Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [339]

Dvalin emerged from the dimensional space with a thunderous roar. The monsters lingering outside the Stormterror's Lair, too slow to retreat, immediately collapsed to the ground, quivering under the sheer force of his draconic fury.

"Fly, my old friend. After all these years, we can once again feel the caress of the breeze together."

Amid the raging winds, Venti stretched lazily and then sprawled out on Dvalin's head, rubbing his cheek against the dragon's scales with unrestrained joy.

"Mmm~ This texture, this warmth—it's been so long since I've felt this! Incredible!"

"Barbatos! Stop fooling around up there!"

Dvalin made several attempts to swat Venti with his claws, aiming to give him a "love tap," but he held back. After all, they were nearing Mondstadt, and as the protector of the East Wind, some decorum had to be maintained.

"Roar!"

"What was that sound?!"

The people of Mondstadt and Springvale looked up in unison. A massive dragon with a sleek, elegant form soared overhead, its mighty wings stirring gusts in its wake.

"It's a dragon—a dragon!"

The citizens of Mondstadt halted their tasks, rushing to the streets to watch as the dragon circled the city twice before flying off toward another direction.

"Is that… the legendary protector of the East Wind?"

Jean opened her window to see Dvalin's receding figure. For a moment, she stood there in stunned silence.

As Dvalin passed, shimmering wind-element scales scattered through the air. Instinctively, the people reached out to catch the intricately shaped scales. The moment their hands touched the wind element, the scales dissolved, merging into their bodies. A light, soothing sensation spread through them.

"This… this feels amazing! Better than drinking the finest wine!" said a regular at the tavern.

"My illness… it's gone!"

Beside the wishing well near the Good Hunter restaurant, a girl stood frozen, tears streaming down her face as she reveled in a newfound lightness she hadn't felt in years.

"My illness is cured!"

"Dad, Dad!"

Bennett burst through his front door. "Come outside! Something amazing—Ow!"

Bennett—face first into the floor.

Ding-dong~

The sound of a lyre echoed in the sky. The citizens of Mondstadt, who had been watching Dvalin depart, froze in surprise.

It was faint, but within the music, they could hear soft, playful laughter.

"Hmph. Barbatos, it seems Mondstadt has grown quite lax under your rule," Dvalin said, his tone critical.

Venti shrugged. "How could it be my rule? Everyone knows I don't meddle in governance."

Dvalin barely managed to keep his composure mid-flight.

"You scoundrel! You're the Anemo Archon in Mondstadt. How can you spout such nonsense?!"

"Ah, Dvalin, I must protest this time. I was merely stating a fact. How is that nonsense?"

Seated on Dvalin's head, Venti stretched his legs. "You think I'm like that guy in Liyue? He sets aside a specific time each year to guide mortals. I'm not nearly as diligent."

Dvalin sniffed at the still-unconscious Gu Sanqiu.

"Who is this boy, exactly? That dark force within him is enough to unsettle even me, yet he can wield it safely. Are you sure he isn't some secret contingency of yours?"

"If I used my nephew as a contingency plan, Morax would kill me."

Venti chuckled helplessly. "Even if he were part of a plan, it'd be something arranged by my old friend—or perhaps by his ancestors."

"His ancestors? You mean the divine lineage you used to brag about?"

"Exactly. The Gu family has always been brimming with talent. But among those who've crossed into the extraordinary and drawn the attention of higher beings, these two are particularly notable."

"Notable how?"

Venti's eyes sparkled mischievously. With a leap, he landed beside the stirring Gu Sanqiu.

"Ah, nephew, you're awake! Oh, nothing much. I was just telling Dvalin how you're an exemplary youth of Teyvat—five virtues and four beauties rolled into one. I'm even considering offering you an honorary position."

Gu Sanqiu groaned and sat up, holding his head. "A position? Like the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius?"

"Oho, nephew, you're quite knowledgeable! Well, I can't interfere with the Knights of Favonius, but granting you the title of Honorary Bishop in the Church of Favonius isn't out of the question. Cardinal, though? That's a stretch."

Shaking his head to clear it, Gu Sanqiu shot Venti a deadpan look. "Cut the nonsense. According to Liyue's records, you haven't shown yourself in the Church for a long time. Why would the sisters believe in you?"

His expression turned skeptical. "Don't tell me I'd have to show up with a scribbled note from a drunkard claiming it's a divine decree from the Anemo Archon?"

Venti huffed indignantly. "Hey! What's this about a drunkard's note? I haven't been drinking! How dare you accuse me!"

"Want to grab a drink tonight? Angel's Share. My treat."

"I'm in!"

…

Dvalin barely resisted the urge to throw the two lunatics off his back.

At Starsnatch Cliff, Dvalin landed with a mighty beat of his wings, his form shrinking slightly. With a flick of his claws, he tossed both Venti and Gu Sanqiu onto the ground before wiping his talons on the grass.

"Seriously, do all you big guys have some kind of compulsive cleanliness issue?" Gu Sanqiu muttered, his lips twitching.

"Don't misunderstand, little brother," Dvalin rumbled. "This gesture wasn't directed at you. You're my benefactor."

The dragon turned his piercing gaze toward Venti. "It's him I'm targeting."

"Hey! Can't you show me a little respect in front of the younger generation? What about my dignity?!"

Dvalin snorted and ambled a few steps away before sprawling out comfortably. "Do you honestly think you're capable of dignity right now? Are you joking?"

Gu Sanqiu nodded emphatically. "He's got a point."

Venti fell silent, sulking as though he wanted to go draw circles in a corner.

"Little brother, you seem to have absorbed some of that malicious energy. Are you feeling alright?" Dvalin lowered his head and sniffed at Gu Sanqiu. "Your aura seems stable, but Barbatos, come check him just in case."

"What's there to check? He's fine. No big deal," Venti muttered, hugging his knees. Seeing Dvalin's claws flex, he quickly relented. "Alright, alright, I'll take a look!"

After examining Gu Sanqiu closely, Venti's expression turned slightly surprised.

"What's going on? You've already absorbed all that power? Not even a Teyvat breakfast is consumed that quickly."

"Technically, in some parts of Liyue, people gather for hotpot and clear both breakfast and lunch in one go," Gu Sanqiu replied, rolling his shoulders. "It hurt a lot, but I feel pretty good now. Did you notice anything strange?"