Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [341]

"Unbelievable... Not even your old man would treat me this way..."

Venti crouched on the ground, sulking as he drew circles in the dirt. Gu Sanqiu, utterly unfazed, casually ignored his muttering.

Not even his old man? Really?

Was it because he didn't dare, or because he simply couldn't be bothered?

Gu Sanqiu could already picture the old man sipping tea, sighing in exasperation.

"That drunken bard... Forget it. Not worth mentioning."

Yep, it'd probably sound just like that.

"Alright, Barbatos, stop messing around," Dvalin rumbled as he stood up. "You made me show off for the people of Mondstadt. What's your game?"

"Huh? I don't have any game."

"Don't play dumb with me."

Dvalin grabbed Venti by the collar. "Who told me the world was about to change? If it wasn't you, then who?"

"Well, it wasn't me."

Gu Sanqiu plucked a blade of grass and casually placed it in his mouth. "Should I leave you two to it?"

"What do you mean 'should'? Actually, yes, you should."

Only then did Venti seem to remember something. "If your old man hasn't told you about this, it's probably best you don't know."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Fine, I'll head back to Mondstadt. You two can handle the rest."

Like I don't already know what's going on. It's just about certain two key figures are about to make their move.

Not that it matters much to me, Gu Sanqiu thought. When it came to the golden-haired traveler, he maintained a clear perspective.

He had no intention of shoehorning himself into the "main story"—the journey of the Traveler.

That's their adventure. I don't need to be tagging along with him everywhere like some kind of third wheel.

Though, meeting up occasionally for a meal wouldn't hurt. And if they could teach him how to teleport, even better—way more convenient than flying.

What Gu Sanqiu truly cared about was their presence as a signpost. Their arrival meant he could anticipate major developments in the world.

With that foreknowledge, even high-risk periods could be leveraged to bolster his own strength and that of Liyue.

Recreating the Gilded Furnace? Probably out of reach.

But getting the Bureau of Secrecy to work overtime and develop a knockoff war array? Entirely feasible.

Once the Yunlai Sea's "dungeon" was cleared, these imitation constructs wouldn't go to waste. They could be deployed to the borders for defense—or, with a few downgrades, sold to alleviate the city's financial burdens.

By his calculations, once Yunlai Sea was settled, the Treasure Hoarders and other unsavory types along the frontier would be in for a nasty surprise.

In the past, Qianyan troops would simply beat them up and drag them back in chains. But if these war constructs got deployed? Being left with an intact corpse would be considered extraordinarily lucky.

"Eh, these matters are best left to Ningguang and Keqing to sort out."

As Gu Sanqiu rose into the air, Venti finally remembered his own need to keep a low profile.

"Hey, nephew, make sure not to tell anyone I'm Barbatos when you get back. It's a secret!"

"Relax. Dvalin's big entrance is all anyone will talk about. As long as you don't flaunt your powers, no one will believe a drunkard is the Anemo Archon."

As for Albedo?

That guy gossiping? Impossible.

"Barbatos, what's so secret that even this little brother can't know? You said his elder is Lord Morax, didn't you? If there's something he can't hear, I probably shouldn't know it either," Dvalin remarked, flapping his wings.

"If I listen to you, I might end up ruining my own dragon fate."

Venti patted Dvalin's head reassuringly. "It's not like that. His old man specifically requested this. What he can't know now, he'll understand in time."

"You're an outsider—a 'dragon on the sidelines,' so to speak. That's why I'm giving you a heads-up. Besides, have a little faith in yourself, Dvalin. You're my retainer, the East Wind's Guardian!"

"As for his family, they've been 'in the game' for ages."

"Wait a second..."

Flying through the skies, Gu Sanqiu propped his chin on one hand in thought.

Starsnatch Cliff wasn't exactly next door to Mondstadt. Should I have asked Dvalin to give me a lift? Like Azhdaha does sometimes?

"Venti's unreliable, sure. But if he's keeping things from me, it's probably on the old man's orders."

If they don't want me knowing about the Traveler, is there some specific reason?

"What's the difference, really? Either I know beforehand, or I figure it out later. Is that what this is about?"

Before the Traveler arrives, I can't meet them—that must be the old man's intention.

But once they've made their mark, it'll be impossible not to cross paths.

"Damn it."

It all boiled down to an identity issue.

Think of it like a prototype for cutting-edge technology. Only a select few would know about it before it was perfected and ready for mass distribution.

But once it goes public, everyone gets to see it. Secrecy stops being a concern.

In Teyvat, the Traveler is that state-of-the-art "device."

"So, when that guy finally fishes up his emergency food, it's safe to camp at a Statue of The Seven and wait for him?"

The logic seemed sound. But what are these old-timers scheming?

Gu Sanqiu let his thoughts wander briefly. But when it came to both the Traveler and his own family, he realized he barely understood the half of it.

Knowing the truth seemed almost impossible.

"Ugh, if anyone dares to mess with secrets, it's the underworld types. But without the right bargaining chips, they'd probably just laugh me off."

Frustrating.

As Mondstadt came into view, Gu Sanqiu landed near Cider Lake, sneaking over the city walls while the Knights of Favonius weren't looking. He strolled straight to Angel's Share with an air of justification.

Just saved your precious East Wind Guardian from the Abyss. I might not get a free tab, but a drink to relax isn't too much to ask, right?

Activating his trusty "Barbatos Impersonation" technique, he slid onto a barstool.

"Two bottles of low-alcohol cider, a strong cocktail, a fruit platter, and a couple of snacks."

"You haven't eaten, have you?"