After some time, once Morax saw that nearly everyone had gathered, he turned to Jiang Yan.
"Go ahead."
Then he stepped aside and took his seat.
Jiang Yan walked to the front, facing the sea of people. He cleared his throat softly.
"Good afternoon, everyone. We can chat later—let's all quiet down for now, alright?"
With a touch of his elemental power, his voice carried clearly across the entire plaza.
The friendly tone made the crowd smile. Conversations faded away as people waited attentively.
"As everyone knows, ten days ago we endured a massive war," Jiang Yan began solemnly.
"And that war destroyed many of our homes."
He bowed deeply.
"For that… I owe you all an apology."
Immediately, the crowd erupted in protest.
"Immortal Lord, you mustn't say that!"
"If not for you, the Lord of Geo, and the other Adepti, none of us would have survived!"
"That's right! Because of you, we can live in peace now!"
"We never blamed you—not for a moment!"
Morax watched from his seat, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
What wonderful people, he thought.
Jiang Yan straightened, his eyes faintly reddened.
"Thank you for your understanding," he said quietly.
"Because half of Guili Plains was destroyed, the Lord of Geo and I have decided to relocate half our people to the region south of Tianheng Mountain."
He paused—then continued, his voice steady.
"That land will serve as the foundation of our new capital."
The announcement rippled through the crowd like thunder.
The message was clear:
Their Lord of Geo was about to found a nation.
Excitement, awe, uncertainty—all kinds of expressions surfaced among the people.
But not a single person dared question it.
After all, Morax himself was sitting right there.
"Alright, calm down, everyone—let me finish."
Jiang Yan's voice rose slightly, quieting the murmurs.
"The migration will be voluntary. Anyone wishing for a new start in a new land may register to join.
After all, new lands bring new opportunities, don't they?"
He smiled faintly, then added,
"And though the new capital will be established south of Tianheng Mountain, that does not mean we're abandoning Guili Plains. Restoration efforts will continue—so please, rest assured."
He went on to explain the details of the migration and settlement plan before stepping down.
The people began to disperse—some hurrying home to discuss the matter with family, others lingering to talk among themselves.
The registration area was set up at the administrative hall; anyone wishing to join could sign up there.
When all the arrangements were in place, Jiang Yan finally slumped into a chair, exhaling in relief.
Taking a sip of the tea Ganyu had just brought, he sighed contentedly.
"Ahh… that's the good stuff."
"Jiang Yan!"
A hurried voice called from outside. Moments later, Ganyu rushed in, clutching a sheet of paper, worry written across her delicate features.
"Well, well, if it isn't my dear Ganyu~ Come here, let me hold you," Jiang Yan said with a grin, sweeping her into his arms.
Her cheeks flushed scarlet as she wriggled in his embrace.
"Stop that! I came to report something serious!"
"I'm listening," he said lazily, nuzzling his face into her hair, breathing in her faintly sweet scent.
He'd been so busy lately that he hadn't had time to be with her—he figured he could make up for it a little now.
"I mean it! Stop messing around!"
Ganyu pushed against his chest, her face serious now.
"Alright, alright," Jiang Yan chuckled, easing up—though his hands still rested lightly around her waist.
"The Liyue Millelith Law Enforcers just reported an abnormal surge of elemental energy northeast of the Stone Gate," she said urgently. "It seems… a powerful Archon-level being is approaching."
Jiang Yan's expression darkened instantly.
"Northeast of the Stone Gate…" he muttered.
He frowned, thinking.
"That area… that's future Mondstadt territory, isn't it?"
His eyes narrowed as realization struck.
"If I remember right, the Tower King Decarabian still has the Mondstadt people trapped behind the Storm Barrier. Which means the only Archon I know of in that region would be—"
His gaze sharpened.
"The Wolf of the North—Andrius!"
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