Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Delicious, absolutely delicious!"

Hu Tao stuffed three snowball-like desserts into her mouth in one go, chewing happily while giving Gu Sanqiu a big thumbs-up.

"Sanqiu, your cooking keeps getting better and—mmph!"

Gu Sanqiu swiftly covered her mouth with his hand, using the other to wipe off bits of fruit sticking to the corners of her lips.

"Don't talk while chewing, especially with something stuffed like this."

"This rice... it's no ordinary grain, is it?"

Zhongli examined the rice in his bowl thoughtfully. "Its harmony of five colors and flavors adheres to the principles of internal balance. It has a restorative quality, much like the Golden Potatoes I sampled before."

"It's certainly not ordinary," Gu Sanqiu said as he wiped his hands. "This rice is a result of cultivating high-quality strains. If cooked separately, each grain would be akin to a poisoned dart. Only by combining them and using special cooking methods can you unlock their true potential."

"Impressive as always, Gu Sanqiu," Zhongli nodded appreciatively.

"I don't understand what you two are talking about, but it tastes amazing!" Chongyun said, wolfing down his food.

For someone like Chongyun, whose Pure-Yang constitution made controlling his power difficult, the rice was unexpectedly helpful. It enhanced his "mental precision," allowing him to better regulate his energy, bringing him closer to mastering subtle control over his body.

The others, free from such troubles, simply enjoyed the meal. The undisputed champion of eating, Guoba, was devouring food at lightning speed, while Xiangling kept glancing nervously at him, ready to intervene if he choked.

"Refined in preparation yet bold in flavor. Unlike the pretentious so-called 'gourmet' dishes out there, this is on another level," Beidou said, pouring herself a drink. "Hey, Sanqiu, why don't you join my crew as our chef?"

Ningguang frowned. "Captain Beidou, life at sea is perilous. It's unwise to invite people aboard so casually."

"Relax. I get that you're worried about his safety," Beidou said dismissively. "But did you see what he's capable of? Regular dangers wouldn't faze him—in fact, I'd be more concerned about what happens to anyone foolish enough to challenge him."

"That's true on solid ground," Ningguang countered. "But out at sea, there's no land to steady you. It's a different story entirely."

The two launched into their usual back-and-forth. Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu casually tossed a nut at Hu Tao, hitting her square on the forehead.

"Stick around after dinner. I have something to ask you."

---

After the meal, Gu Sanqiu raised a hand, and several dishes floated into the air, carried by condensed Anemo energy. They stacked themselves neatly in the kitchen.

Hu Tao sat on a stone chair nearby, watching as the vibrant flowers from the "Flavors of Wonder" dish swayed gently in the breeze, occasionally releasing a faint fragrance.

"Thanks for waiting," Gu Sanqiu said, drying his hands.

"Well, Sanqiu," Hu Tao grinned playfully, propping her elbows on the table and resting her chin on her palms. "What's so special that you needed me here? Is there something only the two of us can talk about?"

Feigning shock, she gasped, covering her mouth theatrically. Then, with mock shyness, she glanced at him and quickly averted her eyes.

"Could it be... Sanqiu, are you confessing to me?"

"No way! I'm not ready! If you're going to confess, at least bring a dowry, a proposal letter, and pick a proper time and place. You can't just blurt it out after dinner!"

"Next time you want to put on an act, pick the right target," Gu Sanqiu deadpanned, placing a hand on her head to emphasize the difference in their strength.

"Boooring," Hu Tao pouted, sticking her tongue out. "Why are you so dull when it comes to stuff like this? Aren't you supposed to be young and lively?"

"Strictly speaking, given my upbringing, even being able to joke around with everyone is a miracle of youthfulness. Otherwise, I'd probably be an insufferable stick-in-the-mud," Gu Sanqiu replied, deliberately skipping over certain past antics involving Xingqiu.

"Besides, teasing others is fun, but being the target? Definitely not."

"Not me! Look at me—I don't mind at all!" Hu Tao pointed to her own face. "Sanqiu, even if you confess to me right now, I'd still be perfectly fine!"

"I'll just tally up how much you've spent on personal purchases with my money and send the bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in a few days."

"I was wrong," Hu Tao said immediately, sitting upright with her hands neatly placed on the table like a student awaiting an exam.

"Good girl," Gu Sanqiu said with a grin. He waved his hand, and a few thick books floated out from his study, landing on the table.

"I wanted to ask if you know anything about lost Millelith squad techniques, particularly from the wartime period. Remember those crimson giants the squads summoned during that battle? Your family should have records of something like that."

"Wait, this is about work?" Hu Tao groaned, slumping onto the table and pushing the books aside with one finger.

"Don't tell me your family doesn't have records of it. Really?"

"Why would mine, if yours doesn't?" Hu Tao retorted. "It's like you having manuals on creating plague viruses—of course my family wouldn't!"

Gu Sanqiu paused mid-thought. "Wait… now that you mention it…"

The pages of the book flipped rapidly, and Gu Sanqiu grabbed one volume, holding it up to Hu Tao.

"Read it yourself."

"If this technique is forcibly activated, it disrupts natural order and can lead to mutual destruction. My family's records were deliberately purged of such methods to prevent impulsive misuse. Future readers must honor the guiding principles of the Fengxiang lineage. Do not act recklessly!"

Hu Tao froze. "Whoa… that serious? Also, since when does your family have inner demons? How powerful are these demons that they're bloodline-inherited? Were there gods during the Archon War capable of such a feat?"

...

Gu Sanqiu felt too embarrassed to admit it was just their ancestors' way of keeping the impulsive family members in check.

A very self-aware predecessor, indeed.

He wondered briefly if their long-standing ties with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor might come back to haunt him.

"When I heard your family had texts on crafting viruses, I flipped through our records and found this. I didn't think much of it at the time, but your question jogged my memory," Gu Sanqiu admitted, returning the book to its place.

"I see," Hu Tao said, twirling her hair around her finger. "How about this—come back to Wangsheng with me. If we don't find any records, we can always ask Consultant Zhongli."

---

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