With the discovery of the Senzu Beans, Jiang Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Even though his presence had already altered the course of Teyvat's history, he still couldn't be sure whether that cataclysmic flood — the one that destroyed Guili Plains and took Guizhong's life — might one day happen again.
He couldn't change the natural cycle of life and death for mortals, but he refused to stand by and watch his friends perish.
Now that he had Senzu Beans, even if they wanted to die, Guizhong and the others would find it difficult!
It was on this very day that a letter arrived from Morax.
"What did the Lord of Geo say?"
Ganyu stepped clOsial, concerned in her voice as she saw the furrow between Jiang Yan's brows.
"He's asking the two of us to return to Guili Plains," Jiang Yan replied, exhaling heavily.
"Something big must have happened.
A hundred years of peace… I think it's finally coming to an end."
"But what about Guili Plains…?"
There was a note of worry in Ganyu's tone.
Over the past century, Jiang Yan had turned Qingce into an impenetrable fortress.
Dozens of Guizhong Ballistae stood guard over the north, south, east, and west, while the Liyue Millelith patrolled the streets day and night.
"This war — if it breaks out — will mainly involve Minlin and Guyun Stone Forest.
The god in Chenyu Vale, I've met before. Not very strong.
If they do try to invade Qingce, the Guizhong Ballistae and the Liyue Millelith can hold the line until I get back."
He began giving orders calmly and decisively:
"Guili Plains's borders must be sealed. Notify the Liyue Millelith — tell the Qingce Corps to lock down the frontier, and make sure all the Guizhong Ballistae are fully charged and ready."
"I'll pack a few things, then we'll head for Guili Plains."
Ganyu nodded, turned, and left to carry out his orders.
A week later, all the adept gathered in Guili Plains.
In the grand hall, Jiang Yan sat at the front beside Bosacius, Guizhong, Marchosius, and Havria.
Behind them, the other adept took their seats.
Morax sat at the head of the table, his amber eyes scanning the room.
"Everyone," he began, "a week ago I summoned you because I received a letter from Osial of Guyun Stone Forest.
He invites me to his domain to discuss an important matter.
What are your thoughts on this?"
The adept exchanged glances.
"For the past two years, Osial and the Minlin gods have been making subtle moves," Guizhong said gravely.
"For him to invite you now, of all times… this can't be good."
"He's had over a century to reach out," snapped Moon Carver. "And yet he waits until the whole land teeters on the edge of war? Hah! I don't buy his sincerity."
"True," Marchosius said calmly, "but even so, we can't ignore his summons.
According to the Liyue Millelith reports, Osial hasn't just invited us — he's invited the gods of Minlin and Lisha as well."
"Inviting all the major powers into his territory?" Jiang Yan sneered. "Does Osial really think he can fit that many egos under one roof?"
"Mock him if you will," Ganyu interjected softly, "but if he succeeds in striking a deal with the others, we'll find ourselves on the back foot."
"That's not what worries me most," Morax said, his tone dropping.
"If I go to this meeting and end up being trapped there, who will guard Guili Plains in my absence?"
His gaze shifted toward Jiang Yan.
"And if that happens, who will protect the Guili Plains?"
"The god in Chenyu Vale won't pose much of a threat," Jiang Yan replied, frowning slightly. "I've dealt with him before. But we can't take chances.
Qingce now has a population of nearly two hundred thousand — second only to Guili Plains itself.
If anything were to happen there, a century of hard work would be lost overnight."
His words silenced the room.
It was one thing to defend Guili Plains alone — quite another to guard an entire realm surrounded by rival gods.
Even Guizhong frowned in deep thought.
At last, Jiang Yan broke the silence.
"Alright, here's what we'll do.
Dunyu Ruins will be entrusted to Bosacius, along with the Five Yakshas and the Thousand Rock Tianheng Corps.
Guili Plains… Marchosius, Havria — you'll take command of the Thousand Rock Qingce Corps, assisted by Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper.
As for Guili Plains…"
A cold light flickered in Jiang Yan's eyes.
"I'll guard it myself.
All other adepts will remain here in Guili to stand watch.
Guizhong — you'll be in charge of logistics and supply distribution."
Morax lowered his head, considering the proposal.
Finally, he looked up. "Does anyone object?"
No one spoke.
Jiang Yan's arrangement made the best possible use of everyone's strength.
"Then it's settled," Morax declared, clapping a firm hand on Jiang Yan's shoulder.
"Can you really handle guarding Guili on your own?"
Jiang Yan smiled faintly.
"Leave it to me."
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