Fallacy of No Return
Impermanence Heron
Bell-Borne Geochelone
Story & Voice
Lore beats, character story moments, and voice lines to learn more about Buling.
Character Story
1The Patroller and the Taoist
"Hey there, boss. Want to try something? Exorcisms, talisman readings, fortune-telling… You name it, I 'bling'—wait, you're a
"That's right! Chixia,
"A scam?" Buling's grin didn't waver.
"…I wouldn't go that far. But I'd appreciate it if you came by the
"Aiya, Boss, it's all honest work, building good bonds lah. Take that young fellow from
"Seriously?" Chixia began to question, but before she could finish, a young man in a lab coat came hurrying up the street and stopped at the stall.
"Thank you, Master! My experiment finally succeeded—the data fit perfectly! I can finally publish a paper!"
"No need to thank me," Buling said, waving him off. "That was all your hard work and persistence paying off."
Under Chixia's astonished gaze, the researcher bowed his thanks several more times before hurrying away.
"He just needed a little more confidence in his research, that's all," Buling said, nudging her round glasses back into place.
All afternoon, Chixia tailed this suspicious stall owner as she guided a
By sunset, Buling began packing up her stall. She glanced toward the shade of a nearby tree and called out, "Relax. I've earned enough for now, so no more stalls for a while. And I'm starving. How about dinner at your auntie's place? My treat. But just so you know that I'm not ordering anything spicy."
"Wait—how do you even know Mrs. Panhua is my… Did you divine that too?" Chixia stepped out of the shadows.
"Oh, that?" Buling grinned. "She told me herself. Over lunch."
Not long after,
2The Way of Flexibility
"It's right there, Master!"
At his young disciple's cry, the aged Taoist shaped a quick mudra with one hand and leveled his peachwood sword with the other. Golden light leapt from the blade, streaking toward the corner of a wall. It struck something unseen, flared outward, and flooded the alley with daylight-bright radiance—revealing a Whisperin
His eyes flicked to his disciple. She had already drawn a talisman and begun her chant:
"Body and seal align, thunder at command… All evils, repelled!"
The words had barely left her lips when a bolt of lightning split the sky, crashing down upon the Tacet Discord. Wrapped in thunderlight, the creature began to fade. Though her talisman was already spent, the girl stayed on guard, fishing a copper coin from her pocket as she stepped closer.
"…Finally… home…"
The broken whisper froze her in place.
"Pull yourself together, Buling," came her master's deep, steady voice. "A Tacet Discord is nothing but a monster. It's no ghost, and certainly nothing human."
She nodded, flicked the coin into the air, and another flash of lightning cleaved the darkness. The Tacet Discord vanished completely. The old Taoist's furrowed brow eased as he turned toward the house, whose gates were tightly shut.
Three measured knocks. The door creaked open, and a silver-haired elder stepped out.
"Master, was it really… my son who returned?"
It was Buling's first time following her master down the mountain to "exorcise a ghost." On their way back to the sect, she couldn't help but ask,
"Master, you always say there are no such things as ghosts. So why tell that lady her son's spirit came home to see her? And even pass along a message for her to live well?"
"…That's called the Way of Flexibility. Someday, you'll understand."
"Mm… Seems the world beyond the mountain really does hold a lot to see."
"Heh… when you're strong enough to stand on your own and want to travel alone, then go," he said, grinning up at the endless stars. "Cultivation isn't confined to our temple's four walls. Your world should be far wider than this."
At that, Buling's clear eyes filled with the same bright starlight.
"…But if you ever stir up trouble out there," Master Jiufeng added quickly, "don't speak of my name."
3Peers of Different Sects
"Hehe, my disciple's a straightforward child, only knows how to throw punches. So please, tell yours to go easy on her," Master Shiling stroked his long beard and smiled.
"Ah, I heard that the Fengyiquan Sect is full of talent, and Jianxin is undoubtedly unmatched. My own disciple just toys with coins and talismans, hardly worth anyone's attention," Master Jiufeng wasn't about to be outdone.
On the ring, Buling and Jianxin faced each other.
"Did you hear that, Jianxin? They're basically dueling through us," Buling whispered. "Maybe we should just qui—"
"Understood," Jianxin was already in Fengyiquan's Calming Air stance. "Let's face this match with the respect it deserves. After you."
