The voice of Morax spread throughout the world.
Humans looked at the auspicious clouds in the sky and listened to the father-like words of the gods, feeling a warmth and security they had never experienced before.
Although the words were brief, people could feel the message conveyed.
This great god had descended to earth at the beginning of ancient times to guide the growth of human civilization. He had taught humanity, and there was an ancient contract with the first human ancestors.
This god had existed for over six thousand years.
Such an age was unimaginable for humans. The recorded history of humanity in this world spanned only two thousand years.
People shared stories of how beautiful the world had been when the gods walked the earth thousands of years ago, in stark contrast to the chaos of the Warring States period.
The god who had once taught the first humans and promised to provide civilization, skills, etiquette, and governance had seen the disorder in this world from the heavens and had returned to fulfill the forgotten contract.
During the Warring States period, ordinary people were seen as expendable. They could be killed by monsters, bandits, or greedy castle lords at any moment. This era was filled with danger, hunger, and fear.
The more people suffered, the more monsters thrived, feeding on human grievances. Though most lords and daimyo were relatively responsible, many were not.
Wherever humans resided, they knelt and prayed for the coming of this 'high god.' They longed for peace and security.
"Great God, please keep the village safe."
"Great God, please drive away the monsters in the city."
"O gods in the sky, please allow more food to grow in our fields."
"Lord God, my child is being targeted by a monster. Please protect my child."
"God, please bless me."
Most civilians lacked knowledge. Knowledge was something only nobles possessed. People's prayers were simple, much like those of their ancient ancestors. All they wanted was enough food, safety from monsters, and health for their children.
It seemed that in response to their prayers, a city in the sky appeared near the Western Kingdom.
A huge golden beam of light fell from the sky, and people in the city often gazed up in confusion and awe.
Amidst the prayers, the golden light gradually faded, revealing a vermilion 'archway' within.
When people saw this portal, the words "Gao Tianyuan Portal" came to their minds.
In the Western Kingdom, the human city near the kingdom of monsters was called Himelu Castle. This city was ruled by a beloved princess named Izayoi.
The lord of the city had died of illness not long ago, and Princess Izayoi had taken over. She was struggling to ensure her people had enough food, just as her father had done.
At this moment, she remained in a praying posture, staring blankly at the 'Takamagahara Portal' that had appeared above Jilu City.
There was only one thought in her mind.
'Are the gods coming to her city?'
The next moment, she opened her eyes slightly, watching the changes occurring at the portal.
Out of the portal walked a majestic and sacred figure, wearing a white hooded divine garment.
A feeling of ancient gentleness and fatherly love emanated from him.
After the god emerged, a dark golden square halo composed of sacred symbols appeared behind him.
Zhongli, dressed in divine attire reminiscent of the Demon God War period, had golden eyes that surveyed the world, sensing its energy.
There was no elemental power in this world, but there were other energies in abundance—'spiritual power,' 'demon power,' 'evil energy,' and the 'power of faith.'
No matter how much the environment had changed, the basic 'rules' of the world still existed.
His strength as the 'God of Rock' and 'God of Contracts' was unaffected in this world.
Within moments of his arrival, he had grasped the general situation of this world.
"The rules no longer have a holder. The gods have truly all passed away," he observed.
A world rule could have many users, but as long as users existed, the use of the world rules would be shared.
He felt no sharing of the 'rock rules' or 'contract rules.'
At the same time, the vast 'power of faith' in this world began to flow into him.
This power was immense, comparable to the hundreds of years of faith accumulation from the people of Liyue.
He knew this power was a result of Lord Tenri's miracle.
In the few seconds Zhongli took to perceive the changes in the world, the 'Gate to the World' shrank and descended.
The land beneath began to spread out magically, creating a vast space.
The 'Gate to the World' finally shrank to around fifty meters and took root in the center of Jilu City.
Zhongli slowly descended, gazing at the ragged people kneeling before him in silence, their devotion apparent.
His mind drifted back to his first encounter with humans, three thousand years ago, when they had prayed to him for protection.
The resemblance was striking.
Zhongli spoke, "My name is Morax, the King of Rocks. From today, I will establish a new kingdom here, called 'Liyue.' Are you willing to sign a contract with me and become part of 'Liyue'?"
Princess Izayoi came back to her senses and quickly stepped forward, kneeling on the ground, "Lord God, I am the princess of Himelu Castle. I am willing to dedicate Himelu Castle to you."
Zhongli's golden eyes looked at her, and he nodded, "Izayoi, I do not want your city. You will remain its princess. From now on, you will help me establish 'Liyue' at the end of the world."
Izayoi was mentioned in the message given to him by Lord Tenri. From a human perspective, she had a tragic fate, but in the eyes of the gods, she possessed kindness that could be cultivated to become a great leader.
Princess Izayoi looked up, her soft eyes filled with adoration.
Though she was referred to as a "princess" by the people, she had only been the daughter of the city lord. Now, being recognized as a princess by a god made her a true princess for everyone in the world.
The gods sought to establish 'Liyue' and end the chaos of this era—a goal to unify the world.
After Zhongli's arrival in the world of 'InuYasha,' the lingering presence slowly dissipated.
At that moment, everyone—whether human or monster—witnessed the arrival of a god near the Western Kingdom.
King Douya watched the slowly descending figure from afar, his body drenched in sweat, and the Tie Suiyang in his hand trembling slightly.
"Why did Geo Archon not go to Kyoto, where he is worshipped... Why did he settle in a small human town near my domain in the Western Kingdom?"