the courage or confidence to ensure that..."
"That's why I became an Outrider. I want to have the courage and conviction to prevent such tragedies."
"I can't stop the Lament of this world, but at the very least, I can try to stop the suffering around me."
Lucian smiled gently. "You're already doing great."
Rover added reassuringly, "We'll stand with you."
Sanhua simply watched the scene quietly.
Yangyang smiled gratefully. "Thank you... What's done is done. Wallowing in regret or grief won't change anything. Let's go back—together."
...
Afternoon.
Jinzhou City Gate.
Lucian gazed excitedly at the grand, bustling city before him and declared:
"Jinzhou City—your king has returned!"
Yangyang: "..."
Rover: "..."
Sanhua: "..."
Yangyang chuckled. "He's always so confident."
Sanhua straightened up and said to Lucian, "It's getting late. Rest well tonight—I'll come for you tomorrow."
Lucian: "Do I really have to do this physical exam?"
Sanhua nodded firmly, leaving no room for argument.
Yangyang: "Then I'll go report the situation first. Tomorrow, we'll regroup at the City Hall."
Rover stretched lazily. "In that case, let's head to Panhua Restaurant first, then get some proper rest. These past two days have been exhausting."
Lucian: "Finally, some proper Jinzhou cuisine! Whoever enjoys roughing it in the wild can have it!"
With that, the group parted ways.
...
"Wow—so satisfying!"
Lucian ate with gusto, his face smeared with oil. Rover watched with amusement, picking up a napkin to wipe his mouth.
"Let's go."
Lucian strolled leisurely through Jinzhou, walking alongside Rover toward their provided lodgings.
But Rover seemed lost in thought.
"What's wrong?" Lucian asked curiously.
"Something feels off," Rover murmured, frowning.
"Off?" Lucian was puzzled.
"I think we forgot something..."
Lucian blinked. "What?"
Rover pulled out the sundial and examined it. "What do you think we'll find when we unlock this?"
Lucian scratched his head. "Probably just the time and place to meet the Magistrate, right?"
Rover pondered. "Three days as the deadline... Tomorrow's the third day. But... I feel like it's not that simple."
"Lucian, let's open it now."
Lucian hesitated. "Huh? Didn't we agree to open it tomorrow with everyone?"
Ignoring his confusion, Rover followed the clues they had gathered and unlocked the sundial.
Inside was a map.
"This is..."
"Looks like a layout of the City Hall," Lucian observed.
"Is this where we're supposed to go tomorrow?"
Rover rubbed her chin. "Probably. But I still feel like something's missing..."
"What?" Lucian was completely lost.
Rover closed the sundial's face but didn't tighten it. Instead, she stared at the shadow cast by the light falling on it, deep in thought.
"Based on the clues we got... Vermilion Bird the south, and the Black Tortoise the north."
"Right now... it's exactly the Hour of the meeting..."
She placed the sundial under the sunlight, adjusting its angle so the light shone from the south.
"Using the City Hall as the central reference point, the shadow of the sundial's pointer points toward the Black Tortoise direction."
"At this time—early morning, when the sky is neither dark nor light."
Lucian looked up toward the City Hall. "So... the rooftop?"
"Damn... is it really that complicated?"
Rover put the sundial away. "Either way, it won't hurt to check."
She turned to Lucian. "You're coming with me."
Lucian laughed awkwardly. "Do I have to? Didn't the Magistrate only ask for you?"
Rover shrugged. "I'm a little worried. Just come with me."
"You can transform into an Echo and observe from the shadows."
Lucian sighed. "Ugh, fine! The burden of greatness, huh?"
Rover smiled in satisfaction—then suddenly jumped onto his back.
Lucian yelped, quickly supporting her thighs so she wouldn't fall.
"What are you doing?!"
Rover wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear:
"Carry me back. The burden of greatness, right?"
Lucian: "..."
...
1:00 AM.
Lucian transformed into a Violet-Feathered Heron and flew out the window.
He would scout ahead for Rover.
Soaring over Jinzhou, he looked down at the city, now blanketed in silence.
He circled the City Hall once for caution before landing atop it.
Peeking down, he saw a silver-haired girl standing by the railing, gazing over Jinzhou.
Jinhsi was really here. Rover's guess had been spot-on.
The clues Jinhsi left were so convoluted that Lucian never would've figured it out on his own.
After a short wait, Rover appeared on the rooftop.
From his vantage point, Lucian could clearly hear their conversation.
Under the moonlight, Jinhsi turned at the sound of footsteps and smiled.
Lucian was momentarily entranced—her smile was pure, unguarded.
At this moment, she didn't seem like the Magistrate at all, just an ordinary girl next door.
Then it hit him—they had been dancing to her tune all along.
Could Jinhsi really be this calculating? Or was it all the work of her advisor behind the scenes?
Jinhsi spoke: "Three days as the deadline."
"It seems neither of us broke our promise."
"Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Jinhsi. It's a pleasure to meet you, Rover."
She paused, then smiled. "And... the one up there—Mr. Lucian."
