*comment add goto meimei_encounterDASD *temp hostile 0 *temp knows_about_shushu false *temp meet_with_meimei true *temp dare_slander true *temp wanted_to_murder false The compact Disciple Store you've grown so familiar with during your months in the sect now appears so small. So insignificant as you stand before the Alchemy Pavilion, the biggest store for alchemical concoctions on the whole mountain. It's maintained and supported by the Alchemy Elder herself — which ensures the quality of its goods and an endless supply of various pills. After all, of the nearly thousand alchemists present in the sect, not a single one of them lacks the desire to impress and please Grandmaster Shyi. Even now, at an ordinary hour on an ordinary day, the Pavilion is swarmed with people. Dozens of disciples walk around, inspecting showcases of elixirs and pastes. You hear their excited talks, their declarations, and promises: they would for sure work hard enough, they would for sure get rich, buy the pills of their dreams, and breakthrough their martial bottlenecks. Because that's what it's like for those not gifted with your talent and background. When each small advancement, each tiny growth of strength takes [i]years[/i] to complete, not a second can be wasted — otherwise, old age would catch up with you far faster than any martial progress could be achieved. Even in this place, disciples are divided by their perceived status. Normal ones just wander aimlessly, while those who are more important are accompanied by guides that explain the alchemical uses of eye-catching products. And those who carry some actual weight in the sect are directly escorted into private rooms. A young man, in sect robes and with a special pin in the shape of a cauldron, comes to you soon enough as well. "Senior ${polite_address}, welcome." — he greets you — "This one's named Shu-Shu. Please, follow me." However, before Shu Shu managed to guide you into a room, a familiar voice halts you. "Little $!{polite_address}, is that you?" *temp gave_heartblood false *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "gave_heartblood_meimei|" *if cslib_ret > 0 *set gave_heartblood true *temp accused_of_poisoning false *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "accused_meimei_poisoning|" *if cslib_ret > 0 *set accused_of_poisoning true *if (gave_heartblood) When you turn around, you see Mei Mei, surrounded by a few other disciples, waving at you. "It's been a long time since we saw each other last, has it not?" — she says, clasping her hands and giving you a tiny bow. *elseif (mc_trait_7) When you turn around, you see Mei Mei, studying you with a curious gaze. She hides it pretty quickly though and gives you a relieved smile afterward. "I'm glad you've managed to pull through, alive and whole." — she says — "But you could've spared yourself the suffering and let me help you back then." *elseif (not (meimei_poisoned)) When you turn around, you see Mei Mei, surrounded by a few other disciples, waving at you. "It's been a long time since we saw each other last, has it not?" — she says, clasping her hands and giving you a tiny bow. *else When you turn around, you see Mei Mei, studying you with a curious gaze. She hides it pretty quickly though and gives you a relieved smile afterward. "I'm glad you've managed to pull through, alive and whole." — she says — "But you could've spared yourself the enormous debt Elden Rin has gotten you in by allowing me to help." *choice *if (gave_heartblood) #"It's certainly nice to see you again. I didn't even get the chance to thank you properly for saving my life." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+" "It's certainly nice to see you again." — you return her bow with a nod — "I didn't even get the chance to thank you for saving my life back then." "No need to mention it." — she answers nonchalantly, before giving you a soft smile — "Your well-being is a reward enough." She holds your gaze for a second or two — before lowering her head shyly. Then, Mei Mei flicks her hair and looks up. "Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about. It's important." *label what_is_it "What is it?" — you ask. Mei Mei looks around, her eyes taking note of the wandering disciples, before she shakes her head. "Not here. Meet me by the Waterfall Edge today at midnight." — her tone becomes shaky, nervous even — "Will you come?" *choice #"Of course." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+" "Of course, I will." — you answer, not a hint of hesitation in your voice. "Great!" — Mei Mei chirps — "I'll wait for you there, then." With that, she bids you farewell and leaves. #"I don't know..." "I don't know…" — you answer, hesitantly — "It'd be pretty late…" "Please." — Mei Mei puts a hand onto your arm — "It's [i]really[/i] important." *choice #"Alright." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 1 "+" "Alright." — you give in — "I'll see you there." "Thank you." — she says, before bidding you farewell and leaving. #"No." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 10 "-" "No." — you adamantly reply — "I can't do it." *label meimei_sighs Mei Mei sighs and you can see the disappointment behind her eyes — she was counting on you to accept. She was expecting it and you refused. "Very well." — she says — "I'll see you around, I guess." With that, she bids you farewell and leaves. *set hostile 1 *goto perhaps_dislike #"Sorry, I have other plans." "Sorry, but I have other plans." — you adamantly reply. *goto meimei_sighs *elsif (accused_of_poisoning) #"Get the fuck away from me. You already poisoned me once, I won't let you do it for the second time." