Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [360]

A crimson light erupted into the sky as the ground around the pit liquefied. Gu Sanqiu rose on a surge of wind and flame, leaping from the depths with a devastating palm strike aimed at the nearest Stonehide Lawachurl's chest.

Boom!

The force of his strike sent the Lawachurl reeling, flames igniting its body. The sinister power of the Delusion sapped the creature's life force, amplified by swirling Anemo energy. Shards of dark red crystal broke off its body, scattering like jackpot winnings from a slot machine.

"You're actually using that?"

The Abyss Mage's tone turned grim as he swung his staff. Rippling water clashed with the Delusion's power, neutralizing the flames engulfing the Lawachurl.

"Grrraagh…"

The Lawachurl collapsed, its body steaming and bleeding heavily from its chest and mouth. It was no longer capable of fighting.

"What's wrong? Surprised that I can wield this power?"

The flames surrounding Gu Sanqiu flared higher, their intensity fueled by the life force they had absorbed. Behind him, a shadowy, indistinct figure began to coalesce.

The Abyss Mage sneered. "A proper, grounded being like you using a Delusion… Your family truly is unique."

Gu Sanqiu's face darkened. "You know, I almost forgot to ask—those techniques the Lawachurls used earlier, like my Seismic Shockwave. How do you know it?"

The Mage clapped mockingly. "Do you think only that old dragon lord understands the power of the ley lines?"

"Continue!"

At his command, the remaining Lawachurls charged. Gu Sanqiu stood his ground, dark red flames gathering around his right fist.

"There's no killing intent in this fight, which is why I spared that one earlier."

"But if you have something I need to know, I won't hold back anymore."

Boom!

Gu Sanqiu punched the ground, and crimson vein-like patterns spread outward like blood vessels.

"Scarlet Earth!"

A massive eruption of flames engulfed the battlefield, the heat so intense it melted the surrounding boulders. The Lawachurls howled in agony as the Abyss Mage's shield emitted thick white smoke under the scorching assault.

"You've mastered such holy flames to this extent?!"

The Abyss Mage covered his mouth and nose with his sleeve. "Weren't you Liyueans supposed to specialize in Geo elemental arts?"

Gu Sanqiu chuckled coldly. "Who told you specialization means ignoring everything else? What, you think humans don't prepare for contingencies?"

Even animals knew to store food for winter; why wouldn't humans keep a few trump cards?

Gu Sanqiu darted through the flames, his punches striking with surgical precision. One by one, the Lawachurls fell, unable to withstand his relentless assault. He charged straight for the Abyss Mage.

"Tell me what you know, or you won't be leaving here today."

His crimson fist collided with the Mage's watery shield, steam hissing where the two forces met.

The Abyss Mage laughed darkly. "Don't compare me to those novices, boy."

The shield pulsed, sending tendrils of water laced with corrosive energy snaking toward Gu Sanqiu. His skin prickled painfully under their touch.

"I don't care what level you are," Gu Sanqiu growled, pulling back his fist before slamming it into the shield again.

"Just be a good punching bag!"

Boom!

This time, the blue gemstone-like shield visibly trembled, its hue dimming slightly.

A barrage of water orbs materialized, hurtling toward Gu Sanqiu from all directions. Forced back, he clenched his fists tighter.

"Interesting. Very interesting," he muttered, his expression serious. Even within the Scarlet Earth domain, this Abyss Mage could easily conjure such dense and numerous water orbs. His strength was no joke.

The Abyss Mage floated lazily within his shield, adopting a mockingly relaxed posture. "What's holding you back, I wonder? Do you know?"

Gu Sanqiu's glare sharpened. "I'm more curious why someone of your caliber didn't show up during the battle with Dvalin."

"Dvalin? That Wind God pet?" The Mage waved dismissively. "Irrelevant. That was just some ambitious schemer's test to see what Barbatos was up to."

"Test Barbatos? That's an interesting take," Gu Sanqiu said, narrowing his eyes. "And while we're at it—does the Abyss Order have factions?"

The Mage laughed. "And you call yourself a Liyuean. Where there are people, there's division. It's a universal law. But I wouldn't expect you to understand laws."

Gu Sanqiu raised his left hand, summoning a vibrant pink energy that glowed blindingly bright.

"…I take that back. You're an absolute freak of nature."

"Enough flattery. Did you cause the ley line eruptions? Or are you not afraid of Rex Lapis raining stone spears on you from the heavens?"

The Abyss Mage sneered. "Morax, your mighty Warlord of Liyue, doesn't intervene lightly. Besides, we didn't do anything."

"Ley lines surging and blooming, even Whopperflowers becoming docile enough for conversation—isn't that a good thing? Doesn't it lower the risks for your travelers?"

Gu Sanqiu's laugh was cold. "Should I thank you, then? Maybe build you a shrine and light some incense?"

The Mage chuckled. "Spare me. I wouldn't dare accept offerings from your family."

Gu Sanqiu's gaze hardened. "You seem awfully familiar with my family. Don't tell me someone joined the Abyss Order?"

For a moment, the Mage froze before bursting into uncontrollable laughter, dropping his staff in the process.

"Ha! A true madman, just like the records said! Your whole family's insane!"

"Knowledge, boy. Knowledge is life's true inheritance. Etch it into stone if you must. Maybe it'll last longer than flesh and blood."

"What's your goal?" Gu Sanqiu demanded.

"None of your business."

The Mage reached into his robes, tossing a bamboo scroll toward Gu Sanqiu. "Can you read this?"

Gu Sanqiu caught it cautiously with Geo-infused energy, ensuring it wasn't trapped. He unfurled it, only to be greeted by incomprehensible symbols and diagrams.

"…What the hell is this?"

"Figures you wouldn't understand."

The Mage snapped his fingers, and the scroll floated back toward him—until Gu Sanqiu snatched it mid-air.

"Whether I understand it or not, it's mine now."

"I can't let you keep that," the Mage said, standing upright.

"Too bad."

The Mage glanced upward. "Well, well. Someone's arrived to crash the party. Lucky me, unlucky you. These new arrivals are… complicated. But it was fun meeting you."

"Bye-bye~!"

"Stop!"

Gu Sanqiu stomped, his Scarlet Earth domain expanding rapidly. He wasn't just talking during their exchange—he'd already woven Delusion energy through the battlefield.

"It's useless. Bye-bye~!"

The Mage's laugh echoed as the fallen Lawachurls dissolved into foam. All that remained were pools of their blood and the fire-scarred battlefield.

"Sanqiu!"