Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [113] [30 PS]

Bonus Chapter!

---

Half an hour later, both Gu Sanqiu and Childe found various excuses to slip out from the banquet.

Then, as if they had already coordinated, they both leapt onto the rooftops, hiding in the shadows without a word.

Gu Sanqiu popped a lollipop into his mouth, eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and anticipation.

For almost an hour, they stayed perched there on the roof, silent. Gu Sanqiu even offered Childe a lollipop to stave off the wait, though he refused, clearly focused solely on their planned target.

"Thank you for everything, Kaeya. Do rest well tonight."

"It was my pleasure, everyone. I look forward to seeing you all again. May your music continue to lift the spirits of Mondstadt."

After a round of formalities, the one-eyed captain stretched, stifled a yawn, and casually adjusted his eyepatch before heading off toward his home.

"Hm?"

Kaeya's expression changed in an instant. He glanced down to find that his legs were suddenly bound by a layer of rock, locking him in place.

The moment he halted, the stone that encased his feet took root, melding with the ground and effectively turning him into a stone-bound statue.

"Well now, isn't this interesting?"

Kaeya attempted to shift his weight but found himself unable to break free. So, he lifted his gaze, scanning the rooftops for likely hiding spots.

"Such precision with elemental control… it must be Mr. Gu. Would you care to enlighten me? Or perhaps, a spar?"

"Don't bother looking around—I'm right here."

"And so am I."

Gu Sanqiu and Childe appeared on either side of Kaeya, each placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"Kaeya, my friend," Gu Sanqiu said with a genial smile. "Tonight's banquet was… a letdown. Sparring outside the city and rushing back to a formal event—we could've used a heads-up about the ball's dancing requirements."

"So here's the question: why didn't you inform us?" His smile shifted, growing even warmer. "Which makes me suspect someone was trying to mess with us intentionally, hmm?"

"Yes, and the nature of this 'prank'… was quite malicious." Childe's grin was no less friendly. "We didn't enjoy ourselves at all. But we thought, maybe if we learned how to enjoy it as you do, Kaeya, we might start having a bit more fun."

"Oh?" Kaeya chuckled. "So your grand solution is to ambush me after the festivities and even the score?"

"No, no—this isn't an ambush. We wouldn't resort to something so… brutish," Gu Sanqiu said, his smile taking on an ominous edge. "Think of it as an impromptu bonding exercise, using rather… unconventional methods."

"If someone can share in our 'pain,' you see, then our pain will feel lighter," he continued. "And, witnessing someone else suffer will bring us double the joy."

Childe's tone stayed even. "We're offering you a choice, Kaeya. Either you can parade around the streets in a lovely dress, or… pose for some rather unorthodox photos with a few muscle-bound gentlemen."

Gu Sanqiu gave a slight wave of his hand, causing the earth element to swirl into chains, binding Kaeya's arms and legs tightly.

"Or, if you'd prefer… you could do the photoshoot in the dress. With our abilities, we can ensure your complete safety and dignity."

Kaeya's expression stiffened. It wasn't fear that gripped him, but the sheer absurdity of their suggestions.

"…Can I choose neither?"

"Ah, so you do prefer my suggestion," Gu Sanqiu said with a broad smile. "The photoshoot it is, right after that little stroll in costume."

Selective hearing, are we?

Kaeya's mind reeled. This guy was nothing like the people he'd read about from the sages of Liyue.

"Actually, I choose… to go home and sleep!" Kaeya's eyes narrowed, and frost suddenly erupted around him. The flash of ice forced Gu Sanqiu and Childe back, even shattering the rock encasement around Kaeya's legs.

In the next instant, the ice exploded into a fog of cold mist, obscuring their vision. When it cleared, Kaeya was gone.

"Well then. Seems he got away." Gu Sanqiu barely batted an eye, as though he'd expected as much.

"Just as you predicted," Childe added.

The two leapt onto the city wall, their gaze falling on the calm surface of Cider Lake as they began their debrief.

"How much strength did you use?"

"Doesn't matter. If he were any less skilled, he wouldn't have broken through the technique at all," Gu Sanqiu replied. "Told you, Mondstadt's no pushover. They may journey afar, but they're not leaving their homeland unguarded."

"Point taken. With that level of elemental control, I can't deny he's an impressive fighter."

Childe stifled the bubbling urge for another fight. "I heard there's even a hero who appears only at night, the 'Darknight Hero' or something."

"Wonder what kind of strength he wields."

"Oh, please. You've been here a day and already want to turn the place upside down?" Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "Sometimes, I wonder if it's battle you're after, or information disguised as combat."

"Tch, like I'd stoop that low."

"Kaeya's good, and that acting Grand Master of theirs is no less formidable—she's only mired in daily mundanities," Gu Sanqiu mused. "And, let's not forget the Church of Favonius. Some of those priests are challenging enough without bringing up the Knights."

"Hah? The Church of Favonius has what, two Vision holders? And one of them is Barbara, who specializes in healing. What's there to worry about?"

"Well," Gu Sanqiu began, "technically, they're the 'Near God's Chosen.' As the worshipers of the Anemo Archon, they even keep the legendary Skyward Harp. But hey, try your luck if you're feeling brave."

Childe's eyes glinted with realization. "Got it. So the Church of Favonius is kind of like your clan?"

"Similar in some ways," Gu Sanqiu yawned. "I'm just saying, don't go get yourself killed. Sure, some of them might be less… pious, but the majority hold true to their creed."

"Pretty sure you don't want them summoning an actual manifestation of Barbatos to protect them mid-brawl, do you?"

Gu Sanqiu yawned again, realizing just how sleepy he felt. Maybe it was Kaeya's icy aura, lingering on him and making him crave a warm place to curl up for a while.

---

Translator's NoteHi, trainers! I'm so excited to finally bring you Team Rocket's Second-in-Command! After translating over 300 chapters of this absolute gem, I can tell you it's everything—action, drama, and just the right amount of chaos. Luo Yuan isn't just a trainer; he's the trainer, slaying battles, running the underworld, and making us all swoon with his brilliance.

This is the last story I'll be posting this month, so let's go out with a bang! Thank you so much for all your love and support—you've made this journey so much fun to share. Now, let's dive in and cheer for our boy as he takes the Pokémon world by storm!

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

If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]