Gu Sanqiu strolled out of Northland Bank with an air of nonchalance, casually grabbing a handful of candies meant for VIP clients. Once outside, he distributed the treats to a group of children, earning cheerful giggles and thanks.
As for whether revealing his plans for the Stone Gate area to Childe might lead to complications?
Impossible. Even if Childe tried to meddle in those murky waters, Gu Sanqiu wouldn’t hesitate to render his efforts worthless during the eventual cleanup operation. Not his problem.
Besides, the Fatui were far from fools. For now, they played the part of a well-behaved organization, keeping a low profile—like a model high school student: grades above average, no forbidden romances, polite greetings for every teacher, but secretly sneaking cigarettes in the restroom or staying out all night gaming.
But Gu Sanqiu knew such pretense wouldn’t last. With their pursuit of the Gnosis, it was only a matter of time before the Fatui made their move.
—
When Gu Sanqiu returned home, the first thing he noticed was a white-haired beauty seated elegantly at the stone table in the courtyard. She held a teacup, taking a delicate sip.
“Big Sis, there’s no need to time your sip so dramatically just as I walk in. Formality for its own sake is overrated, and honestly, it’s not that impressive.”
“No dramatics here,” Ningguang replied smoothly, placing the teacup down. “I was just thirsty.”
She gestured at the seat across from her. “Come, sit.”
“What, on the table?”
Gu Sanqiu took the chair instead. “Aren’t you supposed to be busy right now? Dealing with paperwork, attending banquets—something like that? Is it really okay for you to come home?”
“And you’re sure no one saw you? You know how it is—if people see someone like you here at this hour, rumors will fly. I don’t want to deal with the fallout.”
“Relax. I came alone, unseen. Trust in your sister’s capabilities.”
Ningguang smiled, reaching over to ruffle his hair. “You’ve gotten so talkative lately.”
“Well, I’m just saying, if someone figures out how to slip in at night based on your visit, I’ll be in trouble. Imagine if they send squads of beautiful women to seduce me, claiming to want to ‘unite our families’—all perfectly legal, of course. I doubt I’d be able to resist.”
“Ha.”
Ningguang set her teacup down with a faint smirk. “Enough nonsense. Listen up.”
“Go ahead, ask away.”
As Gu Sanqiu sniffed his tea, his expression shifted dramatically.
“Wait a second—this is my treasured spirit tea! Where did you find it?”
“You don’t honestly think your hiding spots can fool me, do you?” Ningguang replied with a sly smile.
“First question: how exactly did you manage to control the Sanxuan Society?”
“It’s a mystical technique,” Gu Sanqiu said, shrugging. “Apparently, it was created from a blend of residual powers left by various gods. But it’s already broken.”
He leaned back. “I’ve been busy exorcising demons with a certain bigshot these past few days. If anyone caught sight of us, you can bet Tian Tiezui will be spinning out some wild tales before long.”
“I know the bigshot you’re referring to, but that’s not important. What matters is that you’re unharmed.”
“So the fact that the entirety of Wangshu Inn is under your surveillance… was true?”
Shocked expression intensifies.
“Keep acting dumb, and I’ll have you working part-time for me tomorrow.”
“I was wrong!” Gu Sanqiu apologized instantly. “Anything else, Sister?”
“Yes,” Ningguang replied, her tone more serious. “You’ll need to lay low for a while.”
She continued, “Those people turning into pools of blood—that’s drawn the attention of both the Millelith and Liyue’s higher-ups. They’ve grown wary of you.”
“Oh, how does that involve me? Anyone with half a brain could figure out what happened. It’s not like my family hasn’t done similar things before,” Gu Sanqiu said indifferently.
“All I did was remind certain individuals who quietly allowed the Sanxuan Society to run amok that they’re being watched. Their leniency stemmed purely from self-interest, and they even had the audacity to collude with them.”
“Thankfully, you and the others aren’t like that.”
Ningguang’s gaze softened slightly. “Our thousand-year heritage is a tribute to the Geo Lord’s guidance and a testament to our mission. That doesn’t mean we ignore Liyue’s problems.”
“For a thousand years, our family has protected the light—and embraced the darkness. Interrogation, sacrificial rites, and all kinds of taboo practices… we’re well-versed.”
Gu Sanqiu’s lips curled into a faint smile. “My actions were a warning. If anyone oversteps their bounds, I won’t hesitate to use darker methods to clean up Liyue Harbor’s filth.”
“You don’t need to concern yourself with such matters. Despite their flaws, those beneath us still remain aligned with their principles.”
“Not for me, Sister.”
Gu Sanqiu’s smile widened slightly. “If someone crosses me, I’ll crush them. Simple as that. My family’s eccentricities aside, we stood against the Archons themselves in the past.”
“When the time comes, I won’t hold back.”
“You know my nature: justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent. That’s just the broader perspective.”
“But for most people, justice delayed comes at a heavy cost. Whether they can endure long enough to see it arrive is often the real question.”
“Justice delayed may as well be justice denied for many, as a single delay can deal a life-altering blow.”
“So, if my methods lean towards the extreme or the dark, I’ll use them to protect myself and the people I care about.”
“In simple terms, if someone pushes me too far, I’ll gladly give Hu Tao some business. Family discounts on funeral packages? I’ll convert the savings into hell money and toss it into their toilets.”
Ningguang chuckled softly, placing a gentle hand on his head.
“You’ve grown.”
“Technically, I’ve been of drinking age for a while now. Could you stop with the doting tone? It’s making you sound old.”
He paused before adding cheekily, “Also, it might give away your age.”
“Say that again?”
“My sister is the most beautiful in all of Liyue, forever eighteen!”
“Good. Quick on your feet.”
Standing, Ningguang plucked a flower from the garden. “I didn’t know you had an interest in gardening.”
“It’s not much. I came across some rare seeds and decided to plant them. If you like them, take as many as you want,” Gu Sanqiu said nonchalantly. “At best, they purify the air. Looks over utility for me.”
“No need. I’ll pick some up next time. If I go back today with an armful of flowers, people might start guessing where I’ve been.”
“Fair enough. Ever the tactician, Sis.”
“Stop buttering me up. Keqing mentioned you wanted the Sanxuan Society’s assets. Is that true?”
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