They still had to discuss the matter of the Lang Clan.

Wei Lin naturally stayed by Yin Jiuxiao’s side, but as for the other members of the Lang Clan, there was no need to let them all flood into the city.

Even though they had pledged loyalty, Lin Qinghen didn’t plan on restructuring the mercenary group on a large scale; for now, he would keep things as they were. Allowing a whole group to enter would overwhelm Lei City. Moreover, the Lang Clan had always been relatively stable, with a fixed camp and specific areas for adventure and resource gathering, separated from Lei City by a boundary.

As long as both sides behaved, they could coexist peacefully.

But aside from maintaining overall stability, there was another reason Lin Qinghen wanted to deal with the Lang Clan—they happened to occupy a major road leading directly to Lei City. Located on the borders of Bei Zhou, Lei City had a complex surrounding terrain. In its prime, there were three routes leading into the city. During the Cataclysm, one route was buried, and the Lang Clan blocked another, leaving only a single narrow passage into Lei City.

That narrow route was the hardest to navigate of the three.

When Lin Qinghen arrived, he took an airship, so he didn’t care much about road access. But for regular families, spirit-powered pull carts were the common mode of transport—one of the reasons for Lei City’s relative isolation.

To get rich, first build a road.

Lin Qinghen’s idea was to open up the road occupied by the Lang Clan, but not immediately. It would be done gradually. For now, the city’s isolation provided a certain level of protection.

Once Lei City’s first round of spirit plant harvesting was complete in three months and elixir supplies were stable, that would be the right time to start exporting beyond Lei City. After all, everything was under his control, and he could arrange it however he pleased.

As for the Lang Clan’s future direction, Yin Jiuxiao would handle the specifics—after all, he was the one who won them over, so he wouldn’t leave it unmanaged.

Lin Qinghen had only a few questions. The first was, “The Lang Clan has its own alchemists, right?”

Wei Lin, respectful as ever, answered immediately, “Yes, about a dozen or so.”

Since the mercenary group needed self-sufficiency, they had alchemists, although they weren’t particularly advanced. Most were Yellow Tier, with the highest at Mysterious Level One Star. They could only make basic elixirs since any skilled alchemist would opt for a better place in the city.

“That’s enough,” Lin Qinghen’s eyes lit up as he propped his chin on his hand, asking his second question, “And does the Lang Clan’s territory have any land suitable for planting?”

Wei Lin nodded. “Of course, it does.”

With a mercenary group of nearly ten thousand, naturally, not everyone went out adventuring. Resources in Bei Zhou were scarce, and local production was limited, so if they could grow some spirit plants, they’d certainly choose to. There were about a thousand people in the group capable of cultivating spirit plants.

This was exactly what Lin Qinghen had hoped for.

“Perfect,” Lin Qinghen decided immediately. “Gather a few people quickly. I’ll teach you something, and the sooner, the better. Go on, go on!”

Yin Jiuxiao instantly knew what he was up to—he intended to get the Lang Clan’s mercenaries to grow crops for him, too.

But the resources were already there, so why not make good use of them? After all, it was beneficial in the end.

In Lei City, Lin Qinghen had to play strategic games with the people, but there was no need with the Lang Clan. They’d already surrendered, so they’d simply follow his orders.

Lin Qinghen liked it this way; it saved him so much hassle. And Yin Jiuxiao had assured him that whatever he had was also Lin Qinghen’s, with no distinction between them.

Wei Lin had been too busy these past few days to keep up with everything Lin Qinghen was doing in Lei City. He just followed instructions, promptly bringing several people into the city.

The Lang Clan’s only Mysterious Tier alchemist was nervous about the assignment, mainly because the clan hadn’t disclosed who killed their leader, though everyone knew about their loyalty to Die Meng. And recently, Die Meng’s young master, Lin Qinghen, had been stirring things up in Lei City, shaking up everything and clearly tied to the leader’s death. Such a ruthless figure!

Some in the Lang Clan speculated about Lin Qinghen’s character, though a few doubted him. But Wei Lin’s serious tone quickly quelled any disrespect, reminding everyone not to show any hint of irreverence towards Lin Qinghen unless they wanted to face unimaginable consequences.

Under such intense curiosity, this was their first time meeting him. How could they not feel uneasy? It seemed like one wrong word could cost them their lives.

Yet, upon meeting him, they were surprised. Lin Qinghen…seemed quite easygoing?

Lin Qinghen was in a good mood that day, speaking gently and with no airs. The people from the Lang Clan listened attentively, following his every instruction. Satisfied with their obedience, he taught them directly, encouraging questions when they didn’t understand.

