Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [356]

The cloaked figure didn't follow Gu Sanqiu as he left but instead vanished, presumably off to handle some other business.

Tartaglia, meanwhile, appeared deep in thought as he turned his gaze toward Xingqiu, who seemed suddenly at ease.

"This person's identity—it's not simple, is it?" Tartaglia remarked.

Xingqiu chuckled. "The one with the truly complex identity has already left. Relax. That cloaked guy—or girl—is just an ordinary logistics officer from the General Affairs Department."

"General Affairs Department?"

Everyone was stunned. Then, a flash of realization lit up Buyu Raimei's expression as he seemed to catch onto something crucial.

"Could it be... this whole situation is something you Liyue people orchestrated?"

Kazuha nodded thoughtfully. "Very likely. Moreover, it seems every force or individual involved in resolving this incident has a cloaked figure shadowing them for protection."

Xiangling, however, looked completely baffled, her companion Guoba scratching his head as well, his large eyes brimming with what seemed to be profound wisdom.

Xingqiu frowned, then shook his head before nodding again.

"Don't imitate Gu Sanqiu's mannerisms!" Xiangling scolded. "Can't you just explain things in one go? And maybe throw in your own reasoning?"

Xingqiu retorted indignantly, "Don't lump me in with that lunatic! I'm perfectly normal."

"Here's the first layer of our conclusion: that person belongs to the General Affairs Department. This judgment is based on the token he carried—a command token that requires the simultaneous authorization of two Qixing to mobilize."

"Then there's the second layer of our reasoning: this entire incident was most likely orchestrated under the orders of the General Affairs Department. My evidence? Just as Gu Sanqiu was about to investigate the ley line eruptions with us, that individual appeared and ordered him back to Liyue Harbor."

Xiangling's eyes lit up with sudden understanding. "So, are you saying the Captain doesn't need to participate in this incident? Or is it that someone doesn't want him to?"

Xingqiu nodded. "More or less, though the reason is different."

Tartaglia interjected, "Is it because he's too powerful?"

Xingqiu nodded again. "Exactly. Rather than a random event or sudden incident, this feels more like a... test."

"A test?" Chongyun's confused voice broke in. "What kind of test? Is someone taking an exam?"

With a swift smack to the back of Chongyun's head, Xingqiu snapped, "Stop disrupting my train of thought and just listen!"

Chongyun looked utterly bewildered but wisely chose to stay silent, feeling as though the world had shifted in some unfathomable way.

Buyu Raimei furrowed his brow. "What kind of test involves such dangerous methods? And why?"

Xingqiu took a deep breath. "You're new to Liyue, so there are some things you might not fully grasp yet. This is my final hypothesis—and the reason Gu Sanqiu returned to Liyue Harbor so readily."

"To ensure... coordination."

---

Far away in the wilds, Xingqiu, and on the Jade Chamber, Ningguang, both murmured the same phrase.

These four simple words left Gu Sanqiu speechless.

"Big Sister, even if this is about coordination, did you really have to go to such lengths? What's the point?"

Ningguang approached with a smile and tugged on Gu Sanqiu's ear. "Don't question your sister's strategic judgment, hm?"

Gu Sanqiu raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! I won't ask why you did it. I'm more curious about the reasoning behind it."

"Obviously, it's to calculate—to determine how many capable individuals remain unregistered within the populace," Ningguang replied, handing a document to Gu Sanqiu. "Take a look for yourself. Once you're done, you'll understand why we acted this way."

Gu Sanqiu skimmed the document, his expression shifting as comprehension dawned.

"I see. The ley line eruptions were just an excuse. You wanted to see how many hidden talents were still lying low in Liyue Harbor."

"Precisely. Ley line eruptions are rare, and they tempt people with greed. It's understandable that most would take action," Ningguang said as Gu Sanqiu set the document down and looked at her.

"What's your ultimate goal, then? Registering these individuals' abilities and rough numbers seems like just a stepping stone toward something bigger."

Gu Sanqiu smirked. "Or are you planning to work on that project, Big Sister?"

Ningguang mirrored his smile, both siblings radiating a profound and enigmatic air.

"Of course. Otherwise, why go to all this trouble? Besides, isn't this beneficial for Liyue?" Ningguang's smile remained calm as she watched Gu Sanqiu prop his feet up on her desk. A white jade paperweight promptly collided with his forehead.

"Sit properly. Feet down!"

Gu Sanqiu rubbed his head, grinning sheepishly. "So, is this Keqing's idea? Or has she already roped you into her way of thinking?"

"Neither. This is purely a merchant's instinctive crisis management," Ningguang replied with a smile. "For years, the Geo Archon has guided us on what the new year should hold. Everyone worked tirelessly—or schemed—for Mora."

"But what if one day the Archon is no longer here? Without his guidance, would Liyue Harbor grind to a halt? Would we become helpless fledglings incapable of independent thought?" Her tone turned serious.

"The Archon wants us to grow into eagles soaring across the skies—not remain nestlings forever."

"Do you know the fable of the Glaze Lilies?" she asked.

Gu Sanqiu nodded. "Precious herbs growing on sheer cliffsides, often seen as divine rewards for perseverance and hard work. They symbolize overcoming hardships."

"Exactly. But as you've pointed out before, Liyue has changed," Ningguang said, her expression turning cold. "People are intoxicated by superficial indulgence and arrogance, mistaking it for superiority. Mora holds more weight to them than more precious values."

She sighed. "Apologies—Mora shouldn't be compared to such people. It's the Geo Archon's gift to this world, a true standard of worth. They aren't fit to be measured by it."

Gu Sanqiu nodded thoughtfully. "So, you're quietly preparing for the future?"

"Indeed. Leaking information to a few unscrupulous individuals was intentional—our intention," Ningguang said coolly. "Before we consolidate power across various factions, a clean and functional administrative core is essential."

"A slightly cleaner Seven Stars and Eight Gates... that's the foundation for overseeing Liyue's future."

"Well played, Sis." Gu Sanqiu gave her a thumbs-up. "As expected of my sister, truly ruthless!"

Ningguang laughed softly. "Compared to my little brother, who can casually orchestrate a small-scale massacre, I'm far behind."

"Hey, I've already given up the wealth of the Three Profound Society! Why bring that up again?" Gu Sanqiu protested. "But how did you manage to trigger the ley line eruptions? What's the price for such a secret technique? Name it—I'll pay."

"Who told you this was our doing?" Ningguang smirked, patting his head. "This was merely an opportune coincidence."

"Now, my adorable brother, aside from keeping you out of our plans, there's another task for you."

Her voice turned icy. "Find out who dared to cause trouble in Liyue—and eliminate them. If possible, take down the force behind them as well."