Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [564]

Can a person live without a heart?

That was Gu Sanqiu’s first thought when he recalled this matter.

An old minister once walked out of the imperial court, still alive even after having his heart removed, thanks to the power of Taoist arts. Yet, he met his end the moment an old woman—who was actually a disguised spirit—muttered, "Can a person live without a heart?"

Although the Heavenly Principles likely didn’t want the old man dead, Gu Sanqiu still felt that the whole incident was anything but simple.

Put plainly, the old man was strong. Incredibly strong. That was the "Taoist talisman" that had protected him all this time.

And the Heavenly Principles—an enigmatic entity acting with its own unknown purpose—had always wanted to force Zhongli, a god of immense power and protected by Liyue’s collective faith, to step down.

Its method? Erosion.

Yet, the old man’s sheer strength had resisted erosion’s grasp, dragging the process out for centuries. In doing so, he had become an anomaly, an existence that defied the ultimate laws of Teyvat.

So, the Heavenly Principles devised another approach.

It orchestrated a series of seemingly coincidental events, slowly leading Zhongli to a realization:

"So… it’s time for me to rest?"

The moment that thought took root, it was like a floodgate being breached. The erosion’s effects would only intensify from there.

Faced with this, the old man had chosen what might not have been the "best" solution, but one that was, perhaps, inevitable.

"Choosing an utterly unremarkable commoner… That certainly wouldn’t raise any suspicions."

The Heavenly Principles weren’t foolish. That was the first thing Gu Sanqiu realized.

The benevolent Lord of Geo would never keep his guard up against his own people.

And the Heavenly Principles had exploited that fact perfectly.

Once Liu Sanhu had fallen asleep, Gu Sanqiu scattered a pre-prepared medicinal powder around the room before approaching the bedside and extending his right hand. His spiritual energy spread out, probing for any anomalies.

Mental strength? Normal—chaotic, just like any ordinary person.

Physical condition? Also normal—consistent with the average physique of a seasoned sailor.

No signs of training in any mystical arts.

"...Was he really just randomly chosen?"

Did this mean the Heavenly Principles could actually influence certain people's thoughts at will?

Gu Sanqiu instinctively shook his head.

"No… More likely, it was just a minor psychological nudge. And he was simply too weak to resist it."

If Liu Sanhu had been fully controlled, the old man would have noticed something amiss.

"Tch. No useful leads. And I wasted a fortune on this investigation."

Leaving Liu Sanhu’s residence, Gu Sanqiu pondered the possibility of a cult dedicated to the Heavenly Principles—one whose members lived among the people, scattered across the world like dandelions.

On the surface, they were no different from any other citizen of the Seven Nations. But the moment the "one above" needed them, they would carry out seemingly unrelated actions.

And these isolated actions, when combined, would create a chain reaction—allowing the Heavenly Principles to achieve its objectives.

"A Church of Celestia?"

Gu Sanqiu scoffed.

"What’s so great about that woman? Or does she actually offer rewards for loyalty? But wouldn’t that contradict her own so-called ‘divine will’?"

It made no sense. He couldn't wrap his head around it.

---

The moment Gu Sanqiu left, Liu Sanhu’s eyes snapped open.

He immediately sat up, his expression wary. Without hesitation, he slipped into a hidden passage and left Liyue Harbor, heading toward the Guili Plains.

"Hey there, Captain. Where do you think you’re going?"

A figure in a black robe stepped out with a grin, blocking his path.

"Hello there, friend. A few of my associates would like to have a chat with you. Would you be so kind as to join us?"

Liu Sanhu didn’t respond. He simply stared at the black-robed man, studying him closely.

"...Forget it. Doesn’t matter whether you’re willing or not—it’s out of my hands now."

With a snap of the man’s fingers, the space around them twisted violently. Dark purple energy seeped through the air, distorting reality.

From the rift, a monstrous figure emerged, its eerie gaze fixed upon Liu Sanhu.

"Heh. So, you’ve finally decided to join us?"

The black-robed man picked at his ear in annoyance.

"Join you? Please. I’m just here to make a deal."

"Five hundred sprouts. Pay up front, and you can take this Liyuean off my hands. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?"

The creature glanced at Liu Sanhu, its eyes blazing with excitement.

"Heh… Five hundred sprouts? Consider it sold!"

The dark energy swallowed Liu Sanhu whole, dragging him into the abyss.

"You’ll receive your payment soon enough. Gotta say, though… You people really do keep your cool—even in times like these."

The black-robed man watched as the portal sank into the ground, then grinned.

"Times like these?"

Looks like the old man really pulled it off. Even those guys believe he’s dead.

"But there’s just one problem…"

The black-robed man ruffled his hair in frustration.

"Why the hell have I been getting sent on so many damn jobs lately? Is this what the end times feel like?"

He sighed.

"So annoying. The moment I retire, I swear I’m gonna camp outside my house like some vagrant and mess with my old man. Heh heh heh…"

---

Back in a hidden cavern:

"Old man, that guy was definitely suspicious. The Abyss has already set their sights on him. Now can you finally relax?"

"Hardly," Zhongli replied, his expression grave.

"So that’s how it was… I should have accounted for this possibility."

"Does it even matter?"

The black-robed man shrugged. "You were planning to retire anyway. Whether it happens sooner or later doesn’t really change much, does it?"

He threw up his hands. "But next time, can you please send someone else? You know my health’s a mess—what if I just drop dead one day?"

Zhongli gave him a calm glance. "Speak plainly."

"Oh, I just wanna know if there are any survivors from my clan—or any of the others. You can’t seriously expect me to do all your errands forever. It’d be nice to have some people my age to talk to, y’know?"

Zhongli gently traced the rim of his teacup.

"What do you think?"

The black-robed man groaned. "Come on, I’ve told you a million times—I’m just a dumb brute. Can you please stop being so cryptic?"

Zhongli smiled. "You haven’t changed at all."

"But I’ll be direct with you this time."

"Moon Carver and the others have their own responsibilities. Xiao is needed to guard Jueyun Karst. None of them have time to assist you."

"In other words—you are now our side’s strongest fighter."

The black-robed man’s jaw dropped.

"Strongest fighter my ass! Since when does ‘strongest fighter’ mean chronically ill?! What about you? And my old man—did you eat him or something?!"

"Azdhaha is sealed beneath the Dragon-Queller and cannot act."

Zhongli looked at him.

"My godhood is lost. I no longer have the strength to oppose our enemies. So, this responsibility falls to you."

The black-robed man pointed toward the cavern entrance.

"Okay, then how about this—if you’ve really lost your divine power, then I dare you to walk back to Liyue Harbor on foot. From here to there—if you make it in under three days, I’ll call every adeptus in to see you myself."

You might fool others, but you think you can fool me?

Zhongli’s expression remained serious. "My divine power is truly gone. I have no strength left."

"...Then who sensed my guy snooping around?"

"And who sent a long-distance transmission to drag me out of this damn cave?"

Zhongli paused for a moment.

"...That was the last of my power."

The black-robed man buried his face in his hands.

Got it. Got it. From now on, I’ll tell everyone the old man is just a helpless mortal now.

What a blatant lie.

And the worst part?

He had no choice but to believe it.

---

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!