Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Consulting Zhongli?"

Gu Sanqiu nodded. "Zhongli is well-versed in all kinds of knowledge, even obscure and niche topics. He might know something that can help me."

Of course, this was just an excuse. The old man definitely knew what was going on; he simply hadn't been directly asked yet.

Gu Sanqiu found himself eagerly anticipating the arrival of the blonde, blunt-sword-wielding god of war.

Once he exposed the old man's true identity, any mysteries about ancient times could be cleared up with a single question. It would be convenience at its finest.

Actually…

Could I offload managing the secret archives onto the old man?

That way, I could distance myself from those lunatics.

This would be the ultimate "retire and rehire" move!

Revitalized by the idea, Gu Sanqiu stood up. "It's settled! Let's head to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor right now."

"Why are you so excited all of a sudden?"

Hu Tao eyed him suspiciously. They had known each other since childhood, so she was well aware of his thought process.

"No big deal—I just figured out a solution to a culinary problem. I'll cook it for you next time."

"I want to try it tonight!"

"Fine, fine. Let me gather the ingredients, and I'll bring them over. Wait here."

---

Twenty minutes later, Zhongli calmly sipped a cup of tea.

"The phenomenon you mentioned, Gu Sanqiu—I do know something about it, though not much."

"Please, enlighten me," Gu Sanqiu urged.

Coming from Zhongli, "not much" was never just that. If it were about a person, he'd probably know their favorite color of underwear.

"That phenomenon, or rather, ability, was referred to as the Battle Soul of Killing Intent during wartime. While its principles remain unclear, it seems to stem from one of the Adepti's Three Secrets, specifically the concept of External Domain, made manifest through martial techniques."

External Domain of Martial Arts?

Gu Sanqiu blinked, surprised to hear such a familiar term.

"In the records I've seen," Zhongli continued, "activating this ability was said to be extremely taxing. However, it was a rare technique that allowed the weak to overcome the strong."

"Weak overcoming the strong?"

Zhongli nodded. "During the Archon War, the Millelith not only fought against followers of enemy gods but also had to face godly constructs—and sometimes the gods themselves."

"Your family, with its long-standing history, must be aware of this."

Gu Sanqiu nodded again. "So, Zhongli, you're saying the Battle Soul of Killing Intent was a technique of resistance, capable of rivaling gods when perfected?"

"The records are not that detailed," Zhongli clarified. "But based on ancient descriptions of a god's might, even with such a technique, it likely only allowed for defense, not true combat."

He paused, then added, "However, examining the current Millelith's tactics might provide further insights."

"I'm listening."

"The Millelith descended from the original Millelith Corps, and Liyue's civilization has remained unbroken. As such, even their organizational structure has seen little change."

"From individual soldiers to squads and larger formations, everything is highly systematic. If the records are correct, even a small squad of Millelith soldiers could once wield this ability."

"When combined, it's not unreasonable to suggest they could withstand the power of a god, at least to some extent."

Zhongli took another sip of tea. "That's all I know. I hope it helps."

"It helps a lot—more than I expected," Gu Sanqiu said, nodding enthusiastically.

The concept reminded him of something straight out of a tokusatsu show.

Against weaker enemies, the hero squad would don colorful suits and flashy weapons, cutting through foes like grass. For tougher opponents, they'd hop into mechs with upgraded forms.

And for the final boss? It'd be time for some over-the-top combination move: "I'll form the head!" "I'll form the tonsils!"

Simple and effective.

"As long as it's helpful," Zhongli replied.

The moment he finished speaking, Hu Tao clung to Gu Sanqiu's arm.

"You promised to cook something delicious for me—go do it now!"

"Alright, alright. I wouldn't dream of leaving out our resident glutton."

Gu Sanqiu patted her head and guided her back to her seat.

---

"Here it is: a classic recreation—Frosty Multi-Fruit Mountain!"

Gu Sanqiu set down a massive platter of ice cream. "I've added fruits infused with various elemental energies. Not only does it prevent minor ailments like stomach chills, but it also replenishes elemental energy."

"I'm digging in!"

Ψ(￣v￣)Ψ

Hu Tao grabbed two oversized spoons, her eyes sparkling. "I'm going to finish this whole thing!"

Zhongli glanced at his spoon, then at the towering ice cream mountain that stood taller than a seated Hu Tao.

"Rationally speaking, finishing this dessert would indeed be a considerable challenge."

He turned to Gu Sanqiu. "Don't you think ice cream is a bit unhealthy in this weather?"

"Be reasonable, Zhongli. If a Pyro Vision wielder could be taken down by mere ice cream, the only explanation would be that the ingredients were frozen by the Tsaritsa herself."

Gu Sanqiu waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. I've modified the recipe. Sure, it's a bit calorie-heavy, but it's perfectly healthy."

"In that case, why not make it entirely healthy and nutritious?" Zhongli asked.

"That's the difference between candy and medicine, Zhongli," Gu Sanqiu replied with a shrug. "Humans are creatures of desire, driven by seeking pleasure and avoiding harm."

"If I can make something healthy into something I enjoy eating, why wouldn't I? It satisfies both my body and my senses."

"After all, the point of mastering so many skills is to improve your life—both materially and spiritually. So why not put in a little effort to do things your way?"

"Hmm. Sound reasoning."

With that, Zhongli scooped a small spoonful and tasted it.

"The rich creaminess, the fruity flavors, the coldness—each sensation spreads through the body, creating a profound sense of satisfaction. Just as you said, Gu Sanqiu."

"Heh, thanks for the praise."

"Speaking of the Battle Soul of Killing Intent," Zhongli said, setting his spoon down. "What are your plans regarding this discovery?"

"Considering the speed of the Qixing, I'd guess their report on the ability will be ready by tomorrow," Zhongli said. "Do you plan to share today's findings with them?"

"Oh, that?" Gu Sanqiu rested his chin on one hand while digging into the ice cream with the other.

"Honestly, if they can't figure it out, they'll come looking for me—or Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—for any related ancient secrets."

He smirked. "When that happens, I'll have the upper hand in negotiations. Why hand over leverage when they can deliver it to me themselves?"

---

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