Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [626]

Albedo fell silent.

“So, what, you’re trying to use this method to weed out people who just want something for nothing?”

“How could that work? Even if someone doesn’t buy it for themselves, if their family or friends see it, they’ll buy a copy for them. That kind of screening is meaningless.”

Gu Sanqiu chuckled. “I just want to make a bit of money, plain and simple.”

Albedo frowned, his gaze locking firmly onto Gu Sanqiu’s face.

“You—what’s going on with you?”

“It wasn’t that long ago we all had dinner together, and it hasn’t even been that long since. Usually, you’ll disappear for two or three months at a time, and it’s no big deal. Why so anxious this time?”

“Did something happen?”

“It’s nothing. I just might have to take a trip far away soon, so I probably won’t be in Liyue for a while. And I definitely won’t be popping over to Mondstadt every now and then like before.”

“A trip? Is it dangerous?”

“Not exactly dangerous. I’d say I’ve got a seventy percent chance of coming back fine.”

Gu Sanqiu stood up to leave. “Alright, I’ll go book a room at the Fatui’s station. I’ll be there on time tomorrow, promise.”

“If I’m not mistaken, we just wrecked the Fatui’s plans.”

“What’s that got to do with me? If they’ve got the guts, tell their Harbinger to come talk to me themselves.”

Gu Sanqiu flashed his Delusion with a sly grin. Albedo remained seated, frowning as he pondered his friend’s uncharacteristic behavior.

Could something have gone wrong with his body after that battle at Guyun Stone Forest?

...

Early next morning, at the Knights of Favonius Provisional Recruitment Assessment.

Gu Sanqiu sat atop a wooden barrel, a piece of Fisherman’s Toast in his mouth and a cup of juice in hand, waiting for the recruits to arrive.

He’d come early on purpose, curious to see what the new generation was like.

They didn’t disappoint—despite arriving half an hour ahead of schedule, he found every one of them already there, warming up in their own ways.

Given the number of applicants, this round of assessments was more spread out. These were the first batch to undergo combat trials; the rest were likely off taking the written exam.

“So these are the Knights of Favonius’ recruits!”

Delivery boy Bennett looked on with open envy. “Man, I wish I could look as cool as them someday!”

Honestly, Gu Sanqiu still couldn’t understand the logic behind letting Bennett deliver food for the Good Hunter. Aren’t they worried all the meals will end up scattered everywhere halfway through?

“With your strength, becoming a Knight should be a piece of cake.”

Gu Sanqiu looked Bennett up and down—this kid had already tripped twice right in front of him, knocked over the weapons rack four times, and once nearly impaled himself with a spear.

If he hadn’t been watching, Bennett would probably have ended up running to the Church of Favonius, red-faced and asking for healing—again.

Even with my so-called immortal-level perception, I honestly have no clue how Bennett’s bizarre bad luck works. It’s just ridiculous.

Frankly, if this wasn’t such a public setting, I’d be tempted to tell Bennett to just lie down and rest.

Though, knowing him, he’d probably get flattened by a random rock even then. The world just… works differently around him.

“Heh, maybe I shouldn’t. I’d just cause trouble for everyone in the Knights.”

Bennett scratched his head sheepishly. “Adventuring’s not so bad! As long as I work hard, every now and then I can treat Dad and the others to a big meal.”

“Oh, by the way, do you still hear from Tartaglia?”

“Oh, you mean that Fatui Harbinger?”

Bennett’s expression grew a bit awkward. “We still write to each other from time to time, actually. Sometimes I even get local snacks from Liyue in the mail.”

Gu Sanqiu massaged his forehead. That guy really does treat Bennett like a little brother, doesn’t he?

“Forget it. That’s not important. Honestly, he’s not a bad person—everyone’s just got their own allegiances.”

Gu Sanqiu flexed his wrist. “Alright, the assessment’s starting.”

The recruits quickly lined up, all of them looking nervously at Gu Sanqiu as he spoke.

The more informed among them already knew about the “Holy Child of the West Wind’s” feats. Under that mysterious pressure, everyone was sure this trial would be brutal.

“One at a time, and then we’ll test your teamwork. Simple and straightforward.”

