Led by Guizhong, Zayn and Morax entered a small settlement.
There was nothing particularly impressive about the scenery—
In this era, most cities looked like this.
Mortals lived simply.
Even though gods often cared for their people, to most gods "care" simply meant:
feed them, shelter them, protect them.
If the mortals stayed alive, that was already considered kindness.
Few gods paid attention to anything beyond basic survival.
And honestly, who could blame them?
They were gods, not caregivers.
Their strength came from their authority, not the faith of mortals.
Faith only offered a slight boost—not enough to justify investing everything into weak humans.
Only rare gods like Morax and Guizhong thought deeply about humanity's future.
Perhaps this was one reason they eventually became Archons—leaders of nations.
—
Guizhong's palace sat in the center of the settlement.
It looked similar in style to the old stone palace Morax had built—
but with far more elegant carvings and ornamentation.
Inside, it was dim.
Because the palace lacked windows, Guizhong used glowing Noctilucous Jade stones to illuminate the hall,
but it was still darker than the open outdoors.
As Zayn entered, he couldn't help thinking:
This palace should really be torn down and rebuilt…
Ahem—
Not now.
Guizhong and Morax hadn't formed their alliance yet.
Maybe he was thinking too far ahead…
Guizhong invited them to sit at a wide stone table,
then served them tea using delicate round cups.
However—
the tea itself…
Well, the brewing methods of this era were primitive.
Zayn glanced at Morax.
Morax calmly sipped the tea as if nothing were wrong—
despite being spoiled by Zayn's premium-grade modern tea.
Then Guizhong brought out a tray of dried meat.
"These are the best-quality jerky my people offer as tribute," she said warmly.
"I don't usually enjoy mortal food, but as guests, you two deserve the best hospitality."
Zayn examined the jerky.
Salted, clearly—
but…
Guizhong's territory didn't produce salt, did it?
So how was this made?
Sun-dried seawater salt?
Had her people advanced that far already?
Zayn asked with a smile:
"Guizhong-jie, I'm guessing these were made with plenty of salt?"
Guizhong blinked—
jiejie?
Someone actually called her that?
Then her face immediately blossomed with joy.
It was her first time being addressed that way—
and by a god, no less.
If someone who was Morax's friend called her "sister,"
That meant he must be a trustworthy god.
Guizhong's smile softened into true warmth.
"This is the first time anyone has called me Guizhong-jie," she said happily.
"Then from today onward—you are my little brother!"
"As for the jerky—you're right. It's made with salt.
We trade for it from the territory of the Salt God nearby."
"The Salt God governs salt itself, so their people have no shortage.
We exchange food and tools with them—an equal trade."
She then asked, "Why? Did little brother Zayn want some salt?"
Zayn chuckled.
"No, no. I was just curious—because I didn't see any salt fields nearby."
"I don't have a territory of my own, you see.
I live with Brother Morax, so his land is also mine.
I'm sure he has no objections!"
Morax almost choked on his tea.
So this guy still remembers that Liyue was originally MY territory…
He just quietly slipped into co-governor of Liyue,
and even bullied him with endless board games…
But Morax couldn't complain.
He was the one who picked Zayn up in the first place.
A bond once formed must be honored—
even if he had to grit his teeth.
Guizhong was surprised.
So Zayn had no territory of his own?
Meaning he and Morax were essentially an inseparable pair?
Does this count… as Morax already accepting a cooperative arrangement with another god?
Her heart fluttered with excitement.
But she forced herself to remain composed.
Forming an alliance at the first meeting might be too abrupt.
She calmed herself and smiled.
"So that's how it is.
As a god, it's rare to hear of one who doesn't want a territory."
For gods, territory and followers were instinctive—
even weak gods had lands of their own, large or small.
Morax then added:
"His land is my land.
With the two of us governing Liyue, it will undoubtedly grow ever more prosperous."
This was genuine praise.
Whether building better homes, planning the city layout, introducing agriculture,
or even creating a monetary system—
Zayn had brought Liyue significant growth.
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