Jichuan

Her weapon is a plum branch named Bent Jade. By channeling the Mania within her body through Bent Jade, she can deploy the Three Powers Formation, greatly enhancing her own or a designated target's abilities to accomplish the impossible. However, each use of this power accelerates the corruption of her body.

While investigating a case among the common folk in Eastia, she was framed and became infected with Mania. Through sheer force of will, she awakened her power and became a Sinner.

The corruption is extremely severe. Her internal organs have been completely corrupted by Mania, and visible signs of mutation can be found on her body, needing to be concealed with clothing. Her mental state remains stable, but her physical condition is critically endangered by Mania.

The subject is the current manor master of Northsnow Manor, long known for her broad knowledge and benevolent character. She is highly esteemed among the common folk at the mountain's foot for always helping and healing people. After investigation, the subject is suspected of trapping certain martial world figures using the manor's unique terrain. Given the egregious nature of the case, immediate detention is highly recommended.

Interrogation reveals that all her actions were driven by her pursuit of justice as a martial hero. Since becoming a Sinner, she has never harmed a single innocent civilian. After being rescued and detained by the MBCC, she has demonstrated exemplary conduct. Though her physical condition remains feeble, she continues to actively cooperate with Chief's work, participates in various Bureau affairs, and offers counsel and strategies.

After the Northsnow Manor incident, she left behind a letter foretelling her death and vanished without a trace. Given her critical condition, Chief swiftly deployed a rescue operation. After days of tracking, they finally located the subject with assistance from informants in Eastia.

Her parents were revealed to be the Medical Sage couple renowned in Eastia. They lived in seclusion at Northsnow Manor for many years, protecting the region with their medical skills. The subject was a bright but free-spirited child. Deeply influenced by her parents' heroic deeds, she became a fervent follower of the way of the martial heroes.

Once, in disguise and on an adventure outside, she met a young beggar named Mudling. Finding themselves kindred spirits, the two became close friends. Shockingly, Mudling later died at the manor gates, poisoned and mortally wounded. To uncover the truth, the subject left the snowy mountains for the first time, but was repeatedly obstructed by unknown parties during her pursuit of the murderer. All key clues were destroyed and she fell victim to a trap, becoming infected with Mania.

To draw out the true culprit behind the old case, the subject spread rumors about a martial arts codex, luring multiple Eastian Sinners to gather at the manor. After confirming that all involved parties had betrayed their virtuous principles, she resolved to use herself as bait to purge these villains. During her plan, she identified Chief as a worthy successor to her ideals of a proper martial hero, entrusting Chief with the hope of carrying on her unfinished aspirations.

She has a strong sweet tooth. She often uses drinking bitter medicine as an excuse to consume large quantities of candied fruits, osmanthus cake, and other sugary foods before and after. However, it's been observed that her interest in sweets has not diminished in the slightest when she is not taking medicine.

During her detention, her two overfed pet birds, Cheepy and Chirpy, have been put under a compulsory weight management program. However, the subject consistently spoils and indulges the two birds. When her pets copy her own strategy, feigning illness to win sympathy from her, not only does the subject fail to correct them, but she also empathizes with them, hindering the progress of the weight management program.

During her detention, she has quickly won the hearts of both Bureau staff and Sinners alike with her amiable nature and extensive knowledge. However, due to her extremely frail constitution, the medical department has imposed strict limits on her socializing time.

She sets aside two hours each week to play chess with Chief. She initially had to hold back, but as Chief's skills improve, the two can now exchange quite a few moves. During breaks between games, she often provides insightful strategic analysis regarding Bureau affairs. According to Chief, her insights always address problems accurately and have proven extremely valuable.

[Jichuan is feeding her two plump birds: Cheepy and Chirpy.]

Jichuan: Yes, that's it. A little more now.

• Prompt: Parking isn't allowed at the Bureau.
• Jichuan: Are you saying they're too plump, young hero? I find their roundness rather charming.
• Jichuan: 😘😘😘

• Prompt: You've done really well with them!
• Jichuan: They do all the work. I only offer a bit of grain.
• Jichuan: 😘

[Jichuan finishes the medicinal decoction with a deep frown, then releases a soft, resigned sigh.]

Jichuan: To be made to drink such bitter, turbid brew day after day... It does wear on one.

• Prompt: I happened to bring some candied fruit, new flavors.
• Jichuan: How thoughtful of you, young hero. Mm... soft, sweet, with a clean finish. It tempers the bitterness well enough. With these, the medicine becomes far more bearable.
• Jichuan: 😖😖😖

• Prompt: Still not used to it, after all this time?
• Jichuan: If the bitterness were constant, perhaps I might grow accustomed. But instead, each cup finds its own way to be unpleasant, some sour, some astringent, each a fresh trial...
• Jichuan: 😫

[Jichuan has changed into a fresh set of clothes and asks if you'd like to admire the plum blossoms in the courtyard with her.]

