Looking at the vast sea of people before him, even Morax couldn't help but feel a deep sense of emotion.
Five years ago, this land had been littered with corpses, its ecosystem in ruins.
And now—five years later—it had become a place of such prosperity that it could rival Guili Plains itself.
After Jiang Yan finished his brief address, he invited Morax to step forward and speak.
After all, as the Geo Lord, it was only proper for him to appear before the people who placed their faith in him.
Morax praised their hard work and unity, their efforts in building a new Guili Plains from the ashes,
and gave some guidance on the direction of the village's future development.
The villagers' eyes shone like stars.
For in every word of the Geo Lord, they could hear his care for them, and the acknowledgment of their years of perseverance.
When the ceremony ended, Morax and the others returned to the meeting hall.
"Didn't expect that from you, Morax," Jiang Yan teased with a grin. "You really sounded like a professional out there."
"The Emperor's had plenty of practice," said Moon Carver with a light chuckle. "Lord Guizhong often dragged him around Guili Plains and other places to give speeches. He's quite the expert now."
Morax could only give a helpless smile.
Indeed, for the past few years, Guizhong had been pulling him out of his rare moments of leisure, sending him to various settlements to speak to the people and strengthen his image as the Geo Lord.
As a result, Morax's reputation and influence across the Guili region had reached unprecedented heights.
"Alright, enough teasing," Morax said with a faint smile.
"So then, Morax," Jiang Yan said, his expression turning serious, "after five years of recovery and rebuilding, what's the next step?"
The room fell quiet.
Every Adeptus present turned their attention toward Morax.
Truth be told, they were wondering the same thing.
Morax's golden eyes flickered thoughtfully.
To be honest, his original intent had been simple—
he had no ambition for conquest.
He only wished to protect the people who believed in him, allowing them to live in peace.
But time had changed things.
His territory had expanded, his people had flourished, and now that he ruled vast lands, it was impossible to suppress all thoughts of further expansion.
The Archon War was growing ever more intense, and the conflicts among gods ever more violent.
"Next…" Morax began slowly, then turned to Jiang Yan.
"What do you think, Jiang Yan?"
"My opinion?" Jiang Yan tapped his chin, falling silent for a while before replying,
"I think the best course of action now is to expand our military strength and wait for the right moment."
"Our military strength?" Morax straightened in his seat. "Explain."
"You've seen it yourself," Jiang Yan said. "The Thousand Rock Army and the Thousand Rock Guards—while they can't decide the outcome of battles between gods—are crucial when it comes to fighting monsters and restoring order after the chaos."
"At present, we have just over ten thousand Thousand Rock soldiers. That number has remained stable for years. For our current lands, it's barely enough. But for what's to come… we'll need to expand."
"I see," Morax said slowly, comprehension dawning.
"Preserve our strength, then expand when the time is right. Is that it?"
"Exactly." Jiang Yan nodded firmly.
"Then let us begin preparations early," Morax said, his tone calm yet resolute.
"Liyue's southern seas—Guyun Stone Forest—have been restless of late. Osial is quietly gathering other sea demons under his banner."
"The Archon War was never a battle with just one front."
"The Chi Dragon may have fled in his injuries, but he still lurks in the shadows."
"And in Tianqiu Valley, the battles among rogue gods grow fiercer by the day."
He paused, his golden eyes hardening.
"I fear our days of peace will not last much longer."
"We must prepare while we can."
Jiang Yan's expression turned grave as he nodded.
"For now, the northern frontier—Guili Plains—will remain under your protection," Morax continued, turning toward him. "Do you need me to assign any adept to assist?"
Jiang Yan shook his head. "No need for now. With Ganyu here helping me, that's enough. Of course, if Sister Cloud Retainer wants to stay and keep her company, that'd be great."
Cloud Retainer blinked, a little surprised, before replying,
"Not at the moment. Guizhong and I are currently improving the Guizhong Ballistae—we're still in the development phase."
"Alright then," Jiang Yan shrugged. "When they're done, send a couple over here. They'll be useful."
He smirked. "And you should bring Sister Guizhong along for a visit too. Otherwise, certain people will just keep… slacking off."
"Cough, cough—well then, it's settled," Morax interjected hastily, clearing his throat as though struck by guilt. "I'll leave things here in your care."
The others all smiled knowingly.
Jiang Yan hadn't said any names aloud—
but everyone knew exactly who he was talking about.
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