Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

Xingqiu's lips twitched. "It's a bit convoluted—or maybe just plain odd—but I think I get what you're saying."

"Good, as long as you understand. All I'm saying is, being the martial alliance leader isn't as glamorous as it sounds. Otherwise, why would my family step down?"

Gu Sanqiu also took a seat. "Alright, let's get back to the topic. If I'm not mistaken, we were talking about the GG screens?"

"More or less. Anyway, it's fine. We're all friends here, so just quickly figure out how much ad time you can give to my family."

Xingqiu waved his hand casually. "The more I can earn, the bigger the bribe I'll give you later!"

"Xingqiu, I don't think Sanqiu needs your petty bribe money."

Chongyun couldn't help but grimace. This guy… blurting out something like bribery so brazenly.

"It's different."

Xingqiu suddenly turned serious. "But he's probably missing out on the thrill and satisfaction of accepting a bribe."

"Well said. You really get me, my childhood partner in crime."

Gu Sanqiu raised his glass, clinking it with Xingqiu's.

Chongyun was starting to believe Xingqiu's words. Maybe Gu Sanqiu wasn't a conventional "good guy" after all.

Just think about how he appeared a few nights ago.

Clad in white armor, wielding a spear engraved with mountains, rivers, birds, beasts, and a coiling dragon, the Gu Family Patriarch had fought on the battlefield alongside the Millelith and the legendary Conqueror of Demons, striking down a malicious god—or rather, slamming its head into the ground repeatedly.

After that, he even channeled the collective will of Liyue's people into pure blessings, rejuvenating the Conqueror of Demons' immortal reputation.

With just these two feats, calling him a living immortal of the mortal world wasn't an exaggeration. At most, a few jealous dimwits might grumble about him in secret.

But now? This same guy was toasting to the prospect of taking bribes. The world suddenly felt very strange to Chongyun.

And he didn't even know that Gu Sanqiu had also drawn power from Qingce Village. If he did, he might start questioning if Sanqiu had some sort of peculiar split personality.

Or worse, suspect he was suffering from a strange mental disorder.

"The plan to use the screens for ads will probably be delayed for a while. After all, we still have to deal with Brother Xiao's matter, and the officials will need to see the practical effects of the screens first."

Gu Sanqiu refilled his drink. "Conservatively, it'll take about half a month. I'll give you the first update when the time comes so your family can prepare in advance."

"Prepare in advance?"

Xingqiu frowned thoughtfully. "You're saying this ad format might differ from the old ways?"

"Obviously. The impact of visuals is nothing like just reading text."

Gu Sanqiu explained, "For example, if I give you a secret scripture and task you with spreading it across the land, what method would you use to ensure success?"

Chongyun interjected from the side, "Just saying, in our cultivation lineage, secret scriptures are strictly defined. At minimum, they're texts with hidden meanings in the words themselves—only experts can decipher them."

"You so-called cultivators are such a hassle."

"Can't be helped. Everyone's got to make a living. A sect's secret techniques can't just be stolen by anyone. Some measures might defend against gentlemen but not scoundrels, yet anyone with malicious intent still falls under the scoundrel category."

Chongyun shrugged. "It's like how your silk business has trade secrets for dye ratios and weaving techniques. Same principle."

Xingqiu tapped his finger against his glass, deep in thought, before his eyes lit up. "I've got it! I'll hire someone knowledgeable to translate the whole thing, then train storytellers to teach it in plain language. That way, it reaches more people."

Xingqiu grew more excited. "Sure, there aren't many illiterate people left in Liyue nowadays, but those who can truly grasp secret scriptures are still a small minority."

"If we translate the entire text, it not only cuts costs but also broadens the pool of teachers."

He continued, "And if you're worried about errors in the translation, I can hire multiple experts for cross-referencing and set up a reward-and-penalty system to ensure accuracy."

"Yeah, that's the gist of it."

Gu Sanqiu nodded. "The ads on the screens work similarly—more straightforward and accessible."

"For example, if your family used to advertise a sword with words like, 'Cuts iron like mud, sharp enough to slice a strand of hair,' people would still need to try it themselves to know if it's true."

"With video ads, you can show the sword slicing through iron, chopping wood, or even sparring with a real opponent. The audience immediately sees how good your weapons are. Got it?"

"Oh, I see. You're saying we'd be responsible for producing the footage for the ads?"

"It's your business. Who else would film it?"

Gu Sanqiu smirked. "But the footage will need to go through official review to prevent inappropriate content or dangerous rhetoric."

Xingqiu countered confidently, "How can those things be considered inappropriate? They're simply humanity exploring its desires!"

"When Keqing leads the Millelith to shut down your business, I doubt you'll think the same."

"Uh, that's unlikely."

Xingqiu chuckled awkwardly. "If I misused the convenience you're providing to do something reckless, my brother would probably kill me with his sword."

"Good. Anyway, filming the ads will require a Kamera—a gadget imported from Fontaine."

"Your family should have one, right?"

"Nope."

Xingqiu's expression turned ingratiating. "But I'm sure we'll have one soon, right, Sanqiu?"

"Dream on."

Gu Sanqiu's face was deadpan. "This gadget still needs to be regulated for now. Otherwise, it could cause chaos. If I gave you one, who knows what sort of trouble you'd stir up."

"Come on! Sure, I'm a bit impulsive, but I've got a talent for business. I wouldn't mess around."

Xingqiu explained, "When it comes to this kind of work, there's no way I'd mix in anything inappropriate or controversial. I'm not stupid."

"'Inappropriate'? You're talking like you're above the rest of us," Chongyun muttered.

"Wait, what?"

Xingqiu froze. "You're not worried I'd use the Kamera for something… weird, are you?"

He patted Gu Sanqiu on the shoulder. "Relax! This isn't like the stuff we used to imagine back then. Using a Kamera for that would require real people—it'd be illegal."

"…"

Gu Sanqiu glanced at the stunned Chongyun, then at the suddenly stiff-faced Xingqiu.

"Pick a way to die. I'll let you choose your favorite."

"Old age and dying under a peony flower are off the table."

---

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