“Is that so? Well, that’s a bit of a shame.”
Gu Sanqiu didn’t seem too bothered by not being able to harness Yaksha power. If he had gotten it, it would’ve been a nice addition but hardly a necessity.
With his golden finger ability, the Gu family’s inherited scriptures, and the mysterious and often unconventional powers his gift brought to him, he knew that more shocking techniques would fall into his lap over time.
What if he managed to acquire some legendary relic from his previous life, like the Monkey King’s staff? If that happened, he could practically build a trading bridge from Liyue Harbor to Inazuma.
Though… if he actually used the staff for that, he’d probably get slashed by a certain general and thoroughly disciplined by Sun Wukong himself.
Wait.
Gu Sanqiu paused, his mind spinning. If such a scenario were to occur, wouldn’t it only impact the version of himself in that external world? What did that have to do with him, the Liyue-based incense master of Teyvat?
And as for the general’s blade?
He’d just retreat to Liyue Harbor! Come get me if you dare!
“Old man, someone’s bullying your subordinate and junior! Come give me a hand here!”
—
“Also,” Xiao added, “you shouldn’t dwell too much on the Yaksha power.”
“Why’s that?” Gu Sanqiu tilted his head.
“The karma that comes with it—” Xiao’s tone grew heavier, “—even for us adepti, it is nearly impossible to resist. Once tainted, the consequences are endless.”
“Got it.”
Gu Sanqiu nodded thoughtfully. Though Xiao and the adepti of Jueyun Karst were collectively known as Rex Lapis’s followers, their paths were starkly different. Adepti like Cloud Retainer followed the true immortal way, while the Yaksha trod a deadly path of slaughter and carnage—a proper demonic path.
“What are you two discussing?”
Ningguang appeared, carrying a tray in her hands. “I’m afraid my cooking isn’t as good as yours, but it should suffice.”
“How could that be? Food made by my dear sister is bound to be delicious.”
Gu Sanqiu gave her a thumbs-up.
“Then, it’s about time I head out as well,” Xiao said, standing. He glanced at Gu Sanqiu. “Had you been born in an earlier era, you might’ve been even more remarkable.”
“Don’t go yet, Lord Xiao.”
Ningguang smiled as she placed the tray down, offering the bowl of noodles she had prepared. “I made two servings. Please, have some before you leave.”
“No need to address yourself so humbly. You’re the Tianquan of Liyue.”
“Exactly, Xiao,” Gu Sanqiu chimed in. “You promised to eat with me after the fight, remember? Don’t go back on your word now.”
Gu Sanqiu set the two bowls of noodles between them, neatly arranging the chopsticks and spoons.
“Alright.”
Xiao set his weapon to the side and sat cross-legged across from Gu Sanqiu.
The noodles were simple—garnished with green onions, soy sauce, shrimp, and a steaming poached egg perched on top. Yet the meticulous presentation of the ingredients, each occupying its place in perfect harmony, bore the signature of Ningguang’s precision.
“Of course, this is just like you, Sis.”
Gu Sanqiu lifted his bowl. “Even when making a simple dish, everything has to be so deliberate. I can’t tell if this is refined taste or mild OCD.”
“Got a problem with it?”
“Not at all! These noodles are absolutely delicious!”
Gu Sanqiu’s survival instincts kicked in full force as he dove into his food.
Xiao, meanwhile, ate with calm, deliberate motions. His composed demeanor, paired with his striking features, made Baiwen and Baixiao—who were sneakily watching—feel faint with admiration.
He’s so handsome! So adorable!
If not for their fear of inconveniencing Ningguang, the two secretaries would’ve stormed over for autographs—or even a hug.
—
“Xiao, now that the karmic burden has been suppressed, do you have any plans?”
Gu Sanqiu, mid-bite, popped an entire poached egg into his mouth and immediately winced, blowing on it to cool down.
“You might still need to clear out Malefic Gods occasionally, but your schedule should be more flexible now. Anything you’ve been wanting to do?”
Xiao thought for a moment, then shook his head.
“Perhaps as you said, I should consider pushing myself further. The Incense-Gold Body suppresses the karma’s effects, but it’s an external force.”
“True strength must come from within.”
“Hold on!”
Gu Sanqiu crossed his arms in an X. “I meant, if you had some downtime, what would you like to do?”
He leaned forward conspiratorially. “Why not come to Liyue Harbor and hang out with us? If there’s a small group, we can play cards. With more people, we could set up a mahjong game. And if it gets crowded…”
Gu Sanqiu’s mind drifted to the concept of network gaming in Teyvat. If that wasn’t feasible, maybe a local area network would do!
He envisioned buying a grand estate, converting it into an entertainment hub for his friends—a private retreat filled with fun and laughter.
“For me,” Xiao replied evenly, “thinking about how to grow stronger is rest.”
He paused. “Besides, the funds you left at Wangshu Inn are more than enough for my needs.”
“…”
Gu Sanqiu’s face froze. Wait, the person spoiling him was me this whole time?
“Um, Xiao, I was just throwing ideas around—hypothetical, you know?”
Gu Sanqiu cleared his throat nervously. “If I were to withdraw that money, you wouldn’t mind, right?”
Ningguang chuckled softly, giving him a light rap on the head.
“Don’t tease him. Lord Xiao surely has his own responsibilities. Don’t bother him unnecessarily.”
“Think of it this way,” Gu Sanqiu said earnestly. “With your mobility, switching your supply point from Wangshu Inn to Liyue Harbor isn’t that big of a deal. Besides, there are things you can find in the harbor that the inn doesn’t have—restorative pills, restricted weapons, rare imports brought in by ship.”
He grinned. “You should visit Liyue Harbor more often. It’s way livelier than it used to be. The land of a thousand sails is full of surprises!”
“Who knows? You might even gain insights during a stroll and make a breakthrough in your cultivation.”
“For a Yaksha, the path of cultivation doesn’t work that way.”
Xiao fell silent for a moment before nodding. “But if I have the time, I’ll visit Liyue Harbor.”
“Great! Just remember to disguise yourself,” Gu Sanqiu advised. “Otherwise, you’ll be swarmed by fans, and you’ll have to take to the skies just to move.”
Ningguang glanced at her brother. “Be honest. Do you have an ulterior motive for inviting Lord Xiao to the harbor?”
“Of course!” Gu Sanqiu replied without hesitation. “If Xiao comes by often, I’ll have a dependable adeptus around. If anyone dares mess with me, I’ll just have Xiao take care of them!”
So you’re treating him like a bodyguard?!
Even Xiao seemed taken aback by Gu Sanqiu’s blatant admission. After a pause, he responded.
“Yaksha don’t kill without cause.”
The Vigilant Yaksha sounded exasperated—yet entirely unsurprised.
Some things never changed. The Gu family’s brand of shamelessness was clearly hereditary.
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