Morning sunlight filtered through the window lattices into the room. Lin Feng opened his eyes, feeling refreshed.

He had slept deeply and woke up feeling light. He rolled out of bed, pushed open the window, and took a deep breath of the air, which carried the faint, fresh scent of earth.

Faint voices drifted up from downstairs, but it was much quieter than usual.

After washing up, Lin Feng pushed open the door and headed downstairs.

The Council Hall was empty; not a single soul was in sight.

He stepped out the front door and happened to see Shadow Snake emerging from the shadows, silent as always.

"Morning," Lin Feng greeted her.

Shadow Snake gave a slight nod.

"Where is everyone else?" Lin Feng asked.

"They all went back to Blue Star," Shadow Snake said flatly. "They left yesterday."

Lin Feng chuckled. Those guys were certainly eager when it came to taking time off.

He looked at Shadow Snake. "Why didn't you go back?"

Shadow Snake fell silent for a moment before saying softly, "I have nothing to do there."

Lin Feng didn't press further. He knew her background—she was an orphan who had struggled and grown up in an orphanage. She truly had no ties back on Blue Star. When she entered the Nightmare World, she had started in the wilderness just like him, but she had been a bit luckier and encountered a native village.

"That works out then," Lin Feng said with a smile. "Accompany me for a stroll around the town. I've been ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) back a few times, but I haven't had a good look yet."

Shadow Snake nodded slightly and followed by his side.

The two of them walked slowly along the main street, heading southwest first.

The southwest was the residential area, with rows of neat wooden houses lining both sides of the street.

Clothes were drying in front of the houses, and several children were chasing each other around, their laughter crisp and clear.

An old woman sitting on a doorstep basking in the sun saw Lin Feng and hurriedly stood up to bow.

"Greetings, Lord!"

"Good morning, Lord!"

Lin Feng nodded to each of them with a smile.

After passing through the residential area, the two arrived in the northwest.

This was the newly built commercial district, even more bustling than the southwest. Shops lined both sides of the street with simple signs hanging over their doors. People came and went, and the sounds of hawking and bargaining rose and fell.

"A pharmacy." Lin Feng looked at the first shop, where five or six people were lined up at the door, all newly arrived Awakened workers. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Through the open door, rows of wooden shelves could be seen inside, holding various jars and bottles.

A young shop assistant was busy behind the counter, weighing medicine, wrapping it, and collecting money with nimble movements.

Lin Feng noticed two young men among the queuing Awakened talking in low voices.

One said, "The healing medicine here is twenty percent cheaper than in Zhenyue City. I heard these shops all belong to the Lord, which is why the prices are low."

The other nodded. "Yeah, it's worth working here. After a full month, I can go out to kill some monsters and grind experience while still getting paid. I plan to stay here long-term."

Lin Feng heard this and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. Shadow Snake said softly, "The people's hearts are with you."

Lin Feng nodded. "Only if they feel it's worth it will they stay."

Next door was the blacksmith shop, where the rhythmic clanging of iron echoed incessantly.

Several Awakened were squatting by the door, holding newly repaired farm tools and examining them with satisfaction.

Further ahead was the tailor shop, with several women entering and leaving, carrying bolts of fabric in their arms.

There was a queue at the clinic, but they were all natives seeking treatment. The Awakened usually used healing medicine and rarely came here.

Lin Feng looked on with satisfaction.

These shops were all set up by Zhang Ping. The shops belonged to the territory, the staff were subjects, and the money earned went into the Lord's warehouse.

Blacksmith Wang, Tailor Li, and Pharmacist Chen usually worked in their own workshops, but they would also come here to help when they had time.

"Lord," Shadow Snake suddenly spoke, pointing ahead.

Lin Feng looked up and saw a two-story wooden building. A plaque hung over the door with four large characters: "Fenghuo Tavern."

People were coming and going from the tavern, and it was incredibly lively. Through the open doors and windows, he could see the place was packed, and the sounds of drinking and finger-guessing games could be heard from afar.

