Clashing Blades(Wuthering Waves)

Back in Jinzhou, you reunite with Chixia and share your findings from Desorock Highland and Qichi Village. You suspect Jinhsi intentionally led you there after learning of the Fractsidus' plan, but her true intentions remain unclear until you solve the sundial puzzle.

Chixia:

How did it go? Anyone hurt? Lemme check on you!

Chixia:

Phew! You're still in one piece.

Chixia:

Okay okay. Anything new about the tokens?

You tell Chixia of your findings in the Desorock Highlands and Qichi Village.

Chixia:

So those Fractsidus goons are here in Jinzhou now. Things are more serious than I thought.

Chixia:

Beats me. I've only ran into some bozos before.

Chixia:

Those wackos are hellbent on making their own Resonators. Said there's no right or wrong when it comes to Resonance powers and everyone should have the right to them.

Yangyang:

They use mechanical manipulation to integrate parts of Tacet Discords into human bodies.

Yangyang:

Seeking power with such gruesome acts... I cannot bring myself to understand them.

Chixia:

That Scar guy you mentioned sounds like he's on a whole other level. How did the fight go?

Yangyang:

He... It seems he didn't intend to kill us. I would say he was even pulling his punches.

Yangyang:

I don't know what he wants from us. But Madam Magistrate may have intended to hint something by letting us run into him.

Chixia:

I still can't wrap my head around what happened in that village...

Chixia:

I went over the files. That case is ancient. It was dealt with and archived way before our current Magistrate took office.

Yangyang:

What happened to the village in the end?

Chixia:

Don't worry, the crooks were brought to justice, and most of the villagers were relocated to new settlements.

Chixia:

But I didn't find anything in the files about that little girl you mentioned.

Yangyang:

So Scar really did take her away.

Yangyang:

I agree.

Yangyang:

If only we could capture him...

Chixia:

Ugh... I'm so lost. Why did Madam Magistrate point you to Qichi Village anyway? What did she want to tell you with that?

Yangyang:

And then Scar went there to tamper with the site and mislead you with fake clues...

Yangyang:

You mean...?

Yangyang:

The Fractsidus was planning to tell you something about what had happened in that village. Then our Magistrate intercepted by leading you there before they could?

Yangyang:

...

Yangyang:

Madam Magistrate knew they were going to lure you to the village. And she knew they weren't planning to kill you.

Yangyang:

Her token was a warning that the Fractsidus had their eyes on you...

Chixia:

How so?

Chixia:

You mean she's got someone looking out for you?

Yangyang:

Or maybe she prepared other means of protection.

Yangyang:

What's the matter, Rover?

Yangyang:

The legendary figure who changed Jinzhou's history, a looming war with the resurrecting Threnodian, and the Fractsidus acting in the shadows...

Yangyang:

If all of these have something to do with your true identity. Then... who exactly are you?

Chixia:

Come to think of it, the sundial's the last token we need to work out.

Yangyang:

Mr. Mortefi said it's an intricate puzzle box. Madam Magistrate might have hid her real message inside.

Yangyang:

Yes. It's the 12th Shichen of the day, represented by the symbol Wei.

Yangyang:

Now we have the Shichen of Wei and Vermillion Bird. We should be able to solve the puzzle.

You solve the sundial puzzle. A note appears that directs you to the Grand Library at City Hall. Noticing something unusual about the sundial, you decide to go there alone.

Chixia:

So, Rover, you're gonna try it now?

Yangyang:

Symbols on the larger disk represent time, and we need to align the correct symbol with this pointer. It should be...

Yangyang:

It's not working. So we can rule out the Shichen of Yoh now... The correct time we learned at the Academy should be...

The sundial holds two puzzles. Solving the second unveils a message from Jinhsi, inviting you to a meeting under the cloak of night. When she arrives, she reveals secrets about Jinzhou and the Threnodians, shedding light on your identity, and hints that you might be a legendary figure mentioned in ancient records.

Jinhsi:

It's been three days.

Jinhsi:

We've both made it on time.

Jinhsi:

Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Jinhsi. It brings me great joy to see you, Rover.

Jinhsi:

An emergency forced me to leave, and I only had the time to prepare some tokens for you. Please pardon my lack of hospitality.

