"Equal to Heaven, Bound by Earth" A Genshin Impact Fanfic

Chapter 12: Price of Incense and an Invitation

The warm hues of twilight painted the streets of Liyue Harbor as the group approached Bubu Pharmacy, the clamor of merchants and travelers filling the air. Despite the city's lively backdrop, a faint tension lingered among them.

Wukong adjusted his grip on his iron staff, spinning it idly as he walked. "So, let me get this straight—after scaling a mountain, fixing a giant crossbow, and fighting off a horde of thieves, we're supposed to tell a zombie girl that her 'cocogoat' is nothing more than a... drink?"

Lumine sighed, brushing a strand of her golden hair from her face. "That's about the size of it. Let's just hope Qiqi can clear this up so we can get the incense."

"Assuming she even remembers what she asked for in the first place," Paimon muttered, her arms crossed in frustration. "If she sends us on another wild goose chase, I'm going to scream."

Wukong smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. "If she does, maybe I'll scream with you. That might get some answers."

Entering the familiar herbal-scented interior of Bubu Pharmacy, the group found Qiqi perched on a small stool, methodically sorting herbs into jars. She looked up as they entered, her blank expression unchanged. "Oh, you're back. Did you find the cocogoat?"

Paimon's frustration spilled over. "There is no cocogoat! We've looked everywhere—mountains, ballistae, you name it. Whatever it is, it doesn't exist!"

Qiqi blinked slowly, tilting her head. "No cocogoat?" She pulled out her well-worn notebook and began flipping through the pages. After a moment, her small finger stopped at an entry. "Oh," she murmured. "I meant... coconut milk."

The room fell silent.

Wukong blinked, then doubled over in laughter, his boisterous voice echoing in the small space. "Coconut milk?! You mean to tell me we went through all that trouble for a drink?"

"Are you serious right now?!" Paimon exclaimed, her tiny hands flying to her head. "Why didn't you just say so from the start?!"

Lumine rubbed her temples, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Qiqi, coconut milk isn't something you hunt. It's made from coconuts. You crack the fruit open, and—"

As Lumine patiently explained the process, the sound of soft, deliberate footsteps interrupted her. The group turned to see a tall man with pale green hair enter the room, his serpentine companion draped elegantly over his shoulders. His robes shimmered faintly in the light, giving him an ethereal quality.

"Ah," the man said with a serene smile, "so you've met Qiqi. Thank you for taking care of her." He inclined his head gracefully. "I am Baizhu, the owner of Bubu Pharmacy."

Wukong raised an eyebrow, eyeing Baizhu's companion. "And who's the snake?"

The serpent lifted its head, its golden eyes narrowing. "I am Changsheng, and I assure you, I am far more than 'just a snake.' Show some respect, monkey."

"Monkey?" Wukong grinned, tapping his staff on the ground. "I like her already."

Baizhu chuckled lightly. "Now, now, let's not bicker. You must be here for the Everlasting Incense?"

Zhongli, standing silent until now, stepped forward with his usual calm poise. "Indeed. It is a key component for the Rite of Parting, and we would appreciate your assistance in procuring it."

Baizhu's eyes glinted with a hint of shrewdness. "Everlasting Incense is a rare commodity, and as such, it does not come cheaply. My price is three million Mora."

"Three million?!" Paimon's voice rose to an incredulous shriek. "That's robbery!"

"Indeed," Wukong muttered, his golden eyes narrowing. "Even Rex Lapis himself wouldn't charge that much for incense meant for his own funeral."