"You seem rather afraid of me," Morax said suddenly, his sharp eyes catching a subtle flinch.
Little Ganyu's chubby body stiffened like a startled rabbit.
"N-No… not at all…" she stammered.
At the side, Jiang Yan's teacup nearly cracked in his grip, his expression full of excitement.
Ganyu!! My little Coconut Goat!!
Wasn't this exactly why he'd come to Teyvat in the first place? To pull for his beloved Ganyu—and not just any pull, but a five-star in one ten-pull!
Meanwhile, the little qilin girl felt a pair of fiery eyes fixed upon her. She turned her head slightly—and saw a silver-haired boy staring right at her, gaze alight like a torch.
Her round cheeks flushed a faint pink.
That boy was so handsome!
And he could sit beside her master and Lord Morax himself… He must be someone incredible!
Morax, however, paid no mind to the exchange of glances. His golden eyes remained on Cloud Retainer as he asked, "The northeastern region—who governs that land?"
Cloud Retainer pondered for a moment before replying, "If memory serves, it is the domain of the God of Dust, Guizhong. She is said to be fickle in temperament, not counted among the most powerful, yet her brilliant mind and her formidable crossbows render her difficult to confront."
Morax's eyes gleamed with interest.
It was worth a try.
Perhaps… a partnership could be formed.
Jiang Yan didn't interrupt. He'd already done what he came to do—provide direction.
After all, he wasn't officially one of Morax's followers yet. Offering some strategic advice was enough. And besides—whether he mentioned it or not, Morax would eventually form an alliance with Guizhong anyway.
He was merely nudging history along.
But,speaking of history—
He sneaked another glance at the young Ganyu.
Even as a chubby little qilin, she was still adorable!
Heheheh…
Morax's calm voice pulled him back to the moment. "Young friend, your counsel today has been most helpful," he said sincerely. Then, after a pause, his tone deepened. "I would like to extend an offer. Would you be willing to lend me your strength, to forge a contract with me, and help protect these lands and the people who dwell upon them?"
He looked solemnly at Jiang Yan. "The age of demon gods is one of chaos. Even I alone can guard only a corner of this mortal world."
Jiang Yan fell silent.
He wanted to say yes—oh, he really did. To become a companion to the future Geo Archon? Who wouldn't want that?
But still, a bit of bargaining never hurt. No reason to sell himself short for free.
He smiled faintly. "And what, may I ask, would Lord Morax offer in return for my aid?"
The surrounding adept exchanged surprised looks.
There was hope flickering in every pair of eyes.
If this boy—no, this being who could match demon gods—were to join their cause, Morax's faction would gain another divine-tier power. It would change everything.
Even Morax's stoic expression softened with visible delight.
"Tell me your price," he said gravely. "Whatever I possess—if it is within my power, it shall be yours."
He needed this ally. His adept were mighty, but even together they struggled against demon gods. A single force of this level could turn the tide of wars to come.
Jiang Yan thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up mischievously.
"Hmm… how about this?" he said, grinning. "I'll join you, and sign your contract—but I have one condition. I really enjoy treasure hunting. So…"
He leaned forward with a cheeky smile.
"All treasure chests within your domain shall belong to me!"
For a moment, Morax blinked in surprise.
Then he exhaled softly, relief washing over his face.
He had half-expected some outrageous demand—power, dominion, divine relics. But treasure chests? That was nothing!
"Very well," he said with a nod. "If that is all, then so it shall be. All treasure chests within my territory are yours by right."
"Then we have a deal!" Jiang Yan flashed a grin full of shining white teeth.
Morax extended his hand, solemn and unyielding.
"The contract is made," he intoned. "He who breaks it shall face the judgment of stone."
Their hands clasped. A surge of light rippled between them—thus was born the first contract between Jiang Yan and Morax.
Morax studied the boy for a moment, then said, "You are of the elven kind, and you wield the power to command the wood and trees. To others, you shall be known as the Wood Spirit Adeptus. Does that suit you?"
Jiang Yan thought briefly, then nodded.
He was terrible at naming things anyway. Better to let the Geo Daddy handle it.
The adept cheered, their voices echoing across the mountains.
That night, the people of Tianheng celebrated beneath the stars. Music and laughter filled the air as cups clinked and drums thundered.
A new ally had joined the Geo Lord's ranks—one blessed with the title Wood Spirit Adeptus.
Late into the night, Jiang Yan sat on the grass, sipping tea instead of wine.
His youthful body made the immortals wary of letting him drink, and several female adept—particularly Songdust, the Wandering Mist—kept teasing him by rubbing his cheeks and mussing his hair.
No one could resist his charm.
With his silver hair, pointed ears, and soft, cherubic features, Jiang Yan had quickly become the group's little mascot—their adorable team pet.
"Not bad at all," Jiang Yan chuckled softly, smiling as he recalled the warmth of the feast earlier.
For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt at home.
And most importantly—thanks to his angelic looks and clever words, he had completely won over Cloud Retainer's affection… and finally gotten close to little Ganyu!
Though she was shy and quiet at first, they'd soon become friends.
One step closer…
One step closer to winning Ganyu's heart!