Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [449]

Well, here we go—another cryptic guy who loves talking in riddles.

Gu Sanqiu didn't immediately attack. Even though Albedo had drawn his weapon, his demeanor still suggested, Let's talk this out first.

Besides, if the Sword of the Descender really was as powerful as rumored, it would be unwise to pick a fight before they got the information they wanted.

"Interesting," Dainsleif remarked, his gaze fixed on Albedo. "How did you figure out I'd be here?"

"I didn't know it was you at first," Albedo admitted calmly. "But I did detect someone hiding in the area and guessed it might be you."

He elaborated, "There are numerous accounts in the Adventurers' Guild records of a mysterious man dressed in black being spotted during monster-clearing missions. These reports align with some of the most difficult assignments."

"Just some records? And you were sure it was me?"

"Not just the records. I also applied a filter: the sightings occur only during high-level operations, which suggests you wouldn't bother with minor disturbances."

Albedo's golden eyes gleamed as he continued, "Perhaps you didn't know this, but the Adventurers' Guild has flagged you as a 'special entity requiring caution.' Using my own resources, I found similar accounts from other regions."

Dainsleif crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "So, you deduced it was me based on circumstantial evidence. That's quite bold... and thorough. Your logic holds."

"Now, why are you looking for me?"

"Seriously, can we not do this whole convoluted back-and-forth?" Gu Sanqiu interjected, twirling his spear. "My friend just wants to know why you're so obsessed with the Abyss Order and whether you pose any threat to Mondstadt. That's it."

"Two questions—just nod twice if you're feeling lazy. Heck, five words would do. Stop complicating things for no reason."

"The Abyss Order?" Dainsleif turned his attention to Gu Sanqiu, his interest visibly piqued. "Not many refer to them by that name. Most simply call them monsters or demons..."

He trailed off abruptly, his expression shifting into one of shock and uncertainty as he studied Gu Sanqiu.

"You..."

"Me?" Gu Sanqiu pointed at himself. "What about me? You think I'm handsome too? Fine, but could you answer my brother's question first?"

Dainsleif's face darkened, his tone wary. "Who are your parents?"

Huh?

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "Wait—you know my family?"

Despite his youthful appearance, Dainsleif was from Khaenri'ah, five centuries removed from the current era.

"So, you've met my parents?"

His spear began to radiate a faint golden glow. "That sounds like interesting intel. Why don't you share some details, buddy?"

"No... I may have been mistaken," Dainsleif murmured, shaking his head. "I hold no ill will toward Mondstadt. As for my pursuit of the Abyss Order, consider it the unfinished business of someone still chasing a goal."

"Alright, then. Could you share that goal with us?" Albedo asked, his tone neutral. With a subtle gesture, the alchemical instruments he'd secretly set up activated, encircling the three of them in a glowing array.

"Forgive the intrusion," Albedo added, glancing at Gu Sanqiu. "There's another matter I'd like to clarify.

"Even with flight capabilities, traversing Teyvat at such speeds is no small feat. The records of your movements span the entire continent. Unless someone intentionally sought such information, your activity would likely go unnoticed."

"Doesn't this... remind you of someone, Sanqiu?"

Gu Sanqiu's expression grew serious. Teleportation anchors.

"You're right," he said. "And the Abyss Order seems to have similar capabilities. What if this guy is one of their spies? Playing both sides to manipulate us?"

Albedo nodded. "A double agent embedded on the surface? It's not impossible."

Dainsleif scowled, his hand moving to his sword. "I mean you no harm—at least not from my perspective. I hope you can understand that."

"Whether that's true or not," Gu Sanqiu countered, "you could just explain how you're able to move so quickly across Teyvat. Maybe then we'd feel less suspicious."

Both Albedo and Gu Sanqiu had the same thought. If they could learn large-scale teleportation techniques from Dainsleif...

Even if it meant antagonizing someone closely connected to the Abyss Order, it'd be worth it.

Dainsleif shook his head. "I have no interest in you. As for my ability to travel quickly... that's knowledge tied to a dangerous existence, far beyond what you can comprehend."

Behind him, a spatial rift began to open.

Before disappearing, Dainsleif gave Gu Sanqiu one last, intense look. "Perhaps I was wrong about you. But if you truly belong to that family, dig through your archives. You might uncover the truth about me."

"Until next time."

With that, Dainsleif vanished, the rift closing behind him. Gu Sanqiu lowered his spear and slumped back onto the nearby rock, turning to Albedo, who was already examining his instruments.

"Why didn't you make a move?"

"You didn't either," Albedo replied, not looking up. "For someone to come and go freely within my alchemy array... his secrets are even more valuable than I anticipated."

"Yeah. Way too valuable," Gu Sanqiu muttered.

A living relic from 500 years ago. No way he isn't valuable.

He could already imagine certain nouveau riche families paying an exorbitant price to preserve someone like Dainsleif in artificial amber as a trophy.

"You're sure you don't know him?" Albedo pressed. "That look of shock he gave you wasn't fake. Think carefully."

"And," Albedo added, "he was willing to say as much as he did. I suspect that had something to do with your face."

"I don't know him. Really," Gu Sanqiu lied smoothly.

Sorry, Dain. I gotta play dumb for now. Didn't expect you to show up this early.

"I mean, a guy like him stands out. If I'd met someone like that before, I'd remember."

He paused before adding, "Also, you're wrong about him being shocked the moment he saw me. Who knows how long he'd been watching us before stepping out?"

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Think about it: whether he's working with the Abyss Order or really fighting against them, someone like him doesn't have a one-track mind."