Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [343]

"Hehe, Master Diluc, isn't it a bit unfair to speak about Sanqiu like that? After all, he's done us quite the favor," Kaeya chimed in with a playful tone.

Diluc cast him a sidelong glance. "You're just saying that because you want him to pick up your tab."

"Why, of course not."

Kaeya placed a hand on his chest, feigning righteous indignation. "I'm merely stating facts. This is justice!"

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. "So, you're paying for your drink yourself?"

Kaeya's smile turned sharp in an instant. "Well, in that case, perhaps you'd be kind enough to visit the Knights of Favonius with me sometime, Mister Gu?"

Ah, classic Kaeya. The master of underhanded deals.

Gu Sanqiu's face remained stoic. "You're dreaming. First, you tell Diluc to employ basic logic, and now you're dragging me into this? What are you even thinking?"

"Should I file a formal complaint with the Knights for coercing a traveler into paying for your drinks?"

Kaeya froze for a moment before recovering. "No need to go that far."

"Alright, if you're going to chat, do it elsewhere," Diluc interrupted, his tone flat as he started ushering them out. "Don't waste my time."

Gu Sanqiu turned to the stoic barkeep. "You came to Angel's Share because the East Wind Guardian's appearance stirred something in you, didn't you?"

"Hmph. You could say that. I suspect this whole spectacle was orchestrated by someone behind the scenes."

One of the said "puppet masters"—Gu Sanqiu—kept a flawlessly neutral expression.

"Haha! Always looking out for Mondstadt, Master Diluc!" Kaeya laughed heartily, raising his glass. "Such fiery resolve must be passed down. Speaking of which, brother, do you have anyone you're interested in?"

Diluc's hands stilled briefly, but his expression remained unchanged. "I'll say this again: unless you find someone fitting, don't bring this up in front of me."

Kaeya glanced at Gu Sanqiu, who immediately understood. Shrugging, he replied, "Don't look at me. Liyue's young ladies are in high demand. Step outside, and you'll find plenty of suitors lining up with gifts and grand gestures. Still, if you're interested, I can draft a list."

"When Dawn Winery employees head to Liyue on business trips, they might have a chance to connect."

Kaeya nodded sagely. "Even if there's no chance, we'll create one. Dawn Winery's reputation is no small thing—cast a wide net, catch more fish."

Diluc's hand froze, and his face darkened considerably. The chill in his eyes was enough to freeze both of them solid.

"Out."

Kaeya and Gu Sanqiu exchanged a quick glance, then bolted with their drinks in hand.

They knew when to pick their battles—and when not to.

Oh, and naturally, neither left any money at the counter.

---

"Hey, nephew. Nephew!"

Venti's cheerful voice dragged Gu Sanqiu from his sleep. Face buried in his pillow, he cracked one eye open to see the bard squatting at the edge of his bed, waving with a grin.

"It's time to head out! We're going to Wolvendom."

!!!

Gu Sanqiu shot up, activating a shield as his spear ignited with white flames.

"How did you get in here?!"

"Relax! It's me!"

Venti raised his hands and took a cautious step back. "Look closely—it's your dashing and talented elder, Venti!"

"Dashing, sure. Talented? Debatable." Gu Sanqiu dismissed the flames and lowered his weapon. "So? Did you phase through the wall or something?"

Venti pointed to the open window. "Nope, just floated in like a regular breeze. Have you forgotten what my dominion is?"

"Has anyone ever told you that breaking into someone's room is wildly inappropriate? I could report you to the Knights of Favonius."

As Gu Sanqiu began washing up, Venti leaned back in a chair, swinging his legs and humming a lighthearted tune.

"Relax, nephew. Treat me to a meal later, okay? If we really end up fighting in Wolvendom, you won't have time to rest."

"No rest?"

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. "Aren't we meeting that bigshot Andrius? What else could there be?"

"Well, sure, with my influence, sparring with Andrius is no problem. But you have to consider the other inhabitants of Wolvendom."

Venti grinned. "Andrius exists in a unique state. If you want to face him, you'll need to abide by certain rules."

"Rules?"

Gu Sanqiu spat out his mouthful of water. "What, do I have to wrestle with a pack of pups?"

"Pretty much."

Venti stretched lazily. "But go easy on them. Just guide the little ones—don't send them flying with a single punch."

"Relax, I've got this."

"Oh, by the way."

Venti's eyes gleamed mischievously. "Don't you Liyue folks usually meditate instead of sleeping? Why were you snoozing so soundly?"

"...Who told you that? It wasn't the old man, was it?"

"Of course not!" Venti replied confidently. "But all your Liyue novels say so."

"Right... Well, here's a general explanation: it varies by person."

Grabbing his gear, Gu Sanqiu nodded toward the door. "Let's go."

"Wait, what about breakfast? Eating three meals a day is essential for good health!"

After a hearty meal—well, more like Venti indulging in an extravagant feast—Venti strummed the Skyward Harp, conjuring a gentle breeze to carry them toward Wolvendom.

"You seem oddly slow today," Gu Sanqiu remarked.

"Nonsense!"

Venti reclined on the wind, the harp resting beside him as one hand pillowed his head and the other lazily rubbed his stomach.

"Just had a big meal. Gotta take it slow to digest properly. Health and wellness are key!"

Gu Sanqiu pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you seriously think people with our lifestyle can even pretend to care about health?"

Forget the gods and their endless scheming—Gu Sanqiu himself could work through ten sleepless nights without batting an eye.

Vision bearers, in many ways, were the ultimate "grind" enthusiasts.

"And if I'm not mistaken, that harp of yours belongs in the Church of Favonius. Taking it out like this—won't they notice it's missing?"

"Oh, please. I used a simple illusion to cover it up. No one will ever know."

"People often revere certain objects as untouchable. But to a clever opportunist, that reverence makes them easy to exploit," Venti explained with a sly smile. "Like an insecure boy hopelessly pursuing a girl or an overly devoted friend—same principle."

"Don't become one of those people, nephew."

Gu Sanqiu pondered for a moment. "I might've been like that when I was younger. Guess it's not too late to change."

"Exactly! Never too late~"

"Then could you settle this morning's tab for me?"

"...On second thought, maybe stick to your old ways."