The dates listed in the DLC descriptions have already passed, so I believe all DLCs contain all the features listed.

To activate the DLC, you must go to the menu option second from the bottom (above "Mod") and switch from closed to enabled.

“Jianghu Domination” is a second core gameplay pillar in *Next Stop Jianghu II*, beyond the identity storylines. In Jianghu II’s seamless open world, players can not only choose various starting identities to experience each identity’s unique path, but also join different sects and vie for supremacy through sect-management simulation. In fact, some endings on many identity lines require deep participation in the corresponding sect gameplay to complete!

1. **At launch**, the initial framework for most sects and Jianghu identities has already been released.
2. **Subsequent free expansions** will gradually flesh out the RPG and management details for each major sect and its associated identity lines.
3. **First expansion “Jianghu Domination: Founding Your Sect”** unlocks:

* RPG gameplay for five sects—Liuyun Escort Agency (Military–Mid-Tier), Yanxi Manor (Confucian–Upper-Tier), Zhongtian Sect (Demon–Lower-Tier), Taichu Sword Sect (Taoist–Upper-Tier), and Songshi Mountain (Buddhist–Upper-Tier)
* Headquarters construction and operation systems
* Advanced “identity” progression content tied to those sects
4. **Later this year**, free expansions will complete:

* **“Jianghu Domination: Sect Enterprise”** (branch halls, new industries such as mining, farming, brothels, taverns)
* **“Jianghu Domination: Alliances & Conflicts”** (multi-sect large-scale warfare)
5. **Future content** will continue to open dozens more sects and their related identity content as free DLC.

---

### “Jianghu Domination: Founding Your Sect” Detailed Phases

#### Phase 1 — Sect Unification

1. After unlocking the “Master” identity line, you may choose to join a sect.
2. Promotion stages open in sequence—Disciple → Elder → Sect Leader (becoming Leader also grants special “Leader Benefits”). Available for Liuyun Escort Agency (Secular–Mid-Tier), Yanxi Manor (Confucian–Upper-Tier), and Zhongtian Sect (Demon–Lower-Tier).
3. Each of these sects has its own storyline progression and will grant you their exclusive martial-arts techniques.
4. Special branch quests and “chance encounters” await for each sect, offering unique rewards and narrative twists.

#### Phase 2 — Sect Management (“Recruit & Expand”)

1. Upon becoming Sect Leader, the sect-management UI unlocks.
2. You may operate one of the three sects above, managing resources and NPC disciples.
3. **Recruit NPC Disciples**—each comes with unique talents and stats:

* Talents confer special bonuses (e.g., resource gathering, forging success rate, brewing efficiency).
* Higher-stat NPCs are harder to recruit but provide greater benefits.
4. **Headquarters Construction**—sect buildings have upgrade levels, each requiring specific conditions. Different halls (e.g., Hall of Rites, Finance Hall, Refining Hall) serve distinct functions and affect sect attributes like stability, disciple loyalty, and item availability in your Treasure Pavilion.
5. **Refining Hall**—dispatch disciples to forge weapons and craft elixirs; disciple talents significantly influence outcomes (e.g., a forging master can produce the strongest weapons).
6. **Treasure Pavilion**—invest personal materials to expand the sect’s Pavilion, unlocking rarer treasures as its level increases.
7. **Sect Store**—as Leader, you control the store’s inventory; higher Prosperity values trigger regular refreshes of rare items.

#### Phase 3 — “Warm-Up and Optimization” (May 28 Onward)

1. Beginning May 28, the first “Warm-Up & Optimization” patch for this DLC kicks off a seven-day celebration (base game discounted 12%).
2. Players who purchased the “Jianghu Dream” DLC receive free upgrade packs, including two new costumes, mounts, and special effects “Xia Yun Ying Jie”; plus a new martial-arts fx “Surprise Dragon” for the Long-Dragon Manual (requires equipment activation).
3. **Additional tweaks:**

* Unlock 4th-loop difficulty
* Convert meridian/martial-arts/weapon percentage bonuses to fixed values
* Regional wandering merchants added for easier purchase of meridians and materials
* Rebalanced Huai Lin Pearls acquisition and efficacy
* Strong-difficulty Huai Lin Pearls now grant +10–20% stronger entries
* Ongoing map-icon and description optimizations for clarity

#### Phase 4 — “Escort-Bearer Demons Emerge”

(Formal launch of optional DLC content)

