Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

Behold, a gift from the Hydro Archon herself—bonus chapters, born of your devotion and my boundless generosity! Bask in this rare blessing!

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"Excellent. Your work attitude today has left me very satisfied."

Gu Sanqiu stopped sharpening his blade and handed each of the thugs a small amount of Mora, a reward for their extended labor.

"As for whether you might later try to cause me trouble or call for reinforcements, I'd be quite delighted if you did."

He flashed a chilling, murderous grin. "However, don't be surprised if a few more nameless corpses show up in Byakko Plains afterward—or worse, you end up as a stew for some monsters."

"Y-yes, we understand!"

Watching the group flee in panic, Gu Sanqiu shook his head in boredom. Either they were marginal figures in their gang, or their entire organization was utterly insignificant.

Anyone with a modicum of knowledge would know that monsters didn't eat humans. Monsters preferred food they prepared themselves—highly nutritious and sometimes even medicinal.

If his memory served him correctly, the concoction Diona used to sober up her father was derived from one such tonic. Strengthening the body and enhancing vitality were its main functions, with sobering up being a side effect.

Huge iron cauldrons, fire slimes used as makeshift stoves, and the crude weapons wielded by hilichurls might make their culture appear primitive to the average observer.

But adventurers knew better. According to the Adventurers' Guild and the academic community, such practices were merely outward expressions of a unique cultural system.

In fact, some particularly audacious adventurers specifically targeted the hilichurls' restorative brews, stealing their tonics and soups by force.

While their success rate wasn't stellar—and they often ended up battered by Berserkers and Abyss Mages—these adventurers never seemed to tire of it.

The reason? Most of them were wealthy young scholars or intellectuals pursuing specific research goals.

For them, seizing these items wasn't purely about profit; it was about exploring the hilichurlian cultural framework.

This peculiar behavior was most common among Sumeru scholars. Driven by research papers and theses, they often became lucrative clients for adventurers.

Still, Inazuma's hilichurls had their own distinct traits. Rumor had it that in the Chinju Forest, hilichurls coexisted peacefully with bake-danuki. Perhaps Gu Sanqiu might enjoy similar treatment if he ventured there.

Hanamizaka was a place devoid of anything peculiar—so ordinary, in fact, that it bordered on dull.

Compared to the inner city, it was no more than an urban village. From Gu Sanqiu's perspective, even the inner city wasn't particularly impressive.

That description of Inazuma City rang true: no matter the circumstances, Inazuma City stubbornly radiated its unique "vitality."

That "stubborn" vitality aptly depicted a city shaped by war, the Vision Hunt Decree, and the Sakoku Decree—a microcosm of many struggles.

Still, compared to places like Yashiori Island or Tatarasuna, Inazuma City could indeed be considered "prosperous."

The next morning, feeling refreshed, Gu Sanqiu set out to hunt, intending to gather his own ingredients for breakfast.

As for the street food stalls? He was too lazy to venture into town to sample Inazuma's culinary specialties. A stroll through nature seemed like a better option.

Whizz—

An arrow struck a wild boar squarely, its powerful force embedding the shaft deep into the animal's body, leaving the fletching quivering. Gu Sanqiu wondered if it might ruin the meat quality.

The bow in his hand was a purchase from the Amenoma Smithy. Its craftsmanship felt decent, though a bit pricey.

But what choice did he have? The smithy owned by Old Zhang wasn't much different, though at least the quality was guaranteed.

Running into a fraudulent blacksmith with shoddy craftsmanship and exorbitant prices—that would be a true disaster.

Strictly speaking, wielding such subpar weapons could spell not just a financial loss but a literal life-and-death crisis.

Back at his lodging, despite hauling in a sizeable wild boar, Gu Sanqiu was met with indifference from his new neighbors. He had no intention of engaging in the cliché "new neighbor gift exchange" ritual, anyway.

He was just a wandering samurai seeking a place to rest. Pleasantries and social etiquette were things he neither understood nor cared for, and maintaining this façade would help him avoid unnecessary trouble.

"Good morning, Lord Longhai."

"Morning."

Gu Sanqiu eyed Jiliang, who sported noticeable dark circles. "If you keep burning the midnight oil like this, forget about building up your health—you'll be lucky to see fifty."

It seemed temporary workers everywhere were fated to be exploited.

Then again, many people seemed doomed to a lifetime of being drained dry. If one delved into the matter deeply enough, they'd probably curse life itself.

"Heh, what choice do we have? Everyone's just trying to get by."

Jiliang smiled warmly. "I'm grateful for my current situation. At least the pay is decent."

"Hmm. By a typical person's standards, you might just make it to sixty if you keep working like this—that's around retirement age."

Jiliang sighed and placed Gu Sanqiu's documents on the table.

"Honestly, I don't even know how to respond to that. Are you suggesting that retirement is just when someone becomes useless and gets sent off with a meager pension to live out their days?"

"No. If you have descendants, they'll squeeze every bit of money and patience out of you, too."

Jiliang sighed again. "Fine. Still, I should warn you not to say things like this publicly. If the Tenryou Commission hears it, you might get into trouble."

"The fact that you understand means you're prepared for it."

"Of course. Everyone's just trying to survive. Even exhausting jobs like this are opportunities many people can't even access."

Jiliang chuckled. "Though the forms may differ, everyone's just being squeezed dry, exchanging life energy for a shot at a better future. Isn't that right?"

"Sharp observation."

Gu Sanqiu gestured toward the opposite seat. "Sit down and eat before you leave. If anyone asks, say I needed to consult you about something. This assignment your uncle gave you—he's helping you out, isn't he?"

"You're as perceptive as ever, my lord."

Jiliang didn't stand on ceremony and promptly sat across from Gu Sanqiu, grabbing a piece of roasted meat with his chopsticks and popping it into his mouth.

The slightly charred meat, paired with Gu Sanqiu's carefully mixed herbal seasoning, had a fragrant, tangy flavor that wasn't greasy at all. Instead, the acidity and aroma stimulated the appetite even in the early morning.

"I didn't expect you to excel at cooking as well as combat."

"It's something I had to learn from years on the road. It's not about liking it—it's about needing to do it. There's a difference."

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Ah-ha! So you mortals truly have outdone yourselves this time, haven't you? To think your offerings could summon forth these bonus chapters—what a feat worthy of my recognition! You've brought glory to Fontaine, and naturally, to me.

But do not think for a moment that your work is complete! This is but a single step on the journey to greatness, and there are still many more chapters, many more stages, and of course, many more opportunities to bask in my brilliance.

However… even the most brilliant performances must reach their curtain call. Fear not, for though I may bid you farewell today, my radiance shall linger in your thoughts, inspiring you to strive for ever greater heights.

And so, my esteemed audience, let us part ways for now. Continue to champion this endeavor, and perhaps, in another time, another place, you shall once again be graced by my presence. Until then—farewell, and may your days be brightened by the thought of me!

With admiration and just a dash of benevolence,

Furina ✨