Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [525]

The powerful cultivators of the cultivation world gathered, eyes filled with caution as they scanned their surroundings.

Those three attackers had appeared out of nowhere and launched straight into battle—yet the Golden Bell of Strife hadn’t reacted at all. That could only mean one thing: someone else was still hiding nearby.

That person must have possessed a way to block their spiritual perception, conceal the Golden Bell’s reaction, and even interfere with the beast lords’ senses—either through some special technique or a forbidden artifact!

"How is the Incense Lord?"

The mountain master turned to Hu Tao, who was checking Gu Sanqiu’s injuries. "If necessary, Canglong Mountain still has medicine preserved from the Archon War."

"No need. He won’t die."

Hu Tao pursed her lips. "Fast recovery has always been his specialty."

Gu Sanqiu sighed.

To be honest, the only reason his body could still absorb elemental energy and trigger his rapid regeneration was thanks to Lumine.

After she finished dealing with those three corpses, the golden-haired girl had walked over and stabbed him lightly with her sword, extracting that mysterious force from his body and lifting the suppression it had placed on him. Otherwise, he’d still be in a miserable state.

"As long as you're alright, that's what matters."

The mountain master let out a breath of relief.

If Gu Sanqiu had lost during the Strife for Ascendancy—even if he had died—that wouldn't have been an issue. He had chosen this path himself.

But now, it was obvious that someone had interfered in the process.

That was a huge problem.

The Golden Bell of Strife wasn’t some colossal, sky-covering artifact that transmitted sound across the entire cultivation world. It only resonated because every major sect had a corresponding artifact within their domain.

In other words, no one outside of the cultivation world should have known about this battle—let alone pinpoint the bell-ringer so quickly.

Thinking back to the merciless, calculated attacks of those enemies, the mountain master felt a chill creep through his heart.

Their intent was crystal clear.

There must be a traitor within the cultivation world.

They wanted to bring down the very symbol of their world’s spirit—one that had stood for thousands of years.

And whatever their true goal was, it was nothing good.

The other sect leaders wore grim expressions—they, too, had reached the same conclusion.

"Although the Strife is not yet over, we must return."

The cultivators cupped their hands toward the mountain master and Gu Sanqiu.

"Mountain Master. Incense Lord. We must inform our sect leaders of what has transpired here and sort out the bigger picture. We will ensure the Incense Lord receives justice."

Though they were warriors, not strategists, that didn’t mean their heads were filled with nothing but muscle.

If even the mountain master had reached this conclusion, they naturally had as well.

And considering the recent surge in demonic and malevolent disturbances, what had once seemed like mere anomalies now felt like ominous signs of something greater.

It was no wonder that Gu Sanqiu had stubbornly rung the Golden Bell alone—despite the risk.

The world was changing in ways they did not understand.

"Wasn’t the Strife concluded? The three tolls of the Golden Bell should be proof, shouldn’t they?"

Hu Tao frowned. "Are you trying to go back on your word?"

The mountain master bowed slightly. "Hall Master Hu, the three tolls were triggered by their disappearance. However, if not for their interference, the Strife should have continued."

"Strictly speaking… the Incense Lord’s ascension was not truly completed."

"Whatever. If it didn’t succeed, then it didn’t succeed."

Gu Sanqiu’s bones were still mending themselves as he spoke.

"Worst case, I’ll just come back and ring it again next time. No big deal."

"You want to do this again?!"

Hu Tao bared her teeth, crouching down and viciously pinching the soft flesh at his waist.

"Are you completely fearless or just plain stupid?!"

"Even if I fear death, I have no choice but to continue—because I have my reasons."

A wind-forged palm landed gently on Hu Tao’s head.

"I have to protect you all."

The surrounding cultivators exchanged glances—understanding dawning in their eyes.

The Incense Lord had sensed something.

That was why he had fought so desperately, clinging to his beliefs even at the brink of death.

Hu Tao pursed her lips.

With so many outsiders around, she couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore.

Fine. Whatever he says, she’d let him have it for now.

"Gu Sanqiu."

A gentle yet powerful voice echoed from afar.

A majestic deer, its body shimmering with mystical radiance, descended upon the clouds.

Even the spirit beast guardians, including the rebellious giant condor, bowed their heads in reverence.

"That’s… that’s the immortal of Jueyun Karst!"

A cultivator gasped, his gaze turning fervent.

"That’s Moon Carver, the True Lord of Stone and Sun!"

"We greet the True Lord!"

A wave of profound bows swept through the crowd.

The only one not bowing was Gu Sanqiu—because he literally couldn’t move.

To be fair, he had always felt that Moon Carver wasn’t exactly a deer, but more of a strange hybrid.

Of course, that kind of blasphemous thought was best kept to himself.

"I am already aware of what has transpired here."

The deer immortal raised a hoof, and a warm, silvery light flowed into Gu Sanqiu’s body.

It mended his wounds—even strengthening the seals upon his soul.

"Gu Sanqiu, step forward."

With Hu Tao’s help, Gu Sanqiu stood, rolling his shoulders to test his movement. Finding no issues, he strode toward the front of the gathering.

"I greet Moon Carver, the True Lord of Stone and Sun."

The deer’s gaze softened.

"Gu Sanqiu, step forward and receive the decree."

"By order of the Geo Archon, the Strife for Ascendancy is incomplete."

"You are commanded to journey to the Ancient Gods’ Arena and achieve one hundred consecutive victories—to fulfill the final requirement."

"Only then may you claim the title of champion."

A scarlet sigil floated onto Gu Sanqiu’s left arm.

"This is the token granting you entry. The Geo Archon commands you to depart at once—without delay."

"I accept the decree."

Gu Sanqiu had never even heard of the Ancient Gods’ Arena before.

But judging by the expressions of the other cultivators, it was clear that he had just been given an absolutely insane task.

"Incense Lord… are you sure you want to go?"

After Moon Carver left, the mountain master turned to him.

"The Ancient Gods’ Arena is said to be a place of extreme peril—where battle-loving warriors from across the world gather."

"Winning one hundred consecutive matches there is likely even harder than restarting the Strife for Ascendancy."

…?

Harder than restarting the Strife?!

Gu Sanqiu blinked at the mountain master’s serious expression.

Wait.

He thought this decree was a favor—but had they just made things even harder for him?!

No wonder no one objected when Moon Carver announced it!

"So if I reach one hundred wins, I’ll be the champion?"

The gathered cultivators all nodded solemnly—as if this task was truly monumental.

And the way they reacted made Gu Sanqiu feel… uneasy.

"Uh… you guys seem to know what this place is. So, what’s the highest win streak ever recorded?"

The mountain master frowned in thought.

"In my time, the highest streak was around thirty."

"I know!"

A young genius cultivator raised his hand excitedly.

"A few years ago, someone reached fifty wins! A Mondstadt warrior named… Diluc!"

…Wait.

Diluc did what?!

And that was before his power was sealed?!

Suddenly, Gu Sanqiu grasped just how ridiculous this was.

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T/N: WHATTT IDK HOW STRONG THAT IS BUT WOOOOOOW

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!