Xiangli Yao Build Guide, Skills, Combos & Teams Wuthering Waves

Basic Information

Xiangli Yao
Electro

Xiangli Yao

Principal Investigator at Huaxu Academy's Jinzhou Campus, and the Academy's youngest multi-disciplinary scientist.
A gentle soul with a sharp mind, whose relentless passion for Automata Mechanics always translates into constructive findings and insights.

Element:
Electro
Weapon Type:
Role:
Main Damage Dealer
Resonance Liberation Damage
Special Dish:

Resonator's Stats

Resonator's stats per level

Stat Lv 1Lv 20Lv 40Lv 50Lv 60Lv 70Lv 80Lv 90
HP HP
850
2777.55
4776.83
6059.82
7342.73
8625.72
9908.7
10625
ATK ATK
34
113.94
196.74
250.89
305.04
350.7
396.35
425
DEF DEF
100
321.36
550.97
698.18
845.4
992.61
1139.82
1222.22

Resonator's Graduation Stats

HP HP

15000+

ATK ATK

1900 - 2500+

DEF DEF

1200+

Energy Regen Energy Regen

100% - 130%+ (Optional depending on playstyle and team composition)

In Xiangli Yao's most common teams, he doesn't specifically require any energy regeneration in order to gain access to his ultimate in a timely manner or perform his rotation. With that said if you want to be safe and ensure you always have it on hand acquiring 25% - 30% energy regeneration on gear should smooth things out especially when your team's rotations don't go quite as planned.

Crit. Rate Crit. Rate

60% - 85%+

Crit. DMG Crit. DMG

270% - 320%+

Electro DMG Bonus Electro DMG Bonus

30% - 70%+

Skills & Resonance Chains

Skills

Probe
Probe Normal Attack

Basic Attack
Perform up to 5 consecutive attacks, dealing Electro DMG.

Heavy Attack
Perform a charged attack at the cost of STA, dealing Electro DMG.

Mid-air Attack
Perform a Plunging Attack from mid-air at the cost of STA, dealing Electro DMG.

Dodge Counter
Use Basic Attack after a successful Dodge to attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Deduction
Deduction Resonance Skill

Attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Forever Seeking
Forever Seeking Forte Circuit

Resonance Skill - Decipher
When Capacity reaches 100, Resonance Skill Deduction is replaced by Resonance Skill Decipher.
Consume 100 Capacity to cast Resonance Skill Decipher, dealing Electro DMG, considered as Resonance Liberation DMG.

Resonance Skill - Law of Reigns
When Performance Capacity reaches 5 in Intuition state, Resonance Skill Divergence is replaced by Resonance Skill Law of Reigns.
Consume 5 Performance Capacity to cast Resonance Skill Law of Reigns, dealing Electro DMG, considered as Resonance Liberation DMG.

Mid-air Attack - Revamp
Shortly after casting Resonance Skill Decipher or Resonance Skill Divergence, use Basic Attack to perform Mid-air Attack Revamp at the cost of STA, dealing Electro DMG, considered as Resonance Liberation DMG.

Capacity
Xiangli Yao can hold up to 100 Capacity.
Every Normal Attack Probe on hit grants Capacity.
Every Resonance Skill Deduction on hit grants Capacity.

Performance Capacity
Xiangli Yao can hold up to 5 Performance Capacity.
When in Intuition triggered by Resonance Liberation:
Obtain 1 Performance Capacity when Stage 1 of Basic Attack Pivot - Impale hits a target.
Obtain 2 Performance Capacity when Stage 2 or 3 of Basic Attack Pivot - Impale hits a target.
Obtain 2 Performance Capacity for every Resonance Skill Divergence on hit.
Obtain 3 Performance Capacity for every Mid-air Attack Revamp on hit.
Obtain 2 Performance Capacity for every Dodge Counter Unfathomed on hit.

