"All done. Let's go."
Gu Sanqiu clapped his hands and called out to Hu Tao, who was so bored she'd started dozing off.
"Huh? That fast?"
"I just made some minor enhancements and concealments to bring it up to modern standards."
Gu Sanqiu explained, "The array covering Resting Valley still uses patterns and techniques from a bygone era. It's too easy for sharp-eyed individuals to spot its origins.
"But in terms of function, it's rock solid. Even if twenty or thirty Ruin Graders focused all their firepower on a single point, the array's defenses wouldn't falter."
"Really? I thought we'd be camping out tonight."
Hu Tao hopped onto Gu Sanqiu's back. "Alright, my personal transport! Since we're out today, how about we head to Wangshu Inn for a feast?"
"Wangshu Inn, huh? Sure, it's not far."
Gu Sanqiu began flying toward the inn. "But seriously, what's with 'personal transport'? That has to be one of the strangest nicknames you've given me."
"Hehe, what's the big deal? You already have so many nicknames—what's one more?"
Hu Tao giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and resting her chin on his head.
"Sanqiu, do you think the world will one day become unrecognizable to me?"
"Why would you ask that?"
Without even glancing ahead, Gu Sanqiu busied himself organizing the data he'd just collected. His flying became increasingly reckless.
There weren't many people capable of high-speed flight in Liyue's skies, and those who could were all immensely powerful. The chances of a mid-air collision were virtually nonexistent.
"Well, you used to never leave Liyue Harbor. But now you're always off somewhere, leaving behind notes at best. Sometimes you're gone for weeks."
"Zhongli often mentions hearing rumors about your adventures. And while we know how strong you are, everyone still worries that you might get in over your head."
"Don't worry." Gu Sanqiu's tone turned lighter. "Let me reassure you—there are beings in this world that could give me trouble, but for now, those entities are still playing by the rules."
At least, none of the truly mysterious figures had directly stepped in yet—aside from that one time in Inazuma, which he'd initiated.
"And don't let that houseguest of yours fool you. I'm not risking my neck on every outing. Most of my trips are just joyful little vacations."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Mondstadt's wine is amazing, though it's a shame you're not a fan of alcohol."
Hu Tao tugged at his cheeks, stretching them to the sides.
"Hehe, who knows what you're really up to? Maybe you're just bored in Liyue and running off to party elsewhere."
Gu Sanqiu sighed. "Do you really think I'm that kind of person? Sure, the idea of being surrounded by beautiful women sounds appealing, but honestly, I've never tried it."
It wasn't like he lacked the means to live a hedonistic lifestyle.
As the Gu Clan's sole heir, he was wealthy, handsome, and free of familial obligations. Liyue's true elite even sought Ningguang's help to set up meetings between him and their daughters.
But who had the time? Without careful planning and strategic moves, he'd just end up as another pawn swept away when the tides of history shifted.
Thanks to the lazy fish Barbatos and the soon-to-be retired Zhongli, Mondstadt and Liyue had become closely allied, supporting each other as friendly nations.
They were his foundation—and a crucial part of a certain golden-haired traveler's "newbie questline."
Through his efforts, the overall strength of Mondstadt and Liyue had improved, giving that traveler a longer, more challenging path to recognition.
"Hehe. 'Heaven's changes culminate in oneness,'" Gu Sanqiu mused with a smile. "Don't worry. The world will remain familiar to you."
Liyue Harbor would still bustle with merchants, fragrant food stalls, and the clink of Mora.
His companions, his family, and everyone else would continue living peaceful lives, untouched by sudden calamities that could turn them into cold, unfeeling warriors.
The challenges lay ahead, but so did the vision of a brighter future.
With the path set, all that remained was to forge ahead—even if it meant clashing with beings far beyond his power. And if it came to that, he'd at least spit in their faces on the way down.
---
"Easier said than done..."
After a day of high-speed flight, Gu Sanqiu slumped onto a stone table, utterly exhausted.
"Even with everything going according to plan, it feels like I'm still facing a lineup of unbeatable powerhouses."
He flexed his right hand. "Sure, if the sky falls, the taller ones will hold it up. But Lan-jie still hasn't reported back on her investigation. This feels shaky at best."
Knock, knock.
The door rattled, and Gu Sanqiu groaned before dragging himself to answer it. At this hour, it wasn't likely to be official business.
"Well, well, there you are."
At the door stood Childe, a Hydro Fatui Harbinger with a beaming smile. One of the key players in Liyue's upcoming chaos.
"What do you want?"
Gu Sanqiu gave him a flat, unimpressed look. "Don't you know this is bedtime?"
"Bedtime? Nah, come with me to a banquet."
Childe swung the door open and slung an arm around Gu Sanqiu's shoulders, making it clear he needed a wingman.
"A banquet? At this hour? What is it—on Wuwang Hill or something?"
Gu Sanqiu raised a skeptical brow. "A shady late-night gathering. Great idea. We're such good friends, aren't we?"
"Hey, don't misunderstand me. Even I wouldn't step foot in Wuwang Hill at this hour."
Childe broke into a nervous sweat. "That place is one of the most dangerous in Liyue. I'm not suicidal."
"Then at least tell me what this banquet is about. I need to decide if it's worth going."
Gu Sanqiu sat at the door, a lollipop dangling from his lips.
"Let me guess. A meeting of Liyue's underworld, planning how to make a quick buck in the new era?"
"Of course not."
Childe shrugged. "Liyue's future has nothing to do with me."
"Then spit it out already."
Gu Sanqiu grabbed his spear, aiming it at Childe's stomach. "Or is this just a post-mission prank?"
"One of our Harbingers just finished a mission and came topside. You know where from."
Childe smirked. "She said she wanted to meet you. So, she asked me to bring you to a late-night snack."
"Came topside? From the Chasm?"
Gu Sanqiu's expression flattened. "Who has the energy to socialize right after a fight? Shouldn't they be resting?"
"Why don't you ask her yourself?"
Childe threw up his hands. "I'm just the messenger. You've heard of her—our Eighth Harbinger, La Signora."
---
T/N: aww hu tao is so cute
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it… or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf