Chapter 82: Preparations

The next day, under Lady Guizhong's arrangements, everyone departed in succession carrying supplies.

Meanwhile, Morax prepared to tidy up and head for Starfell Lake.

But Starfell Lake was not only Osial's stronghold; this time, it was also where top-tier demons from many factions gathered.

If Jiang Yan and the others said they weren't worried, that would be a lie.

However, after nearly a century of faith from countless common people, Morax's own strength should be far greater than Jiang Yan had estimated.

Ganyu and Cloud Retainer went to inspect whether the Guizhong Ballistae stationed in Guili Plains could operate normally, while Lady Guizhong continuously coordinated the transport of supplies from Guili Plains to various locations.

Everyone was busy with their own tasks.

Jiang Yan stood atop Gaoshan near Guili Plains, gazing down at the bustling multitude below.

"Aren't you going to make preparations?"

Behind him, Morax's voice sounded; he had come to stand beside Jiang Yan.

"I am guarding Guili Plains; I don't need any supply preparations."

Jiang Yan said calmly.

"As for you, since you are going alone this time, you should properly prepare yourself."

"I am fine. Although I go alone, I fear no one on this journey."

Morax's temper had not been eroded after all; his tone was filled with confidence in his own strength.

"Heh, just don't come back in a sorry state."

Jiang Yan teased with a smile.

"What? In your eyes, am I that weak?"

Morax smiled and patted Jiang Yan's shoulder.

"How about we spar?"

Jiang Yan's mouth twitched; he silently shifted out of Morax's arm's reach.

"Let's skip that."

"After all, getting injured before a battle is not a good thing."

"Haha, you do have a sense of propriety."

Morax laughed.

"Say, Morax."

"How long has it been since we stood together like this and chatted?"

Jiang Yan looked down the mountain and asked softly.

"Probably several decades..."

Morax said in a flat tone.

As a demon god who had lived for several thousand years, several decades were merely the snap of a finger.

But Jiang Yan was not a demon god; he had not lived for such a long time.

Living for over a hundred years was something he, as a human, would never have dared to imagine.

The days ahead were still very long...

For a moment, Jiang Yan couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion.

"After I leave, Guili Plains will be entrusted to you."

Morax said softly.

"If war breaks out, Guili Plains will surely become a target for all three sides."

"Can you hold it alone?"

The corners of Jiang Yan's mouth curled up slightly.

"What? You don't trust my strength?"

"Heh, I do acknowledge your strength."

Morax's expression turned serious.

"You only need to hold on until I return."

"If they dare to start a war during the meeting."

"I will crush them all beneath Starfell Lake!"

Was he planning to smash out Guyun Stone Forest in one go?

Jiang Yan smiled faintly.

"Then I shall await your good news."

Morax gazed down at the valley, saying nothing, quietly observing the people busy within Guili Plains.

A few more days passed; Morax changed into a white-and-gold battle robe, left Guili Plains, and headed toward Starfell Lake.

Meanwhile, Jiang Yan came to an open space and clasped his hands together.

"Wood Release: Wood Clone Technique."

Bang!!

A wooden clone sprouted from Jiang Yan's body and landed on the ground.

"Original body, why did you summon me?"

The clone said with a calm expression.

Jiang Yan raised his hand; a streak of Jin Guang condensed from his palm, gradually gathering into a sharp, gleaming sword.

Excalibur!

Decades ago, Jiang Yan had already been able to unleash this sword in its Noble Phantasm release state.

Although the power is formidable, Jiang Yan also discovered a problem.

The Excalibur Noble Phantasm's release state requires gathering faith and the qi of surrounding mountains and rivers to unlock; during this time, one must stand motionless in place like a wooden puppet.

But Jiang Yan discovered that Excalibur could gather energy through his wooden clone standing nearby; if he dispels the wooden clone, Excalibur will recondense in his hand.

And it will be in a fully charged state!

Jiang Yan discovered this function by chance; after multiple experiments, he confirmed the feasibility of this technique.