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 100 "-" *set meet_with_meimei false *set characters_6_status "Enemies" "Get the fuck away from me." — you hiss — "You already poisoned me once, I won't let you do it for the second time!" Your outburst catches her off-guard — and when the disciples nearby give her confused looks, you can see the carefully crafted mask of controlled elegance she wears crumble, just a bit. She quickly fixes it, however, and puts on a sad, pity-inducing smile. "It really hurts me that you would think of me this way." — she whimpers, before addressing the curious onlookers — "Be on your way, fellow disciples. This Junior ${polite_address} became a bit paranoid after someone tried to kill ${pronoun_2}." She then gives you a look, a look much different from her usual gentleness — this one, despite being accommodated by a pretty smile, is filled with cruel animosity instead. Mei Mei is warning you — [i]let it go[/i]. *choice #"Someone? It was you, you bitch!" "Someone?!" — you rage — "It was you, you bitch! I know it!" Your scream attracts even more attention, and even more focus on your argument. Mei Mei looks around frantically, before she bursts into tears. Her emerald-green eyes become wet in an instant and she lowers her head, attempting to dry them with her sleeves. "Exc-excuse me…" — she sobs and runs out from the crowd. When she's gone, the disciples turn to you. Their expressions judging. "Do you have any proof of her involvement, Martial ${polite_address}?" Proof? Of course, you don't have proof. You can't even be sure yourself in your claim — it's just a hunch, a hint of intuition you feel strongly about. Before you can formulate your answer, the disciple who asked the question snorts. "So, you just brought the kindest and gentle Martial Sister of our Alchemy Pavilion to tears because of a baseless lie? You made her cry due to an unfounded suspicion?" *gosub_scene subroutines reputation_change 5 "honor" "-" [i]Disgusting![/i] *line_break [i]Let's beat ${pronoun_3} up![/i] *line_break [i]Right! This piece of shit needs to crippled for ${pronoun_3} words!"[/i] Soon, the whole crowd calls for your bashing — the atmosphere becomes tense, missing only a spark before exploding in a, no doubt, rain of pain and hurt. You may be strong for your rank, but your power is nothing against a dozen of disciples of the same realm or even higher. None of them are afraid of your background either, the anonymity of a mob easing their worries of any possible revenge. However, before the situation escalates even further, the disciple who spoke to you calms the crowd down. "We won't resolve to violence today. But I can promise you, ${YM} ${mc_name}, you will not find service in this pavilion in your entire lifetime." [b]Alchemy Pavilion has become unavailable.[/i] *set alchemy_pavilion_locked true *choice #"Fucking fools." "Fucking fools." — you spit — "Do you kn-" Before you finish your sentence, something hits you on the back of the head and knocks you down. And then comes the [i]stomping[/i]. You are kicked, punched and struck until you lose the feeling in your entire body: time becomes an abstract concept, pain — your eternal friend. *page_break Darkness... When you wake up, you are in the infirmary, with everything hurting everywhere at once. It will take you some time to recover — not to mention the enormous bill you'd face for the healing *if (mc_trait_1) services, even with your regenerative abilities. *set mc_sect_points -100 [b]Contribution Points -100[/b] *else services. *set mc_sect_points -300 [b]Contribution Points -100[/b] #Just leave. Without a choice, you can only glare at the crowd before being forced to leave. Once outside, however, Shu Shu runs up to you and tugs at your sleeve. "Senior ${polite_address}, please wait." — he says, catching his breath. "What is it?" "I'm glad that someone has managed to see through that white lotus aside from the little me. Please, come, I have information that may help you ruin her." *choice #Go with the disciple. Shu Shu guides you to his house, a small room much smaller than yours. *goto two_years_ago #Don't go with the disciple. What if it's another trap? No, you've had enough of Mei Mei for today. Even the mention of her name makes you sick. "Not interested." — you reply and walk away, not sparing Shu Shu another glance. *goto_scene free_roam #"It may not be today, but I'll bring the truth of who you are to light soon enough." "It may not be today," — you say, locking your gaze with hers — "And it may not be tomorrow. But I'll bring the truth of who you are to light soon enough." She holds your stare. Both of you say no words, yet your eyes have a proper conversation: from now on, the two of you are enemies. "I hope Junior ${polite_address} can recover mentally as good as he healed physically. Your delusions will form an Inner Devil otherwise." — Mei Mei then bows and leaves. #Shake your head and let her leave. You shake your head, but keep quiet to avoid trouble. You don't have any proof and will only make a fool out of yourself by airing this matter publicly. Your silence, however, doesn't repair the already damaged relationship — you doubt Mei Mei will treat you as anything else than an enemy from this point onwards. #"Ah, if it isn't my favorite alchemist." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+" "Ah, if it isn't my favorite alchemist." — you greet her with a grin — "How you've been?" "Managed to meet a lot of alchemists in this time, huh?" — she says, putting her hands on her hips. "Just enough to know I like you the most." "Sweet-talker." — Mei Mei huffs — "Don't expect to swindle me out of any pills!" "I would never!" — you fiercely defend yourself — "Can't I even compliment my Senior Sister without being accused of having an ulterior motive?" "Alright, I grant you permission to compliment me as much as you like." — she says, with a brilliant smile — "But, jokes aside, there's something I need to talk to you about." *goto what_is_it #"Greetings. How you've been?" "Greetings." — you nod at her — "How you've been?" "Better now that we've met." — Mei Mei jokes, giving you a toothy grin. However, her smile soon fades, replaced by a serious expression — "However, there is something I need to talk to you about." *goto what_is_it #"What do you want?" "What do you want?" — you reply, crossing your arms. Your coldness catches her off-guard: she didn't expect you to be quite so unfriendly. However, she soon recovers. "There is something I need to talk to you about." — Mei Mei says. *goto what_is_it Shu-Shu guides you into a spacious room with multiple cushions scattered on the floor and a table filled with various fruits. Only the two of you are inside, and these walls are known for their deafness. *if (hostile > 0) *goto perhaps_dislike *label are_you_going "Are you… are you going to see Miss Mei?" — asks the the clerk "Hm?" — you murmur, not sure why would he ask such a question — "Yes, I was planning on it." "I… she… You…" — the disciple babbles, unable to string words together. *choice #Wait for him to gather his bearings. You give him a soft