Administrative Hall — Guili Plains
Morax sat alone in his chamber, a small mountain of documents stacked before him.
The air was still, save for the faint scratch of his brush across parchment.
Then—
"Yo! Morax! So diligent today, aren't we?"
The door creaked open, and Jiang Yan strolled in with his usual grin.
Morax lifted his gaze, expression calm as ever.
"What do you need?"
Jiang Yan plopped down opposite him, elbows propped on the table.
"Actually, yeah—I do have something. Could you call the other Adepti together? I've got an idea I want to run by everyone."
"Oh?" Morax's brow arched slightly.
"Let's hear it."
Normally, it was he who summoned the immortals when a decision was needed.
For Jiang Yan to ask for a council himself was a first—enough to stir his curiosity.
"Ah-ah, top secret for now," Jiang Yan said, wagging a finger playfully. "But trust me—it's good news."
Morax leaned back, studying him.
"Hmm. What mischief are you planning this time?"
Jiang Yan rolled his eyes. "Hey, come on. Am I really that kind of person in your mind?"
Morax paused, pretending to think—then nodded solemnly.
Jiang Yan almost choked. "You—! Ugh, forget it."
Morax chuckled quietly. "Fine. I'll send word. Anything else?"
"Nope." Jiang Yan stood, stretching his arms. "I'll be waiting for the summons."
And just like that, he left.
That same afternoon, Morax gathered the immortals for a full assembly.
When Guizhong, Cloud Retainer, Songdust, Azhdaha, and the others arrived, they were surprised to find Morax seated below the dais—
while Jiang Yan occupied the main seat at the head of the table.
The immortals exchanged puzzled glances.
"Little Jiang Yan?" Guizhong tilted her head. "What's all this about?"
Their questioning gazes turned to Morax, who sat silently with eyes closed, neither confirming nor denying—
but his silence alone was permission enough.
Seeing that, the Adepti settled down quietly.
If Morax allowed it, then Jiang Yan clearly had something worth hearing.
Jiang Yan cleared his throat, meeting each of their eyes in turn.
"Everyone, earlier today I visited the refugees' settlement and noticed a few problems.
Combining that with some of our own administrative issues, I've drawn up a few proposals I'd like to discuss with you."
Morax slowly opened his eyes, the faintest flicker of interest within them.
Guizhong, Cloud Retainer, and the others exchanged glances—then focused their attention on him.
Jiang Yan drew a folded paper from his sleeve and began.
"First—regarding the people of Guili Plains."
"Because of the war, half of Guili has been devastated. Most of our citizens are crammed into what remains of the northern half."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"For now it's manageable. But if things continue this way, overpopulation will bring inevitable damage to the land."
The Adepti nodded.
Cloud Retainer, especially, sighed softly. "That's indeed been troubling us as well. Housing and grain distribution are already stretched thin."
"So," Jiang Yan continued, "I'm thinking of relocating part of the population. What do you all think?"
"We've discussed this before," said True Lord Songdust Waves, voice gentle but tired.
"But migration on this scale isn't simple. Choosing the right place is difficult enough."
"And even if we find the place," Cloud Retainer added, "convincing the people to move is another matter entirely.
Leaving one's ancestral home isn't something most do willingly."
Jiang Yan nodded in understanding.
That was exactly the kind of feedback he needed—collective discussion would only refine his plan further.
"So," Ganyu finally asked, her voice soft but clear, "you must already have somewhere in mind, right?
You wouldn't bring this up otherwise."
The others fell silent, eyes turning toward Jiang Yan.
He smiled faintly. "Indeed, I do."
"This war's over. The southern seas have quieted—thanks to Morax suppressing the oceanic demons beneath Guyun Stone Forest.
Now, the fertile lands south of Mount Tianheng have fallen under our control."
"That region," he said, tapping lightly on the table, "would make a perfect site for resettlement."
"South of Tianheng…" Morax mused aloud, nodding slightly. "A good choice."
Cloud Retainer and Songdust nodded in agreement as well.
Back when they resided near Tianheng, Morax had already taken note of that vast, gentle basin beyond the mountain range.
It had been uninhabitable before—infested with sea demons and plagued by endless storms.
But now, with Osial's forces annihilated and Guyun Stone Forest subdued, the region was safe.
"Indeed," Cloud Retainer said thoughtfully. "The land there is rich, untouched, and close to the mountains.
If we channel the ley-lines properly, it could flourish quickly."
Morax folded his hands before him, voice calm but resolute.
"Then we proceed to plan the migration. Prepare routes, establish supply stations, and dispatch the Liyue Millelith for escort.
Let the people build their homes anew."
Jiang Yan's lips curved into a faint smile.
And so, he thought, the first steps toward Liyue Harbor are about to begin.
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