Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Heh, well said, Doctor. I can't even argue with that."

Gu Sanqiu gave a light clap. "Consider me impressed."

"So, do you have an actual reason for coming here?"

"Oh, right! I almost forgot," Gu Sanqiu said. "Aside from bringing some gifts, I also wanted to check if you've finished preparing."

"The Dance of the Geo Lord is coming up soon. Make sure that formation of yours is ready. If anyone tries to overstep their bounds, let them enjoy the privilege of becoming 'poisoned individuals.'"

"The Dance of the Geo Lord… only you could turn a commercial event into something that sounds related to Rex Lapis and not get punished for it. Even the adepti don't question you. Truly, the Gu family basks in divine favor."

Baizhu massaged his temples. "Don't worry. The formation has been ready for a while. I figured you'd come by to ask about it first thing."

"Good. I trust your skills completely."

"Honestly, Sanqiu, if you'd dedicate yourself to medical studies, your achievements would be unparalleled."

"Can't be helped."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Family teachings made me a jack of all trades. I can handle average medical tasks just fine, but my expertise lies in alchemy and leveraging alternative methods. True specialization is more your thing."

Baizhu glanced at Gu Sanqiu. "Speaking of, there's something I've been meaning to ask. Those strange metal panels you've installed around Liyue Harbor—what are they for?"

"Oh? Those aren't metal panels; they're called screens," Gu Sanqiu explained. "In simple terms, they use special techniques to project images onto the panels, letting people see what's being captured elsewhere."

"Sounds a lot like Fontaine's technology."

"It is, more or less. I just, uh, made a few improvements here and there."

Gu Sanqiu's expression didn't change in the slightest.

Right—'a few improvements,' courtesy of his golden finger and a modification cheat.

"Well, as long as they're not some secret weapons from your family's archives."

Baizhu exhaled in relief.

"Have people been complaining about them?" Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"Mm, you installed those screens through the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Some people feel they don't match the Lantern Rite atmosphere, and rumors are swirling among the public."

"The real complaints come from certain merchants. Those areas used to be prime spots for advertisements, and now you've essentially cut off their revenue streams."

"On top of that, they think you're up to something again, hence their grumbling."

"A snake bite once, and now they fear every rope," Gu Sanqiu sneered. "Rest assured, these aren't weapons—unless, of course, someone neglects their duties, and a screen falls and injures someone."

"Hah, not my problem. At worst, Bubu Pharmacy will sell more ointments and maybe handle a few bone fractures."

Baizhu shrugged. "Still, you might want to clarify things. Your family hasn't been very prominent among the common folk in recent years."

"By installing those screens through official channels, you're distancing yourself further from the people."

Gu Sanqiu fell silent for a moment, then shook his head, a faint smirk of disdain on his lips.

"No need. The attention will come soon enough."

Baizhu chuckled. "Friendly reminder: if you're planning something dangerous, do let me know in advance. I'll personally escort you to the Millelith to turn yourself in."

"Relax. It's something good—undoubtedly good."

"Oh? Care to elaborate?"

"You know, I went to Mondstadt recently," Gu Sanqiu began.

"I know. The commotion you caused there was no small matter. Even the Knights of Favonius issued an official letter of gratitude mentioning you. But that's just the public version of the story. Are you about to tell me the truth?"

"Indeed. During that mission, I encountered… someone. We had a conversation, and I learned quite a bit."

Baizhu's brow furrowed slightly. "Is it appropriate to discuss this here?"

"It's fine. Only a handful of people know, and I'm not naming names."

Gu Sanqiu's tone was calm. "That individual's nature—no, their essence—is fiery and unyielding. When they lose, they accept it without complaint. But what I found most interesting was this: they don't care what others think. They follow their own path without hesitation. That's their way of doing things, and it's surprisingly applicable here."

"Ants cannot impede the footsteps of gods."

Gods!

Baizhu's eyes widened in shock as his gaze locked onto Gu Sanqiu's face.

"Who exactly did you encounter?"

Gu Sanqiu wasn't some naive bumpkin. For him to use the term 'gods' in his summary meant the figure he encountered was anything but ordinary.

Could it have been… a true Archon or an ancient deity from a past era?

"That's not something I can easily divulge."

Changsheng, who had been quietly eavesdropping, opened her mouth in mock outrage. "You're such a tease! Want me to bite you?"

"If you're that curious, you can submit a formal report to the Qixing. They'll tell you what they know."

"Relax. I haven't reached that level. Everything I've done has been carefully considered. It's all harmless to the people—beneficial, even. With that foundation, why should I care about a few idle whispers?"

Gu Sanqiu laughed heartily, his voice trailing off as his figure vanished.

"That guy…"

Baizhu sighed deeply.

Changsheng turned to him. "Are you sure he's not a problem?"

"A problem?"

Baizhu shook his head. "The Gu family cannot be judged by normal standards. If a Gu incense bearer had no quirks, that would be the biggest problem."

"So, we just let him be?"

"Yes. Whatever he does, as long as it doesn't harm Liyue, there's no reason to intervene."

Baizhu rested his hands on the railing. "I've heard about the Mondstadt incident. Sanqiu didn't have to dive into that mess, yet he did so without hesitation."

Changsheng tilted her head. "You mean, like the heroes in those old stories? Acting for some grand ideal?"

"Exactly. Mondstadt's formal acknowledgment proves his efforts were significant. Whatever his reasons, someone who achieves this much can't be a bad person."

Baizhu smiled faintly. "Besides, having someone like him in Liyue keeps life interesting. Better than the same old routine, wouldn't you agree?"

---

Leaving Baizhu's remarks behind, Gu Sanqiu now stood before a place he knew all too well—a place so familiar it made him reluctant to enter.

"Hehe, Xiangjun, you're here."

A white-clad individual greeted him with a bright, mischievous grin.

---

Thank you for reading this chapter!

Wise-Senpai leads the way, sharing stories that inspire and connect us all. Your support is like the encouragement of a loyal companion, pushing this journey forward and lighting the path ahead.

If you'd like to support Wise-Senpai, you can visit:

[patreon.com/WiseTL].

Every contribution strengthens our resolve, paving the way for the stories yet to come!

Let's continue to explore these worlds together!

-Mash Kyrielight 💜