Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Can I choose to die peacefully and without suffering?"

"Obviously, that's not an option."

Gu Sanqiu pulled out his spear. "I recommend getting skewered by my spear—it's cleaner than getting crushed by my hammer. At least with the spear, you can die with a bit of dignity. How about it?"

"Not happening."

Xingqiu's lips twitched. "Come on, it's just some stuff from the past. Who doesn't have a few wild stories from their youth? You get what I mean, right?"

"The key point is, does what you just said even remotely count as 'wild stories'?"

Gu Sanqiu set his spear aside. "But fine, you've got a point. I'll let it slide this time."

Xingqiu exhaled in relief. "That's the spirit. See? This is how things should be. Besides, after all the stories I've shared, Chongyun doesn't think you're a good person anymore anyway. This latest incident just solidifies the impression—it's no big deal."

In a flash, Gu Sanqiu grabbed Xingqiu by the neck, eyes brimming with murderous intent.

"So, you really want to die, huh?"

Chongyun looked back and forth, unsure whether to intervene or let Gu Sanqiu choke Xingqiu half to death. After all, Xingqiu had played plenty of tricks on him in the past.

Still, realizing that helping either side would likely lead to the other retaliating in some convoluted way, Chongyun wisely lowered his gaze and sipped his drink.

He was certain now—neither of these two was particularly good-hearted. Taking sides would only invite trouble.

If I keep my head down, maybe I can avoid getting burned by this mess.

---

After some bickering, Xiangling arrived with Guoba in tow. Gu Sanqiu sent the trio off to prepare ingredients while he and Guoba disappeared into the kitchen.

Or rather, upon seeing Gu Sanqiu step into the kitchen, Guoba—contrary to his usual panic—bounced right in, completely ignoring Xiangling. It seemed, in his eyes, that Gu Sanqiu's culinary skills had finally "seen the light," a rare occurrence worthy of celebration.

"Hey, Guoba!"

Xiangling chuckled at the sight of her little partner bustling around the kitchen. The scene was oddly endearing, like a master and apprentice passing down culinary wisdom.

"No, wait, Chef Sanqiu is so skilled. There's no way Guoba's teaching him anything—it's definitely the other way around."

"Guoba, flame it up!"

Marchosius, Breath of the Stove God!

Guoba grabbed a chili, crunched it in his mouth, and blew a precise stream of fire at the stove, igniting it in a burst of flames.

Gu Sanqiu nodded in satisfaction. He'd always wanted to yell that out, just once, to see how it felt. However, this was home, and the incense burner was right there. Marchosius wasn't a name to be thrown around lightly.

Besides, Guoba's idol—or the thing resembling an idol—had yet to be retrieved. For all he knew, the old man might have a plan involving it. Carelessly uttering "Marchosius" might disrupt something important, making him a sinner.

Still, what's up with the habit of eating a chili before spitting fire?

Gu Sanqiu glanced at the little figure sitting on a stool, eagerly poking at the flames to adjust the heat.

If he remembered correctly, Marchosius, the Stove God, was born from sparks struck by colliding stones—Ping Granny herself had said so.

For a being like that, lighting a fire should've been as easy as breathing.

Unless… this was some strange habit picked up at Wanmin Restaurant?

As Gu Sanqiu pondered, the fragrant aroma of rice cooking nearby captured his attention.

"Guoba, keep an eye on the pan. Add the chili and garlic for a quick sauté in a bit. I'm going to check the rice."

"Leilei~!"

The steamed rice released a rich, warm aroma, its heat rising in visible wisps. To ensure it was cooked to perfection, Gu Sanqiu didn't lift the lid but carefully sniffed instead.

"Tsk, there's an extra scent."

Item: Five-Flavored Rice

Origin: Hidden Lamp Temple

Details: A spiritual grain inspired by Five Element Rice, designed to nourish the five internal organs. Its mild nature allows safe consumption by ordinary people.

Notes: Highly skilled monks cultivated this grain. However, when dealing with those who defy Buddhist teachings, the rice can be separated into components to create a poison targeting the internal organs.

Danger Level: Grade 1.

The strange notes attached to the description made Gu Sanqiu wary of the unexpected additional aroma.

If the rice's delicate balance of five flavors was disrupted, the result would be poison. Yet here it was, fragrant and harmonious, with no sign of imbalance.

If it had been poison, Guoba would've bolted out the door by now, not cheerfully tending the flames.

"Is this Guoba's doing?"

Gu Sanqiu stroked his chin. If the balance remained intact despite the extra flavor, it could only be the rice's natural sweetness enhanced.

In other words, Guoba's proximity to the stove must have influenced the fire's elemental energy, drawing out the full potential of the ingredients.

He nodded unconsciously. This explanation made the most sense.

Or perhaps, this was the secret behind Guoba's powers: the "mysteries of the stove" and the "comfort of a perfect dish."

A sixth flavor—tranquility.

"Lielie!"

"Oh, is the sauté ready? I'm coming."

Rolling up his sleeves, Gu Sanqiu stepped in to prepare the first dish for lunch.

---

"Ta-da!"

Hu Tao triumphantly held up the King card. "I drew the Joker! You're all under my command now!"

Ψ(￣u￣)Ψ

"Could we please stick to normal questions? Thanks."

Xiangling's face was plastered with five or six little white strips of paper, and Xinyan wasn't faring any better.

Keqing had a strip on each cheek, arranged "symmetrically" in what could only be described as a display of someone's twisted sense of humor.

Among the rare "victors" of the game—those free from sticky notes—were Zhongli, whose mystique made him untouchable, and Beidou, whose luck and gambling skills were second to none.

Even Ningguang bore three strips, much to Beidou's amusement, which she didn't hesitate to express.

Clearly, in this King's Game, neither logic nor skill played a decisive role. Luck was the true kingmaker.

---

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