Mu Yang took several strides to reach the mountaintop, only to find Morax already engaged in battle with his opponents.
Two more gods he didn't recognize.
Mu Yang searched his memories.
Due to Clarisse's avoidance of conflict and Chenyu Vale's years of peaceful coexistence with all factions,
Mu Yang had gathered little information or intelligence about these adversaries.
However, judging by their location, they were likely gods from Qingxu Pool.
The great flood in Liyue had not only submerged Dihua Marsh and most of the Guili Plains but also caused water levels to rise in Qingxu Pool.
The floodwaters spread to Lingju Pass and Dunyu Ruins,
which formed the defensive frontlines of Morax's faction.
Built with various adeptal mechanisms and towers, these fortifications were specifically designed to ward off attacks by demonic beasts.
Now, with the rising waters, these defenses were completely submerged.
With the adeptal mechanisms underwater, was this the reason the gods of Qingxu Pool had chosen to attack?
Morax fought one against two, yet didn't falter in the slightest.
In the sky, the three gods clashed with tremendous energy.
To prevent this energy from affecting Liyue Harbor, Morax had drawn the battle far away.
Mu Yang and the adepti wanted to assist but found no opening to intervene.
"Not long ago, he took Bosacius and the others to the sea, saying those creatures had finally shown themselves,"
Indarias explained. "According to Bonanus' report, it was a group of deep-sea demonic beasts seeking revenge for the fallen God of the Sea."
Indarias and Xiao were ill-suited for aquatic combat, so Azhdaha had them stay behind.
Mu Yang frowned, thinking, These old schemers must have teamed up—no wonder they've been so patient. Demon beasts alone wouldn't have this level of restraint.
He scanned the surroundings. "Not good! Mt. Tianheng!"
The adepti turned to look and saw hordes of demonic beasts emerging, surrounding the mountainside.
No wonder they had chosen today to launch their full-scale assault.
Today, the people of the Guili Assembly were scheduled to arrive at the foot of Mt. Tianheng.
If the mountain were toppled and the adepti thrown into chaos, a full-scale attack could deal a heavy blow to Morax's faction.
Mu Yang was the first to act, drawing his sword and charging into the horde with an "Azure Dragon's Lunge," slashing through the monsters.
The adepti and the remaining two yakshas followed closely behind.
The demonic beasts were clearly prepared—numerous and formidable.
The battle quickly reached a stalemate.
Fortunately, the Tianheng mountain range was vast, and it would take time for the beasts to topple the entire mountain.
The adepti fought while using their arts to evacuate the civilians.
Mu Yang, Indarias, and Xiao focused on what they did best—slaughtering the enemy.
Working in unison, they left trails of carnage wherever they passed.
Indarias made no effort to hide her admiration for Mu Yang,
her fiery personality making it somewhat overwhelming for him.
Any closer and I might melt; one more glance and I might explode.
Xiao, however, wasn't much different from how he would later become—reserved and taciturn.
Though at this point, he wasn't as distant as he would be in the future.
Before long, Azhdaha also returned, joining Morax in battle.
Bosacius and the others reinforced the slaughter brigade. Latest content publıshed on 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⟡𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⟡𝘯𝘦𝘵
Indarias asked, "The sea situation is resolved?"
"Rabble. They fled back into the depths before we even fought properly."
"Seems it was just a feint. This is the real battlefield."
However, as the godly battlefield shifted to two versus two,
the opposing gods instantly lost their nerve, opting for a "strategic withdrawal"—flanking at full speed.
The demonic beasts naturally followed suit, fleeing as fast as they could.
The great migration was ultimately completed without major incident.
The Guili Assembly successfully merged into Liyue Harbor.
What surprised Mu Yang was the scene he witnessed upon entering the city.
Troops were gathering at the city gates—the earliest iteration of the Millelith.
Faced with a battle of gods and adepti on the mountain, these men hadn't chosen to cower and resign themselves to fate.
Instead, they had assembled, ready to lend their aid.
Now that the battle was over, they stood at the gates to welcome Morax's triumphant return.
"The Millelith stand firm, unshaken by layered peaks; armored guardians, purging evil and chaos."
The soldiers shouted this sole teaching—their rallying cry—in unison.
Then, laying down their weapons, they stepped forward to assist the people of the Guili Assembly into the city.
Morax silently observed all of this.
Returning to Liyue Harbor didn't mean these people would find peace from now on.
As long as the war continued, scenes would repeat.
The small port of Liyue would face even greater dangers ahead.
Enemies from the deep sea still had their eyes on this land—Qingxu Pool, Qingce Village...
All these foes posed threats to Liyue.
Morax closed his eyes, hearing the voices of his suffering people.
"Grant me your mercy, and tell me—where have our lovers and children gone?"
"Grant me your mercy, and tell me—when will those who left return?"
"Ah, my lord, how long must this terrifying era endure?"
Even those nurtured by unyielding stone may find their hearts cracking under the weight of grief.
Even the most stubborn, silent devotion to their god may ignite a fervent gaze.
Even if these questions remain unspoken, the pleas hidden within their hearts still find voice.
Morax heard them all.
He gathered the adepti, the yakshas, and the people of Liyue Harbor.
Mu Yang watched from a distance.
Then, Morax performed a divine act—carving a long blade from flawless golden cor lapis.
With a swing, he cleaved a corner from the mountain,
using it to establish an inviolable contract with his people.
Those who were scattered shall surely reunite; those who break their oaths shall surely be punished.
Those who lost loved ones, those who lost treasures, those who suffered injustice—they shall be compensated.
"In this world where gods and demons run rampant, though I seek not dominion, I understand the suffering of the people."
"My only wish is to purge all threats and protect this corner of the mortal world."
This was Liyue's first "Contract."
In this era of divine and demonic warfare, in this battle of gods and monsters,
gentleness had no place for the Lord of Geo. He had to embody relentless slaughter.
From this moment on, no ripple of emotion would ever again surface on Morax's stony countenance.
Only this way could he fulfill the contract he had made with his suffering people.
Only this way could he protect this small haven—Liyue Harbor.
Even Mu Yang, an "outsider," felt his blood stir upon hearing these words.
How much more so for the people of Liyue Harbor?
Some held back tears, embracing one another as they prayed for a brighter tomorrow.
Others cheered, their eyes alight with hope.
The Millelith stood resolute, swearing to follow the Geo Archon unto death.
As for the adepti and yakshas, they needed no words—they were Morax's comrades and most loyal followers.
After witnessing all this, Mu Yang's vision darkened.
When he awoke, he had already returned to Chenyu Vale.