Cogitation Model
Cogitation Model Resonance Liberation

Attack the target, dealing Electro DMG. Enter Intuition.
When in Intuition:
- Obtain 3 Hypercube(s). Each time Resonance Skill Law of Reigns is cast, consume 1 Hypercube(s). Intuition ends once all Hypercubes are consumed.
- Basic Attack and Heavy Attack are replaced with Basic Attack Pivot - Impale, which performs up to 3 consecutive attacks, dealing Electro DMG.
- Resonance Skill Deduction is replaced with Resonance Skill Divergence, which deals Electro DMG.
- Dodge Counter is replaced with Dodge Counter Unfathomed, considered as Resonance Liberation DMG.

Principle
Principle Intro Skill

Attack the target, dealing Electro DMG.

Chain Rule
Chain Rule Outro Skill

Xiangli Yao will call down a laser beam upon the first target the incoming Resonator's Basic Attack hits, dealing Electro DMG equal to 237.63% of Xiangli Yao's ATK to an area. This effect lasts for 8s and can be triggered once every 2s, up to 3 times.

Resonance Chain

Prodigy of Protégés Prodigy of Protégés
Sequence Node 1

Resonance Skill Law of Reigns additionally launches 6 Convolution Matrices at enemies, each dealing Resonance Liberation DMG equal to 8% of the skill's DMG Multiplier.

Traces of Predecessors Traces of Predecessors
Sequence Node 2

Casting Resonance Skill or Resonance Liberation Cogitation Model increases Crit. DMG by 30% for 8s.

Ruins of Ancient Ruins of Ancient
Sequence Node 3

Casting Resonance Liberation Cogitation Model increases the DMG of the following Resonance Skill moves by 63% for 24s:
DecipherDeductionDivergence, and Law of Reigns.
This effect can be triggered up to 5 times.

Vessel of Rebirth Vessel of Rebirth
Sequence Node 4

Casting Resonance Liberation Cogitation Model grants a 25% DMG Bonus to all team members' Resonance Liberation for 30s.

End of Stars End of Stars
Sequence Node 5

The DMG Multiplier of Outro Skill Chain Rule is increased by 222%. The DMG Multiplier of Resonance Liberation Cogitation Model is increased by 100%.

Solace of the Ordinary Solace of the Ordinary
Sequence Node 6

The Hypercubes obtained from Resonance Liberation Cogitation Model are enhanced, increasing the DMG Multiplier of Resonance Skill Law of Reigns by 76%.

Skill Priority

Cogitation Model Resonance Liberation
>>
Forever Seeking Forte Circuit
>>
Deduction Resonance Skill
>>
Principle Intro Skill
>>
Probe Normal Attack

Weapons

Verity's Handle (R1)

Xiangli Yao's signature and an ideal weapon for any Resonance Liberation based Gauntlet user. Grants a tremendous 24.3% CRIT RATE boost and 12% generic DMG% boost all permanently and on top of that also grants an incredibly convenient 48% Resonance Liberation DMG% lasting 8 seconds on use of the wearers Liberation. Due to the timing of when this buff activates, it is almost always up when you need it most and the duration can also be extended up to 3 times for 5 seconds each time whenever you use a resonance skill. This extends the total duration of this buff to a whopping 23 seconds.

Abyss Surges (R1)

One of the top Gauntlets options in game with the only competitors being 4★ Weapons with multiple dupes. Offers high base ATK, ATK%, a good amount of Energy Regen to save at least 1 sub-stat on gear to be reallocated to better uses and a conditional bonus boosting Resonance Skill damage and Basic Attacks that is very easy to satisfy.

81.9%
Stonard (R5)

Specialist Gauntlets for Resonance Liberation scaling users, thanks to its passive that grants increased Resonance Liberation DMG% after using a Resonance Skill. Still usable by characters who don't focus specifically on Liberation damage as a big part of their kit, thanks to the reasonably high base stats but more importantly CRIT RATE main stat.

Celestial Spiral (R5)

Most often the best F2P 4* gauntlet option for DPS characters scaling off of ATK. The ATK% boost it provides when casting your Resonance Skill is great on most characters, and while the small energy generation it provides at the same time is more situational, it can be handy as well.

