Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [180]
Uncle Tian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "In the past, an organization like the Tri-Xuan Society might have been nothing more than a minor disturbance, but now that foreign forces have entered Liyue, we need to make sure the gray areas stay firmly within our jurisdiction."
Keqing nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We can't treat the Fatui like just another diplomatic delegation. They've been conducting all sorts of operations here, and our reports detail every move they make."
She glanced at the file in front of her. "It seems that, apart from the Harbinger known as 'The Lady,' who appears sporadically, the majority of their affairs are handled by Tartaglia."
"Just a few days ago, he led a Fatui team to explore some of Liyue's ancient ruins, though the reason remains unclear."
"If they're framing it as an archeological venture, we don't have a reason to bar them outright. But we can impose certain regulations to limit their actions, like preventing any collaborations with treasure hoarders."
"Right. And if I recall, young Gu seems to have a close relationship with Tartaglia. Should we have him keep an eye on things?" Uncle Tian suggested.
"Already taken care of," Ningguang replied calmly, taking a sip of her tea. "As for results, we'll see soon enough."
"For now, our primary focus should be capturing any remaining members of the Tri-Xuan Society hiding out in Qingce Village. We cannot afford to let any dangerous individuals slip through the net."
"The young men and women who come to Liyue Harbor to work deserve to know their hometown is safe. It's our responsibility to protect it," she added resolutely.
Outside Liyue Harbor, in a Fatui encampment, Tartaglia sat at the head of a table, smiling as he looked across at a figure shrouded in a hooded cloak.
"So, we trade these men's lives for your own people. The ones I need aren't even members of your Treasure Hoarder clan, nor are they your direct subordinates. Sounds like a fair trade, doesn't it?"
"Hmph. So that's your version of a bargain?" The cloaked figure smirked bitterly. "You kidnapped my men and are now demanding terms. This is less of a negotiation and more of an outright shake-down."
"You do know they're members of the Tri-Xuan Society, right?" he continued. "If you go after them, aren't you worried about the consequences? You're outsiders in Liyue, after all, and any retaliation could drag me down along with you."
"You don't need to worry about that," Tartaglia waved dismissively. "So, I'll take that as a yes. Boys, get it done."
The last bit he directed to a Thunderhammer Guard standing cross-armed in the tent. The guard nodded and walked out. After a series of pained screams from outside, several bruised and battered individuals were unceremoniously tossed into the tent, tied up tightly.
"Here they are, sir," reported the Thunderhammer Guard.
"Excellent. There may still be a few left out there, but I've accomplished most of what I set out to do anyway. I can spare a little more time to play hide-and-seek with the rest."
Tartaglia picked up a piece of paper from the table, giving the Treasure Hoarder leader a quick wave of farewell before stepping outside to look up at the sky.
"Sir, I don't understand," the Thunderhammer Guard said after a moment. "Why would you assist that incense-wielding man in wiping out the Tri-Xuan Society? Even if there was an agreement, ceding any power over the gray areas in Liyue is practically inviting trouble. I can't imagine a family heir being so shortsighted."
Tartaglia chuckled, amused. "You've been doing some reading, I see. You're right in a way."
He shook his head, the smile never leaving his face. "But this was part of the arrangement. Do you know how I came across this information?"
He pointed up to the sky. "It practically fell out of the heavens, right at my feet."
"My friend wanted to send a message, clear as day: if necessary, he could watch our every move, along with Liyue's top officials."
"The letter spelled it out plainly. He wants our help rounding up the remaining Tri-Xuan members. The price for joining Liyue's gray market. It's like investing with capital already in hand."
"As for inviting trouble…" Tartaglia sighed, almost resignedly.
"I doubt Liyue's leaders care too much about that. As long as we follow the rules and maintain the peace, Liyue, land of a thousand boats and sails, can welcome anyone to profit within its borders, even the Fatui."
He paused, laughing softly. "Besides, as long as I stay on good terms with this friend of mine, any 'misconduct' will likely come from his end first—and half the time, he'll even try to drag me into it."
"As long as we don't do anything outrageous, we're safe from the Seven Stars. So there's no need to worry."
While the Seven Stars and Fatui were busy meeting and planning the Tri-Xuan cleanup, Gu Sanqiu and Xiao had wrapped up their own task.
The Resentful Bone Pen had finally reached its limit, shattering into fragments that drifted away as black dust.
Xiao turned to Gu Sanqiu. "You've worked hard these past few days. I'll take you somewhere for a meal."
Next thing he knew, Xiao had brought Gu Sanqiu to the Wangshu Inn.
"Well, it's been a while since I've seen you here." Verr Goldet greeted them warmly, her eyes widening slightly as she noted the disheveled state of Gu Sanqiu's wind-blown hair.
"A meal guest today, too? You're usually such a solitary diner. This is quite a rare sight."
"The usual, please," Xiao replied, glancing over at Gu Sanqiu. "Order whatever you like."
Gu Sanqiu scratched his head and then gestured to Xiao. "I'll have the same as him."
"Two orders of almond tofu coming right up. Just a moment, please," Verr Goldet said with a nod before heading to the kitchen.
Settling down at a table nearby, Gu Sanqiu pulled out a bottle and poured himself a drink.
"Xiao, if you're not drinking alcohol, would you like some juice?"
"Juice?" Xiao considered this. "You mean the kind made from raspberries, mint, and Jueyun chilis, all blended together?"
Whoa, that had to be the work of his dark-cuisine-enthusiast ancestor.
"No, no, just plain fruit juice. What you're describing is… chemical warfare," Gu Sanqiu laughed nervously.
"Yes, that concoction was meant for use in battle. Your ancestor called it 'Scorching Purification Juice.'"
"When sea creatures began disrupting a water source, they couldn't use anything too extreme without compromising the supply. So your ancestor decided that if he couldn't kill the beasts outright, he'd flush them out with juice as a scare tactic."
"Uh, I think that's better classified as a chemical weapon, honestly." Gu Sanqiu's mouth twitched. "Are you sure that water source was still usable after that?"
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