Buling sighed and formed her hand mudras. Against Jianxin's flawless technique, she would only get one shot. Her Casket of Fate burst open—talismans whirled like a storm, lightning split the sky, and the Five Thunders Spell Array snapped shut around Jianxin. A breath later, Jianxin surged forward. Wind and cloud followed her fists. In the next instant, talismans shattered and the array crumbled. By the third breath, her fist hovered at Buling's side.
"Well fought, Buling. Another round?" Jianxin said, bowing as she stepped back.
"No need. I quit." Buling raised her hand in surrender.
Later, Buling found a good spot in the stands, munching on New Federation popcorn as she watched the young martial artists clash. Jianxin tore through her opponents like a gale, already closing in on the reigning champion.
"Why did you hold back?"
The voice was cool and clear. Buling jumped, as she hadn't even heard anyone approach. A white-robed woman sat nearby, a guqin in her arms, her expression serene and detached, nothing like an ordinary martial artist.
"If you triggered the talismans behind her, the match might have gone differently."
"I wasn't thinking that far ahead at the time… Master," Buling answered with an awkward laugh.
The woman simply nodded. She said nothing more, only stayed beside Buling and watched the rest of the matches in silence.
4Earthly Immortal, Heavenly Sheep
Back then, she had just passed Camellya's test and arrived at
It wasn't serious enough to count as an emergency that required proper investigation, probably just a stray Reverberation rambling around. Still, on an island carved from a massive Tacetite, even a random Reverberation could twist into a dangerous
That night, she waited in the dorm corridor, scrolling forums to pass the time as she heard soft footsteps. When she looked up, she nearly dropped her device: two "Wooly Ghost Guards" of black and white stood before her with ferocious looks.
"Hooray! The brave Wooly Warriors have found a new team member," a cheerful voice said. Encore poked her head out from behind the plush toys, grinning.
The truth turned out to be simple: a
By morning, a post went viral on the Black Shores' internal forum with its eye-catching title:
"Turns out, the creepy midnight cries coming from the Haven of Sprouts are actually..."
The poster ID was "Earthly Immortal," and the first enthusiastic reply came from "Heavenly Sheep."
That was the day the now-famous mystery-busting duo was born. From the Black Shores to
Whenever people ask Buling why she chose to join the Black Shores, she just laughs it off. Her bestie Encore, however, always gives the same teasing answer:
"She thinks if the Black Shores can clear all the 'ghosts' in the world, then she'll finally be free to roam wherever she wants!"
5Free Spirit in Travel
She drifted through crowded streets, learning the rhythms of modern city life step by step. Her master's words on flexibility became her compass: times change, and so must the sect. Talismans and tools should evolve with the world. Every so often, she sent her master some exorcist gadgets she bought or improved upon: a microwave alchemy furnace, an exorcism bell with a built-in alarm clock, or a fly-whisk that glowed neon at night. Her proudest creation was a voice-controlled peachwood sword, able to swerve midair at a single command, far more convenient than the old sword-riding techniques.
Her master's patience eventually wore thin. One day, a letter arrived with just two bold words written in clean calligraphy: "UTTER NONSENSE." But when Buling finally returned to the temple, she found him waiting there—wearing that very sword on his back.
Her journey stretched on, a winding road of self-cultivation. She crossed most of
Much later, in
Buling thought of herself as a free spirit, roaming wherever whim led her. That Rover was different—no carefree traveler, but someone forever running from one storm to the next. And still, for reasons she could not name, she wanted to see that person smile, as if {Male=he;Female=she}, too, could take a moment to enjoy the journey. The quiet gathering at Shashou Cafe was one of those rare, unburdened moments.
Where would their journeys converge next? Buling's hand hovered over her divination set, then she let it fall. When the time is right, their fates will meet again. And when they do, she will be there to offer {Male=him;Female=her} a steady hand, just as she always has.
Voice Lines
Thoughts: I
Hi, I found a new ruin! You wanna go explore? Wait, wait. I'll post a thread on the forum first. Need a catchy title. How about, "A 50-year-old woman caught wandering in the ruin at midnight. Here's why." Or "What's the dark mist leaking from the city's most Yin spot?" Which one do you like better? Oh, don't forget to act scared later, okay? You can do it, I know. What happens next? Hehehe, first we get the clicks, then boom, we drop the truth. Even if the truth is boring. Come, come, I'll teach you some new forum slang first.