Hollow Mirage (R5)

Strong generic option for all Gauntlets users, offering an ATK% and DEF% after using Resonance Liberation in the form of 3 charges. Since most characters include their Liberation in their rotation in the endgame you can expect this bonus to be applied quickly and consistently. Unfortunately, whenever you are hit you'll lose 1 charge so to use this weapon effectively, you must minimize how many times you're hit. Calculations assume you can maintain your rotation without getting hit - if you think you will be lower your expectations of this weapon and it's position in the ranking.

Echo set

Echo set 1

Void Thunder
Void Thunder

5pcs Set: Electro DMG + 15% after releasing Heavy Attack or Resonance Skill. This effect stacks up to 2 times, each stack lasts 15s.

Void Thunder increases Electro DMG Bonus which is amazing for a main DPS like Xiangli Yao. The 5-pc effect also helps Xiangli Yao deal more damage after using his Resonance Skill or even his Heavy ATK.
Nightmare: Thundering Mephis

Transform into Nightmare: Thundering Mephis and attack enemies in front, dealing 405.00% Electro DMG.

The Resonator with this Echo equipped in their main slot gains 12.00% Electro DMG Bonus and 12.00% Resonance Liberation DMG Bonus.

CD: 25s.

Increases Electro DMG and Resonance Liberation DMG. No need to use Echo Skill to receive DMG buffs. If you do not have a Nightmare: Thundering Mephis, it can be replaced by either Tempest Mephis or Thundering Mephis.

Echo set 2

Lingering Tunes
Lingering Tunes

5pcs Set: While on the field, ATK increases by 5% every 1.5s. This effect stacks up to 4 times. Outro Skill DMG + 60%.

This set almost almost loses out to most characters signature elemental sets, but is generically usable across all damage characters regardless of their element.
Mech Abomination

Strike enemies in front, dealing 48.64% Electro DMG, and summon Mech Waste to attack. Mech Waste deals 320.00% Electro DMG on hit and explodes after a while, dealing 160.00% Electro DMG.

After casting this Echo Skill, increase the current character's ATK by 12.00% for 15s.
Damage dealt by Mech Waste equals to the Resonator's Outro Skill DMG.

CD: 20s

Very easy echo to use that should be used at the very beginning of the burst window right after the Intro. Thanks to its instant cast there is no thinking required and you can enjoy your ATK% boost and some nice burst damage.

Echo stat

4-3-3-1-1
4 cost
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate
Crit. DMG Crit. DMG
3 cost
Electro DMG Bonus Electro DMG Bonus
ATK% ATK%
3 cost
Electro DMG Bonus Electro DMG Bonus
ATK% ATK%
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
4-4-1-1-1
4 cost
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate
4 cost
Crit. DMG Crit. DMG
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
1 cost
ATK% ATK%
Echo substat
Crit. Rate Crit. Rate
=
Crit. DMG Crit. DMG
>>
ATK% ATK%
>>
Resonance Liberation DMG Bonus Resonance Liberation DMG Bonus
>>
Energy Regen Energy Regen

Synergies & Team Formation

Synergies

Yinlin

Easily Xiangli Yao's best easy to use partner, as she provides great off-field DMG via Coordinated Attacks, and amazing 20% Electro and 25% Liberation DMG Amplify Outro buffs. The pair is natural.

Changli

Let's be clear: we don't recommend Changli+Xiangli Yao to casual players. The pair is extremely quickswap heavy and reliant on that mechanic to deal any semblance of good damage. It will underperform drastically if you don't quickswap a ton of attacks from both characters, especially compared to Yinlin. However, if you really want to push this game's limits, this duo is one of the highest damaging in the entire game. Good luck.

Jianxin

Good option for Xiangli Yao if you don't own Yinlin, as she amplifies Liberation DMG by 38% on Outro, which is a significant boost to his damage. However, Jianxin is awkward to use due to her extended field time and Energy problems. Only use her if you don't own Yinlin and aren't willing to quickswap.

Yangyang

Xiangli Yao's best option that isn't a limited 5 star if you are willing to quickswap. Xiangli Yao has several windows Yangyang can use to get a lot of attacks in and effectively allow you to play two characters at once, making for a great damaging pair. No Energy problems to worry about as well, thanks to Yangyang's Outro.

