"...But what about the people's opinions?"
Guizhong's tone still carried some hesitation.
"That's easy to handle." Jiang Yan smiled, motioning for Ganyu to step forward.
Ganyu presented a stack of neatly written documents, distributing them among the immortals.
"I've drafted something I call the Population Migration Policy."
He tapped the parchment as he explained:
"First, we'll encourage voluntary relocation by offering government incentives.
Those who move to the new region—whether farmers or merchants—will receive financial support."
"Second, early migrants will be granted free housing. You all know my ability—constructing homes is child's play for me.
We can use that advantage to attract people to settle in the new lands."
"Lastly, there will be no forced relocation. Everything will be done on a voluntary basis.
Most of the common folk remain in Guili Plains because we immortals—and the Geo Lord—reside here.
If we lead by example and move first, others will follow naturally."
The immortals exchanged glances, nodding as they examined the document in detail.
"These policies are well thought out," said Cloud Retainer.
"With proper execution, this might just work."
Morax's low, steady voice broke the brief silence.
"Very well. Guizhong, Cloud Retainer—discuss this carefully among yourselves.
Formulate the details and begin preparations. Above all, ensure the people's safety during the migration."
His tone left no room for doubt—it was decided.
Guizhong and the others exchanged quick looks, then nodded in agreement.
"Good." Jiang Yan smiled. "Now, onto the second matter."
"The second matter… concerns us."
The immortals blinked in confusion.
"Our lands have expanded severalfold after this war," Jiang Yan began, his voice growing firm.
"Now, we stand over vast territories—Qiongji Estuary, Guyun Stone Forest, Minlin, Lisha, and Bishui Plain."
He slammed his palm lightly on the table, eyes burning with conviction.
"It's time we establish a nation of our own!"
The hall stirred instantly.
Many immortals—Azhdaha, Bosacius, and the others—nodded in approval, murmuring their support.
"Founding a nation..." Morax murmured, deep in thought.
The more contemplative female immortals furrowed their brows.
They had all considered the matter before, yet never reached a conclusion.
Morax finally spoke, his tone calm but serious.
"I, too, have thought about this. But choosing a name and a capital must be done with the utmost care."
He turned toward Jiang Yan.
"Do you have a proposal?"
Jiang Yan smiled faintly.
"Of course I do."
He gestured for Ganyu to pour tea for everyone before continuing.
"The reason I insisted we lead the migration ourselves," he said, taking a sip,
"is that Guili Plains, scarred by war, is no longer suitable to serve as our capital."
"My suggestion: we build our capital in the fertile lands south of Mount Tianheng."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Not only the immortals—even Morax himself seemed to weigh the idea carefully.
"Remember," Jiang Yan continued, "that land borders the Guyun Stone Forest.
Its climate is mild, its soil rich, and because Osial and his ilk waged most of their battles offshore,
the region remains largely untouched by war."
"It is, without a doubt, the most fitting place for a capital."
The immortals slowly nodded one by one.
"Indeed," Guizhong said thoughtfully. "Compared to the ravaged inland plains, the south is far more stable."
"The interior lands have long been scarred by divine conflict," added Cloud Retainer. "Much of it can no longer sustain large populations."
Morax nodded in agreement. "Yes. The southern plains will serve us well."
Seeing that there were no objections, Jiang Yan clapped his hands lightly.
"Then it's settled. I'll work out the construction details with Sister Guizhong later."
"As for the nation's name..." He turned to Morax, smiling.
"Let's use the name of your old tribe. What do you think?"
Morax's golden eyes flickered with distant memory.
"Liyue..." he murmured softly.
"Yes," Jiang Yan said. "You are the leader of this land.
To use your tribe's name as the name of the nation will unite the people's hearts even more."
In truth, Liyue had already been a familiar name.
Whether in the days of the Tianheng tribe or during the Guili alliance, it had always been the same at its core.
Only the outside world referred to them differently, by their regional names.
Morax nodded slowly. "Very well."
Guizhong and the other immortals naturally voiced no objection.
"Then it's decided," Jiang Yan said brightly. "The founding preparations will be led by you and Sister Guizhong."
"Eh?! Me again?!" Guizhong's eyes widened.
"Why is it always me? Migration, city planning, founding a nation—everything!"
Jiang Yan laughed sheepishly.
"Well, you are the best at this kind of thing.
And besides," he said, grinning, "with you in charge, we can all rest easy—definitely not because I'm avoiding extra work."
The other immortals could only sigh and smile wryly—
such was Jiang Yan, the ever-cheerful schemer who somehow always got away with it.
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