"Sigh…" Seeing that Guizhong didn't seem inclined to ask further questions, Akio and Yoimiya exchanged a glance and didn't say much more.
For Akio, he needed to wait for Guizhong to battle the Chi and artificially create a scene where Guizhong would fall, then immediately take her back to the present.
After all, Akio had just used his chance to correct the timeline, but it didn't matter much.
"Hmm… Our tribe has been completely destroyed. This place is no longer habitable… It seems we'll have to move our people elsewhere," Guizhong pouted as she looked at the ruins of the tribe, clearly unhappy.
Watching the people gradually wake up, Akio turned to Guizhong and said, "Guizhong, our identities are still those of immortal mortals. Please don't reveal our true nature."
"Although this might make you sad, if another deity invades, I won't intervene like I did today. And after this, I won't protect your people anymore," Akio sighed.
"I understand. You must have your reasons," Guizhong said, nodding sympathetically.
"Guizhong, you're so well-behaved," Yoimiya hugged Guizhong. The two had long become close friends, or as Akio put it, they were now inseparable best friends!
"Hey, hey, Yoimiya, you're clinging to me again. Look at Akio's expression—he's practically drooling," Guizhong pushed Yoimiya away, laughing.
"What's the big deal? I say, why don't you just join us," Yoimiya said with a grin.
"Oh, stop it. He's your lover," Guizhong shook her head. "I don't understand love yet, but you both do."
"When I truly understand human emotions, I'll agree," Guizhong said with a smile.
"Then it's settled! Once you understand love, you'll be with us," Yoimiya chuckled.
"Mhm! I'm the Lord of Dust. My word is as good as gold," Guizhong nodded, her heart beating slightly faster as she looked into Akio's star-like eyes.
Guili Plains stretched out as far as the eye could see, clearly an ideal place to settle.
"The territory of the Lord of Geo Morax is nearby. I'd like to visit him sometime," Guizhong said, looking at Akio.
"Morax? That's fine," Akio nodded. Since they weren't changing the course of history, there was no reason to stop Guizhong from meeting Morax.
"Guizhong, I'll go with you," Akio said. "That Lord of Geo is known for his ferocity in this region. I'm worried about your safety."
Akio knew the original story—Morax would never harm Guizhong. But as a man, even though he knew the two were just friends, he didn't want Guizhong meeting Morax alone.
"But won't you be discovered? Morax is a powerful deity," Guizhong asked, concerned.
"It's fine. I'll disguise myself and follow you," Akio shook his head.
"Exactly, don't worry. Akio's power far surpasses Morax's. He won't detect him," Yoimiya nodded.
"In that case, it's settled," Guizhong agreed. If she could establish a good relationship with Morax and gain his support, her tribe would surely thrive.
"But let's focus on rebuilding here first," Akio said, looking at the migrating people who were once again left with nothing.
"Alright!" Guizhong nodded. Indeed, helping the people rebuild their homes was more important.
…
Meanwhile, in a large tribe not far away, compared to Guizhong's old and dilapidated settlement, this place was quite luxurious.
In the center of the tribe, inside a grand house, a young deity lounged lazily on a golden stone chair, idly playing with a small meteor.
This young deity was Morax, the most powerful deity in the region. His reputation made other deities tremble in fear.
Many foolish deities had tried to invade his territory, and none had met a good end—almost all were obliterated by the Lord of Geo.
"Lord Rex Lapis!" A knock came from outside.
"Enter!" the young deity said.
With permission granted, the door opened, revealing a crane with beautiful blue-white feathers.
"Oh? Cloud Retainer, what is it? What brings you here?" Morax asked.
"Lord Rex Lapis, a deity has settled on the plains not far from us, along with many of her people," Cloud Retainer said.
"I've investigated. The deity is named Guizhong, and she originally established her village at the foot of a mountain hundreds of miles away," Cloud Retainer explained. "A few days ago, a battle between two deities affected her tribe, forcing her to move here."
"Their location is very close to our tribe. Should we warn them to move away?"
"That's unnecessary," Morax shook his head. "That plain is unclaimed land. She's free to come and go as long as she doesn't encroach on my territory."
"If she dares to invade, I, Morax, fear no deity," Morax said with a hint of pride. He had the strength and confidence to crush any enemy.
"Understood, Lord Rex Lapis," Cloud Retainer nodded.
"Oh, by the way, Lord Rex Lapis, that deity seems to wield the power of dust and sand. Her people revere her as the Lord of Dust."
"Oh? Interesting, a power similar to mine?" Morax smiled slightly, then looked at Cloud Retainer. "Cloud Retainer, when you have time, draft an invitation for me. I'd like to see if this Lord of Dust has a warrior's spirit."
"Understood," Cloud Retainer nodded and left Morax's house.
"Lord of Dust… A power similar to mine. Interesting," Morax murmured, intrigued by this Lord of Dust. She must be of similar strength to him, right?
"Lord Rex Lapis is actually inviting this Lord of Dust to visit?" Cloud Retainer muttered outside.
"But I think this deity's power can't be that great, right? After all, she chose to leave after being affected by a battle between deities," Cloud Retainer shook her head. "Wait, those two battling deities disappeared. Could it be that the Lord of Dust killed them?"
"Never mind. I'll draft an invitation for the Lord of Dust and let Lord Rex Lapis observe her character," Cloud Retainer said. "With Lord Rex Lapis here, no matter how strong she is, she won't be able to cause any trouble."
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