"Why does it feel like your shield is getting harder to break? You weren't holding back during our sparring match in Mondstadt, were you?"
"Don't talk nonsense. Isn't it normal for me to improve after all this time?"
At Wanmin Restaurant, two slightly disheveled individuals sat together eating noodles. Childe stared at Gu Sanqiu, his expression screaming disbelief.
Gu Sanqiu took a sip of soup. "I was planning to go back for a nap, but you suddenly dragged me into a fight. Don't you think you owe me some kind of compensation for emotional distress?"
"Heh, I helped you train that thing, and you expect me to compensate you?"
Childe looked at him with mock disdain.
"Wasn't it you who deliberately picked a fight?"
"Well… maybe 60-70% of it was intentional."
"Heh."
"Oh, by the way, I have another question."
Childe's expression turned serious. "Why can't my Delusion absorb your shield? What is that thing made of?"
"How should I know?"
Of course, Gu Sanqiu knew exactly what Childe meant. The life-draining properties of a Delusion seemed to have no effect on his shield.
After realizing this, he tested using a basic crystallized shield instead of his enhanced one. It didn't take long for Childe's Electro energy to shatter it completely.
He could now safely conclude that the shield's resistance stemmed from a Geo Spine he had acquired—a sort of governing rule tied to the Geo element, possibly even Archon-level.
While a Delusion could absorb elemental energy, it either required Childe to reach a higher level of mastery or simply couldn't handle such advanced energy constructs.
But there was no way Gu Sanqiu was sharing this information. If Childe decided to find some obscure elemental technique specifically to counter his shield, it could spell trouble.
"Tsk. That's the beauty of Geo, isn't it? Shields are really convenient in battle."
"Give me a break. You can heal wounds. I can't use Geo to heal unless I want to give myself kidney stones."
"Healing and shielding aren't the same. I can't heal myself during a fight, but a shield can reduce the damage I take mid-battle."
Gu Sanqiu glanced at Childe. "What's this? Thinking of changing sides? Want me to ask the Geo Archon during the Rite of Parting if he'll take you in and swap your Vision for Geo?"
"That's an option?"
"Of course not. I'm kidding."
...
Childe took a deep breath, restraining his urge to drag Gu Sanqiu into another fight.
"So, what are your plans next?"
Childe paused. "Me? Probably just dealing with the usual matters. Nothing major seems to be on the horizon, right?"
"By the way, don't the Fatui get any vacations?"
"Of course we do. That trip to Mondstadt last time? Strictly speaking, that was already a vacation for the accompanying team members."
What?! Even capitalists don't exploit people as much as the Fatui!
Gu Sanqiu was stunned. Sure, the last expedition into the Domain had gone smoothly enough, but the battles outside had been grueling.
So, the Fatui's idea of a "vacation" is just working in a different location?
You never fail to impress, Lord Harbinger.
"For me, as long as there's a fight, it doesn't matter where I am. That's when I feel most alive."
Childe grinned. "Fortunately, this world usually provides plenty of opportunities for enjoyment."
"Fine, you win. I can't compete with that."
"What about you? The Lantern Rite is coming up. You'll probably be busy, right? From what I know of Liyue traditions, you'll have to finish everything before you can take a break."
"Technically, I don't have anything particularly pressing—at least for now."
After paying the bill, the two strolled through the streets to walk off their meal.
"That said, I'll probably head back soon to help out where I can," Gu Sanqiu added.
"Does the Fatui have anything urgent to handle? Maybe I can open a back door for you guys."
"Oh? Since you're offering, I do have a few matters you could assist with."
"Don't worry. To save your time, I'll make sure all your requests are immediately rejected. You'll get your answers the same day."
"You just want to fight, don't you!"
"Let's change the subject. How about coming over for dinner during the Lantern Rite? I'll introduce you to a few friends."
More importantly, Gu Sanqiu planned to introduce Childe to his father.
Once Childe realized how extraordinary his father was, he'd likely dethrone Gu Sanqiu as the family's main wallet. That way, Gu Sanqiu wouldn't keep coming home to find yet another invoice from the Pavilion.
Perfect plan!
"That's not going to work. My subordinates and I can't return home because of official duties. Although we don't celebrate the Lantern Rite in Snezhnaya, I need to stay with my men during such festivals."
Childe waved it off. "Festive times often bring out strong emotions. Being with them helps maintain morale."
"Alright, then. We'll save the meal for another time."
Gu Sanqiu made his way to a secluded area, shading his eyes with one hand as he checked the position of the sun. A faint green glow enveloped him as powerful Anemo energy began to circulate within his body.
"If I remember correctly, Xiao's technique involves immersing himself in Anemo energy, lightly releasing it to 'sweep away' obstacles—physical or otherwise—for quick movement."
"While Decarabian's power feels more forceful and unrestrained, it's still Anemo. Borrowing some techniques should be fine… I think?"
With that, Gu Sanqiu leapt into the air.
Boom!
A deafening sound drew the attention of many, including a squad of Millelith soldiers who rushed to the scene, only to find a ground covered in cracks.
"Ahhh—"
Gu Sanqiu realized, to his horror, that he had severely underestimated his own power.
Decarabian's strength was far greater than he had imagined. The Anemo energy within him, acting as a "seed of power," was denser and more refined than Xiao's.
In other words, his "fuel" was far more advanced, almost a generational leap.
Before he knew it, he had already surpassed the Jade Chamber, continuing to soar higher and farther with no way to stop himself.
"Stop! I said STOP!"
Desperate, Gu Sanqiu lamented not having prepared something heavy, like a few tons of iron, to use as makeshift brakes.
The crimson gem on his chest began to glow ominously. Flames erupted behind him, forming into a majestic figure that devoured the excess Anemo energy.
Whizz!
As Gu Sanqiu started his descent, he barely had time to breathe a sigh of relief when the sharp whistle of heavy crossbow bolts reached his ears.
That was the sound of siege arrows slicing through the air!
"Hold your fire! Wait—stop! It's me, Sis!"
---
T/N: Father is zhongli, because zhongli is daddy
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