Gu Sanqiu smiled with the air of someone about to school a bunch of kids. “Who’s first?”

...

Half an hour later—

Bennett clapped both hands over his face, but peeked through his fingers at the recruits sprawled all over the ground. Any envy he’d felt earlier was long gone—now, it was just sympathy.

What he’d just witnessed wasn’t a competition; it was a massacre. Or maybe, to put it more kindly, a one-sided rout.

“The official report will be sent to you in five days. Or, I guess you could call it your score sheet.”

Gu Sanqiu looked over the young people struggling to their feet. “Keep working hard.”

“Yes, sir…”

No matter how much they cared about appearances or knightly ideals, every reply was weak and breathless, like they’d been completely drained.

If it weren’t for the fact that these kids still had more assessments in the afternoon, I probably would’ve gone even harder on them.

Yeah… high-level dungeons really do get exhausting. Time to relax and have a little fun with the small fry for a change.

The next day, Gu Sanqiu’s real reason for accepting this side job finally arrived.

Noelle, clad in her maid’s armor.

“Mr. Sanqiu, it’s been a while. I never thought you’d be the examiner.”

Noelle bowed. “That copy of ‘Heart of the Earth’ helped me a lot. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.”

“No need to thank me. Ready to begin?”

Noelle’s eyes grew resolute. “Please, show me your guidance.”

BOOM!

Gu Sanqiu struck with a palm. Noelle raised her sword in front of her, blocking the blow precisely—though she couldn’t avoid being knocked back. The difference in strength was still obvious.

“This is the fruit of my hard training!”

Noelle shouted, her sword blazing with Geo energy, the cold gleam swelling until her claymore transformed into a massive, blade-like weapon.

“[Breastplate]!”

She swung her weapon; the sheer force overturned items at the edge of the training ground. The whirlwind mingled with Geo power, conjuring a storm as sharp as any blade.

“Not bad. Even just the shockwave from that move packs a punch.”

Gu Sanqiu nodded. No wonder Noelle would get special consideration if she passed—this one move already set her apart from the rest.

His job was only to check raw strength; the real test would be joining Amber and the others on actual missions. Only then would her true abilities show.

After all, a perfect written score and actual combat are two very different things.

Gu Sanqiu raised a hand, blocking the Geo onslaught. Then, with a resonant pulse, he shattered Noelle’s attack and sent her flying from the arena with a single palm.

“Keep going.”

Gu Sanqiu clenched his right fist, summoning a massive arm of rock, its stony fingers reaching out for Noelle.

Sweat beaded on Noelle’s face. That last move had been her best, her absolute limit. She’d thought it would be enough—but apparently, the test wasn’t over yet.

But that’s no reason to give up!

Noelle didn’t falter. Instead, she summoned another massive Geo blade, her steps steady as she swung her weapon once more.

Confidence… that’s what I’ve always lacked.

But if I can hold onto it, then it becomes my strongest weapon!

“It’s time to clean up the battlefield!”

Endless spinning slashes shattered the Geo hand, whipping into a tornado that bore down on Gu Sanqiu.

Face any challenge in the way I know best!

“Hah. Not bad. But Mondstadt’s floorboards can’t take that kind of aggressive cleaning, you know.”

This wasn’t cleaning—it was demolition. One more move like that and she’d be spending the night in detention with Little Red Riding Hood.

A Pyro fist appeared, smashing through Noelle’s storm with a single, overwhelming punch.

“You’ve passed.”

Gu Sanqiu smiled at Noelle, who couldn’t help but burst into tears. As a candidate, Noelle was already considered “old” for her cohort, so her emotional reaction made sense.

“Congratulations, Noelle the Knight. Here’s hoping the Knights come up with a fitting title for you.”

Five days later, the final results were posted. Noelle passed with top marks and was officially accepted into the Knights of Favonius.

Her official title? The “Maid Knight.” After all, that was Noelle’s own wish—to pursue her path as a knight through the way of the maid.

But the others figured such a title wouldn’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, so they gave her something with a bit more punch.

Her nickname: the “Geo Whirlwind.”

---

This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!