The next day, under Guizhong's direction, everyone began departing from Guili Plains with the supplies they needed.
Morax, too, was preparing to set out for Guyun Stone Forest.
Yet, this wasn't just a simple journey.
Guyun Stone Forest was Osial's stronghold — and this time, it would host a gathering of the most powerful gods across the land.
Even if Jiang Yan and the others tried to appear calm, none of them could honestly say they weren't worried.
Still, with a century of faith from the people of Liyue strengthening him, Morax's power was likely far beyond what Jiang Yan had once imagined.
Ganyu and Cloud Retainer went off to inspect the Guizhong Ballistae stationed throughout Guili Plains, ensuring they were all functioning properly.
Guizhong herself was overseeing the distribution of materials to each defensive position.
Everyone was busy, each with their own tasks.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yan stood alone atop a mountain ridge overlooking Guili Plains, gazing down at the bustling city below.
"Not going to make any preparations of your own?"
Morax's deep voice came from behind him as he stepped up beside Jiang Yan, sharing the same view.
"I'm the one guarding Guili Plains. I don't exactly need to stock up on supplies," Jiang Yan said flatly.
"But you — heading into the very heart of Osial's domain alone — should be the one preparing carefully."
"I'll be fine," Morax replied calmly, his voice filled with quiet confidence. "I go alone, yes — but I fear no one there."
"Heh. Just don't come running back in defeat," Jiang Yan teased, glancing at him.
"Oh? You think so little of me?"
Morax smiled faintly and clapped a hand onto Jiang Yan's shoulder.
"How about it? Want to spar before I leave?"
Jiang Yan's expression froze for a second. He subtly stepped out of reach of Morax's hand.
"I'll pass. It wouldn't be wise for either of us to get injured right before a potential war."
"Hahaha, fair enough," Morax laughed heartily.
"Hey, Morax," Jiang Yan said suddenly, his tone softening. "How long has it been since we've stood like this, just talking?"
Morax thought for a moment.
"Decades, probably…" he said lightly.
To an immortal god who had lived for thousands of years, a few decades passed like the blink of an eye.
But Jiang Yan wasn't a god — he hadn't lived that long.
To him, even surviving for more than a hundred years already felt like a miracle — something the man he once was could never have dreamed of.
And yet, the days still stretched ahead, long and uncertain.
For a moment, a wistful calm filled the air between them.
"When I'm gone," Morax said quietly, "Guili Plains will be in your care.
If war breaks out, this place will be the first to come under attack from three sides.
Can you hold it alone?"
Jiang Yan's lips curled into a faint smirk.
"What? You doubt my strength?"
"I don't doubt it," Morax said seriously. "I just need you to hold the line until I return.
If they dare to start a war while I'm away…" His amber eyes glowed faintly with divine light.
"I'll crush them all — drown them in the depths of Guyun Stone Forest!"
So that's the plan — turn Guyun's islets into a battlefield, huh?
Jiang Yan chuckled softly. "Then I'll be waiting for your good news."
Morax didn't reply.
He only continued to watch the people below — his people — working diligently in the fields and workshops, as if engraving the sight into memory.
A few days later, clad in his white-and-gold battle armor, Morax departed Guili Plains and began his journey toward the east — toward Guyun.
Jiang Yan watched him go, then turned to a secluded clearing.
Placing his palms together, he murmured:
"Wood Release — Wood Clone Technique!"
Boom!
A burst of chakra-like energy erupted, and a wooden duplicate stepped forth from his body, landing on the ground.
"You summoned me. What do you need?" the clone asked calmly.
Jiang Yan raised his hand. Golden light began to gather in his palm — brilliant, radiant — until it solidified into a sword that gleamed with holy brilliance.
The Sword of Promised Victory!
He had been able to fully unleash this Noble Phantasm for decades now.
Its power was unmatched — but there was one major flaw.
To charge the blade, Jiang Yan needed to draw on surrounding faith and the energy of the land itself — and during that process, he had to stand completely still, unable to move.
By chance, he'd discovered that his wood clones could perform that charging ritual for him.
Once the clone dissipated, the charged sword would instantly reappear in his hand — fully primed and ready to release.
He'd tested it many times, and it worked perfectly.
That was precisely why he had called forth this clone today.
"When I leave," Jiang Yan instructed, "start gathering the faith and natural energy needed to charge the Sword of Promised Victory.
Wait for my signal."
The clone nodded, picked up the radiant blade, and walked away.
Watching it vanish into the distance, Jiang Yan exhaled softly, then turned back toward Guili Plains.
Morax had set off.
Now it was his turn — to make his own preparations.
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