2026-09-21 · source
Three days from now, on September 24, wanderers are about to embark on a journey with exceedingly rich story content, immersing themselves in over 500 minutes of main chapter and side story content.
Previously, we have successively introduced four classmates: [Su Hongxiu], [Luo Fengchun], [Ling Feiyu], and [Bai Wuxia]. Their individual stories still await wanderers to personally approach and experience one by one.
As for the one introduced today, the first meeting with wanderers will likely leave little room for pleasantries. After all, some people truly "don't become acquainted without a fight"—
Outside the wild forest, thirty sallow, emaciated children stood before Lu Changjue. They were all refugees who had fled famine from the north—left out here, they wouldn't survive many more days. But Lu Changjue was willing to give one of them a way to live.
Lu Changjue said: cross this forest, and on the other side is the Southern Tang army camp. Go in, take something, and come back. Ten days from now I will come to look. Whoever brings back the most impressive thing will become my son.
—"Son" was what Phoenix Mountain had demanded of him the day he was rewarded with the Juque Sword. Lu Changjue knew that as a subject, one always had to trade something for one's life. Since Phoenix Mountain wanted a son from him, then he would give them a son. But this matter of recognizing a son would also be done according to his own rules.
The soldiers of the Heaven's Judgment Camp lined up in a wall so dense not even wind could pass through, and the children, dazed and bewildered, walked into the wild forest. The lieutenant general asked him why he insisted on choosing children this way—if the Southern Tang army caught them, it was doubtful even one could come back alive; whereas within the Heaven's Judgment Camp there were clearly some young boys, clever and loyal. Lu Changjue said: the reason the moon is great is that there is only one of it in the sky. He was quite pleased with this "elegant" metaphor—his son had to be the sole moon in the heavens.
When the ten days were up, he savored the faint scent of blood in the air, and led his subordinates to begin the search with great enthusiasm. But by the time the sole moon had risen, they had only found a few corpses—not a single one alive. He refused to give up, and by midnight, he finally found the blood he had been smelling.
On a clearing in the forest lay the corpse of a leopard, its once-beautiful fur caked with blood and mud, its belly split open in a horrifying gash. Lu Changjue stepped closer, one step at a time. Suddenly the dead leopard's belly moved—a hand reached out from inside, followed by a leg as thin as the arm. Finally, an entire child emerged, covered in blood, standing naked beneath the moon, like a blood-red young beast. He stretched out his hand, clutching a wad of cloth in his fist. Lu Changjue took it and spread it out, and after studying it for a long while, realized it was half of a torn-off military banner, the character "Tang" faintly visible.
On the ride back to camp on horseback, Lu Changjue asked his military advisor: is there such a thing in this world as a red leopard? The advisor said that the Classic of Mountains and Seas records a beast resembling a leopard, "with five tails and one horn, whose voice sounds like stone striking stone," called the "Zheng."
Lu Changjue nodded: then my son shall be called Lu Zheng.
Lu Zheng's life as a hostage in Hangzhou was dull and bland.
Pinglan Academy treated him politely, and the people of Hangzhou feared him—this red-haired fiend, this wielder of the terrifyingly massive [Ju Que Sword]. Fortunately, Lu Zheng didn't care what others thought of him; there simply weren't many things he cared about to begin with.
Only the crushed osmanthus flowers in the lotus root starch soup were decent—though even with them added, it was still bland, but at least it had a bit of flavor. His favorite taste was still that of blood flowing into his mouth... Before enrolling, he hadn't expected he'd still have the chance to taste that flavor again in Hangzhou.
There was a rotting large ship at the eastern edge of the city, empty of people all around—here, the [Ju Que Sword] could finally swing without restraint. The beast, caged for so long, no longer had to pace about in gloomy restlessness this time. It would strike out with its claws, it would tear into flesh and blood, it would fight to its heart's content.
*This is a preview during preliminary research; final effects are subject to the official release. On September 24, a new season will also begin. On the path of martial arts advancement, formidable enemies with swords drawn await, crossing paths with wanderers on narrow roads; perplexing and dangerous situations also lie ahead, waiting for comrades to join forces and break through perilous challenges together. At that time, the brand-new [Wanderer's Realm] and [Sword Trial] will be making their debut—
New Trial by Sword
[Azure Shadow Demon Bell]
The formidable foe that once emerged from its cocoon in days past now stirs up the battle once more with its bizarre poison. As the battle progresses, toxicity will gradually accumulate on the Wanderers, requiring them to pass the poison to their companions at the right moment.
