Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [137] [DDD!]

December Double Drop!

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Even the tower's master seemed baffled by Gu Sanqiu's actions, as they were supposed to be allies who'd arrived here together.

But with Bennett now looking as though he'd ingested some bizarre, vicious poison—a kind that seems purpose-built to inflict as much suffering as possible before death—the master of the tower was left wondering. Only humans, or perhaps particularly sadistic monsters, would design something so unnecessarily cruel for their own kind.

"Ah, ignorance is truly a burden," Gu Sanqiu muttered, watching the door to the next level open as soon as Bennett stopped moving, as if the tower had assumed Bennett's death or, at the very least, his failure.

The tower's master seemed to regard Bennett as helpless, left unguarded before Gu Sanqiu—an easy kill at the slightest whim.

"Well, that's convenient," Gu Sanqiu mused, though he waited patiently for Bennett to recover before making a move.

After all, if this floor's trial didn't change, rushing ahead would only mean a predictable duel waiting for him.

Whoever encountered a friend on the next floor, whether the Knights of Favonius or Tartaglia, wouldn't likely follow the tower's prescribed battle-to-the-death protocol. More often than not, the weaker party would surrender outright, conserving strength to continue to the next trial.

In fact, this was almost a guarantee.

Of course, this assumed the trials had all been prearranged and weren't hastily put together on a whim.

This wasn't a relic-fighting competition; they were here to defend Mondstadt and protect its citizens. The last thing they'd do was waste energy on one another in this place.

Ten minutes later, the bandages finally detached on their own, and Gu Sanqiu splashed a full bottle of water on Bennett's face.

"Ahhh!"

Bennett jerked upright, only for Gu Sanqiu to clamp a hand over his head and hold him still.

"Don't talk. Deep breaths. Take it easy; surprising your body like this isn't good for your heart, got it?"

Hearing Gu Sanqiu's voice, Bennett finally calmed down, though he couldn't help but cast a reproachful look his way as he registered his words.

"Mr. Gu, you know full well why I'm like this, don't you?"

"Well, technically, yes," Gu Sanqiu admitted with a smirk, "but I refuse to acknowledge it."

Glancing over Bennett's healing wounds, he nodded. "Bandages did their job—less talking, more moving. Onward."

"Huh? Can we really do that?" Bennett asked, surprised. "Isn't the point here that only one person can advance per floor by defeating the other?"

"Well," Gu Sanqiu said, "while I was patching you up, it seems our 'host' assumed I was trying to kill you, and that I succeeded." He pointed to the open door. "See?"

Σ(⊙▽⊙")

No way. Could it really work like that?

Bennett's eyes lit up. "Mr. Gu, if we meet another ally on the next floor, could you use those bandages again to treat their injuries? Maybe we could add yet another friend to the group?"

…

"Do you think the tower's master can't hear us?" Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "Next time, keep your devious plots to yourself, alright? Especially if our 'enemy' might be eavesdropping."

Through the open doorway, Gu Sanqiu and Bennett found themselves among familiar faces, all standing in different positions, each unscathed. Seeing the two of them walk in together drew varied reactions of surprise.

Everyone had appeared from different directions. What were those two doing together?

"Not bad. This works. Bennett, though… not surprising."

Gu Sanqiu looked up. "So, is this a free-for-all now to decide the last person standing?"

"No."

"It's simply that… the young one's unlucky aura has persisted, allowing him to succeed through your hands for this trial."

The voice continued, "I am interested in seeing the resilience of a battered mortal, carrying an unbreakable will!"

Gu Sanqiu clapped a hand on Bennett's shoulder. It was true—the Unluckiest of Mondstadt had done it again.

Everyone else was even more astonished; it was the first time they'd heard the tower's master answer anyone directly.

They, too, had tried speaking to him after completing their trials, but it was to no avail.

Why did Gu Sanqiu alone command such a response?

Tartaglia cast a suspicious glance at Gu Sanqiu.

This guy came from a long line of family tradition and held quite a unique status in Liyue. Was it possible he was on a covert mission of some sort?

Maybe that mission was why the tower's master had deigned to acknowledge him.

"It's been many years since mortals have stood before me," the voice said, "without kneeling to receive my divine presence from the lowly earth."

A figure formed in the center of the room, a humanoid shape made entirely of turquoise light, its build like a formidable warrior, a king's guard.

The difference was clear, however. Whereas outside the tower, the master's voice carried an unyielding authority that could still the very wind itself, here within the tower, that overwhelming presence was subdued.

Or perhaps, he was simply reminiscing, his divine power tempered by memories of the past.

No one moved or spoke. Each person had subtly shifted their weapon within easy reach.

If things went south, or if someone made the first strike, they'd all unleash their elemental powers immediately.

"Relax. I'm not here to gloat over your fear of me," the figure said, his gaze lingering on Albedo, Tartaglia, Klee, and Gu Sanqiu in turn.

"Interesting."

"Mortal beings, my name is Decarabian. Once, this land was under my rule. State your reasons for being here."

Jean straightened and replied, "Your presence has caused a major shift in the outside world, a shift that affects Mondstadt's people greatly. We came here to put a stop to this."

Ever since gathering information and verifying it against the ancient texts, confirming wind elements as the most likely source, Jean's nerves had been on edge.

That she was able to maintain her composure and use a respectful form of address now was a testament to her self-control.

But she held herself upright, representing the modern Mondstadt that would not bow to the past!

"Interesting. So, in other words, you're here to kill me?"

Whoosh—

The air stirred violently as countless strands of solid wind whipped through the space like lashing chains.

"Do you seek divine punishment?"

The Knights of Favonius quickly closed ranks behind Jean, their Vision emblems blazing with elemental energy.

"Mondstadt's history is one of constant struggle for freedom," Jean replied evenly, not a trace of fear in her voice.

"We've claimed our freedom, and we uphold laws to protect that freedom from any force that would deny it. Nor will we allow anyone to strip our people of their free will."

"We won't yield to the past, nor forsake the spirit of freedom on the whim of anyone!"

"This is Mondstadt as it stands today!"

Decarabian stood in silence for nearly a full minute—a time long enough for a god to consider many things.

"Interesting. The will to freedom, tested in fire and blood, still endures in this era."

With a wave of his hand, the tempestuous wind whips dissolved into nothing.

"This is the final trial, as well as a rare opportunity," he announced.

"I shall permit each of you to ask me one question."

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Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!

Posture and water check! Remember this is a fan translation!

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