Verina

One of the usual Healing Support options that can slot into any team. Super easy to use, provides amazing team-wide ATK% buffs and 15% DMG Amplify with one of the fastest rotations in the game.

Shorekeeper

Similar to Verina, a premium Healing Support option who can not only slot into any team, but also provide insane 12.5% Crit Rate, 25% Crit DMG, 25% ATK and 15% DMG Amplify buffs to your whole team. One of the best but also easy to use characters in the game.

Team Formation

Best Team

Main Position
Sub Position

Youhu CAN be used here to buff Yinlin's Coordinated Attack DMG, but it's not optimal.

Expert Team

Main Position
Sub Position
Support Position

VERY difficult to play. Not recommended to casual players.

Budget Team

Main Position
Sub Position
Support Position

Might face Energy problems and need more Energy Regen to be built on Xiangli Yao.

Budget Expert Team

Main Position
Sub Position
Support Position

Not recommended to casual players, benefits strongly from Swap Cancels.

More Info

Cherished Items

Xiangli Yao's ID Card Xiangli Yao's ID Card

Xiangli Yao's work ID card reads "Xiangli Yao, Researcher, Huaxu Academy," neatly printed.

It took Xiangli Yao an extra year to wear this simple, plain card with a built-in ID chip on his chest compared to his peers at the Academy—a year ago, he had chosen not to take the Academy exam, instead leaving Jinzhou in search of answers to life's deeper questions. A teenager at the time, he stood at a crossroads, uncertain whether to follow in his parents' footsteps or forge his own path. However, a year later, his heart led him down a path entirely different from theirs...

On his first day as a researcher, Xiangli Yao placed his ID card neatly on his desk, opened the window, and let the bustling sounds of Jinzhou City drift in.

"Huaxu Academy. It's a nice place."

Beep-Boop Beep-Boop

This charming little robot, with its slightly yellowed surface, is both simple and compact. Give its tiny head a pat, and it will recite one of the classic Hero Play lines, accompanied by adorable pixel emojis displayed on its somewhat aged monitor. This was Xiangli Yao's first creation during his student days and served as the prototype for his later inventions, Xiang-Lee and Patty. Despite being Yao's initial attempt, the robot's design, materials, and programming beautifully showcase its creator's ingenuity.
Affectionately named Beep-Boop, this lovable machine eventually found a home with one of Yao's lucky classmates. From that point on, Xiangli Yao devoted much of his free time to crafting models, robots, and other fascinating gadgets for his friends.
Whether in school or now at the Academy, Yao's generosity in dedicating time and effort to those around him remains a constant. His selfless nature has always been, and continues to be, an integral part of who he is.

CSC Lock Puzzle CSC Lock Puzzle

A puzzle crafted from intricately interlocking joints, a testament to its ingenious design. It is said that such trinkets served as gifts from elder members of the Court of Savantae to their younger generations.

Xiangli Yao can still recall the warmth of his father's rough fingertips as he handed him the puzzle on his birthday. Yet what truly captivated him were its complex arrangements and perplexing structures—such puzzles were what drew him into a world of intricate logic, leaving him spellbound for years to come.

This was Xiangli Yao's first encounter with a puzzle, but certainly not his last.

Archives and Stories

Forte Examination Report - Matter Weaver

Evaluation Basis: [Resonance Assessment 2603-G]

Resonator Xiangli Yao's awakening occurred two years ago, following an incident at the Court of Savantae Ruins where he lost his arm and came into contact with an unknown metal substance.

Resonator Xiangli Yao's Tacet Mark is located on his prosthetic right arm. Post-Awakening observations revealed his ability to perform Metalmorph by manipulating the shape and storing energy of his prosthetic arm.

The Resonance Spectrum Pattern of Xiangli Yao has been observed to align closely with that of thunder. A strong Syntony reaction has been observed, yet the cause of Xiangli Yao's Awakening remains unclear due to the inability to recover samples of the unknown metal substance.

Analysis of test samples has revealed a consistent, flat Rabelle's Curve followed by a sharp ascent and stabilization. Therefore, Xiangli Yao is identified as a Mutant Resonator.

Resonator Xiangli Yao's waveform graph shows elliptical fluctuations. The pattern of Time Domain is stable with no abnormal waveforms.

