Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"It sounds disheartening, doesn't it?"

Jiliang's voice quivered slightly with emotion. "A Hydro Vision bearer, yet one day her body succumbs to chronic illness. Even the soothing power of water cannot restore her health."

"Before the Sakoku Decree was issued, my family spent a fortune having my mother's case recorded and sent to Bubu Pharmacy in Liyue for the renowned Dr. Baizhu to review."

"When we received a response, all it said was, 'The source is depleted; elements cannot mend.' I understood exactly what it meant."

"Years of disregarding her own health while overexerting her Vision had drained my mother's vitality to the point that not even the Vision could save her."

"Dr. Baizhu also included suggestions for care and treatment."

Jiliang's bitter smile deepened. "To truly restore someone whose vitality has been depleted, the only known method is to seek aid from a god—or a divine envoy."

Gu Sanqiu shook his head. Cases of depleted vitality were beyond his ability to address. Even the highest-quality medicinal pills, no matter how gentle their effects, would likely backfire, causing further harm—or even death—for someone with such a condition.

Understanding this, Gu Sanqiu had always insisted Hu Tao take all kinds of bizarre but beneficial concoctions under his watchful eye. If things ever reached the point where the flames of the Staff of Homa's butterfly danced, it would be far too late.

"A god… or a divine envoy. As if someone of that caliber would ever notice me."

"So, when the Vision Hunt Decree was enacted and demanded my mother surrender her Vision, my family sacrificed nearly all its wealth to 'gift' a powerful official, ensuring my mother's name was moved to the 'surrendered' list without actually turning in her Vision."

"At least with her Vision, she can still manage her daily life. Without it…"

Jiliang fell silent, unwilling to speak the thought aloud, though it lingered heavily in his mind.

"Most of my wages are sent home. People see me interning at the Tenryou Commission and think it's glamorous, but in reality, my standard of living is probably lower than that of an average craftsman."

Jiliang's face flushed as he continued, "To be honest, this is the first time I've had alcohol. It's also the first time in a long while I've eaten meat."

"Wait, the Tenryou Commission has a cafeteria?"

"Yes, though the food isn't great. The meat is usually scraps or leftovers, but with careful choices, you can eat nutritiously and fill your stomach."

"Do you hate this kind of life?"

"Not at all. While others might find my life dull, even difficult, I have no regrets."

Jiliang smiled faintly. "My mother sacrificed everything for me. Now it's my turn."

"I don't possess the power of a Vision, but I've made up my mind."

"I am my mother's Vision. I am my parents' Vision!"

"Well said."

Gu Sanqiu poured himself a drink. "Here's to your resolve."

Jiliang raised his cup, clinking it against Gu Sanqiu's. "Thank you, my lord. May I discuss something with you?"

"Go ahead."

"If I can provide you with more useful information or assistance in the future, could you continue supplying me with those pills?"

Gu Sanqiu glanced at him. "I don't know the full details of your mother's condition, but these pills only treat the symptoms, not the root cause."

"Even treating the symptoms is better than nothing."

Jiliang's expression turned serious. "So, is that a yes, my lord?"

"If someone offers loyalty and proves themselves reliable, I have no reason to refuse."

Gu Sanqiu retrieved another bottle of pills, one he had taken from a pirate's stash.

"Here's your deposit. Take care of yourself. I'd hate to hear one day that the person I invested in worked themselves to death—that would be a waste."

"Thank you, my lord!"

Jiliang stood and bowed deeply, his voice trembling with excitement. "From now on, Jiliang Huili swears to serve you with unwavering loyalty!"

"Get to your own business. If I need you, I'll find you—or you can drop by occasionally. Fewer lonely meals for me, I suppose."

After Jiliang left, Gu Sanqiu scratched his head. Helping the young man hadn't been an impulsive act, nor a sudden bout of charity.

From a purely pragmatic standpoint, Jiliang Huili was worth the investment. Gu Sanqiu needed someone within the Shogunate to gather intelligence.

Given his current standing, it was unlikely he could connect with anyone truly influential. It made more sense to nurture someone directly. Later, whether it was for himself or for Beidou's crew, having a reliable contact in Inazuma would be invaluable.

Beyond that, Gu Sanqiu genuinely admired Jiliang's resolve—the declaration that he would become his parents' Vision was a sentiment both noble and profound.

Hold onto that nobility, and the world will open its doors to you.

If this were a xianxia world, Gu Sanqiu imagined he might see a dense aura of destiny surrounding Jiliang, promising great achievements in the future—the kind of person whose investment always paid off.

Such a person had undeniable value.

And on a personal level, aiding someone like Jiliang felt right. It brought a sense of peace and satisfaction.

If one is poor, they safeguard their virtue; if one prospers, they uplift others. I'm neither poor nor prosperous—I simply want the people I care about to live well. And when faced with injustice, I'll lend a hand without regret or hesitation.

"Still, in Inazuma's current climate, the fastest path to advancement is either catching the Shogun's eye… or picking a fight over there."

Gu Sanqiu tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. However, with Jiliang's physical condition, sending him to the battlefield—even as a scribe—would be a death sentence.

Asking the Kamisato Clan for assistance wasn't feasible either. With their cunning leader, exploiting the clan's resources would be nearly impossible without a substantial offer in return.

And approaching the Kanjou Commission for personnel connections? The cost would be steep, and Longhai Xuanzhe's identity didn't have the leverage for such exchanges. Any misstep could expose him, leading to significant trouble.

"The best method… let's see."

Just as he pondered, a loud BOOM shook the table, causing the leftover cup to bounce and roll to the side.

"Hey! Lord Samurai inside, are you home?"

"That voice…"

Gu Sanqiu frowned, grabbing his longsword as he stepped outside.

Standing at his door was a man with white hair, crimson horns, and a pose that screamed sumo wrestler. The stranger gave Gu Sanqiu a wide grin.

"Ah, there you are! I heard from the guys around town that you're strong enough to hunt boars solo and crush daggers into iron balls. That's impressive!"

"You flatter me."

"What are you doing outside my door?"

"Heh, I'm here to challenge you to a sumo match, mighty warrior!" The man puffed his chest proudly. "The name's Arataki Itto—Arataki 'The One and Oni' Itto!"

"If you lose, you'll join the Arataki Gang!"

The Arataki Gang?

Is this… a gang?

A strange smile spread across Gu Sanqiu's face, one that could unsettle anyone.

A solution—delivered right to my doorstep.

---

...he's late [patreon.com/WiseTL]