"Is this... a mask?" Morax looked at the mask in puzzlement.
"Yes. Try it on." Xiu Yuan handed the mask to Morax.
Morax was a little confused, but he put the mask on anyway.
Soon, he could feel calm and reason flowing from the mask, easing much of his earlier grief.
Though his eyes grew cold, his mind remained clear.
"How does it feel?" Xiu Yuan asked.
"Hmm... my heart seems to have settled down," Morax answered honestly.
"Good. I infused it with some of my divine power and transformed it into this Aspect of the Immovable Profound Stone."
"Besides helping you stay rational and calm, its main purpose is to conceal your face."
"The Archon War has only just begun. The trials ahead will only grow more numerous. If you often let your emotions show, it might be fine as long as no one notices. But if another Demon God watching from the shadows seizes upon that weakness, Liyue will be in danger."
"Morax, forgive me for being harsh. In war, we have to prepare for every possibility. Never reveal even the slightest weakness to an opponent. That tiny weakness could become the spark that sends you plunging into the abyss."
Morax merely nodded in silence, then took off the mask and examined it closely.
"I understand, big brother. That's simply the nature of war." Morax slowly raised his head to look at Xiu Yuan.
"Then that's good." Xiu Yuan patted his shoulder and smiled in relief.
After that, Morax wore the mask every time he went into battle. He never again showed his enemies the slightest gentleness. His eyes were cold, as utterly cold as the Rock Spear in his hand.
Whether they were Demon Gods or the people under their rule, he subdued them all.
His fearsome