With Makoshus and the others joining in, the migration of the populace and the forging of the new city proceeded at a much faster pace. Jiang Yan mobilized part of the Qianyan Guili Army and the Qianyan Tianheng Army from the borders, even calling Xiao back to lend a hand.
A month later.
The people who had migrated to this new land threw themselves enthusiastically into the grand endeavor of city building.
The Azhdaha used his connection with the ley lines to sense out high-quality stone, while Morax manipulated the power of Geo to lift it from the ground.
Xiao followed behind, catching the massive stone as it floated upward—then, with a few sharp bursts of movement, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, he flew straight toward Jiang Yan's position.
Taking the boulder from Xiao, Jiang Yan then employed his Vector Manipulation, reshaping the stone continuously according to the design blueprints.
Soon, a finely carved Geo relief took form and was carried away by the Qianyan soldiers.
Thus, the city-building progressed in full swing.
With the help of the immortals and gods like Morax, the region south of Tianheng Mountain was transformed day by day.
At last, after nearly half a year of tireless work—
A brand-new Liyue Harbor stood proudly before their eyes.
When the last piece of the Jade Chamber Terrace was completed, cheers erupted from everyone present.
Looking down at the harbor he had helped to build with his own hands, Jiang Yan felt a strange mix of nostalgia and unfamiliar warmth well up in his heart.
Especially as he stood atop the Jade Chamber Terrace, gazing out over the cityscape—though the saplings planted across the hills had yet to take root and flourish, he believed that with time, this harbor would one day thrive and prosper, just like the one in the game.
"What are you thinking about?"
Morax stepped up beside him, voice calm and low.
"Just looking at the place we built with our own hands," Jiang Yan replied softly, a note of sentiment in his tone.
"Yes… at long last, this city is complete."
Morax's golden eyes gazed into the distance alongside him.
Who would've thought? That a god who once shunned worldly struggle, who had no wish to contest the world's chaos, would become the ruler of this land.
That this victor—despised by Ch'i, the God of Dreams, and Osial—
would be none other than the God of Geo, Morax.
"With the capital built, it's time we started preparing for nationhood," Jiang Yan said after a pause.
"Mm. Once Guizhong and Ganyu finalize the foundational laws and set a date, everything will be ready."
"The Seven Stars and Eight Gates system you proposed has already been in planning for half a year," Morax added with a faint smile. "As you said, you'll serve as the Tianquan, the head of the Seven Stars."
Then he chuckled. "Come to think of it, you only came up with that system to give yourself less work, didn't you? And yet somehow you ended up putting yourself right in the middle of it."
Jiang Yan's face darkened instantly. "Alright, that's enough out of you."
"As if I could ever be busier than you, the great Geo Lord himself."
"Hah, you'd be surprised," Morax replied lightly. "I only direct the realm's development once a year. Truth be told, I'm rather idle most of the time."
The man's serene smile was so handsome that Jiang Yan found it downright infuriating.
"Ugh, stop talking. I don't even want to look at you anymore."
Morax chuckled. "How boring. I'll go check on Azhdaha and the others."
Humming a tune, the god strode away contentedly, leaving Jiang Yan fuming atop the Jade Chamber Terrace.
Damn it!
From now on, I'll make sure Morax never has a moment's peace! I'll bug him every chance I get!
That night, the celebration stretched on without end.
Crowds gathered around the Jade Chamber Terrace, singing and dancing to commemorate the birth of Liyue Harbor.
The festivities lasted deep into the night.
When Ganyu returned to their room past midnight, she found Jiang Yan sprawled face-down on the bed, dead drunk.
Though his alcohol tolerance had grown nearly godlike over the past century, not even he could withstand being tag-teamed by Makoshus and Azhdaha.
Those two usually seemed honest and slow—but when it came to drinking, they were slyer than anyone.
It started innocently enough—just a few toasts. Then they made a ridiculous oath right in front of Morax: whoever uses elemental power to cheat is a grandson.
And from there, they took turns drinking Jiang Yan under the table.
The result was this sorry sight.
"Sigh… really, didn't you learn your lesson the last time?"
Shaking her head helplessly, Ganyu gently undressed Jiang Yan and tucked him comfortably into bed. Then she fetched a cup of hot water, set it by his bedside, and quietly left for Guizhong's room.
A week later.
Under Morax's careful orchestration, the long-awaited Founding Day finally arrived.
News spread across the whole of Liyue—and even to neighboring lands—that a new nation had risen upon the Geo god's soil.
Its name—Liyue.
The capital, Liyue Harbor, was bursting with festive joy.
Everywhere people bustled about—hanging lanterns, selling trinkets, preparing for the celebration. Smiles bloomed on every face.
Today was their most important and sacred festival—
The Founding Ceremony.
Those under Morax's rule had been preparing for a week, decorating their homes, donning new garments, their faces radiant with happiness.
It was more than the birth of a nation—it was the end of war.