Jichuan: Young hero, if you have no pressing matters, why not join me? Scenes such as these come but once a year. Miss them now, and you would have to wait for next winter's turn.

• Prompt: Let's go, then.
• Jichuan: Walking beside you, even the wind and snow feel somehow gentler.
• Jichuan: 😘

• Prompt: How are you feeling?
• Jichuan: The blossoms return each year unchanged, yet we who behold them are never quite the same... But pray, do not concern yourself, young hero. A minor ailment is no reason to let such a moment pass us by.
• Jichuan: 😘

⚠ Voice from Beyond

Sinners claim the Outdoor Activity Area is haunted.

System Notifications: Sinners report that they often hear a voice in the Outdoor Activity Area when no one else is around.

• Prompt: Investigate

System Notifications: From a plum blossom branch comes Jichuan's soft laughter.

⚠ Tip for Taking Medicine

You receive a message from Jichuan.

Jichuan: While taking my medicine recently, I chanced upon a small realization: if one seals the lips and stills the breath, even the bitterest draft slips down without a trace.

• Prompt: Reply

Chief: But doesn't that mean you're not really drinking it at all...?

⚠⚠ Art of Tree Climbing

You seem to have stumbled upon one of Jichuan's hidden interests.

System Notifications: You pass by the tallest tree in the Outdoor Activity Area and look up to see Jichuan resting among its branches.

• Prompt: Call out to her

System Notifications: Jichuan notices it's you, and her face lights up with a warm, cheerful smile. With effortless grace, she leaps down from the branches.

Chief: You can actually climb trees?!

Jichuan: It's nothing to admire, young hero. The manor had trees as well. A child climbs often enough, and the body remembers.

System Notifications: Noticing your rapt attention, she slows her movements as she winds her way up the trunk, turning, swinging her legs, and landing in one fluid motion.

Jichuan: Tree climbing is simply reading the tree. The knots and grain show you where to hold. With your waist as the pivot, hands and feet follow in turn...

Jichuan: Would you like to try, young hero?

• Prompt: Climb the tree

System Notifications: It sounds hard, and it proves to be exactly that. Your fingers soon begin to throb with every grip, and that's when you know you're in trouble.

Chief: ...A little help here?

System Notifications: Jichuan smiles gently, wraps her feet around the branch, and leans down with an easy grace, her hand stretched out toward you.

• Prompt: Grab her hand

System Notifications: With Jichuan's help, you ease onto the branch beside her. She gives a soft smile and gently smooths down your tousled hair, her slightly cool fingertips brushing against your forehead from time to time.

Chief: If someone knew qinggong, they could probably go much higher.

Jichuan: When I was small, I always wished to climb higher. I was certain that from up there, I would see a much broader world.

Jichuan: And now... I suppose I have.

⚠⚠ Master of Disguise

Jichuan wants to show you her traditional Eastian attire.

System Notifications: You've finally wrapped up your work and are about to set off for the annual celebration when Jichuan calls you.

• Prompt: Answer

Jichuan: You must be weary from your labors, young hero. When might you be able to slip away?

Chief: Just finished. Heading over now.

Jichuan: How timely. A few days ago, I received some traditional robes from Eastia. I've grown quite fond of them. I dressed in them today, especially.

Jichuan: There is still some time before the gathering begins. I thought you might like to see them properly.

Chief: Okay! I'll be there right away!

System Notifications: After hanging up, you imagine her dressed in ornate traditional robes. A flutter of anticipation quickens your steps.

• Prompt: Look for Jichuan

System Notifications: You weave through the bustling crowd but can't spot Jichuan anywhere. Just then, someone taps you from behind.

??: Chief, are you searching for someone?

Chief: Yeah... Whoa, who are you?!

System Notifications: You spin around and jump back, startled. A tall figure in festive robes with a magnificent beard stands before you, but no Sinner you've ever seen looks like this.

??: Chief, do you not recognize me?

Chief: Wait. You can't be... But your height...?

System Notifications: You can barely trust your eyes, but that voice is unmistakably the one from the phone call.

System Notifications: Jichuan hikes up her robe to show the stilts underneath, then gives the gleaming fake beard a self-satisfied stroke.

Jichuan: So? What do you think of my disguise?

Chief: I give up...

⚠⚠⚠ Tea by the Hearth

There's nothing quite like a cup of hot tea during overtime.

System Notifications: You're burning the midnight oil when Jichuan and Yao show up at your office.