The Lang Clan’s alchemists soon shook off their initial fear, awed instead by what Lin Qinghen was teaching them. Just what kind of spirit plants were these? How had Die Meng developed them? And he was simply handing the technique to them without any demands?

“Well, not exactly free,” Lin Qinghen clarified after finishing his lesson. “I’m providing the formula, and you’ll plant it. But I’ll take a share. We’ll split the proceeds—three-way with the Yin family, two-way with you. Half will stay with the Lang Clan for your own alchemy use, and the other half goes to Die Meng.”

He continued matter-of-factly, “I’m not taking advantage of you. My master has Bee Crystal Butterflies’ Essence. I’ve already discussed it with her; she can send a few butterflies to the Lang Clan’s land. You know their benefits—I’m being fair here.”

All in all, Lin Qinghen felt entitled to half the yield.

Yu Yinyin’s butterflies could operate independently, as they had before with the Lin family. Sending a few to the Lang Clan was easy for her. Now that the Lang Clan was part of his business, pooling resources was just logical. The profits would all end up with Die Meng, anyway.

But for the Lang Clan members, it felt like they were getting a massive advantage.

The alchemist wondered if he’d misheard, confirming Lin Qinghen’s words several times over.

In the Spirit World, the rule of the strong was clear: the victor claimed all. Considering they’d surrendered, it was already generous that he wasn’t treating them as free labor. But he was also willing to share resources with them and let them keep half? That much?

Looking at Lin Qinghen, he didn’t see the vicious demon that rumors described but a good-hearted person radiating a saintly light.

The rumors must’ve been slander! Lin Qinghen was clearly the best thing to happen to Lei City!

Uncomfortable under the alchemist’s admiring gaze, Lin Qinghen waved them off after teaching, urging them to hurry back to work. “All right, enough. Just be honest and farm—that’s the best way to thank me.”

With the Lang Clan’s steady supply now in place, Lin Qinghen felt more confident than ever.

It was a pleasant surprise in his plans. Pleased with himself, he went straight back to his room to find Yin Jiuxiao.

Yin Jiuxiao was sorting through records of the Yin family, familiarizing himself with things he now needed to oversee. When Lin Qinghen suddenly burst in, before he could say a word, he was pulled into a warm kiss. Just as he began to react, Lin Qinghen broke away.

“Go on, keep working. I’m just in a good mood,” Lin Qinghen said. “I’m going to Die Meng for a bit; I’ll be back soon.”

Yin Jiuxiao: ?

Kissing and then leaving?

Not a chance. He grabbed Lin Qinghen back, kissed him thoroughly, and only then let him go. And, of course, he didn’t let Lin Qinghen leave alone; they both went together.

While they were in high spirits, word of the Lang Clan’s allegiance had already spread.

One event after another had stirred up Lei City’s citizens, leaving them feeling a little uneasy.

Sure, having the Lang Clan behave was a good thing for the lower ranks, easing tensions and avoiding unnecessary clashes. But the latest news didn’t sit well with them.

Once Die Meng took over the Lang Clan, their first act was to give them planting instructions at an unprecedented speed.

Meanwhile, back in Lei City, everyone was still waiting their turn. The Lang Clan had already started planting!

Rumor had it their fields had already sprouted!

What if Die Meng stopped letting Lei City plant once the Lang Clan met their quota?

It wasn’t good to be impatient, but seeing outsiders benefit was different. A few days ago, people had been competing among themselves for spots, but now with the Lang Clan in the picture, it felt unfair.

Lin Qinghen knew he couldn’t leave them waiting too long; push them too far, and their rebellious instincts would kick in, making things harder to control. Still, he hadn’t expected them to change their tune so quickly. In just a few days, they’d gone from hesitant to desperate, anxious to start planting.

With rumors spreading and escalating fears of missing out, Lin Qinghen released a set number of spots daily. He started with five, then ten, then twenty, gradually increasing, yet in total, only a few dozen families had signed up. More and more people showed up to wait.

The “plants” he’d arranged were already in place. The latest few signees were genuinely enthusiastic, jumping right into farming with gusto. When Lin Qinghen went to the southern plantation that day, before he could settle in, someone called out from the crowd.

Though no one dared to scold or confront him directly, Lin Qinghen’s reputation was still intimidating. With the Lang Clan’s allegiance to Die Meng, no one wanted to anger him and lose their chance at a good thing.

“Young Master Lin, you can’t play favorites!”

At this shout, others couldn’t hold back any longer. Voices rose from all sides.

“That’s right! We were waiting first—why should the Lang Clan get to plant before us?”

“Those mercenaries are all clumsy fighters. They don’t know anything about farming. We’d do a way better job!”

“Yeah, our skills are definitely better than theirs!”