Chen Weiguo was slightly surprised but then nodded. "A very pragmatic choice. I will note your requirements and select the most suitable candidate from the pool."

His evaluation of Lin Feng rose another notch; the young man focused on actual needs and developmental pain points.

"In addition, there's a grant of resources," Chen Weiguo continued. "The first batch of two thousand grey energy crystals will be escorted by specialized personnel dispatched from Zhenyue City and delivered to your Beacon Fire Village."

Two thousand grey crystals! For Lin Feng, who was in urgent need of energy crystals to train soldiers, operate buildings, and carry out construction, this was undoubtedly timely assistance!

"I thank the country, and I thank Director Chen!"

Lin Feng's thanks this time were noticeably more sincere.

This support was something tangible that could truly enhance the strength of his territory.

"It is what you deserve." Chen Weiguo waved his hand, his expression becoming a bit more serious.

"Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the state and the Lords, as well as some basic rules, I need to make them clear to you."

Lin Xiaoyu timely handed over a paper document emitting a faint glimmer; the material was special, clearly not ordinary paper.

"This is the 'Great Xia Nightmare Lord Basic Agreement.' All legal Lords are required to sign it.

Take a look; it mainly contains restrictive clauses and some explanations of obligations and rights," Chen Weiguo signaled for Lin Feng to check it.

Lin Feng took it and read carefully. The content of the agreement was not long, with only a few core clauses:

1. Awakened individuals must abide by the laws and regulations of Great Xia (including derivative regulations related to Blue Star and the Nightmare World).

2. Level restriction clauses (formulated based on research into Nightmare Tide trigger rules):

Awakened individuals of Lv16 and above are prohibited from actively approaching the core area (five-mile radius) of any village-level or town-level territory during a known Nightmare Tide occurrence.

Violators will be considered a serious threat to national security and territorial survival, and will face Great Xia's highest-level wanted status (dead or alive).

Awakened individuals of Lv26 and above are prohibited from actively approaching the core area (five-mile radius) of any county-level territory during a known Nightmare Tide occurrence.

Violators are subject to the same terms as the previous clause.

(Detailed note below: This clause is designed to prevent the energy fields or 'karma' carried by high-level individuals from causing abnormal upgrades to the Nightmare Tide, based on extensive case analysis. There are no restrictions on daily approach, only specifically during the Nightmare Tide period. PS: Actions after a Nightmare Tide has appeared must also not lead to abnormal levels for the next Nightmare Tide.)

3. Lord Clauses:

The exploration and development by Lords in the Nightmare World is an extension of Great Xia's national fortune.

If there are needs, they may be proposed to the state, and the state will do its best to provide support within a reasonable scope.

The clauses were concise but carried immense weight.

The first clause was a basic requirement.

The second clause revealed a deeper, more dangerous rule of the Nightmare World—high-level individuals could 'attract monsters'!

This explained many doubts and also demonstrated the state's determination to maintain the security of low-level territories.

As for the third clause... 'look to the state if there are needs,' though phrased gently, the underlying meaning and the strength of support it implied were self-evident.

After Lin Feng finished reading, he looked up at Chen Weiguo. "The clauses are clear and reasonable; I have no objections."

He took the special pen Lin Xiaoyu timely offered and signed his name at the end of the agreement.

"Good!" Chen Weiguo breathed a sigh of relief, a smile returning to his face, and the atmosphere lightened accordingly.

"With the agreement signed, we're on the same side.

Lord Lin, a young hero with a boundless future! In the future, if there's anything in Rongcheng that needs coordination, feel free to find me, or you can contact Xiao Yu directly."

Lin Xiaoyu immediately broke into a very friendly smile and nodded vigorously. "Mhm! Lord Lin, please look after me in the future! If there's any legwork or communication needed, just leave it to me!"

Lin Feng also smiled, and this time the smile was a bit more genuine. "Director Chen overpraises me; I'm just a bit lucky. I'll surely be troubling Director Chen and Commissioner Lin in the future. Xiao Yu, don't be so polite either, just call me Lin Feng."

For a moment, the atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious. Chen Weiguo took the opportunity to share some anecdotes and precautions about the Nightmare World, while Lin Xiaoyu skillfully steered the conversation toward Lin Feng's parents, praising the delicious food and making the two elders beam with joy.

Just when the atmosphere was at its most harmonious, Su Yurou, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke softly, her clear gaze fixed on Lin Feng.

"Lin... Lord Lin, I have a presumptuous request."

She paused, seemingly having made up her mind. "I am currently a Level 5 first-advancement Healer.

Over at Zhenyue City... progress is very slow, and the environment isn't quite right for me.

I heard the state will be sending a team to transport resources to your Beacon Fire Village. I wonder... if I could go along with the team?

I want to change my environment; perhaps... I can find better development opportunities in your territory."

Her tone was calm, but there was a flicker of hard-to-detect anticipation and helplessness in her eyes.

The vastness and strict hierarchy of Zhenyue City had clearly made this former class monitor feel suppressed and stuck at a bottleneck.

A Healer! A support!

Lin Feng's heart stirred. He had plenty of combat personnel under him now—Zhao Hu, Tie Dun, Shadow Snake, and Arrow Eye were all experts, and there would be the Great Qin Garrison Soldiers in the future.

But he specifically lacked a professional Healer! Although Uncle Wu's medical skills were good, he was more of a pharmacist and physician; in terms of emergency battlefield treatment and continuous recovery, he certainly couldn't compare to a professional healing-class Awakened.

Su Yurou's arrival would perfectly fill this gap!

"If Classmate Su is willing to come, I welcome you wholeheartedly. Beacon Fire Village is newly built and everything is waiting to be done; we exactly need talent like you.

A Healer's abilities are crucial to the development and defense of the territory—then it's settled."

A flash of relieved joy crossed Su Yurou's eyes, and she nodded gently. "Thank you. I will work hard."

After Lin Feng agreed, he turned to Chen Weiguo and asked seriously:

"Director Chen, regarding Classmate Su traveling with the transport team, I'll have to trouble your side for coordination. Are there any issues with the team arrangements?"

Chen Weiguo smiled and waved his hand. "Lord Lin worries too much. It's a good thing for Yu Rou to want to go out and gain experience, and your side indeed needs a healing class. I'll arrange this; there's no problem with her going with the transport team, so rest assured."

The meal ended with both guests and hosts in high spirits. Chen Weiguo made a final confirmation: "The first batch of resources and that chef will depart from Zhenyue City in about four hours of Blue Star time.

Considering the distance and potential delays, they are expected to arrive at Beacon Fire Village in six days of Nightmare time.

Lord Lin, about when will you be returning to the Nightmare World?"

"I'll handle some personal matters and return the day after tomorrow at the latest," Lin Feng said.

"Good, then we shall part for now. Lord Lin, keep in touch." Chen Weiguo rose to take his leave.

After seeing off Chen Weiguo and Lin Xiaoyu and closing the door, the living room fell silent.

Lin Feng's father and mother looked at their son, their eyes filled with pride, worry, and endless emotion.

Su Yurou also rose to leave, agreeing to get in touch after Lin Feng returned to the Nightmare World.

Only Lin Feng and his parents remained at home.

"Xiao Feng..." Wang Xiulan looked at ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ her son, not knowing where to begin with the thousand things she wanted to say.

"Dad, Mom, I'm fine, I'm doing great." Lin Feng took his mother's hand and then looked at his father.

"There are some things I can't explain in detail right now. But rest assured, your son will not only survive but live very well and become your pride."