"It's mealtime." Lin Feng checked the sky. "Come on, let's go in and have a taste."

Just as the two reached the door, a middle-aged man in a grey robe approached them with a beaming smile.

"The Lord's presence brings great honor to my humble shop!"

The shopkeeper bowed, his attitude both respectful and enthusiastic. "Please come in, please come in! There are private rooms upstairs by the street with the best views!"

Lin Feng nodded and followed the shopkeeper upstairs.

The second floor was indeed a different world. Along the street side was a row of independent small private rooms separated by bamboo curtains, offering both privacy and a view of the street below.

The shopkeeper pushed open the middle room. Inside was a square table and several chairs; the windows were bright and the room was clean.

"Please take a seat, Lord. I'll have the kitchen prepare some signature dishes!" The shopkeeper diligently poured tea.

"Master Zhou said that if the Lord comes, he must taste his newly brewed 'Fenghuo Brew'! Master Li also gave instructions; he'll personally cook a few signature dishes for the Lord!"

Lin Feng laughed. "Master Zhou? Master Li? Aren't they at the workshops?"

The shopkeeper explained, "Master Zhou usually works as a Brewer here at the tavern, and Master Li is also the head chef in the kitchen.

Both masters said that while the Lord is away, they should work more to earn more money for the Lord.

All the money earned is handed over to Mr. Zhang and goes into the Lord's warehouse."

Lin Feng chuckled. Those two certainly knew how to find extra work for themselves.

After the shopkeeper withdrew, Lin Feng walked to the window and pushed it open.

Below was the bustling commercial street, crowded with people.

He noticed that when those Awakened bought things, they didn't pull out crystals, but rather a kind of bright yellow copper coin.

"Copper coins?" Lin Feng's brow arched slightly.

Shadow Snake walked to his side and also looked down.

"They are officially produced by the Great Xia," Shadow Snake said flatly. "They can be exchanged in Zhenyue City at a rate of 100 copper coins for 1 gray crystal."

Lin Feng nodded. This was indeed convenient; otherwise, the Awakened would have to cut crystals for every transaction, which was not only troublesome but also prone to disputes.

Soon, the food was served.

The shopkeeper personally brought the dishes, introducing them as he arranged the plates. "This is Braised Gray-Spine Meat, made with the tenderloin of a Gray-Spine Pig. It's Master Li's specialty.

This is Stir-fried Gray Potato Shoots, very fresh, just picked from the fields this morning. This one is..."

Finally, he presented a small pot of wine, the deep red liquid swishing slightly inside.

"This is the 'Fenghuo Brew' newly crafted by Master Zhou. He said it was specifically reserved for the Lord; no one else can get a taste."

Lin Feng poured a cup and took a sip. The wine was smooth upon entry, with a faint fruity aroma and a trace of energy fluctuation.

"Not bad," he praised.

The shopkeeper beamed and bowed as he withdrew.

Lin Feng and Shadow Snake ate across from each other, chatting occasionally. Shadow Snake still didn't say much, but she was much better than when they first met; at least she would nod or shake her head and occasionally utter a few words.

Outside the window, the bustle of the commercial street continued. Some were bargaining, some were laughing loudly, and some were squatting by the roadside munching on freshly bought roasted gray potatoes. It was a scene of peace and prosperity.

Looking at this scene, a sense of satisfaction welled up in Lin Feng's heart.

This was the foundation he had built.

After the meal, the two left the tavern and returned to the Council Hall the way they came.

Along the way, subjects and Awakened kept bowing and greeting him, and Lin Feng responded to each one.

Back at the entrance of the Council Hall, just as Lin Feng was about to push the door open, rapid footsteps suddenly sounded from behind him.

"Lord! Lord!"

Zhang Ping came jogging over, an anxious look on his face, completely lacking his usual composure.

Lin Feng frowned slightly. "What's wrong?"

Zhang Ping ran up to him, panting heavily, his face pale. "Lord, something has happened! Over at the Copper-Tin Mine in the west, something has happened!"