The God of Sandstorm stirred up a whirlwind of sand as it quickly fled from Liyue.
After its departure, the swirling sands naturally fell to the ground, leaving a layer of gray dust over the vegetation surrounding Liyue.
It wasn't a major issue—after some rain or snow, this dull landscape would be cleansed.
Vorthis dismissed the barrier.
Morax approached Vorthis' side.
Vorthis glanced at Morax and asked, "Why let the God of Sandstorm escape? If you had pursued it, you could have caught up, couldn't you?"
"It's just a minor matter. Why insist on taking a life?" Morax replied.
Vorthis shook his head.
The current Morax was still too young.
Sigh, but that made sense.
The one who would later say, 'I care not for power, but I understand the struggles of mortals,' was still growing.
During the Archon War, Morax was often dragged into conflicts by others.
In the midst of such a chaotic era, he had no choice.
Still, he couldn't bear to see those before him perish, so he fought wholeheartedly, securing victory in the Archon War.
Vorthis sighed, "After today's events, you've already become enemies with the God of Sandstorm."
"A visible blade is easy to block, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard against. What will you do if it comes seeking trouble again?"
"I am not one to show undue mercy. I gave it a chance already. Should it return, it will meet its end," Morax replied firmly.
His stance was clear.
The God of Sandstorm had been granted mercy once. If it failed to reflect on its actions and instead sought vengeance, blaming fleeing mortals and plotting revenge, Morax would have no choice but to deliver it to its demise.
Hearing Morax's words reassured Vorthis.
Though Morax had not yet reached the decisive ruthlessness he would display during the Archon War, he was progressing well.
After all, both humans and Gods grow and evolve.
Growth often stems from the pressure of harsh environments.
The Archon War was such an environment—an era so brutal that failure to act decisively would likely result in betrayal and oblivion.
"Well, I still think it's better to eliminate enemies completely to prevent future chaos," Vorthis muttered.
Morax blinked in surprise.
Vorthis, who appeared to be an innocent young God, harbored such resolute decisiveness.
It seemed that in this regard, Morax had much to learn from Zennos.
A few days later, the God of Sandstorm was but a memory.
Vorthis decided to cultivate a garden behind his residence, planning to grow roses and tulips.
Why not teach people to grow wheat and rice instead?
Because Vorthis knew that this early Liyue territory would soon face the upheavals of the Guizhong era.
If it flourished too quickly, Morax might grow too attached to leave when the time came.
As Vorthis scattered conjured seeds, the sky darkened, and a sandstorm approached Liyue from afar.
Releasing his Godly senses, Vorthis confirmed no other Gods were near Liyue's borders.
If the God of Sandstorm had caused such a commotion, Vorthis should have sensed it.
The only possibility was that this storm was a natural disaster blowing in from distant lands.
Liyue's climate didn't include sandstorms, so this phenomenon was unusual.
As Vorthis observed, a golden light shot out from his residence toward the sky.
There was no doubt who it belonged to.
Vorthis shook his head and reactivated the barrier to shield Liyue from the encroaching sandstorm.
He wasn't hungry for the God of Sandstorm's "sand feast."
Meanwhile, Morax pursued the storm's origin, heading straight for the God of Sandstorm's domain.
High above the God's palace, Morax summoned a colossal spear of rock and hurled it without hesitation.
The God of Sandstorm sensed the danger too late.
The enormous spear pierced through its body.
"No!!!"
The God of Sandstorm let out an anguished roar before its form exploded.
The released sand, sharp as needles, radiated outward, devastating the surrounding land.
When a God perished, their remaining power erupted, leaving behind a toxic miasma of divine will—a lingering curse akin to nuclear fallout.
The God of Sandstorm's death had lasting consequences, but most nearby mortals suffered no more than a mouthful of sand.
Word of its demise spread quickly.
Brave souls ventured to the palace, finding it impaled by a giant spear and reduced to rubble.
It resembled a tomb—a mound of sand crowned by a rocky spear.
The God of Sandstorm was no more.
Some rejoiced in newfound freedom, while others were lost in despair.
Without the God's protection, how would they survive in such a perilous world?
Hovering above the domain, Morax's golden glow was visible to all.
"I am Morax, God of Geo. You may follow me to my domain, but I do not compel you to come," he declared.
At his words, the remaining mortals knelt in reverence.
Few had truly been loyal to the God of Sandstorm, and those who were had perished alongside it.
For most, the promise of protection under another God was a blessing.
"I pledge my allegiance to Lord Morax!" they cried.