Jinhsi:

...Yes. The Sentinel of Jinzhou is currently absent.

Jinhsi:

Correct.

Jinhsi:

The Sentinels guide and guard humanity as a symbol of our civilization.

Jinhsi:

When a region's Sentinel goes absent, chaos is bound to ensue. As this news could lead to civil unrest, please keep it a secret.

Jinhsi:

Jinzhou's Sentinel, "Jué," is being held captive by the Fractsidus. I had to postpone our meeting and put all my effort into finding its whereabouts.

Jinhsi:

Yes, our thoughts are connected to a certain degree. I can sense its memories, feelings, and surroundings, though not very clearly.

Jinhsi:

Unfortunately, I haven't. I can feel Jué is in danger. The good news is, I have figured out the culprit behind all of this.

Jinhsi:

Precisely.

Jinhsi:

The Fractsidus plans to advance another Lament and cause disasters worldwide.

Jinhsi:

Overseer Scar had several objectives upon infilrtrating Jinzhou.

Jinhsi:

To track you down, to test your strengths, and to make you join their cause. To abduct Jué and to resurrect the Threnodian in advance.

Jinhsi:

They must have discovered your value, likely from one of Jué's prophecies. If you join them, they'll gain significant power.

Jinhsi:

Should you refuse to join, the Fractsidus will likely want to eliminate you so you don't get in their way.

Jinhsi:

I have a plan to apprehend Scar. Once we capture him, the Fractsidus won't be that much of a threat to you for the time being.

Jinhsi:

If you are willing to lend us a hand, I will ensure your safety during our cooperation.

Jinhsi:

Thank you for your trust, Rover.

Jinhsi:

Speaking of which, you seem to have already gathered a lot from the tokens.

Jinhsi:

Impressive, Rover.

Jinhsi:

The threat Jinzhou is facing is far worse than meets the eye.

Jinhsi:

One of the Threnodians will soon be reawakened...

Jinhsi:

They are the enemies of human civilizations, born from the dark side of our collective consciousness. We must defeat them to protect all of humanity.

Jinhsi:

We have been doing our best to prevent the disaster, but the Fractsidus is accelerating the Threnodian's revival.

Jinhsi:

Indeed.

Jinhsi:

You have defeated the Crownless and absorbed its Echo with your bare hands. It is the Tacet Discord that embodies the concept of warfare.

Jinhsi:

Resentment of the fallen, fright of the ignoble... Those are the emotions that laid grounds for its birth.

Jinhsi:

The Crownless is a Tacet Discord that possesses powers from the reviving Threnodian.

Jinhsi:

Jinzhou is a border city with an unbreakable will and strong spirit of resistance. However, we also fear the constant wars and loss of life, and the Threnodian can prey on that.

Jinhsi:

You, however... You were able to defeat and absorb a Threnodian-related Tacet Discord with your bare hands, and resonate with other TDs.

Jinhsi:

Meanwhile, Huanglong's records mention a hero with similar powers who saved our nation during the Threnodian War. {Male=He;Female=She} is also mentioned in literature dating back to Jinzhou's establishment.

Jinhsi:

To uncover your true identity, this could be a helpful lead to pursue.

Jinhsi:

Yes. Based on my own deduction, and the prophecies of Jué.

Jinhsi:

You mean... The unfinished statue of Jué?

Jinhsi:

I see. Do you mind letting me know what you remembered? Since it's related to our Sentinel, I might be able to help.

You tell Jinhsi about the fragmented memories you were able to remember.

Jinhsi:

Rover, the memories of which you speak...

Jinhsi:

As I mentioned earlier, I can resonate with Jué, our Sentinel. Your recollections... They align with what I've witnessed in Jué's memories.

Jinhsi:

Yes, I do remember seeing something similar... I believe it had truly happened in the past.

Jinhsi:

In other words, you may be the person mentioned in our records.

Jinhsi:

The unwavering presence by our Sentinel's side, bonded by an unbreakable trust.

Jinhsi:

Resonators tend to have a longer lifespan, but it is indeed unprecedented to live hundreds of years without any sign of aging.

Jinhsi:

So many mysteries about you remain unsolved, and your age is just one of the unknowns.

Jinhsi:

Sorry, but I don't know. Jué's last piece of information pointed to the Norfall Barrens, where you should find the Threnodian.

