章 70: Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue. [70]
"And yet, you're well aware that I'm skipping out," Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "Come on, let's head back for a feast. We've been stuck at sea with no warm meals. You two better treat me to something good when we get back."
"No problem." Chongyun stood up and patted his chest. "I've saved up enough for a meal. How about I treat you both at the finest restaurant in Liyue?"
"Why not just go to Wanmin Restaurant?" Xingqiu rolled his eyes. "I'm sick of the other two places already."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't care where we eat. I'd like a full carrot banquet."
!!
Xingqiu's eyes widened in shock as he lifted his head to look at Gu Sanqiu, his gaze screaming, "Is this something a person would say?"
"Stir-fried shredded carrots, carrot and meat stir-fry, carrot cake, carrot pancakes, farmer's fresh veggie platter..."
"Stop, stop!" Xingqiu made a cross with his hands. "Are you planning a banquet or trying to mess with me?"
"Yeah, why are you specifically ordering carrot dishes?" Chongyun asked, confused. "Xingqiu hates carrots. I feel like we could just order some regular dishes."
Gu Sanqiu patted Chongyun on the shoulder. "You don't get it. It's precisely because he hates them that I'm making sure carrots are on the menu."
"Why though?!"
"To give you an unforgettable experience. Even if you refuse to eat, I'll make sure you get some carrots in your mouth."
Gu Sanqiu casually put one hand in his pocket and used the other to push the boat back into the water. "If I hadn't tagged along this time, were you two planning to sail through that dangerous sea to Guyun Stone Forest by yourselves? A death wish, much?"
"Hey, hey, we don't need to go over that now." Xingqiu sighed. "I didn't realize how dangerous those waters were, alright? Can we at least get back to shore before you start this lecture?"
"And besides, if you hadn't come, I would've made thorough preparations before heading out. No way I'd recklessly take a tiny boat across the sea."
"Don't worry, I guarantee that the first meal you have when we get back will include carrots. Flattery won't get you out of it."
The wind filled the sail as the group set off back toward Liyue Harbor, soon passing by the large seashell territory they had crossed before.
Chongyun, feeling bored, leaned over the side of the boat, dipping his hand into the water to attract some strange fish.
"I wonder, do we have to fight that thing again? I remember it took forever to come out last time. Maybe we can just shoo away those annoying little fish and sail straight through."
"No need. We're on the return trip now. Even if we cause a bit of a stir, we'll be long gone by then." Gu Sanqiu smiled faintly. "Xingqiu probably already mentioned that I can't use my full power when we're around populated areas."
Noticing a strange shift in the ocean currents below, Gu Sanqiu's grin widened.
"Let me show you a little family trick passed down from the Fengxiang Clan!"
Boom!
A bolt of purplish-black lightning streaked from the sky, striking the seashell creature as it surfaced!
Chongyun stared dumbfounded at the smoking sea and the belly-up fish floating to the surface, then at Gu Sanqiu, who acted like nothing had happened.
"One precision lightning strike to take down the shell monster, and you even managed to wipe out the entire school of fish through an electro-charged reaction—without any of the lightning harming us at all..."
Chongyun was at a loss for words. The display had showcased single-target damage, area-of-effect control, and impeccable precision.
"Gu Sanqiu, I want to learn that!"
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. I did promise you a special technique," Gu Sanqiu said with a laugh. "Once we're back and rested, come by my place. While it might not be as powerful as mine, it's still considered top-tier among our clan's techniques."
"And next time Xingqiu messes with you, just freeze him solid. With my secret technique enhancing your Cryo abilities, his Hydro power won't stand a chance."
Of course, Gu Sanqiu thought, as long as Chongyun didn't get any weird ideas about freezing Xingqiu just to lick the ice, his teachings would be put to good use.
"Why am I always the one getting picked on? Sanqiu, I seriously think you're targeting me!" Xingqiu protested.
"Be confident—I am targeting you," Gu Sanqiu said flatly. "The Guhua Clan's techniques have been refined over generations, so it's hard for me to judge the current strength of your techniques based on old records."
"You've got talent, or rather, you're exceptionally gifted. If you fully master even one of Guhua's sword arts, spear arts, or both combined, I wouldn't pick on you."
"Even mastering one would give you much more security in your adventures. At least then, you wouldn't need me to distract Hilichurl Berserkers while you two sneak off."
Gu Sanqiu's tone turned serious. "The world is dangerous. Being a hero, standing up for others, can be a passion, an adventure, or a personal calling. But it shouldn't come at the cost of your own safety."
"Strengthening yourself is the only way to ensure you won't meet an early end on your quest for justice. That way, you can carry that passion with you into old age."
...
After a moment of silence, Xingqiu smiled wryly. "Alright, I admit it. It was my fault for suggesting this dangerous place without being fully prepared. I apologize to both of you."
"No, it's my fault. If it weren't for me, you two wouldn't have had to come here."
...
Are they apologizing just to excuse each other? Gu Sanqiu thought. I have no proof, but I'm pretty sure that's what's happening.
"Ahem."
Gu Sanqiu cleared his throat. "This isn't about placing blame. I'm just pointing out the right way to do things. It's not wrong to come to a dangerous place for a friend."
"Helping a friend is natural, but that doesn't contradict the need to strengthen yourselves. This trip was an adventure, but if we were stronger, we could've swum to Guyun Stone Forest with no issue."
...
"So, you're saying that if we get strong enough, even dangerous adventures will just become 'safe risks?'" Xingqiu asked, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, you could put it that way."
Σ(⊙▽⊙")
That logic sounded... kind of wrong, but also oddly reasonable.
A few days later, Gu Sanqiu, puffing out a cloud of smoke from the lookout tower, called out to the two bickering friends below.
"Hey, we're almost back at Liyue Harbor. If either of you have a girl waiting for you at home, now's the time to freshen up."
Of course, it was all in jest.
"Wait, but Xingqiu told me that at times like these, you should make yourself look as disheveled as possible to trigger sympathy from your partner."
"Don't listen to him. He's single—what does he know?"
...
After a pause, Gu Sanqiu sighed, "Sorry, looks like I just roped all three of us into that one."
"Hahaha!"
Xingqiu laughed so hard he bumped his head on the ship's wheel. "Gu Sanqiu, I never expected to hear that from you! I'm definitely writing this down!"
Just as Gu Sanqiu was about to retort, his expression shifted. He scanned the distant port, frowning.
An hour later, as the shapes of people became clearer on the docks, Gu Sanqiu jumped down onto the deck, shouting.
"Turn around, turn around! We're heading back to Guyun Stone Forest for another round!"
---
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