Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Xiangjun, it's dinnertime."

"You all go ahead. I'm not hungry yet."

Gu Sanqiu sat cross-legged at the ship's bow, a half-empty crate of ballista arrows beside him.

Even though the fleet had chosen a relatively safe route, sea beasts constantly appeared to cause trouble.

Without the Alcor leading the charge and his own ability to use wind to support the fleet, both ships and crew would have sustained significant damage.

Personally, though, Gu Sanqiu found it quite enjoyable. Tossing ballista bolts was a good way to train his control over long-range wind-element manipulation.

The idea was inspired by techniques like sword flight and guided missile systems. If he could infuse wind-element energy into arrows, he could create a form of ultra-long-range attack.

For example, he imagined pulling back a bowstring and sending an arrow from Liyue Harbor straight to the core of a Ruin Guard at the Thousand Winds Temple.

"But this level of precision seems to demand a lot of mental energy. Maybe I should head to Mondstadt afterward and see if I can track down that wandering bard."

"Hey, kid, time to lend a hand!"

Beidou's voice called out as she tousled his hair.

"We're about to enter a stormy region, and parts of the ship need special treatment. Also, pack up these ballista arrows. We can't have them lying around."

"Got it."

Gu Sanqiu stood and stretched before quickly joining Chongzu's team. Together, they maximized efficiency, ensuring the fleet could pass through the stormy sea without taking significant damage.

---

Boom!

Thunder roared overhead as lightning streaked across the sky.

Gu Sanqiu shielded his eyes from the electric serpent coiling in the heavens, careful not to stare directly at its brilliance.

If it were just a natural storm, he wouldn't have minded stepping out into the open, holding a steel rod, and testing his luck. At worst, he'd be knocked out for a couple of weeks.

But this storm was no ordinary weather pattern. It was a manifestation of divine power—the barrier cast over Inazuma by a certain reclusive goddess.

This wasn't just weather. This was a calamity.

"So, this journey might end with a fight against the one who cast this storm," he murmured, his hands clasped behind his back as his thoughts drifted.

He briefly considered: What if I took a picture while she drew her blade, then threatened to spread copies across Teyvat unless she released someone?

Nah. That'd probably get him killed outright. Even that cunning fox wouldn't be able to save him.

"Impressive, isn't it?"

Beidou's voice pulled him back to reality. She stood beside him, gazing at the storm.

"The first time I saw this region, I was just as awestruck," she said. "The raw power of the divine… the endless, shifting skies…"

"The fact that the Crux Fleet can safely navigate these waters feels like a blessing from some unseen protector. Otherwise, there's no way I'd have found such a reliable route with so few casualties."

"That's all thanks to you and your crew, Captain Beidou," Gu Sanqiu replied with a smile.

Or perhaps the Geo Archon put in a good word.

He chuckled to himself. Even if Morax had quietly intervened, it would've only set the stage. The real reason the fleet could traverse this treacherous path lay in the coordination and unity of the Alcor's crew.

"Hah, I'll take that compliment," Beidou said with a hearty laugh, adjusting her specially crafted gear.

"Have you decided on when you're leaving?"

"Once we dock, I'll sneak out that night."

Gu Sanqiu held up a piece of material.

"A custom mask, paired with a few family techniques. For a while, the person known as Gu Sanqiu will cease to exist."

"Instead, there'll be an Inazuman—displaced by war and trained in martial arts—making their way in the world."

"I heard from Chongzu that you've got your own plans. Fine by me. I won't waste time trying to pull strings for you. That'd probably mess up your operation anyway."

Beidou grinned. "But if you run into anything you can't handle, come back to me. Don't forget who I am—Beidou, Captain of the Alcor!"

"Yes, yes, Captain Beidou, mighty, unruly and unparalleled."

"Mighty and unparalleled I'll accept," she said, pinching his ear with a smirk. "But unruly? Watch yourself, kid."

"I'm an incense-bearer, not a scholar."

"Stop sassing me. Did you pack everything? Inazuma doesn't take Liyue's banknotes."

"All set. I even prepared a new weapon for the trip."

Gu Sanqiu's expression was calm. He'd decided to swap his usual equipment for something less conspicuous.

No massive war hammers—too distinct. Longspears were out too; everyone in Liyue seemed to carry one.

If he showed up in Inazuma with his intricately designed spear, carved with patterns of mountains, beasts, and dragons, it'd spark an international incident. The last thing he wanted was to drag other Liyueans like Thoma into trouble.

Even if his identity was eventually exposed, he'd deal with that later. For now, discretion was key.

"Safe travels, then," Beidou said seriously. "Whatever you're planning, just make sure you stay alive. Liyue is waiting for you—your sister, your friends, everything you hold dear."

"I know."

After she left, Gu Sanqiu crossed his arms and stared at the now-visible outline of Inazuma's islands.

It's because I have things to care about that I'm willing to take this risk.

He thought back to what Mona had said about the two paths of fate. He'd figured it out.

One path was simple: stay uninvolved. Beidou would return with a new Inazuman crew member, and one day, during a fateful storm, they'd block the blade of the reclusive goddess.

But he had chosen the other route—intervening in this voyage.

The key moment would be the duel initiated by that Traveler, challenging the enforcer of the Vision Hunt Decree.

And if brute force doesn't work, maybe I'll issue my own challenge for a duel.

If the opponent was Kujou Sara, victory wouldn't be an issue. The real question was how the ruler seated above would react.

Duels before the throne were, at their core, opportunities granted by a monarch to their subjects. If the monarch wasn't in the mood—or simply disliked him—there'd be no duel at all. She might just cut him down herself.

"But with my good looks, that shouldn't be a problem, right?"

He pulled out a bronze mirror and studied his reflection.

"Wait, no. I'll be in disguise anyway, and seduction isn't part of the plan."

Trying to act charming outside Tenshukaku would just get him beaten to death by enraged soldiers.

For now, he'd adopt a plain, unremarkable appearance. Anything else would only complicate matters.

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