Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [348]

Closer!

Ten steps. Five steps!

Gu Sanqiu's eyes snapped open. As he infused his longsword with elemental energy, he also channeled the sheer strength of his physical body. With a powerful swing, he aimed directly at the towering figure of Andrius standing before him.

"Geo Dragon Slash!"

With a loud bang, the dragon-scale shield shattered, instantly merging into the sword light of Gu Sanqiu's slash. The ethereal glow transformed into a jagged stone pillar that charged toward Andrius.

Though it resembled a stone pillar, it was anything but slow or cumbersome—it retained the sharp speed of a sword strike!

Seeing this technique, Andrius finally raised his right paw and forcefully pressed down on the pillar.

Crack!

The stone pillar shattered, but Andrius' pupils contracted as a beam of golden light burst forth from within!

A slender, majestic dragon with flowing whiskers soared into the air, slamming straight into Andrius' head.

Boom!

The combined force of the strike, blending raw power and sharp elemental energy, caused Andrius to stagger backward several steps. The icy winds and snow that had been assaulting Gu Sanqiu dissipated along with the Wolf King's retreat.

"Wow."

Venti watched the scene with a cheerful smile. "Old friend, you just got used as a weapon by my little nephew~."

Andrius shook his head, dislodging a few strands of fur from his forehead. He turned his piercing gaze toward Gu Sanqiu.

"Impressive. Was that your trump card?"

"Not even close."

Gu Sanqiu tore off his shirt and tossed it aside, glancing at the bruised and discolored skin covering his back.

"When fighting with a weapon, you've got to use techniques worthy of it, that's all."

He took a moment to observe his own "handiwork" and exhaled deeply.

"Still want to keep going?"

"Of course. The trial is far from over."

There was a hint of admiration in Andrius' expression. "Gu Sanqiu, you're… exceptional."

"No malice, no greed—just pure combat and pure determination. It's been far too long since I've encountered someone like you."

"Now, the final trial begins!"

Boom!

The ground beneath Andrius erupted in a violent explosion. When the dust settled, his figure had transformed—he now stood shirtless, his muscular frame exposed, with the head of a wolf. His arms were crossed over his chest, radiating raw power.

Gu Sanqiu froze for a moment, a chill running down his spine.

Whoosh!

A blue blur streaked past. Andrius appeared behind him in an instant.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

A series of heavy blows landed all over Gu Sanqiu's body. The searing pain nearly caused him to black out, but he managed to twist his wrist, slamming both his sword and shield into the ground to stabilize himself.

"Hm? Still conscious?"

Andrius paused, flexing his wrist as he observed Gu Sanqiu, who was trembling but had managed to turn around to face him.

"It seems you've undergone rigorous training."

Andrius mused, recalling the technique he'd just used. His strikes had not only been physically overwhelming but also infused with elemental energy, designed to wreak havoc within the opponent's body.

Even if someone could endure the physical blows, the internal elemental damage should have been unbearable.

"Heh, at the end of the day, it's just a trial."

Gu Sanqiu spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with shards of ice.

"Compared to the Thunder of Inazuma's Raiden Shogun, this lacks a certain… bite."

He silently gave thanks to the time when the Raiden Shogun had nearly killed him with a devastating attack. If not for that move raising his tolerance to the brink of death, he'd likely have been taken out by Andrius in a single exchange.

"You've faced the Shogun of Inazuma?"

Andrius was genuinely surprised. This young man seemed to have crossed paths with far too many ultimate powers.

"To be precise, I was mercilessly beaten."

Gu Sanqiu took a few deep breaths, slowly regaining control over his body. Once he was steady, he looked at Andrius in his beastly form.

"What is this transformation? The Wolf God form?"

Andrius shook his head. "This is one of my combat forms, born from speculation and experimentation in the past. The details are none of your concern."

"Gu Sanqiu, all you need to understand is that humanity holds a unique significance to this world. That's why I explored this form of combat."

"I see. Another strange secret, huh?"

Gu Sanqiu inhaled deeply, his breath gradually becoming warmer as he steadied himself.

"Let's go again!"

Thin black lines crept into Gu Sanqiu's pupils. As Andrius charged toward him once more, he managed to barely track the Wolf King's movements.

If my body can't keep up, then I'll use my mind! Surpass my physical limits!

Boom!

A massive mental wave erupted from Gu Sanqiu's brow. His concentrated spiritual energy radiated outward, locking firmly onto Andrius.

"Gotcha!"

Gu Sanqiu roared, his right fist enveloped in heavy Geo energy as he swung it toward the target he sensed.

Thud!

The dust settled, and Venti froze as he looked at the scene.

Gu Sanqiu's and Andrius' right fists collided midair. Gu Sanqiu's body was covered in icy blood, clearly the result of Andrius' overwhelming strength tearing through him. Meanwhile, Andrius' right arm flickered like a malfunctioning screen before blue energy coursed through it, restoring it to normal.

"My little nephew actually managed to pull that off!"

Venti was surprised. He understood the state Andrius was in, and for Gu Sanqiu to injure him like this was proof of the young man's strength.

"Strong human, you've proven yourself worthy of being Morax's kin."

Andrius' eyes shone with admiration. "I sincerely invite you to stay in Wolvendom for a few days. The pack could use someone like you to inspire their courage."

"Hey, hey, don't get ahead of yourself."

Gu Sanqiu's hoarse voice cut through the air. He raised his head to look at Andrius, his bloodied face twisting into a chilling smile.

"One last punch—take it!"

Without waiting for a response, Gu Sanqiu swung his left fist at Andrius, making it clear: I won't take advantage of you!

Take this punch!

The pink glow radiating from his fist caught Andrius off guard. With a swift pivot, Andrius dodged the strike and locked Gu Sanqiu's right arm with both of his. Then, with a clean over-the-shoulder throw—

Boom!

Gu Sanqiu slammed into the ground, blood and shards of ice scattering everywhere. The warmth of the blood wasn't surprising—it had just been freshly drawn from his body.

"Law power… him?"

Andrius glanced at the unconscious Gu Sanqiu and then at Venti.

"Did you teach him this, or did Morax?"

Venti's lips twitched. It seemed Gu Sanqiu's technique had limitations. Against a being of Andrius' caliber, who was on guard, it wouldn't work.

So why didn't I dodge it back then?

On the verge of a spiral of self-doubt, Venti quickly regained his composure and replied with feigned confidence, "Of course, I specifically helped him find that law power. The kid didn't disappoint—he absorbed and used it quickly."

"But clearly, he still needs more practice with it."

Andrius, unconcerned with Venti's faintly guilty tone, personally lifted Gu Sanqiu from the crater and handed him to the wolves now gathered by his side.

"Take him for healing."

Venti's expression shifted, and he sighed with regret.

Why didn't I think to bring a kamera for this?

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T/N: It's definitely a slow story but I just love his growth and the fight scenes :D