Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [394]

"So, should we step in? If we don't, those two might not make it out alive," Gu Sanqiu asked casually.

The monsters in reality didn't adjust their difficulty to suit their opponents. Moreover, this group included a Mitachurl, making it even less likely for the golden-haired traveler to escape.

Judging from Aether's combat performance earlier, his chances of breaking through the encirclement were close to zero.

"Don't worry, reinforcements are already on the way," Barbatos replied confidently, nodding. "Once the situation's under control, we'll step in. While I don't need to get involved personally, it'll do you good to get familiar with him."

"Get familiar? I don't think that's necessary."

Gu Sanqiu cast a nonchalant glance at the turquoise gemstone adorning Aether's attire but froze in surprise.

That strange feeling… it's gone?

Refusing to believe it, he deliberately focused his gaze on Aether's waist. The intensity of his stare made the golden-haired traveler, still locked in combat, shiver slightly, as though he were being watched by a ferocious beast.

Huh. Aether's waist really is Teyvat's treasure.

No doubt about it. Smooth skin, not a trace of excess fat, and a lithe physique that carried a touch of wild grace in the midst of battle.

Honestly, if it weren't for my sister constantly gifting Beidou skincare products while mocking her lack of "feminine sensibilities," even Beidou's skin might not be as flawless as his.

But… is that all?

Gu Sanqiu's thoughts were eerily calm now, entirely different from the obsessive fangirl-like mentality he had earlier.

"I'm not feeling that way anymore. How interesting."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. Beside him, Barbatos let out a subtle sigh of relief.

Good, the kid's finally back to normal. He should be safe now…

Gu Sanqiu pulled out his blade again.

The feeling disappeared, but why? Is it because Aether's in combat?

If anything, this makes him even more worth studying.

"Put that oversized cleaver away, you maniac!"

Barbatos's face turned an alarming shade of green. If this went on, Gu Sanqiu's unhinged curiosity might spiral out of control—and he wasn't sure he could stop it.

Sure, he could overpower Gu Sanqiu physically, but who knew what tricks this lunatic might come up with? Dealing with him was like playing a game of chess where the opponent had all the chaotic moves.

Frustrated, Barbatos mentally checked on the incoming reinforcements. To suppress Gu Sanqiu's escalating research urges, he'd secretly used his Anemo powers to accelerate their arrival.

Hurry up, Knights of Favonius! There's a madman here trying to harvest live parts for research!

"Go, Baron Bunny!"

A red, rabbit-eared doll descended from the sky, followed by a long-haired girl in goggles, gliding in with her bow drawn. She fired an explosive flaming arrow at the doll mid-air.

"Traveler below, get out of the way!"

Aether felt the heat of the elemental arrow as it streaked toward its target. Seizing the moment while the Hilichurls were distracted, he rolled out of the combat zone.

Boom!

Flames erupted in a dazzling explosion. The Mitachurl shielded a few smaller Hilichurls with its massive body as they frantically swatted at the flames licking its fur.

When the fire finally subsided, the visibly annoyed Mitachurl glared at Amber, shouted some incomprehensible Hilichurlian threats, and fled the scene.

Gu Sanqiu watched the retreating monsters with a look of utter disdain, barely restraining himself from using a concealment spell to chase them down personally.

Damn it! If Amber had been just a little later, I could've scraped some skin or drawn blood from Aether. What a wasted opportunity!

Barbatos, the architect of this "coincidental" rescue, silently sighed in relief. Close one. Thank the winds that this played out smoothly.

"So, what now? Do we step in, or stay out of it?" Gu Sanqiu gestured toward the scene. "Things seem under control without us, don't they?"

His original plan was to use a large-scale attack to drive off the Hilichurls, conveniently "accidentally" injuring Aether in the process. That way, he could collect samples without incurring his father's wrath—or a Geo spear to the face.

But with Amber's timely arrival, the Hilichurls seemed to lose their fighting spirit and retreated. If he and Barbatos showed up now, they might come off as the suspicious party.

Barbatos patted his chest. "Don't worry, we'll just say we saw Amber flying this way and thought something was up, so we followed her. Simple."

"That's it? Such a flimsy excuse?"

Gu Sanqiu gave Barbatos a skeptical look, sensing there was more to his plan.

He's definitely hiding something from me.

"Relax, lies are best kept simple. The more elaborate they are, the easier they are to unravel. Trust me."

Barbatos chuckled to himself. Amber had indeed been hurried along by his winds, and if questioned, he could claim they couldn't keep up with her speed. It was foolproof.

Besides, as Mondstadt's reigning gliding champion, Amber would likely accept his excuse without a second thought.

Barbatos sauntered out into the open, cheerfully waving. "Hello there! Is everyone alright?"

Gu Sanqiu followed reluctantly, nodding toward Amber.

"Out on patrol this early? Or just finished a night shift and heading home to rest?"

Both Aether and Amber flinched at the sudden appearance of the two strangers, but Amber relaxed when she recognized Gu Sanqiu.

"Oh, it's you! No, I'm here on overtime. Acting Grand Master Jean called me out," Amber grumbled, dark circles under her eyes.

"All the Anemo Visions in Mondstadt sensed a massive elemental fluctuation earlier. Barbara dragged me out of bed to investigate."

She rubbed her eyes and sighed. "I barely get any rest, and now Jean's making Barbara wake me up for overtime. I'm so exhausted I'm losing my mind."

Amber glanced at the two. "So, what are you doing here?"

Gu Sanqiu pointed at Barbatos. "I was out for a stroll with my friend. We saw you gliding this way and thought something might be wrong, so we followed to check it out."

Barbatos added with a bright smile, "But wow, you're so fast! We couldn't keep up, so we arrived late."

Amber studied Barbatos for a moment, then nodded in recognition.

"Oh, I remember you! You're that bard who doesn't ask for tips but begs for drinks. You're pretty famous in Mondstadt—I've seen you around."

Barbatos grinned and proudly pulled out his turquoise-encrusted drinking certificate.

"Not anymore! Now I can drink legally like a proper citizen. The era of the 'begging bard' is over. Cheers!"

"...Heh." Gu Sanqiu let out a cryptic laugh, tilting his head to examine Amber more closely—specifically, her dark circles.

"You said Barbara dragged you out of bed, right?"

Amber nodded.

Gu Sanqiu's expression turned strange. "So… you were gliding over here half-asleep? Isn't that basically fatigued flying?"

---

T/N: :)

...

Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.

Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.

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