1. Unlock Liuyun Escort Agency’s full storyline progression
2. Unlock Zhongtian Sect’s full storyline progression
3. Expand “Jianghu Domination” Headquarters mechanics (see Phase 2 details)
4. More NPC roles (Deputy Sect Leader, Guardian, Hall Masters) become available, each with stat requirements and benefits
5. Sect buildings (Refining Hall, Treasure Pavilion, Sect Store, etc.) release additional functions progressively as DLC patches roll out

### Overview

“Fugitive Bride” is the second large free-play expansion DLC for Jianghu II, centered on the first female lead. It launched July 18 at 12:00. Due to team size and content scope, the DLC is rolled out in multiple batches over time. As a token of appreciation, a free cosmetic pack (new outfits, weapon skins, etc.) is also granted outside of the main DLC content. Although development is gradual, every feature will be delivered step by step!

### Independent Storyline

* Written by a bestselling online novelist, featuring hundreds of thousands of words of main-story narrative plus dozens of encounters and side quests for players to explore.
* Players assume the role of a wealthy young woman who flees her clan to enter the Jianghu, experiencing grudges, alliances, and the world’s cold realities.
* You may wander freely as a carefree rogue, letting events unfold on their own, or use side quests to tilt situations in your favor.
* The game features multiple endings determined entirely by the player’s actions.

---

### Release Schedule & Batch Content

#### July 18 — “Fugitive Bride Part 1 (Teaser)”

1. Unlocks the new female-lead identity storyline: *Fugitive Bride – Part 1*, with all-new side quests, encounters, and Jianghu challenges.
2. Copywriting, balancing, and performance (“stutter”) optimizations.
3. First wave of world-NPC ecosystem integration.
4. Gamepad support Phase 2 begins, with ongoing refinements.

#### Late July — “Fugitive Bride Part 2”

1. **Companion System**: bond, recruit, deploy companions who train and learn random NPC active moves—full progression akin to the main character.
2. Many new martial-arts styles and encounters (e.g., Tai Chi).
3. Further depth and richness for Liuyun Escort Agency and Zhongtian Sect gameplay.
4. Copywriting, balancing, and performance optimizations.

#### Week 1 of August — “Fugitive Bride Part 3”

1. Unlocks the new female-lead identity storyline: *Fugitive Bride – Middle Arc*, with fresh side quests, encounters, and Jianghu challenges.
2. Unlocks **Difficulty 5**: all boss mechanics are fully enhanced (mechanics, skills, AI, etc.).

#### Early August (Aug 5–11) — “Part 3” Supplemental Content

1. **Mount Song Phase 2**: large-scale storyline and encounter optimizations.
2. **Difficulty 5 Finale**: brand-new wild boss AI, skills, and mechanics in “Peerless” difficulty (bosses forcibly control–break, screen-wide instant damage, and many new systems).
3. Further tuning of the companion system and extensive bug fixes and UX improvements.
4. **Companion Differentiation**: newly added fixed-NPC companions each gain unique special skills.
5. New supreme Yang-style sword manual: **Pure Yang Sword Art**.
6. “Copywriting, balancing, and performance optimizations — August Part 1.”

#### Mid-August (Aug 12–18) — “Fugitive Bride Part 4” (Conclusion of Main Story)

Multiple endings + several romance branches unlocked.

1. Unlocks the new female-lead identity storyline: *Fugitive Bride – Final Arc*, with corresponding side quests, encounters, and Jianghu challenges.
2. **Martial-Arts Tiers & Build Optimization Part 1**—laying groundwork for deeper martial-arts gameplay.

* **New Tiers Added**: Red (Earth Tier – Supreme Techniques) and Rainbow (Heaven Tier – Divine Arts) atop the existing White/Green/Blue/Purple/Orange system.
* Existing martial arts rebalanced to new tier structure (e.g., “Descending Dragon” gains full-version Rainbow tier skills).
* **Mind-Method & Martial-Arts Synergy System** fully mapped out for future large-scale additions.
3. New Earth-tier saber supreme art: **Aohan Six Techniques** and the divine weapon **Snow-Drinking Frenzy Blade**, with corresponding encounter and synergy gameplay.
4. “Copywriting, balancing, and performance optimizations — August Part 2.”

