Qin Ziwen nodded. Others might be mistaken, but what Du Yu said was undoubtedly true, because Du Yu was from the Great Yong.

"So, is iron also regulated for civilians?"

Du Yu nodded. "Correct. In the Great Yong, all iron ore mining and smelting is managed exclusively by the government, and private workshops are strictly forbidden. To buy ironware, you can only go to the government-run ’Iron Shops,’ and you have to register your purchase."

"Then we can sell ironware! The stricter the prohibition, the greater the demand. There’s absolutely exorbitant profit to be made!" Zhao Pu said.

Du Yu considered this for a moment, remaining noncommittal. "It might be difficult. The average person probably wouldn’t dare to buy... but exorbitant profits are a possibility."

"Alright, we can add ironware to our list of trade goods," Qin Ziwen said thoughtfully.

For now, however, they had a great need for ironware themselves.

They were nowhere near the point where they could afford to trade it in large quantities. But once their production ramped up, trading ironware would be an excellent option.

Tapping the table, Qin Ziwen continued, "Third, the students discovered an altar to the east. A large number of Gobi Desert Giant Lizards live around it, and they’re also a target for one of our Level 1 quests."

Hearing this, the group wasn’t afraid. Instead, they started asking questions excitedly.

"President, how big are these Gobi Desert Giant Lizards?"

Cao Biansheng answered, "Over four meters long. About twice the length of a Komodo dragon."

Hearing this, the group seemed unfazed.

’That size... it sounds less intimidating than the crocodiles we faced in the river.’

"Don’t get careless. These Gobi Desert Giant Lizards are social creatures. Attack one, and you’ll likely draw the wrath of the whole pack."

"He’s right, don’t underestimate them," Wang Yun agreed with a nod. "One lizard is a completely different problem than a whole pack."

"Can we use poison? Didn’t we buy a bunch of scorpions?" Li Yue asked.

Wang Yun replied, "It probably won’t be very effective. Scorpions are a normal part of the giant lizards’ diet. Plus, since they’re both native species, the lizards are bound to have a high resistance to their venom."

Deng Guang suggested tentatively, "What about using gasoline? It’s not like we can eat the meat anyway. Lizard meat is usually pretty foul."

Qin Ziwen nodded. "That’s an option, but we’re low on gasoline. We probably only have enough for a few more uses."

We can use gasoline against the giant lizards this time, but we might not have any left for the next.

Just then, the door to the Blacksmith Shop behind them swung open. Li Tieshan emerged, excited. "Sir, Master Wei and I have talked it over. As long as we have enough manpower, we can build a Car-Mounted Crossbow in about two days!"

"Roughly how many people would you need?"

Li Tieshan did some quick calculations before giving a number. "We’ll need another ten people. Counting Artisan Wei and me, that’s twelve in total."

"Twelve people, two days, one Car-Mounted Crossbow... If I give you thirty-six people, can you make three of them in two days?" Qin Ziwen asked.

Li Tieshan gave a wry smile. "Sir, it doesn’t quite work like that. Some of the key components for the Car-Mounted Crossbow have to be hand-forged by Artisan Wei and me. No one else can do that part."

"Then you two focus only on the steps that no one else can do. Leave the other tasks to everyone else!" Qin Ziwen stated decisively.

"Yes, Sir," Li Tieshan nodded.

Qin Ziwen said, "Alright, get started. Coordinate directly with Zhao Pu for what you need."

Qin Ziwen then turned to Zhao Pu. "Dr. Zhao, have you compiled the list?"

Zhao Pu nodded. "I have. Right now, twelve families want to join the Qin Alliance."

Qin Ziwen mused, "Alright. Check with Guo Xiaochun later. If there are no major issues, go ahead and accept them. If we still need more people, just contact Teacher Luo directly."

Zhao Pu nodded. "Got it."

Qin Ziwen continued, "Fourth, to improve efficiency, we’re going to establish departments. We’ll be separating frontline combat personnel from the logistics teams, so everyone can focus on their respective roles.

"If any of you aren’t skilled in combat, or simply don’t enjoy it, choosing a department you’re more passionate about is a fine option. I want everyone to be honest with themselves and make the choice that feels right."

