Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [496]

"Forget it. It doesn’t seem like anything malicious. Just inform Yuehai Pavilion and have them keep an eye on it."

Gu Sanqiu no longer paid attention to the strange figure in the black robe, instead refocusing on the ongoing ceremony.

The Millelith were there for reinforcement and to display their presence. However, the true guardians of the returning souls were the skilled individuals secretly assigned by the Qixing, hidden in the shadows.

"So? Do you really find this amusing?"

Behind Zhongli, the black-robed figure sat on the ground in an entirely unrestrained manner, both hands clutching freshly grilled skewers from a street vendor at Chihu Rock.

In other words, after shaking off Gu Sanqiu, this person had even taken the time to shop for snacks before swaggering over to Zhongli.

Putting aside the eccentric personality, the sheer speed alone was absurd. If the street vendor hadn’t been sharp-witted, they might have been quite delighted at the unexpected surplus of Mora.

"Sigh, old man, Liyue nowadays still isn’t quite up to par, huh?"

Mouth full of food, the black-robed figure mumbled, "That guy only put on a polite front while speaking to me. There was a layer of elemental energy covering the bottom of his cup, and his other hand was full of concealed weapons."

"Everything else was fine, but it seems my dear old friend has some serious trust issues."

Zhongli glanced at the black-robed figure. "If you had shown up in a more normal outfit, he wouldn’t have been that on guard. You only have yourself to blame."

"Fair enough—hic."

The black-robed figure casually tossed the empty skewers into a nearby trash bin. "I've already taken care of the matter you asked me to handle. Seriously, can’t you send someone else? Are you just squeezing everything out of me for free labor?"

"You’re the only one who can carry this out flawlessly."

"Oh, cut it out."

The black-robed figure let out a dry laugh. "What, do you take me for a gullible kid? If I drop dead one day, that’s one less person for you to have casual chats with. My dear old friend still doesn’t know your true identity, does he?"

"He doesn’t. But he will soon."

Zhongli turned and pressed a True Dragon Seal onto the black-robed figure’s body.

"Go ahead and take a look around Liyue Harbor if you want. This seal will allow you free movement for a day—but refrain from using your powers in combat."

"Much appreciated."

Swaying slightly, the black-robed figure stood up and soon made his way to the gates of the Gu family estate.

"Heh, looks like nothing’s changed. That’s good."

He chuckled and waved—not necessarily at the door itself, but at something beyond it—before wandering off to Chihu Rock. There, he casually found a spot to sit, assuming the posture of a beggar too weak from hunger to move.

"The Millelith stand firm, the mountains do not waver. Sir, are you in need of assistance?"

Two patrolling Millelith soldiers approached the black-robed figure. "If you’re hungry, we can take you somewhere to eat. Lying here like this isn’t good for your health."

Half-leaning against a tree, the black-robed figure looked up at the two young men.

"‘The Millelith stand firm, the mountains do not waver’—hah, it’s been a while since I heard that motto."

"You’re offering to treat this old man to a meal? Just so you know, I have a pretty big appetite."

"Ah, my apologies, sir."

The soldier’s expression remained unchanged. "If your appetite is truly that large, once we understand your circumstances, I could personally cover the cost. The expense could be reimbursed through the Ministry of Civil Affairs."

"Liyue does not let any of its citizens go hungry, nor would we allow an elderly man to starve on the streets."

"Sir, Wanmin Restaurant serves generous portions and is quite delicious. How about we go there?"

"Wanmin Restaurant?"

The black-robed figure turned to look at the establishment, where the red glow of cooking fires burned brightly—a flame he had already noticed when buying skewers earlier.

Just glancing at it made his entire body tingle uncomfortably, yet somehow, it also gave him a sense of reassurance.

"No need, no need."

He stood up and patted the two Millelith soldiers on the shoulders. "You were half right. This old man is waiting to die—but I’m not hungry."

"How do those stage plays you young folks love go again? A chance encounter with an old, nameless man, leading to a fateful blessing from the heavens?"

The black-robed figure let out a strange laugh before pulling out a mineral ingot, as flawless as pure jade, and snapping it in two.

"A piece of high-purity Magical Crystal Ore—for the both of you. Keep up the good work. The Millelith is a fine career with a bright future."

"The Millelith stand firm, the mountains do not waver. Shields strong as iron, defenders of the realm."

At Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli sat before a chessboard, locked in an intense game where black and white pieces clashed fiercely.

Yet a fragment of his mind remained focused on the situation at Chihu Rock.

"That brat. I only told him to strike up a conversation, and now he’s pulling stunts like this."

Calmly, Zhongli placed another stone on the board. "Still, I suppose after seeing it with his own eyes, he’ll be all the more pleased."

The black-robed figure gradually faded from sight, but rumors of an adeptus walking among mortals soon spread once again. As a result, countless hopefuls flocked to Chihu Rock, convinced that they were destined for a fateful encounter.

Gu Sanqiu remained oblivious to all this. If it weren’t for that eccentric, black-robed fool suddenly deciding to chat with him, none of this would have had anything to do with him—the current Incense Bearer.

Just as he was about to take a well-deserved nap at home, he received an official notice from Yuehai Pavilion, requesting his immediate presence at the harbor.

Assuming something serious had happened, Gu Sanqiu was just about to change clothes when the secretary delivering the message assured him it wasn’t an urgent matter.

Then, he arrived at the harbor—where he immediately understood why.

"Boss!"

With a leap, Arataki Itto tackled Gu Sanqiu in an almost tearful embrace, barely stopping short of wiping his nose all over him.

"I missed you so much!"

"I think you just want me dead."

Ever since the Arataki Gang had stabilized—or rather, since a certain fox had brought them under the Grand Narukami Shrine’s jurisdiction—Itto had been eating well and growing stronger at an alarming rate.

At this point, every time the meathead wrapped his arms around him, Gu Sanqiu felt like he was being bear-hugged by a Geo Hypostasis with murderous intent.

Pushing Itto away, Gu Sanqiu eyed him up and down.

"Why are you alone? You didn’t come with the Shrine’s people this time?"

Itto shook his head honestly. "Nope! This time, I’m here to deliver a message! And, uh, also for an all-expenses-paid trip. Ahem—that’s what that pink-haired fox, Lady Yae, told me to say."

Again?!

Don't tell me it’s another one of Weishen Harunosuke’s letters…

Gu Sanqiu’s eye twitched. "Where’s the letter? Hand it over."

"Oh, there isn’t one."

…?

Glancing around warily, Gu Sanqiu led Itto to a quieter spot.

"Aren’t you here to deliver a letter? Or was that just an excuse to slack off?"

"Boss, I am a delinquent! Slacking off is my job!"

Gu Sanqiu pressed his fingers to his temple. "Alright, get to the point. If I’m not mistaken, this ‘message delivery’ is Yae Miko’s doing, and the contents are in your head?"

"Heh, as expected of you, Boss!"

Itto thumped his chest. "Lemme think, lemme think… How did it go again?"

"Take your time. No rush."

Gu Sanqiu sighed, resisting the urge to yell, Of course it’s you!

At this rate, he was seriously considering whether he could get some kind of brain-boosting medicine for Itto.

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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!