#### Late August (Aug 19–25) — “Fugitive Bride Part 5” (Branch Stories)

1. **Beggar’s Sect Expansion**: full RPG and sect-management experience; new “Survival” and “Intelligence” mechanics; new “Descending Dragon” side quests and moves; new Dog-Beating Staff style; hidden staff supreme art “Settling Sea Divine Pillar.”
2. Beggar’s Sect plays out with a dedicated storyline (shared by both leads), laying groundwork for the female-lead’s secret “escape marriage” branch.
3. **All-Arts Optimization Part 2**: ensuring every martial art has unique value—no “best” style, only your personal hero’s path.

* Further enrich mind-method synergies and add new synergy effects.
* Introduce new synergy paradigms such as “Mind-Focus + Technique Focus,” “Technique Focus,” and “Guardian Build.”
4. “Copywriting, balancing, and performance optimizations — August Part 3.”

### Expansion Details

1. **Jianghu Domination Trilogy: Conquest**

* Opens up the sect-faction territory map to present a fractured Jianghu where each sect controls its own region
* Unlocks the large-scale “world takeover” mode, allowing your sect to capture strategic points and earn ongoing revenue
* Introduces massive warband battles in a Mount & Blade-style system: lead or dispatch disciples to conquer outposts in sprawling melee conflicts and unify the Jianghu

2. **Complete Overhaul and Optimization of All Martial Arts**

* Finalizes the framework and balance of existing martial arts, finishing their collection and combination systems
* Prepares a foundation for a large influx of new sect, wilderness, and identity-specific martial arts in future free expansions
* Lays groundwork for the September expansion’s hidden-weapons school and associated martial-art gameplay

3. **“Copywriting & Numbers Optimization: August Fourth Wave”**

* Unlocks Celestial-Tier martial arts: by combining styles you can now master the Celestial Spear technique “Calming Sea Pillar”
* Rebalances in-combat elixir effects so that potion bonuses feel appropriate and impactful
* Adjusts and fine-tunes the difficulty of all boss fights across every level setting
* Optimizes wild monster stats and the Five-Elements relationships in each difficulty so counters and strengths are clearer

---

### “Jianghu Domination” Overview

“Jianghu Domination” is a second core gameplay pillar in **Next Stop Jianghu II** alongside the identity storylines. In its seamless open world, you’re free to choose different starting identities and follow their unique paths—but you can also join a sect and engage in a deep, simulated sect-management competition for supremacy. In fact, many identity endings hinge on your willingness to dive into the associated sect gameplay.

**DLC “Flowers of Conquest” Exclusive Content**
This content requires the base game **Next Stop Jianghu II** to play.

**Fourth Free Major Expansion — “Flowers of Conquest”**

### First Wave — September 23

1. **New Martial-Art System: Hidden Weapons**

* Unlock hidden weapons and dozens of associated martial-art routines and combo sets, along with a matching suite of large-scale side-quest encounters.
2. **New Cultivable Sect: Tang Sect**

* Unlock the full RPG storyline for the Tang Sect, complete with exclusive side quests, signature techniques, and new martial arts.
3. **New Identity: Hidden-Weapons Master**

* Craft hidden weapons and upgrade them as you level up—use them in combat to trigger bonus effects.
4. **Balance, Copywriting & Performance Optimizations (Third September Patch)**

* Added enhancement attributes to certain high-tier moves, expanding combo possibilities
* Infused remaining NPCs’ martial arts with new “energy infusion” and updated NPC meridian attributes
* Introduced numerous additional martial-art styles, routines, and combination systems

### “Jianghu Domination: Turbulent Jianghu” (akin to Mount & Blade and Manor-Lord gameplay) — September 23

Unlocks the simulated management system for “Jianghu Domination: Conquest”:

* **Sect Cultivation & World Building**

* Fully cultivate disciples, train sect members, research new martial arts, and more
* **Stronghold Occupation**

* Occupied strongholds serve as garrison points for your disciples, generate resources, and become focal points for sect rivalries
* **Sect Operations**

* Recruit talented NPCs, assign organizational roles, upgrade buildings, appoint personnel, delegate NPCs to manage strongholds, conduct sect diplomacy, run commerce, mine resources, gather materials, etc. (features rolled out in stages)

### Second Wave — September 30

* **New Large-Scale Mode: Mount Hua Sword Contest**

* Strategically assemble your contest lineup based on preferred playstyle, tactical needs, and opponents’ strengths—this is as much about martial-arts synergy as it is about partner selection.
* Battle other players’ lineups in the heart of Mount Hua’s peak, where an unprecedented martial-arts grand tournament unfolds.
* **Mode Features:**

