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Morax lowered his head, continuing to gaze silently at the strange black slip in his hand. He had acquired this object not long ago by chance.
Months earlier, Morax had witnessed a peculiar star traverse the False Sky in the eastern heavens and crash onto this land. Sensing something significant, he journeyed with his friend, the **Dragon King Azhdaha**, to the impact site and discovered this black card.
As the **Geo Archon**, Morax had existed on this land for nearly three thousand years. As one of the oldest Archons, his experiences were vast. Yet, even he had never encountered the energy emanating from the black slip. It belonged neither to Teyvat nor to the Dark Sea beyond.
Although the residual power on the slip was faint, Morax's heart of stone, tempered over three millennia, felt a primal terror welling up from its very depths upon perceiving it. If stone itself could fear such inconceivable power, how much more so other living beings? Even the '**Heavenly Principles**' had never evoked such a sensation within him.
"**Morax!**" Azhdaha, seeing Morax's attention fixed on the slip again, voiced its concern once more. Born of elemental life beneath the earth and possessing a mysterious connection to the ancient Seven Sovereigns, Azhdaha's power rivaled that of the Geo Archon. Naturally, it too could perceive the slip's strangeness and terror. A mere wisp of its power made it clear that both it and the Geo Archon were like fireflies compared to the full moon when measured against the slip's true owner. Such a fearsome and mysterious entity was best avoided if possible.
It feared Morax might be bewitched by the power on the slip, hence the warning. It wasn't that Azhdaha distrusted Morax. It was the existence called '**Erosion**' that caused long-lived beings like them to slowly lose their sanity, their reason, even undergo fundamental shifts in thought over the vast stretches of time, becoming like different people. Thus, caution was necessary.
"No need for concern, old friend. I am not bewitched by the power upon this," Morax reassured, examining the black slip once more. Apart from its pitch-black color, it bore only a strange symbol. It resembled a soaring eagle, or perhaps the sun bursting forth in radiance. Above the symbol was the profile of a woman's head, appearing exceptionally intricate.
"I have walked this earth for millennia, yet I have never seen such a symbol," Morax stated, finally stowing the black slip away.
"Morax, that object is too dangerous. Should certain individuals obtain it, it could cause a great disaster. It would be best to seal it away," Azhdaha insisted, still uneasy seeing Morax keep it.
"This power is foreign to this world. Sealing it rashly might bring unforeseen consequences. That would be unwise."
"...Moreover, I have a premonition. I feel this object may yet prove useful in the future. I shall keep it for now."
Hearing Morax's reasoning, Azhdaha ceased its urging. It held absolute trust in this friend who had granted it sight, forged a covenant with it, and walked the earth alongside it for three thousand years.
Archon and dragon stood together on the mountainside, gazing into the distance. At the mountain's foot, villages dotted the landscape like scattered stars. Within them, men tilled the fields, women wove silk, elders sat by the paddies, and children laughed and played – a scene of peaceful happiness.
Archons loved humanity. As an Archon, Morax loved them too. Beneath this sky, calamities were constant. Humanity, weak and vulnerable, could only seek the protection of Archons. These villages at the mountain's foot were under the protection of the Geo Archon, Morax. The land where these villages gathered was called '**Liyue**'. The people led by Morax had settled here; they were the first inhabitants of Liyue.
Yet Liyue's land was rich and fertile; it could not be claimed by the Geo Archon alone. Many Archons, sheltering their own followers, resided here. For centuries, they had maintained a fragile peace, refraining from encroaching on one another.
However, Morax, farsighted as ever, knew this peace would not last. The current tranquility was merely due to the vast land and sparse population, with resources still abundant. But if calamity struck, or if humanity multiplied beyond the land's capacity, or if some external force intervened, this land would inevitably erupt into war.
"So be it. Though I have no desire to contend for dominion..."
Morax's gaze swept across the peaceful villages below, his voice resonating with the unyielding strength of bedrock.
"...should that day truly come, I shall nonetheless safeguard my people's lives."
Morax held this thought in his heart.
This was the **Covenant** he had forged with the people of Liyue. Even should the heavens fall, the Covenant must be fulfilled.
His gaze sharp, he noticed people from other villages arriving at the foot of the mountain, bringing their goods for barter. He contemplated thoughtfully:
"...Barter satisfies mutual needs, yet it is inefficient and inherently unfair."
"If there were an object that could serve as a universal equivalent, facilitating circulation, it would surely be more convenient and fairer."
"...Old friend, what is your view?"
Morax turned to Azhdaha beside him.
Azhdaha remained silent for a moment before replying, "...Hmm. You speak true. I shall observe with my eyes."
An awkward silence fell between them. The mountain breeze seemed to carry a hint of embarrassment.
Azhdaha felt aggrieved. It was an elemental lifeform, not an Archon. It held no special affection for humans. Its protective feelings towards Morax's people stemmed solely from the Covenant and Three Clauses it had sworn with him. Expecting it to delve deeply into human societal development or culture was beyond its capacity.
As the awkwardness lingered, a gentle, melodious female voice intervened, dispelling the tension.
"Morax, so here you are."
The voice held surprise and a hint of laughter.
Morax's expression remained unchanged. He kept his back to the newcomer, simply stating, "...Long time no see, '**Dust Archon**'."
"Ah! I call you Morax, yet you address me as 'Dust Archon'. Isn't that overly formal?" The speaker sounded rather familiar.
Morax had no choice but to turn around. His countenance, steady as stone, still showed no ripple of emotion. "...Long time no see, **Guizhong**."
...
Not far away, a group of illuminated beasts watched the scene. There were over a dozen of them.
"That woman has come to find the Lord again," a crane observed, seeing Morax and Guizhong deep in conversation. "Her excuse is always 'seeking counsel'. Truly laughable, in this Immortal's opinion."
Another crane beside her inquired, "...Oh? What insight does **Cloud Retainer** offer?"
Cloud Retainer spread her wings slightly, adopting a lofty tone. "...Among humans, there is a phrase most fitting for the Lord at this moment."
"What phrase?" the assembled beasts chorused.
As if waiting for the prompt, Cloud Retainer raised her beak proudly. "...That the Lord understands not the breeze and moon!"
Her words caused the gathered beasts to take a step back simultaneously. Seeing this, Cloud Retainer snapped, "...Does this Immortal speak falsely?"
*No, you're right. You're absolutely right. Since you're so eloquent, please say more!* The beasts silently cursed.
"Enough," a deer interjected smoothly. "The Lord's affairs are for us to witness and hear. The Lord sees far; there must be profound intent. We should not speculate idly!"
"...Focus instead on cultivation and fulfilling our Covenants with the Lord!"
The assembled beasts heeded the advice and let the matter drop.
...
**The Barrier of Fantasy, Within a Gap**
Inside a Japanese-style house nestled within a dimensional gap, a beautiful woman with golden hair and violet eyes snapped her eyes open. Her expression was grave as she called out sharply, "...**Ran!** Are you there?"
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