Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [273]

"But really, this place is perfect for a good nap."

Gu Sanqiu let out a long yawn. "If the Grand Narukami Shrine has this kind of array technique in their arsenal, I might just snag it and set one up at home. Instant sleep aid—what a lifesaver."

"And yet…"

Glancing back, Gu Sanqiu noticed that several strange little statues had appeared behind him, tucked into inconspicuous spots.

They weren't particularly well-hidden, though. For someone like him, who was attuned to the forest's peculiarities and kept his spiritual senses active, they stood out like a sore thumb.

"These little guys sure are interesting."

They didn't exude any malice; they seemed more like curious children tailing an unfamiliar visitor to their domain, hoping for some fun.

"But isn't there a bit too many of you?"

Though they had chosen some fairly hidden corners to spy from, there was a limit to how "hidden" one could be.

With a soft thunk, an unassuming clay pot rolled out from one such corner. Gu Sanqiu, playing along, turned around and "alertly surveyed" his surroundings before shrugging off the "nonexistent threat" and continuing forward.

Through his spiritual senses, he watched the pot seemingly sprout legs and scurry back to its hiding spot. The sight was as ridiculous as it was amusing.

It felt like dealing with mischievous kids who try to trick you—kids you can't call out, leaving you no choice but to humor them with a bit of acting.

"Hayashi's spot should be around here somewhere."

Though Gu Sanqiu didn't remember the precise details of its location, he could follow the flow of energy within the forest's array. Using his memory as a guide, he avoided unnecessary detours.

Since he was already here, why not visit the legendary Hayashi?

To be honest, before he'd encountered the relevant lore, he'd thought the statue was a knockoff of a Buddhist child statue. At the time, he'd wondered how such an out-of-place design made it into the game.

It wasn't until he went through the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual and re-explored Byakko Plain that he learned the "statue" was actually a sealed great tanuki demon.

And that naturally led to one burning question: just how much does Hayashi weigh?

The statues of other tanuki demons were proportionate to their species' typical size. But Hayashi? He was on a whole other level.

In some sense, aside from his power, Hayashi's weight might truly qualify him as a "great, great, great, great tanuki."

As a yokai with an official title, Hayashi's life was pretty relaxed—his living conditions were just less than ideal, what with being sealed and all. He could laze around all day if he wanted.

If it weren't for the whole "being sealed" part, this job would be perfect for someone from Mondstadt.

Then again, even that guy occasionally gets things done.

Like playing the Lyre of the Winds in a tavern. (Scratch that.)

"Hmm?"

Gu Sanqiu glanced at a Hilichurl archer who was watching him with a tilted head. The creature showed no hostility, further confirming Gu Sanqiu's suspicions about the forest's array.

Forget calling it a sealing array—this was definitely a mind-control array!

Clatter, clatter.

Three little statues trailing behind Gu Sanqiu finally gave up their stealthy act. A clay pot, a rock, and a bush rolled over to him, circling him energetically.

"Hah, I thought you'd hold out a bit longer."

Gu Sanqiu had his ways with mischievous kids.

Secret Technique—Candy Toss!

He flung several sweet-smelling candies in all directions. The trio immediately broke character, transforming back into their true forms and darting off in a flurry to chase the treats.

Even the nearby Hilichurls, babbling in their incomprehensible tongue, joined in, calling for their comrades to join the chase.

Clearly, the distinct aroma of the candies—something entirely foreign to the forest—had caught their attention.

"You see? No one's stopping me from meeting you now, Hayashi."

Gu Sanqiu chuckled before stepping forward. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the stone form of Hayashi.

"Well, since you're a statue now, should I offer you incense or something?"

Gu Sanqiu pondered aloud. But Hayashi wasn't dead—just sealed into stone. It wasn't a shrine someone had built for the great tanuki, which didn't quite fit the incense-offering criteria.

"Hey! Who do you think you are, barging into my territory?"

"Territory? I've never seen a 'territory' ruled by a sealed yokai."

Well, not in this life—or the last.

Gu Sanqiu smirked. "Still, you're an interesting one. Even sealed, you've got the nerve to talk big. Aren't you worried the person in front of you might be someone even stronger?"

"Tch, I'm the legendary great tanuki demon! Lord Hayashi himself! What's there to be afraid of?"

"That's exactly what I'm curious about—what gives a sealed yokai the confidence to boast so loudly?"

...

"Human, what are you even here for?"

Hayashi's patience was running thin. Every word from this guy seemed to jab at his sore spots. If he were confident he could win, he'd have already shown this insolent human the true terror of a great tanuki demon.

"Nothing much, really. Just passing by. I noticed all the energy in this place converging toward you, so I came to take a look. Problem with that?"

"Energy? You're telling me a mere human can perceive the structure of this array?"

Hayashi sounded genuinely surprised.

"This 'mere human' isn't sealed and can still move freely wherever he pleases."

"Fine! At least we can have a conversation that way!"

"Alright, here's a question: is it really that rare to perceive the flow of an array?"

"Since being sealed, you're the only one who's ever done it. What do you think?"

If his current state allowed for it, Hayashi would have rolled his eyes a dozen times.

"Most people who pass through don't even notice the array. Even if they stand right in front of me, as long as I don't speak, they just assume I'm an ordinary stone statue."

"Fascinating. But are you really powerless in this state?"

Gu Sanqiu's eyes drifted to a pile of fruit pits nearby. "Those yours?"

"Of course not! Do I look like I can eat anything in this state?"

"Fair point. You clearly can't."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged and produced a plate of fragrant delicacies.

Whoosh—

This time, the little tanuki moved faster than the Hilichurls—though the latter didn't seem inclined to approach this particular area.

"Human, what are you trying to do? Are you seriously going to feast in front of me? That's just cruel! You're almost as vile as the jerk who sealed me!"

"You're overthinking it. No matter how mischievous I get, I wouldn't bother messing with a rock."

Gu Sanqiu poured himself a glass of fruit juice. "It's not like a rock can react much. What are you gonna do, break the seal and beat me up?"

"I will break the seal and show you the might of Lord Hayashi!"