1. Freely select and switch the contest map
2. Freely choose your contest partners and form your team
3. Comment on, “like,” or “dislike” other teams and challenge them to duels
4. Earn prestigious titles such as “Four Wonders of Wulin” and “Number One Under Heaven”
5. Future updates will introduce full-scale Sect Wars
* **New Cultivable Sect: Eastern Depot**

* Unlock the complete RPG storyline for the Eastern Depot, including its exclusive side quests, ultimate techniques, and martial arts
* **New Identity: Depot Master**

* Assume the role of a Depot Master, able to interrogate NPCs and conduct household raids for intelligence and resources

### Next Stop Jianghu II — Free Gameplay DLC 5: Scholar from a Humble Household

#### Scholar Identity Unlock

* The new “Scholar from a Humble Household” identity will unlock after the November 6 update.

---

#### First Wave: “Warm-Up: Ghostly Ravine”

**Release Time:** October 28, 2024 at 16:00
**Content:**

1. **Halloween Special Mode – Ghostly Ravine**

* During Halloween, we’ve prepared an exclusive “Ghostly Ravine” mode with its own challenges and rewards.
* **New Ghost Skins:** Male “Bone General” and female “Phantom Lady,” available under Disguise → Wardrobe.
* **Ghostly Ravine Dungeon:** Venture into the Ravine to defeat ghostly foes for rare loot.
* **New Ghost Monsters:** Skeleton Swordsman, Skeleton Blade Guard, Skeleton Swordsman Guard, Skeleton Blade Guard.
* **New Martial Arts:** White-Bone Divine Art and Phantom-Flame Codex.

2. **New Sect – Dual-Cultivation Manor**

* Full RPG storyline, side-quests, signature techniques, and martial-arts sets.
* Special rules: Brothel, Intelligence Network, and Secret Cultivation.
* Includes a hidden main quest that ties into the Scholar storyline.

3. **New Sect – Mad Blade Sect**

* “Their blades shake the heavens—who dares rival the Mad Blade?”
* Full RPG storyline, side-quests, signature techniques, and martial arts.
* Completing its major side-quests grants the “Six Cold Arts” and the “Snow-Drinking Mad Blade,” and may trigger a merger with the Absolute Sword Sect.

4. **New Sect – Absolute Sword Sect**

* “One sword outshines all; its edge spans nine provinces!”
* Full RPG storyline, side-quests, signature techniques, and martial arts.
* Completing its major side-quests grants the “Three Overlord Sword” and the “Peerless Sword.”
* After merging with the Mad Blade Sect, disciples can master both the Overlord Sword and the Six Cold Arts using divine weapons.

5. **New Feature Mode – Lyric Pavilion**

* “Music, painting, dance—find your kindred spirits in the Manor!”
* Manage the Pavilion: assign NPCs to positions based on their artistry (qin, qi, shu, hua), earn tips from Jianghu visitors, and exchange favors for Dual-Cultivation Manor tokens.

6. **New Identity Features – Artisans & Minstrels**

* **Artisan:** Carries portable crafting tools to forge and reforged gear anywhere.
* **Minstrel:** Unlocks “Melodic Charm” to enthrall NPCs and recruit them to the Lyric Pavilion (after unlocking the Pavilion).

---

#### New Martial Arts Added

1. Three Overlord Sword
2. Heavenly Saber Eight Forms
3. Blood Saber Scripture
4. Wind God Leg · Skystorm Remnant
5. Cloud-Clearing Palm · Ocean Waves
6. Frostfall Fist · Frost-Scarred
7. Divine Light Splitting Sword
8. Life-Leeching Blade
9. Triple-Minute Needle Technique
10. Frost Needle Record
11. Cold-Light Needle Classic
12. Nine-Heavens Cold Needle Codex

---

#### Second Wave: “Scholar DLC Part 2 – Launch”

**Release Time:** November 6, 2024 at 12:00
**Content:**

1. **New Identity – Scholar (Chapter 1)**

* Full Scholar identity storyline (Chapter 1) and dozens of large side-quests.
2. **New Identity Features – Scholar & Eclecticist**

* **Scholar:** Participate in literary assemblies across the land and compete for top honors.
* **Eclecticist:** Carries portable crafting tools for on-the-go forging.

