Luckily, I didn’t say anything yesterday.

That’s what he thought.

For the first time experiencing romance, Yin Jiuxiao had completely misunderstood, even feeling a bit relieved at the moment. So he continued down a path that seemed to lead further and further astray.

But this couldn’t go on. How should he coax someone?

Yin Jiuxiao thought and thought, yet couldn’t come up with an answer. The uneasiness in his heart lingered, making him radiate a gloomy aura until the housekeeper from the Yin family arrived.

The Yin family had faced significant upheaval in just two days. During such a critical period, the family members outwardly showed obedience.

This particular housekeeper, Old Wang, was one of the long-time servants who had stayed on in the Yin household. He was certainly qualified for his position, though his slick and smooth-talking nature was hard to ignore.

He didn’t even bother with a greeting upon entering, probably thinking that since Yin Jiuxiao couldn’t see him, there was no point. He took the opportunity to size up the “Young Master” before him, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain.

Old Wang feared Lin Qinghen—mainly because he had witnessed everything at the Discipline Hall the other day. That night, he had been plagued with nightmares. However, Lin Qinghen wasn’t present today, and Yin Jiuxiao was blind, so naturally, he felt unafraid.

This one should be easy enough to fool.

And today, Yin Jiuxiao looked a bit out of it, like his mind was wandering somewhere far away. When Old Wang called him “Young Master” a few times without getting any reaction, Yin’s spaced-out look only made him seem less respectable.

It wasn’t until the people from Die Meng arrived that Yin Jiuxiao finally showed some reaction.

It was Shopkeeper Xie from Die Meng, who had brought a few people with him. Entering with proper etiquette, he cupped his hands respectfully and greeted, “Young Master Yin.”

Yin Jiuxiao lifted his head to look at him, his eyes brightening slightly as he asked, “Did Qinghen send you?”

“Yes,” Shopkeeper Xie replied. “The Young Mistress instructed us to discuss the matter of elixir supplies with you.”

At the same time, Lin Qinghen had also instructed them that Yin Jiuxiao was no simple character. Whatever he decided, they should follow his lead without needing further explanation.

Although Yin Jiuxiao’s weak constitution was well-known in Lei City, and Shopkeeper Xie didn’t understand Lin Qinghen’s reasoning, he trusted her judgment without question. They were here on serious business.

The Yin family’s Simulation Training Ground was set to open, and Lin Qinghen had previously agreed to provide them with two types of Spirit Soul Pills, one of Yellow Tier Five Stars and another of Seven Stars, along with a small supply of Nurturing Origin Pills to assist with cultivation.

Lin Qinghen had given a reasonable price—a bundled rate meant for long-term cooperation.

Though the Yin family was financially strained, with Yin Hengxie now holding power, they could still afford the cost after careful consideration. Moreover, given the family’s need for reform, distributing some benefits to reassure the people seemed a necessary move.

However, Lin Qinghen’s supply of elixirs was limited, and the Yin family didn’t have endless funds for purchasing them. With so many people in the family, not everyone would be able to receive them daily, so the allocation was a tricky issue.

The moment Old Wang saw the people from Die Meng arrive, he didn’t waste time. He immediately opened the ledger and started laying out the plan he’d already devised for Yin Jiuxiao.

He figured that without Lin Qinghen’s intervention, this “useless” Yin Jiuxiao would have no choice but to follow his lead.

With a family population in the thousands, Yellow Tier elixirs were primarily useful for the younger generation. Once they reached high-star Mysterious Tier and above, the elixirs’ effects diminished. Excluding some minor branches and those with no potential for cultivation, the people eligible to use these elixirs were mostly younger members, numbering roughly a thousand.

The Yin family was also divided into factions, with twelve branches beneath the main lineage. Old Wang’s suggestion was to allocate 30% of the elixirs to the main branch, while those loyal to Yin Hengxie among the twelve branches would receive more, and others would receive less.

He was in the middle of his elaborate explanation when Yin Jiuxiao interrupted him.

This “blind man” didn’t look so dazed anymore. His grey eyes shifted with a hint of sharpness.

“There’s a problem. This won’t do. Change it,” he said. “The elixir distribution doesn’t depend on the twelve branches, nor on the division between the main lineage and others. Every Yin family child between the ages of seven and eighteen is included. As there are monthly competitions, the elixirs should be distributed according to the rankings, with priority given to the top performers and those who show the most improvement. The rest will be distributed in rotation, giving every child an opportunity. The only difference is in the quantity each receives.”

He paused briefly.

Lin Qinghen had previously mentioned that the quantity of elixirs supplied would gradually increase over time, starting small and scaling up.

“Everything should be done step-by-step. In the past, the Yin family didn’t even have these benefits. If too much is given at once, people won’t appreciate it and will start taking it for granted,” Lin Qinghen had told him. “Family allocation should focus on fairness, but not equality. Provide opportunities without giving too much. Foster healthy competition within the family, not internal conflict.”

