After taking a brief rest, Jiang Yan followed Morax and the others to the camp where the Thousand Rock Army was stationed.
"Emperor! Immortal Lord!"
As soon as the soldiers saw their leaders return, they quickly stepped forward to salute.
But when they noticed the five Yaksha following behind, their faces instantly darkened.
"Protect the Immortal Lord and Lord Morax!"
Dozens of spears were immediately leveled at the Yaksha.
"Easy, easy," Jiang Yan waved his hand casually, signaling them to lower their weapons.
"These five—are one of us now. From this day on, they're your comrades."
He gave the short green-haired Yaksha—Xiao—a friendly pat on the shoulder before turning back to address the soldiers.
"...Yes, sir!"
The Thousand Rock Army exchanged uncertain glances, but after a moment's hesitation, they obeyed and lowered their spears.
"Alright, brothers!" Jiang Yan clapped his hands together and spoke in a loud, steady voice.
"The war is over. We…"
He paused deliberately, then raised his voice:
"...have won!"
The moment his words fell, a thunderous cheer erupted throughout the camp.
This had been their first real war.
They had faced hordes of monsters—without retreat, without fear.
And now, under their Emperor and Immortal Lord, they had triumphed.
The forces of Guili Plains had achieved a decisive victory!
"Alright, men!" Jiang Yan lifted a hand, motioning for quiet.
"Save your cheers for when we're home. For now—"
He pointed forward.
"Form ranks!"
The Thousand Rock Army instantly straightened, spears in hand, disciplined and proud despite their many wounds.
Their faces glowed with the joy of victory.
Jiang Yan looked over the black sea of soldiers before him—
then, with a grin, he said simply:
"Let's go home."
Guili Plains.
By the time Jiang Yan and the others arrived, Azhdaha had already returned ahead of them, bringing news of the victory.
The people of Guili Plains rejoiced.
The Thousand Rock Army had vanquished the hordes led by the Chi Dragon, and the Wood Spirit Adeptus had struck down two Demon Gods—one slain, one gravely wounded and fled.
The streets were alive with celebration.
Everywhere people talked of their heroes—of Lord Morax of Rock and the Immortal Lord of Wood.
When word spread that the army was approaching the city gates,
the entire populace gathered at the border to welcome them.
At the very front stood Guizhong, Marchosius, Ganyu, and the other immortals.
Ganyu, small and anxious, craned her neck as high as she could—hoping to catch sight of that one familiar figure.
"They're coming!"
Someone shouted, and instantly the crowd turned toward the horizon.
There—where heaven met earth—a line of figures appeared, marching in perfect formation.
Their armor was stained with the blood of countless monsters.
Their steps were steady, unyielding—like ghosts risen from the depths of hell, radiating killing intent and the scent of iron and blood.
At the front walked Jiang Yan, Morax, and Azhdaha, side by side.
Their battle robes fluttered in the wind, heroic and divine.
So these are our protectors… our Immortal Lord and our Emperor?
This… this is the army of mankind?!
Strong.
Majestic.
Those were the only words that filled the people's hearts.
"Immortal Lord!"
"Emperor!!"
"Immortal Lord!"
"Emperor!!"
The cheers rolled across the plain like thunder.
And thus, amid the roaring voices of the people, the Thousand Rock Army, Jiang Yan, and Morax returned triumphantly to Guili Plains.
A grand celebration broke out across the entire city.
Throughout the banquet, Ganyu kept stealing glances at Jiang Yan.
"I told you, I'm fine!" Jiang Yan said helplessly.
"There's no way you're fine!" Ganyu puffed up her cheeks in indignation.
"Those were two Demon Gods you fought!"
"Let me check for myself!"
Before he could react, the little qilin reached out to lift his robe.
"Wait—wait! Not here! There are people around!"
Jiang Yan quickly caught her fidgeting hands.
The others merely smiled knowingly, saying nothing.
Ganyu, realizing what she was doing, froze.
A deep blush spread across her face, and she sat down quickly, bowing her head like a startled quail.
Later, after several rounds of wine, Jiang Yan—tipsy and flushed—noticed Ganyu sitting quietly off to the side, nibbling only on vegetables.
Grinning, he stumbled over.
"Hey, come on, this is a celebration! Have something better than that."
For a moment, desire flickered in Ganyu's eyes, but she shook her head firmly.
"No, I'll get fat."
"Doesn't matter," Jiang Yan said with a chuckle, leaning clOsial.
"I wouldn't mind."
"Wh–who cares what you mind!"
She turned away, flustered, her cheeks burning.
"Such sudden tsundere energy…" Jiang Yan murmured, laughing softly as he pulled her gently into his arms.
He buried his face in her soft blue hair.
Ganyu squirmed a little but didn't resist.
"Sorry," he whispered, his voice low and warm. "For making you worry."
His breath, hot and tinged with wine, brushed against the delicate skin of her neck—
and the qilin girl's fair face turned crimson as her heart began to race.
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