Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"By the way, I haven't asked why you two are back so early this time."

Xiangling tilted her head curiously at Xingqiu and Chongyun. "Usually, you're barely back on time, but this year you're ahead of schedule?"

"Oh, there's a reason for that," Chongyun said, scratching his head. "It's mostly because there's hardly any evil spirits daring to show themselves. Lately, the ones we did find would run the moment they saw us."

Gu Sanqiu: ?

Wait... could this have something to do with what happened recently?

"Run?"

Xingqiu nodded. "At first, we thought Chongyun's Pure-Yang constitution had improved. But then, even when it was just me, those spirits that used to cause trouble would turn and flee."

"We traveled to a lot of places," Chongyun added. "Even near Wuwang Hill, where spirits aren't usually afraid of my Pure-Yang energy, they hid away at the sight of ordinary people."

"What about you? Why isn't Guoba with you this time?"

"Oh, Guoba seemed a little tired. He fell asleep by the stove, so I didn't have the heart to bring him along," Xiangling replied, glancing at Gu Sanqiu. "Anyway, with nothing to do, we figured we'd head back early for a change. Why not?"

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow at Xingqiu, who was now grinning.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Well," Xingqiu said, smirking. "Other than the Minlin region, where spirits are heavily suppressed by adepti, there are only two groups capable of achieving such feats on the outskirts—your family or the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"We're all friends here. Got any insider info to share?"

"Actually, I do."

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Recently, a major figure took action. They pretty much wiped out a whole bunch of vengeful spirits, almost erasing them at the root."

"So, if ordinary spirits are still showing themselves, it's only because they're acting purely on instinct. The fear of being annihilated by this big shot keeps them running for their lives the moment they sense people nearby."

"Even you're calling them a big shot," Xingqiu mused, rubbing his chin. "An adeptus, perhaps?"

"Good guess. Very logical."

Gu Sanqiu nodded. "It was indeed an adeptus—someone you've probably heard of. The Conqueror of Demons, General Alatus."

"One of the Yaksha?"

The group's collective surprise was palpable. "He's still active out there?"

"That's right. I encountered him recently because I had something that could attract vengeful spirits. It allowed him to round them up and deal with them in one fell swoop."

Gu Sanqiu picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks. "The spirits can come back for another beating, but ordinary evil entities aren't so resilient. That's why you're seeing such a dramatic change."

"Tsk, tsk. So that's the kind of adeptus we've only heard about in legends."

While Chongyun and Xiangling seemed in awe, Xingqiu's expression darkened slightly as he glanced toward the door of their private room.

"You just said all that out loud. What if someone's eavesdropping?"

"Oh, aside from a select few, no one could possibly meet him. There's nothing to worry about."

Xingqiu twitched. "Isn't that just like you?"

"Not quite. People I don't want to see can still find me if they try hard enough. That big shot, though? Completely different."

Gu Sanqiu remained unfazed. "I'm calm for a reason. I didn't bring this up on a whim."

"Even if someone overhears, they won't dare act recklessly. They'd have no way of knowing if this is some kind of trap."

"Fine. I'll leave it to your judgment," Xingqiu said with a nod. "I trust you."

"I appreciate your trust."

Gu Sanqiu poured himself a drink with one hand while sliding a document over to Xingqiu with the other.

"Take a look at this. It's an overtime project I've arranged for you and Chongyun."

"Huh?"

Xingqiu rolled his eyes as he took the document. "Why do I need to work overtime? Care to explain?"

"It's a big agricultural client. If the Feiyun Commerce Guild's second young master helps them, it might benefit some of your family's business interests."

Gu Sanqiu grinned. "Although, to be fair, that part of the business isn't under your purview."

"Got it."

Xingqiu started reading the document carefully, his expression growing serious.

"This so-called exorcist... something's off about them."

"Exorcist? Let me see," Chongyun said, sliding his chair closer. He frowned as he read.

"This has to be fake. Predicting next year's climate? If they were an adeptus, maybe. But otherwise?"

"Exactly what I thought," Gu Sanqiu said. "That's why this person is suspicious. Their motives likely aren't good, and I need your help investigating."

"What a coincidence," Xingqiu muttered, glancing at Chongyun. "If we hadn't come back early, what would you have done?"

"I'd have asked my sister or Ganyu to intervene. If things got out of hand, I'd get a decree from my sister or Keqing to forcibly handle it."

Gu Sanqiu took a sip of his drink. "Ganyu is incredibly strong, but when it comes to dealing with underhanded schemers, I'm better suited for the job."

"That's true," Xingqiu quipped. "You're dark enough to beat them at their own game."

Gu Sanqiu shot him a murderous glare, but Xingqiu laughed it off.

"Wait a minute," Chongyun said. "Xiangling's cooking at the docks, and we just got back only to be assigned work. You're clearly trying to make us all work overtime!"

"Shh. Don't go blurting out the truth."

Gu Sanqiu's gaze turned steely. "I'm not going to let you enjoy a carefree vacation while I'm stuck working overtime. That would ruin my mood."

"Please, let that imbalance stay as it is. I'd love to enjoy my vacation guilt-free," Xingqiu said.

"No way. We have to find out who this exorcist is!" Chongyun declared, uncharacteristically resolute. "If they're fake, they're tarnishing the reputation of exorcists. I can't let that stand!"

Xingqiu sighed, seeing no way out. "Chongyun, you're destined to be an exemplary 'employee' of the modern world."

Xiangling giggled. "Come on, just go! Once it's done, you'll have the whole festival to relax."

She, too, felt a little better seeing her friends busy—it balanced the scales in her mind.

"Fine, fine. But why didn't you assign Hu Tao any work?" Xingqiu asked.

"She hasn't returned yet."

Gu Sanqiu leaned back in his chair. "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has its hands full. If they make it home on time, that'll already be a miracle."

"Ugh, what a hassle. Looks like I need to think of an excuse to check it out."

Xingqiu ruffled his hair. Investigating this wouldn't be as simple as sneaking in at night—it required careful reconnaissance. And if they didn't do it themselves, most people wouldn't notice anything amiss.

Thankfully, their group included Chongyun and the ever-resourceful Gu Sanqiu—both perfectly suited for this kind of task.

---

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