The next day, Jiang Yan—for once—didn't leave home early in the morning.
Today, he was accompanying Ganyu to meet with the villagers of Guili Plains.
After all, their lord Morax, the Geo Archon himself, would soon be arriving for an inspection. Proper preparations had to be made.
Before long, the entire Guili Plains was buzzing with excitement.
Everyone had heard the news: their ruler, the Geo Lord Morax, was coming to their home.
To think—the Wood Spirit Adeptus under his command was already so benevolent—
then just how kind and merciful must their Geo Lord be?
Ah, best not to even imagine it!
But to prevent the villagers from abandoning their fields and over-preparing for the Archon's arrival, Jiang Yan emphasized again and again:
"The Geo Lord is only coming to inspect. He won't arrive for at least half a month. Just go about your daily work—no need for any grand displays."
Thanks to Jiang Yan's repeated reminders, the villagers managed to stay calm and didn't stir up any chaos.
In this age, humanity's faith in the Archons was nothing short of fervent.
As long as a god treated them kindly, they would devote themselves wholly in return.
And so, in eager anticipation, the people of Guili Plains spent the next half-month preparing in quiet excitement.
Finally, the day came when Morax and his companions arrived.
Since this was merely an inspection, Morax and the other adept did not arrive in grand procession.
Instead, they disguised themselves as ordinary mortals, wishing to see their lands through the eyes of the people.
"This kid Jiang Yan's governance isn't bad at all," remarked Moon Carver, gazing over the golden expanse of ripened rice fields.
"Hmph! You think all that's his doing? Anyone can see it's thanks to my Ganyu!"
Cloud Retainer huffed, though she couldn't quite hide the pleased glint in her eyes.
"Oh, give it a rest, Cloud Retainer. You've mentioned those two so many times on this trip I've lost count," chuckled Mountain Shaper.
That earned him an indignant glare from Cloud Retainer.
"Hmph! W-Who's been talking about that brat? I was only thinking about my obedient disciple, that's all!"
Morax smiled faintly. "They say the people of Guili Plains live in peace and prosperity. Seeing it with my own eyes today, it seems Jiang Yan has done quite well."
Indeed, the village's flourishing state could almost rival that of Guili Plains.
"Hey there, young fellows! Are you here to join us in Guili Plains too?"
A passing villager, seeing Morax's group standing still and gazing around, assumed they were awe-struck newcomers and called out with a friendly grin.
The adept exchanged looks. Cloud Retainer was about to speak, but Morax raised a hand to stop her.
"Yes, elder. Could you perhaps show us around?" Morax asked politely with a smile.
"Of course! Come with me!" the old man said cheerfully, leading the way ahead.
"Hey, Old Li, heading to the fields?" another villager called as they passed.
"Sure am! The wife's expecting, so I've got to put in more work. Gotta feed another mouth next year!" Old Li replied, beaming with joy.
"Ah, Old Li, a child at your age? Didn't the Adeptus call that 'vigorous despite age,' eh?"
"Haha, make sure you throw a feast when the time comes!"
The other villagers laughed heartily, and Old Li chuckled with pride.
"Of course! Everyone's invited! Plenty of food to go around!"
Morax and the others followed quietly, smiling as they listened to the easy chatter.
From the villagers' words, they could hear genuine happiness and contentment.
"Oh, my apologies!" Old Li suddenly remembered the travelers following him. "I got carried away chatting!"
"It's quite alright," Morax said warmly. "It's a joyous occasion—congratulations are in order."
"Hahaha, such polite young folks!" Old Li laughed, clearly pleased, and began explaining as they walked.
"See those fields over there? Those were newly planned by Immortal Lord himself these past two months. I hear the yield there is twice that of the other plots!"
Following his pointing finger, they saw it was true—the rice there grew taller and fuller than anywhere else.
"That area's the livestock pens... and over there's the new orchard..."
As they walked, Old Li eagerly introduced every part of the village.
"Hm? Elder, what are those people doing over there?" Morax asked, pointing toward a group who were mixing something on the ground.
"Oh, that?" Old Li chuckled. "That's one of Immortal Lord's new inventions. He says it's for paving roads."
"According to him, it'll make the roads smoother and much sturdier!"
Morax and the other adept exchanged knowing looks.
That brat Jiang Yan...
He's definitely been hiding things from us again!
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