One year later.
Under Jiang Yan's governance, all of Liyue had gradually begun moving toward prosperity.
Every industry blossomed in full bloom, and overall commerce experienced explosive growth.
At the same time, vast tracts of land that had been abandoned since the Archon War were reclaimed and brought back into cultivation.
Whether it was the sword scars Jiang Yan had carved into the land during the Archon War, or the Guyun Stone Forest that Morax had cast into the sea, all of it was put to good use by Jiang Yan.
Guyun Stone Forest was designated as Liyue's main naval base.
The Guili Fleet—one of Liyue's three major fleets—was stationed there.
Of the three fleets, two patrolled the seas while one remained at the base, ready to provide immediate support.
This was the strategy Jiang Yan had devised.
Every week, the three fleets rotated duties. This ensured that overall combat strength was not diminished while also giving naval soldiers ample time to rest and recuperate.
As for the sword scars, Jiang Yan turned them into a scenic landmark.
Because all the lingering resentment of fallen gods and residual energy had been converted into god-slaying bombs, the sword scar now served as a site for commemorating the end of war—while also inspiring Liyue's younger generation.
At the same time, Jiang Yan established academies, setting up elementary schools, middle schools, and universities in Liyue Harbor, steadily完善ing the education system.
Moreover, once the academic system was fully established, Jiang Yan planned to implement a nine-year compulsory education system—just like in his previous life!
In other words, as a citizen of Liyue, you had to possess at least a middle-school-level education and be literate.
Of course, fully popularizing academies across all of Liyue within a single year was impossible.
For now, the education system was only being piloted in Liyue Harbor. If successful, it would be expanded across the entire nation within five years.
A year earlier, Jiang Yan had discussed with Morax the idea of organizing a Seven Archons' gathering together with the other nations.
To ensure this came to fruition, Jiang Yan personally sent invitation letters to the other six nations.
Since Jiang Yan had already visited the Six Nations beforehand, the gods of those nations gladly accepted his invitation.
His visit had showcased Liyue's strength and prosperity, and naturally, the Archons were eager to see for themselves what Liyue had become.
"Jiang Yan, according to reports from the Millelith, the gods of the Six Nations have all entered Liyue's territory."
At Yuehai Pavilion, Ganyu walked up to the third floor and spoke softly as Jiang Yan stood by the window.
"Mm, I know."
Jiang Yan turned around with a smile.
"How are preparations on the Millelith's side?"
"They're basically complete. The Millelith, the navy, and the air force are all ready—standing by for the military parade at any moment."
Flipping through the documents in her hands, Ganyu continued,
"The Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya entered through Stone Gate.
The Hydro Archon of Fontaine entered near Qiaoying Village.
The Dendro Archon of Sumeru and the Pyro Archon of Natlan entered through Minlin.
The Electro Archon of Inazuma is landing directly at Liyue Harbor."
"As for the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt, there's been no movement yet."
"Mm, I know."
Jiang Yan nodded. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he smiled.
"There's no need to worry about the Anemo Archon. He's already here."
"Huh?"
Ganyu was taken aback.
Jiang Yan pointed outside the window. Ganyu stepped forward and looked in that direction.
She saw a youth dressed as a wandering bard, holding a bottle of liquor produced by the Liyue Alcohol Industry, strolling cheerfully through the streets.
Looking at Barbatos' half-drunk appearance, Ganyu was stunned.
"That's… the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt?"
"Yes. Surprising, right?"
Jiang Yan laughed and leapt straight out of the window.
At the same time, his voice drifted back to Ganyu.
"Tell Morax I'm going to welcome the Anemo and Electro Archons. When the other gods arrive, have him host them properly."
Ganyu didn't respond, only turning and leaving.
Perhaps she had already grown accustomed to Jiang Yan exiting through windows instead of doors.
"Ahhh~ To think Liyue would have such fine wine."
On the street, Barbatos took a big gulp of liquor, exhaled deeply, and sighed in admiration.
"That Jiang Yan kid really messed up—didn't even bring me a couple bottles when he visited."
"Oh? If it's that good, drink more."
Barbatos froze and glanced around.
Huh?
Was that an illusion?
Why did he just hear Jiang Yan's voice?
At that moment, Jiang Yan appeared beside him,解除ing the invisibility granted by the Serpent Talisman.
Barbatos was about to take another sip when he suddenly felt someone watching him. Instinctively, he turned his head—
—and saw Jiang Yan standing there with a smile, quietly staring at him.
"AH!!"
Barbatos was so startled he nearly played The Song of the High Heavens on the spot.
"Why are you always appearing out of nowhere?!"
He angrily slapped Jiang Yan.
"Oh~ So even the mighty Anemo Archon can be scared, huh?"
Jiang Yan teased him with a grin.
"Go away, go away."
Barbatos knew how embarrassing that had been, but with skin as thick as a city wall, he felt no shame at all.
"Well then, sneaking into Liyue to drink alone without looking for me—looks like I won't be letting you try the new wine I just developed~"
Jiang Yan spoke lightly as he quickened his pace and walked away.
"I think there's been a misunderstanding between us, Brother Jiang."
Barbatos lunged forward and slung an arm around Jiang Yan's shoulder, laughing shamelessly.
"Oh? And who was it that just told me to go away?"
Jiang Yan looked at him with a bright smile.
"Eh? Who was it? Who dared tell Liyue's Tianquan to leave?"
One could only say—worthy of you, Barbatos.
Jiang Yan sighed helplessly and headed toward the harbor.
"Hey, hey, hey—don't rush off. I think we really need to have a good talk about that new wine."
The moment he heard about good wine, Barbatos practically glued himself to Jiang Yan.
"Tsk. No rush. Come with me to the harbor first."
Jiang Yan glanced at him, suddenly finding it quite amusing to keep Barbatos hanging like this.
"What are we going to the harbor for?"
Barbatos looked at him in confusion.
"The Electro Archon of Inazuma is landing there. Of course I have to go welcome her."
Jiang Yan spoke as he walked.
"Then I'll go with you! About that new wine—"
Barbatos was clearly still fixated on it.
"I'll think about it."
"Eh???"
"How can you be like this…"
Barbatos' voice suddenly carried a hint of dejection.
"What, you don't want to drink?"
Jiang Yan shot him a sidelong glance, amusement in his eyes.
"No, no, I mean—I just like you this way!"
Barbatos chuckled, throwing an arm around Jiang Yan's shoulder again.
"Get lost. My orientation is perfectly normal."
Jiang Yan said with open disgust.
"I never said yours wasn't normal…"
As they bantered back and forth, the two figures gradually disappeared down the streets of Liyue, growing farther and farther away…
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