Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Thank you so much, and sorry for the trouble."

At the entrance of the tavern, Amber bowed as she supported Eula, whose cheeks were faintly flushed after the mission.

"This idiot... She knows she can't handle her liquor, yet she still drinks this much. What a fool."

Kaeya stretched lazily. "Well, I'll leave Captain Eula in your hands. Unless, of course, you'd prefer I take charge. I wouldn't mind."

Gu Sanqiu glanced at Kaeya. "You're just looking for an excuse to take a four- or five-day leave, aren't you?"

"Hey, I'm nothing like that. This is purely an act of mutual care among colleagues," Kaeya replied with a grin, flashing a row of brilliant white teeth that contrasted starkly with his complexion. Naturally, he didn't admit anything.

"Don't... don't leave! You two, stay here. Let's keep drinking! If Angel's Share isn't working out, we can move to Cat's Tail. How about it?"

"This woman..." Amber sighed, freeing one hand to pinch Eula's cheek. "Alright, we're heading off now."

She had to hurry back. While a drunken Eula had her own kind of charm, it was better to get her home as soon as possible.

"Guess I'll head out too. Enjoy your time in Mondstadt."

Gu Sanqiu waved them off. Though Kaeya spoke casually, he'd likely send someone to act as a "guide" for him.

As for the true purpose of that guide, only Kaeya himself would know.

Gu Sanqiu had just taken a couple of steps down the street when he stopped abruptly and turned his head.

Under the streetlamp, Albedo leaned casually against the post, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Gu Sanqiu.

"I say, if you had something to discuss, couldn't you have joined us for a drink at Angel's Share? Did you really have to block me here?"

"To be honest, I'm not fond of noisy places," Albedo replied matter-of-factly.

"Do you need something from me? Let me just say this upfront: my visit to Mondstadt is purely for fun. If it's about some technical or theoretical research project, I'm not interested."

"I sensed something during the Lantern Rite in Liyue," Albedo said suddenly. "A vast and majestic aura, but one laced with intense killing intent."

"That would be Liyue's Yaksha, the Conqueror of Demons. Are you interested? I could provide you with his contact details if you want."

"No need. Frankly speaking," Albedo's eyes locked with Gu Sanqiu's, "I'm far more interested in you."

He continued, "It seems the issue with your soul has been resolved. Congratulations."

"Heh, just as I resolved the previous problem, a new one cropped up. So, you can tell, huh?"

"Oh? A new issue?" Albedo lowered his hands, a hint of curiosity flickering in his calm gaze. "That, I cannot discern. But it sounds intriguing."

"And what about you? It's late—shouldn't you be conducting experiments or sleeping? What brings you here?"

"This spot feels a bit constricted. Let's move somewhere else," Albedo suggested, his tone inquisitive.

"Judging from the information I've gathered, that aura only emerged under your guidance. I want to see how strong you really are now."

"Oh, so this is about a fight? That, I can manage. Might help me sober up." Gu Sanqiu launched into the air. "Pick a place. With an alchemy master like you around, I won't have to worry about the Anemo Archon punishing me for environmental damage."

"The Anemo Archon wouldn't fault anyone for such a trivial matter."

Albedo followed suit. "This way."

No, he probably would, Gu Sanqiu thought, because Barbatos wouldn't pass up such an easy opportunity to display the Archon's majesty without expending much effort.

As a so-called wine-loving bard, Barbatos didn't inspire much reverence in Gu Sanqiu. Perhaps it was because his external appearance was a touch too harmless.

Look at my old man back home. Who'd dare act out in his presence and not face consequences? Now that's presence! (Not really.)

"This spot will do," Albedo said, glancing at Gu Sanqiu, who hovered in midair. "So, you've learned to fly. Seems I won't have an unfair advantage in picking the battleground."

"Heh, unfair advantage? Don't tell me you were holding back last time we fought."

Albedo nodded earnestly. "From a purely strategic and technical perspective, yes, that was the case."

"Man, saying something so bluntly is a surefire way to stay single," Gu Sanqiu retorted.

"According to logical data analysis and probabilistic reasoning, most people who don't speak frankly also fail to find partners. Statements like the one I just made could, in fact, attract an ideal partner."

Gu Sanqiu slapped his forehead. "Don't fall into survivor bias! Hearing such a low-probability argument from an alchemy master is beyond absurd!"

"No," Albedo extended both hands. "Low-probability events and unpredictable anomalies—those are the essence of research. They are also forms of beauty."

"Well said!"

The two struck simultaneously, their fists colliding with a force that echoed like a thunderclap.

Albedo retreated a few steps, his expression turning serious. "To reach this level of pure physical strength... Your constitution surpasses even that of the Knights' Noelle."

"Then keep evaluating me—while also evaluating your inevitable defeat."

Gu Sanqiu summoned a spear, its rapid strikes forming a whirlwind of deadly precision aimed at Albedo.

"No. Low-probability events don't occur every day. You cannot defeat me."

Complex alchemical constructs materialized around Albedo, their emitted multi-element beams intercepting each of Gu Sanqiu's strikes with unnerving precision.

"With skills like yours, you'd ace advanced mathematics!" Gu Sanqiu shouted, closing the distance. Wielding immense physical strength, he unleashed a radiant burst of white light, his spear's flurry doubling in speed and intensity.

"Such moves no longer work on me."

The instruments whirred, and Albedo reached out, catching the spear mid-swing. With a firm pull, he attempted to drag Gu Sanqiu closer.

"Grabbing my spear? You're asking for it!"

Gu Sanqiu grinned, white flames and dense Geo energy coursing through the weapon. A complex and ancient sigil unfolded, encompassing the battlefield.

"Fall!"

Within the sigil, gravity surged. Caught off guard, Albedo faltered and released the spear, retreating to the edge of the formation.

He realized that the sigil, anchored by the spear as its core, had concentrated its immense gravitational force directly on him.

"I retract my earlier statements and offer my apologies," Albedo said, stabilizing himself in midair. "If I continue underestimating you, defeat is no longer improbable—it's inevitable."

"As an apology, I'll take this seriously."