---

#### World Ecology Deployment (Phase 1)

1. **NPC Relationship UI Overhaul**

* Reorganized into three tabs: Kin, Sect-mates, and Friends & Foes.
* Streamlined layout to remove clutter while preserving key details.
2. **Enhanced NPC Interactions**

* **Affinity Changes:**

* Discuss mutual acquaintances or events to raise affinity.
* Insult or slander someone to lower a specific NPC’s affinity.
* **Dynamic Rumors:** NPCs periodically share up-to--date Jianghu news (e.g., new legendary swords, rising factions).
* **Inquiry Feature:** Ask NPCs for specific rumors or clues; responses vary by their affinity and your questions.

---

#### Third Wave: “Scholar DLC Part 3 – Conclusion”

**Release Time:** November 13, 2024
**Content:**

1. **New Identity – Scholar (Chapter 2)**

* Full Scholar identity storyline (Chapter 2) and dozens of large side-quests.
2. **New Identity Features – Outlaw, Escort, Assassin, Warrior**

* **Outlaw:** Theft (steal items from NPCs) and Convoy Raids.
* **Escort:** Enhanced escort missions and confrontations with Outlaws.
* **Assassin:** Accept assassination contracts from the “Su Shu Workshop.”
* **Warrior:** Specializes in sparring and martial training.

---

#### World Ecology Deployment (Phase 2)

1. **Expanded Carrier Pigeon System**

* Fully manage your Friends list (add/remove).
* Embed NPC-interaction options in pigeon messages (small talk, requests, story sharing).
* Query a friend’s or NPC’s current location via pigeon.
2. **Smarter NPCs**

* **Active Requests:** NPCs can proactively ask for items based on story or quest needs.
* **Autonomous Quest Publishing:** NPCs issue quests to the player based on progress, level, or conditions.
* **Death-Cause Tracking:** Players can discover the cause of an NPC’s death through specific methods.

---

Enjoy experiencing the full depth of Scholar from a Humble Household, from its spectral Halloween prelude to its concluding chapter and rich world-ecology systems!

## I. “Commoner’s Jianghu: Prelude”

**Update Time:** Evening of November 21

### November 21 Preview Content

1. **New Identity Unlocked – Warrior**

* Warrior-specific features: training abilities include “Winter Training (Great Cold),” “Summer Training (Dog Days),” “Morning Sun’s Purple Aura,” and “Warrior’s Instinct.”

2. **Combat Operation Improvements**

* Reduced recovery frames, smoother animation chains, and a cancel-recovery mechanic allow players to immediately chain attacks or switch to defense after executing a skill combo.

3. **Detail Adjustments**

1. Character attributes are now grouped into **Basic**, **Combat**, and **Defense** categories for clearer display.
2. Title colors, life-skill icons, quest-icon colors, and name colors have been diversified so players can quickly distinguish roles and functions.

4. **“Heroic Chronicles” Output Optimizations**

5. **World Ecology Enhancements**

1. NPCs will proactively show goodwill toward the player.
2. NPCs may invite the player to form bonds or even marriage.
3. **Carrier Pigeon System Update:**

* Players can send distress messages to NPCs via carrier pigeon; NPCs may respond and come to aid.
* NPCs interacting with you may send messages of affection back via pigeon.

6. **Cultivation Breakthrough Mechanic Overhaul**

* Removed the previous requirement to consume “Unwatered Cloud Pills.”
* Now breakthroughs rely on practicing **Heart Techniques**, with bonus effects determined by the technique’s quality and focus.

1. The old “Unwatered Cloud Pill” requirement (previously a rare, unclear-drop consumable) has been removed for a smoother experience.
2. Heart Techniques are now the key to realm breakthroughs—each offers unique boosts to offense, defense, or special traits. Techniques can be re-refined after breakthrough.
3. Technique quality and thematic focus directly affect which attributes and how strongly they’re boosted. High-grade techniques aligned with your playstyle yield the greatest gains.
4. “Unwatered Cloud Pills” now grant cultivation experience when used.

---

## II. “Commoner’s Jianghu: Release”

### November 28 Preview Content

1. **New Identity Unlocked – Assassin**

* Assassin gameplay via “Plain-Text Workshop” assassination missions and assassin-school skills.

2. **New Identity Unlocked – Taoist**

* Taoist-specific features: “Philosophy Debates” and “Cosmic Steps.”

3. **World Ecology & Gameplay Updates**

* Every player action—good or ill—now affects a **Morality** value.
* Negative deeds (killing, theft) sharply drop Morality; positive deeds (gift-giving, solving constable missions) raise it.

4. **New Sect – Black Wind Stronghold**

* Full RPG storyline with unique martial arts and related encounters.

5. **New Sect – Twelve-Chain Dock**

* Full RPG storyline with unique martial arts and related encounters.

