Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [448]

Gu Sanqiu froze for a moment. "You really have that much faith in me? What if I can't beat her?"

The Old Mother chuckled. "The Church of Favonius isn't just about chanting prayers and saying 'May the Wind God protect you.' We have our sources of information."

"She fears you—that much is certain. And as one of that great figure's chosen, even if not because of what happened in Mondstadt, you're bound to clash with her eventually over similar matters."

Her reasoning wasn't wrong. If he were a typical chosen of a god, and he found out someone was eyeing his patron's symbolic treasure, it would be natural to use any means necessary to eliminate the threat.

The problem was that Gu Sanqiu wasn't typical (crossed out: not normal at all).

Nope—my old man is the abnormal one! (Confirmed.)

If he followed standard logic and did everything in his power to stop anyone from taking the Geo Archon's Gnosis—or even launched a full-scale campaign against the Fatui in Liyue—it would undoubtedly backfire spectacularly.

One fateful night, under a pitch-black moonless sky, Gu Sanqiu, the current "Incense Bearer of Liyue," would be strolling the streets, only to be struck down by something mysterious. He'd be unconscious for weeks, waking up to discover that the Geo Archon had already abdicated, and some golden-haired traveler would inform him that the Gnosis was gone.

He could already imagine how it would play out: his old man, somewhere remote, sharpening his Vortex Vanquisher on the remains of a defeated enemy, muttering, "If you won't let me retire, then you'll just have to step aside for a while."

And then... poof. He'd disappear for a while, only to awaken and find everything had been decided without him.

He had no idea what the other Archons thought when they gave away their Gnosis, but Zhongli had clearly planned to retire.

If Gu Sanqiu's meddling ruined those plans, along with whatever strategy Zhongli had prepared for afterward, the collective wrath of the Gu ancestors wouldn't be enough to save him. In fact, they'd probably side with Zhongli and personally help him deal with Gu Sanqiu.

Best-case scenario? A cozy private room at Guyun Pavilion. Worst case? A one-man prison deep within the ley lines, or even getting tossed into Fuao Vale to share a "luxury flat" with Azhdaha.

I decline.

Gu Sanqiu pushed the Old Mother back to the camp and announced to his companions that he had accepted the title of West Wind Saint. Cheers and congratulations followed.

Gu Sanqiu couldn't help but feel relieved this was Mondstadt. In some other nation, a title like this might mean never setting foot in a tavern again.

But with the prefix West Wind attached to his title, going to a bar wouldn't raise many eyebrows. Sure, some brave souls might toast with him, but most would simply admire the Church's foresight for choosing him.

For the first time, he was grateful for Mondstadt's love of drinking. If being a Saint meant losing the joy of sharing drinks with friends, that kind of title could stay far, far away.

With the situation in Dragonspine resolved, Mondstadt's forces began their phased withdrawal. Albedo, however, remained behind as part of the last group, taking the opportunity to call back Gu Sanqiu, who had initially planned to leave with the first wave.

It made sense for Albedo to stay—being both a local expert on Dragonspine and a skilled researcher, he was well-suited to handle any final details or measurements.

"So, why'd you make me stay behind?" Gu Sanqiu asked, perched on a rock. "And just to be clear, you already used Klee as an excuse to rope me into this mess. If you try to use her again, doesn't your conscience hurt even a little?"

"I merely suggested it. I didn't force you to come using Klee as an excuse," Albedo replied.

They were in the heart of the now-cleared Sleeping Dragon Valley. Covered once again by snow, the valley had mostly returned to its natural state—albeit with noticeably less snowfall.

The cave housing Durin's heart still loomed ominously nearby, and Albedo gazed at it with arms crossed.

"It's simply that you consider Klee someone worth protecting."

"Heh. You're starting to sound more and more like one of those cryptic fortune-tellers," Gu Sanqiu said, shaking his head. "But yeah, she's adorable. Having a little sister like her would make life interesting."

Albedo's expression turned subtle.

Interesting? Sure... as long as she doesn't cause trouble for me to clean up.

"So, what's this about?" Gu Sanqiu asked. "That big guy cleared this place out with one move. We should be grateful this is still called Sleeping Dragon Valley and not Sleeping Dragon Chasm."

"If the Abyss Order had any backup plans, it's hard to believe anyone survived. Why didn't that big guy just wipe us out the moment he showed up?"

"No, I'm not worried about loose ends. I'm waiting. Waiting for someone with a high probability of appearing," Albedo replied, his gaze fixed on a particular corner of the valley.

"And it seems they've arrived."

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "Someone? The usual treasure hoarders wouldn't have the guts to show up here. Who exactly are you expecting?"

Even as he spoke, Gu Sanqiu's actions were swift. His weapon was in hand, and elemental energy began to swirl around him.

"Hold on—this person you've been waiting for. They're not some incredibly powerful enemy, are they?"

"In terms of strength? I'm not entirely sure. But based on their history, they should be quite formidable."

Albedo's eyes remained fixed on the shadowed corner. "Am I right... esteemed guest?"

A raspy voice answered from the shadows, calm but heavy with authority.

"I didn't realize Dragonspine was now someone's private domain."

The figure stepped into view—a man clad in ornate black armor adorned with intricate trinkets. A black-and-blue cape draped over his shoulders, and a longsword hung at his side. His piercing gaze swept over Albedo and Gu Sanqiu.

"The entire mountain may not belong to me, but this place can be considered mine. Durin was my brother, and this is his burial ground. His resting place is my domain."

Albedo's expression was serious, his tone unwavering as he replied. "This is Durin's burial ground, and so it belongs to you? How convenient."

Gu Sanqiu's mind spun. By that logic, anywhere Mora is used would be Zhongli's territory.

"Fine," he muttered to himself. "Let's just hand all seven nations over to Liyue while we're at it. I'll gladly accept the title of Incense Bearer of Teyvat."

"None of that matters," Albedo said, his grip tightening on his sword. "What matters is that you're here, just as I predicted."

"Who are they?" Gu Sanqiu asked, keeping his tone light, though his mind raced.

On the outside, he wore a polite smile. But internally, he was stunned. He recognized this person.

Dainsleif.