### Chapter 16: The Situation in Liyue
"Connections, or to put it more realistically, alliances."
Beidou's expression turned unusually serious. "If before you were just a Perfumed Scion without a Vision, these things wouldn't concern you. But now it's different."
"Not only will you be noticed by certain people, but the Qixing will also put you on their 'potential threat to public security' list. This is standard for Vision holders."
"You strut around with your Vision on your waist, probably wanting to make this known as soon as possible, but that's not enough."
Beidou shook her head. "People will come to you, definitely. If you were like me, wandering the seas, it'd be fine. Life at sea is hard, but at least it's peaceful."
"That's easy," Hu Tao said with a grin. "Sanqiu can come to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I've long invited him to be my guest consultant."
"No."
"No."
Gu Sanqiu and Beidou spoke in unison. Then, the big sister took another drink.
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the Gu family—if it's just you two being close, no one will care. But if you officially join forces, some idiots definitely won't stand it."
Beidou's mouth twisted into a mocking smile. "Those guys might not be good at much, but they're definitely experts at infighting."
"Heh, but seriously, no one would dare to mess with my family, right? They'd be looking to die fast."
Gu Sanqiu laughed coldly. "Perfumed Scion, Perfumed Scion—it's more than just a title."
"It's different now, kid, really different."
Beidou shook her head. "I've been to many places, but it seems only Mondstadt and Liyue are special."
"Times are changing. Those things related to gods and immortals, their traces and prestige are fading step by step."
Beidou pointed at Gu Sanqiu. "If this were the old Liyue, no one would dare to trouble your family, even if they had ulterior motives."
"The former head of the mystic sect, now the Perfumed Scion protecting the incense of the gods—this is a golden signboard, and everyone's deterrent."
"It's different now, Gu. Most mystics are reclusive, gods are elusive, and the Perfumed Scion's texts and other things have become coveted."
"Even holding an invoking ritual now can't help you much."
"Liyue seems to be on the brink of another transformation."
Gu Sanqiu picked up a piece of spiced chicken. "Beidou, are you suggesting I join the Qixing as the best option?"
"No, no, no, I would never let you get involved with the Qixing."
Beidou showed a very displeased expression. "Especially that white-haired woman leading them. They might be better at making things difficult for you."
"Oh? I always thought you were a hidden member of the Qixing."
"Hah? Have you ever seen a Qixing wandering the seas? Those desks full of paperwork are their real hallmark."
Beidou laughed heartily. "I'm fishing while they're handling documents. I'm fighting sea monsters while they're handling documents. I'm drinking with my crew while they're still working overtime. That's our difference."
"I could never be a Qixing, absolutely not!"
Her words were so firm that Gu Sanqiu felt something was off. Who said the leaders of a nation had to be workaholics? In feudal times, there were both civil and military officials. Beidou's explanation didn't convince him.
But could Beidou be someone lacking vision?
And who said a nation's leaders had to be workaholics?
At midnight, after seeing Beidou off with her crew, Hu Tao and Gu Sanqiu walked slowly towards Feiyun Slope.
"Sanqiu, what Beidou said—does your family have any trouble?"
"Strictly speaking, not really trouble. It's just that some people have their eyes on my family's wealth."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "No choice. If I didn't have a Vision, those people wouldn't dare challenge the Qixing's pressure."
"But now that I have activated my Vision, it means I am considered an adult in terms of age and strength. The Qixing's informal protection rules no longer apply to me."
"Such a bother."
Hu Tao twirled her hair with her finger. "Hey, how about this? Zhongli is probably an immortal. Should I ask him for help?"
"Absolutely not."
Gu Sanqiu refused without hesitation. If it were any other immortal, their family's connections might work, but Zhongli...
The Geo Archon wants a Perfumed Scion who can guard the incense of the world, not a weakling who calls for help at the slightest trouble.
Apart from his inability to carry Mora, Zhongli was otherwise very easy to deal with. But on matters of principle, the Geo Archon's decisiveness was unmatched.
"Hehe, dealing with living people is indeed more difficult."
Gu Sanqiu glanced at Hu Tao, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Don't tell me you're thinking of turning them all into dead people. I can handle this."
"The thing I gave you to eat earlier is precious. When you get back, remember to take time to understand its benefits. That's what you should focus on now, got it?"
"Bleh, Gu, you're so naggy."
Hu Tao put her hands on her hips and gave Gu Sanqiu a playful pat on the shoulder.
"Alright, since you have a problem, go solve it. I'll always be your strongest shield, remember that~"
"Alright, alright. If there's any issue, I'll definitely come to you first for help."
Gu Sanqiu gave a thumbs-up. No joke—if he really encountered something his transmigrator's cheat couldn't handle, he would definitely cling to Hu Tao and Zhongli.
Back home, Gu Sanqiu opened the Perfumed Incense Room door, recited the family incantation, then leaned against the large censer and sat down.
"Ladies and gentlemen, named immortals, I initially thought the world's wheels would start turning when those two appeared in Mondstadt."
"But I miscalculated. Liyue's transformation is already brewing. No matter what the Qixing thinks, their policies will be distorted and misinterpreted when conveyed to the lower levels."
"Chihu Rock, Feiyun Slope, even those connected to Liyue's high officials—these people are probably eager for a reshuffle, each believing they can grab a bigger piece of the pie."
"Tsk, how did the Gu family end up with just me? No siblings at all? Doesn't Grandpa Zhongli have a blessing for many children?"
Gu Sanqiu scratched his chin. This point was debatable.
But to extricate himself, to plant a foot on solid ground amid the coming chaos...
There was indeed one way.