Hearing Jiang Yan's words, Ganyu also turned her gaze toward the distant figures.
"Judging by the direction, those people should be from the Domain of Salt."
"Domain of Salt…" Jiang Yan murmured, lowering his head in thought.
Ah… that should be the territory of the God of Salt.
He rubbed his chin.
In the story from his past life, the death of the God of Salt—Havria—had been nothing short of tragic.
That kind and gentle god, unwilling to fight, had chosen to flee with her people during the brutal Archon War.
Yet in the end, she was slain by those very people she sought to protect.
"The Power of Salt, huh…"
Jiang Yan fell silent, weighing his options.
Should he try to bring Havria into their alliance?
She wasn't particularly strong, but her divine authority—the domain over salt—was extremely valuable.
Salt production, whether in Teyvat or in his previous world, had always been a cornerstone industry.
Only after the Archon War ended and the Seven Nations were founded would the true importance of salt become clear.
If that's the case, then… he should go see for himself!
After all, wasn't Havria seeking a safe refuge?
And what could possibly be safer than Guili Plains—home to five god-level beings under one banner?
"Wen Yi, take two men and invite those people to come here," Jiang Yan ordered.
"And be gentle—don't frighten them."
"Yes, my lord!"
The Thousand Rock Army officer Wen Yi saluted smartly, then set off with two soldiers toward the group of humans scavenging among the ruins.
When those humans noticed three figures in black-gold armor approaching, panic spread instantly across their faces.
"Black armor… They're Thousand Rock Army!"
"We're doomed! They're going to kill us!"
The reputation of Guili Plains' Thousand Rock Army had already spread far and wide after the recent war.
Everyone knew of this all-human army that had stood against tens of thousands of monsters—and annihilated them all.
Such overwhelming might made even other humans tremble.
If they could slaughter demons so easily… What chance did ordinary mortals have?
Some of the frightened people crouched down, trembling. Others bolted northeast in panic.
"Don't be afraid! We're the Thousand Rock Army!" Wen Yi called out.
He tried his best to put on what he thought was a friendly smile—
but with his already fierce features, that grin looked absolutely terrifying.
Several people couldn't even bring themselves to meet his eyes.
"W-what do you want, sir?" one brave man stammered.
"Our immortal lord wishes to ask you a few questions. He invites you to come over and speak with him," Wen Yi said, gesturing politely behind him.
Remembering Jiang Yan's orders, he kept his tone as gentle as possible.
"An… immortal lord?!"
"Wait—do you mean that one? The Wood Spirit Adeptus who fought two gods alone?!"
Excitement rippled through the group.
Their voices quavered with fear and awe—but above all, with admiration.
An immortal wanted to see them!
The first man who had spoken suddenly rolled his eyes back in pure shock and collapsed to the ground with a thud.
"Uh…"
Wen Yi blinked, utterly baffled.
Why in the world would people faint just from hearing their lord's name?
Even from afar, Jiang Yan froze in disbelief.
What the—?!
What did Wen Yi say to them?!
How did someone faint out of nowhere?!
"M-my lord, he's just overwhelmed!" another man hurriedly said, bowing repeatedly. "We'll go with you to meet the Immortal!"
Wen Yi frowned but nodded.
"Gather your people, then follow me."
He turned and led his men back.
"Hey, Wen Yi," Jiang Yan asked as soon as they returned, "what exactly did you say to them? Why did someone faint?"
Wen Yi scratched his head and recounted what had happened.
After hearing the explanation, Jiang Yan couldn't help but laugh helplessly.
Good grief…
Someone fainted just from hearing my name?
Ha! Guess my charm's stronger than I thought.
Beside him, Ganyu covered her mouth, giggling softly at her "boy's" shameless self-satisfaction.
Before long, the group of humans—having calmed down somewhat—approached Jiang Yan's camp.
"P-paying our respects to the Immortal Lord!"
One man immediately knelt down, but Jiang Yan raised a hand to stop him.
"I'm not a god," he said with a smile. "There's no need for kneeling. Just call me 'Immortal Lord,' that's enough."
His voice was warm, his smile bright like sunlight through clouds—and it shone straight into their fearful hearts.
How… how kind and gentle this Immortal Lord was!
In that moment, Jiang Yan's image in their minds began to rise ever higher—
a living immortal, benevolent and radiant.
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