smile and a nod of encouragement. What is it that got him so nervous, you wonder? Your approach works like a charm: the disciple gulps and, after a deep breath, is finally able to convey what he wanted to convey. *label not_a_good_person "You should know… Senior Sister Mei is not a good person." "What do you mean?" — you tilt your head. Wasn't Mei Mei universally loved by her peers? In fact, many even thought her to be too kind and too precious for the Martial World. "She's evil… Yes, Evil… Evil!" — as he speaks, the disciple's tone picks up intensity: louder and louder, until he resembles a rambling madman and, if it was not for the impenetrable walls, he would've gathered the attention of people nearby. *choice #"Do explain." "Oh? Please, do explain." *goto two_years_ago #"You're just asking for a beating, aren't you?." " You're just asking for a beating, aren't you?" — you threaten, causing sweat to appear on Shu Shu's forehead. Shu Shu swallows, but, despite his fear, continues. *goto two_years_ago #"I know." "I know." — you reply, causing Shu Shu to stare at you in confusion. "Then… why? Why are you planning on meeting her?" *choice #"Keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer." You chuckle. "Haven't you ever heard a saying: keep your friends close, but your enemies even closer? I want to know what she's up to and want to take advantage of the benefits her friendship may bring." "Oh." — Shu Shu exclaims — "That's good. Then… could you help me?" *label help_with_what "With what?" "Help me bring justice upon her. No, help me make her suffer." — he says and, for a moment, there is no nervous, stuttering disciple he was just a minute ago: only cold determination and almost [i]burning[/i] thirst for vengeance — "If you promise to do this, I'll give you something that could ruin her." *choice #"Alright. I promise." *set dare_slander false Something that could ruin a prodigious daughter of a Great Noble Clan? Count you interested. "Alright." — you answer — "I promise." Shu-Shu nods. *label two_years_ago *set knows_about_shushu true He brings out an artifact you easily recognize from his spatial ring: a Recording Mirror. "Two years ago, Grandmaster Shyi held a competition for the spot of her personal disciple. Now, you do realize just how prestigious such a position is, don't you?" "Not only would you have been able to learn from the top-3 alchemist in the whole Martial World, you'd also enjoy limitless resources for your experiments and the protective halo of someone whom multiple Shangtian owe favors to." "All of the sect alchemists naturally went crazy for this opportunity. With them practicing their skills for the upcoming trial, the pills and elixirs those days were in such excess that they were given away practically for free. In the end, though, only two disciples stood out from the rest — He Mei and…" Shu Shu's voice falters and it takes him a second to press down the [i]pain[/i] that slipped into his tone. "And a commoner girl named Lua." Then, overcome with anger, he punches a nearby wall — it doesn't do any damage, of course, his fist hurting far more than the structure ever could. "But you see, [i]Senior Sister Mei[/i]," — there is so much venom in his pronunciation of these words, even you recoil — "Wasn't satisfied with being one of the two. Oh no, she wanted Grandmaster Shyi all for herself. She wanted all the benefits to be hers only." "So she killed Lua. Without so much as even blinking an eye." *choice #"That bitch!" "That bitch!" — you shout — "How did she do it?!" *goto he_mei_concocted #"Sounds like something she'd do. How did it happen?" "Sounds like something she'd do. How did it happen?" — you ask. *label he_mei_concocted *set history &"have_meimei_mirror|" "He Mei concocted a beast-luring paste and smeared her martial sister's robes with it. When Lua went to the forest afterwards…" — Shu Shu swallows — "A horde of crazed beasts attacked her. She got mauled by a bear, torn apart to pieces without a corpse left. Because of He Mei's greed." Shu Shu then turns on the Recording Mirror: the reflection in it changes, from empty glass to the familiar figure of Mei Mei, standing over a cauldron. "This is He Mei concocting the paste two days before Lua got killed." — he says, handing you the mirror — "There is no way in hell that this is a coincidence. But in my hands, this is too weak of an evidence to pin her down. Elders will just laugh at me. In yours though…" He looks at you. Intently. Hopingly. "You sound very invested in this." — you note. "I am. Lua was… my sister." *choice #"This isn't good enough of a proof." "I don't think this recording will be enough to prove He Mei's guilt. She could just pass it as an unfortunate coincidence. You know her reputation well, it won't be easy to shatter it." "That's why I didn't come forward. But, ${YM}, if you become a Prime Disciple one day, the sect's most valuable pupil and use this in your accusation — surely the sect will listen!" *label see_what_can_do "I'll see what I can do then." "Thank you." #"I'll bring her to justice." "She will answer for her heinous crime." — you say, patting Shu Shu's shoulder — "Don't worry, I'll bring her to justice." "Thank you." — Shu Shu bows. #"I'll see what I can do." *goto see_what_can_do #"I'm not convinced Mei Mei killed your sister." "I'm not convinced Mei Mei killed your sister." — you say, causing Shu Shu to stare at you in bewilderment — "You're grasping on the tiniest straw, wishing to find justice for your sister. But this just seems like too much of a reach." *goto hopes_shattered *goto meimei_encounter #"Do you have proof?" "This is a vile accusation." — you say — "Do you have any proof of this?" *goto he_mei_concocted #"I would probably do the same." "I would probably do the same." — you shrug — "Some commoner trash preventing me from enjoying a much greater amount of resources? I would have killed her as well." *label just_like_her "You…" — Shu Shu takes a step back — "You are just like her. Forget it, forget it!" He then runs out of the room in a hurry. You will probably have to get a new alchemy assistant. *page_break *goto meimei_encounter *selectable_if (dare_slander) #"You dare slander her?! Insolent bastard!" Rage boils in your blood — this is a vile accusation based on nothing but a blatant lie! "You dare slander her?!" — you shout, grabbing him by his collar and pressing