Later that evening, when I finally returned to my dojo, I was surprised to find that Tianqiu had been waiting for me all this time. "Master!" He quickly sat up from the floor as he saw me enter.
"Have you waited for long?" I bowed slightly. "I apologize for that."
"No, it is my fault for not informing Master regarding my visit." He went quiet for a moment, before he sighed. "I carry unfortunate news, Master."
I frowned. "Go on." I said, expression hardening. I could already somewhat guess what he was going to say, and I was far from pleased.
He gulped. It was the first time he'd seen such an expression on his Master's face. Normally she'd be calm—lax even. "There has been an increase of demons around Liyue Harbor. Though I am no part of the Millelith, I have chosen to join them in the defense of our home." He bowed deeply. "I am sorry for not asking for Master's permission, but I will not go back on my promise."
I sighed. As I expected. The increase in demons was probably because all the demonic gods had heard the same decree Celestia gave out. They all wanted Liyue to be theirs, and so they were going all out. One final arms-race, all in service to attain one of the seven thrones of Teyvat.
Gods damn it all.
Suddenly, a sword appeared in my hands. Tianqiu's breath stilled as his eyes fell upon it. It was a sword more beautiful than any other. A blade of vibrant green, as if carved from the purest jades. And glowing with runes of amber and gold, as if Lord Morax himself had blessed it with his divine Geo.
His surprise only grew as she extended the blade to him, beckoning him to take it. "Master…?" He whispered, cautious but enthusiastic.
"Take it." I said. "I lend this to you now, so that it may bless you during your battles." His eyes lit up at my words, but he then flinched when I raised my voice. "However! This is a priceless artifact, and I expect you to return it to me no matter what." I glared at him. "So do not perish, Tianqiu. Return to Liyue no matter what."
Shakily, he took the sword into his hands. Felt the way the sword almost seemed to adapt to him, its weight subtly changing to perfectly match his gait. He took a deep breath at the weight of his Master's gift. It was both a blessing and a promise in one. "I will, Master!" He eventually said, his teeth grit with determination.
He would come back, no matter what!
"Good."
After another bow, Tianqiu left for his home. And once he was far enough, I closed the door behind me and sighed.
[Primordial Jade Cutter 5★
A sword carved from the finest jades, said to have been a weapon used by Morax himself. A gift and blessing meant for peace love, but so has it too been a spark that ignited wars that tore families apart. But no matter what, this sword shall hold for those who fight.
Increases Sword damage by 150%. Increases Body and Speed by 100% when held. Dispels outside interference when held.]
Over the past few months, I'd gotten enough Primogems to roll the Gacha a few times. And from the one time I did a 10-pull on the [Equipment Gacha], that sword was the one 5★ I got. I used it quite a lot during my explorations—it carved through most enemies I faced with no issue. But considering the chaos that would soon follow, I felt it was better to be in Tianqiu's hands.
…I guess it's time to confront Morax and Guizhong as well.
Sighing, I left my dojo and headed for the massive complex built at the highest point of Liyue Harbor. The streets here were filled with members of Guizhong's parliament and Millelith soldiers, and they all bowed respectfully as I went by. Before long I made it there, and the welcoming handmaidens were quick to lead me to Guizhong.
Soon I made it to Guizhong's room, and luckily Morax was also there. "Venti?" Guizhong asked, confused as to why I was here.
"Something has happened, hasn't it? Something big." My question was a lie, of course. It was better I pretended to not know about Celestia's decree. "The Millelith are mobilizing for war, and I can feel an incredible surge of karma." That, at least, was true. Even from afar I could feel the intense bursts of karma pulsing from all over the place; signs that the demonic gods were preparing for their assault.
Morax and Guizhong turned to one another for a moment, before Morax turned to me. "You are correct." He spoke, his voice grave. "There is little I can speak of due to certain circumstances, but many gods are likely to show themselves." He sighed openly—a first for the usually stoic god. "An open war is inevitable."
"The games are no more. Everyone's gotten tired of playing around." Guizhong added, though her voice carried no amusement.
I attempted a grin. "Hey, at least that means that if we win, you'll finally be able to claim this whole region as ours like you always wished to." I said jokingly, but neither laughed. My grin slowly slid off as I realized just how dire everything was if even Guizhong wasn't attempting to tease me or Morax every five minutes.
