Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [144] [DDD!]

December Double Drop!

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"Alright, that should about cover it. Everything that happened here in Mondstadt is mostly wrapped up now."

At the Good Hunter, Gu Sanqiu set down a half-eaten skewer, fishing a token from his belt to hand to Feng Yan.

"This is an order token that grants access to our intel network. Call back everyone we had gathering information—there's nothing nearly as complicated here as those seven assumed. Just a single Archon, that's all."

"'Just a single Archon,' you say…" Feng Yan wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "Kid, I told you to keep a low profile. Why didn't you pull out with the first group?"

"Hah? And what would be the point in that? So what if it's an Archon?"

Gu Sanqiu tossed aside his bamboo skewer, stacking the sticks into a mini tower—a flimsy replica of the one he'd spent the night inside. His appetite was truly boundless.

"If an Archon sees the weight I carry, well, they won't fear mortals. But I'm betting they'd think twice about crossing the Geo Archon."

He lifted his glass and took a deep drink. "Stop giving Archons this mysterious treatment; honestly, they're far more reasonable than those spoiled heirs and socialites hanging around in Liyue Harbor. This isn't some kind of novel with nonstop antagonists out to cause trouble."

"That kind of fear, that strange distance—is precisely why Liyue's incense wanes, why Adepti live so separately from humans."

"Well, that's a problem I can't solve." Feng Yan sipped from his glass of juice. "Do you think everyone has the privilege your family has? Most young people now have never seen an Adeptus at all, unless they're that one in a million obsessed with seeking out divine beings."

"They've seen one," Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "But at the time, the lights of Liyue shone too brightly, the air was filled with laughter, and so they didn't notice."

He shrugged. "Anyway, it's hardly our choice—it's a self-selection. Even the Geo Archon respects that."

"Oh, speaking of which…" Feng Yan looked at Gu Sanqiu. "How are things between you and Lady Yuheng?"

"Why, did my sister put you up to this?"

"No, just a middle-aged man's curiosity." Feng Yan shook his head. "You're the head of the Fengxiang Clan; she's Yuheng. Liyue's future is as much in your hands as hers. I'd hate to think you two are still butting heads over every little thing like you did as kids."

"Curiosity? You mean concern for Liyue's future."

Gu Sanqiu picked up a bamboo skewer, holding it in his mouth like a toothpick. "But I understand why you'd worry. That old incident certainly did blow up."

"Eh, nothing more than the usual rivalry of ideas," he replied lightly. "Both of us still have Liyue's best interests at heart. Besides, I've got better things to do than get hung up on someone who sneaks around buying Geo Archon idols in secret."

"You young people are a mystery to us old guys," Feng Yan laughed. "But as long as you're both keeping things civil, I'll stay out of it."

He glanced at Gu Sanqiu, who was gleefully digging into another bubbling pot of seafood soup.

"So, midnight feasting? Are you planning to join in tonight's operations?"

"Oh? So you noticed, did you?" Gu Sanqiu gave him a wry smile.

"The city's guard would've been at full alert when the main force was away—there's no way anyone would try something then. But now that they're back, tonight or tomorrow will be the window of slack."

Feng Yan crossed his arms. "Are you sure about getting involved in this? If it works out, great; but if there's a loss, it's a thankless job."

"You're overthinking it. I'm here; how could it fail?"

Gu Sanqiu lifted the pot, drinking down the hearty, slightly bitter broth.

"And besides, maybe I'll leave tonight with a bigger friend circle, heh."

While Feng Yan returned to his room at the Goth Grand Hotel, Gu Sanqiu settled the bill and then scanned his surroundings before leaping up to the city wall. There, he found someone already standing like a silent watchtower—Kaeya.

"Well, well, I didn't expect to see you here, Mister Gu."

Kaeya turned, eyeing Gu Sanqiu. "So you're planning to take part in tonight's guard operation?"

"Are we calling it just 'guard duty'?"

Gu Sanqiu gave him a knowing look. "There's killing intent in your eyes."

Kaeya laughed softly. "If they take the hint and flee, fine; but if they insist on causing trouble, well, then we'll show no mercy. Isn't that right?"

"'No mercy'? Nah, you're protecting Mondstadt's people by fighting those who disturb the peace. Even if you smash them into a hundred pieces, it's still righteous action. Justice, you see?"

Kaeya stifled a laugh. "Ah, the 'art of language'—Liyue's famous technique of morally justifying everything."

"Oh, not at all," Gu Sanqiu replied with a serene tone. "I don't need to justify my actions. I am the moral high ground. Or, if you prefer, I'm just shameless."

Kaeya's low chuckle escaped. "Haha, now that's a nice way to make things easier."

"Other than you, anyone else joining tonight?"

"Just the usual Knights on guard duty. But Captain Eula's recon squad is already lying in wait outside the walls. I haven't called in more forces—don't want to scare our guests off with a crowd."

"Oh? So, they've got someone on the inside here?"

Kaeya's eye gleamed. "Let's just say there are some weak links."

"Lawrence clan lackeys?" Gu Sanqiu guessed.

"Your intel is thorough. Yes, members of the Lawrence family. Not the older ones, though—just some younger upstarts hoping to gain influence."

"Hmm. And here I thought they were just stubborn fools. Seems like a serious affliction," Gu Sanqiu said, casting Kaeya a glance. "So, what's your take on them? And your recon captain, Eula—her weapon's certainly a relic of the old nobility. She must be a Lawrence herself?"

"Correct, but that doesn't change anything for us." Kaeya adjusted his eyepatch. "She's a Knight of Favonius and our ally. I trust she'd never involve herself in anything so disgraceful."

"Ah, you misunderstand," Gu Sanqiu said, his tone casual. "I was just wondering if the Lawrences threw a fit like wild animals. The Knights of Favonius must be a horrible offense to their precious bloodline, right?"

"Oh, that certainly stirred things up," Kaeya replied, a gleam of amusement in his eye. "For a while, it was the talk of the taverns."

"So then," Kaeya's expression turned wry, "what about you, Clan Head of the Fengxiang? Do you think Liyue still needs you?"

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

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