6. **New Sect – Yunchuan Escort Agency**

* Full RPG storyline with unique martial arts and related encounters.

7. **Detail Optimizations**

1. Equipment affix display has been refined for readability—attributes and effects are now more intuitive.
2. Companion equipment details are more clearly presented in the UI: click a companion or view its gear screen to inspect currently equipped items and their stats.

---

## III. December 5 Preview

1. **New Identity Unlocked – Physiognomist**

* Features include face-reading and Feng Shui mechanics.

2. **New Identity Unlocked – Monk**

* Features include “Debate Scripture” and advanced cultivation training.

3. **New Identity Unlocked – Brewmaster**

* Partial RPG storyline focused on brewing craft.

4. **Storyline Polishing**

* Streamlined main quest logic and voice-over cleanup.

5. **Basic Movement & Controls**

* Improved character movement and fundamental operations.

6. **Quest System Revamp**

* Optimized random NPC commission tasks and rewards; overhauled the frequently criticized “toilet-cleaning” quest chain.

---

## IV. December 12 Preview

1. **New Identity Unlocked – Fisherman**

* Increased fish rarity and importance, length/weight tracking, plus new rod-use mechanics.

2. **New Identity Unlocked – Brewmaster**

* Fully fleshed brewing gameplay features.

3. **Detail Experience Optimizations**

1. Adjusted martial-arts teaching output to strengthen sect systems while toning down standalone martial schools.
2. Enhanced equipment durability prompts and gear categorization.

4. **Wealthy Heiress Storyline Improvements**

* Guidance and side-quest expansions for the Heiress identity.

5. **Scholar Storyline Improvements**

* Guidance and side-quest expansions for the Scholar identity.

6. **World Ecology Enrichment**

* Deploy at least seven new large-scale open-world encounters tightly integrated with ecology, martial arts, sects, and identities.

---

## V. December 19 Preview

1. **Advanced Beggar Identity**

* Ecology-driven intelligence functions.

2. **Advanced Scholar Identity**

* Enhanced literary festivals in Yujing, Huiling, and Yanzhou.

3. **Advanced Imperial Hound Identity**

* “Search & Seizure” missions in Pinglu, Huiling, and Yanzhou.

4. **World Ecology**

* Large dungeon-style encounters now adapt to all identity lines.
* At least eight brand-new special encounters.
* NPCs may place bounties on the player, spawning assassination attempts.

5. **Deep Sect System Expansion**

* New sect-focused martial arts, completing and differentiating sect-specific combat styles and advancement trees.

## I. “Commoner’s Jianghu: Prelude”

**Update Time:** Evening of December 25, 2024

### Preview for December 25

1. **New Free DLC: “Industry Awakens”**

* Seventh major free-play DLC for Jianghu II.

2. **Core Theme: A Living, Breathing Jianghu**

* **World Ecology:** Warring powers carve out territories—introducing a full large-map sect-construction system.
* **Sect Gameplay Deep Dive:** Further refinements to the “Jianghu Domination” series’ sect mechanics.
* **Ecology Deployment:** Advanced world-ecology features tied to the sect system.

---

## II. December 26 Content (Partial)

1. **Additional Sect Gameplay for Jianghu Domination**
a. **Sword Manor (Jianzhaï):** Full RPG storyline, sect-unique mechanics, signature martial arts, and related sect encounters.
b. **Great Snow Mountain Sect:** Full RPG storyline, sect-unique mechanics, signature martial arts, and related sect encounters.

2. **NPC Combat-Logic Optimization**

---

## III. January 6 Content (Partial)

1. **Open-World Construction & New Sect Management**
a. Heroes can now construct their own sect one brick at a time on the large world map according to their strategy and preferences.
b. Sect buildings no longer exist only in a menu—they leave physical marks in the open world.
c. **New Sect Operations:** Unlock indoor scenes in town buildings and dozens of new related side-quest encounters.

2. **Rich World Ecology**
a. Over a dozen brand-new open-world encounter systems.
b. Random treasure-chest rewards rebalanced: chests now yield fixed, region-based loot instead of purely random drops.

---

## IV. January 10 Content (Partial)

1. **“True Jianghu” Difficulty Mode**

* New meridian (jingmai) system, streamlined attribute mechanics, gear adjustments, improved beginner experience, and martial-arts value rebalances.

2. **Enhanced Martial-Arts Effects**

* Each martial-arts style now grants unique passive effects when equipped.

