Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [301]

"Xiao, are you kidding me?"

Gu Sanqiu wore a pained expression. "Do you guys seriously enjoy throwing people into ley lines that much?"

"It's not about what I like," Xiao replied, his tone unchanging. "Strictly speaking, this tactic was a specialty of the Dragon King used specifically against your family, and it has since become a common tale in our circles."

"Your family… is just too unruly."

…

What does my ancestors being wild have to do with me, Gu Sanqiu? I've always been steady and sensible, okay!

He didn't dare say this aloud. If he did, Xiao would probably mock him mercilessly.

"The gods, the Seven Archons—they hold unparalleled power in this world. Even among the adepti, the difference between them and the Archons is like heaven and earth," Xiao continued. "You should stop doing such reckless things in the future, or perhaps learn from your ancestors: leave descendants first, and then go do your dangerous deeds."

What? Having a kid just so you can die more recklessly later? That's such a hardcore take on parenting that it would spark an outrage from internet trolls!

Gu Sanqiu was stunned. Having children wasn't even on his radar right now—it was completely unrealistic.

With Kazuha's earlier story arc wrapped up, and Aether likely fishing up emergency rations in the river about now, there was no reason to stir up trouble at a time like this. It'd only make things worse for everyone.

"Fine, I'll keep it low-key then," he muttered.

Xiao glanced at him, skeptical. Hearing those words come out of someone with the surname Gu just didn't sound credible at all.

"Forget it. Let's go eat."

"Eat?"

Xiao nodded. "When the karmic debt isn't actively threatening me, I can sit down and have a meal with others. Yanxiao's cooking is decent."

"Come on, he's one of the finest chefs at one of the top-tier inns in Liyue. Of course, his cooking would be great."

Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "Alright, I guess I can score a late-night snack out of this trip."

---

After eating and drinking their fill—or rather, after Gu Sanqiu and Yanxiao downed alcohol while Xiao merely observed—the adeptus left Wangshu Inn with a polite word of thanks. Perhaps he had to head back to work.

"Boss, here's the money," Gu Sanqiu said, pulling out two large-denomination silver banknotes and handing them to Verr Goldet.

"I don't know if the money I left last time was enough, but here's some more. If Xiao ever wants to learn a cooking technique or two, just deduct the cost from this."

For Mondstadt's people, especially that cheerful little ball of sunshine who helped save Albedo, Wangshu Inn was a similar sanctuary for Xiao.

No matter when he arrived, Yanxiao would always serve up freshly made dishes despite constantly grumbling about freeloaders, and Verr Goldet and the others always treated Xiao with courteous respect. It was a genuine friendship, one of mutual understanding.

The people of Wangshu Inn held a special place in Xiao's heart.

Yanxiao's eyes lit up. "Young Master Gu, I worked so hard to prepare this table of food. Any tips?"

"I'm pretty sure tipping isn't part of Liyue's customs," Gu Sanqiu teased, but he still tossed a shimmering gem into Yanxiao's hands.

"It's an elemental crystal infused with Hydro energy. It'll help reduce the risk of occupational hazards from being around flames all day. Or you could sell it—it's worth quite a lot."

"Heh, only an idiot would sell it. Thanks, Young Master!"

Yanxiao carefully tucked the gem close to him. He was no fool and understood that these two mysterious individuals, while easygoing, were still powerful beings with no ordinary tempers.

What's wrong with asking for perks? This is my rightful reward as Wangshu Inn's head chef!

Stand tall and proud

"Take care! If there are any monster disturbances near Wangshu Inn, maybe you could ask Xiao to help."

"Hah, safe travels, Young Master. If it's just a few monsters, we'll handle it through the Adventurers' Guild. No need to bother him."

---

Whistling and with his hands behind his head, Gu Sanqiu strolled back home, feeling fairly content. At least his efforts hadn't been wasted.

"Back already?"

Gu Sanqiu froze in place. Ningguang was sitting by the stone table, sipping tea, her cold gaze fixed on him.

"Whoa, Sis! How long have you been waiting here?"

He suddenly felt like a teenager caught sneaking back home after an all-night gaming session, only to find his family waiting to confront him.

"Not long," Ningguang replied as she rose, heading towards the incense hall.

"Follow me."

Gu Sanqiu obediently trailed after her.

"Kneel!"

At her sharp command, he dropped to his knees in front of the grand censer with practiced ease, as though this was far from his first time in this position.

"When I first met you here all those years ago, you were a timid, frail little boy," Ningguang began. "Look at you now. Look at what you've done!"

She took a deep breath, trying to quell her anger.

"If I had known earlier what you planned to do in Inazuma, I would never have allowed it!"

Gu Sanqiu cautiously looked up at her. "So… you found out?"

"You returned, had a feast at Liuli Pavilion, and then stayed cooped up at home for ten days. That was plenty of time for me to visit your two friends and get the details," Ningguang said coldly. "Now I understand why you've been so quiet lately."

Ah… so he'd been betrayed by Kazuha and Raimei. Still, they probably believed family had a right to know.

"Don't be mad, Sis! I made it back alive, didn't I?" Gu Sanqiu said, attempting to stand.

"Kneel down!"

He dropped back down instantly.

"You've always been reckless in Liyue, but I usually don't interfere because I know you mean well and won't do anything truly harmful. But this time, you've gone too far!"

Her voice grew sharper. "What destiny did you see? What does it have to do with you?"

"That was someone else's fate, and if you intervened and something went wrong, what then?"

"You risked your life to save someone. Don't you understand that only the living can shape the future or talk about destiny? Have you forgotten everything I've taught you?"

"I wanted to see," Gu Sanqiu admitted, meeting her gaze. "I wanted to see if destiny could be altered. It's connected to some plans I have."

"Don't try to twist the argument!" Ningguang snapped. "This is about your safety, not destiny!"

Her hand trembled slightly, but she crouched down, gently placing it on the side of his face.

It was then that Gu Sanqiu noticed the dark marks beneath her eyes, and his heart clenched.

How long had it been since she'd last rested?

"I understand that there are things worth risking your life for," she said softly. "A dream, a purpose—they're why we live. But you need to be smart about it. Promise me, you won't take such risks again."

"When I first met you, someone beside you told me, 'The Gu family's future rests on this boy.' Do you remember that?"

"I do. But I don't remember who it was. It couldn't have been one of my parents—I have no memory of them at all."

"That doesn't matter anymore," Ningguang said with a faint smile. She pulled him into a hug, her hand lightly patting his back.

"To me, even as the Tianquan, you are my only family. We may not share blood, but you are my most precious treasure. More valuable than the Jade Chamber itself."

"Promise me, don't take such risks anymore."

...

"I promise, Sister."

---

T/N: why u lying

"..."

- Gardevoir

(End of Chapter—Support the translator at [patreon.com/WiseTL]!)