Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [590]

Under threat of death, and for the sake of his personal safety and future well-being, Gu Sanqiu had no choice but to pull a long face and start eating the sugar art.

The way you ate sugar art was different from normal candy. Because of how intricate the design was, it wasn’t really about eating—it was more about licking.

And given that they were out in the middle of the street, Gu Sanqiu couldn’t exactly go full beast mode and bite off the dragon head in one go.

There was another reason he didn’t go that route—if he did, his old man would probably just calmly hand him a fresh new one.

Screw it. Let’s just play it safe. Finish this, and then bounce. I’m out to Mondstadt first thing after today.

If you’ve got the guts, old man, ask Barbatos to blow a storm strong enough to drag me back!

As long as Zhongli said the word, that lazy poet Venti would definitely go along with it and take the opportunity to extort him like crazy—redirecting all the heat away in the process.

Then he could finally kick back in Mondstadt, party with his bros, and proudly proclaim: Mondstadt is my second home!

Click—

A burst of shutter sounds rang out nearby. Gu Sanqiu barely caught the shadow of a cat darting past before a gleaming, rainbow-hued Kamera appeared in Zhongli’s hands.

"Hmm. My son’s always trying to act all mature. At least now I’ve finally got a photo that shows a bit of childlike innocence."

Zhongli nodded in satisfaction. Even though Gu Sanqiu’s black-as-thunder expression while licking candy didn’t match anyone’s idea of childlike charm.

But this was exactly the vibe Zhongli wanted.

Face dark?

Well, it’s already generous that I didn’t beat you black and blue before forcing you to eat the sugar art. You should count your blessings, my boy.

I heard you like taking photos?

Great. So do I.

"Nice work, Yaolu."

Zhongli nodded toward Yao Luweng perched on the rooftop. "Head over first—we’ll be along shortly."

"Understood."

Yao Luweng gave Gu Sanqiu a sympathetic glance. To be fair, he didn’t really have anything against the kid. Sure, still a bit of a lunatic, but not a bad person overall.

But with the boss giving orders, what choice did he have? It was either "your friend dies" or "you die instead."

Normally, the Geo Archon was a perfectly rational man. But once anything related to the Gu family came into play, things always went sideways.

In short, Gu Sanqiu was screwed this time.

"Alright, finish it up. Then we’ll go relax with a nice cup of tea."

Zhongli patted the still-stunned Gu Sanqiu on the back and led the equally-shocked Aether and Paimon away.

"I-I-I get it now!"

Paimon suddenly looked like she’d seen the light. "No wonder Sanqiu’s so impossible to deal with—it’s you, Zhongli! You taught him!"

She felt like she’d found the source of the problem. All this time, the biggest issue… had been Zhongli himself!

"Rationally speaking, my son's madness has nothing to do with me."

Paimon wasn’t buying it at all. "Then how come you’ve got him completely under your thumb?!"

It was time to update her “Do Not Provoke” List. Zhongli was definitely going to the top.

When Sanqiu did something shady, at least he laughed like a maniac. When Zhongli went for the kill, he didn’t even blink!

Red alert. High danger level!

The retired Geo Archon glanced at Gu Sanqiu—still rooted in place, absentmindedly licking the sugar art, his mind clearly disconnected from his body. The only phrase that could describe Zhongli’s mood right now was: utterly delighted.

"Perhaps… it’s love," he said with a smile. "A father’s love."

...

Half an hour later, in the private VIP room of a fancy teahouse, Gu Sanqiu was propping his head up with one hand while stacking mahjong tiles into a tower with the other.

He needed to do something simple to calm himself down.

Otherwise, he’d start seriously considering how to use Planet Befall inside Liyue Harbor without blowing the whole place up.

If sealing his old man away weren’t so absurdly impractical, he’d already have gone home and started working on the formation.

"Get ready. We’re heading to Jueyun Karst."

Gu Sanqiu barely twitched. "What’s over there? Don’t tell me some ancient demon broke out of a seal again."

"If that were the case, things would be easier. Just some minor demons—Xiao and the others could handle them."

Zhongli took a sip of tea. "You’ve already reached the level of an adeptus. It’s time to perform the Rite of Bestowing the Immortal Name."

"Once the name is given, you’ll no longer be just a Young Incense Burner but an Honored Adeptus Incense Burner."

"Congratulations. You’re finally coming of age."

"Coming of age now, at my age… only you could say that with a straight face."

Gu Sanqiu sighed. "And this immortal naming thing—it’s just giving me a new name, right? Sounds like a pain. Can I skip it?"

"No."

Another sigh. "Then, uh… can I at least ask if the big names back home all went through this too? What were their names like?"

"You’ve met the Little God, haven’t you? His immortal name is straightforward: Unmatched Adeptus of Battle. That one was a group effort."

Zhongli chuckled. "You two are quite alike—both indifferent to matters like this. But it’s part of the formal process. Can’t be avoided."

"Alright, alright… So we heading out now?"

"Mm. After I finish this tea."

At Jueyun Karst, Moon Carver was rubbing his temples as he looked at the scene before him.

Xiao, Yao Luweng, Granny Ping, and Mountain Shaperwere all calmly drinking tea. Meanwhile, Cloud Retainer was having the time of her life, enthusiastically recounting embarrassing childhood stories about her disciple.

Behind her, Ganyu was fidgeting nervously, clutching the hem of her sleeves, cheeks flushed bright red. She looked like she desperately wanted to reach over and cover her master’s mouth.

As a result, icy elemental energy began radiating off her in waves, and the temperature in the cave started to drop. A few of Moon Carver’s experimental instruments had already been damaged.

"Tch. Master, when are you getting here…"

Moon Carver was inexplicably stressed. Wasn’t this supposed to be a warm and dignified gathering of old friends? Why did it feel more like someone’s house was about to be leveled?

"You called for me?"

Zhongli entered Moon Carver’s domain, Gu Sanqiu trailing behind. "What were you all discussing?"

"We pay our respects to the Lord of Geo."

Gu Sanqiu glanced at Cloud Retainer—still laughing without a care in the world—and then at Ganyu, red-faced and head down. He felt like he’d just connected the dots.

Cloud Retainer was… telling stories from Ganyu’s childhood again, wasn’t she?

"Hey, Dad, how about we get straight to the point? Asking about people’s conversations is kind of rude."

"A fair point."

Zhongli nodded. "So—have you chosen your immortal name?"

…?

Gu Sanqiu blinked. "Didn’t you say this was bestowing a name? I thought I just had to show up, get assigned a title, and peace out."

"That’s right. But if you have a preference, you’re allowed to choose your own."

Zhongli took a calm sip of the tea Moon Carver handed him. "In any case, it’s just a chance for everyone to chat and brainstorm together. We can help you come up with one."

"I do have a suggestion. How about Adeptus of Pure Source and Mystical Way?"

Sure, I’ve raised a black pet—but it’s a hawk, not a dog.

Are you trying to make me public enemy number one with that name?!

---

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!