Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [592]

After wrapping up a rather complicated round of discussions, the atmosphere inside the abode finally returned to a more casual, “old friends gathering” vibe—at least no one was stiff-faced anymore.

At one point, Cloud Retainer tried to get Zhongli to listen to everything she’d just said, but Ganyu—face bright red—immediately hugged her tightly, successfully diverting her attention.

Childhood stories could be told anytime, but a rare moment of affection from her disciple? That was a precious opportunity. Strengthening their bond took priority.

“Yo, what’s all this excitement again?”

Gu Sanqiu walked back in. “Ganyu-jie, what’s going on? Or are we about to witness some ‘crane rider’ theatrics?”

“No. This is just their unique way of communicating.”

Zhongli motioned for Gu Sanqiu to sit beside him. “Where’d you run off to just now?”

“Oh, just wandered around a bit. Helped Moon Carver clear out a few ordinary folks who came seeking immortality.”

Gu Sanqiu shrugged. “Instead of grabbing a slice of the Mora pie from rebuilding Liyue, they’re wasting time wandering up to Jueyun Karst looking for some ‘immortal fate.’ They’ve really got nothing better to do.”

The rebuilding of Liyue touched on all kinds of sectors, meaning people from every industry and skill level could make money. The authorities had rolled out favorable policies—a practical strategy to revive the economy.

To put it simply: even if you were just an average brick-layer, you’d be paid 10–20 more Mora per full load these days. That’s how straightforward it was.

So at a time like this, if you’re still “tirelessly” trekking up to Jueyun Karst looking for divine enlightenment? You’re either a lazy idiot hoping for unearned rewards or a fool with bad intentions.

Dealing with them had actually improved Gu Sanqiu’s mood. You could say he gave Moon Carver a free round of janitorial service.

“You didn’t kill them, did you?”

Gu Sanqiu shook his head. “Nope. Just kicked up a gust of wind and blew them all down the mountainside. They’ll live—but not without learning a lesson.”

“But Dad, can you explain the power I gained after becoming an adeptus? I keep feeling like… something else is waiting for me in the sky.”

Zhongli nodded. “I know what you’re referring to. Rationally speaking, you can call that power your Constellation. The stars above represent you.”

Gu Sanqiu understood. “So there’s really always a place for me in Teyvat’s night sky? And each star representing a unique individual—that’s not just some feel-good fluff?”

“Of course not,” Zhongli replied. “The term ‘Constellation’ was originally coined by astrologers. Back in early Liyue, those who awakened the power of their constellations were said to possess innate divine abilities. Other nations had similar terms.”

“But after a certain mischievous elf wandered around leaving legends everywhere, ‘Constellation’ became more widely used among nations. A unified term made it easier to communicate.”

Mischievous elf?

Don’t tell him it was that Ms. Alice—the one who visited Liyue and had to be personally chaperoned by the old man to prevent her from stirring up chaos.

It wasn’t that Alice’s power was so overwhelming that even Zhongli had to be cautious.

It was more about her boundless imagination—and her terrifying ability to instantly bring those wild ideas into reality.

That’s what gave Zhongli headaches. After all, if she really acted on those whims, it would be Liyue that suffered. He had no desire to see parts of his nation start resembling Mondstadt.

“Didn’t Osial once say that even in this era, there are still those whose constellation stars bloom? Don’t tell me unlocking constellation power has nothing to do with one’s strength or ascension?”

“How could it?”

Zhongli gave a dry chuckle. “Constellations are unique to each person. The blooming of one’s star and the path to unlocking it varies per individual. The fact that you only sensed yours after becoming an adeptus… well, that just means your perception is lacking.”

My perception is lacking?

Wasn't his comprehension actually pretty solid?

He had managed to absorb and convert the Seed of Gale into his own ability set—yet the old man had the nerve to say he was slow?

Zhongli seemed to notice Gu Sanqiu’s dissatisfaction. “Take Yuheng Star, that Keqing girl. Her star has long since bloomed. It’s only a matter of time before she draws on her constellation’s power.”

!!!

Gu Sanqiu was stunned. Then he seriously considered whether, once he got back, he should drop all pride and ask Keqing for a vial of blood—or something—to study.

So the triggering of one’s star and unlocking their constellation wasn’t based on strength. That was actually useful to know.

