Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

Jingliang Huili struggled to grasp Gu Sanqiu's thought process but figured it wasn't his place to understand. A lord had their reasons, and all a subordinate needed to do was get things done.

Besides, if he succeeded in handling this task, it would mean earning greater trust from Gu Sanqiu—his first benefit.

Secondly, from an outsider's perspective, it would seem as though he had facilitated this opportunity through his own connections. That kind of reputation could open doors, even making the Kanjou Commission more accommodating for future favors.

In short, working for Gu Sanqiu was lucrative—extremely so.

If he could reach the point where he didn't need to rely on his uncle to connect with influential figures, it would be a clear sign that he had truly made something of himself.

For someone from a declining family without strong upper-echelon ties, achieving this much was already remarkable.

Still, Jingliang Huili had a gut feeling. If he could truly align himself with Gu Sanqiu, his future achievements would far exceed this.

---

"Boss!"

Arataki Itto and his three underlings came rushing over, snapping to attention like soldiers at roll call.

"The full Arataki Gang has reported in!"

…

"Reported in for what?" Gu Sanqiu groaned. "I called you here to work, not to fight. Do me a favor and cut it out with the gangster lingo."

With a sigh, Gu Sanqiu pulled Jingliang Huili forward.

"This is a friend from the Tenryou Commission. You'll probably deal with him a lot in the future, so get acquainted now."

"The… the Tenryou Commission?"

The group collectively swallowed hard. Just this morning, they'd been involved in some less-than-legal activities, and now they were meeting with a Tenryou Commission official. Worse still, the two seemed on good terms.

Boss was truly extraordinary!

"You're the oni, Arataki Itto?"

"Hahaha! This great one—wait, no, I mean, yes! My name's already that famous?"

Itto beamed with pride, oblivious to the nervous glances his underlings exchanged. Jingliang Huili noticed but chalked it up to the typical panic of small-time troublemakers encountering law enforcement.

Once Gu Sanqiu had sent the group off to assist with work, Huili turned back to him, wearing a hesitant expression.

"You already know our relationship," Huili began cautiously. "If you think certain actions might affect me negatively, feel free to say so. I'm not the kind of samurai who clings to stubborn pride. That mindset doesn't lead to mastery in the martial arts."

"Yes, Lord Longhai—or rather, my lord—Arataki Itto is a rather peculiar figure. If I may suggest, it might be better to avoid too much association with him."

The change in how Huili addressed Gu Sanqiu was telling. Dropping his official persona, he was now speaking as a subordinate, showing just how seriously he took the matter.

"Peculiar?"

Longhai Xuanzhe raised an eyebrow. "What's so special about him? Don't tell me the Tenryou Commission plans to make him some sort of frontline general."

"Not quite. He's an oni, a species that, according to legend, defected to humanity's side. Naturally, the Tenryou Commission keeps a close eye on him."

Huili explained with measured seriousness. "I hold no prejudice against the oni. Based on prior reports, he's somewhat scatterbrained but still has potential as an asset."

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "If that's the case, why are you advising me to avoid him?"

"Because times have changed."

Huili sighed bitterly. "In the past—or if the Vision Hunt Decree and the war with Watatsumi Island weren't ongoing—recruiting a fighter like him would be advantageous."

"But the current political climate is different. Vision bearers and individuals with unclear origins are under intense scrutiny from the Shogunate."

"Arataki Itto checks both boxes."

Gu Sanqiu understood.

Though Itto had lived in Hanamizaka for years, his oni heritage made him a perpetual outsider. Add a Vision to the mix, and he became doubly suspect.

As someone new to Inazuma City, Gu Sanqiu himself was likely under surveillance by the Tenryou Commission.

And now, barely settled in, he was seen mingling with another high-profile individual. Even the dimmest minds in the Shogunate would raise suspicions.

No matter what plans he had, such attention would only bring more obstacles.

Gu Sanqiu felt exasperated. What could I do? It's not like I sought him out! He showed up at my doorstep, demanding a duel! How was I supposed to prevent that?

He hadn't realized Itto's situation was this complicated, but he did know the oni was a persistent nuisance. Refusing him outright would only earn him the same endless harassment Kujou Sara endured.

By sheer misfortune, he had ended up as the leader of the Arataki Gang, only now learning the full implications.

How suffocating.

Gu Sanqiu couldn't help but wonder if Itto had single-handedly tanked the Geo element's collective intelligence and dignity. Maybe even the gods had set him up to restore Geo's reputation by babysitting this fool.

Still, he couldn't let his annoyance show. Maintaining a composed, samurai-like demeanor was essential.

"It doesn't matter. Prejudices of the world are meaningless. Let's not dwell on such things."

Placing a reassuring hand on Huili's shoulder, Gu Sanqiu continued, "If such concerns truly bound me, I wouldn't have returned to society. I'd still be living among the beasts in the mountains."

"Remember this: as long as one does no evil, Arataki Itto and his gang will always have a place with me. The same goes for you."

Huili nodded solemnly. He felt Gu Sanqiu's words carried genuine respect and importance.

As a superior, Gu Sanqiu didn't have to share his thoughts, let alone offer encouragement. This demonstrated a rare sense of consideration—a way to ensure trust and understanding between them.

"No evil…"

Huili mulled over the phrase. "Then, Lord Longhai, what would you define as evil?"

"That's for you to decide."

Gu Sanqiu's tone was steady. "As long as you don't commit heinous acts, the specifics are up to you."

"Even if, one day, you do something questionable for the sake of your family, as long as no innocents are harmed, I wouldn't call it wrong."

"I understand."

Huili left to oversee the workers, while Gu Sanqiu turned to watch Itto using his unparalleled social skills to entertain the laborers. His boisterous laughter echoed across the site, bridging the gap between oni and humans.

Gu Sanqiu couldn't help but nod in approval.

In Inazuma, vitality always found a way to shine through.

This vitality didn't come from rulers or divine beings.

Gods might protect physical survival, but they couldn't breathe life into the spirit.

Merely existing wasn't truly living—not from a human perspective.

True brilliance came when the spirit's energy aligned with physical vitality. That's when humanity's resilience and potential truly flourished.

Like now—humans and oni alike, sweating and laboring together. In such moments, horns were no more significant than freckles.