“For now, this is how we’ll distribute them. Every person’s allotment should be recorded in detail. After about a month, we’ll evaluate the results. The family will then allocate additional elixirs as rewards, which can be earned through extended cultivation, diligence, or contributions to the Yin family,” Yin Jiuxiao explained.

Yin Jiuxiao’s thoughts were clear, but Old Wang was clearly displeased. Not only was his authority being challenged, but Yin Jiuxiao’s allocation method left little room for manipulation or hidden agendas.

With Lin Qinghen absent and no one else in the room, Old Wang grew bolder.

“Young Master, you’ve never managed the family before, so you can’t handle things this way,” he argued. “These elixirs must prioritize our people. This is a means for the Patriarch to secure loyalty within the family. Among the twelve branches, each has its own ambitions. If you give things to others, they might not even appreciate it. Young Master…”

Yin Jiuxiao interrupted, “I don’t care if they appreciate it or not. As long as they follow orders, that’s enough.”

For children under eighteen, there were no convoluted family entanglements. All they needed was something to aspire to, something to train hard for.

If Old Wang’s method was used, it would inevitably lead to internal conflict. The family’s stability aside, the lack of clear boundaries would allow Old Wang to easily siphon off resources without anyone knowing.

“Don’t think I don’t know your intentions,” Yin Jiuxiao sneered, clearly irritated. “If you want to profit from this, make sure you’re actually capable.”

The Yin family was short on trustworthy individuals, especially those who understood the inner workings of the family. Lin Qinghen’s suggestion was to use who they could, without excessive bloodshed. Otherwise, given Yin Jiuxiao’s temperament, people scheming during such a time wouldn’t survive without punishment.

Old Wang was just about to retort when Yin Jiuxiao firmly made his decision. Unlike Lin Qinghen, he wasn’t going to waste time explaining things until the other party was fully convinced.

“This is how it’ll be. Three days from now, Die Meng will start supplying the elixirs. If I find the final allocation doesn’t follow my instructions or if any discrepancies arise, Old Wang, it’ll be entirely your fault,” Yin Jiuxiao said. “The Discipline Hall is open. I’ll publicly punish you, one cut for each discrepancy, until you understand my intentions. Got it?”

Yin Jiuxiao’s “cut” would come from him personally, though the others assumed he was still relying on Lin Qinghen’s authority.

Old Wang, shocked, pointed at Yin Jiuxiao, not expecting such defiance. Trembling with rage, he finally managed to stammer, “You’re just hiding behind someone else’s power! Acting all spoiled!”

Honestly, Yin Jiuxiao wanted to keep enjoying Lin Qinghen’s support, even considering silencing Old Wang with a single cut.

“That’s settled. If you have further objections, take it up with the Patriarch. See if he listens to you or to me. Now, get out,” he said.

Shopkeeper Xie was much more perceptive, offering no resistance. With a respectful bow, he assured, “Die Meng will proceed as instructed by the Young Mistress.”

According to Lin Qinghen’s plan, they’d start with 200 of each type of Spirit Soul Pill daily, matching his production capabilities. After a few months, it could increase to a thousand with a surplus available for sale, ensuring Die Meng still profited.

With this assurance, Yin Jiuxiao’s expression softened slightly, thinking how Lin Qinghen’s people were always so reliable. Still preoccupied with other matters, he asked, “When will Qinghen be back today?”

Shopkeeper Xie hesitated briefly, then replied, “The Young Mistress is busy today and will be back by evening.”

Still a long time.

Annoyed by Old Wang’s continued presence, Yin Jiuxiao said, “Die Meng, when you leave, take him with you.”

Obliging, Shopkeeper Xie gestured for Old Wang to leave. Furious, Old Wang stormed out with a flick of his sleeve, muttering, “Just you wait!”

Yin Jiuxiao had no intention of wasting energy on such trivialities. He’d set his terms. In three days, if things didn’t go as planned, Old Wang would pay the price.

After everyone had left, Yin Jiuxiao finally began his real work for the day.

He changed into a black outfit, revealing his true self. His previously grey eyes now gleamed like pure ink, and the aura he usually restrained around Lin Qinghen surged forth.

Yin Jiuxiao indeed possessed the power to kill those at the Heavenly Tier. His modified techniques made him stronger with each kill. Xu Yaoyang had fallen by his hand, his sword absorbing a fraction of that power and transferring it to him.

He was even stronger than before, and it was finally time to act.

In fact, he’d been watching the Lang Clan long before Lin Qinghen, aware of the hidden ties between the Alchemist Association and the Lang Clan.

Yu Yinyin had her spirit butterflies for surveillance, but Yin Jiuxiao’s shadows had similar abilities as well.