him against the wall. You see his eyes widen in shock as he tries to struggle, but how could this peasant match you? "Insolent bastard!" — you yell once again, right in his face — "Get out of my sight! I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to the dogs if I see you one more time!" You then throw him across the room with ease. When Shu Shu gets up, he gives you a look — a look of disbelief and shattered hopes — before he leaves. *comment remove shu shu, go to mei mei event *selectable_if (dare_slander) #Attack him. You don't even reply — just backhand him with half of your strength. That's enough to send this mortal flying through the room. Shu Shu hits the wall with a thud and a groan, before he falls and spits out two broken teeth. He looks up and stares at you, with disbelief and shattered hopes in his expression, but you don't give him pity. No, instead you kick him in the face and cause the light in his eyes to dim. Shame that you can't kill him here, forced instead to throw away his limp body outside the door. *goto meimei_encounter #"I'm not interested in your little revenge quest. Do it yourself." "I'm not interested in your little revenge quest." — you shrug — "You got a problem with He Mei, deal with it yourself." *label hopes_shattered You watch as all the hopes this Shu Shu had gained with your appearance, all the hopes he pinned on you shatter in an instant. "I apologize for bothering you then, ${YM}." — he says — "How can I be of assistance?" *goto meimei_encounter #"Because I don't care." "I don't care whether she's good or evil. We live in a world where moral alignment holds no meaning." "You…" — Shu Shu furiously waves his arms — "How can you think like this, do you know what she's done?! She killed her own Martial Sister!" *choice #"Oh? Explain." "Oh? Explain." *goto two_years_ago #"So what?" "So what?" — you reply — "Your whining tires me." *goto hopes_shattered #"Because... I'm just as evil." "Because…" — you smirk — "I'm just as evil." *goto just_like_her #Impatiently cross your arms. You don't say a word, but the cross of your arms and a hurrying look in your eyes relay your impatience clearly. He eventually gathers his bearings, though it takes him a minute. *goto not_a_good_person #"Get on with it. Stop wasting my time." "Get on with it." — you bark — "Stop wasting my time." "Sorry, sorry…" — Shu Shu apologizes, losing his train of thought even further. Finally, he takes a deep breath and continues. *goto not_a_good_person *label perhaps_dislike *set meet_with_meimei false *if (hostile = 1) "Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, do you, perhaps, dislike Miss Mei?" — asks Shu Shu. *choice #"Yes." Finding his glee strange, you nevertheless nod. *label thats_great "That's great!" — the disciple exclaims — "Then could you perhaps help me?" *goto help_with_what #"No, I'm just busy." "No, I'm just busy." *label really_need_help "But I really need your help, Senior ${polite_address}!" *goto help_with_what *elseif (hostile = 2) "Senior ${polite_address} ${mc_name}, you seem to be not on the best terms with Miss Mei." — observes Shu Shu. *choice #"You could say so." "You could say so." — you respond, wondering why this disciple would make such a statement. *goto thats_great #"Is water wet?" "Is water wet?" — you snort — "I fucking hate her guts." *goto help_with_what #"My relationships are none of your business." "My relationships are none of your business, trash." — you respond, fixing this insignificant peasant with an authoritative gaze. *goto really_need_help *label meimei_encounter *page_break *if (not (meet_with_meimei)) *goto_scene free_roam free_time In the Bountiful Forest, miles away from the headquarters of the sect, there is a scenery so unique and wondrous, those who haven't seen it with their own eyes tend not to believe in its existence. A river divides the land in two, with its loud current making sure silence never descends upon the valley: there is always a sound, always the noise of water flowing in a continuous stream. The river is not long, nor it is particularly wide, but when its surge ends, it becomes magnificent: instead of uniting with a sea or an ocean, the river [i]plummets[/i] from the mountain, creating a wall of raging water dozen thousands of feet in height. [i]Waterfall Edge[/i]. It's surrounded by trees, by endless greenery that decorates its banks. And through the thick bushes, through the thick trunks, you see a lithe figure underneath the moonlight, swaying on the edge of the waterfall. Her bare feet enveloped by the water, her robes rolled up to her knees, Mei Mei stands in the river, rocking back and forth. From time to time she would tilt herself forward and look below, into the deep plunge. As if sensing you behind her, Mei Mei turns her head around and winks. "Catch me, [i]please[/i]?" — she teasingly says — "Or your Senior Sister will get hurt…" She then closes her eyes, spreads out her arms, and [i]dives[/i], falling from the lofty crest without a care in the world. *temp ran_after false *choice #Run after her. *set ran_after true *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "+" You burst into a sprint and chase after her. Although she did not seem to be serious, and this may just be a harmless trick, you can't help but fret. Such a high fall — even a Peak-Houtian won't be able to survive, and she's far from even that realm. However, when you reach the edge, all of your worries prove to be unfounded. Mei Mei floats leisurely in the air, untouched by neither the water nor any of earthly concerns: she just flies, free as a bird, enjoying the slight wind, which ruffles her hair, with a tender smile on her pink lips. "Ah. Were you actually concerned?" — she giggles, positioning her body in a horizontal way, as if lying on a patch of grass, and cupping her chin with her palms — "You're cute." #Roll your eyes and walk slowly. You roll your eyes. She can't expect you to actually run after her for this paltry trick, can she? You walk slowly to the edge, not hurrying in the slightest. And when you reach the edge, your approach proves to be correct: Mei Mei floats leisurely in the air, untouched by neither the water nor any of the earthly concerns: she just flies, free as a bird, enjoying the slight wind, which ruffles her hair, with a tender smile on her pink lips. "You're no fun." — she pouts, positioning her