Eventually, Morax whispered in a low voice. "I wish not for dominion," he said in response. His eyes turned to the window, casting out the rest of Liyue Harbor. "Yet I cannot watch the common people suffer."
Strangely, his words made me shiver a little, as if something great just happened.
A tense quiet fell between us all then. Both of them were likely worrying over the exact nature of Celestia's decree—of what the seven thrones actually meant. I was silent as well, mostly because I wasn't sure what time was appropriate for me to bring up my idea.
Thankfully, Guizhong spoke about it before I needed to. "I also worry for the people outside our walls." She said, eyebrows furrowed with worry. "Their location offers them seclusion, but there's no telling how long they would remain unknown from-"
"I can help them." I said quickly. Decisively. "Like the people have done with Guili, I can bring them to a new place. To a new home."
Morax frowned. "Explain."
I took a breath to calm my nerves, and in a flash of light, my [Serenitea Pot] appeared in my hands. Guizhong staggered back as her eyes fell onto the teapot, surprised by the sheer depth of the energy she felt from the seemingly normal teapot. But it was the way Morax's eyes went wide that really stole my attention. It was the first time I'd seen Morax truly be surprised by something.
"...an entire world." He whispered in awe. He could feel it; within that teapot laid an entirely new realm, born from a primal energy he had not felt in thousands of years. "You made this?"
"...kinda?" I said, not quite sure myself. I mean, how does the [Shop] work exactly? Does it grab stuff from some premade bin, or does it make new stuff the moment I spend my hard-earned Primogems?
"Incredible." He whispered. I shivered slightly as I heard his voice, ears growing warm. For some reason, I felt inexplicably proud of his awe.
"So, um," I coughed to clear my throat. "Yeah. Since my student's going to be too busy to practice, I might as well go out and help others." I smiled wryly. "I mean, it's not like I'll be able to do much here. I already don't do much in the first place."
Guizhong looked like she had something to say about that, but she remained quiet. Instead, I caught her giving Morax's leg a subtle kick. He blinked at her, and she only humphed as she saw his confusion. "Anyway," She rolled her eyes before she smiled at me. "When do you plan on going?"
I hummed. Good question. My Personal World was already prepared for new residents; I'd bought all the Generators I needed, and I even spent some Mora to create some new smaller islands dotted all around the larger islands. Travelling across the Personal World without flight or gliding still took some time, but I was still thinking of a solution for that.
"...maybe tomorrow?" I said, not quite sure.
Morax nodded. "A sound plan." He said, before he frowned. He seemed to mull over something before he then continued. "Though, if I may be so bold, is it possible for your leave to happen a couple days later, instead?"
I tilted my head. "Why?"
He hummed. "I hold no illusions over your strength, but I worry still." A determined frown made it to his lips. "If you would allow me to, I would like to create a relic infused with my blessings, so that it may protect you during your journey."
My eyes sparkled. A relic, crafted by Morax's own hands!? That was-, incredible! Awesome! There was no end to the number of tales regarding those Morax had directly blessed with his relics. Even seemingly minor gifts allowed whole villages and towns to flourish. Heck, that was how the Qingyun Peaks even came to be!
"That'd be great, Morax." I said. And though he didn't smile, I could tell he was happy he could help.
"Oh, oh! I'll chime in too!" Guizhong said, her smile wide and cheery. It was surprisingly refreshing to see her smile like that. "Morax's been teaching me about how to make all his cool relics, and I think I can make some cool contraptions to help you out. Like a metal detector! Or maybe glasses that allow you to see during the night? Or maybe…" the rest of her words devolve into mutterings too soft for me to hear.
And as the two gods descended into their thoughts, I couldn't help but smile. My chest felt warm, knowing that I had the favor of Liyue's two gods.
…no, not just favor.
Friends. Yes, they were friends. My friends. People I would gladly fight for, and people that would gladly fight for me. I'm glad to have been blessed to have met them.
I won't let you go this time. Never again.
Smiling, I eventually snapped the two out of their thoughts and asked if they wanted to have some dinner. They agreed, and soon all three of us were off to have some nice dinner.