Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Too cunning for their own good. Fascinating. It seems I'm not suited to deal with people like that," Gu Sanqiu muttered as he rubbed his chin. Someone like that should be left to talents on par with his elder sister.

Oh, and if Kaeya ever stopped pretending to be inept, he'd also fit into that category.

Sure, Gu Sanqiu had an impressive breadth and depth of knowledge, but at his core, he was a brawler who preferred solving problems with his fists.

If I can solve a problem with one punch, I can spend the rest of my time slacking off. Isn't that better than wasting hours outwitting someone?

Still, Thoma's plan was annoyingly well-crafted, perfectly aligned with Gu Sanqiu's behavioral logic. Since Thoma had come under the Yashiro Commission's banner, etiquette dictated that he had to meet with him.

The moment Thoma stepped into the rear courtyard of Ryukai Dojo, the trap was set.

I lost this one due to incomplete information. If I'd been better informed, I wouldn't have been cornered like this.

Frowning, Gu Sanqiu mulled over the situation. That said, I didn't plan to get involved with the Tenryou Commission much anyway, so this setup doesn't mean much to me. What I really want to know is why they're doing this.

He was well aware of his identity and persona. Unless the Kamisato Clan had set up something unusual in the wilds and happened to notice a powerful samurai emerge, their suspicion didn't make much sense.

Eliminate the threat to silence me? Would they really entrust such a task to Kamisato Ayaka?

He shook his head. That theory didn't hold water.

Could it be… the Grand Narukami Shrine?

His heart skipped a beat. Could that little fox tagging along with me actually be a problem?

If the Shrine was behind this, their vested interest would explain the attention he was getting.

Gu Sanqiu sighed and tilted his head back in exasperation.

Have they discovered me?

No way. I've been careful… Well, not that careful. If I were truly cautious, I wouldn't have helped that fox when it asked for my aid. I'm too soft-hearted.

"I despise familiars. I also despise these powerful deities," he grumbled.

It wasn't much different from his life in Liyue, where everything he did was probably visible to the Adepti.

The key difference was that back in Liyue, as long as he didn't cross any major lines, he was the untouchable golden boy. Not to mention, Brother Xiao was a reliable bodyguard.

But in Inazuma? If his suspicions were correct, he didn't even need to commit a heinous act. If he so much as hacked at the Sacred Sakura's roots or set a fire, even the old man wouldn't save him from punishment.

Well, if I court death, I'll just have to kneel and take the consequences.

"Wait. Could the Sacred Sakura be the reason they've noticed me?"

Setting aside the fox's abilities, that massive tree was essentially a colossal energy source. Its petals and sakura blooms could easily function as surveillance devices.

Even if the fox wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, the tree alone could achieve such effects effortlessly.

A surveillance network that vast?

A chill ran down Gu Sanqiu's spine as he recalled something the Shogun once said.

"Everything that happens beyond these walls—I know it all."

Don't tell me I guessed right.

His fear morphed into curiosity, and a bright glint appeared in his eyes.

If that's the case, with lightning above and the Sacred Sakura below to monitor all, consolidating complete control over everything wouldn't be impossible.

Complete control…

He gazed up at the sky. "Does that mean all the pain of Inazuma's people is condensed within her heart?"

The one who wielded the heavenly light wasn't just burdened by past losses but also carried the current sorrows of her people—grief on a scale no one else could fathom.

"Only eternity approaches the divine order," he murmured.

"Eternal suffering. Eternal sorrow. Eternal despair."

"And… eternal tears."

"Grass!" he exclaimed suddenly, snapping out of his reverie. "Who the hell wants an eternity like that? Not me! Others can wallow in their misery all they want. Even if I die in battle, I'll do it with a smile, making sarcastic quips to the end. If I'm going down, I'm taking the enemy's mood with me!"

Drawing his blade, Gu Sanqiu pointed it skyward. "Fine, let's just assume I've been found out."

"And what of it? I'm contributing to Inazuma City's economy like a good citizen. You're not going to come down here and chop me up for it, are you?"

His words were bold, but he swiftly sheathed his sword, glancing at the heavens nervously.

Better not push my luck. Don't want to get struck by lightning.

"Since this is already happening…"

Gu Sanqiu stroked his chin, an idea forming in his mind.

"Staying in Inazuma City isn't an option anymore. Fine, let's head to Mt. Yougou tomorrow!"

The next day, Gu Sanqiu left a notice on the dojo's gate, informing visitors of his absence, then announced to Arataki Itto and his crew that they were on break.

"On break? Boss, where are you headed? How about letting us Arataki guys tag along? No boss should travel without a posse for show, right?"

"No need. I'm just planning to visit Mt. Yougou via Chinju Forest. You all stay in the city and behave."

He tossed a pouch of coins to Itto. "Here's your pay for the next few days. I'm heading out, so there's nothing important to take care of at the dojo. Treat this as time to relax."

"Well, if you say so, Boss, we'll take it easy." Itto grinned from ear to ear. "A break, huh? Looks like I'll finally have some time to enjoy myself!"

That's a lot of fake politeness for someone who was clearly just being courteous earlier!

Gu Sanqiu held back his retort. In a real gang, someone like Itto would definitely get a beating for slacking off.

"Remember, don't cause trouble while I'm gone. People might let things slide out of respect for me, but don't make life harder for yourselves. Enjoy your time off."

"Safe travels, Boss!"

The remaining Arataki members cheerfully waved him off, their expressions gleeful, like kids whose parents had left them home alone to play games.

Amateurs. Real delinquents would've acted normal or even shown a little reluctance to sell the charade. Itto and his gang have a long way to go.

Without looking back, Gu Sanqiu waved a hand. Whatever mischief they got into wouldn't cause more than a minor scare for some townsfolk.

"Maybe I should pretend I don't know anything when I reach the Grand Narukami Shrine and just draw a fortune slip."

No, wait. If I leave for the Shrine immediately after Thoma's visit, they'll get word even faster. If anyone needs to act like nothing's happened, it's them.