Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Heh, a useless attempt to sow discord. It's nothing unusual for some among us to take a different approach for the sake of our restoration."

The flame gradually condensed into the shape of a crown. "Now leave. And a reminder—what you're dealing with is far more complex than you think."

"When the day comes that you truly despair, the grace of the Abyss will always have a place for you. The glory of Khaenri'ah shall embrace anyone willing to join our cause."

"Heh, such a petty tactic—trying to disgust me with a ploy right to my face?"

The black-robed figure vanished, and the fiery crown dissipated.

---

Outside a deep underground altar, a creature wearing a crown and a chestful of medals—perhaps a Khaenri'ahn or something twisted beyond recognition—turned toward a golden-haired girl seated upon a throne.

"Your Highness, your wisdom shines as the ultimate grace, far surpassing those unjust beings above."

"Our actions against Liyue must indeed be delayed. Now is not the right time."

"Morax hides far too much, and even that mad family conceals too many secrets within Liyue."

"If we wish for glory to burn on the surface, it must not ignite in Liyue. Doing so would bring unimaginable obstacles to our grand plan."

"We have other options. We need not waste resources trying to conquer such an impenetrable land, which would only cost us unnecessary sacrifices."

"Besides the adepti hiding in Jueyun Karst and among the common folk, the Gu clan still has combatants at an adeptus level. Acting rashly would invite disaster."

"Given the meticulous calculations of that unmatched strategist, the mere presence of a surviving member of the Gu clan likely means more remain hidden elsewhere."

"This supposed visit to defend a junior's honor might actually be a move to assist Morax in gathering intelligence."

The golden-haired girl lightly brushed the armrest of her throne with her right hand. "Liyue conceals much. Even the former King of Mondstadt has broken free from the elemental cycle and gained even greater strength."

"If neither Liyue nor Mondstadt are viable, are you asking me to waste more time choosing a new location, further delaying our grand plan?"

"My apologies, Princess," the creature knelt on one knee. "I was only considering how to ignite the flame of glory with the smallest cost."

"Though we bear this curse, each dimming of our light accelerates the end for our people."

"If the glory you restore allows you to stand tall with the heavens, yet without the cheers of thousands of subjects and the will of the nation to crown you, it would be a tragedy."

"I have no interest in such a tragedy," the girl said coldly. "But you're right. If glory is rekindled and no people stand behind us, what meaning would restoration hold?"

She waved a hand dismissively. "The choice of location is yours."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. Even if Liyue and Mondstadt are unsuitable, the newly ascended god in that nation has already forgotten the essence of 'humanity.' It will be an easy target for infiltration."

The creature's confidence grew. "After all, the knowledge we possess is the true essence of this world!"

"Additionally, there are individuals hidden in Liyue from a nation that has sheltered remnants of our people. If disaster befalls Liyue and forces Morax to reveal his hidden cards, it would be the ideal scenario."

"Perhaps the flame of glory can ignite from more than one place!"

---

As the spatial rift opened, the black-robed man emerged into the surface air, coughing twice instinctively. He raised a hand to inspect his skin.

"Hmm, not darkened. Forcing a second World-Stabilizing Geo Spear was pushing it—I really don't have much time left."

He sank into a chair and shut his eyes, letting his thoughts wander.

"Old geezer. Stubborn old man. Single-minded Geo…"

A large, warm hand rested gently on his head.

"What did you just say?"

"Nothing! I was just saying how dashing you are, Grandpa!"

Zhongli's hand tightened slightly. "But that doesn't quite match what I sensed earlier."

"And for the record, little Sanqiu tried to brush me off with those same words not long ago. Do you also want me to bury you in the dirt?"

"How about you bury him instead? I'm too old for this treatment."

The black-robed man handed Zhongli a small pouch. "I scammed these New Sprouts off of them. They're useless to me, but you might need them."

Zhongli accepted the pouch with his left hand, his right hand lightly patting the man's head.

"You… sigh. I only sent you to give them a warning, not to do anything unnecessary."

"Heh, come on. I know you need these, too."

The black-robed man grinned smugly. "You just wanted me to breathe some fresh air down there to ease my pain, didn't you? Otherwise, you could've used another method to deal with them, couldn't you?"

"Sly old man. If I were a woman, I'd marry you without hesitation—mmph!"

Zhongli pinched his cheek, expressionless. "Would you like me to arrange a stay with Azhdaha? I could have little Sanqiu deliver you in a coffin."

The man frantically shook his head, and Zhongli finally released him.

"Don't stir up trouble. Some are already suspicious of your real purpose down there. They'd never believe you only went to issue a warning."

"If you go too far, they might act against you. The Abyss Order hides many unknown powers."

"Khaenri'ah, Khaenri'ah…" The black-robed man chuckled bitterly. "Five hundred years ago, if I hadn't been tied up elsewhere, I would've dived into the mess at the Chasm myself. But instead, I sent the young ones ahead. That was my failure as an elder."

"Take care of yourself. Leave the rest to us."

Zhongli gently smoothed the wrinkles on the man's robe. "Liyue has me. There's no need for your clan to sacrifice anymore."

"After the upheaval a millennium ago, you should've heard from Xiao about certain matters. If your clan acts rashly again, the Gu family will truly vanish. Not even I can protect Sanqiu then."

"Stay well, and let's witness Liyue's future together."

The black-robed man watched in silence as Zhongli vanished. Finally, he waved his hand, covering the cave's entrance with a thin barrier before chuckling to himself.

"Heh, what a dreamer, old man. Do you really think I'm here for anything other than following the sage's orders? Otherwise, I'd have followed my ancestors' example and wreaked havoc across the land long ago. Why would I stay here willingly?"

"This was the sage's decree, after all."

Leaning back, he sighed. "Guard Liyue in secret. Walk in the sunlight yet burrow like a rat. Tch, doesn't sound too bad."

"Xiao must be dumbfounded, haha. That line was what the sage used to say all the time."

"To protect you."

"After all these centuries, you must be exhausted too, right?"

The black-robed man removed his hood, revealing a pale but serene smile.

"Even if we can't help you slay demon gods, we can handle the small things. Who needs your advice about self-care, anyway?"

He spat lightly, pulling out a polished Cor Lapis from his robe. Inside was an intricate model of Liyue's landscapes and familiar smiling faces.

"Step forward boldly, old man. As long as the Gu family stands, we, the mortals who follow you, will always be by your side. Ready to die a thousand times over if needed."

"May the future bring peace and prosperity."