As expected, under Gu Sanqiu's deliberate maneuvering, the more intelligent faction took on most of the compensation, aiming to ease their relationship with him. Meanwhile, the less savvy members of the group were overjoyed, thinking that someone else had foolishly shouldered the bulk of the debt. What could be better than that?
Even though it seemed odd that some people would so readily take on the responsibility, these folks didn't bother thinking about it too much. Why should they fear Gu Sanqiu's retaliation if others were afraid of the power of the Incense-Bearers?
With this bizarre yet self-justified logic, the nobles left, looking like defeated roosters, heads hanging low as they descended the mountain. The concept of "smart" or "foolish" was just a way for losers to comfort themselves, a method of minimizing their losses.
If they could succeed and gain more profits, who would care about being smart or not?
"Heh, not bad at all. No wonder they've risen to wealth so quickly in recent years. This payout alone is enough for me to splurge a little."
While he wasn't the type to throw lavish parties, Gu Sanqiu had significant monthly expenses, including donations to the orphanage and the costly materials needed for the Gu family's main tasks like alchemy and forging. All these things were massive money sinks.
"Well, I've given those guys a thorough lesson. Next time someone comes looking for trouble, it won't be so easy."
Gu Sanqiu touched his Vision. The secrets and ancient records of the Incense-Bearers were a treasure trove, something he was determined to protect at all costs.
In a way, these hidden conflicts were like leveling up through monster-slaying. The nouveau riche were desperate to gain something, while those pulling the strings behind them also had desires. However, the puppet masters were patient, only acting through intermediaries.
But when the rich failed, those behind the scenes would have to step forward themselves to achieve their goals.
Each round of conflict would only get harder.
"Heh, bring it on! Let's see if I don't send all of you to Hu Tao to boost her business!"
Gu Sanqiu stretched lazily. "Time to head home~"
---
The next morning, in Yuehai Pavilion, Keqing casually popped a small snack into her mouth, her eyes fixed on her subordinate in front of her.
"So, those fools took a big loss at Gu Sanqiu's hands?"
"Yes, and it seems he split them into two camps, which will make things easier for us."
"Heh, no surprise there. He made up a supernatural legend just to deal with them?"
Keqing shook her head. "So what's he doing now?"
"According to intelligence from Minlin, it seems Gu Sanqiu purchased a large quantity of spiritual soil from a sect. Word of the Incense-Bearers has also started to spread in a small circle."
"Those who live outside the secular world have their own ways of doing things. Don't worry about them. What's Gu Sanqiu up to?"
"He... uh... seems to be slaughtering sheep and fish, preparing to cook?"
"Huh?"
⊙(・◇・)?
"We heard sounds of fish flopping on the ground and sheep bleating. There was even the sound of a fish tail slapping someone's face. So, we suspect he's cooking."
"Alright, I get it."
Keqing glanced at the snack in her hand and decided to put it back on the plate.
"He probably assumes no one would dare skim off his profits, so he's relaxing and enjoying his meal at home."
Keqing stood up and walked around her desk, gazing out the window at the sky.
"When will I get to enjoy a meal without work hanging over me?"
---
"Hahaha! Sanqiu, you're a real character!"
Ｏ(≧▽≦)Ｏ
Hu Tao was laughing so hard she was holding her stomach, her eyes fixed on Gu Sanqiu's face, half of which was marked by a bright blue fish tail imprint.
Low emotional intelligence: "How'd you get slapped so hard by a fish tail?"
High emotional intelligence: "That face paint looks just like the sea tribe's ritual markings!"
"You've got style, Gu! Even if you never leave Liyue, your fashion sense is ahead of its time…"
Beidou sat on a rock, drinking and laughing, her hand causing the stone to tremble as she patted it.
"Hahaha, alright, I can't keep up the act anymore. This is just too funny!"
"The mighty Incense-Bearer, smacked in the face by a fish tail—if the people you defeated heard that, they'd never believe it!"
As the two women laughed uncontrollably, Gu Sanqiu sighed deeply and looked over at Ping, who was calmly tending to the fire.
"Sigh, Granny, you're my real savior. Look at those two, laughing at me. At least you're not making fun of me."
"Ah, little Gu, I'm only not laughing out loud."
Granny Ping adjusted her glasses and slowly stirred the contents of the large pot in front of her—or more accurately, the massive cauldron.
"But honestly, it is quite amusing. You have to admit, being smacked with a fish tail is a pretty unique experience. In all my years, I've never seen another Incense-Bearer go through that."
She gave him a warm smile. "As an elder, I can't mock the younger generation. You understand, don't you?"
Gu Sanqiu could practically hear the hidden meaning behind her words.
As an Incense-Bearer, he'd just added a new chapter to his legacy, providing future storytellers with some entertaining material to work with.
"Sigh, the world is a harsh place."
Gu Sanqiu touched the side of his face. When he pulled up his fishing rod earlier, he was ecstatic to see it glow purple—an extremely rare and valuable sign, something that could make anyone's day.
Purple light was rare. He'd already gotten his hands on a precious piece of Dragonstone recently, so he thought his luck had finally turned.
But as soon as the fish emerged, it flopped out of the water and slapped him hard across the face with its thick tail.
He hadn't been knocked out, but he was ready to retaliate, gripping his rod and gathering Geo energy to strike back. That's when he noticed the purple light fading away, revealing an unusual creature—a fish-tailed sheep—that lay on the ground, trembling and foaming at the mouth as if something had scared it to death.
...
Realizing it was a living creature, Gu Sanqiu had been all set to chop it into pieces for revenge, but now he just felt conflicted.
Still, the creature had set some kind of record. It had successfully attacked an Incense-Bearer within the Gu estate—no small feat.
Item: Fish-Tailed Sheep
Origin: Boundless Sea Realm
Description: A strange sea creature with forelegs for combat and a fish tail for movement. Once cooked, it's said to have a particularly delicious flavor. However, fishermen who capture fish-tailed sheep often bear a blue fish tail mark on their faces.
Special Note: Haha! Like I wouldn't know that mark came from getting slapped by a fish tail. How much dumber could these fishermen get?
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