Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [370]

"It's nothing major."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "I found the mastermind—someone who could wield a portion of an evil god's authority. Then, a hidden big shot appeared out of nowhere and killed him in one strike."

Keqing fell silent for a moment before sighing.

"You have a knack for giving me surprises. Or maybe I should say, scares."

"But let me make one thing clear: even if the Ministry of Civil Affairs has hidden experts, none of them are powerful enough to take down someone with an evil god's authority in a single blow."

"So it wasn't anyone from the Ministry?"

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "Then where else could someone of that caliber come from?"

It couldn't have been the old man or any of the adepti. If it were them, there'd be no reason to be so secretive about it.

Hu Tao wandered over and ruffled Gu Sanqiu's hair playfully.

"When it comes to hidden experts, shouldn't you start by looking at your own family?"

Keqing nodded in agreement.

If there's any family in Liyue Harbor that exudes mystery, the Gu clan is definitely at the top of the list.

"There's nothing to look for. My family's all gone—just me now."

Gu Sanqiu smirked bitterly. That much he'd learned from the old dragon Azhdaha.

During the Chasm incident, both the main and branch families of the Gu clan had paid a steep price. Then, for some inexplicable reason, by the time it got to him, he was the only one left to carry on the name.

Sure, strength could prolong life. By that logic, Gu Shen might have been the Gu clan's longest-living member.

But Gu Shen's era was at least two thousand years ago. Even time itself would've worn him down a hundred times over. Thinking he might still be alive was wishful at best.

Hu Tao continued playing with Gu Sanqiu's hair. "So what now? Are we just waiting for the workers to finish inventorying the materials?"

Keqing shook her head. "There's no need for that. We can handle things here. You two are free to leave."

Hu Tao perked up instantly. "I'm starving, Sanqiu!"

"Alright, let's grab some late-night snacks first, then figure out the rest."

Gu Sanqiu stood, smoothing out his hair.

"We'll bring some food back for you. In the meantime, make sure to conduct a thorough investigation of those Sumeru scholars. They treat knowledge like their lifeline. If you're not strict, they'll slip through with their word games and excuses."

"You can count on that."

Keqing nodded firmly. "This is Liyue. Everything is done by our rules."

"Ha, such a commanding Yuheng. Well, we'll be off then."

Gu Sanqiu waved as he and Hu Tao, now clinging to his back, quickly made their exit.

---

Far away in a secluded corner of Guili Plains, the black-clad figure reappeared, coughing harshly as he collapsed onto a massive stone chair.

To be precise, he curled up on the chair, clutching his chest as the coughs wracked his body.

"Why did you intervene?"

The air shimmered slightly, and a mental presence materialized before him, its tone filled with quiet curiosity.

"Heh. Couldn't help it. If it were just that boy in danger, I wouldn't have cared. But after what that Sumeru scholar said? No way I could hold back."

The black-clad man coughed violently again. "I always knew there was something off about the Akademiya. But it turns out the madness isn't limited to them."

"If they dared to target the people of Liyue, they shouldn't blame me for using my strength against them."

The presence stirred slightly. "Are you alright?"

"If only."

The man exhaled deeply, propping his legs up on the table before him.

"Look at me—unable to live, unable to die. When idiots like that come knocking, it's cathartic to vent a little."

"And besides, isn't this a critical time for your plans, Rex Lapis?"

"Sigh."

The mental presence coalesced into a physical form.

Zhongli hovered midair, gazing at the figure slouched on the stone chair.

"Was your intervention really about my plans?"

"Partly. But also because that idiot was so brazen. Committing such atrocities on Liyue's soil and having the audacity to gloat about it? I wouldn't have been able to sleep if I hadn't smashed his head in."

Zhongli frowned. "You didn't have to intervene. Even without you, that boy and Xiao could've handled it. Not to mention the Medicine Pot Hermit was watching."

The man waved dismissively. "Come on. When someone pisses you off, isn't it more satisfying to deal with them yourself rather than calling someone else to do it? There's no comparison."

Zhongli pinched the bridge of his nose. "And that's your reason for risking your health to strike?"

"What else? You know better than anyone—people like us can't abide unresolved grievances. Better to die than live with that kind of frustration."

The man chuckled hoarsely. "Anyway, you should avoid visiting me too often. Certain 'important figures' might not take kindly to it."

Zhongli asked, "A few days ago, the Abyss Order triggered a ley line surge to reach the surface. Their objective seems related to that boy. Do you know why?"

"The Abyss Order causing such a commotion?"

The man blinked, then shook his head. "Not a clue. Even if they showed up, they wouldn't come bowing to someone like me. What could they want with another 'mole' like me?"

"Fair enough."

Zhongli's presence faded. "Take care."

The man laughed mockingly. "'Take care' is something you say to the living. I'm not exactly alive, old man. Maybe you should be the one taking care of yourself."

"Still, whatever strange plans you're concocting, you have my unconditional support. After all, you're Rex Lapis, you strange, old fossil."

He coughed violently again but forced himself to stand, bowing deeply in a traditional gesture.

"I'll always back you because you're Morax, the peculiar old man."

"Because my name is Gu."

---

Back in Liyue Harbor, Zhongli sat in his chair, lost in thought.

That little lunatic had already taken action. The remaining evil god statues, those imbued with fragments of authority, would pose no issue now.

To waste divine power monitoring such trivial matters would be an insult to the "professional competence" of that madman.

"For the sake of inner peace?"

Zhongli rose and walked to the window, gazing toward Guili Plains.

"Hmph. Little lunatic. Are you helping me, or merely chasing peace of mind at any cost? Can't someone as clever as you weigh the risks better?"

He sighed softly. "Arrogant little brat, calling me a strange old man. Do you think I'll let you off so easily just because I don't have the heart to teach you a lesson right now?"

"Memories surge like tides. This, too, is a part of erosion—a truly unforgettable feeling."

"Zhongli!"

A familiar voice broke his reverie.

"Zhongli! Come on! The great Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Master invites you to a midnight snack!"

Two familiar figures came into view—Hu Tao, waving enthusiastically, and Gu Sanqiu, balancing an armful of food while carrying Hu Tao on his back.

For a moment, Zhongli froze. Then, a faint smile crossed his lips before disappearing.

"An invitation from you two? I'm honored."

---

T/N: ooooh

...

If you're reading this, then you've wandered all the way to the end. I'm impressed. Stories are like wine—meant to be savored, not rushed. So if you took your time? Thank you.

Of course, the real thanks goes to WiseTL—the one who turned tangled words into something beautiful. I just got asked to wrap things up with a ribbon. Hopefully this counts!

If you enjoyed the journey and want to support the person who made it possible, you can find them here:

👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]

Go on. Be generous. They've earned it.

Until next time—read well, rest often, and maybe come visit me at the Hostess of Fertility sometime.

– Syr ✨