"Connections, or to put it more bluntly, alliances."
Beidou's expression turned uncharacteristically serious. "If you were just a Fengxiang Clan member without a Vision before, then this kind of stuff wouldn't have had anything to do with you. But now, it's different."
"Not only will certain people start noticing you, but the Qixing might also put you on their 'potential threat to public safety' blacklist. That's the standard treatment for Vision bearers."
"You've been flaunting your Vision on your belt for everyone to see, probably to get the news out quickly. But that's not enough."
Beidou shook her head. "Someone will come for you, no doubt. If you were like me, constantly sailing the seas, you'd be safe for a while. Life at sea may be tough, but at least it's peaceful."
"Oh, that's simple," Hu Tao chimed in, grinning. "Sanqiu can just come work for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! I've already invited him to be one of my guest advisors."
"No."
"No."
Gu Sanqiu and Beidou spoke in unison, before Beidou took another swig of her drink.
"If Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the Fengxiang Clan formally tied together, some idiots definitely wouldn't be able to stand it."
Beidou's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Those folks may not be great at much, but when it comes to internal squabbles, they're absolute masters."
"Heh, honestly, I doubt anyone would dare mess with my family. They must have a death wish."
Gu Sanqiu gave a cold laugh. "Fengxiang Clan, protector of the incense. Do people really think it's just a ceremonial title?"
"Things have changed, kid. They're really different now."
Beidou shook her head. "I've traveled all over, and it seems like only Mondstadt and Liyue are unique in this regard."
"The times are changing. The marks left by the gods and immortals are fading bit by bit."
Beidou pointed at Gu Sanqiu. "If this were the Liyue of the past, even if some villainous characters wanted to stir up trouble, they wouldn't dare mess with the Fengxiang Clan."
"Once, you were the head of the mystical arts, a protector of incense dedicated to the gods. That was a golden badge of honor, a solid foundation that no one would challenge."
"But it's different now, Gu. Most of the old masters have secluded themselves, and the gods have become elusive. To those in power, the treasures and scriptures of the Fengxiang Clan have turned into coveted prizes."
"Even if the ritual for summoning the gods still happens, what kind of help will that really provide?"
"Liyue seems to be on the brink of another transformation."
Gu Sanqiu picked up a piece of spicy chicken. "So what you're saying, Beidou, is that my best bet now is to side with the Qixing?"
"No, no, no, I would never suggest that."
Beidou scowled, pouring herself another drink. "Especially not with those Qixing led by that white-haired woman. They're probably more skilled at giving you headaches than helping you."
"Oh? I always thought you were secretly one of the Qixing, Beidou."
"Hah? You ever see a Qixing who spends all their time at sea? Piles of paperwork on their desks are more their style."
Beidou let out a hearty laugh. "When I'm fishing, they're stuck in their paperwork. When I'm slaying sea monsters, they're still drowning in paperwork. Even when I'm drinking with my crew, they're working overtime. That's the difference between us."
"I could never be one of the Qixing, no way!"
Her words were firm, but something didn't sit right with Gu Sanqiu. Who says a nation's leaders have to be desk-bound bureaucrats? Historically, there were both civil and military officials. Beidou's explanation didn't fully convince him.
Would Beidou, of all people, lack vision?
And who said that leaders of a country couldn't handle both?
As midnight approached, Gu Sanqiu and Hu Tao watched Beidou and her crew leave the port. They then strolled back toward Feiyun Slope.
"Sanqiu, do you think there's trouble brewing for your family, based on what Beidou said?"
"Strictly speaking, it's not really trouble. It's more like people have set their eyes on what's left of my family's assets."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "It's simple. If I didn't have a Vision, those people wouldn't dare act against my family under the Qixing's watchful eye."
"But now that I've awakened my Vision, it means that, by age and by power, I'm considered an adult. The informal protections that came with being a youth no longer apply to me."
"Sounds like a headache."
Hu Tao twirled her hair around her finger. "Hey, how about this? That guy Zhongli is likely an immortal. Want me to ask him for some help?"
"Absolutely not."
Gu Sanqiu refused without a second thought. If it were any other immortal, the Fengxiang Clan might be able to call in a favor, but with Zhongli…
The Geo Archon wanted incense protectors who could defend the faith themselves, not ones who would go crying for help at the first sign of trouble.
Apart from never having any Mora on him, Zhongli was generally easy to deal with, but when it came to matters of principle, the Geo Archon was as resolute as any god.
"Heh, dealing with the living sure is complicated."
Gu Sanqiu glanced at the thoughtful Hu Tao. "Don't tell me you're thinking of turning them all into the dead? I've got this covered."
"That item I gave you to eat earlier is precious. When we get back, make sure you focus on its effects. That should be your top priority right now, understand?"
"Blah blah, Gu-sister sure is naggy."
Hu Tao placed her hands on her hips, then gave Gu Sanqiu a playful slap on the shoulder, pretending to act all tough.
"Alright, since you've got problems to solve, go ahead and fix them. But remember, I'll always be your strongest shield, so don't forget it!"
(ﾉ´▽｀)ﾉ♪
"Yeah, yeah, if I run into any real problems, you'll be the first I come to."
Gu Sanqiu gave her a thumbs up. No joke—if he ever faced something even his overpowered cheat abilities couldn't handle, he'd definitely go running straight to Hu Tao and Zhongli for backup.
Back at home, Gu Sanqiu opened the doors to the Fengxiang Incense Chamber. Following the family tradition, he recited the incense offerings chant before sitting down and leaning against the large cauldron.
"Alright, all you spirits, named or unnamed immortals, I used to think the wheel of fate would start turning when those two showed up in Mondstadt."
"But I miscalculated. Liyue's changes have already begun. No matter what the Qixing think, by the time their policies trickle down, there will be distortion and misinterpretation."
"Mt. Tianheng, Feiyun Slope, and even those connected to Liyue's upper echelons—these guys are probably already eager to reshuffle the deck, thinking they can grab a bigger piece of the pie."
"How did my family end up with just me left? No siblings or cousins... Does the Geo Archon not bless us with 'many children'?"
Gu Sanqiu rubbed his chin. Hmm, that was a topic worth pondering.
Still, if he wanted to get out of this mess and plant one foot on solid ground amidst the chaos…
He had an idea.
A solution.
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If you spot any mistakes let me know so I can fix them.
Read up to Chapter 30! [P@treon.com/WiseTL]