A brief silence fell over the group after Qin Ziwen finished speaking.

’Even though Captain Qin put it that way, quitting the frontline now feels a bit like deserting.’

Finally, Li Yue spoke up. "Ahem... Brother Qin, maybe I should go help Master Li with the equipment. It actually lines up with my college major. That way, while you’re all on the front lines, I can be on the ’back lines,’ churning out more powerful weapons for you."

Qin Ziwen smiled. "There’s no need to feel embarrassed. Just be true to your decision."

After a moment of thought, Zhao Pu also spoke up. "Captain, our operation is getting bigger and bigger, and I have a lot of miscellaneous tasks to handle day-to-day. My time is stretched pretty thin. How about I withdraw from the Hunting Team as well?"

"Done," Qin Ziwen agreed readily. "It’s perfect. Dr. Zhao, you can be in charge of internal and external coordination. From among the general members, compile a list of anyone willing to take on a technical role so we can arrange their assignments."

Yuan Dajun felt a bit fortunate that he’d followed his son and caught this "last train."

But he felt it was too risky for both father and son to be in the Hunting Team at the same time.

So he quietly nudged Yuan Ming.

Yuan Ming, who had been engrossed in the lively discussion, turned his head in surprise to look at his old man.

"Why don’t you withdraw from the Hunting Team," Yuan Dajun whispered.

Yuan Ming’s eyes went wide. "You rotten old man! Why don’t you quit?!"

Seeing others look over, Yuan Dajun’s expression darkened, and he decided to ignore his foolish son.

No one else present seemed to have similar thoughts. Only Deng Guang hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he just picked up his cup and took a sip of water.

Qin Ziwen said, "Don’t worry. This division of roles is just for the current stage; it’s not permanent. I estimate the core Hunting Team will have a full roster of about fifteen members, and we’ll be recruiting more later on."

Qin Ziwen continued, "Fifth, regarding contributions."

After he finished, Zhao Pu spoke up. "A team where everyone gets an equal share regardless of their work can’t last long. That’s not to say equal sharing is always bad—you have to consider the circumstances and think dialectically.

"But no matter what, clear rewards and punishments are the key to any organization’s long-term success.

"Take the Beaked Eagle, for example. Its role in both hunting and reconnaissance is critically important. Can we just ignore its contributions because it’s a bird?"

Following that, the group launched into a heated discussion about rewards, punishments, and contributions, eventually reaching an outcome that satisfied everyone.

"Alright, that’s about everything for today," Qin Ziwen said, preparing to conclude the meeting.

Wang Yun suddenly spoke up. "President, I remember we have a Healing Spring Card in the warehouse, right?"

"We do."

Wang Yun said, "Captain, none of us have enough contribution points, and who knows how long it’ll take to save up enough to redeem the Healing Spring. Why don’t you just use it?"

"Yeah," the others chimed in.

"General Diao’s contributions alone are more than enough to cover the cost of a Healing Spring."

"That’s right. I’m sure Grand General Diao wouldn’t object," Li Yue added with a grin.

In the distance, the Beaked Eagle, perched on a wooden post, turned its head. ’Did someone call me?’

Yuan Ming rubbed his lower back and let out a long sigh. "Captain, if you use it, I can probably get in on some of the healing too. Otherwise, my back is going to keep aching. Can you really bear to watch me suffer?"

Seeing everyone’s attitude, Qin Ziwen understood their intentions.

He no longer tried to refuse.

He took out the Healing Spring Card.

The Healing Spring only required a 2x2 space, shattering Qin Ziwen’s preconceived notion that Advanced Buildings needed a massive footprint.

As the Card was activated.

Light enveloped the sandy ground before them.

When the light dissipated, an exquisite, Eastern-style fountain materialized before their eyes.

"Compared to this fountain, my tailor shop looks like something a caveman built," Zhao Pu remarked.

"These Advanced Resource Cards are really on another level. It’s beautiful."

Everyone gathered around. The exquisite fountain was faced with a layer of beautiful ceramic tiles.

The basin held pale blue, crystal-clear water.

At its very center, a small jet of water bubbled up, splashing into the crisp, cool pool.

...

...