Chương 164: Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [164]
"Go on, and make sure to give your dear coworkers a little surprise. A friendly, supportive work culture is worth promoting, don't you think?"
Gu Sanqiu waved them off as the paper figures dispersed, vanishing back into their previous surveillance spots. A quiet breeze swept over Liyue Harbor, as though the night had been as still and undisturbed as any other.
Morning came, and the shift-change guards filed into place among the bustling crowd. The paper figures, upon seeing their "colleagues," didn't offer friendly smiles; instead, they gave cool nods and signaled in the curt, utilitarian manner expected in such circles.
"Alright, you can rest now."
Just then, the paper figures' expressions twisted into chilling grins, red streaks streaming from their eyes like bloodied tears. The once-clear sky grew dim, and the soft "whoosh" of shuffling paper filled the air, casting a pall of gray shadows like miniature, enclosed worlds.
"Figures of paper, a guise for men."
"Nameless, without honor, mere specks of dust."
"Feed the underworld, in smoke and ashes."
"And in the next life, shall you meet your end—"
"W-Who are you…? Ah!"
In his courtyard, Gu Sanqiu dipped a bone brush lightly into ink, practicing his calligraphy with ease.
His strokes were far superior to Xingqiu's, he thought with satisfaction. As a novelist, he had to consider his fanbase—an autograph event with his name scrawled out in Xingqiu's dreadful penmanship? That would ruin any good first impression.
And as the young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, if he didn't improve his handwriting, there might come a day when Xingqiu wouldn't be allowed to sign off on even the smallest guild documents.
Besides, as a descendant of the Guhua Clan, it was a point of pride. In fact, he had once offered Xingqiu a crash course in calligraphy—a sort of 'Writing Shapes for Dummies'—out of sheer pity.
For all his good intentions, though, the only result was him chasing Xingqiu down a street, family spear in hand.
Of course, the brush in his hand was no ordinary writing tool, something he'd drawn from his culinary-focused "golden finger" stash.
Item: Wraith Bone Brush
Origin: Underworld
Notes: Crafted from the bones and fragmented souls of ten thousand wicked criminals, bound and tormented for a thousand years. Said to bestow strange abilities upon the user.
Additional Note: When used, the brush assaults the wielder's mind with residual souls. Despite its mind-strengthening benefits, the brush has been used as a tool of punishment for notorious criminals, known as the "Bone Brush Punishment" in the Underworld.
Danger Level: Grade 3
Quality: Purple
"Ha! Now this is a tool with some bite."
Gu Sanqiu grinned, gritting his teeth as he steadied his mind, fending off the mental onslaught like a tower defense, keeping his thoughts as focused as his flawless penmanship.
If anyone could see into his mind, they'd witness a parade of wretched souls clawing, biting, and screaming at him, determined to break through.
At the center of the storm, however, stood Gu Sanqiu's spirit, manifesting a series of mental avatars armed with weapons from across eras—spears, hammers, revolvers, and even sniper rifles—fighting off the attacking souls with tactical precision.
Although labeled as "Grade 3 Dangerous," Gu Sanqiu kept his guard up.
The note on the brush had made it clear that it was crafted from the remains of ten thousand evildoers. Gu Sanqiu had only dealt with three to five dozen of them at most; even if he were cutting them down like grass, he'd need the stamina of a god to withstand the sheer numbers.
He had no intention of becoming an "elephant" overwhelmed by a swarm of ants.
"Who are you? …No! Ahhh!"
"Evil spirits! Liyue Harbor is cursed!"
Meanwhile, the paper figures scattered across the harbor had begun their work, assimilating every Sanxuan Association member they encountered, transforming them into more paper figures.
Some continued in their previous roles, while others, with twisted smiles, approached fellow members for handovers or introductions, extending the paper curse to each person they met.
The "Paper Men Technique" was one of the Wraith Bone Brush's many sinister abilities, a dangerous skill Gu Sanqiu had kept contained within his fiery array since the day he acquired it.
In the past, he had neither the power nor the need to use it, so it had remained untouched. After all, it was a dead object, safely dormant within the seal's confinement.
Initially, he'd considered using it against the Fatui, maybe in their final battle plans. But for now, using it to handle the Sanxuan Association was far more efficient and left no loose ends.
With each layer of memories he accessed through these paper servants, he found no amount of shadowy middlemen or loyalists could withstand his spell.
"Let's see if you all have any old-world charms to protect you," he muttered with a smirk.
In his mindscape, dozens of versions of Gu Sanqiu clashed with the malicious spirits within the Wraith Bone Brush. The battle had already drained him considerably.
This dark technique was undoubtedly powerful, but continuous use meant an endless mental clash with the trapped wraiths.
"Wait…"
Gu Sanqiu paused, frowning.
"The Sanxuan Association's scope isn't small. If these wraiths are depleted before I finish the job, what then?"
Counting on these vengeful spirits to stop attacking of their own accord was unrealistic.
Which raised a question: could this Wraith Bone Brush absorb more spirits from the outside to fuel itself? If so…
It led to a troubling realization.
In the wilderness beyond Liyue, aside from monsters, what resource was most abundant?
Corrupted gods and foul spirits.
"This isn't right."
His expression turned severe. "If that's true, then…"
Did he need to unleash a full-force Heavenly Strikes the Earth on Liyue?
"I'll need a new location—right now!"
---
Oh, hey there, Trave-
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