Resonant Criticality: High. Xiangli Yao's frequency displays high stability with minimal risk of Overclocking.

Records indicate no history of Overclocking.

Routine examinations are advised, with no current need for psychological counseling.

An Interview
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 1

Years later, I found myself standing at that door again.

The Xiangli family had always been a star in Jinzhou's journalistic circles. Back then, doing a piece on the family was considered an honor, and indeed, their scientific heritage continues to produce admirable accomplishments. The last time I stood on this doorstep, I was still a rookie, eager for recognition, and the Xianglis helped me with just that by allowing me to take their family portrait. A piece that ticked all the boxes.

The photo won me a small award and secured my job.

As the door opened, I looked down to see a boy with bright and clear eyes looking back at me. I flashed my press badge, and he ushered me inside.

Xiangli Yao, the "Son of the Genius" and "Paragon's Descendant." His father's brilliance had turned heads across Jinzhou, and his mother's perseverance saved the lives of countless children in the city.

This very house once drew the attention of many, and it remains that way to this day.

I prided myself on conducting interviews, but this young boy seemed more comfortable than I was. Xiangli Yao, like his parents, possessed a natural eloquence, his demeanor gentle and poised. The interview flowed smoothly, and after setting aside my notebook, he offered me a cup of tea. I thanked him, but he shook his head.

"I should thank you for visiting because of my parents," Xiangli Yao smiled, "I've heard a thing or two about what's been happening."

Jinzhou, with its vast lands and rich resources, is not without its share of discord.

The Xianglis had done me a favor in the past, one I felt compelled to repay, both professionally and personally by making sure their son was okay. Xiangli Yao smiled wistfully, his expression hinting at a memory relived. "My parents are always busy with work, so I'm glad someone remembers them. Your reports capture their moments, research results, words spoken, and many other details that I didn't even know about... When I read those news and interviews, I feel like I get to know them better."

I hesitated for a moment but still went on to ask.

"Do you think... it's unfair? That perhaps your parents should have spent more time with their child?"

"They both have their passions, and it's the same for me. I'm happy they're doing what they love."

"...Is that so."

I took a deep breath and prepared to leave, but Xiangli Yao asked me to stay. I forgot the exact reason he gave. However, I'm sure it must've been a good one. Xiangli Yao had a way with words that made refusing his hospitality difficult. I only remember having another cup of warm tea and continuing to chat for a while before finally taking my leave.

As I reached for the door, the boy remarked with a straight face, "If there's anything you want to confirm, it's best to do it in person. When I was little, my mother and I often talked about the importance of companionship—we even exchanged small notes. Though I was still very young then, those notes, with their few simple words... I find them just as comforting today."

I nodded and left the house, ready to pen my next piece.

But before that, I would send a message to my child, whom I had neglected to contact for several days.

A Persuasion
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 2

Xiangli Yao leaned forward in his chair and stared resolutely at the elderly man in front of him.

The older man held a prestigious position in the education system and had personal connections with Xiangli Yao's father. Today, it was another attempt at persuasion, much like the previous ones.

"I am not attending a separate class. Regular school is fine for me," Xiangli Yao reiterated.
The elderly man tapped on the table, "Your current pace might not fit into the standard curriculum. Moving too quickly can bring challenges. You and your classmates are not on the same playing field."

Xiangli Yao shook his head.

"There's no point wasting resources opening a special class just for me. I already have access to the Jinzhou archives for study. Besides... I'm just like the others," he said, counting on his fingers, "I have a great time watching hero plays with them, and we trade cards... Oh, and when they invite me over for dinner, I get to test my gadgets out on them and get their feedback!"

The elder sighed deeply. "Your teacher has mentioned such things to me. He says you get along well with your classmates. But this isn't just about you, it's about getting you into the Academy faster," he said, staring at the young person before him. "Xiangli Yao, your father also accelerated his studies and had more time to conduct all the research he loved."

"I am not my father."

"Yet you share his talents and temperament. That I've noticed."

Xiangli Yao gripped the textbooks in his hands, as he slowly and firmly shook his head, "But that's not what I want. I want to take things slow, like the way it is now."

