Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [189]
Gu Sanqiu frowned, running his fingers over the gemstone. The feedback from touching it made it abundantly clear just how different a Delusion felt compared to a Vision.
"Still… I really want to know how to use this thing."
Testing it out in the city was out of the question.
He hadn't forgotten about elders like the Stove God or Granny Ping, let alone their long-standing ties with his family. If they caught him experimenting with a Delusion within Liyue Harbor, he could imagine their reaction—a mix of fury and deep disappointment, akin to parents discovering their child smoking in a shady internet café.
Should that happen, he wouldn't just lose the Delusion. He'd probably find himself reporting to the Stove God daily for lessons—or worse, undergoing intensive training under constant supervision.
While the Stove God might be more forgiving, his sister would be a disaster.
No matter how much Ningguang spoiled or indulged him, the moment she found out, she'd either keep him under her watch 24/7 or relocate him to Jade Chamber "for his safety."
As proud as he was of his family and the care they showed him, he didn't relish the idea of becoming a glorified houseplant under their scrutiny.
Proudly flexes metaphorical chest muscles.
"Well, trying it out somewhere else shouldn't be illegal, right?"
Gu Sanqiu mused for a moment, then had an epiphany.
If he needed a sparring partner—one professional enough to keep quiet—who else could he turn to?
Who better than the Fatui's number one scapegoat?
"Time to call in a favor, Tartaglia!"
---
After restoring the box to its original state and placing it neatly on his shelf, next to a constantly flowing Hydro-infused bracelet, Gu Sanqiu left his home.
Nighttime in Liyue Harbor was much quieter, though a few lively establishments still flickered with light and activity. Inside, men and women danced and drank, lost in their revelry, but little of the noise escaped into the streets.
This was prime real estate, after all. Poor soundproofing would have had the Millelith shutting them down long ago.
Liyue Harbor was vast, and along his route, Gu Sanqiu even spotted a few sneaky pickpockets. He couldn't tell if they were trying to prove themselves to the Treasure Hoarders or just looking for quick cash.
Regardless, they'd hit the jackpot—or so they thought—running into one of Liyue's "big names" on patrol. With practiced efficiency, Gu Sanqiu knocked them unconscious and left them in conspicuous spots for the Millelith to handle.
He drew the line at stripping them of their clothes. While it might prevent them from fleeing, it risked spiraling into absurd rumors like "Gu family head's peculiar hobbies."
---
Without alerting anyone, Gu Sanqiu arrived at Northland Bank.
He had no idea where Tartaglia stayed at night. The camp he'd seen before was clearly a temporary setup, unfit for long-term residence.
"Seriously, if they use that place as staff housing, the Fatui members must be really fit to make the commute every day," Gu Sanqiu muttered. "And if they are, that's practically an insult to the quality of Liyue's inns."
Knocking firmly on the bank's heavy doors, he called out, "Open up! Community outreach here!"
A moment later, a slit opened in the door, and instead of a face, Gu Sanqiu found himself greeted by two drawn crossbows.
"Who goes there?!"
"It's me."
The voice gave the guards pause. The weapons lowered slightly, and the door creaked open.
"Mr. Gu? What brings you here at this hour?"
The guard was visibly surprised but remained composed.
"It's urgent," Gu Sanqiu replied. "Fetch Tartaglia. Tell him I've received the reply and invite him for a late-night snack."
Before the guard could respond, Gu Sanqiu added with a grin, "Oh, by the way, mind if I take a look at that crossbow of yours?"
"Of course. One moment."
With a signal to his companion, the guard handed over the weapon while the other hurried off to deliver the message.
"Huh. Not bad craftsmanship," Gu Sanqiu remarked, plucking the string. The muted thrum had a satisfying weight to it. "You usually use standard-issue gear from the vanguard. What's with this retro-style crossbow?"
"This is a prototype," the guard explained. "We unearthed the design while surveying ruins and received permission to study it at the Guiltless Machina near Liyue's outskirts."
He smiled wryly. "As for vanguard equipment, Liyue is a land of order. Even as outsiders, we sleep soundly here. Using noisy or destructive weapons in such a city would be... impolite. In Liyuean terms, it's a matter of courtesy."
"Sounds like you're quite fond of this city."
"Of course!"
The guard's enthusiasm was evident. "Liyue's cuisine suits my tastes perfectly. And the storytelling performances during meals? They're delightful. Truly, Liyue Harbor is a wonderful place."
He hesitated for a beat, then added, "That said, it does have its... quirks. People like you, for instance."
"Like me?" Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow.
"You're one of a kind—utterly unreasonable yet strangely captivating."
"Ahem."
Both turned to see Tartaglia approaching. The guard immediately straightened and saluted.
"Sir!"
"At ease. Go back to your post."
Once the guard was gone, Tartaglia eyed Gu Sanqiu suspiciously. "So, what's so important that you had to drag me out here for a midnight snack?"
"It's exactly that. How about we head out and have a barbecue with some drinks?"
"You're serious?"
"Of course. What else would we do at this hour? Sit around and chat?"
"Well, you must have plenty of free time to call me out like this..." Tartaglia yawned. "Fine. Just the two of us?"
"Yup. Ready to go?"
"Sure. But you came to the bank pretty fast. Don't tell me you live next door?"
"Close enough. You didn't think I lived in that temporary camp we fought near last time, did you?"
"Not really," Gu Sanqiu replied, smirking. "Honestly, I thought I'd catch you in a pink nightcap, half-asleep and grumbling your way over here."
...
Tartaglia turned on his heel.
"I'm going back to bed."
---
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