"Caw?!"
Exposed again?!
Is my stealth really that bad?!
Back at Stone Pile Plain, Baizhi spotted me instantly too!
Rover shrugged and looked up. "Come down."
Defeated, Lucian descended, reverting to his human form.
This was his first time seeing Jinhsi up close.
Her presence was elegant, exuding a serene comfort—like a moonlit lake, calm and profound.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed her eyebrows and lashes were the same snowy white as her hair.
Was this what they called "youthful despite white hair"?
He'd never seen it before.
Had he not seen her holographic message earlier, he'd never have imagined the Magistrate would look like this.
Jinhsi covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Mr. Lucian is quite clever, taking such a roundabout path to avoid my notice."
"But in Jinzhou, no movement escapes my awareness."
Rover offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry for bringing someone else."
Jinhsi shook her head. "It's fine. I'm quite interested in Mr. Lucian as well."
She extended her hand gracefully, her expression peaceful and sincere.
After Rover shook it, Lucian did the same—but he noticed something strange on Jinhsi's forearm.
White, vein-like markings.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
Jinhsi quickly withdrew her hand, covering it with the other.
"...No, it's nothing."
She swiftly changed the subject. "Unexpected matters kept me occupied, so I could only leave a token behind. My apologies for the delay."
Rover guessed, "Was this 'unexpected matter' related to the Sentinel?"
Jinhsi's gaze flickered. "...Jinzhou's Sentinel is no longer in Jinzhou."
Rover frowned. "I thought Sentinels couldn't leave their territories?"
Jinhsi nodded. "Yes. Sentinels are the guides and guardians of civilization—they are civilization itself."
"If a Sentinel is absent, chaos follows. This matter is grave, so I ask that you both keep it secret."
"Fractsidus has trapped Jinzhou's Sentinel, Jué. I've been investigating its whereabouts—that's why I couldn't meet you earlier."
Lucian fell deep into thought. Fractsidus trapped a Sentinel?
Their power was far beyond what he imagined.
Or was it not that Fractsidus was strong, but that the Sentinel was weak?
...Unlikely.
Jinhsi had said Sentinels were civilization. How could they be weak?
But then, how had Fractsidus managed it?
If they were this powerful, why hadn't they overthrown the existing order already?
Unless the Sentinel was weakened for some reason...
That made more sense.
Rover pressed on. "They say you resonate with the Sentinel?"
Jinhsi: "Yes. Because of this, I share a faint connection with Jué. Its memories, emotions, and circumstances are faintly reflected in me."
Rover: "Have you found it yet?"
Jinhsi's face darkened with worry. "No. I can sense Jué is in danger. And through my investigations, I've learned who's behind this."
Lucian interjected, "Fractsidus?"
Jinhsi nodded. "Yes. They seek to hasten the Lament—to bring about calamity."
"Scar, Fractsidus' Overseer, came to Jinzhou with three goals."
She looked at Rover. "To follow and test you, recruit you, take Jué, and awaken the Threnodians."
Rover frowned. "Why recruit me?"
Jinhsi: "I suspect they've learned of your uniqueness—likely through Jué. Your joining would strengthen them immensely."
"If you refuse, they may see you as a threat to their plans. Your safety could be at risk."
Rover: "..."
Lucian thought, Just as I figured.
Back in Qichi Village, he'd guessed that those outside Fractsidus' plans—those who could disrupt them—would be targeted.
And since he'd already shown some of his abilities to Scar, he'd have to be careful too.
Jinhsi smiled softly. "I have a plan to capture Scar. With him in our grasp, Fractsidus won't trouble you—at least for a while."
"If you're willing to help, I'll ensure your safety."
Rover wasn't fully convinced. "I'll think about it."
Jinhsi nodded. "I respect your choice, Rover."
"But it seems you've already learned much from the tokens."
Rover listed what she knew: "The mangosteen points to Jinzhou's wars and people. The sugar pill to plagues and past calamities. The leaf to Fractsidus. The sundial was our meeting."
Jinhsi smiled. "As expected of you."
Rover: "And the clues about me... I found along the way."
Jinhsi's tone grew solemn. "Jinzhou's situation is far worse than it appears."
"The Threnodians are about to awaken again..."
Threnodians?
Lucian had heard this term before—Yangyang mentioned the Threnodian Battlefield... Norfall Barrens...
Why bring this up now? Was Rover connected to them?
Rover asked, "What exactly are Threnodians?"
Jinhsi's expression hardened. "They are the enemies of civilization—the collective fears and inner demons of humanity. A foe we must defeat."
"We've tried to prevent this disaster, but Fractsidus interferes, seeking to hasten their awakening."
Rover voiced Lucian's thoughts: "I'm connected to them, aren't I?"
Jinhsi: "Yes. The Tacet Discord you defeated and absorbed—Crownless—was a manifestation of war itself."
"—The resentment of the dead, the fear of the survivors. That is Crownless' essence."
"Crownless is a Tacet Discord imbued with Threnodian power."
