Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Hmph."

Dvalin exhaled a blast of Anemo energy, his dragon breath swirling in the air. "Fine, I won't ask anymore. Judging by your expression, you weren't planning to answer seriously anyway."

"Hehe, how could that be?"

Venti gently patted Tartaglia on the head. "Wherever the winds have passed, traces remain. It's simply a matter of whether or not they can be found."

"The path ahead of him is still long. I had thought my dear nephew's arrival would hasten the process, but whether it was due to an old friend's hint or something else, his journey hasn't had as much impact as I expected."

Venti sighed wistfully. "That said, the world is bound to get more interesting in the future, though who knows where this so-called 'interest' will lead us."

---

Although Venti seemed to have everything under control, Gu Sanqiu, flying swiftly over the snow-covered mountains, was completely unaware of these musings.

If he had overheard, even if startled by the events of the domain, he wouldn't have let it go and would've relentlessly hounded Venti for some juicy revelations.

At times, it feels like the Seven Archons know everything. Other times, it seems they know nothing at all—a contradictory perception that sometimes makes you suspect they're just feigning knowledge.

But this contradiction also proves one thing: even beings as powerful as gods must tread carefully when caught in a scheme. For those far less powerful, even more so.

And such schemes aren't something one can escape simply by hiding. These calculations are omnipresent, like the elemental forces that pervade the world.

The moment you subconsciously feel safe might be precisely when you fall into a trap.

In this world, there are no Fates to weave destiny, no singular book that records the truth of all things, and no unparalleled treasure that holds the secrets of the Seven Elements or the myriad paths of existence.

Everything feels chaotic, oppressive, suffocating.

Yet Aether seems to be the one who can tear through the shadows, bringing light back to the world.

"Dear passengers, we are arriving at Bishui Plains. Please watch your step as you disembark."

Gu Sanqiu halted his flight—not out of hesitation for returning home, but because he spotted someone unexpected.

Someone he'd once beaten to tears with the power of his principles—a certain iron-headed fool who had also clashed with Gu Shaochong in the past and been thoroughly defeated. Now, that same fool was waving at him from the skies.

Hence, he muttered to himself, "Watch your step."

Who needed to watch their step? That depended on how things unfolded.

"Why are you here?"

This person seemed like someone who only followed orders—likely not too bright. Fighting them head-on would be too much trouble.

His habit of extracting information was kicking in again.

"Hehe, why shouldn't I be here?"

The iron-headed Apostle's eyes burned with intensity. "So that's how it is—you've come into contact with that thing. No wonder you could beat me to tears."

"I'm not convinced. Let's go again!"

Gu Sanqiu blinked. "So, you're here alone?"

"Hmph. This time, I'm prepared. Even if you use that power again, it won't have much effect on me. Prepare to die!"

The Apostle drew two blades.

"Oh, so you really are alone, huh? And you didn't even bother hiding your tracks."

Gu Sanqiu dodged the Apostle's attack with ease. "Do you know why I'm so relaxed?"

"I don't care what you know! Let me vent by slicing you up first!"

Gu Sanqiu smirked. "It's because this is Liyue—my old man's territory."

"Xiao! Help!"

Boom!

A column of black and teal Anemo energy shot skyward. A masked man, exuding an overwhelming aura of bloodlust, descended into the fray. With a single thrust of his spear, he shattered the Apostle's weapons and sent him plummeting to the ground.

"I've been away longer than I intended this time."

Xiao glanced at Gu Sanqiu, the golden light emanating from him easily suppressing the Apostle's dark energy.

"There were dangerous disturbances nearby recently. Did you encounter anything unusual?"

"Ah, well, sort of. Ran into a group trying to stir up trouble with the dragon's corpse in Dragonspine."

Gu Sanqiu gestured at the immobile Apostle below. "This guy was one of them. Said something about me 'heeding their grace and joining them.'"

"Xiao, has our family dealt with these people before? Why do they seem to harbor so much hatred for me?"

"I don't quite recall."

Xiao replaced his mask. "You're saying they tried to recruit you?"

"Oh, I played dumb and listened for a while. No mistake there."

Boom!

Xiao hurled his Primordial Jade Winged-Spear with great force. The weapon transformed into a magnificent golden and teal roc, which let out a resounding cry before striking the Apostle.

Crack!

The Apostle's elemental armor shattered. The roc's talons grabbed the near-dead Apostle, lifting him into the sky. Gu Sanqiu watched in awe before clapping enthusiastically.

One move had left the Apostle on the brink of death, even bypassing the Abyssal armor's protective mechanisms.

"Xiao, you're absolutely badass!"

Xiao approached the Apostle. "Answer me—who sent you?"

"This… this isn't fair! Fight me one-on-one if you have the guts!"

The Apostle's confidence was utterly shattered. What kind of powerhouse could do this in a single strike? If this was their restraint, could they have outright killed me with one move?

"Tell the truth about your mission, or the spear in my friend's hand might slip," Gu Sanqiu teased maliciously. "I thought you'd flee after pulling something like this."

Honestly, he hadn't expected the Apostle to have the nerve to confront him in Liyue. He suspected internal conflict within the Abyss Order—how else could such foolish behavior occur?

"You're that so-called Conqueror of Demons, right? Just wait until I recover, and we'll settle this one-on-one!"

Gu Sanqiu sighed. "I can already imagine what's left of you after you're cremated—not much, but your mouth might survive the fire."

"Who ordered you to do this?"

Xiao's voice was calm, but his actions were anything but gentle. He gripped the Apostle's neck tightly, applying increasing pressure.

"Answer me, or savor your final breath—your choice."

Gu Sanqiu watched, his feelings complicated. Seeing Xiao casually lift someone like this was a rare sight indeed.

Glancing at Xiao's golden aura, Gu Sanqiu mused aloud, "Xiao, why do I feel like your divine body's aura has grown even stronger? Have you been showing yourself to the people recently?"

"Yes. I've been slaying evil and saving people. It seems they've built temples in my name."

Xiao thought for a moment. "According to your family's perspective, my divine presence is rather prominent now."

Ah, that explained it.

Gu Sanqiu nodded in understanding. Xiao's work ethic was so intense that it was a miracle his divine form hadn't shattered already. The growing prayers and faith from the people must've enhanced his divine strength, making it easier to suppress karmic debt.

For seasoned warriors like them, Xiao's karmic aura posed no threat. But for ordinary people, recklessly approaching him could still lead to trouble.

At this rate, Xiao might finally be ready for the plan Gu Sanqiu had in mind—sharing a meal at a Liyue Harbor restaurant without worry.

But what would Xiao be like without his karmic burden?

Would he grow taller?

Would he turn into one of those tall, lean, deceptively innocent-looking men who are actually wolves in sheep's clothing?

Suddenly, Gu Sanqiu reconsidered. Perhaps it was better to keep Xiao from causing trouble for Liyue Harbor's women.