Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [303] [30 PS]

"Strike back?"

Gu Fei's face twisted in discomfort. "But the Geo Archon has no desire to claim dominion. Are we, the ones under his protection, going to break that principle?"

"Fool."

Gu Sanqiu cast a sharp glance at Gu Fei. "Do you think the Geo Archon can afford to declare his indifference to power struggles while still protecting Liyue simply because of goodwill? It's because of his unparalleled strength."

"Rex Lapis? Before he was the Geo Archon, he was revered as the God of War. Do you think anyone dared provoke him without good reason?"

"Not initiating aggression doesn't mean we must passively endure attacks. Do you understand?"

Gu Sanqiu tapped his index finger on Gu Fei's forehead.

"After reading so many of my family's texts, it seems like you and the others in the secret vault have grown rather rigid in your thinking."

"I'll impart a mental command seal to you. It's a legacy of insights from my family's ancestors regarding history and the archives."

Gu Fei was stunned. "This… Xiangjun, this is far too valuable."

"It's not that valuable. Honestly, seeing your current state, it's clear this issue isn't isolated to you. Many others in the vault probably share the same problem. Study this seal and pass it along; the responsibility for their enlightenment lies with you now."

Gu Sanqiu withdrew his hand. "I have no intention of ever seeing internal chaos in Liyue. You get my meaning, don't you?"

"Understood, sir. I'll prioritize this matter immediately. Thank you for your guidance."

Sweat trickled down Gu Fei's back. He knew exactly what Gu Sanqiu was implying.

He was offering salvation to the people of the secret vault, preventing their fixation on the texts from spiraling into narrow-mindedness. Gu Sanqiu's visit was aimed at addressing this issue directly.

That said, if a war ever broke out in Liyue and anyone dared shirk their duties or defy orders, it seemed that this man before him would have no qualms about cutting them down.

"Xiangjun, has something happened recently?"

Gu Fei studied Gu Sanqiu. Normally the carefree figure of Liyue Harbor, today he wore a stately, lavish robe and bore an expression devoid of warmth.

Gu Sanqiu had never been someone indifferent to life. Yet today, a single glance from him was enough to reveal a chilling detachment from the value of human existence.

"Happened?" Gu Sanqiu pondered. "Does pulling an all-nighter to handle a mountain of documents count? I didn't even have time for a cigarette. Almost fried my brain from the sheer nausea."

"Documents? You mean reviewing files?"

Gu Fei was dumbfounded. He had been asking if Gu Sanqiu had witnessed something traumatic—perhaps a massacre—but the response he got left him completely at a loss.

"I know what you're thinking. Don't worry—I'm still me."

Gu Sanqiu patted Gu Fei's shoulder. "Now get going. Don't forget to address that matter promptly; time waits for no one."

"Rich folks can buy life-extending elixirs. The powerful can cultivate to prolong their years. But ordinary people, who toil just to survive, have no such privilege. Many die young from illnesses."

"Life and death are unfair, but the passage of time is equal for everyone."

Ascending into the air, Gu Sanqiu added, "The secret vault is in your hands. The next time I hear from you, I hope it's news of the successful replication of the Ballista of Finality."

---

"Something's wrong. Very wrong."

Gu Sanqiu held out his hands. His left hand burned with the crimson flames of a Delusion, while his right hand crackled with turbulent Anemo energy.

Encasing the two forces were heavy chains of Geo, forming a protective barrier.

Behind him, white flames etched elemental runes into the air before dispersing into the sky.

"What's with this mentality? Did reviewing too many documents mess up my mental state?"

"No, that's impossible. Even when I inherited the knowledge and memories of another Gu Sanqiu, I was fine. How could something this trivial affect me?"

Seeing no immediate issue with his elemental energy, Gu Sanqiu withdrew the conflicting elements.

"Fine. Let's try another approach."

Whoosh—

In a Fatui camp, Tartaglia lifted his gaze toward the sky, his expression lighting up with excitement.

"Heh, a distinguished guest has arrived."

"Huh? Sir, I haven't finished my report yet," said a Debt Collector, extending a hand to stop Tartaglia, who was already grabbing his weapon and heading out of the tent.

"Reports can wait. This is way more interesting."

The Harbinger's grin widened as he spotted Gu Sanqiu descending with his hands behind his back.

"Hey, it's been a while. Judging by the look on your face, you're here to give me a proper fight, aren't you?"

"You guessed right."

Gu Sanqiu glanced at the Fatui camp. "You've got half an hour to evacuate your people. That should give us time for a cup of tea."

"How about alcohol instead? My men brought some specialty vodka from Snezhnaya. Surely a Liyue native like you isn't afraid of a strong drink?"

…

Vodka that could probably ignite like kindling.

Gu Sanqiu nodded. "I'd be honored."

"So, why the sudden urge to spar with me?"

"Because I've realized there might be an issue with my cultivation. I need to test it out and see where the problem lies."

"Is it the Delusion?"

"Probably not. I've used it plenty of times. If there was an issue, it would've shown up by now."

"Good to hear."

Tartaglia smirked. "But just so you know, if something goes wrong during our fight, I can't promise I'll hold back in time."

"Oh, and by the way, the prescription you gave me last time worked wonders. My physical condition has improved a lot."

"Giving me something so valuable—Liyue's officials don't mind, do they?"

"First, it's mine to give. Second, the one I gave you isn't even a special version. The Qianyan Army's formula is much better than what you got."

Gu Sanqiu scoffed. "Anyone too dense to figure out something that basic isn't qualified to hold an important position in Liyue. I doubt they'd even manage to get word to my ears."

"Stupid question."

"And by the way, this vodka of yours really is absurdly strong."

He glanced at the glass of clear liquor in his hand, now certain it could indeed be set on fire.

"Well, my men are mostly out of range now. Shall we start?"

Tartaglia's grin grew wider as he summoned his elemental energy.

"Let's begin."

Boom!

In a flash, the two clashed, their first strike tearing through the tent and shattering the ground beneath them with overwhelming force.

Tartaglia smirked. "Not bad. You've improved."

Gu Sanqiu eyed the spear in Tartaglia's hand. "I'm no pushover, you know."

"Using a spear in front of me? You're really crossing the line today."

"It's not like you Liyue folks are the only ones who know how to wield one!"

Tartaglia thrust his spear forward, its tip radiating a dark amalgamation of Hydro and Electro energy. The faint sounds of thunder and rushing water intertwined, forming the silhouette of a small whale.

"Not bad."

---

"Gar~de! Voir voir."

- Gardevoir

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