For Morax had defeated the mightiest Archons of the land, unifying Liyue beneath one banner.
In the dark days of the Archon War, all had lived in terror, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire.
But now, they had nothing more to fear.
"Xiao Ganyu~ Try on this new outfit! I picked it specially from your master's wardrobe—it'll look great on you!"
Jiang Yan held up a cloud-white qipao, smiling brightly.
"It's so white… it'll get dirty easily…"
"Oh, don't worry! Just try it on, it'll look amazing!"
Before she could protest further, Jiang Yan had already pulled her toward the room.
"Stop! I can change by myself—out!"
Ganyu's face was bright red; she knew exactly what this shameless man was thinking.
"Come on, we're basically an old married couple. It's not like I haven't seen you before."
Jiang Yan's eyes gleamed mischievously as he chuckled.
"No! Out!"
With a shove, she pushed him through the door.
"Hmph, stingy…"
Crouching outside, Jiang Yan muttered under his breath, waiting for her to finish changing.
Just then, Morax, Cloud Retainer, and Guizhong approached together.
The moment Jiang Yan saw them, his eyes widened.
"Wow! You all look incredible!"
"As expected of Sister Cloud Retainer—such taste and craftsmanship!"
He praised without restraint.
"Hmph! Naturally. My eye for design is impeccable," Cloud Retainer said proudly. The qipao accentuated her graceful figure perfectly.
Morax stepped forward and handed Jiang Yan a set of clothes.
"Yours—made by Menogias himself."
For the ceremony, all formal wear had been designed by two people: Cloud Retainer handled the women's outfits—Ganyu's, Guizhong's, and the others—while Menogias, one of the Five Yakshas, crafted the men's attire for Morax, Azhdaha, and Jiang Yan.
Morax's own brown robe bore stately golden embroidery, exuding an effortless, commanding presence.
"Alright, I'll go try it on."
Jiang Yan nodded and went to change.
Moments later, he emerged wearing a dark cyan robe traced with silver branch-like patterns. With his silver hair, sharp ears, and handsome features, he looked every bit the elegant nobleman.
Curled around his neck, the Treasure-Eating Mink Little White looked like a living ornament—the perfect finishing touch.
"Wow~ You look amazing!"
Guizhong clapped her hands in delight.
"Indeed, not bad at all," Cloud Retainer added, smiling approvingly—a rare compliment from her.
"Heh, well, what can I say? Some of us are just born handsome."
Jiang Yan grinned smugly.
Soon after, Ganyu's door creaked open.
She stepped out, hesitant and shy.
Jiang Yan's eyes went wide, his whole body freezing in place.
"Wow… as expected of Cloud Retainer's disciple—Xiao Ganyu, you're absolutely stunning!"
"The cloud-white qipao suits you perfectly!" Guizhong and Songdust both praised warmly.
"R-really? It feels a little strange…" Ganyu murmured, her cheeks aflame. It was her first time wearing such a dress.
She looked to Jiang Yan, a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
Jiang Yan stared blankly, then blurted out, "This is…"
"This is way too beautiful!!"
He rushed forward and pulled her into his arms.
Mm—soft, fragrant, and utterly adorable—the little coconut goat was as comfortable to hold as ever.
"People are watching… let go of me," Ganyu stammered, cheeks glowing crimson.
The others exchanged glances, all smiling knowingly.
"Still early yet. How about a stroll before the ceremony?" someone suggested.
The streets were a sea of color—banners strung between rooftops, bright paper streamers fluttering in the wind. Confetti drifted down from above, sparkling in the sunlight like a rainbow in slow motion.
Children danced with firecrackers; troupes paraded massive dragon heads to the beat of drums. Laughter and cheers echoed through the air.
After a long walk, Jiang Yan and the others made their way back to the Jade Chamber Terrace for the start of the Founding Ceremony.
The terraces and surrounding streets were packed with people, all awaiting the arrival of Morax and his retinue.
Then—drums thundered, firecrackers burst, and from the heavens descended Morax himself, draped in solemn robes.
Behind him followed Jiang Yan in his dark cyan attire, along with the assembled immortals and gods.
The moment they appeared, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers.
After a while, Morax raised his hand, motioning for silence. The people obeyed instantly, anticipation brimming in their eyes.
"Today… is a day to remember."
Morax's calm, resonant voice spread across the plaza.
"Seven hundred years ago, those who placed their faith in me founded the Liyue tribe. Then the Archon War began, plunging the lands into chaos."
"I had no wish to fight for dominion—but I could not ignore the suffering of my people."
"Through centuries of war, from the mere few hundred li of Mount Tianheng to the vast territory we hold today—"
"—the hardships endured cannot be expressed by words alone."
"But now, at last, we welcome an age of peace!"
"And so, I now declare—"
"The nation founded by me, the God of Geo, Morax—shall bear the name Liyue."
"From this day forth—Liyue stands as a nation!"
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