Jinhsi:

I pray you will find your answers there.

Jinhsi:

A Threnodian is resurrecting, and our nation is in grave danger. This reminds me of the Threnodian War all too much. Perhaps... This has something to do with your mysterious appearance in Jinzhou?

Jinhsi:

Not really. I don't plan to believe in a hero showing up out of nowhere and protecting us.

Jinhsi:

I am just presenting whatever lead I have about your past, as I know it is troubling you. I want to help you, and that is all there is to it.

Jinhsi:

Thank you for considering lending us a hand. Your help is much appreciated, but please do not feel obligated because of the information I shared.

Jinhsi:

They are my people, and the responsibility to keep them safe should fall on no one else but my own shoulders.

Jinhsi:

I am saying this because I have faith in my abilities, and even more so in the bravery of Jinzhou's soldiers and our people.

Jinhsi:

You deserve to make your own decision about this after uncovering your true identity.

Jinhsi:

I appreciate everything you've done for us, during the past few days, or perhaps even longer ago.

Jinhsi:

Once it all settles, I am ready to accommodate and assist in whatever future decision you make. You can leave Jinzhou, or the entire Huanglong if you wish.

Jinhsi:

If you ever need me again, you need only ask.

Jinhsi:

Let's keep this a secret between the two of us. How does that sound?

Rover:

(Now I have retrieved the Magistrate's message for me from the puzzle box.)

Rover:

(But it only points me to where the Grand Library is. There's no meeting time... Something is still missing.)

Rover:

(I've solved the puzzle, the disks have been rotated, and the two symbols are now glowing.)

Rover:

(With this glowing light, a shadow is cast on two other symbols.)

Rover:

(The Black Tortoise of the North... North to the City Hall.)

Rover:

(And the time reads... The Shichen of Chou, in the Wei hours of the morning.)

Rover:

(According to the message, I will have to interact with an item in the correct direction to access the "Database".)

Rover:

(There should be multiples of them in different directions... Must be one of these vases.)

Rover:

(I'll give it a try.)

Rover:

(So a water level-controlled mechanism has been installed to block access to the Database.)

Rover:

Then all I need to do is find a way to operate it.

You defeat Scar, but he appears unbothered over what will happen to him. He is more curious to know when you and Jinhsi hatched this trap.

Scar:

So you knew I was following you all along.

Scar:

My Elysium only breaks under coordinated attacks from both sides. I can never get rid of all these pesky little helpers around you, can I?

Scar:

So you've joined hands against me with Miss Magistrate here. It does hurt my feelings, you know.

Scar:

You're always so, so popular...

Jinhsi:

Are you all right, Rover?

Scar:

Of course {Male=he;Female=she} is. How could I ever have the heart to hurt {Male=him;Female=her}?

Scar:

Consider my moment of failure a gift of sincerity, Rover. I trust you haven't forgotten our conversation earlier.

Scar:

Choose me. I'll tell you everything you want.

Scar:

Heh. I see... So she made the move before I could, and told you all of it already.

Scar:

Then, as the winners... Would you be so kind as to tell me how you set me up?

Scar:

Thank you for leading the way, Rover.

Scar:

...What a magnificent place to set foot in. Extensive. Exhaustive.

Scar:

Oh... How I want to carve the place inside-out... And blow it all to shreds!

Scar:

Hmm? Thought you'd seem a bit more surprised.

Scar:

I wonder... Why?

Scar:

Heh. So you've laid a trap for me.

Scar:

Hehe... Hahahaha!

Scar:

Interesting... Do you really think you can trap me here?

Jinhsi:

You will not escape.

Scar:

What a shame I can't stay and play with you a bit longer...

Scar:

Til we meet again, dear friends.

Rover:

You're not going anywhere!

Rover:

Tacet Discords... In this place?

Rover:

No, these are simulated projections... Must be some kind of digital guards.

Rover:

They don't seem on full alert, only following a timed patrol schedule.

Scar:

Did you just offer yourself up to be my prey? Hehe...

Scar:

Now... It's just the two of us.

Scar:

Stow away that irrational anger of yours.

Scar:

I just have a friendly reminder for you...

Scar:

Seeing is not always believing. Why are you so sure they told you the truth? Don't jump to conclusions so soon.