body in a horizontal way, as if lying on a patch of grass, and cupping her chin with her palms — "Not cute at all." Mei Mei seems… different? Whenever you saw her before, she was the demure picture of elegance: quiet, reserved, and a little shy. Now she appears to have lost that strictness about her and has become a playful little demoness. Is it that fact that you are alone, without any watchful eyes that has allowed her to relax? Or something else entirely? *comment lock out certain options in #long_chen based on the previous responses *choice #"How are you doing this?" "How are you doing this?" — you ask, bewildered as you stare at her flying form. Only Xiantian should be capable of such feats, of conquering the skies with their bodies alone — "Did you break through without anybody noticing?" She laughs, a sound as melodic as the most enjoyable of music. "If only so." — she murmurs — "If only so…" Her spatial [i]pouch[/i] flashes and produces a vial filled with blue liquid, which she then throws right into your hands. *label human_dream "I named it 'Human Dream'." — she explains — "Isn't freedom what we all strive for? To roam the world unperturbed, untethered by the weighty chains. And, believe me, there is nothing more liberating than the ability to [i]fly[/i]." As if to demonstrate her point, she somersaults in the air with such an ease, you'd wager [i]walking[/i] would be harder. Wait. Did she just say, she invented a new pill that can allow those below Xiantian to fly?! This… this… You can't even imagine how crazy the disciples back at the sect, no, in the whole Martial World will go for such a miracle. Catching onto your thoughts — which are, no doubt, visible in your surprised expression — Mei Mei chuckles. "It only works on me for now. I'll need a few months to make it universal." — she says, trying to be humble, but you still notice the undeniable notions of pride in her voice — "But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about." "Have you heard of Long Chen?" *label long_chen You nod your head — of course, you did. It's impossible to go a month in the sect without hearing his name mentioned at least a dozen times. The unexpected genius who came out of nowhere and took the sect by storm, defeating all of its prodigies one after one. "He has made a breakthrough recently. His ascension to Xiantian is all but guaranteed and the only thing he needs is a bit of time. A few years, at most, before he steps into the ranks of twice-reborn." — she says — "And when my father naturally attempted to recruit him, Long Chen only had one condition." "My hand in marriage." *if meimei_engagement = 1 "What?" — you question, puzzled — "But you were already promised to me." At this, Mei Mei snorts. "I appreciate you caring about my own thoughts on this matter." — she sneers — "But if you believed, even for a second, that my father would keep his promises, then you are a fool." "You already changed your surname. You can't go back. My father [i]owns[/i] you now. If he wants to change the terms of your deal, there is nothing you can do." — she continues — "Long Chen knows about the engagement as well. He doesn't care about it one bit and will cripple you in a blink if you get in his way." *choice #"Where's he? I'll rip him apart" *set wanted_to_murder true "I'll fucking rip him apart!" — you yell. How dares that bastard have designs on Mei Mei?! — "Where's he? Where's he?!" "Do you wish to die, then?" — her tone is calm, emotionless and apathetic. Like a torrent of ice, it cools down your fury in an instant. Both of you are silent, only the sound of water's continuous pour is present nearby. "You won't stand a chance." — Mei Mei breaks the quiet — "You won't even touch the helm of his clothes. You are talented, sure, but you are just too young." *choice #"Do you want to marry him?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" "Do you want to marry him?" — you query in a whisper, your own heart tightly gripped inside your chest. *label grateful_meimei Mei Mei sends you a grateful look, a wordless thank you for your consideration. "My opinion matters not. It never did. Father always [i]told[/i] me what to do, not asked me what I wanted." — she clenches her fists in frustration, before she looks up and gives you a slight smile — "But no. I wish not to spend the rest of my days with that man." *goto i_dont_want_to #"I won't let him marry you!" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 3 "-" "I won't let him marry you!" — you declare — "Even if I have to crumble mountains and dry out seas, I will make sure of it!" Mei Mei, however, does not seem to appreciate your boastful claim. "And if I [i]wanted[/i] to do it?" — she asks, sarcastically — "Would you force me as well?" *label angry_meimei Mei Mei doesn't let you answer. Her mood changes once again, becoming so frigid and bitter it chills your soul. "You're just like everybody else. Always thinking of me as property to claim or give away." — she glares at you, with a suffocating gaze that hides years of anguish inside — "[i]I'm not.[/i]" *choice #"I apologize, it's not what I meant..." "I apologize." — you bow with your hands clasped — "I meant no offense." Mei Mei sighs and, soon enough, the impish version of her returns. "I overreacted as well." — "You know not of my struggles, so it was unreasonable for me to expect your consideration." She grins — that same, toothy grin she always does. "Someone needs to get to know me better." — she says, placing a hand on her hip. "Alright." — you happily nod —"But what about Long Chen?" #"Gods, calm down." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 3 "-" "Gods, " — you dismiss her outburst with a wave of your hand — "Calm down. Meant no offense." She rolls her eyes. "Calm down? Spend your childhood living with a tyrant, who to this day refuses to let go of his grasp. I'll see how calm you'll be then." "Alright, alright." — you raise your arms — "What are we going to do about Long Chen?" #"Shut up." "Oh, shut up." — you dismiss her outburst with a wave of your hand. Then, immediately, you feel that something's wrong. You look down and see vines erupt from the ground, tying down your legs. They weave around your flesh, forming knots, and attempting to pull you down. You struggle, but your attempts are utterly useless. The earth itself [i]opens[/i], a black hole with its only goal being your devouring. You only have time to look up — and see Mei Mei, with eyes of shining green and hair of the same color. She grins, but it's not the adorable toothy grin you're used to. Oh no, this is a grin of insanity and thirst for blood. "Since you're useless to me, go and die. At least I'll get to practice my control over this form." And then, the earth [i]swallows[/i] you. *goto_scene game_over *if meimei_engagement = 1 #"But you were supposed to be mine!" