Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"We're almost there," Beidou said, watching Gu Sanqiu adjust his belongings. His face was now altered by a mask that clung seamlessly to his skin.

"I've already given the crew strict orders to keep quiet. As far as anyone outside the Crux Fleet is concerned, Gu Sanqiu from Liyue never came to Inazuma with us."

"Thanks to how you handled yourself at sea, the crew's been surprisingly cooperative. Some of them even suggested cutting themselves for effect—making it look like this journey was as perilous as ever."

"Let's skip the dramatics," Gu Sanqiu said with a shake of his head. "Body and hair are gifts from our parents, right? No need to start carving ourselves up. Just say we picked up some new weapons from Liyue—it's believable enough."

He tucked a long blade into his sash. "After all the trips I've taken with you, I've got to show some improvement, don't I?"

Beidou chuckled. "Fair enough. The rest is on you now."

She pulled him into a hug, patting his back with a rare gentleness. "Take care of yourself."

"Got it."

Once Beidou left, Gu Sanqiu ran his fingers over his disguised face, ensuring the mask was firmly in place. Satisfied, he leaned back in the ship's hold, listening to the crashing waves.

Soon, he would set foot on a land scarred by its past and face a ruler wielding unparalleled power.

His right hand trembled slightly before he turned over, forcing his thoughts down a lighter path.

"Really, though, she's just a shut-in with questionable gender biases. A woman who's only granted a single male a Vision, loves sweets, and binges light novels. What's so terrifying about that?"

He smirked. Though, considering her... peculiar entourage, it's probably safe to assume she's as eccentric as they come.

With this oddly comforting train of thought, Gu Sanqiu found himself wide awake instead of calming down.

---

That night, the shogunate's patrols moved through the harbor, ensuring the safety of workers and cargo while keeping a watchful eye on the foreigners stranded on Ritou.

The well-connected and wealthy had already fled. Those who remained were either gamblers chasing profit or those with no way out.

For long-term residents, their circumstances were only marginally better, as they faced constant scrutiny under "special" measures.

Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu sat in the wilderness, skewering and roasting beast meat over a carefully managed fire. A light sprinkle of salt was all he used, yet the aroma wafting from his cooking was irresistible.

"Well, well, look what we have here. A young man grilling meat?"

A mocking voice came from behind him.

A group of Inazuman rogues, identifiable by their straw hats and swords at their waists, approached with predatory smiles.

"Judging by your outfit, you're some noble's son, huh? Wandering around out here at a time like this… pretty risky, wouldn't you say?"

"What's it to you?" Gu Sanqiu replied, setting the meat aside. "If you're looking to die, just say so."

The group burst into laughter.

"Oh, we'll be taking more than just your life, little lord. Looks like we've hit the jackpot tonight!"

Their blades gleamed as they lunged at him.

"Seriously?" Gu Sanqiu sighed, unsheathing his sword to parry the first attack.

"What's with this cliché opening line? Every time I hear it, I wonder if your designers have water for brains. Why do all of you have such absurd aggro ranges and HP bars?"

"What the hell are you babbling about?" one of the rogues snarled. "Don't worry—you'll have plenty of time to figure it out in the afterlife!"

"Not happening."

Gu Sanqiu's grin vanished, replaced by a sudden surge of killing intent.

His first opponent froze in terror as the sheer force behind Gu Sanqiu's strike knocked the weapon clean from his hands.

Clang!

The sword flew through the air, landing a good distance away.

The others, realizing this was no helpless noble, rushed in with weapons drawn.

"Your lives might be useful to me," Gu Sanqiu muttered, "so don't waste them by rushing to your deaths."

He swung his blade again.

"One Slash Style: Gold Splitting Slash!"

A bright flash of steel was followed by the sharp crack of metal shattering. Three of the rogues' weapons broke in unison, and blood sprayed from the first man as his headless body crumpled to the ground.

"Stay put, and you might live."

With two more precise strikes, he pierced the palms of the remaining rogues, leaving them clutching their maimed hands as they wailed in agony.

"Do you have more friends nearby?"

"Mercy! Please, sir, spare us! We have allies! We'll take you to them right now—just please, give us a chance to prove ourselves!"

The pain brought them back to their senses. Now kneeling on the ground, they begged for their lives with tears streaming down their faces.

This wasn't some pampered noble. This was clearly an elite operative sent to eliminate threats. Maybe even a hidden enforcer working under one of the shogunate's powerful retainers.

"Lead me to your base. Now." Gu Sanqiu's voice was ice cold. "Or, if you prefer, I can kill you here and find it myself."

"No need to test us, sir! We may have fallen to banditry, but we still have hearts loyal to Inazuma! Please, believe in our resolve to turn over a new leaf!"

Gu Sanqiu sheathed his blade, following the two rogues as they stumbled forward like spineless insects.

Breaking their weapons and killing one of their comrades had been enough to shatter their morale. For people like this, fear was a powerful motivator.

They weren't ignorant of combat. They understood exactly how terrifying someone capable of breaking blades with a single swing could be. Strength like that was far beyond anything they could hope to handle.

For now, they'd play along, hoping to escape when they reached their base. Perhaps in the chaos of an ambush, they'd find an opportunity to slip away.

Money and weapons? Those could always be stolen from helpless villagers. Survival was their only priority.

Gu Sanqiu walked behind them, one hand on his sword, already planning his next steps.

That earlier One Slash Style: Gold Splitting Slash? Complete nonsense. He'd never trained in Inazuman swordsmanship.

But the rogues weren't entirely wrong—his strength wasn't from any refined technique. It was brute force, backed by superior weapon quality and overwhelming physical power.

A blunt solution, sure, but one that got the job done.

---

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 ✨