Scar:

Why are you so stubborn? Why can't you place some of that trust in me?

Scar:

Or... Do I have to crush you to make you behave for once!

You ask Scar why the Fractsidus is holding Jué captive and attempting to awaken the Threnodian. He explains their goal of creating a new world order and invites you to join them. Before being taken away, Scar whispers a secret to Jinhsi that visibly unsettles her.

Jinhsi:

Scar, you are now under arrest for committing multiple felonies in Huanglong. Do you have anything to say?

Scar:

What do I want to say, huh? While I'd love to tell you another story... I guess that's not what you want to hear.

Scar:

Let's cut to the chase, “Madam Magistrate.” I'm getting bored already.

Jinhsi:

Very well. You will answer only our questions from now on.

Scar:

Sure, why not. What do you want to know?

Scar:

A Sentinel such as Jué can predict and "correct" future events. It gets in our way of achieving our sublime vision.

Scar:

We merely wanted to topple the set future built on lies, and take control of our own destiny.

Jinhsi reveals a prophecy from Jué foretelling your quest to find Commander Jiyan in the Norfall Barrens at a time when raindrops fall upstream. Until that day comes, she advises you to seek out an organization known as the Black Shores.

Jinhsi:

...

Jinhsi:

...Sorry, Rover. What he mentioned about our Sentinel is... highly sensitive. I cannot disclose it yet, not before verifying it myself.

Jinhsi:

Is it a ploy to create distrust among us, or... I must first find our Sentinel to uncover the truth.

Jinhsi:

Jué is the Guardian Sentinel of Jinzhou. It is responsible for assisting Jinzhou's Magistrate in administrative affairs.

Jinhsi:

While I am final decision maker... Without the assistance of Jué, I cannot guarantee I'm always making the best choices for my people.

Jinhsi:

T-Thank you. I am glad you think so.

Jinhsi:

Jué can predict the future, and up to this point, every one of its prophecies have been proven true.

Jinhsi:

While justice may not be universally agreed upon, its decisions have consistently served the best interests of Huanglong.

Jinhsi:

For that... I suppose we will have to talk to it in person to find out.

Jinhsi:

In addition, Rover, Jué once told me to deliver a message to you.

Jinhsi:

"To the Awakened One: When raindrops fall upstream, please head to the Norfall Barrens, and seek General Jiyan of the Midnight Rangers."

Jinhsi:

I suppose so. General Jiyan is currently battling another TD Outbreak in the Norfall Barrens, which will also serve as our frontline against the Threnodian.

Jinhsi:

But the ongoing war has made it a very dangerous place to go.

Jinhsi:

Since you won't need to go there right now, not until when the "raindrops fall upstream"...

Jinhsi:

I know you're here for clues about your true identity, and I don't want you to leave the city empty-handed.

Jinhsi:

Have you heard about the Black Shores, Rover?

Jinhsi:

It's an organization shrouded in mystery, with a secretive membership process and members who usually keep their identities hidden.

Jinhsi:

Upon your awakening, one of their members discreetly contacted me to gather information about you.

Jinhsi:

But please don't worry. The Black Shores developed a special Lament prediction system, and has established partnerships with countries worldwide.

Jinhsi:

While operating in secrecy, they are not an extremist group like the Fractsidus.

Jinhsi:

They have been monitoring the situation in Jinzhou to provide assistance when needed.

Jinhsi:

Thanks to their extra help, my meeting with you went smoothly.

Jinhsi:

This Blake Bloom is their symbol. The Black Shores members usually wear it on their person.

Jinhsi:

The Black Shores once provided us significant insights into the relationship between the moon and Threnodians.

Jinhsi:

This time, they've come to inform us a Threnodian is about to resurrect near Jinzhou.

Jinhsi:

Apart from that, I am not sure what else they may be hoping to achieve.

Jinhsi:

This photo is yours to keep. I will return with Jué shortly, and the Black Shores may be worth your try during this time.

Jinhsi:

Rover! Are you all right?

Jinhsi:

I see... The Black Shores must have a deep connection to your past.

Jinhsi:

Since you are likely being closely monitored by the Fractsidus now...

Jinhsi:

I suggest keeping an eye out for the Black Shore members. They could prove to be your valuable allies.