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "-" "But you were supposed to be mine!" — you declare — "Mine alone!" "And if I didn't want to be?" — she asks, sarcastically — "Would you force me as well?" *goto angry_meimei #"Is this something that you want?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 7 "+" "Is this something that you want?" — you query. *goto grateful_meimei #"..." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "-" What are you supposed to do? Should you get angry? Should you question her? Should you do anything at all? You're not sure. So you do and say nothing. Mei Mei doesn't seem to appreciate your indecision, as a hint of displeasure flickers in her expression. "I wish not to spend the rest of my days with that man." — she clenches her fists in frustration — "But… my opinion matters not. It never did. Father always [i]told[/i] me what to do, not asked me what I wanted." *goto i_dont_want_to #"What has this got to do with me?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "-" "And what this has got to do with me?" — you ask . The matters of her engagement matters not to you. A hint of a frown flickers in her expression. A note of disappointment. It doesn't stay for long though, replaced by a sad smile instead. "I wish not to spend the rest of my days with that man." — she clenches her fists in frustration — "But… my opinion matters not. It never did. Father always [i]told[/i] me what to do, not asked me what I wanted." *goto i_dont_want_to *selectable_if (ran_after) #"You ought to be punished for scaring me like this." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 3 "+" "You ought to be punished for scaring me like this." — you smirk. "Oh yeah?" — she laughs, a sound as melodic as the most enjoyable of music — "And how are you going to do that? You can't reach me, dummy." You shake your head in amusement. "How are you doing this, anyway?" Only Xiantian should be capable of such feats, of conquering the skies with their bodies alone. Mei Mei takes out a pill from her spatial ring, before throwing it right into your hands. *goto human_dream #"Quit playing. What did you want to talk about?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 2 "-" "Quit playing. What did you want to talk about?" — you say, not amused by her antics in the slightest. And although you are curious about how does she manage flight — only Xiantian should be capable of such feats, of conquering the skies with their bodies alone — you refrain from indulging her further. She pouts at your response and looks disappointed. "Alright." — Mei Mei answers, standing up — "Have you heard of Long Chen?" *goto long_chen *label i_dont_want_to A tear emerges from her eye. One, single tear that she wipes off in a hurry, as if she hated herself for being too weak to contain it. "I don't know… I don't know what to do." — she says, so quietly and soft, you barely recognize her words — "My father won't back down. My Master won't care. And Long Chen… won't [i]fuck off[/i]." This is the first time you hear her curse — Mei Mei must be desperate, at the end of her rope to allow this to happen. "Help me, Junior ${polite_address}. Help me [i]kill[/i] him." She's pleading. Her eyes watery, her cheeks red in shame and humiliation. *choice #"I'll make him choke on his own guts as he watches me eradicate his entire bloodline." *set wanted_to_murder true *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" A savage glint flickers in your eyes. You feel it, the desire for violence boiling in your blood. You want to see Long Chen dead. You want him to writhe in pain. You want his ancestors to be expelled from Heaven and any mention of his clan to be annihilated. *set mc_devilbreaks +1 Red, pulsating veins appear across your body and all over your face as your eyes turn crimson as well. "I'll make him choke on his own guts." — you growl — "Choke, as he watches me eradicate his entire bloodline. Every practitioner, every mortal, every fucking child. I'll murder them all." A cooling touch, a dainty palm on your cheek calms you down. "It's alright." — an angelic voice enters your ears — "It's alright. We'll deal with him together, okay?" When your blood-filled vision goes back to normal, Mei Mei's smiling face is just inches before yours. Suddenly aware of your proximity, Mei Mei jerks back, her head timidly lowered. "Why…" — she says — "Why did you get so angry?" *choice #"I hate to see you cry." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" "Because…" — you reply — "I hate to see you cry." You stare deep into her emerald-green, large eyes. She trembles and avoids your gaze — quickly — but not before holding it for half a second. And in that fleeting instance, you saw [i]sincere[/i] joy flash in her expression. *goto cant_duel #"Because Long Chen has lived for far too long." "Because Long Chen has lived for far too long." — you reply — "He's been a thorn in my side almost ever since I got into the sect. I'm tired of hearing his name being mentioned." *goto accidental_assistance #"I don't need reasons to explain my rage." You snort. "I don't need reasons to explain my rage." — you reply — "If I feel anger, than I feel anger. Emotions need not to be rational." *goto accidental_assistance *goto i_have_bomb #"Gladly. How?" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" "Gladly." — you respond. No hesitation, no doubt — just plain conviction. It surprises her. Pleasantly. Her brows raise up, before she smiles with joy. "Really? You'd do that for me?" *choice #"Not doing it for you. I hate that guy." "Not doing it for you." — you shake your head — "I hate that guy, that's it." *label accidental_assistance "Oh…" — she looks down, discouraged — "Well, I appreciate your assistance all the same. Even if it is accidental." You nod. "Do you have some sort of a plan?" — you ask her. *goto i_have_bomb #"Whatever you need, you can count on me." