At high noon, Morax prepared his words and led the gathered immortals as they slowly descended from Tianheng Mountain. Two immortal cranes and two immortal deer flanked him on either side.
Seeing such a strange and solemn sight, the people of Liyue turned their eyes toward the scene.
"The Geo Emperor has arrived!"
"The Geo Emperor has arrived!!"
All of Liyue erupted in excitement. Even those who had been idly at home rushed out upon hearing the news.
From his lofty place above, Morax waited until most had gathered before slowly speaking his commands.
"From this moment on, the entire nation enters a state of emergency. All ports are to be completely closed, and fishing at sea is forbidden."
"Free mining is also suspended. Mining will only take place in the middle of each month, and I must personally lead it. Independent mining is strictly prohibited."
At these words, the people froze in shock, as if struck by thunder. They had thought that the Geo Emperor's descent today would bring joyous news, something like the Lantern Rite.
Instead, it was the announcement of a terrifying disaster.
War!
A single word that shook them to the core.
At the same time, they understood. No wonder they had seen the Geo Emperor fighting other gods so often recently. The world was no longer at peace.
"The four immortals beside me shall be granted the title of [Adepti]. Together, they and I will safeguard Liyue. Do not fear. As long as we live, nothing will befall Liyue!"
Seeing the panic in his people's eyes, Morax introduced the four immortals beside him. Though his words offered little comfort—for the cruelty of war was far too real—such things could not be hidden. Better to speak openly than conceal them.
Of course, this had been Elliot's idea.
As for the name "Adepti," it was not merely a title, but a responsibility.
The Adepti were immortals who had attained power and enlightenment beyond that of mortals, and who, by contract, had taken upon themselves the task of protecting Liyue alongside the Geo Emperor.
This title carried both reverence and duty. In times of peace, the Adepti could retreat into their domains—whether on Mount Aozang, within the mountains of Jueyun Karst, or in hidden realms shaped by their arts. But when the nation was threatened, they would manifest in their true forms to defend the people.
The Five Manifestations of their mission were clear:
To protect Liyue and its people;
To answer the call of mortals in times of need;
To bestow divine signs in response to sincere prayers;
To guide and instruct humans through contracts and teachings;
And above all, to remain faithful to the eternity of their vows, even as centuries passed.
Thus, receiving the title of Adepti was not merely an honor—it was a vow, a sacred contract binding them forever to the defense of Liyue
"During wartime, do not stray too far from Tianheng Mountain."
With those final words, Morax departed Liyue with the immortals, returning to Tianheng Mountain.
"Adeptus Cloud Retainer, you know how to set hidden alarm wards, don't you?" Elliot asked as they returned.
"That is the most basic of tasks. Of course I do," Cloud Retainer replied.
"Good. Take them and set up the wards. Center them on Tianheng Mountain, circling outward. The limit should be the farthest range at which you can still receive the alarms."
Hearing this, Cloud Retainer nodded, then departed with the other three immortals to begin the work.
After watching them leave, Elliot turned to Morax.
"Come. It's time I taught you that technique."
Morax hesitated for a moment before realizing what he meant. But this time, he felt no excitement at all. No joy, no anticipation.
For he knew—it was for war.
Once, he had loved that move because it was powerful, stylish, awe-inspiring. Now, it carried only the weight of destruction.
"Morax, do not forget your duty."
"Come…"
Elliot raised his hand, and a square stone appeared in his palm, as though a sun had been imprisoned within it.
Thus began the teaching, which lasted five days.
...
On the fifth day, as the instruction continued, Elliot suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong, Brother?" Morax asked, sensing something amiss.
"A god approaches," Elliot said, his eyes fixed on the distance.
Morax stiffened, his gaze dimming. The words he least wished to hear had come to pass. The fate he most dreaded was unfolding.
Elliot placed a hand on his shoulder.
"There's no avoiding it. Face it, Morax."
Morax's clenched fists slowly loosened.
"Where?" he asked.
"Northwest."
At once, Morax flew in that direction.
Before long, he saw a god approaching. The figure noticed him as well, smiling provocatively.
"So you are the Geo Emperor, God of Liyue?"
"I am."
"Good…"
"Once I kill you, Liyue will be mine!"
This god wasted no time. Raising his hand, he summoned countless deadly Cryo spikes from behind him. They rained down like a storm, piercing through the sky toward Morax.
Morax instantly wrapped himself in a shield of stone. The Cryo spikes slammed against it, shattering into countless glittering shards.