Thoughts: II
The worse the danger, the better I focus and grow from it. Funny, huh? I haven't trained in my sect for a long time, and I usually avoid conflict and fighting. But whenever I face a Tacet Discord, in those dangerous places nobody dares to go... that's when my mind clears. No noise, just stillness. I get serious, channel my spirit, and really push my spells. This counts as cultivation training, right?
Thoughts: III
Peeking at heaven's secrets is the best fun! I'm curious about my fate, same as everyone else. But the rules say no reading your own fortune. Hmm... I don't believe heaven will punish me or take away blessings if I do. But knowing my fate will change how I live, and that will disrupt the Tao. So it's better I just let go and surprise myself with what comes next, right la?
Thoughts: IV
Traveling around means I get to see all kinds of places. Each one has its own little joy, little magic. I always spend till my wallet is empty, then take a few jobs. One job, maybe two, then aiya, I spend all my money again! What to do? I'm really not that brave, you know. I've seen cities rise all shiny-shiny, and I've seen them burn to the ground. So I only dare to enjoy the now. Thinking too far ahead? Don't dare.
Thoughts: V
First time seeing me without headphones? Hmm... I guess that's cause we usually met in safe places. Hehe, the headphones actually protect me. When I take them off, I'm either tracking the <te href=850081>Tacet Discords</te>… or listening to you, like now. But wah, I talk too much already… now it's your turn, Boss.
Buling's Hobby
Playing games, of course! So many cool ones in <te href=850109>the Black Shores</te>. Want to co-op sometime?
Buling's Trouble
Been many years since I went back to my sect. Of course, it's not like I don't want to, but... what if Master tests my spells, or my kicks and punches? I... uh... I'm not scared to go back! I just haven't finished my training on the road.
Favorite Food
Shredded fish noodles are a really tasty one! Put boiled noodles in the broth, then add shredded fish on top. Mmm, so good la! It's a Mengzhou specialty. You must give a bowl a try!
Disliked Food
One bite of chili, and I start burning head to toe. My tummy also protests all day, all night.
Ideals
People call me "Spiritchaser Taoist" because they're afraid of the Tacet Discords and spooky unknowns. But the day Buling makes that name un-be-lingable… that means I did good.
Show more voice lines (64 remaining)
Chat: I
My friends from the Academy modded these headphones for me. They block out <te href=850081>Tacet Discord</te> frequencies so I don't have all the noises in my head. I only take them off when there's a big job and I need to hear where the "ghosts" are hiding. But hey, don't think it's all silence in here! I've got music on right now. Wanna listen? It's Imaginary Foundry's new song, "To the sky—to the red tree—"
Chat: II
In this world, not only <te href=850081>Tacet Discords</te> can kill. Fear can, too. And it's not only doctors who can save lives. Hope can, too. Sometimes, I say "There are no ghosts" to save people from fear. And sometimes, I say "Ghosts exist" to give people hope.
About Jianxin
She's the same as me, super good at some stuff, bad at others. Last martial contest, Master Shiling said she punches too much, thinks too little. I wanted to challenge her—but whoosh—her palm wind came out of nowhere and blew right through my spell array and talisman! But it's okay. I'm not the fist-and-muscle type. Redirecting force to attack is the smarter move. Hehe, knowing Jianxin's style, next time I might not even need to lift a finger. Just a bit of smooth talk and walk away with the win...?
About Youhu
Master Youhu helps lots of my clients check their treasures, telling them what's real, what's fake, clearing their doubts and worries. But she's never that serious with me. Last time she brought out a new eggshell porcelain cup. Told me it's an ancient treasure with thin glaze, clean color, things like that, and she said five hundred <te href=850104>Shell Credits</te> is a steal. I said the cup was cursed with evil Yin Qi, and better pay seven hundred for a talisman seal, or it's not safe. Guess what happened in the end?
About Aalto
We haven't met many times, but somehow, he feels like an old friend. Why? I thought I knew many people from traveling, but he knows even more! No matter where I go, someone always drops his name. What's that theory… any two people in the world are only like, six degrees apart? I bet we show up in the same friend circles all the time.
About Camellya
She's... an interesting one. Before I joined <te href=850109>the Black Shores</te>, she tried to fight me. Of course I was no match for her, so I ran for it, as fast as oil on shoes! But she chased me all the way... into the <te href=850081>Tacet Discord</te> nest I led her to. She got caught up fighting, looked up and smiled at me. I was sitting in a tree, smiling right back. It was interesting... real interesting.
