Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [127]
Bennett's eyes went wide. "I think this is the first time I've ever told someone about my bad luck and they're still willing to let me come to them if things go south."
He quickly waved it off. "No, no, I don't want to bring you guys any trouble in such a dangerous place. My bad luck might end up making things worse."
"No worries. We're not exactly amateurs," Gu Sanqiu replied, pointing to Childe, who was looking far more relaxed now.
"See that guy? A Fatui Harbinger. His specialties are combat and… not minding danger. If we run into anything truly terrifying, just steer it his way."
"Uh… huh?"
"Alright, enough with the mind games," Childe chuckled and extended a hand to Bennett. "Like he said, out in the field, we look out for each other. Anyone who heads into a domain like this knows there are risks."
"Of course, if it really gets bad, just let that guy over there take the brunt of it, and I'll make sure you get out in one piece. I'm quite good at that."
Bennett, stunned by their banter, ended up shaking Childe's hand. Then, at Gu Sanqiu's gentle reminder, he headed off to find Jean to see if he could get some bandages in advance. His last scout mission had put quite a dent in his supply.
Bennett was also quite direct—his only request for compensation was better medicine for his dads' old injuries, or at least the Mora to cover it all.
"So, shaking hands now?" Gu Sanqiu glanced at Childe. "Didn't expect that. I figured you thought of him as one of those gullible types."
"On the contrary, that guy's clever," Childe replied with a slight smile. "He's untainted—grateful for every small blessing. That kind of heart reminds me of my younger brother back home."
Gu Sanqiu snorted. "Save that talk for me, alright? Don't let that slip to anyone else."
"Of course," Childe said with a nod. "If word got out that I said something like that, poor Bennett wouldn't just be watched at the Adventurers' Guild—he'd have people shadowing him all over Mondstadt."
"No worries, I'd never do that," Childe chuckled. "But I do admire him. If we cross paths in the domain, I'll definitely lend him a hand."
"Nice touch with the phrasing," Gu Sanqiu noted, "Your Liyue idioms are getting better."
The final preparations went smoothly. A carrier pigeon tapped on the window, and after Kaeya and Jean read the report, Jean turned to the assembled crowd.
"Everyone," Jean began, "Our scouts, led by Captain Albedo and the recon team, have confirmed there's no further spread of mutated monsters near the domain, and the corruption hasn't expanded. We're clear to begin."
"Are we sticking together when we go in?" Childe asked.
Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "We'll follow the plan; it depends on how they assign us. With this many people going into a domain, I'd imagine Mondstadt has some sort of plan in place."
Jean's voice came over the crowd again as she gestured to a table near the door. "Everyone, please collect a communication device before heading out."
Both Gu Sanqiu and Childe perked up at the news.
A device that works within a domain?
This outing could yield more than just the usual loot. Getting the blueprint for one of these gadgets could be invaluable.
They each received a small, white device emitting a faint blue light with a miniature whirlwind swirling at its core.
"These devices are alchemically synthesized resin cores, charged with elemental wind from the great tree of Windrise," the staff member explained. "Due to Anemo's natural propensity for diffusion, if any two holders get close enough within the domain, the devices will resonate."
...
Slightly disappointed, Gu Sanqiu sighed. He had hoped to see something closer to a Teyvat-style cellphone.
Still, it was an interesting concept. Maybe he could try recreating something similar back in Liyue.
In Mondstadt, they had the pure Anemo essence from Windrise. Liyue, though… what could offer pure Geo resonance like that?
It wasn't as if he could just harvest from the Dragon-Queller tree. If the big guy got upset, that'd be a hassle. Maybe the Jueyun Karst stones could work?
"Everyone, please prioritize safety," Jean said. "We're incredibly grateful for your help. Let's move out!"
The groups slipped out of the Knights' Headquarters in staggered batches, ensuring they didn't disturb Mondstadt's citizens.
In advance of the main party, Jean had already dispatched the Knights, Childe's vanguard, and Gu Sanqiu's Millelith guards. They quietly encircled the outskirts of the domain, creating a secure perimeter.
Though billed as a "Martial Conference," the real test would take place tonight.
Three nations working together meant that every soldier present wanted to showcase their homeland's strength.
When the time came to march, little Klee led the way, singing as she ran with her short legs and arms swinging at her sides, her backpack bouncing with Dodo-Co swaying behind her.
Gu Sanqiu, Kaeya, and Childe patrolled along the perimeter, alert for any potential danger while keeping an eye on Klee, the fastest and most energetic of them all.
Jean, in the middle, coordinated the God's Eye holders. Trailing the group, Diluc, the red-haired knight with an unreadable face, walked silently, the pressure around him suggesting that he could ignite at a moment's notice.
"Klee, no running ahead," came a call from nearby.
"Albedo!" Klee's face lit up as she dashed forward and leaped into Albedo's arms.
"Albedo, I was first! Isn't that amazing?"
(⁎⁍̴̀﹃⁍̴́⁎)
The little girl gazed up with expectant eyes.
"Yes, Klee, you're incredible," Albedo replied, patting her head.
"Fast work. Everything handled up ahead?" Kaeya called, hopping down from a branch.
"Yes," Albedo replied. "Any mutated monsters have been subdued and set with traps outside the camps. We should be able to enter the domain safely."
Albedo turned to the gathered group.
"Everyone, our preliminary preparations are complete. You've all collected the resin charges, I assume?"
"All set," they confirmed.
"Good." Albedo nodded and then turned to Jean. "Captain, the domain has changed somewhat, so I'll take point to guide us through and mitigate any risks."
Jean drew her sword, glancing back at Barbara, who had donned more practical gear for the mission. "Everyone, we move out in three minutes. Final preparations!"
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