3. **World Ecology Improvements**
a. More diverse NPC backstories and behaviors.
b. Full NPC growth and progression systems.
c. NPC–NPC trade and economy interactions.

4. **NPC Info-Panel Overhaul**

* Redesigned in-game UI for viewing NPC details, relationships, and stats.

## “Next Stop Jianghu II” Free DLC #8: Wandering Swordsman — Key Highlights

As the New Year arrives, we’ll release the eighth major free-play DLC “Wandering Swordsman” in January. With this update, Jianghu II’s core framework is now complete:

1. **Three-pillar structure**: Main storyline, sandbox sect paths, and sandbox identity paths all stand equally.
2. **Mod Support & Workshop**: The mod editor and Steam Workshop are officially open.
3. **Living Jianghu**: Through official DLC and player mods, the world breathes with life and depth.

---

## Creative Workshop: Forge Your Jianghu Legend

The **Creative Workshop** offers a vast stage for your imagination:

* **Forge Legendary Weapons** or **Write Riveting Jianghu Tales**—the Workshop gives you limitless freedom.
* Share your creations with other players; top community works may be integrated into the official game.
* From this version onward, we’ve opened mod-editor support for quests, character tweaks, and item edits. Continuous updates will follow.

---

## New Identity Path: Wandering Swordsman

**“Debonair, resourceful rogue”**

* A tribute to my favorite literary antihero—dash through imperial courts, six-door detective halls, sky thieves, forest outlaws, assassins, and pleasure houses. Blend mystery, puzzle-solving, sect affiliations, and streetwise guile with our most legendary light-skill martial arts.
* Unlock the full Wandering Swordsman main questline plus dozens of large-scale side-quests.

### Story Synopsis

You are the most famed rogue of the Jianghu, unmatched in lightness skill and evasive prowess. During a heist to steal the Cloud-Hidden Divine Stone, your friend is gravely wounded by the Dual-Cultivation Manor. To save them, you vow to aid Lady Gu of the Manor in uncovering the culprit—only to discover that this conspiracy ties directly to your own origins. With truth shrouded in mystery, you embark on a perilous journey through the Jianghu to unveil the hidden plot.

---

## Complete “Dragon-Subduing” Eighteen-Form Mastery + New Adventures

No prior game has fully recreated the classic **Dragon-Subduing Fist** in all eighteen forms—until now:

* **Unlocked here**: the remaining thirteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, each with its own new adventure to earn it.
* Passive forms “Dragon Leaps in the Abyss” and “Dragon Appears in the Field” become active combo skills.
* To honor tradition, the final three palms—“The Missing Three”—are only obtained by completing epic, large-scale questlines.

---

## Other Notable Updates (Partial)

1. **Martial-Arts System Overhaul**: Deep refinements for richer combos and skill releases.
2. **New Identity**: Sky Thief, complete with its own quest path.
3. **World Ecology**: NPCs now perform special actions like theft, adding realism and unpredictability.

## Next Stop Jianghu II Free DLC #9: “Simulated Jianghu” — Key Highlights

As spring arrives, we’re releasing the ninth major free DLC, “Simulated Jianghu,” in three waves:

* **Wave 1:** March 14 update
* **Wave 2:** expected March 21
* **Wave 3:** expected March 28

---

### Wave 1 (March 14) — “Simulated Jianghu” Core Features

1. **Deeper Jianghu Simulation**

* Beyond fighting, “Simulated Jianghu” focuses on ecological diversity and dynamic NPC interactions for a more authentic world.
* Players can run shops and escort services to amass wealth, gather intelligence and side-quests in brothels and gambling houses, take part in sect construction to boost influence, and leverage NPC social networks to reshape the Jianghu—achieving a truly immersive “everyone is in the game” experience.

2. **New Commercial Gameplay**

* Establish businesses like Divine-Weapon Manor, Yunxiao Manor, and Little Stone Town, integrate with escort missions, and trade goods—buy low, sell high.

3. **Jianghu Savvy & NPC Stories**

* Dozens of brand-new emergent events.
* Standalone NPC storylines and rich vignettes—e.g., the apricot-seller by the willow in Yangzhou murmuring half a “Rain on the Bells” lullaby, or the drunken itinerant Daoist in Luoyang whose compass spun of its own accord.

