Genshin Impact's Incense Burner of Liyue [488]

Azhdaha chuckled. “Since you’ve already made up your mind, go ahead and see it through.”

Gu Sanqiu suddenly shifted awkwardly, a hopeful expression lighting up his face as he glanced back at Azhdaha.

“Grandpa, how about lending me a bit of your power? I came down here in secret, so it’d only be fitting for me to make a grand return, right? Something dramatic to match my identity?”

Azhdaha raised his fist. “I’ve got no power to lend, but I’ve got plenty of slaps. Want one?”

“Pass!”

Gu Sanqiu retreated at lightning speed. His only way back to the surface was through the same route he had taken down, as the passageways meant for regular workers couldn’t possibly accommodate the massive coffin he carried.

“Hmph, that brat,” Azhdaha muttered. Turning around, he strolled back to his usual spot. Within minutes, the Dragon of the Leylines was once again lying beneath the Dragon-Queller, as though nothing had happened.

“Azhdaha.”

Zhongli appeared within the sealed chamber of the Dragon-Queller. “So you did leave after all.”

“Yeah, yeah. While you’re at it, thanks for covering up my presence,” Azhdaha replied lazily, turning his back to Zhongli.

“If that’s all, you can go now. I’ve already reclaimed that dragon scale. My advice? Toss that kid somewhere far away. If you leave him here in Liyue, it’s only a matter of time before he stirs up more trouble. You know what I mean, Morax.”

Zhongli clasped his hands behind his back, unfazed by Azhdaha’s tone. Whether it was the patience of an Archon or simply the inner peace gained after enduring Hu Tao’s matchmaking antics, Zhongli remained calm.

“But he did well this time, didn’t he?” Zhongli remarked, his gaze steady. “You noticed what Gu Sanqiu was doing, and that’s why you stepped in to help. It reminded you of what happened back then—”

BOOM!

Azhdaha’s massive tail slammed down, shaking the entire chamber. The intricate sealing array etched into the space briefly flickered into visibility under the force of his strike.

The dragon turned, his piercing eyes locking onto Zhongli with icy intensity.

“I told you not to mention that incident in front of me. What are you trying to say?”

Zhongli sighed. “Nothing. It simply brought back memories. Such is the insidious nature of erosion—it influences every aspect of our lives. Even a passing word can bring unintended harm under its effect.”

Hearing this, Azhdaha’s cold gaze softened. His expression shifted, tinged with concern.

“It’s gotten worse, hasn’t it?”

Zhongli chuckled softly. “After thousands of years, it would be more surprising if it hadn’t. Erosion is a law of Celestia. There’s little we can do but find other paths forward.”

Azhdaha shook his massive head. “If only we could redo it all... could things have been different?”

Zhongli shook his head firmly. “No. In every sense, it’s impossible.”

A faint smile appeared on Zhongli’s lips. “But seeing Gu Sanqiu’s determination has reminded me of Liyue’s current state. It’s given me the confidence to lay down a new trial.”

“Azhdaha, the final contract has been drafted.”

“Or rather,” he corrected himself, “I’ve finally decided to place my signature on it. In the name of Morax, God of Contracts, I will finalize this last agreement.”

Azhdaha’s massive body shifted slightly. “You’ve made up your mind, then.”

“I have,” Zhongli confirmed, his figure slowly fading from sight. “And should any other enemies come to threaten Liyue, there’s no need for you to act immediately. Trust in Liyue’s people.”

“Hmph. Since when does a dragon like me need your advice?” Azhdaha snorted.

As Zhongli departed, silence returned to the chamber beneath the Dragon-Queller. Azhdaha closed his eyes, his massive form resting once more.

---

Back in The Chasm, the atmosphere had shifted. Workers were beginning to notice something unusual—the number of Millelith patrolling the surface mining zones had increased significantly.

At their head stood a young woman with cat-like ears and an unyielding air of authority. One hand rested on the hilt of her sword, and her face carried a solemn expression.

It was Keqing, the Yuheng of the Qixing.

“According to Ningguang’s intel, that scoundrel should be on his way up,” she muttered.

Keqing, who had been diligently handling government affairs in her office, had suddenly been interrupted by a cloaked messenger bearing Ningguang’s personal seal.

The report delivered to her detailed how Gu Sanqiu had bypassed the Qixing’s barriers and ventured into the depths of The Chasm. While his actions were praiseworthy, they had also caused significant disruption within the region.

At first, Keqing had doubted the accuracy of the report. Then, Ganyu had forwarded her an approval request regarding the handling of Treasure Hoarders who had delved into The Chasm.

Upon confirming the details, Keqing had stormed out of her office, angered and concerned. Now she stood at the forefront of her team, determined to confront her old friend.

BOOM!

A beam of golden light burst forth from the fissure leading to The Chasm’s depths. Emerging from it was Gu Sanqiu, dressed in a pristine and regal robe. A massive coffin was strapped to his back, and in his hand, he held a golden dragon emblem. His expression was calm and composed.

"The Dragon Sigil of the Geo Archon is here,” Gu Sanqiu declared, his voice resonant. “The Incense Burner of Liyue has returned from The Chasm, carrying the remains of its fallen heroes. All unrelated parties, stand back."

The sigil hummed, resonating with the surrounding Geo constructs in the surface mining area. Massive concentrations of Geo energy converged around Gu Sanqiu.

The dragon emblem floated upward, absorbing the overwhelming energy before settling gently on the coffin’s center.

Above, the faint silhouette of a dragon passed through the clouds, its majestic form flickering briefly before vanishing.

The sigil now seemed even more lifelike, radiating an aura akin to that of a living dragon.

The gathered Millelith stared in awe, many instinctively bowing their heads.

"That sigil..." one soldier murmured. "It holds the essence of the Geo Archon."

Another whispered, "The Archon himself watches over these heroes."

One by one, the Millelith saluted, offering the highest respect a soldier could give.

Heroes who fought for Liyue, thank you.

Welcome home.

Keqing’s expression was complicated. The man before her seemed entirely different from the disheveled figure described by the Treasure Hoarders.

Dressed immaculately, carrying the remains of heroes, Gu Sanqiu exuded an ethereal grace—like a celestial being descended to the mortal realm.

So that’s why he wore tattered clothes earlier… she realized. To shift all attention and reverence onto the heroes, not himself.

A small smile tugged at her lips. “Idiot. Always trying to act mature and serious. You’ve worked hard.”

Then her expression darkened.

How come he gets the Dragon Sigil?! Just because he’s a Incense Burner? Unfair!

So jealous…

Clearing her throat, Keqing straightened and stepped forward.

Gu Sanqiu stood by the coffin at the edge of The Chasm, carefully arranging it.

Beneath the Chasm’s entryway, the resting place was both a tribute and a reminder.

The heroes’ indomitable will to protect Liyue remained steadfast. At the same time, they would be granted a view of their homeland—a land they had fought and died for.

Gu Sanqiu gently placed Liyue’s signature flowers atop the coffin and sprinkled soil from The Chasm over it.

A gentle breeze swirled. The coffin sank into the ground, while the flowers and soil drifted toward Liyue Harbor and Qingce Village.

“May the fallen rest beneath the earth, and their spirits return home.”

“May the land endure, and its people thrive in joy.”

---

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!