It was just like Orobashi, the Great Serpent.
Though he had once drawn a boundary with the Thunder God—east belonging to the Thunder God, west to himself—deep down, Orobashi always knew the Thunder God was the true master of those lands.
As the defeated, he was nothing more than a pitiful creature granted a single island out of charity.
His eastern invasion was not only because the Heavenly Principles decreed it, nor solely to secure greater benefits for his people, nor even just to carry away the calamities festering on his island.
Part of it stemmed from pride. He could not accept such an end.
And for someone like Morax, whose pride ran even deeper, he would never allow himself to become a god living under another's roof.
Though there were only seven divine thrones, he was determined to claim one!
"Brother, let's divide Liyue into two parts. You take one section, right beside mine. If we stand side by side, lending each other support, surely we'll laugh to the end!"
At that moment, Morax seemed struck by a clever idea and proposed it eagerly.
"No." Elliot shook his head.
Morax froze. His eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Elliot, unable to understand his refusal.
"Why?" he asked.
"If we split apart, even as neighbors, it will only invite more trouble. And if the other gods learn that we're allied, they will band together, forming an even greater force against us," Elliot explained.
"Then what should we do? If it's true, the seven thrones of the mortal realm only number seven, and Liyue can only have one god." Morax's voice carried a trace of panic.
"Your strength is too weak. During the war, I will remain in the shadows, secretly aiding you. You will stand as Liyue's god. Then, before the Archon War ends, the two of us will join forces and seize another throne from our neighbors."
Morax paused, then lowered his head, falling into deep thought. The more he considered it, the more Elliot's plan made sense.
Indeed, with Elliot's power, claiming a divine seat would be trivial.
During the chaos so far, he had already repelled many gods, and scarcely any had proven a match.
And if Elliot could subdue him with ease, then there was little doubt.
"Then... Brother, what should we do?" Morax pressed.
"First, during the war, I cannot reveal myself—neither before humans nor before gods. I must be completely hidden. Let the world believe Liyue has only you as its god.
"Second, I will guide you from the shadows. I will teach you the art of combat. I will also cultivate the adepti I brought from Jueyun Karst, so they may become your strongest allies.
"This means every battle must be fought by you personally. From today onward, you must remain ever vigilant.
"Those gods who come will all be seeking to seize Liyue. You will bear the duty of protecting it.
"You can no longer show mercy and simply let them leave. War is no child's play."
In the past, many gods had tried to claim Liyue. Though Morax had defeated them all, he had never killed a single one.
He always felt it unnecessary. And indeed, once beaten, those gods never returned.
But war—war was different.
Its nature was wholly unlike mere disputes.
War demanded death.
The cruelest truth of war was that it turned strangers into mortal enemies—enemies who must kill one another.
Those earlier skirmishes were like two gangs of strangers fighting over territory. They brawled, the loser admitted defeat and left, and sometimes they even shook hands afterward and became friends.
But war…
War was never child's play.
Two people who had never met must fight with the resolve to kill.
Even if the other had never wronged you, you must kill them.
"Must… I really kill them?" Morax's heart sank.
Though he had fought for over a thousand years, he had never slain an opponent.
In his eyes, fighting was a test of strength, a clash of wills. Even those who came to seize his land had only angered him—he had never struck to kill.
"You must, Morax. Promise me you will."
Elliot turned slowly toward him, placing both hands on his head. Through the mask, their gazes locked.
"Mm..." Morax stared at the mask and nodded softly.
"I will."
"Good." Elliot released him.
...