Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [516]

Paimon continued, "Albedo is really such a nice guy! After we explained everything, he even made a memory-recording device for us, free of charge."

"He said extracting the entire scene wasn’t possible, but at the very least, he could help Aether preserve the most important image."

Aether nodded and pulled out a smooth, amber-colored gemstone from his pocket.

Inside, Lumine’s face was perfectly clear.

The most precious image—his sister.

"At least you’ve gained something," Gu Sanqiu said, offering a few words of encouragement. "Just follow the trail and keep going."

Of course, he refrained from saying anything like "If you don’t find her in Mondstadt, you can try Liyue next."

Because, frankly, that would be cursing Aether to not find his sister anytime soon.

From an outside observer’s perspective, Gu Sanqiu could predict the bigger picture—but Aether wasn’t privy to those insights.

And at the end of the day, he was just a lone traveler with no real home or family, accompanied only by a tiny floating companion.

Honestly, compared to the classic trope of a protagonist raised by an old master, Aether had it much worse.

At least the old master type could teach powerful techniques, maybe even some world-shaking martial arts, and would always support the protagonist without unnecessary drama.

Meanwhile, his floating emergency food was weak, fragile, and constantly hungry—and even when she cheered him on, she had to stand at a safe distance.

Plus, she occasionally threw tantrums at him.

Probably not the best time to crush his spirit.

Aether nodded. He understood this wasn’t something that could be rushed. If his impatience caused him to overlook a crucial clue, he’d regret it forever.

The meal was an enjoyable one.

Paimon indulged in all the expensive dishes she usually wouldn’t dare order, while Aether discussed elemental combat techniques with Gu Sanqiu.

If it had been any other topic, the not-so-talkative golden boy might have struggled to keep up.

But when it came to battle, things were much simpler.

For example, when Gu Sanqiu explained his elemental wrist guard technique, Aether simply had to demonstrate his understanding, point out areas where he felt something was off, and Gu Sanqiu would immediately grasp what he meant.

Aether’s combat intuition was genuinely impressive.

The elements in his hands didn’t feel like lifeless forces—instead, they carried a subtle, ethereal liveliness, almost as if each wisp of elemental energy had its own unique will.

"Tch. This is getting interesting."

A thought crossed Gu Sanqiu’s mind—something almost ridiculous—and suddenly, he found himself liking Aether more and more.

Of course, that’s assuming this little couple doesn’t come and cause trouble in Liyue.

A combat talent with limitless potential, who only needed time and resources to grow—and at his peak, he’d even be able to go a few rounds with a certain someone in Celestia.

In simple terms: ridiculously valuable.

If you converted that combat potential into Mora, it was enough to make Zhongli’s old friend Azhdaha sleep atop a literal mountain of gold.

After lunch, Aether left, carrying a Paimon who had eaten way too much and was now sprawled out, limbs outstretched.

He still had commissions to complete in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu headed to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters to find Itto.

Apparently, after receiving Albedo’s gift, the big guy had almost started worshipping him as a god and would visit frequently to offer his assistance.

As a result, Gu Sanqiu—the actual boss of the Arataki Gang—was starting to feel like his own underling was getting poached.

Technically, Itto was helping, but in reality, it was still Albedo teaching him how to safely transport the crate of seeds.

It was like a mother reminding her child to pack everything properly before a long trip.

"Hahaha! My time in Mondstadt was amazing! Well then, everyone, until fate brings us together again!"

Itto hoisted a massive sack of Mondstadt souvenirs onto his back, while still cradling the crate of seeds in both hands.

…Honestly, he looked more like a refugee than a warrior.

"See you later, Itto!"

Klee waved enthusiastically. "You have to come back and play with me again!"

"Haha! Of course! A real man never breaks his promises!"

Itto set the crate down for a moment, giving her a big thumbs-up.

"Right now, my name’s only known in Hanamizaka. But once my reputation shakes all of Inazuma, I’ll invite you over for a visit!"

"Mhm! Pinky promise!"

"Alright! Pinky promise! If I break it, I’ll turn into a stupid Jueyun Chili Melon for life!"

The big oni and little elf linked pinkies, sealing the promise with a laugh.

Before taking off, however, Itto very seriously asked Gu Sanqiu for a protective barrier.

Apparently, on his way to Mondstadt, he’d been blown around so badly that he never wanted to experience that again.

But as the one and only Arataki Itto, the First and Greatest, he had a very righteous excuse for his request:

"The gifts everyone gave me, plus this crate of seeds, are way too precious! Sure, I can handle strong winds as an oni, but I have to protect these treasures!"

To which Gu Sanqiu, without a word, stored all of Itto’s gifts into a spatial storage device right in front of him.

"Problem solved. Shall we go?"

He raised a hand, summoning wind energy around them.

"Boss, I was wrong!"

"Good. Very good."

Satisfied, Gu Sanqiu cast a protective barrier on him anyway.

Like I don’t already know what kind of guy you are.

Mid-air, Itto suddenly spoke.

"Boss, once I get back, I wanna return to Inazuma right away. I won’t be staying in Liyue for long."

"I want to deliver this crate as soon as possible. Those seeds will definitely do more good in the hands of that fox than with me."

"Oh? Finally starting to worry about your little gang?"

"Nah. It’s just… opportunities like this don’t come often. I don’t wanna waste it."

Itto’s voice was serious.

"Inazuma and Liyue are really different places. Albedo said these seeds could literally feed thousands of people."

"I’ve seen a lot during my short-term commissions. There are folks in Inazuma struggling way more than us."

"Before I met you, at least my gang could always count on Jueyun Chili Melons for food. If we got lucky, we’d even get a good meal once in a while."

"But there are plenty of people who don’t even have that."

"I wanna go back soon—to do what a real man should do."

Gu Sanqiu chuckled.

"Why do I feel like you’ve grown up all of a sudden?"

"Don’t worry. I’ll arrange a ship for you. You’ll be sailing back to Inazuma by tomorrow at the latest."

"Itto."

"Yeah, Boss?"

"Some say that a world like this isn’t something a handful of people can change—because we’re not the ones holding the reins of power."

"But I don’t care about that."

"I see things differently."

Gu Sanqiu flexed his wrist.

"Inazuma’s situation isn’t much simpler than Liyue’s. You’ll face obstacles—and real danger."

"You might feel lost at times. But don’t forget why you’re doing this."

Placing a hand on Itto’s head, Gu Sanqiu smiled.

"Go change the world, Itto."

"You’re not alone. More will join you, and the Arataki Gang will only grow stronger."

"Someday soon, be the spark that sets the world ablaze."

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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!