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" You stare right into her emerald-green, large eyes. She trembles and avoids your gaze — timidly and quickly — but, before she did, you saw it. Fear. She's afraid. Despite her strong front, you now realize — she's terrified for her future. And it makes you both angry and heartbroken. It's a shame she's so far away, floating in the sky, that you can't hug her. "Whatever you need." — you say — "You can count on me." "Do you… do you mean it?" "I mean it." *label cant_duel "Thank you." — she replies, wiping away the wetness from her eyes — "But you can't just duel Long Chen." "You have a plan?" *goto i_have_bomb #"I just... I just don't like that guy..." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 3 "+" Feeling nervous all of a sudden, you stammer and struggle to reply. "I just… I just don't like that guy…" — you mumble, causing her to giggle at your jitteriness. "Of course." — she says, jocosely — "How could I have assumed otherwise." "So…" — you swallow — "Do you have a plan on how to deal with Long Chen?" #"Who says it's for you? I [i]may[/i] just be a bloodthirsty demon, you know." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 5 "+" You lean against a nearby tree, placing your hands behind your head. "Who says I'm doing it for you?" — you smirk — "I [i]may[/i] just be a bloodthirsty demon, you know." Joyously aghast, she takes a step back, as if frightened. "Oh no. Heinous monster, will you hurt this innocent maiden as well?" You chuckle. "That will depend on your behavior." "Ah. Then this Senior Sister will do her best to take care of her precious junior." "Deal." — you reply, becoming serious once again — "So, do you have a plan on how to deal with Long Chen?" *label i_have_bomb "Better." — Mei Mei answers, taking out a huge pill the size of her palm from a bag on her waist. The pill is black in its entirety and you can't help but notice how careful Mei Mei is in handling it, afraid to even breath wrongly on the concoction — "I have a bomb." "A bomb?" — you ask — "It'd need a hell of a blast to damage someone like Long Chen." "This is a forbidden artifact that almost every alchemist knows how to create, yet very few both have the means and guts to make." — Mei Mei explains — "We call it '99,999 Failures'." *gosub_scene cslib_string find history "basic_alchemy_knowledge|" *if (cslib_ret > 0) Hearing the name, you immediately take a step back. "This… this is the 99,999 Failures?!" Mei Mei nods. "I used 99,999 almost successful, yet failed in the end concoctions to refine 7,777 pills. Then, those 7,777 pills were refined into 333 products, then into 81, then into 9 and then into this…" — she pauses and gulps — "This [i]thing[/i]." "Caught off-guard, it can injure a weak Xiantian." — Mei Mei says — "Most houtians will be blown into pieces, as defenseless as domesticated chickens." Said by anyone else, you would consider this statement a pompous lie. An explosive made by not even a Master Alchemist injuring a Xiantian? Insanity! But her… you believe. Or maybe it's just that the pill — the bomb — radiates such an immense amount of energy, your nose starts to bleed. *choice #"Sounds like it took a lot of work." "It did." — she nods — "I've used up all of my stash to produce it. I even had to take out loans to concoct a few hundred more failures. But the result… The result is terrifying." "But is it terrifying enough to kill Long Chen?" *label answer_obvious The answer should be obvious, a certainty, but Mei Mei sighs in response. "No." — she clarifies — "Long Chen is, probably, the strongest Houtian-level Martial Artist in current existence. And his survivability is his most powerful aspect. He won many fights by simply exhausting his opponents — letting them hit him without end, taking on the punishment until they tire themselves out. He's like a cockroach that refuses to die." "That's why I need you." — Mei Mei states. "Me? How can I help you with this?" "It has not been announced yet, but Elders have found a loophole to let one person below thirty to join the upcoming expedition. Long Chen will, of course, be the one to accompany you." — she explains, with a cunning smile — "And knowing him, he will get into a fight with disciples from the other sects sooner or later. If you wait for the right moment, especially after he wastes his most precious defensive technique, the [i]Second Chance Cocoon[/i], you will be able to take him out." *choice #"Alright. I'll do it." "Alright." — you agree — "I'll do it." *label agree_to_kill *set history &"agreed_to_kill_LC|" "Thank you. Again." — Mei Mei chirps — "If you succeed… Mei Mei wouldn't even know how to repay you." You give her a slight nod. "Don't worry about it." Mei Mei then looks around, noticing just how dark your surroundings have become. "It's getting late. I should go home, before someone sees us and starts an unsavory rumor." *choice *if (knows_about_shushu) #"Actually, a certain disciple is already spreading harmful gossip about you." *set history &"sold_out_shushu|" "Actually," — you say — "A certain disciple is already spreading harmful gossip about you." "What do you mean?" — asks Mei Mei. You proceed to tell her about Shu Shu and the Martial Sister whom Mei Mei has supposedly killed. By the end of the story, Mei Mei looks distraught: her expression is shocked as she takes a step back, a hand on her chest. "Why would anyone fabricate such a cruel tale about me?" — she glances at you, heartbroken — "Junior ${polite_address}, you don't believe these lies, do you? Fellow disciple Lua was like a sister to me. I adored her with all my soul…" *choice #"Even if you killed her, what's the big deal?" "Even if you killed her," — you say — "What's the big deal? Wasn't she just a peasant?" "Junior ${polite_address}! How could you say such evil things!" — she admonishes you, yet her tone lack the [i]conviction[/i] that one may expect. "I'm just speaking the truth." — you shrug in response, causing her to roll her eyes in annoyance. "I appreciate you telling me anyway." — she replies — "I"ll [i]deal[/i] with that troublemaker. A proper talk should solve this riddance — the boy probably grief-stricken from loss." "But now I really have to go." — she clasps her hands and gives you a slight bow — "Goodbye, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." #"Of course, I believe you." "Of course, I