"Playing trivial games with your classmates won't do you any good... You'll tire of it sooner or later. It's a waste of time."

The elder stood by the window, looking out at students playing and laughing in the schoolyard. Xiangli Yao went to him, patting his shoulder.

"That won't happen," Xiangli Yao said softly, also looking at the same view.

They were his friends.

"I want to be like them, going to school, talking about snacks, catching fish in the river, and watching cool Echoes. Hey, they even taught me when and how to smile and compliment someone. That's important to me. I know you mean well, but... I get to decide what's best for me, right?"

Old and young faced each other in the silent office.

The elder sighed again. "You remind me of your father. But the two of you are not quite the same."

Xiangli Yao smiled, "Well, like I said... I'm not my father. I'm not the student you once had."

The door opened again.

The next day, Xiangli Yao returned to his regular classes.

A Question
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 3

"Here. Another package of yours."

His friend placed the box in a forgotten corner of the dorm, then sprawled out in bed, "Xiangli Yao, you should definitely sign up for Lollo Logistics membership. With how often you've been getting these deliveries, it's worth it."

Xiangli Yao turned his chair to face his friend, "Haha. I'll think about it."

"Latest issue?"

"Yeah, they sent me a sample."

"Jealous! I wish I could work that fast, popping out articles left and right while taking classes at the same time. Man." He waved his arms and grinned, "I guess you already have that Imperial Academy exam in the bag. So, where's it gonna be?"

With that, he tossed over a can of soda.

The can drew a perfect arc in the air, landing squarely in Xiangli Yao's hand.

"Too much sugar," sighed the model student, known for his healthy habits as his lips quirked into a smile, cracking open the can anyway. "About that..."

A brief silence followed. Then Xiangli shook his head softly. "I haven't decided yet."

His friend raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Well, that's new. I thought you made up your mind already. Professors must be fighting over you."

"There are a few things I haven't figured out yet."

"Which are...?"

"Boundaries. The boundaries of truth," Xiangli Yao said slowly, twisting a cube in his hands. "Pascar, do you suppose that humanity will hold itself back in pursuing the boundaries of truth?"

"Maybe. There are plenty of nut job scientists out there, so who knows."

"We chase after the stars, only to fall beneath them. Boundaries limit our scope... but without it, there's no way to tell whether you're progressing."

"Well... you and I have different opinions on this, and I'll keep mine to myself to avoid an argument. But what's all this got to do with your admission? You trying to change the subject on me?"

Xiangli Yao smiled softly. "It does. After my father pursued his own path, I've heard little about him. But I've uncovered some leads... Perhaps they'll lead me to the Court of Savantae, the place he went searching for."

"You sure you're going? After so many years, plenty of people have tried to find even a smither of hint related to the CSC, with little success."

"I feel that I must go. Even if I'll end up finding nothing. I want to know..."

The young scholar spoke slowly, his voice gradually softened, "I want to know... if my father crossed that boundary."

A month before exams, Xiangli vanished.

He left behind a video, revealing his confusion and the sense of emptiness he felt on his path of pursuing the truth. But whichever path he chose henceforth, he would embrace its outcome.

Empty seats lingered in the dorm, as life carried on.

A Ruin
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 4

It took over ten days to get inside the ruins.

At every step, remnants of the Court of Savantae's defenses were giving Xiangli Yao a hard time. Despite his meticulous preparations, some supplies and provisions had been lost along the way.

Xiangli Yao assessed what remained, weighing his options, and ultimately chose to press deeper into the ruins.

He had long since departed from the borders of Huanglong, and returning a second time to explore further would prove highly difficult. After surveying the soil upon arrival, the young scholar conjectured that these ruins, like those before, had little time left.

Internally, however, conditions were far better. The bulk of the instruments were well-preserved and intact. Cerulean fluids surged and circulated in the conduits of all the mechanisms with a vitality outlasting their creators. Each mechanism, precise, robust, and elegant, was meticulously cataloged by Xiangli Yao as he discerned subtle deviations from Huanglong's existing technologies.

