Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [355]

"Human interference?"

Gu Sanqiu paused for a moment, narrowing his eyes.

"If we're limiting the scope to humans, what kind of person could manipulate ley line energy like this?"

His Earthshaker Technique, passed down from Azhdaha, couldn't produce anything like what Xingqiu had described.

The Earthshaker Technique was essentially a tool, akin to attaching a faucet to one end of a water pipe—it controlled the flow but didn't alter the pipe's structure. If Gu Sanqiu was merely a user of "running water," then whoever was behind this must be akin to a seasoned plumber—a craftsman with over twenty years of experience.

Xingqiu raised an eyebrow. "Even your family has no records of this sort of thing?"

Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "None. Back in the day, Liyue's ley lines were safeguarded by Azhdaha. With that guardian around, who'd dare tamper with the ley lines? They'd be lucky to survive the attempt."

"Hmm. If it's not human-made, could there be another explanation?"

"Not necessarily," Gu Sanqiu muttered, suddenly recalling something—but it wasn't information he could share just yet.

There were creatures known as Abyssal Beings, which, while monstrous in appearance, were originally human. They dwelled deep underground, alongside a certain cult that might very well possess the power to tamper with ley lines.

But…

Gu Sanqiu shook his head. If this were the work of the Abyss Order, the old man—Zhongli—would've noticed. Even if Zhongli had his own plans, his direct involvement alongside Hu Tao in addressing the ley line eruption meant this wasn't part of his long-term strategy.

Xingqiu studied Gu Sanqiu's expression. "So, did you remember something?"

"How many ley line eruption sites have you identified?"

Xingqiu ran back to set down his bowl and chopsticks, then returned with a map.

"I've found six or seven. One of them was discovered through connections with the cultivation sects Chongyun is in contact with."

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "There's one in Minlin, too?"

"Yeah, but after several sects collaborated to eliminate it, nothing abnormal was found in the surrounding area."

Xingqiu smiled bitterly. "They even reported this to the Liyue authorities, which is why they were so cooperative when Chongyun asked about it. Now you see why I'm so suspicious?"

"Clear intel was provided, yet the Qixing remain utterly unresponsive. It's bizarre."

"What about Keqing? She should be all over this kind of issue. Why isn't she involved?"

Xingqiu shrugged. "She's unavailable. Her secretary said she's too busy to meet with us."

"Damn it."

Gu Sanqiu scowled. Something was definitely wrong.

If this were any other day, Keqing would've been rallying Millelith to sweep the map clean. Not just the reported eruption sites—she'd have combed all of Liyue.

Now, when approached with questions about Liyue's safety, Keqing had chosen to shut them out? That alone reeked of suspicion.

After finishing a pot of porridge, Gu Sanqiu handed it out to those still sniffling from the spiciness of the earlier dishes. He then plopped down beside Childe with exaggerated casualness.

"So? Was this your doing?"

Childe: ?

Childe sighed. "We're just a diplomatic delegation. What makes you think we'd dare stir up something this big in Liyue and risk a public outcry?"

Funny joke. The Fatui would never dare.

Gu Sanqiu gave him a pointed look. "Don't feed me that nonsense. Even if it wasn't you, you must have some intel. Spill it."

"Why are you always picking on me?"

Childe chuckled. "Fine, but there's not much to say. Aside from your local authorities acting strangely, we don't know what's happening in the depths of the ley lines."

"You're suspicious of their attitude too?"

"Of course. Usually, even minor ley line stagnations stretch the Adventurers' Guild thin. And this? A large-scale incident?"

Gu Sanqiu fell into thought. "So, what's your take? What's causing this?"

Childe smirked. "Aren't you supposed to have a high standing in Liyue? Go find out yourself."

"If only it were that easy."

Gu Sanqiu grimaced. Even if he asked Ningguang, she'd likely brush him off with a polite excuse. Press her further, and she might just toss him off the Jade Chamber.

Still… if his guess was right…

"Never mind. Once Chongyun wakes up, I'll take you lot to clear out the remaining sites one by one. Just a little ley line disturbance—don't make me break out the big guns."

When Azhdaha had unburdened himself of his resentment, Gu Sanqiu had witnessed that power firsthand. The Dragon-Queller's seal was no cage—Azhdaha had entered it willingly. Even at reduced strength, the dragon could easily handle a ley line issue.

And if Gu Sanqiu couldn't manage, well…

He'd call in the dragon.

"You have a big move?"

Never one to miss a chance at intelligence, Childe leaned closer.

Gu Sanqiu smirked. "Sacrificing you to the ley lines, of course."

"Gu Xiangjun."

The sudden voice prompted everyone to freeze. Raimei and Kaedehara instinctively gripped their weapons. Even Guoba paused mid-bite to look up, his tiny legs dangling off the pot.

"And you are?"

Gu Sanqiu coolly drew a long blade, its edge flickering with dark red flames.

"By order of the Lady Yuheng and the Lady Tianquan, you are summoned back to Liyue Harbor. Here is the token of proof."

The cloaked figure presented a token. Both Xingqiu and Gu Sanqiu's expressions changed immediately.

"Who gave you this order?"

"The Lady Yuheng and Tianquan."

Gu Sanqiu glanced at the sky, then around the area, shaking his head.

"Ha. My sister's intelligence network is ridiculous. I've barely returned, and she already knows exactly where I am."

"Well, I guess this means you're all on your own here."

Gu Sanqiu pulled out a pile of recovery medicines and assorted weapons. Lastly, he handed out several glowing jade talismans.

"These date back to the Archon War. If you see that black-armored Stonehide Lawachurl again, toss one of these at it. If anything's left afterward, I'll take its name."

He patted Xingqiu on the shoulder. "This place is yours now. I've got to see what my sister and her friends are planning."

Xingqiu, clearly suspecting something, shrugged. "Go on, then. With these supplies, I could even throw my sword and self-destruct if necessary."

Gu Sanqiu glared. "These are for keeping you safe, not for wasting! Understand?"

"Tch. If the situation's bad enough, I'll blow all this gear up, then pay you back tenfold in materials."

Xingqiu waved him off dramatically. "Off you go! I'll make sure my achievements shine when you return to Liyue Harbor."

"Ha! Not a chance. I'll just put my name on your achievements instead. Instant political capital."

"Hey! You can't just say things like that!"

Gu Sanqiu burst into laughter. "Just kidding. Relax. When this is all over, I'll throw you a proper celebration."