Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Zhongli, I need to clarify something with you," Gu Sanqiu said, gesturing toward the Staff of Homa resting across his lap.

"Even for a weapon as remarkable as Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's signature polearm, it's best not to try feeding it a golden elixir unless adequately prepared. After countless generations of refinement, the Staff of Homa is already at its peak."

"At its peak?" Hu Tao tilted her head as she picked up the staff. "Sanqiu, how can you sense that it's at its peak, but I can't?"

"My mental acuity surpasses most people," Gu Sanqiu replied casually. "And you should hope you never witness the staff's peak form."

At its pinnacle, the Homa's high flames could incinerate all evil and corruption. Yet, those same flames would consume the wielder, turning their life force into fiery butterflies scattered to the wind.

Though it was mostly a legend from times of calamity, the rituals passed down in Wangsheng suggested otherwise. Gu Sanqiu was fairly certain he had deduced how previous Funeral Parlor heads met their end.

"Aw, come on, tell me!" Hu Tao put the staff back and tugged at Gu Sanqiu's sleeve like a child begging for candy.

"I'll tell you when the time is right," Gu Sanqiu said, patting her head.

At the same time, his thoughts began to wander.

In all the known world of Teyvat, no family had researched longevity as extensively as his. Yet even his lineage couldn't achieve true immortality. Otherwise, he'd still be the young master of the household instead of its head.

If his elders were still alive, he and Xingqiu would have had their legs broken for half the stunts they pulled.

The Hu family, however, likely wouldn't bother. Their views on life and death were far more rigid.

Not that it mattered now. Hu Tao couldn't match him in strength. Shoving longevity-enhancing items down her throat—like he had done with the Three Souls Fruit ages ago—would be easy.

The real solution lay elsewhere. His mysterious "golden finger" ability might hold the key.

If it could produce food, could it conjure something like Peaches of Immortality or Ginseng Fruits?

Gu Sanqiu quickly dismissed the idea. Even if such items existed, what could he trade to meet the principle of equivalent exchange?

Would he need to venture into the Abyss beyond Teyvat's seas to collect god-tier materials?

Gu Sanqiu sighed. The Gu family might court danger, but they never actively sought death.

"Let's get back to the topic," Gu Sanqiu said. "Zhongli, if we're talking about the Reversal Divine Pill, it could even serve as the core for a small-scale External Domain. You know what that means."

"If such a pill were to resurface, even the most reclusive sects hidden in Minlin would offer their entire wealth to acquire it."

"Indeed," Zhongli nodded. "Apologies. My extensive reading of ancient texts sometimes distorts my understanding of the practical applications and value of such items."

Extensive reading?

Sure, Gu Sanqiu thought, rolling his eyes. Let's call it that.

During the Archon War, creating a Reversal Divine Pill wasn't difficult. Even Medicine Furnace Adepti could craft one with ease.

With fallen gods and constructs serving as prime materials, it was a treasure trove for alchemy and artifact creation.

Of course, you had to defeat them first.

While modern adventurers had systems for refining materials in Domains, the practical use often catered to unlucky players who never saw high-tier drops.

"Since that's the case, I'll leave the task of crafting a few golden elixirs to you. The costs and your payment can go on Wangsheng's tab," Zhongli said matter-of-factly.

Gu Sanqiu twitched. "Are we really at the point of keeping tabs between our families? Can't this just be settled directly?"

"No way!"

Hu Tao waved her spoon dramatically, glaring at Zhongli. "If you want something, go earn it yourself! Why are you charging this as an expense for Wangsheng? It's your personal request!"

"Strictly speaking, it pertains to official business," Zhongli countered. "During the pre-Lantern Rite sealings, we received assistance from several wandering heroes. These elixirs are simply their due compensation."

"Compensation in the form of golden elixirs…"

Gu Sanqiu massaged his temples. "Honestly, for compensation, mercury-tier pills would suffice."

"Those heroes helped out of goodwill and justice. If you repay them with something overly valuable, it might come across as vulgar."

"In the short term, it could promote a trend of heroism. But over time, it risks reducing noble ideals to mere transactions."

"Some of the more principled individuals might even take offense. Hand them a golden elixir, and they'll think you're mocking their beliefs."

"A philosophical dilemma integrated into daily life," Zhongli mused. "Fascinating."

"What's fascinating about that? This isn't the time for deep reflection!"

Hu Tao turned to Gu Sanqiu. "Let's settle on mercury-tier pills. That'll do just fine!"

The frugal Hall Master wasn't about to miss a chance to cut costs.

"Mercury-tier pills can be prepared on the spot," Gu Sanqiu said, pulling out a collection of materials.

He tossed them into the air and exhaled a plume of white flame that enveloped the ingredients.

Half an hour later, he retrieved the flame and opened a small box, placing the steaming pills inside.

"Let them cool before handling. And don't rinse them in water—it'll disrupt the nurturing effect of the residual warmth."

Hu Tao poked Gu Sanqiu's cheek.

"What now?"

"Nothing. I'm just curious how you're built, considering you can breathe fire now."

"Something I borrowed from Xiao's techniques. I don't fully understand the principles, but I can control the power."

Gu Sanqiu stood and stretched. "Anyway, I need to get going. I've got to study this Battle Soul of Killing Intent. If someone shows up asking about it, I can't afford to know less than they do."

"Sanqiu! One last question!"

"Go ahead."

"You used that white flame to refine the pills, right? The temperature was so high it could melt and fuse metals—so cool!"

"Obviously, I'm amazing. But I feel like that was flattery, not a question. What are you trying to say?"

"Oh, I was just wondering—when you swallowed the flame at the end, weren't there traces of mixed metals in it? Won't you get metal poisoning? My family's medical records say that's a tricky illness!"

"...Go eat your ice cream."

---

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