2026-09-04 · source
Going to remote temples to exorcise evil spirits, venturing into bamboo seas to hunt down criminals — as the map of "Hangzhou" continues to unfold, we've also spent an exciting August together with our Wanderers. And this story is far from over. On September 24, a series of major updates will arrive one after another. We can't wait to give our Wanderers a sneak peek at the road ahead. This time, let's start with three words that many Wanderers both love and dread — "School's back in session!"
Story Update:
Entering Pinglan Academy, Meeting New Friends and Old Acquaintances
"Sharing a desk and studying together — how could that not be fate?" Pinglan Academy is an official school located by West Lake, first established by Qian Liu, the founding monarch of Wuyue. The academy champions practical knowledge applied to real governance, emphasizing hands-on practice, all in order to cultivate talents truly capable of shouldering great responsibility. And in the brand-new main storyline, the Wanderer and Chen Shen, the two young masters of Huichun Hall, will enroll in the academy together — off to school they go!
*Effects shown are from pre-research development; please refer to the final release version. At the Academy, the Ranger will immerse themselves in a spirited youthful chapter of life. Wandering through the study halls and courtyards, receiving guidance from renowned masters, and roughhousing with peers—there are abundant immersive interactive details awaiting the Ranger's exploration. Moreover, once the Academy term begins, every action the Ranger takes will be "kept on record"—one can become the Master's Prized Disciple, or be seen by classmates as a Chivalrous Hero. These two forms of "reputation" are independent of each other, and different behaviors and reputation levels will unlock different story scenes and system feedback. However, loyalty and righteousness are often hard to balance: if one is too chivalrous among classmates and repeatedly breaks the rules, one should beware of the Master Sending a Letter to Summon the Parents. Of course, what remains most worth treasuring during the Academy years is still the bonds formed with classmates. As the story unfolds, the Ranger will gradually come to know and understand Five Important Characters. Through a series of brand-new side stories, the Ranger will learn about their pasts and inner concerns one by one, gradually forging deep bonds with them. In the subsequent story of the Jiangnan Chapter, they will also walk alongside the Ranger. From then on, the journey will hold a bit more warmth and a little less loneliness.
Lastly, wanderers, don't forget that Chou Lingke and his "Thirteen Sounds of a Broken Heart" still loom as a shadow over the entire jianghu of Hangzhou. When the storm rises again, we hope all young heroes will bravely draw their swords to protect this land's peace!
Regional Update:
The "Complete Form" of [Hangzhou] Opens
The schedules of newly enrolled students are likely to be packed full by the academy. But in this update, there is an even broader world worth exploring for wanderers. In September, the map of [Hangzhou] will welcome its "complete form". Beyond [Pinglan Academy] and [Yingtian Pagoda] in the north, wanderers can now venture deep into brand-new areas—[Ten-Li Mulberry Sea] and [Qiantang Pu]. The former is lined with endless mulberry fields and picturesque waterside villages, presenting a scene of peace and harmony. There are even rumors that deep within the mulberry forest lives an "Immortal Maiden" who brings craftsmanship and wealth to the people. Yet once wanderers step inside, they will find that beneath this tranquility, cracks have long since spread. The latter lies along the banks of the Qiantang River, where the roaring tides surge, and where the magnificent defensive structure known as the "Sea-Guarding Stone Embankment" stands tall. For many years, the spirit of conquering nature—from resisting the tides to riding them—has been passed down through generations here. Stories within the sound of the waves await wanderers to come and listen for themselves.
Effects shown are from a pre-research build; the final launch version shall prevail
Head to the Brand-New Garrison:
Turning Back the Tide, Upholding the Heavens
Battling Flood Dragons in the Water, Fearing No Water God Today, along the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, there still stands a statue of King Qian Shooting the Tide, commemorating people's great feat of fighting against the tidal bore. In the new Hangzhou region, Wanderers will be able to visit [Qiantang Cove] and personally touch that engineering marvel that tamed the great tide. But in the brand-new garrison launching at the same time, Wanderers can go even further, experiencing firsthand the ferocious wicked tide of the Qiantang River, standing together with the people of Hangzhou to resist it with resilience and courage, safeguarding the people's hope for a peaceful and content life. During the adventure, Wanderers will also meet a special "friend across generations," fighting side by side with him and many others who wish to protect their homeland. But even so, one must never let their guard down. Although Wanderers have already triumphed over many enemies, this time, the opponent is the very power of nature itself.
Early concept illustration, please refer to the actual in-game version for reference
From the moment you step into the level, the awe-inspiring pressure of the great tide will be everywhere. We will not only recreate the most iconic "front-line tide" spectacle from the Qiantang River Tidal Bore, but also bring many brand-new water effects that let you directly feel its destructive power. During battles, the tidal waves will also play an extremely important role, allowing Rangers to personally experience the thrill and pressure of contending with nature and battling the tide.
Beyond the above, there will be even more events and gameplay content coming this month.
For instance, we will collaborate with a "sect" that has many "devoted followers" to bring a series of crossover events. We also want to take advantage of the milestone of 100 million Rangers worldwide to do more fun things together with everyone... We will unveil more specific details to Rangers one by one in the days to come.
In the livestream that just concluded, the former "Yellow Hair" planners gathered together with everyone at the Western Extreme of the motherland to witness this reunion. Rangers, don't forget to head into the game and enter the code "100 Million Rangers Together This Month" under [Settings - Other - Redemption Code] to claim the limited-time exclusive commemorative scenario [Song of the Western Extreme].
Finally, following the trail of the wanderer's travels through the martial world, we have also compiled some interesting data along the journey, which we'd like to share with our fellow wanderers. All these numbers are still continuously accumulating — the mountains are high and the rivers are long, and we look forward to meeting our wanderers in the martial world again every single day!
*The data selection cutoff is August.