Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [560]

What… just happened?

Childe’s smile froze. He genuinely had no idea what had just transpired.

Wait a second—what did that little floating creature just say?

"Sanqiu mentioned you a lot… as a scheming bastard?"

Damn it!

Childe’s expression darkened. He could almost hear someone’s mocking laughter echoing in the air.

No way, no way… Don’t tell me someone thought they could take advantage of my unconsciousness to pull a stunt?

I, Sanqiu, never miscalculate!

“…I messed up. Should’ve just given a random name.”

“But at least one of my objectives has been achieved. The Sigil Of Permission is indeed usable now. That means… our next plan can begin.”

Still, this was so frustrating.

Childe let out a long sigh. No matter how much he racked his brain, he never expected Gu Sanqiu to be this wary of him—so much so that even his friends outside Liyue knew of his notorious reputation.

A pure warrior would always lose to someone like Gu Sanqiu, who played dirty. No matter how hard Childe tried to think like a strategist, his core instincts remained straightforward and direct.

Competing in scheming against someone who already knew what was going to happen?

Way too early for that.

Long ago, Gu Sanqiu had taken to referring to Childe as "that guy with ulterior motives" or "a dangerous schemer" whenever chatting with Aether about his so-called “friends in Liyue.”

At the time, Aether hadn’t even met Childe. But who knew if fate would orchestrate a chance encounter? Better to plant the seed early—just in case.

And so, Childe’s reputation was preemptively ruined before he even showed up.

Gu Sanqiu and Aether weren’t inseparable, but they were close friends. Given the circumstances, Aether would naturally trust his word.

An outsider with a bird’s-eye view of the situation might notice something odd—

If Childe was such a cunning mastermind, then why had he gained nothing from the hidden power struggles within Liyue?

Following that line of reasoning, they might eventually realize that the real schemer here was Gu Sanqiu himself—someone so ruthless and calculating that even Childe couldn’t get the upper hand.

But Aether and Paimon wouldn’t think that way.

That was the power of pre-established impressions.

Besides, Aether had received a lot of help from Gu Sanqiu since the start of his journey. Even if someone laid out all the logic in front of him, he wouldn’t dwell on it too much.

No one is perfect. But he is my friend, and that is enough.

After all, even Barbatos—who was once worshiped for his diligence—turned out to be a carefree drunkard who left his people to their own devices.

With an example like that right in front of him, Aether had long since made peace with the reality that people are complicated.

"I know Sanqiu well. He’s helped me a lot. And you’re telling me he’s not a good person?"

"What does that have to do with you? What does that have to do with me?"

---

Bubu Pharmacy, Liyue Harbor.

“You are… an adeptus?”

The guards, Raimei and Kazuha, who were stationed outside the intensive care room, bowed in greeting, though there was hesitation in their voices.

They weren’t from Liyue, so they weren’t exactly sure how to address the figure before them.

After all, it was a divine stag—not a child with clear adeptal markings like Qiqi.

“No need for formalities. How is Incense Burner Sanqiu’s condition?”

Kazuha shook his head. “I don’t know. No one can get inside anymore.”

Can’t get in?

Only now did Moon Carver realize the sheer density of elemental energy surrounding Bubu Pharmacy. The epicenter was exactly where the young master lay.

“I’ll take a look.”

The moment he stepped forward, an immense pressure pushed down on him from all directions.

“…Ah, no wonder you couldn’t enter.”

A faint, intricate rune shimmered above his head. With ease, Moon Carver strode into the ward.

“Come in. Just stay behind me.”

On the bed, Gu Sanqiu remained unconscious, his breathing steady. Even the small ornaments around him had crystallized with Geo energy, forming a scene reminiscent of amber.

Moon Carver fell silent.

When he sensed that Raimei and Kazuha had chosen to remain outside instead of following him in, he silently gave them a nod of approval.

Hmm. The young master has a good eye for people.

Then, ever so casually, Moon Carver lifted his forehoof—

—and stomped on Gu Sanqiu’s chest.

…No reaction.

“…Huh. So he’s really not faking it. Completely unconscious.”

His spiritual energy was eerily still. Only now did Moon Carver truly believe that Gu Sanqiu was in serious trouble—not just pulling some elaborate scheme for laughs.

Considering the peculiar thought processes of the Gu family, he couldn’t be too careful. For all he knew, Sanqiu might’ve been so shaken by the Lord of Geo’s fall that he had decided to become even weirder.

“…But it seems I can’t do much for him.”

His mind, body, and energy were in perfect harmony, his aura constantly rising.

Aside from the fact that he wasn’t awake, this was the ideal state for any cultivator.

“If there’s no other way… I may have to enter his spiritual consciousness to see what’s happening.”

Moon Carver hesitated for a moment. Then, lowering his head, he slowly brought his antlers toward Gu Sanqiu’s forehead.

“Moon Carver.”

His heart jumped. That voice—his master?

“Find an excuse and come see me.”

“…Master, what about the young master’s condition? Should we really just leave him like this?”

Zhongli’s voice was calm. “Yes. Leave him be. Before he fell unconscious, I even struck him once.”

…?

Moon Carver’s small brain filled with large confusion.

What is this? Some kind of father-son conflict?

“Whether I struck him or not, he would have ended up like this either way. The only difference is that now, his presence isn’t as disruptive. Otherwise, he would have interfered with my plans.”

“Come to me. I have instructions for you.”

“…Understood.”

Moon Carver steadied himself. After briefly instructing Kazuha and Raimei, he took to the skies.

The excuse he gave was that he needed to return to his domain to prepare medicine.

But if his master had already spoken, then Gu Sanqiu waking up was simply a matter of waiting for the right moment.

The real priority—was his master’s orders.

...

Half an hour later, Moon Carver emerged from a hidden realm, his expression shaken.

“…So that’s how it is. No wonder Master is doing this.”

“At least, given the circumstances we’re aware of… this is the best possible course of action.”

He let out a quiet sigh.

Even stone eventually crumbles beneath the blade of time.

“…And now, it’s time to put on a show.”

He turned his gaze toward the Qixing’s headquarters.

That golden-haired traveler may have come under the pretense of a Qixing envoy, but now that Moon Carver knew the full story—he understood.

If it weren’t for Gu Sanqiu’s condition, the adepti wouldn’t even have been informed of this situation.

Unacceptable.

Holding them accountable?

No. Master had said—Liyue did not need that.

The fruit of Liyue’s culture was on the verge of ripening. As one of the old era’s remnants, his duty was to guide the process.

Simply put—he was here to fan the flames.

“…Do you truly have the qualifications and ability?”

High above, Moon Carver gazed down at Yuehai Pavilion.

Even if this was his master’s will, he still had his doubts.

“Before those two arrive, let’s see what you’re capable of.”

---

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!