"I wonder what brings the Immortal Lord here today?"
Inside the chamber the tribe had hastily prepared as a guest hall, Havria personally instructed her attendants to serve the finest tea.
"It's nothing too serious," Jiang Yan said casually, taking a sip. "Tell me—what could possibly be here that's worth me coming all the way?"
His calm tone made Havria freeze for a moment before she gave a bitter smile.
"So it's as I thought…" she murmured, clenching her fists.
That helpless, aching feeling welled up again in her chest.
"What do you mean, as you thought?" Jiang Yan asked, slightly puzzled.
"Surely you came here for my land—the Domain of Salt, did you not?" she said quietly. "I only ask that the Immortal Lord treat my people kindly when you take it."
"Huh? Who told you I'm after your land?"
Jiang Yan chuckled, and Havria's head shot up in surprise.
"Y-you're not?" she asked, unsure whether to believe him.
"Then what could possibly bring you here?"
For a moment, she was lost.
If not her territory, what else could she possess that might interest this immortal from Guili Plains?
It couldn't be… her, could it?
Her cheeks flushed as she glanced down at her own curvaceous figure—but that thought was quickly dispelled when her gaze flicked toward Ganyu, standing quietly beside Jiang Yan.
Those two were clearly close. Whatever reason he had for coming, it wasn't that.
As if sensing her confusion, Jiang Yan spoke softly.
"God of Salt, Havria… if I'm not mistaken, your divine authority is over salt, correct?"
Havria nodded slightly.
"Then I was right." Jiang Yan set down his teacup, his tone turning serious. "I came here for your authority."
"My… authority?" she echoed, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
"That's right. I've come to invite you to join Guili Plains," Jiang Yan said.
"Guili Plains can offer protection to you and your people—a safe home and lasting peace. All I ask in return is that you lend your strength to our cause and serve under the Rock King Emperor."
Havria's heart wavered.
Guili Plains… she'd heard the name countless times.
A coalition of gods who had banded together, led by the Rock King Emperor himself—Morax.
It was said the people of Guili Plains lived blessed and prosperous lives, under a ruler wise and merciful beyond compare. They even called him affectionately, Lord Morax of Rock.
"But… I have no real strength," Havria said softly. "And my authority isn't one suited for war…"
Jiang Yan smiled and shook his head.
"You underestimate yourself. Your authority is far more important than you think. Its true strength doesn't lie in battle—it lies in the life and prosperity of the people."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze steady.
"So, Lady Havria, will you join us?"
Havria hesitated for a long time.
Truthfully, Jiang Yan's offer was tempting.
The god of the Minlin Tribe had already issued an ultimatum to drive her out and seize the Domain of Salt, while Jiang Yan was extending a hand of alliance.
The choice was obvious.
Under Guili Plains' protection, her people could finally live in peace—safe from the endless carnage of the Archon War.
"…Very well," she finally said. "I will join. But before that, there is something I must tell you."
She explained everything about the god of the Minlin Tribe and their plans to invade.
Jiang Yan listened quietly, then smiled faintly.
"A small matter," he said. "I'll take care of it."
He rose to his feet, his tone firm and commanding.
"For now, gather your people and lead them to Guili Plains. His Majesty the Rock King Emperor will formalize the pact with you himself. From this day forth, the Domain of Salt will be part of Guili Plains. As for the Minlin Tribe… leave that to me."
Havria stood as well and gave a respectful bow.
"Then I'll be troubling you, Immortal Lord."
"No trouble at all. Just call me Jiang Yan," he said with a wave of his hand. "From now on, we're on the same side."
He turned to Ganyu. "Let's go."
Ganyu nodded, rising gracefully to follow. She gave Havria a gentle smile before leaving alongside Jiang Yan.
Havria remained where she stood, silent.
Had she made the right choice? She couldn't be sure.
But before she could dwell on the thought—
A wave of divine pressure suddenly rippled through the air outside.
Her expression changed instantly. "No!"
She rushed out of the room.
Outside, the people of the Domain of Salt were fleeing in panic. The Thousand Rock Army stood guard at the settlement's edge, their faces tense as they stared up at the sky—
—where a massive figure loomed, vast and oppressive like a mountain descending from the heavens.
Jiang Yan stood calmly in the doorway, his eyes cold and unreadable as he gazed upon the god above.
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