Year 7380 Star Calendar, Jingliu, the mara-stricken swordmaster of the Luofu, slashed her way out of Starskiff Haven, cutting through the Cloud Knights tasked to subdue her before vanishing in the mist of history.
Year 8096 Star Calendar, a young soldier named Yanqing rose to fame from the tournament hosted by the Seat of Divine Foresight, and was conferred the rank of Cloud Knight Lieutenant.
"The years pass in a flash, cups of wine the only solace."
A fleeting flash — thus is the speed of swift blades as the master and her student spar, and thus is the passage of the unceasing torrent of time.
Just how long has it been?
His duel with his master, centuries ago, still rippled like a memory from yesterday.
But the few years between now and when he took in the boy as his student felt like a lifetime.
Time gallops, swift as a stallion, sudden as a lightning strike, agonizing as a blade that runs him through. And yet, it feels like everything has always been the same.
In the Year 4800 of the Star Calendar, the five lineages of the Vidyadhara made alliance on the Yuque, putting their sacred vow into writing. "This oath shall remain unbroken, standing stronger than even earth and steel." — History of the Xianzhou: Exodus of the Five Dragons
In the Year 7379 of the Star Calendar, the Imbibitor Lunae Dan Feng caused turmoil that threatened the sacred wood. The Cloud Knights joined forces with the Vidyadhara Preceptors to assault him. — History of the Xianzhou: Cloud Knights War Records
A new year dawns and prosperity beckons. In a certain corner of the Exalting Sanctum, Master Gongshu and his two assistants are consumed by preparations for the Xianzhou's New Year performance.
The dual planets were intertwined in each other's tragic destiny, dancing an eternal rondo around a pitch-black great sun.
In the beginning, one of the planets gave rise to humans. These people looked down, and named the land below "Izumo." These people looked up, and named the world above "Takamagahara."
One day uninscribed in the annals, the Yaoyorozu-no-kami descended from Takamagahara. These demonic beasts named Kami overturned the skies, burned the rivers and oceans, and shattered the land — People realized in horror that it was not an invasion for rulership, dominance, or plunder. The evil Kami came only to kill.
As the planet stood on the brink of death, Izumo embarked on a Kami-slaying journey, exhausting the might of the entire country to slay the calamity "Sovereign of Revelation" and forging the very first Edict Edge using its bestial body.
As the sun rises, the generals seize the ever-fleeting time, each beginning their own plans for the day. At this moment, they are no different from the common people aboard the Luofu.
"H—Hello, I'm Huohuo, the newly appointed judge of the Ten-Lords Commission. Um... what else should I mention.."
"Ahem... Uh, Hello? Don't forget to introduce the most famous heliobus of all..."
"Ah, yes — Tail! This is Tail!"
Who could have thought that a place like this could exist amidst the vast, scintillating heavens:
The people here have closed their eyes, but none are asleep even with the striking of midnight.
In the splendor of this city, things of material value are little more than dirt.
Beloved guests, welcome to Penacony! Follow your amusing guide, Clockie, and embark with us upon this incomparable planet woven from the fabric of dreams!
The brave and clever Clockie has embarked on an adventure!
Tick-tock! The dastardly Boss Stone is up to no good.
Tick-tock! He's always trying to endanger Clockie!
But don't worry,
Clockie's got the smarts, and Clockie's got the courage!
Together with his dependable friends,
they'll protect this land of dreams and send the bad guys packing!
"This world's just like a big non-stop circus showcasing beasts brawling all day and night: bears on unicycles, lions leaping through fire hoops, monkeys juggling bowls..."
"Me, I'm happy being a side character in the background, cheering on those who have the limelight. Then, at the climax of the performance... bang! Sparkling like fireworks into brilliant colors—"
"You think the leading character would dare do this?"
"Your humble servant 'Aventurine,' at your service. Just a cog in the machine known as the IPC's Strategic Investment Department. Nevertheless, I can also play the role of "friend" — if needed."
"Go ahead, use me as you wish, even stab me in the back when you see fit. But remember, I don't make deals that don't pay off... So, I hope you don't disappoint me."
"Wealth is the recipe to happiness. Giving it to those who desire happiness is making the best use of it."
"Anyone can receive this blessing... They only have to pay an equivalent price."
Choice is eternally entwined in every lost path one walks in life. Down one road, struggle. Another, the way of salvation. A third, life cycles unto death, and a fourth, death cycling back to life... Where, then, might be the "the end"? Such a thing is hard to find.