Jinhsi:

I'll do my best to find Jué, and tell you everything I learned from it once I return.

Jinhsi:

This is my promise.

Jinhsi:

Yes. Please leave it to me.

After your departure, Jinhsi reaches out to her mentor, Changli. Jué prophesied a showdown between Jinhsi and itself at Mt. Firmament, a place where time stands still. Determined to protect Jinzhou's future, Jinhsi vows to face Jué alone. Changli, impressed by her growth, pledges her support.

Jinhsi:

Sanhua.

Sanhua:

Yes, Madam Magistrate.

Jinhsi:

I will be going on a temporary leave. During my absence, please help me handle my responsibilities in Jinzhou.

Sanhua:

Understood. Should I continue protecting that Rover?

Jinhsi:

No need. Both Changli and I will be away, and there'll be more than enough paperwork for you to handle.

Sanhua:

Is Lady Changli leaving for the capital?

Sanhua:

Please pardon my intrusion, but {Male=he;Female=she} just faced an ambush in the Central Plains. What if...

Jinhsi:

Regarding that incident... We tried to warn {Male=him;Female=her} about the Fractsidus, but they were more cunning than we thought.

Jinhsi:

If {Male=he;Female=she} runs into another powerful enemy like Scar, {Male=he;Female=she}'ll eventually have to confront them on {Male=his;Female=her} own.

Jinhsi:

Sanhua, you can place more trust in Rover and me.

Sanhua:

Understood. I will.

Sanhua:

My lady... No matter what happens, my sword is always yours.

Jinhsi:

Both the interrogation and my appointed meeting with Rover have already finished.

???:

Scar only needed the two of you as his audience. We already knew what he wanted, and we let him have as much.

Jinhsi:

{Male=He;Female=She} decrypted every message we intended to convey. It's only proper you meet {Male=him;Female=her} in person, as the one who crafted those puzzles.

Jinhsi:

Such intricate puzzles... I guess only Rover has the patience to solve them all.

???:

No detail is too small. I'm sure {Male=he;Female=she} understands. Besides... Not seeing the opponent heightens the thrill of the game.

???:

If everything goes according to the prophecies of Jué, I will meet {Male=him;Female=her} in person eventually.

???:

So... What did our captive from the Fractsidus tell you about Jué?

Jinhsi:

...That Jué had predicted I will have to fight it one day. A fight that will shape Jinzhou's future.

???:

Well, that is... unexpected. But you don't seem all that surprised, do you?

Jinhsi:

Can't say I am. I had suspected as much from our previous conversations, and the message it left me... His words only confirmed it.

???:

Where was it when you last sensed its presence?

Jinhsi:

It was... In Mt. Firmament. Unlike Jinzhou city, that mountain is still resting in "stillness."

???:

The place where the first people of Jinzhou lived, and where Jué first manifested before us humans... I see.

Jinhsi:

I'll find Jué and bring it back as soon as possible.

???:

Our enemies could have planned it as a trap. We have a bigger goal to focus on, remember?

Jinhsi:

I understand. I will not let anything or anyone disrupt the peace in Jinzhou.

???:

Would you let what you heard from Scar sway your determination?

Jinhsi:

No, he cannot ever turn me against Jué. If anything, his words only confirmed my theory.

Jinhsi:

I am the Magistrate of Jinzhou, appointed by the Sentinel itself.

Jinhsi:

The prophecy speaks of a decisive incident for Jinzhou's future, where I will be a key player. The fight between me and Jué is only a precursor.

Jinhsi:

My job remains unchanged. I will fulfill my duty as Jinzhou's Magistrate with my own judgment.

???:

And that's your final answer?

Jinhsi:

A single strand's neglect births mountainous upheaval. You taught me that, remember?

Jinhsi:

The safest option is for me to go in person.

Changli:

...Very well.

Changli:

Since we are already mid-game, I will let you decide our next move.

Changli:

This time, I shall be a pawn in your hand.

Changli:

Remember I will always stand by your side, in this crisis or any other.

Jinhsi:

...Am I a player or a mere pawn? I suppose there is no difference at this point.

Jinhsi:

No matter what, I will do what I must.

I think I heard a low, grumbling noise...

The vase didn’t budge at all. Not this one. I should go check on the other vases…