The process was, without question, simple and brutal.
That demon god had only been on par with the Wood Dragon to begin with; when faced with the even more advanced wooden construct, he naturally stood no chance.
Jiang Yan didn't use True Several Thousand Hands. He wanted to keep that technique as a trump card—something to be unleashed only in moments of real crisis.
Both Morax and the Dragon King Azhdaha were curious about Jiang Yan's sudden surge in strength, of course.
But Jiang Yan's explanation was vague. Matters concerning his system were better kept to himself.
Still, with a mixture of bluffing and omission, he managed to muddle through and fool the two of them.
"Hey, Morax, that should be the Dust God's territory up ahead, right?"
After nearly two days of travel, the three of them could now see cultivated fields in the distance, and even faintly hear the laughter of humans. Jiang Yan spoke as he looked ahead.
"This is the northeastern region of Mount Tianheng," Morax replied, eyes thoughtful. "Judging by that, yes—it should be."
"Ah! What an adorable child!"
A sweet cry came from beside him, and before Jiang Yan could react, his body was suddenly lifted off the ground.
A beautiful girl with delicate features was rubbing her soft, rosy cheek against his face again and again.
"So cute, so cute…"
"Let big sister rua you a bit~"
Morax: …
Dragon King Azhdaha: ...
Jiang Yan: ...
To be fair, given Jiang Yan's current looks, there really wasn't a woman alive who could resist that kind of overwhelming cuteness.
"Save me!!"
Jiang Yan called out to the two onlookers, even as he couldn't help but enjoy the girl's fragrance.
Morax: ...
Dragon King Azhdaha: ...
Both of them were speechless.
Honestly now—did he really need saving?
Morax, meanwhile, had already sensed the aura coming from the girl.
A demon god's aura.
The girl before them was very likely the ruler of this land—the Dust God, Guizhong.
If Jiang Yan's looks could win Guizhong's favor, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad outcome either...
Morax pondered silently.
If Jiang Yan had heard that, he would've rolled his eyes hard enough to see his brain.
Thanks a lot, buddy! I'm loyal to Ganyu, thank you very much!
"You guys…"
After thoroughly rua-ing Jiang Yan, the girl finally turned her gaze toward the rest of the group.
"Greetings. I am Morax," Morax said formally. "We have come seeking an audience with the ruler of this domain—the Dust God, Guizhong."
His tone was polite and official, and the faint demonic aura emanating from him caused the girl's expression to grow serious.
"I see…"
"The ruler of the Mount Tianheng region, then…"
"Well, come along with me."
Still hugging Jiang Yan tightly, the girl smiled and began to lead the way.
Jiang Yan: ...
Seriously? You're leading the way—fine. But can you at least put me down?!
Is it my fault I was born cute? Does being cute mean you can just do whatever you want with me?!
Such were the thoughts of a certain youth currently smothered against the girl's chest.
Watching Jiang Yan's half-pleased expression, both Morax and Azhdaha Dragon King could only feel the corners of their mouths twitch.
Kid… that's enough.
"Alright, this is my room," the girl said cheerfully once they reached the central house of the settlement. After everyone sat down, she settled into the main seat—still holding Jiang Yan in her arms.
"You've probably guessed who I am by now, haven't you, Morax?"
"The divine aura on you says it all," Morax replied calmly. "If I'm not mistaken, you are the demon god who protects this land—the Dust God, Guizhong. Am I right?"
"Mhm~ You guessed it! No prize, though~"
Guizhong giggled, her silvery laughter ringing through the room.
"So, travelers from afar," she said after her brief playfulness, "what brings you here?"
Morax took a moment to organize his words, then explained the purpose of their visit.
"Ah… I understand."
Guizhong fell silent in thought.
"Mount Tianheng is vast, but not well-suited for humans to live in long term. So, you wish to form an alliance with me—allowing your people to settle in my lands, yes?"
As expected of the Dust God, renowned for her wisdom—she grasped Morax's intent after only a few words.
"This matter carries great weight. I'll need some time to consider."
Just as she reached out to pinch Jiang Yan's cheek, her hand met only rough wood.
During her brief contemplation, Jiang Yan had already used a Wooden Substitution Technique to slip free from her embrace.
Guizhong pouted slightly, clearly a bit reluctant, but let it go.
"That's fine," Morax said with a nod. "We'll stay here for a few days. I didn't expect you to decide immediately, of course."
Allowing another demon god's people to settle within one's domain was no small matter—it required serious consideration.
The group ended up staying for about a week.
During that time, Guizhong personally guided Morax and the others through much of her territory.
And with Jiang Yan's irresistibly cute appearance, it was nearly impossible for Guizhong—or her people—to feel any hostility toward them.
As long as they didn't cause trouble, at least.
Of course, Morax wasn't the kind to act recklessly.
But… that only applied to Morax.