Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [559]

Night had fallen. With Ningguang’s assistance, Aether and Paimon carried the Sigil Of Permission and slipped out of Liyue Harbor through a hidden passage. Ahead of them awaited a fully prepared mode of transportation and necessary supplies.

A magnificent steed.

“Wow, as expected of the Tianquan Star. She really thinks of everything,” Paimon exclaimed in amazement. “But according to Miss Ningguang’s map, wouldn’t heading toward Jueyun Karst be more convenient?”

“It’s still not as convenient as Albedo’s boat,” Aether replied, taking hold of the reins. “We need to hurry. This is for Sanqiu’s sake.”

“Mhm, you’re right.”

Paimon floated onto Aether’s shoulder. “But it’s so strange… Isn’t Sanqiu really strong? If even someone like him was beaten so badly, just how powerful must the attacker be?”

“I don’t know. But something feels off.”

Aether frowned. “Why do it during the Rite of Descension?”

“That grand celebration… It’s almost like they wanted everyone to see it happen.”

“It’s… too deliberate.”

“Huh? Are you saying there’s some hidden motive behind all of this?”

“Who knows? I don’t understand Liyue. I only know Sanqiu.”

With that, Aether spurred his horse forward, leaving a trail of dust behind.

“To Jueyun Karst first.”

“Friend—”

Just as Aether rode off, a handsome young man from Snezhnaya reached out—but all he could see was the cloud of dust left in Aether’s wake.

“Damn it! What’s with that horse’s speed? Don’t tell me Sanqiu used some weird method to train it,” Childe grumbled in frustration.

He had already anticipated that the people from Yuehai Pavilion—especially those among the Qixing who were close to Sanqiu—would send someone to Jueyun Karst to seek out the adepti.

But this particular method of travel had definitely exceeded his expectations.

Never underestimate the intelligence network of the Fatui. The moment Aether had shown up in Liyue Harbor, Childe had recognized him.

A rising star among Mondstadt’s adventurers, above-average combat abilities, well-liked by the people, and an Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius.

But none of that really mattered to him.

Why would a Snezhnayan care about Aether’s titles in Mondstadt?

What did matter to him was Aether’s ability to purify corruption.

That golden-haired traveler didn’t seem to realize just how precious such a power was.

Childe’s original plan had been to orchestrate a “coincidental” encounter. That way, he could reasonably establish contact with Aether and set the stage for his own actions.

But… something in his plan had gone slightly wrong.

Liyue Harbor had gone into full lockdown.

So, he had made his way out ahead of time and strategically positioned himself along the road to Jueyun Karst—this was planning on a near-genius level. Childe was confident that not even the most meticulous strategists among the Fatui Harbingers could have done better.

Aether, however, had Ningguang’s secret passage. The fact that Childe had still managed to set up an encounter despite that? Proof of his tactical brilliance.

But the real problem was the transportation.

Within seconds, Aether had already disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving Childe no chance to strike up a conversation.

“Tch, I still have other options.”

Unwilling to give up, Childe picked up his pace and pursued Aether’s trail toward Jueyun Karst.

If it was a race, then fine.

Today, you’re going to be a piece in my game.

Two days later, Aether dismounted and followed the map’s guidance to a place where Moon Carver, one of the adepti, was known to appear.

“This should be the place. I just need to take out the Ba Wu Jin Ji Lu to get his attention?”

Aether retrieved the talisman. “Excuse me—Moon Carver? I’m a special envoy from Liyue Harbor, sent by the Tianquan Star. I request an audience.”

That formal speech was something Ningguang had taught him. After all, it wasn’t uncommon for the Qixing to seek the adepti’s aid, and with the talisman in hand, his request carried even more weight.

“A special envoy from the Qixing?”

From within the mist, Moon Carver slowly emerged. “Young one, I don’t believe we’ve met before. What brings you here?”

“The Lord of Geo has been assassinated, and Incense Burner Sanqiu was attacked. I implore you to come to Liyue Harbor and lend your aid.”

Aether’s words were rushed. “Sanqiu is unconscious. He’s my friend—please, you must help him!”

The first part was official diplomacy.

The second part wasn’t.

He truly hoped the adeptus before him could save Sanqiu.

Boom!

A powerful burst of yin-yang energy surged from Moon Carver’s form. In midair, the vast elemental energy condensed into the shape of a colossal divine stag.

“Say that again?”

“What has happened to Liyue Harbor?”

So that sense of unease… was because of this?!

After Aether repeated the situation, Moon Carver’s expression darkened.

The severity of the matter was beyond his expectations.

Why had this happened?

“Master—no, the Lord of Geo has fallen. And the young master as well… No wonder the seal has been fluctuating so violently!”

“Young one, thank you for bringing this news. Please deliver it to the other two adepti as well. Here—this map will guide you.”

The divine stag lowered its head, presenting Aether with a golden orb inscribed with mysterious patterns.

“This is a spiritual perception map. This golden orb also serves as my token. Once you reach their domains, they will come to meet you.”

The stag ascended into the clouds. “I must go to Liyue Harbor immediately.”

How could something so drastic have happened without any warning?

The Lord of Geo was unfathomably strong. To eliminate him without a trace… was practically impossible.

Could it have been a coordinated strike by an exceptionally powerful enemy force?

Heart heavy with worry, Moon Carver accelerated repeatedly in the skies, rushing toward Liyue Harbor as fast as he could.

“So that’s an adeptus, huh?” Paimon mused. “Definitely feels different from normal people.”

She then shook herself out of her thoughts. “Anyway, we should hurry up. The journey’s gonna take a while.”

“Hey, friend!”

Aether instantly tensed, turning to face the unexpected—but not entirely unanticipated—arrival of Childe. He raised his weapon, aiming it at the newcomer.

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

“Whoa, whoa, relax. I’m a friend of Sanqiu’s too. I came to Jueyun Karst seeking the adepti’s help, same as you.”

Without hesitation, Childe began spinning his narrative. “But looks like you guys beat me to it. Guess I came for nothing, huh?”

“A friend of Sanqiu’s? What’s your name?”

Paimon was immediately suspicious. “If you were really his friend, then Ningguang wouldn’t have sent us. Wouldn’t it have made more sense for you to go?”

Aether nodded in agreement, his grip on his weapon unwavering.

“I used a secret passage that Sanqiu helped me find. By the time I learned what happened, Liyue Harbor was already on full lockdown, so I had to figure something out on my own.”

That… actually sounded reasonable.

Both Aether and Paimon hesitated.

After all, they had left through a hidden passage too.

“And your name is—”

“Oh, my bad. Almost forgot to introduce myself.”

Childe flashed a charming smile. “I’m Tartaglia, one of the Fatui Harbingers. Codename: Childe. Nice to meet you.”

“Wait, what?”

Paimon’s eyes widened before she shot onto the horse’s back. “Go, go, go! That’s the scheming guy Sanqiu warned us about!”

Without hesitation, Aether mounted up. Once Paimon secured her grip around his waist, he spurred the horse forward.

Within moments, they vanished from Childe’s sight.

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T/N: AHAHAHAHAH GET FUCKED

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!