Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [600]

After confirming the domain was stable, the three of them returned to Liyue Harbor. Albedo went off to purchase local specialties for his Mondstadt friends, while Zhongli took Gu Sanqiu for a cup of tea.

“Let’s hear it. From your own perspective, do you see any particular problems with Liyue Harbor as it is now?”

Zhongli sipped his tea. “Pick something important. No need for a long-winded speech.”

Gu Sanqiu glanced up at him. “Dad, you already handed over your Gnosis. Are you still able to use Morax’s authority? Like... minting Mora?”

“A sharp question.”

Zhongli smiled faintly. “The throne still stands, but that aspect of my power has become inactive. To be precise, it no longer has anything to do with me.”

Inactive?

Was it sealed off, or did it just disappear?

Mora was once made from his flesh and blood—setting aside whether that was literal or metaphorical, there was one crucial fact: it circulated across all seven nations, and served as the most basic and essential catalyst for countless arts and rituals.

If Mora production had really stopped, then that meant the source—Zhongli himself—had completely bowed out.

“So the Qixing are in charge of rebuilding Liyue’s glory… and it’s up to me to deal with that issue?”

Gu Sanqiu scratched his head. “One more question—could you maybe give me a throne or something like it? If I had that, I might be able to figure something out.”

“Not every Archon is Decarabian.”

Zhongli shook his head. “Just like humans, gods may share superficial traits, but in principle, they are all vastly different individuals. The same holds true for Archons.”

“The miracles that once surrounded Decarabian were enough to astonish even me. He was a true god, though… his path was flawed.”

Gu Sanqiu frowned. “If I can’t start from the ‘throne’ angle, I guess I’ll have to head to Snezhnaya and take back your Gnosis.”

“You’d better not try anything rash.”

Zhongli shook his head. “You don’t have to worry about that for now. Before I stepped down, I left a substantial amount of Mora in the Golden House. It’ll be enough to keep things running smoothly for the next five years.”

“Even if Snezhnaya starts pulling strings behind the scenes, it won’t be easy to exhaust the reserves I left behind.”

“I’m giving you five years. That’s more than enough time for you to grow strong enough to take part in these matters.”

Of course. Gu Sanqiu had to admit his dad was still sharp. Not only had he seen through Snezhnaya’s little tricks, he’d even set up a financial trap for the Qixing to use, just in case.

He’d also received some intel on Pantalone from Yelan. Gu Sanqiu’s first reaction upon reading it was to go ask Keqing whether she knew the man—he gave off the exact vibe of a fully-blackened version of Miss Keqing. Quite the character.

Five years. If they really waited that long, even at the slowest pace, the blond would probably reach Khaenri’ah by then. Technically speaking, Gu Sanqiu didn’t have that much time.

From ancient grudges to coming upheavals, and truths buried deep in time—it was all bound to unfold in this era. That was why the gods had been laying out their plans and quietly strengthening their positions.

In Mona’s words: destiny’s wheel was approaching a terminal point. Cultivators called it the dawning of a Great Era.

“Dad, couldn’t you at least give me some advice on this sort of thing?”

Gu Sanqiu made one last attempt to pry something useful from Zhongli.

“Like… you didn’t bury a huge stash of Mora somewhere? Enough for Lord Azhdaha to swim in?”

“I don’t have reserves quite that large.”

Zhongli chuckled. “But I can offer a suggestion—take from the people, and use it for the people. That might be your best solution. In the end, it’s up to you.”

...?

Damn riddler!

Zhongli leisurely finished his tea, then strolled toward the market with that unhurried ‘old master’ gait—probably off to spend money again.

Gu Sanqiu remained in the teahouse, ruffling his hair in frustration, trying to decipher what his father meant.

“In the end, it’s up to you.”

Was this “you” referring to him, or to humanity as a whole?

If it was the former, he really didn’t believe it. If he had that kind of power, it should’ve shown itself by now. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to run a full self-check just in case.

If it was the latter… that was a nightmare. Investigating all of humanity? Who had the time for that?

“Young Master, are you there?”

An elegant voice, tinged with pride, floated in. It was Cloud Retainer. “I’m just outside the city. If you’re free, please come meet me.”

Cloud Retainer? What does she want now?

Puzzled, Gu Sanqiu paid his bill and slipped out of Liyue Harbor without attracting attention, easily finding the stately crane floating among the clouds.

“You needed something from me today, True Lord?”

Cloud Retainer nodded. “Indeed. I won’t waste your time. I came today to ask a favor of you.”

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

“As you should.”

Cloud Retainer nodded solemnly. “After the battle with Osial, I’ve come to better understand what it means to live in a human-ruled land. And I witnessed your valor in battle—you truly live up to your title as the incense-bearer chosen by the Lord of Geo.”

...!

Gu Sanqiu immediately tensed up. He knew exactly what kind of personality this adeptus had—Cloud Retainer was famous for having zero emotional tact.

For her to open with that level of praise? Yeah, this favor was going to be a big one.

“Let’s get to the point, True Lord. What is it you want me to do? If it’s about Ganyu-jie, I can’t help. That’s a contract between her and my father—I don’t have the authority to interfere.”

Cloud Retainer sighed. “Ganyu is her own person now. I can no longer dictate her life. I only hope she doesn’t overwork herself.”

“Ah… she’s grown. No longer listens to her elders. Back in the day, she was such a cute child. Little Sanqiu, did I ever tell you—when Ganyu was young, she—”

“Stop right there!”

Gu Sanqiu interrupted her in a panic. First, he didn’t want to get skewered by a Cryo arrow. Second, if he didn’t stop her now, she’d go on for hours.

“Let’s keep it short, True Lord. What exactly do you need from me?”

“Well, it’s not a huge matter.”

Cloud Retainer fluffed her wings. “I have a young disciple. Years ago, due to certain worldly troubles, I brought her to the mountains. She’s trained in the way of the adepti ever since—never once returning to mortal society.”

“I’ve come today to ask if you’d be willing to look after her a little. Teach her the ways of the world. Show her what it means to live among people.”

“A human can’t stay on a mountaintop forever. Integration will help her cultivation, too. As much as it pains me, I must think of her future.”

Gu Sanqiu’s face was blank. “Sounds noble. But why me? Is this disciple of yours a boy?”

“No, she’s a girl. Her name is Shenhe. She has a problematic fate—surrounded by malevolent energy. At times, she even loses her grip on reality.”

Cloud Retainer looked directly at him. “You’re strong, Sanqiu. And you’re capable of suppressing such a fate. I’ve seen your character for myself. You’re the best choice.”

“First of all, I’m a guy. Second, why not ask Ganyu-jie?”

“I’ll answer your second question first. Ganyu’s thinking is still a bit rigid—she’s not suited to help Shenhe adjust to mortal life.”

Cloud Retainer replied calmly, “As for your first question—yes, gender is a consideration. But over the years, you’ve had female companions, yet no one has ever stayed at your side. I have no concerns.”

“I leave Shenhe in your care.”

Wow. She’s really good at this kind of conversation, huh?

Should I take this as a subtle dig that I suck at flirting?

Fine. I’ll remember this insult!

---

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!