believe you." — you nod — "I would never doubt you, Senior Sister." She smiles brightly in response — your answer pleasing her. "I appreciate your trust, Junior ${polite_address}." — she says — "You can be certain that Mei Mei would never break it." Then, she clasps her hands. "Thank you for telling me this. I'll [i]deal[/i] with that troublemaker. A proper talk should solve this riddance — the boy probably grief-stricken from loss." Mei Mei gives you a slight bow. "But now I really have to go. Goodbye, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." #"I really hope it wasn't you." "I really hope it wasn't you." — you say — "But I would be lying if I told you I didn't have any doubts about your involvement." "I…" — she stammers — "Mei Mei would never break your trust, Junior ${polite_address}!" "Let's hope so." "Thank you for telling me this. I'll [i]deal[/i] with that troublemaker. A proper talk should solve this riddance — the boy probably grief-stricken from loss." She clasps her hands and gives you a slight bow. "But now I really have to go. Goodbye, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." #"Right. We wouldn't want that, would we?" "Right…" — you stammer, awkwardly scratching your neck — "We certainly wouldn't want that, would we?" "Thank you for being so understanding." — Mei Mei says, smiling brightly. She then clasps her hands and gives you a slight bow — "Goodbye, ${polite_address} ${mc_name}." #"Ah, I was hoping we could chat for a bit longer." "Ah, you know," — you say, staring at her with a with a cocky look in your eyes — "I was hoping we could chat for a bit longer." Mei Mei blushes, red enveloping her cheeks. "I have to… I have to go!" — she blurts out and flies away, spooked as a rabbit being hunted by a big bad wolf. #"Alright. Good night." "Alright." — you give her a nod — "Have a good night." "You too." — she clasps her hands and bows — "Goodbye, Junior ${polite_address}." *goto_scene free_roam #"What about other disciples? Wouldn't they be caught up in the blast?" "What about other disciples?" — you ask, worried — "Surely, there is a high chance that many of them will be around. Wouldn't our Martial Sisters and Brothers be caught in the blast as well?" Mei Mei lowers her head, but doesn't answer. You see her clench her fists so tight, her nails draw blood. Finally, she looks up, trying hard to control her quivering voice. "My heart aches at such a heinous thought." — she says — "I wish for no harm to befall our fellow disciples. And yet… I want to be free as well. I want my freedom so much that I… I'm ready to live with this crime weighing down my consciousness if it does occur." "Junior ${polite_address}, am I a bad person? — Mei Mei asks, in a whisper. *choice #"Yes. And I'm disgusted that you would try to involve me in this matter as well." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 30 "-" "Yes." — you reply, looking at her and seeing a stranger — "And I'm disgusted that you would try to involve in this matter as well." *label disagree_to_kill "I see." — Mei Mei says, your rejection causing her to tremble in agitation — "Forget about this then. I was out of line." "I hope you will a way out of your predicament without resulting to murder." At this, however, Mei Mei lets out an audible snort. "I hope so as well, Junior ${polite_address}. Excuse me for now, it's getting late. Goodbye." She clasps her hands, bows and leaves. #"No. It's only natural to look out for yourself first." "No." — you comfort her — "It's only natural to look out for yourself first." "So, will help me?" "I will." — you confirm. *goto agree_to_kill #"I'm not sure." "I'm not sure…" — you reply — "You are not a bad person, but you aren't a good one either." "But… will you help me with this, Junior ${polite_address}?" *choice #Agree. "I will." — you confirm. *goto agree_to_kill #Disagree. *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 30 "-" "I won't." — you respond. *goto disagree_to_kill *goto_scene free_roam #"So, will it kill Long Chen?" "So, will it kill Long Chen?" *goto answer_obvious #"He's too strong. It's too dangerous." *if (wanted_to_murder) "What?" — you say, confused — "Weren't you the one who talked me out of it a minute ago?" "I was and still am against confronting him directly." — she replies — "He's too strong for you now to battle honorably. But he's not invincible for us, at least not yet." *else "He's too strong." — you shake your head — "I won't even be able to scratch him, much less hurt or actually [i]kill[/i] him. It's too dangerous." "Of course I understand that." — she replies — "Which is why I'm not asking you to battle him honorably. Believe me, he's not invincible for us, at least not yet." *choice #"Fine. You have a plan?" *goto i_have_bomb #"I'm sorry, but no." "I'm sorry." — you respond — "But I'm not willing to put my life at risk for this." *label refusal_to_help *set history &"refused_to_kill_LC" *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 30 "-" "I understand." — she sighs — "Forget about this then. I'll think of something myself." Then, spreading her arms as if wings, Mei Mei gives you one last, saddened look. "Thank you for meeting me." — she says — "Good night, Junior ${polite_address}." In a blink, she flies down — soon disappearing from your sight. *goto_scene free_roam #"Kill? I'm not sure about that..." "Kill?" — you hesitate. Although you feel pity for Mei Mei, killing someone due to it seems… wrong. Immoral — "I'm not sure about that…" "Please…" — she [i]trembles[/i] and when you look into her emerald-green eyes, you see it. Fear. She's afraid. Despite her strong front, you now realize: she's terrified for her future — "There's no other choice. Please help me." *choice #"Alright. You have a plan?" *goto i_have_bomb #"I'm sorry, but no." *label sorry_no "I'm sorry." — you shake your head — "But I can't do it." *goto refusal_to_help #"I'm not a murderer." *gosub_scene subroutines change_opinion 6 30 "-" "I'm not a murderer." — you resolutely answer — "It's one thing to bring justice upon criminals and demons, it's another to kill a Martial Brother from the same in cold blood." "Please…" — she [i]trembles[/i] and when you look into her emerald-green eyes, you see it. Fear. She's afraid. Despite her strong front, you now realize: she's terrified for her future — "There's no other choice. Please help me." *goto sorry_no