Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"What do you mean by that, Xiangjun?"

Gu Fei couldn't help but ask, "You've repeated this 'won't stay long' phrase twice now. Are you saying someone will come to take it back?"

His expression turned serious as realization struck. "I'll contact the Millelith stationed nearby and inform the Liyue Qixing to dispatch reinforcements immediately."

This blueprint was critical for their reverse-engineering efforts. Splitting into multiple research teams and holding a brief meeting could allow them to resolve longstanding issues and integrate this new knowledge with their prior experiences.

At least for now, this mysterious [Eternal Construct] blueprint couldn't just be tossed aside.

"Today, I refuse to believe someone would dare steal from the vault!"

Gu Fei's blood pressure spiked at the thought. A rare shortcut to progress had appeared, and now someone dared covet the property of the vault and the Incense Bearers on Liyue's territory?

Unforgivable!

"The one eyeing this blueprint? You wouldn't dare face them head-on."

Watching the dense Geo energy coalesce and surround Gu Fei, Gu Sanqiu sighed deeply.

"If you knew who it was, you might drop to your knees on the spot, slap yourself twice, and beg for forgiveness for speaking so loudly."

Gu Sanqiu smoothly pulled out a large folding bed and lay down. "I'll take a quick nap. Keep an eye on things over there; no need to worry about me."

As if sensing his relaxed demeanor, the Geo energy expanded into a protective domain around him. Gu Fei stood rooted to the spot, trying to decipher his words.

"Someone I wouldn't dare speak loudly to... and might even kneel before?"

Gu Fei sucked in a sharp breath before dropping to his knees at lightning speed.

"Rex Lapis, I admit I was a bit loud earlier. Please forgive me!"

He bowed deeply three times, silently resolving to visit Yuejing Terrace at the earliest opportunity to offer incense in repentance.

Given the situation, relying on Xiangjun, an ancestral Incense Bearer, was clearly a lost cause. Doing it himself seemed far more reliable.

"Hmm… should I invite my coworkers along? Maybe we can request an extravagant incense offering package to support the economy of other departments while we're at it."

Unbeknownst to him, if Zhongli heard this "spending money for shortcuts to forgiveness" scheme, Gu Fei would likely face the same treatment as Gu Sanqiu.

As the Geo energy dispersed, Gu Sanqiu had barely raised his head when a massive dragon whisker descended, pinning him into the ground.

"Had fun in Mondstadt?"

"Of course not! I spent every moment yearning for the great Rex Lapis and the vibrant culture of Liyue, wishing I could fly back to your side immediately."

The dragon's golden eyes revealed a trace of helplessness before another whisker plucked Gu Sanqiu out of the dirt.

"Hmm, not bad. Go on."

Dangling upside down, Gu Sanqiu scratched his head with a sheepish grin. "Uh… Rex Lapis is the most handsome, the strongest! Lord Morax, the Geo Archon, reigns supreme over the three realms and unifies the eight directions!"

"Hmph. That's quite the repertoire of flattery."

Two dragon whiskers turned him upside down again, embedding him in the ground once more.

"Unfortunately, I've heard your family's sycophantic ramblings for thousands of years. They don't work on me anymore."

The well-trained dragon immune to compliments pulled him out like a radish.

"What were you thinking? How could you casually show something like that to others?"

"Oh, it's fine. I've already verified it."

Still suspended in midair, Gu Sanqiu crossed his arms. "At first, I thought it was some Abyssal spell or chant carried by mages or shamans, but after reading through it, I felt nothing. The text is written in universal script—not some incomprehensible, sinister language."

"Xiao took a quick look too. If there were any problems, he would've pointed them out. So, I'm not too worried."

"Heh. You trust him that much?"

Zhongli finally set him back on solid ground. "With such caution, I'm less worried about you being deceived out there. Don't you agree, West Wind Saint?"

Gu Sanqiu froze. "Wait, how… how did you know about that?"

"Is there anything about you I don't know?"

A dragon whisker, whip-like in motion, lightly knocked Gu Sanqiu over before pinning him horizontally into the dirt.

"No! If you don't like it, I'll head back to Mondstadt right away and tell them to revoke my title!"

"Heh. No need for that. You are an Incense Bearer. Even if Mondstadt isn't part of your domain, bringing hope to others is still a noble thing."

"A mere title—why be so concerned?"

Another dragon whisker brushed over Gu Sanqiu's head gently. "Heh. With the power you wield, becoming the West Wind Saint likely put quite the look on that drunken bard's face."

Wait…

Gu Sanqiu suddenly realized something.

"So this whole 'don't mind the title' thing—Daddy Zhongli's just amused by me wielding Dvalin's elemental seed and becoming the Windborne Saint! What kind of backhanded support is this?!

This is the definition of a troll friend!

"You seem to be thinking something... inappropriate."

Zhongli pushed Gu Sanqiu deeper into the dirt.

"Uh, so… does that mean we can keep the [Eternal Construct] blueprint?"

"Hmm. Let it stay. It's not really classified. With the current progress of those kids, reverse-engineering it would only be a matter of time, even without the blueprint."

The dragon's massive form began to dissolve. "By the way, I hear you almost killed two Fatui Harbingers?"

"Huh? So I shouldn't?"

"Do as you wish. With me here, even if you do, it's nothing."

Gu Sanqiu perked up. "Really? I'll start planning then!"

"Ten days of house arrest."

!

Gu Sanqiu's face fell. "Can I serve it at the Jade Chamber? At least there, I'd have someone to chat with."

"Out."

"Got it! Safe travels, old man~"

As Zhongli's consciousness returned, a small artifact resembling a celestial star orbited him, its faint light a gentle comfort for the Geo Archon.

Sigh. That boy's such a handful. But spending time with him isn't a bad thing.

His form dissipated, reappearing in a hidden cavern in the Guili Plains. Hands clasped behind his back, the mysterious consultant strode toward a black-robed figure seated upon a towering throne.

"Yo, old man! What brings you here?"

The black-robed figure shakily stood, only to be gently pressed back into his seat by Zhongli.

"How are you holding up?"

"Still kicking. What do you want this time, you old fossil?"

"I need a favor."

Zhongli nodded slightly. "Someone delivered the [Eternal Construct] blueprints to Sanqiu."

"The [Eternal Construct]? Ha! Now, this I have to see. What's their plan?"

"I'm not in a position to act directly. Go and... remind them."

Zhongli's voice turned cold. "The Gu family's main branch does not interfere in mortal affairs, but the current situation is unusual. Sanqiu has drawn too much attention. Teach them a lesson."

"Hehe, that old sage's rules? Got it, got it. Leave it to me."

The black-robed figure rose, a grin on his face. "So, the game's up? No more playing dead?"

"Correct."

"Fine. I'll let them know: Morax's kin are not something just anyone can covet."

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T/N: hmmmmm dragon whiskers... I want his dragon whiskers on my body...