About Encore
Every time I go chasing ghost rumors, I always ask Encore to come along. She's not scared and she loves a new adventure! Sometimes she even livestreams it on the forum, makes up spooky stories to reel our audience in. Then when we drop the twist there's no ghost, we hide behind the screen and laugh till our bellies hurt. Then? Poof. Delete account. Hey, you want to know our forum nicknames? I'm "Earthly Immortal," and she's "Heavenly Sheep."
About Shorekeeper
She stands guard, outside all laws, all patterns... But total detatchment from the world isn't always a good thing. That isn't my divination, I can't read her. But I see it, loud and clear.
Birthday Wishes
Today's your birthday? Ooyo... your pillars of destiny, rare, rare! Hehe, I said before, you are the one to break the deadlock. Now I see the lock is probably more dead than we knew! Hmm? Aiya, don't stress. I mean rare in a good way. No better destiny than yours! So no worries, just believe in your path, and everything will go smoothly. Happy birthday, Boss!
Idle: I
Let me check the feng shui here… hmm… oh? Ah... Ha! I knew it!
Idle: II
Someone commented on my post? Hmm? What?! Don't believe me? Ah, so stubborn...
Idle: III
Hmm… the lost treasure is… somewhere around… ah! Found you, hehe!
Self-Introduction
Mengzhou Taoist Buling here. Exorcism, talisman divination, fortune-telling... you name it, I "bling" it!
Greeting
Boss, what matter do you seek answers for today?
Join Team: I
Buling, Buling, everything's working.
Join Team: II
Auspicious day for traveling.
Join Team: III
Let's go somewhere exciting!
Ascension: I
Seal script flows, Qi pulses through. Now I write talisman guided from above.
Ascension: II
Between heaven and earth, true sounds ring clear. From now on, my spells will hit even harder!
Ascension: III
Body and seal align, spirit gates open wide. My hand mudras now shift in a thousand forms.
Ascension: IV
I walk the star steps, from Yin to Yang. The pulse of earth and the breath of heaven are now with me.
Ascension: V
After these enlightenments, I think I can now read more in you. Something I missed before. It's like a knot, but... still unclear. Master once said, if I can't read something, then it must be the world's deepest mystery. Doesn't matter. Even if I'm just a tiny drop in the ocean of fate, when I can finally see it, I will help you break the bind and rewrite the stars.
Heavy Attack: I
Thunder over mountain!
Heavy Attack: II
Thunder Seal, break!
Heavy Attack: III
Your force, back at you!
Heavy Attack: IV
Fu Talisman, go!
Heavy Attack: V
Yi Gua, shift!
Heavy Attack: VI
Quaking thunder.
Heavy Attack: VII
Twin thunders, together!
Heavy Attack: VIII
Patching you up.
Heavy Attack: IX
Take a breath la!
Heavy Attack: X
Two mountains, crush!
Heavy Attack: XI
Quiet now.
Heavy Attack: XII
Here, some life force.
Heavy Attack: XIII
Ah. Too greedy...
Heavy Attack: XIV
No one saw that, right?
Heavy Attack: XV
Aiya, rusty hands, rusty hands...
Resonance Skill: I
Hear the thunder!
Resonance Skill: II
Cleansing!
Resonance Skill: III
Binding!
Resonance Liberation: I
Five Thunders have spoken. Demons, perish!
Resonance Liberation: II
Thunder commands. Hell, tremble!
Resonance Liberation: III
Heaven's thunder awakens. Ghosts, vanish!
Intro Skill: I
All evils, repelled!
Intro Skill: II
By heaven's mandate.
Intro Skill: III
Deities, hear my call.
Hit: I
Ugh, bad luck.
Hit: II
Tsk. Always trouble.
Injured: I
Chill la, I got this.
Injured: II
No more playing around.
Injured: III
Where's my Fu talisman?
Fallen: I
Spells... all used up...
Fallen: II
Heaven, have pity...
Fallen: III
Sorry, no can do...
Echo Summon
Spirit, I command you.
Echo Transform
My guardian, show yourself.
Enemies Near
Got "ghosts"? Gotta bust 'em all la!
Glider: I
I go where wind goes.
Glider: II
Wooohooo.
Sensor
Big luck, big score!
Dash
Tao says go!
Supply Chest: I
Saw this in the hexagrams.
Supply Chest: II
Good timing, fortune flows!
Supply Chest: III
Nice! Lemme post a picture!