Chief: What brings you two here this late?

Jichuan: We went out shopping today. On our way back, we happened to pass by and saw your light still on. It seemed only right to look in on you.

System Notifications: Her gaze sweeps over the stacks of documents on your desk and your crammed schedule, admiration glowing in her eyes.

Chief: ...Would you like something to drink?

System Notifications: She looks around, and her eyes settle on the black coffee sitting on your desk—no sugar, no milk, as stark and potent as it gets. Without hesitation, she says she'd like the same.

Chief: I don't think you'll like it... It tastes about as bad as your medicine.

System Notifications: Jichuan's gaze shifts to one of sympathy.

Jichuan: You're devoted, young hero. But devotion shouldn't come at the cost of rest.

Jichuan: We happened to buy some tea supplies today. Please, Chief, sit. Have tea with us.

System Notifications: Jichuan arranges a small brazier and a tea set, puts in what are unmistakably premium tea leaves, and pours in water. Only then does she turn to Yao.

Jichuan: If you would be so kind.

System Notifications: Yao gives a nod and kindles a small flame in the brazier. Almost immediately, the warm fragrance of tea begins to permeate the air.

• Prompt: Praise her fire control
• Chief: Yao, I didn't know you had that kind of control over fire!
• Yao: Jichuan understands the pleasures of life well. She explained the method in great detail... Learning to control the flame for brewing tea was not difficult.
• Chief: Have you two been hanging out lately?
• Jichuan: Yes. I have long admired Xu's heroic deeds. It was only natural that I would feel drawn to the Seer as well.
• Jichuan: The cold never feels quite so bitter when I'm near her.

• Prompt: Praise their refined taste
• Chief: Fancy tastes you two have got!
• Jichuan: Next time you're in Eastia and the snow falls, we could gather snow for tea. Snow water is soft on the tongue, slow to fade, and deeper in flavor.
• Jichuan: The three of us can brew tea in the snow and watch the world go quiet.
• Chief: Won't it be too cold outside?
• Jichuan: With the Seer beside me, I no longer have to stay indoors.

⚠⚠⚠ Readers' Corner

A clash between idealism and cynicism.

System Notifications: You're just taking a breather in the library when Jichuan and Yugu's argument pulls you in.

System Notifications: After eavesdropping for a while, you figure out they're going back and forth over a novel set in the martial world that's recently blown up in Syndicate—*The Vagrant Hero*.

Yugu: The world is a stage of thorns and shadows. How could tales of shattered dreams and lovers torn apart not strike the deepest chord?

Jichuan: Even the smallest lantern can pierce the longest night. Surely those who strive for justice leave a mark upon this world.

Yugu: Ah, so they are but moths chasing a flame? How exquisitely tragic!

Jichuan: You... I fear I must respectfully disagree. I have never believed there exists an injustice too great to be overcome...

System Notifications: Neither is willing to back down until Jichuan is racked by a sudden coughing fit, her balance wavering.

System Notifications: Yugu's expression softens; she stops arguing at once and gently helps Jichuan sit down with a warm smile. Then, without missing a beat, she calls out to you as you try to quietly slip away.

Yugu: And where do you think you're going? Come, settle this for us. What ending would best befit *The Vagrant Hero*?

Chief: Well... uh...

Jichuan: Young hero, please, speak freely. I would be glad to hear your thoughts as well.

• Prompt: Wait for the author to write it
• Chief: Perhaps we could... just wait for the author to write it?
• Yugu: That simply will not do. That elusive author of *The Vagrant Hero* drifts like morning mist. Who knows when they might grace us with another chapter?
• Yugu: Then again, perhaps the longer we wait, the more likely it shall end as I have anticipated.
• Jichuan: That will not happen. The ending has already been written... for I am the author.
• Yugu: Oh my! So you are actually ""Tide Traveler""! Why ever did you keep this to yourself?
• System Notifications: Overjoyed far beyond what anyone expected, Yugu forgets the argument altogether and latches onto Jichuan, pestering her relentlessly for updates.

• Prompt: Every reader holds their own martial world in their heart.
• Yugu: Well said. As the verse goes, each flower, a world unto itself. And I have always adored ruin and decay.
• System Notifications: Jichuan hears you out, a strange look crossing her face. A long moment passes before she finally speaks.
• Jichuan: What you say is not unreasonable. A reader's heart should be honored... I will convey this to the author.
• Yugu: Oh? You know ""Tide Traveler""?
• Jichuan: ...One might say so.
• System Notifications: Overjoyed far beyond what anyone expected, Yugu forgets the argument altogether and latches onto Jichuan, pestering her relentlessly to find out when the author will update.