As the infection deepens, flesh and blood will transform into a cocoon, trapping the afflicted within, awaiting their companions' aid to break free. However, this cocoon is not entirely a form of restraint. When facing a perilous killing move, willingly entering the cocoon can instead provide temporary respite from the attack; and by concentrating the poison onto a single person, that person can cocoon ahead of the others, granting the team more room to respond calmly.
*This is a demonstration of effects still in research and development; please refer to the final release for accuracy.
The poison insects thrown by the Old Man in the Cocoon are also worth watching out for carefully. Once a poison insect lands, it will burst open, spreading its venom across the entire battlefield. Therefore, Rangers must not dodge it — instead, they need to steadily absorb its force and catch it firmly. Afterward, the poison insect will move continuously among the group. Rangers need to follow its movements and look out for one another, dissolving its toxicity one by one.
This is a preview of the effect during research and development; please refer to the final launch version for accuracy.
Having broken free from the pursuit, the [Sorrowbell Wanderer] once again stands with blade drawn deep within the misty bamboo sea. Only this time, there seems to be an added layer of echo within the ringing of the bells.
Old shadows linger amidst the mist. The Ranger must not only guard against the [Sorrowbell Wanderer]'s long blade, but also pay close attention to those presences that cannot be reached by ordinary means. As an assassin who has long wandered between life and death, the [Sorrowbell Wanderer] possesses two lives—spirit and body. To defeat him, the Ranger will also need to awaken the Spirit Orifice to contend with him, and truly taste what it feels like to have life hanging by a single thread.
*Effects shown are from a work-in-progress build; please refer to the final release version.
When the battle reaches its most perilous moment, the [Ranger] can send their [Spirit Orifice] temporarily out of their body, venturing deep into danger to face the enemy head-on. Yet someone must also remain behind, guarding their companions' undefended bodies. One thought sends the spirit forth, one thought calls it back — and through this, the lives of all five members are bound tightly together.
*The effects shown are from preliminary research and development; please refer to the final released version.
Brand-New Wanderland
【Blade's Edge Shatters the Frenzy】
Beyond the perilous trial of Sword Testing, another trial awaits within the Wanderland. The giant sword hangs in the air, as the powerful enemy Lu Zheng returns bearing the Giant Que Sword once more. Before Lu Zheng's mounted giant sword has even fallen, its heavy sword intent has already blanketed the battlefield. The unstoppable might of the sword that cleaves the sea and splits the heavens brings wave after wave of crushing strikes. All ten warriors must hold their formation where the sword's wind blows fiercest, in order to earn even a moment's opening for counterattack. When the giant sword slashes downward, the Wanderers must split into two flanks, working in unison to deflect its force; should the strength between the two sides fall out of balance, the blade's edge will sweep toward the weaker side with a strike that leaves no path to survival. When the horizontal sword swing comes, everyone must grit their teeth and unite their strength to withstand the overwhelming sword pressure bearing down upon them. Each clash will leave deeper wounds. But only if hearts remain united will there be a chance to break through and parry the blade.
*This is a preview demonstration effect, subject to final release.
After experiencing the earth-shaking might of [Juque], another entirely different trial has long been awaiting the Vagrant.
The Green Vase Recluse holds a jade vase in hand, yet what she spreads is a mist of hallucination. Her guidance may bring protection, or it may lead the Vagrant down a path of fervor from which there is no easy return. Entering illusion, growing obsessed, descending into madness... The degree to which one is bound by illusion varies, and the battle shifts and fluctuates accordingly.
*This is a demonstration of effects still in development; please refer to the final release version.
Those consumed by obsession can perceive dangers unseen by ordinary people, and can also shelter their companions, warding off calamity for a time. But once they cross the line and fall into madness, the Ranger, though briefly fearless of pain and injury, may also turn their blade against the very companions who once stood shoulder to shoulder with them. A single thought toward good, a single thought toward obsession. When the jade vessel tips over, who knows whether the Ranger can hold fast to their true heart?
Effects shown are in preliminary research and development; please refer to the final release for accuracy. Experience the world of martial arts with new friends, and overcome hardships together with sworn companions—many exciting contents await you starting September 24! Next, we will also bring you preview information about new appearances and new Town Guardians, so please stay tuned for further updates!
