Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [236]

"You may as well have said nothing," Gu Sanqiu remarked dryly.

"I'm just telling you what fate reveals," Mona replied, sounding defensive. "I even tried to phrase it in a way that Liyue cultivators like you could understand."

Gu Sanqiu's expression shifted into contemplation. "Great fortune and prosperity, grave danger and peril. Honestly, if you weren't so renowned, I'd think you were just laying the groundwork for a scam excuse."

"Still, thanks."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver-framed, gold-embossed check.

"This is your payment for teaching me the spell."

Gu Sanqiu has tipped Mona 1,000,000 Mora.

"A mi—"

Mona slapped a hand over her mouth before she could shout out the figure.

"T-this is way too much! It's just a simple little spell. It's not worth that kind of money!"

"It is," Gu Sanqiu said firmly. "Trust me. This spell is invaluable. This reward is something you've earned."

His tone turned serious. "I can't go into detail, but know that this spell has enormous potential for Liyue."

At first glance, the spell was just a way for someone like Mona to stave off hunger while foraging for wild fruit. But for Gu Sanqiu, its true value was monumental.

Killing Intent Battle Spirit!

No matter how high the entry barrier was for Mona's spell, once he mastered it, he could either simplify it or adapt it using his golden finger ability to create a superior technique. This would be a massive leap toward equipping all of Liyue with Killing Intent Battle Spirit!

Liyue might lack many things—expandable land, the reconstruction of The Chasm, and harmony between mortals, cultivators, and adepti—but it had no shortage of two key resources: Mora and food.

"If this spell succeeds… heh, there won't be any treasure hoarders left in Liyue," he muttered to himself as he walked, his smile light and carefree.

If this were a game, the lack of treasure hoarders—those convenient sources of materials—would definitely annoy him. But this was reality, and as the rightful heir of Liyue (albeit an adopted one), treasure hoarders were an eyesore.

Sure, some turned to banditry out of desperation, or because refusing recruitment meant death. But as far as he was concerned, the only good treasure hoarder was a dead one.

Of course, there were also those adventurers with ambiguous morality who got lumped in with treasure hoarders. Unlike true bandits, they usually avoided harming ordinary people, focusing instead on ancient relics or adeptal treasures.

As for coerced members, they were akin to students who "voluntarily" signed up for extra lessons or bought study materials. Once caught, however, they would still face punishment.

And who's to say the Fatui wouldn't also fall in line, restricted to specific zones within Liyue Harbor during limited hours?

Actual house arrest—or jail.

---

"People of Liyue, thank you for your support. Today, the Crux Fleet sets sail!"

Beidou raised her Blackcliff Slasher high. "Set off!"

The sails dropped, and the Alcor began its steady journey into the open sea. At the harbor, a crowd of Liyue citizens gathered to send them off with blessings for a safe journey.

Beidou, the naval commander, shadowy underworld boss (?), and the uncrowned Dragon King, was renowned throughout Liyue for her boldness and generosity.

During the Rite of Descension, some attendees had their own selfish motives—seeking wealth or power rather than caring about the Archon's descent. But now, the people standing on the pier were united in their simple hope for the fleet's safe return.

"Everyone, stay sharp. Be especially vigilant as we pass Guyun Stone Forest. Report any unusual activity to me immediately. Got it?"

"Yes, Captain!"

Beidou nodded in satisfaction. This was the first voyage after the Lantern Rite, and barking a few orders was a good way to snap the crew out of any lingering holiday complacency.

The idea had come from someone currently holed up in the cargo hold.

"You, hiding down here instead of enjoying the voyage?" Beidou strode into the hold, vigorously ruffling Gu Sanqiu's hair.

"Captain Beidou, don't mess with my hair," Gu Sanqiu said calmly, continuing to inspect and maintain the weapons and supplies in the hold.

"There's nothing interesting to see this close to Liyue Harbor. I'll head out later."

"Tch. When did you become so boring? Don't tell me Ningguang's rubbed off on you."

"Strictly speaking, my sister isn't boring. Her interests just require a very niche skillset to appreciate."

Gu Sanqiu was referring to Thousand Years of Liyue, a notoriously cerebral game Ningguang had created. While it had little appeal to the general public, some bought the simplified civilian version purely because it bore the Tianquan's name.

"And anyway, this spot is still too close to Liyue Harbor. I'll come out later."

Beidou patted his shoulder. "Ah, so that's what's bothering you. Relax, kid. No one suspicious is on this ship. Every single crew member has earned their place through life-and-death struggles."

"I'll wait a little longer. If someone in Liyue has some strange clairvoyance, we might have a problem."

Gu Sanqiu glanced at her. "Captain, make sure no one on the Alcor mentions my whereabouts. Not a word."

"Got it, got it. But seriously, what are you so cautious about? Sneaking onto the ship in the dead of night, refusing to explain your plan—is all this really necessary?"

"It is," he said firmly. "I'll disembark in my own way and act only after erasing any connection between us."

"What exactly are you up to?"

Beidou's expression turned serious as she pinched his cheek.

"Spill, or I'll toss you overboard and let you swim back to shore."

"I just want to accompany the Alcor on this voyage—and maybe poach one of your crew members."

"Huh? The only person worth poaching would be Yanmei. Her accounting skills are top-notch."

"It's a personal matter," Gu Sanqiu said evasively. "It involves some old family records. There was once an onmyoji from Inazuma who sought adeptal knowledge and had dealings with my family."

Not exactly your subordinate—yet.

Gu Sanqiu kept the thought to himself.

"Oh, family business? Alright, I won't pry."

Beidou turned to leave. "Make sure to get some fresh air later."

"Understood."

Gu Sanqiu watched her go. What he was about to do couldn't be shared with anyone—not even the slightest hint.

The matter was as grave as regicide.

"Wind and thunder duo, huh? Let's see how this goes."

A smile spread across his face, though his eyes gleamed with sharp intent.

"Grave danger and peril… that blade, then?"

---

T/N: also holy grail war got blocked :), caught me in a bad time so no reposting here just going to go straight to scribblehub!

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