"If Jinzhou is Huanglong's bulwark, its spine lies in its indomitable will to resist. Then its inner demons are endless war and fear."
"And you... you can not only absorb Threnodian Tacet Discords with your body but also resonate with them."
"Historical records speak of a hero who could absorb Tacet Discords and saved Huanglong in the Threnodian War."
"Jinzhou's founding documents also mention 'her.'"
"This person may be deeply connected to you."
Lucian rubbed his chin. Going by tropes, Rover was definitely that hero.
Or at least a descendant.
But he leaned toward the former—reincarnation was way cooler.
Rover asked, "You think that person is me?"
Jinhsi: "Yes. But this isn't just my judgment—it's also Jué's guidance."
Rover recalled, "Earlier, at Cloudpeak, I saw Jué's statue and remembered fragments... but I don't know if they're real."
She described the visions.
After a moment, Jinhsi replied, "As I mentioned, I resonate with Jué. What you described did happen—but they were Jué's experiences."
"I've seen similar images in our resonance. So those fragments are likely real."
Lucian voiced his theory: "Meaning... Rover might be that person from the records."
Rover frowned. "But even Resonators don't live that long."
Jinhsi: "Compared to ordinary people, Resonators are long-lived, but there's no precedent for someone remaining unchanged for nearly a century."
"Still, the mysteries surrounding you are many. Time is the least shocking among them."
Rover murmured, "Why did I lose my memory? Who was I?"
Her eyes clouded with confusion. Sensing this, Lucian quietly took her hand.
Noticing this, Jinhsi smiled. "That's something only you can uncover. Jué's last message to you was to go to Norfall Barrens and find the Threnodians."
"Perhaps there, you'll find your answers."
"The awakening Threnodians, the internal and external threats—it all mirrors the great crisis in Huanglong's ancient history. Maybe that's why you're here?"
Rover raised a brow. "You want me to help Jinzhou survive this?"
Jinhsi shook her head. "No. I've never relied on heroes falling from the sky to save Jinzhou."
"I only want you to understand your past. That must be your greatest struggle now, and I wish to help—nothing more."
"If you and Mr. Lucian are willing to aid Jinzhou, I'd be grateful. But I won't use your past to pressure you."
"Jinzhou's people are my responsibility. I will protect them myself."
"This isn't just confidence—it's my faith in Jinzhou's soldiers and its people."
"Once you know who you are, I trust you'll make your own choice."
"I'm grateful for everything you've done—both in the 'past' and now."
"When all is settled, if you wish to leave Jinzhou or Huanglong, I won't stop you."
"And if you ever need help, just ask."
"This secret stays between us. Understood?"
Lucian and Rover fell silent. The girl's words and gaze were too sincere.
Ten minutes later.
"Alright, you should rest now. You've both worked hard." Jinhsi smiled up at the two, now mounted on the Violet-Feathered Heron.
In the end, Rover chose to trust Jinhsi and agreed to the plan to capture Scar.
Lucian gave a thumbs-up. "When this is over, I'll tell you stories from our world."
Jinhsi nodded. "I look forward to it."
With a pat to the heron's rear, Lucian and Rover took off toward their lodgings.
...
Dawn.
Lucian woke groggily—only to see a dark figure standing by the door.
"GHOST!" He bolted upright with a scream.
Blinking, he realized it was just Sanhua, leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching him silently.
Lucian exhaled heavily. "You scared me."
Sanhua shrugged. "I told you—I'm taking you to the Institute."
Lucian ran a hand through his messy hair, looking miserable. "Late to bed, early to rise—is there anyone in this world more unfortunate than me?!"
Sanhua ignored his whining. "I'll wait outside."
With that, she left.
Soon after, Rover entered from the adjacent room—already awake.
She picked up a comb and gently smoothed out Lucian's hair. "Stop complaining. Once this is over, things will be easier. I'll treat you to a meal."
"I want Jinzhou stew!"
"Sure! A big portion! How about ten servings?"
"Perfect! Thanks, Rover—you're the best!"
Rover chuckled, setting the comb down after tidying his hair. "Then I'll wait for you at the City Hall."
...
Huaxu Academy.
A black-haired beauty smirked—a rare expression for her.
"What's this? After avoiding me for so long, you finally show up?"
Lucian scoffed. If not for the System, did she really think he'd let her study him?
He snorted. "Just get it over with."
Though he acted aloof, he was nervous. This involved the System!
He asked inwardly, "System, you won't be detected, right?"
[Relax. This world's tech couldn't find me even if it advanced another century.]
Lucian sighed in relief. "Good. Also, since I haven't opened my frequency to them, can they still scan me?"
[Of course. They have sophisticated equipment. Even if you opened it to someone, they might not notice without special observation methods.]
[Resonators sense frequencies better than most, but not necessarily clearly—they'd need abilities like Sanhua's.]
"You could've said so earlier! I've been worried for nothing!"
[You never asked!]
"...Fair."
Baizhi watched as Lucian's nervous expression shifted to utter fearlessness.
She frowned. "Is this guy mentally okay?"