Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [351]

"And can you tell me exactly what level of 'unexpected' we're talking about?"

Gu Sanqiu glanced at Venti, his tone skeptical. "If it's something on the scale of Dvalin, I suggest you go ask Andrius for help. This kind of mess is too much for me to handle."

As far as Venti's associates went, Gu Sanqiu only knew Dvalin. If another wayward follower of the Anemo Archon crawled out of some obscure corner and lost control, he figured it was best for the so-called God of Leisure to deal with it himself.

"What level of unexpected, you ask… hehe, I'm not telling you."

Gu Sanqiu stared at Venti for three seconds. "Then I'm not coming."

If the golden-haired traveler unlocked their first elemental ability upon connecting with the Anemo Statue of the Seven, they would likely need to go through the usual grind of leveling up. At the beginning, they wouldn't be particularly powerful.

After returning home, Gu Sanqiu decided to have someone monitor Mondstadt's happenings. If a golden-haired foreigner appeared, capturing and bringing them to Liyue wouldn't be much trouble.

That said, if Venti had plans of his own, he'd likely do everything possible to stop Gu Sanqiu.

With Dvalin back to normal and the corrupted crystal obliterated, the Stormterror crisis seemed resolved. But if there was some kind of "timeline convergence" or unavoidable plotline, the source of trouble might shift. Perhaps it would involve monsters attacking the city or a devastating drought.

One way or another, it always boiled down to chaos.

Even though the Stormterror incident was over, by the time the traveler reached Inazuma, the already-difficult journey was likely to escalate into a nightmare. With Gu Sanqiu—the pyromaniac perfumer—causing havoc on the Raiden Shogun's territory, the traveler's survival would depend entirely on their protagonist halo and a healthy dose of plot armor.

"Well, I should get going. I've been out for a few days—it's about time to head home. Want to come to Liyue with me?"

Gu Sanqiu grinned. "All expenses covered, unlimited food and drink. With me around, you can lounge in the tavern to your heart's content."

Venti's eyes lit up but then he shook his head. "Nah, I'll pass for now. Maybe another time."

"The energy from that whirlwind idiot started leaking out toward the domain's edges," Venti continued. "And Andrius might have held back his Archon-level power, but I need to go check on things now."

When Decarabian had declared from atop the domain, "The people of Mondstadt will not fall behind others," Venti had heard it clearly. He understood it was directed at him.

Venti had initially dismissed Decarabian, focusing instead on more pressing matters. But Andrius' revelations had shocked him. Decarabian's ability to maintain an unprecedentedly powerful state for extended periods was deeply concerning.

For both his plans and Mondstadt's sake, Venti knew he had to explore the domain immediately. If Decarabian and Morax had some sort of agreement, it'd be one thing. If not, everything would depend on him.

Steeling himself, Venti was about to leave when he spotted Gu Sanqiu preparing to take off. Something clicked in his mind, and he lunged forward, clinging to the young man.

"Wait, wait, nephew, don't leave just yet! I need a favor!"

Gu Sanqiu shrugged his shoulders, trying to shake Venti off to no avail.

"What now?"

"Well, last time, I wanted to borrow some drinking money, but you tricked me. Can't you spare some pocket change for your poor, struggling elder?"

...

Gu Sanqiu let out a long sigh, then fished out a silver banknote from his pocket.

"Any bank partnered with Liyue's Treasury can exchange this. Just don't get yourself into trouble drinking away Mondstadt's future. They still need their Anemo Archon."

Hehe, Venti chuckled, vanishing in a soft breeze. "Thanks, nephew. Safe travels~."

---

A streak of green light shot across the sky. Sitting on the grass below, Xiao raised an eyebrow. By the time he ascended, only the trail of light remained visible.

"That kid?"

He muttered to himself, uncertain. Few in Liyue could fly that fast without triggering his combat instincts. Aside from that young man, who else could it be?

Still, last time he'd seen him, the boy hadn't been this quick.

"Didn't he say he was going to Mondstadt for fun? How does a vacation lead to this kind of power boost?"

After a moment's thought, Xiao reconsidered Gu Sanqiu's previous suggestion to visit Liyue Harbor. If the boy could improve this much just from traveling, perhaps he could do the same. It might even count as a break from his endless vigilance.

Up in the sky, Gu Sanqiu noticed the change in his abilities. His mental breakthroughs had strengthened his elemental connection, allowing him to harness more energy.

If his previous flying speed was akin to a child running, he could now compare himself to an adult sprinting—a significant difference.

Of course, he wasn't on the same level as Xiao or Lord Azhdaha.

I'm running; they're jet planes. He chuckled to himself. Still, it's not like they'd use that speed casually.

The comparison was apt: Xiao's high-powered speed would have sounded like an air raid if fully unleashed. It was no wonder he kept it under wraps.

"Finally home," Gu Sanqiu murmured as he descended. "Some of those guys better be in Liyue Harbor this time."

The only reason he'd gone to Mondstadt in the first place was that all his companions were busy elsewhere.

After a signature Wanmin Restaurant dinner—complete with two takeout portions for a midnight snack—he was about to head home when a voice called out:

"Gu Xiangjun, you're finally back!"

The voice was overly familiar, almost like greeting a long-lost parent. It startled Gu Sanqiu enough to nearly drop his food.

"And you are? From the Feiyun Commerce Guild?"

He glanced at the man, noting the guild's emblem on his attire.

"What's the matter? Did your young master send you to wait for me?"

"You're correct, Xiangjun. Young Master Xingqiu sent me to meet you," the servant replied with a bow. "He requests your presence at the Feiyun Commerce Guild. There is a matter he wishes to discuss."

"Hah? If it's a business matter, count me out. I'm not interested in that stuff."

Gu Sanqiu waved dismissively, his only current goal being to enjoy his late-night meal and sleep on a stone table.

Not even the Geo Archon himself could drag him out of bed.

"It's not business-related," the servant clarified. "It pertains to certain safety concerns in Liyue Harbor."