Jiang Yan chatted heartily with the townsfolk around him.
To the older generation of villagers, this young Immortal Lord before them was someone they had watched grow up from a boy.
Though revered as an immortal, Jiang Yan had always been gentle by nature, never flaunting his strength before commoners. Moreover, his soft, adorable looks as a child had long made the people forget that he was, in truth, a being of divine power.
When he approached the Thousand Rock Army, Jiang Yan's usual bright smile faded, replaced by a look of solemn determination. His gaze swept across the ranks, studying each soldier's resolute face in silence.
At that moment, Morax stepped up beside him.
"My Lord Emperor..."
The surrounding people, upon seeing the god they worshipped, immediately bowed their heads in reverence.
"Lord Emperor," Jiang Yan suddenly said.
Morax turned to look at him.
"Say a few words to them," Jiang Yan said with a grin. "As their leader, you ought to give a pre-battle speech, shouldn't you?"
With that, he turned and began to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Morax called after him.
"I'm going to change into my battle robes," Jiang Yan replied over his shoulder. "Can't very well fight a war dressed in a scholar's robe, can I?"
"This boy..." Morax chuckled, shaking his head. Then he turned to face the ranks of the Thousand Rock Army, whose eyes burned with respect and zeal as they gazed upon him.
Some time later, a young man appeared at Morax's side—now clad in a suit of azure-gold battle armor.
It was said that this armor had been hand-stitched by Cloud Retainer, and when Jiang Yan had first received it, he'd been overjoyed for days. Now, at last, the garment was to serve its true purpose.
Looking over the army, their morale blazing like fire, Jiang Yan smiled and said to Morax,
"Seems your words did the trick."
Morax's lips curled into a faint smile. He patted Jiang Yan on the shoulder.
"Take care out there."
Jiang Yan nodded, then turned to the assembled soldiers.
"Thousand Rock Army, hear my command!"
Tens of thousands of long spears struck the ground in unison, the formation standing tall and straight as a forest.
"March!"
Under the gaze of the townsfolk, the Thousand Rock Army set forth in grand procession toward Dihua Prefecture.
Morax stood silently where he was, his eyes fixed upon the figure leading the army at the very front—until distance swallowed him from view.
"Worried for him?"
Guizhong approached quietly, her voice soft.
"Ah..." Morax answered under his breath.
"The Chi Dragon is an ancient demon god," he murmured. "No one knows what trump cards it still holds. Jiang Yan is young—brave, perhaps too brave. I cannot help but worry."
Guizhong covered her mouth and smiled gently.
"Don't fret. Little Jiang Yan's strength is no less than yours—or even that of Dragon King Azhdaha. Have faith in him."
Morax nodded. Then he turned to her and said, "Have the other adept remain in Liyue for now. Though Jiang Yan commands the front lines, we must still see to logistics and guard against other demon gods along the borders of Guili Plains."
"Understood."
Guizhong gave a small nod and left, leaving Morax alone once more.
He gazed after the army's receding tide of soldiers. Only when they vanished completely into the horizon did he, too, turn and depart.
The movements in Guili Plains could not escape the notice of the other demon gods.
On a windswept hill, God of Dreams, her face alluring and her figure sinuous, stood with arms crossed, a faintly amused smile playing on her lips.
"Morax... In merely twenty years, he's grown this powerful."
A low, sultry chuckle escaped her.
"Pity—that's as far as he'll ever go. But if I could seize control of him... perhaps my grand design might finally be realized."
"Dream Lord! The Chi Dragon has sent word—it asks that you move according to plan."
A black-robed figure appeared in a flicker, kneeling on one knee before her.
"Hmm. Have the Yakshas all assembled?" the Dream God asked without turning around.
"Yes, though... their condition seems rather unstable," the man replied hesitantly.
"Heh... a pack of beasts drunk on slaughter and trapped in their own dreams," she sneered. "As long as they can still kill, what does it matter what state they're in?"
"...As you say, Dream Lord."
The black-robed man bowed his head deeper.
"Prepare to move. We march for Dihua Prefecture."
"Wait for the perfect moment."
With those words, the Dream God vanished without a trace.
The black-robed man did not raise his head. He merely stood, bowed once more, and departed into the shadows.
As all sides stirred in secret, only Guyun Stone Forest remained eerily quiet.
Several days later—
Dihua Prefecture.
The Chi Dragon, leading its horde of corrupted monsters and enslaved followers, descended upon the land, advancing swiftly toward Guili Plains.
And there, the army of the Qianyan—under Jiang Yan's command—met them head-on.
At that moment—
War was about to erupt!
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