The more he explored, the more an irrepressible thrill seized him. Like a poet enraptured by fine wine, Xiangli Yao felt drunk on the outpouring of knowledge that surrounded him.

His Terminal had lost its connection to the outside world, but he still did his best to record everything. His fascination with mechanics, a domain where Savantae had made unparalleled strides, led him to wonder whether his father had known of these innovations, and where he was now on the path of chasing the stars.

Yet amid the marvels, signs of a strange intrusion became apparent. Ever since the Lament, most technologies should have reverted back to their rudimentary states. But here, structures once familiar bore alien marks of alteration, defying erosion yet imbued with an elegance surpassing even Savantae's other creations.

The deeper Xiangli Yao went into the ruins, the anomalies intensified. Xiangli Yao's recordings slowed. The need to distinguish between anomalies and original designs demanded meticulous care. Eventually, he landed on a guess: The people here were trying to create some sort of door.

A door. A gateway. A... portal.

For the first time, Xiangli Yao hesitated.

Besides the danger, the doubt was about direction. So far, no alternate passage into the ruins had revealed itself, suggesting his father's departure had taken a different path. Had his father fallen here? Or...

If truth had a path, perhaps this was its nearest gateway.

A Smile
Unlocks at Intimacy Lv. 5

Later, when Xiangli Yao reflected on his journey through the Court of Savantae ruins, he realized that parts of his memory had become foggy. He suspected it was due to the effects of the ancient mechanisms and force fields—devices that transcended current technological limits and boasted near-unfathomable levels of advancement. Creating them was clearly unwise, at least for the CSC researchers. Since the Lament, exploration beyond had halted due to the warping of the laws of physics. Yet, many scholars still yearned to traverse the skies again and explore interstellar space.

That portal might have been built for that very purpose: to leap into the sky, or perhaps even further, into the heart of the civilization that had transformed these ruins.

Xiangli Yao wasn't sure if they had succeeded, but he paid a steep price for his curiosity—his arm. He could only speculate that he had managed to solve the sequence and activate the mechanism. He recalled the marks etched into the enormous cavity. They were rugged and twisted, as if a huge Tacet mark was carved onto it.

Then, crystalline, delicate butterflies emerged from the fracture. A strange power seeped from the gap, glowing with the mysteries of another civilization. As Xiangli Yao stared into it, past barriers that once seemed insurmountable now appeared solvable within this new framework. The waves of knowledge surged, capable of bending, subduing, and intertwining all frequencies in existence.

He took a step forward, almost forgetting the blood gushing from his torn flesh. The dizziness from blood loss and a faint euphoria blurred his senses.

At that moment, he noticed a familiar object lying dust-covered on the workstation. His childhood memories were hazy, but he recognized it immediately as a gift from his mother to his father. Xiangli Yan had once shown it to him as a child, a father and son photo of them together. Suddenly, he understood. Even at the end, his father held onto a memory of their family. He hadn't abandoned everything.

Beyond that threshold, could he still see himself progressing, at the end of pure theory where no one could observe…?

His father devoted everything to theoretical science, his mother to applied science. Xiangli Yao was like them, always longing to reach for the stars, even willing to burn himself in the process.

They had given their all.

And what about him?

Standing just a step away from the ultimate answer, the young scholar found himself thinking about trivial, unrelated things. He recalled how, after his parents' departure, friends and neighbors had dragged him out to join a Jinzhou festival. It was supposed to be the Moon-Chasing Festival, but the threat from the Threnodian had forced a simpler celebration. Yet, a festival is always a festival, a reminder to celebrate even in hard times. He had demonstrated one of his newest creations, a small gadget, which won applause from the crowd.

He was like his parents.

However, he was not their clone. Even as his shadow followed theirs, he found himself unable to journey the same roads they had traveled.

With trembling hands, the young scholar searched for scattered parts, trying to assemble a device to stop the bleeding. His newly acquired Forte gently surged and began to warp the metal structures according to his will.

As the bleeding ceased, so did the grand opportunity before him.

It was only a few steps away... but Xiangli Yao had already turned his back.

He knew he had found his own answer.

All Comments 0

Chưa có bình luận nào. Hãy là người đầu tiên bình luận!