After thinking it over for an entire night, Gu Sanqiu decided it was better not to tempt fate by trying to negotiate with the Pure Water Spirit for some of its precious water. It seemed far too unrealistic.
Putting aside the fact that one of his ancestors had seriously offended the creature, just entering the Pure Water Domain and facing it head-on didn’t seem like a smart move.
The Pure Water Spirit had earned its reputation as “Traveler’s Dad” for a reason, and even now, from scattered records, it was clear just how formidable it was.
In short, a direct confrontation wasn’t worth it, and outwitting the spirit seemed even less likely. As soon as you entered the domain, it would sense your presence—there was no chance for stealth.
As for purchasing pure water on the market? Forget it. It was practically priceless, and even if some bold adventurer or sect member managed to get their hands on it, they’d most likely keep it for themselves.
“It seems like, whether I want to or not, I’ll have to confront that thing head-on sooner or later if I want to speed up the growth of these plants,” Gu Sanqiu muttered to himself, feeling a headache coming on.
If it weren’t for his ancestor’s reckless actions, he could’ve geared up and grabbed some water without much worry. But now? He didn’t want to bet on whether the Pure Water Spirit would recognize him and react with “the sight of an enemy makes the eyes burn with rage.”
“Maybe… I should post a commission… No, the Adventurers’ Guild is full of shady characters, not the best idea to trust them with this.”
“Wait a minute,” Gu Sanqiu’s eyes lit up. “I still have a potential ally, don’t I?”
The Northland Bank!
“The Fatui may not know the area as well, but they’re a lot more capable than the adventurers’ lot. Plus, that Tartaglia guy uses Hydro powers—he might be interested in using pure water to boost his own strength!”
Gu Sanqiu slapped his palm against his knee. The logic was sound. He’d go to the Northland Bank tomorrow.
The next morning, he was greeted once again by Amir, the bank’s “Senior Client Manager.” However, this time, there was less of the usual formalities, and their conversation flowed more casually.
“Gu Xiangjun, I thought you’d be taking a break for a while after everything you’ve been through recently. You’ve certainly been busy.”
“Oh? Seems like your bank’s got some inside information,” Gu Sanqiu said with a raised brow.
Amir chuckled. “Don’t underestimate us. We’re quite adept in the realm of financial planning, and many Liyue residents are choosing Northland Bank for their investments. Among them are some Millelith families. Word about your strategic brilliance and generosity has already spread in certain circles.”
“Small circles mean nothing,” Gu Sanqiu waved it off. “Since you’re aware of the recent child trafficking case, do you know anything useful?”
“Unfortunately, not much,” Amir shook his head. “The authorities suspected us at first, but our Harbinger quickly dispatched a team to investigate. They found nothing.”
“If we had uncovered any significant information or found the mastermind, we’d have used it either to negotiate with the Qixing or hand it over to them directly. It’d be far more beneficial to earn their trust.”
“Our Harbinger believes their power might stem from the remnants of an evil god, but we haven’t pinpointed the source.”
“Hmm, that’s a problem,” Gu Sanqiu acknowledged. “Anyway, the reason I’m here today is to ask if Northland Bank has any pure water in stock. I’m willing to pay a high price.”
He clarified, “I’m talking about the pure water from the Clear Pool and Mountain Cavern domain. Don’t tell me your bank doesn’t know about it.”
“Ah, that,” Amir’s eyes narrowed with a smile. “We do have pure water in stock, quite a bit, actually.”
“But, Gu Xiangjun, what are you offering in exchange for this rare commodity?”
“Three hundred thousand mora as a down payment, guaranteed by the Liyue Bank. I’ll take however much pure water you have.”
Amir was startled, then his eyes gleamed with interest. “Well then, Xiangjun, would you be interested in a reasonable, safe investment plan with a return of about fifteen percent?”
“Thanks, but no thanks. Not buying any villas or speculating on property,” Gu Sanqiu rolled his eyes. “Fifteen percent? And you’re calling that safe? You trying to meet your year-end sales quota or something? Just relax, your bosses in Snezhnaya will already be impressed with your performance in Liyue.”
“My apologies, that was presumptuous of me,” Amir chuckled. “However, you must understand that items like pure water, true natural treasures, can’t simply be bought with mora. If someone were looking to trade pure water for mora, they’d find many eager buyers.”
“Alright, then name your price,” Gu Sanqiu replied calmly. He’d brought a hefty portion of his wealth with him today, both in cash and valuable items. He was confident in his ability to negotiate.
Of course, unless Amir said something ridiculous like, “Introduce me to a nice Liyue girl,” in which case Gu Sanqiu would seriously consider reporting him to Tartaglia or even La Signora for not taking his job seriously.
Not that Gu Sanqiu knew if La Signora was even in Liyue right now, given how often she seemed to be away on “business.”
“Hahaha, what a surprise to see the renowned Gu Xiangjun in person! I’ve heard so much about you!” A cheerful, young voice called out, followed by a figure stepping into view—one all too familiar to Gu Sanqiu.
Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the man himself: Tartaglia, aka Childe, aka “Little Cryo Regisvine,” boss of the weekly Trounce Domain.
The Eleventh Harbinger, Tartaglia.
“Ah, Lord Harbinger,” Amir quickly stood up and greeted him. “We were just discussing a deal involving pure water. I didn’t expect you to personally oversee this matter.”
“Haha, oversee? Nah, I just like to get involved. There’s no such thing as too hands-on.” Tartaglia’s gaze locked onto Gu Sanqiu as he spoke, and Gu Sanqiu met his eyes without flinching.
Sure, Childe might be an overpowered favorite of the devs, with more “signature weapons” than anyone could count, but this was Liyue. If Gu Sanqiu backed down here, he’d never live it down.
“I’ve heard the rumors about the current Gu Xiangjun,” Tartaglia said with a grin, pouring tea for both of them. “They say you’re weak, physically frail, even timid. But I can see now those rumors were entirely unfounded.”
He handed the cup to Gu Sanqiu, smiling all the while. “After all, anyone who can meet my gaze like that could never be weak, right?”
Gu Sanqiu’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I have to agree. You do make a good point.”
Is this a challenge? Definitely feels like a challenge!
He couldn’t help but wonder, if he threw down with Tartaglia right here in Northland Bank, who would foot the repair bill?
A simple exchange of pleasantries, yet Tartaglia laughed heartily again.
“Exactly! Back in my homeland, my dear sister always says that a handsome guy like me is always right, no matter what he says.”
Tartaglia winked at Gu Sanqiu. “And since you’re quite the handsome fellow yourself, I imagine your actions are equally justified, no?”
Gu Sanqiu’s face froze for a moment.
Wait… what?
Since when was Tartaglia like this?!
Where was the cool and collected guy, friendly on the surface but secretly thinking most people weren’t worth his time?!
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