Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [103]
In fact, about half an hour ago, a handful of bold fools had tried—and now every last one was dead.
Fengyan and his soldiers, weapons stained with fresh blood, carried an air even sharper and more menacing than before. The Treasure-Weasels, which had moments before been daring enough to nuzzle Gu Sanqiu's leg for alchemical treats, fled with a squeal, some even dragging away a few shiny Mora with them.
"Kid, are you sure it's wise to leave those guys gathering here unchecked?"
Earlier, Fengyan had suggested chasing down the remaining stragglers, but Gu Sanqiu had refused, reasoning that it was better to stay with the convoy and the elite secretary team sent from Yuehai Pavilion.
"No need," he replied with a shrug. "Someone else will clean them up soon enough."
In an attempt to maintain the last shreds of diplomatic politeness, the Fatui had decided to let Liyue's convoy depart first before they started their journey. With a leader like Gu Sanqiu, known for occasional bursts of mercy, the loiterers were safe. But if the Fatui caught them loitering… well, they'd be wiped out faster than one could say "training exercise."
"Hmm, so you're talking about the Fatui? And from what I've heard, you seem to be on close terms with that Harbinger called Tartaglia. Haven't crossed any lines, have you?" Fengyan's gaze was sharp.
"The Harbinger's a guy, Uncle," Gu Sanqiu deadpanned. "If I were to cross any lines, wouldn't it be with a girl? I think spending too long up in the Yujing Terrace has messed with your head."
"Spare me the sass." Fengyan's tone was level. "When I say 'lines,' you know what I mean. You haven't revealed anything classified about Liyue, have you?"
"Nope."
Gu Sanqiu's mouth twitched. If it weren't for the fact he got along with Tartaglia, he'd have sent him straight to go poke at the Geovishap Hatchling near Nantianmen.
Tartaglia's knack for finding himself in fights could be channeled into a spar with that giant beast. It would even help determine if the creature was in "sealed slumber," "dormant and guarded," or "half-awake but resting" mode.
Given the cautious nature of a Harbinger, he'd undoubtedly bring a few Electro Cicin Mages and some squads along, reducing their forces—a practical contribution to Liyue's safety, if Gu Sanqiu thought about it.
That said, tossing a friend to the wolves was another matter. If he really wanted to get Tartaglia into trouble, he'd just wait until they were out adventuring together and give him a little push.
"By the way, there's something I need to remind you of, even if it's not my place," Fengyan said quietly. "We're going to be gone a while. Your family's safe, right?"
"All taken care of." Gu Sanqiu flashed a grin. Before leaving, he'd summoned his Shadowhawks to keep watch around his home and keep tabs on a group suspected of being part of the Sanyuan Society, who'd been lurking nearby.
Currently, the Gu Estate—and much of the sky above Liyue Harbor—was under the vigilant watch of these shadowy hawks. During the day, they could descend into the Gu Estate for food and water, and each was allotted a recovery pill. By night, they could even rest up at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Considering the Sanyuan Society was known to harbor a few madmen, Ningguang had agreed to send a covert unit to guard the estate, just in case.
True, Gu Sanqiu's absence might make his residence appear vulnerable, but any smart infiltrator or overly cautious thinker would pause with one question in mind—
Could this be a trap?
Rats always emerge from the shadows when they think they can win. And facing the potential of a trap, they'd hesitate.
"As long as it's covered. With your talents, if you joined the Millelith, you'd be defending territory of your own by now," Fengyan remarked.
"Come on, Uncle. You're already here in the Millelith. Planning for retirement so soon? That's not the attitude of a model employee."
"Enough of your backtalk," Fengyan grumbled. "I'll handle the martial activities—unless the Fatui sends a Harbinger. You just focus on the other matters."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Gu Sanqiu said, raising an eyebrow. "If the Fatui are bringing someone to join the spectacle, it'll be their Harbinger attending the Vision symposium. I'd bet he'll skip the martial events and leave it to one of his subordinates."
"Good, then I'll leave it to you."
Fengyan gave him a firm clap on the shoulder. "Keep an eye out on the road. Only you can take out threats from a distance."
"Got it."
…
The chilly wind swept by, carrying faint roars, prompting Gu Sanqiu to look up and scan the area.
Mondstadt. They'd arrived.
As the convoy approached, Gu Sanqiu spotted a line of armored soldiers forming an honor guard up ahead. Fengyan barked out orders.
"Everyone, heads up! Mondstadt's welcome party is here. Don't disgrace Liyue!"
The soldiers immediately straightened up, and the merchants in the convoy followed suit, stealing glances at Gu Sanqiu as he climbed down from the carriage to adjust his attire. Some of the female merchants even pulled out compact mirrors, touching up their makeup.
The journey had been easy on them: no need to fear monster attacks, with hot stew made from game animals each night. And while they'd tried taking turns with the Millelith for night watch duties, they rarely missed a decent night's sleep. It was practically a camping trip.
"Welcome to Mondstadt."
A young man with blue hair, an eyepatch, and tanned skin stepped forward, giving Fengyan a respectful nod.
"Captain Kaeya, the pleasure's mine."
Fengyan stepped aside, allowing Gu Sanqiu to approach and nod in return, signaling that he was the one in charge.
"And may I ask who you are?" Kaeya's smile didn't miss a beat; a people-watcher like him would never overlook the subtle handoff.
"Gu Sanqiu of the Gu family, from Liyue."
"Oh?"
A glint of interest flickered in Kaeya's gaze. "I didn't expect the renowned Gu family to lead the delegation. Quite a rare honor."
"Renowned?" Gu Sanqiu's eyebrow twitched. Even if it was just flattery, a bit more subtlety wouldn't hurt. The Gu family was well-known in Liyue, not across all Teyvat.
"Ah, well, for those of us who read often, Liyue's Gu family is indeed a household name."
"An honor, truly," Gu Sanqiu replied, smirking at Kaeya's smooth response. He was as sharp as they said.
"Ahem."
"Ahem."
Two loud coughs rang out from both sides as their adjutants cleared their throats, reminding their commanders that this wasn't the time for idle chatter.
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