4. **Classic Martial Arts Added**

* Wu Mu’s Thirteen Spears
* Flowing Cloud’s Moon-Cleaving Blade

5. **Martial-Arts Quest Lines**

* Quest adventures for Wu Mu’s Thirteen Spears
* Quest adventures for Flowing Cloud’s Moon-Cleaving Blade

6. **“Jianghu Guide” (Phase 1) Enhancements**

* Integrated with DeepSeek for up-to-date data.
* Fed guides for resource farming, martial-arts farming, vague-hint quests, dungeon tips, fixed-NPC recruitment, meditation spots, wild boss locations, etc.
* Pruned outdated entries.
* Players can query the Guide for in-game questions—feedback welcome to fill any gaps!

7. **Miscellaneous Fixes & Optimizations**

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### Wave 2 (March 21) — “Simulated Jianghu” Updates

1. **Brothel Ecosystem & Intelligence**

* Brothels now contain intelligence-trading districts where you converse with courtesans for secrets and pick up assassination contracts—setting the stage for the upcoming “Wulin Strife” assassin series.

2. **New Sect Ecosystem**

* Sect halls now house facilities like the Library of Hidden Scrolls; engage in sect activities to boost reputation and power.

3. **Classic Martial Art Added**

* The One-Yang Finger technique.

4. **Martial-Arts Quest Line**

* Quest adventure for One-Yang Finger.

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### Wave 3 (March 28) — “Simulated Jianghu” Final Updates

1. **Gambling House Ecosystem**

* Broadened gambling functions: various games of chance with attendant risks—small bets for fun, large bets at your peril.

2. **Additional Sect Ecosystem**

* Sect halls now include training grounds; partake in activities to elevate sect standing and strength.

3. **Classic Martial Art Added**

* The Six-Vein Divine Sword.

4. **Martial-Arts Quest Line**

* Quest adventure for Six-Vein Divine Sword.

**Expansion Features**

**Feature 1: Large-Scale Story Series - Winds of the Frontier**
A new large-scale story series, "Winds of the Frontier," along with dozens of side quests and special encounters, brings players a fresh narrative experience.

**Part 1: Rising Winds**
In the frontier, various factions stir in the shadows, and a fragile balance of many years is on the verge of collapse. Players will find themselves in the midst of this turbulent storm, clashing with different forces, uncovering hidden conspiracies, and determining who will hold the reins in this conflict.

**Part 2: Choices in a Chaotic World**
Amid alliances and betrayals, the frontier's martial world descends into relentless chaos. Players must strategize carefully, balance the powers of various factions, make critical decisions, and carve out their own legendary tale in the martial world.

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**Feature 2: New Achievements Launched**
The game introduces a major achievement update, adding nearly a hundred new achievements related to exploration, story, and sects:

1) **Chronicles of the Martial World**: Achievements tied to main storylines (key plots, branches, and endings), side quests (major side quests, branches, and endings), and special encounters (encounter stories and endings).
2) **Sect Intrigues**: Achievements related to sect storylines, conquests, and development.
3) **Free Exploration**: Achievements tied to martial arts, cultivation (meridians, realms, divine weapons, rare treasures), NPC challenges, and gameplay.

**Achievement Rewards Adjusted**:
- Talent Points (usable in New Game+).
- Outfits.
- Title Effects.

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**Feature 3: New Heroes of the Realm Registry**
A grand "Heroes of the Realm Registry" emerges, chronicling the most remarkable figures in the martial world:

- **Ten Beauties**: A single smile can halt wars.
- **Ten Young Masters**: A gentle wave of a fan can shift the tides of fate.
- **Ten Extraordinary Heroes**: A sword that challenges all realms, breaking through impossible odds.

To claim a spot on the registry, one must make the martial world their stage:
- Beauties must leave their mark with zither and sword, inspiring thousands of heroes to brave any peril.
- Young Masters must weave their charm through poetry and art, captivating countless hearts.
- Extraordinary Heroes must tread an unconventional path, defying fate in the most desperate of situations.

*"That year, I rode through the south, witnessing a lone figure in white, blood-stained, standing at the bow of a boat. Three thousand pursuers were at their heels, yet they held a peach blossom still wet with dew. Only later did I learn—that was the Young Master's pledge to the Heroes' Registry."*

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**Feature 4: Classic Martial Arts**
1) New Classic Martial Art: **Qiankun Shift** (Internal Skill) and its corresponding special encounter adventure.
2) New Classic Martial Art: **Soul-Chasing Life-Taking Sword** and its corresponding special encounter adventure.
3) New Classic Martial Art: **Heaven-Escaping Sword Technique** and its corresponding special encounter adventure.