But if the whole thing was so individual-specific, he couldn’t exactly mass-produce a bunch of constellation-powered warriors.

If he could, then yeah—he’d consider changing his title. As long as he didn’t provoke any “supreme beings,” having worshippers in Teyvat wouldn’t be an issue.

Still, considering how boring the process was compared to the result, Gu Sanqiu instantly lost interest in any grand conquest narrative.

Zhongli stood up. “You all keep chatting. My son and I are going for a walk.”

?

I literally used that excuse to slip out earlier. Old man, are you making sure everyone knows we’re heading out for a serious talk?

Gu Sanqiu obediently followed Zhongli out. They climbed to a high point overlooking the sea of clouds.

“When you return, make sure not to reveal my identity—especially not to that Hu Tao girl.”

Zhongli said calmly, “She suspects I’m an immortal wandering the mortal world, and that’s fine. Let her keep suspecting. No need to say more.”

“Alright, but… why?”

Zhongli’s expression turned helpless. “Even with you watching over her, that girl’s already mischievous beyond reason. If she finds out I’m actually Morax, she’ll flip the heavens.”

Gu Sanqiu nodded in understanding. “So what you’re saying is—she’d give you the ‘ultimate, unprecedented, super-luxury funeral package’?”

One with four or five daily check-ins and personal promotions?

“More or less,” Zhongli admitted. “Moon Carver and the others won’t say anything. I’ve already given your little friend a heads-up. The only variable left… is you.”

He gave a sidelong glance to Gu Sanqiu, who was currently doing his best “obedient child” impression. “You’re too softhearted. The moment Hu Tao starts acting cute, you’ll spill everything.”

“Hiding my identity is another form of protecting Liyue. Keep that in mind.”

?

Why does that sound so familiar…

My name is Morax. During a major operation, I had no choice but to fake my death and hide my true identity from everyone. Even without my Gnosis, my mind and strength remain as sharp as ever!

There’s only one truth! (scratch that)

Snapping back to reality, Gu Sanqiu nodded earnestly. “Got it. I won’t say a word.”

“You saying that doesn’t inspire much confidence.”

Zhongli smiled. “There are laws to this world, child. We are but specks of dust beneath the tides of time. Eventually, we all meet our end.”

“About your adepti title… I’m sure you’ve come to understand a little by now. The future rests with you.”

“I, Moon Carver, the others—we belong to the past. In this new era, only you are its true hope.”

“One day, we too will fade with the times. Don’t be sad. Don’t be lost. That is simply the way of destiny.”

“Liyue of the new era may still have a place for Zhongli—but Morax is a god of the past.”

Gu Sanqiu suddenly snorted. “Old man, don’t tell me you’re about to say ‘There’s no place for you on the ship of the new era’ or something dramatic like that?”

Zhongli paused, then smiled. “More or less.”

“Then don’t worry about it.”

Gu Sanqiu threw an arm around Zhongli’s shoulder. “The future rests on my shoulders. So I’ll do what I want, when I want. That’s fair, right?”

“You’re a good child. You won’t do evil.”

“I know I won’t. So you don’t have to stop me either.”

Gu Sanqiu chuckled. “I remember seeing that line in a storybook. Back then, I thought it was powerful. But looking back… it just pissed me off.”

Why should it be that way?

He reached forward, clenched his fist.

“If there’s no ship in this new era for you all, then I’ll build a Divine Ark that can cross the end of the universe. I’ll bring you with me, across time, to show the world we were here!”

“Destiny’s end? Nah. That only comes when we say we’re tired of the journey.”

Gu Sanqiu laughed heartily. “Until then, who cares what era it is? I’ll take you all to see every breathtaking world out there!”

“I am an era—and in this era, there’s always a place for you!”

Zhongli froze for a moment, then smiled warmly, full of pride.

“Then I’ll await the good news. I’ll be looking forward to your Divine Ark.”

“Oh! That reminds me—almost forgot.”

Gu Sanqiu suddenly lit up. “Old man, since you’re officially ‘dead’ now, I guess I don’t have to call myself the ‘Crown Prince of Liyue’ anymore. What do you think of Emperor of Liyue?”

…This brat, ruining the moment not three seconds later!

Zhongli, without hesitation, kicked Gu Sanqiu straight off the mountaintop.

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This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!