Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Memories?"

Gu Sanqiu blinked. "Xiao, are you saying you've tasted food made by my ancestors before?"

"Indeed."

Xiao nodded. "A long time ago. Your ancestor's cooking skills weren't as refined as yours, but he did enjoy experimenting with some… peculiar recipes."

"Mint-stuffed jueyun chili dumplings, fish stew with raspberry sauce, stir-fried meat soaked in milk… those were just a few."

Hold on—this isn't just peculiar; this is abyssal cuisine!

Wait, so does that mean my cooking skills are actually the peak of the Gu family line?

True generational improvement, Sanqiu thought, forcing a smile. "Did… you actually finish eating all of that?"

"I tried it. Only a taste," Xiao replied flatly.

Sanqiu breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wouldn't have to worry about accidentally running into some immortal who'd want to clobber him because his ancestor once forced them to endure horrendous cooking.

"And then?" he asked, curious. "Did all that food just go to waste?"

Xiao shook his head. "At that time, waste was unthinkable. Even your ancestor led by example, and food was rationed strictly. He had to save up for quite a while to make a meal like that."

Sanqiu felt he was onto something intriguing. "So, in the end, my ancestor ate all of it himself?"

"Indeed," Xiao confirmed. "In fact, the Stove God Marcusius himself came to make sure of it. He watched your ancestor eat every bite—wasting food wasn't an option."

"Oh, and if it's of interest, Rex Lapis wasn't the only one watching. The Dragon King was there to supervise as well."

"Rex Lapis and the Lord of Geo?" Sanqiu's jaw practically dropped. "But… why?"

"Apparently, your ancestor attempted to sneak the meal into the Dragon King's mouth when no one was watching." Xiao's expression was almost amused. "Marcusius found it rather entertaining and went along with it."

"In the end, your ancestor ate every bite under the watchful eyes of both Marcusius and the Dragon King. That was also the last time the Stove God tasted anything made by your family."

…

Sanqiu was silent for a moment. Now that he thought about it, the fact that Rex Lapis hadn't flattened him last time actually seemed rather merciful.

His ancestors might have been able to get away with such stunts, but the immortals were still around and well aware of it. And if more came forward with a grudge, he could be in trouble.

"You really remember all that just from a single taste?"

"Yes." Xiao's voice softened a bit. "As a Vigilant Yaksha, I have little left in life besides killing."

"So even if it was just a taste, I still remember that flavor vividly."

"The scent of smoke from the fire, the sound of crackling wood, sitting together and hearing laughter from friends and comrades long gone. Just one taste, and all I wanted was an excuse to excuse myself from the table…"

"And even when the Dragon King finally made sure they ate every last bite, I remember their stifled chuckles as though it all happened just yesterday."

"That is what 'memory' tastes like."

Sanqiu didn't respond immediately. Eating with friends, sharing laughter, and savoring moments together—these things were joyful, memories worth cherishing. But to the Vigilant Yaksha, recalling all this might bring warmth as much as it brought pain.

"Xiao, I can't say those dishes sound all that appetizing, but I can recreate them if you'd like. Want to give them a try?"

Not that he'd take a single bite himself.

Xiao stared at him for a full five seconds. Sanqiu half-expected Xiao's expression to twist, maybe even mistake him for a spirit tainted with karmic debt.

"That won't be necessary," Xiao finally replied, "This is fine as it is. Simple, yet made with effort."

Xiao resumed eating in silence, as though he'd exhausted his daily quota of words. For the rest of the break, only the quiet sounds of the forest and the clink of their bowls filled the air.

"Let's go."

Once more, Sanqiu found himself lifted like a sack of potatoes, treated to the unique experience of Teyvat's high-altitude travel.

It was convenient but… honestly, maybe a bit rough on passengers lacking durability.

"This is it," Xiao announced, setting him down. "This time, I'll hold back some weaker spirits around you. Consider it training. Didn't you say you wanted to test something?"

"Uh… Xiao, couldn't you maybe handle a few for me?"

"If I were to step in, they would be ash."

Xiao understatedly reminded him of the vast difference between them, as though crushing a spirit was as simple as brushing off dirt.

"And besides, your own strength could use improvement."

Xiao's tone was firm. "To ordinary people, your abilities may seem impressive, but by my standards, you're only at an entry level. As the inheritor of the Gu family, you must grow stronger."

"I trust you already understand. As a Gu family descendant and a Vigilant of the Evernight, the threats you'll face will never be mere mortal concerns. Some, known only in ancient legends, may well come to stand against you."

"Yeah… I have picked up on that," Sanqiu muttered. From Rex Lapis to the Dragon King, not to mention Deikala in Mondstadt, it was like he'd attracted a revolving door of legendary beings lately.

Barring a certain Archon off on a "carefree" stroll, he'd probably already encountered more high-ranking entities in a few months than most would in their entire lives.

"Glad you understand."

Xiao watched as Sanqiu readied the Residual Spirit Pen.

"Oh, and this time," he added, "don't use your family's heirloom weapons. Use a spare."

A spare weapon?

Sanqiu thought for a moment, then began emptying his bag.

An exorcist's revolver, a handful of knives, swords, halberds, axes, spears—even a few powder kegs. If he hadn't given "Breakthrough No.1" to the old man, he'd have enough artillery to mow down entire groups of spirits.

"…Why are you carrying so many weapons?" Xiao raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, well, let's just say I like to be prepared. Do you… believe that?"

Xiao picked a spear from the pile, testing its weight with a slight nod. "This will do."

"Wait, are you sure? Using this thing… really won't be a problem?"

Sanqiu eyed the spear skeptically. Xiao had his five-star Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, and here he was with what, a three-star throwaway? This wasn't just a random training mission; they'd be up against spirits!

"Try it. Use your elemental power to control the weapon, like this."

Xiao thrust forward, and the spear's aura solidified into the shape of a fierce tiger, surging forward before dispersing in the air.

"Consider this a drill. No one's asking you to go all out with a single weapon. Understood?"

Xiao's gaze turned sharp. "If you don't master that technique here, you'll be using that weapon for the next three days. Or until you learn it, whichever comes first."

Sanqiu took hold of the spear, mimicking Xiao's movements. His thrust formed a faint outline of a tiger, but it lacked detail.

Xiao's version looked as if it were carved from crystal, down to the "王" character on the beast's forehead.

Meanwhile, Sanqiu's was… well, he might as well have printed it on a VCD.

Holding the spear, Sanqiu felt a bitter chill of realization.

Xiao was only doing this for his own good, trying to push him to improve. He cares about me!

…Or was this secretly revenge for Sanqiu's suggestion to make him try "dark cuisine" earlier?

---

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