Yue Qinlan stepped gracefully into the hall, her snow-blue gown swaying lightly with her movement. Inside, Luciel sat at the wooden table, bent slightly forward as he wrote something down with a charcoal pen.

She paused quietly at the doorway for a moment, then approached with gentle elegance. Her eyes flickered curiously toward the document he was working on.

"Has Liyue already left?" she asked softly, her voice smooth and composed.

Luciel raised his head, the faint glow of morning light tracing the outline of his features. He placed the pen aside and nodded.

"Yes. She's been gone for a while now."

For a brief moment, a hint of melancholy crossed Yue Qinlan's beautiful face, though she quickly masked it with her usual calm poise. She stepped closer to the table, resting her slender hands upon its edge.

"So," she murmured, "you're beginning preparations for the meeting?"

Luciel leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful but relaxed. "That's right. We'll start once the hunting team arrives."

He gestured to the seat beside him and smiled. "You'll be recording during the meeting, my clerk."

"Clerk?" Yue Qinlan blinked, momentarily surprised.

Luciel's smile curved more mischievously. "Not a fan of the title? Then how about—'secretary'? Female secretary, perhaps?"

Her cheeks tinted faintly, and she shook her head, flustered yet amused. "No… clerk is fine."

Luciel chuckled quietly, pleased by her reaction.

He then grew more serious. "The city is still short on many essentials. This reform is meant to strengthen our foundation—to make Black Tortoise City truly stand on its own."

"I'll write everything down carefully," Yue Qinlan replied, brushing a lock of hair from her cheek and preparing her writing brush.

Just then—

Step, step, step—

Two familiar figures entered the hall in a hurry. Yue Feiyan and Minuo trotted inside, the red-haired girl's bright eyes darting toward Luciel.

"Good morning," Feiyan greeted, scratching her head awkwardly. She stuck out her small pink tongue playfully.

Luciel raised an eyebrow, amused.

The truth was, Yue Feiyan had overslept. The faint aroma of tea in the air and the comfortable bed had lulled her into an unusually deep sleep. She was sure her mother had done the same.

Last night, the two had stayed up late discussing how to properly see Liyue off—only to end up sleeping right through her departure.

So yes, both mother and daughter had overslept.

Meanwhile, Minuo quietly approached Luciel's side and leaned down slightly to whisper near his ear, "Everyone's here."

Almost on cue, the sound of heavy boots echoed from outside.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Wei Geng entered first, leading sixteen members of the hunting team. They moved in disciplined formation, their expressions solemn and respectful.

One by one, they bowed. "Lord City Master."

Luciel nodded. "Wei Geng, have a seat." He gestured toward the chair beside the table. "The rest of you may stand along the wall."

"Yes, my lord," Wei Geng said, taking his seat with a firm nod. The others stepped back in silence, their posture straight, their gazes steady.

Moments later, a slightly disheveled figure rushed in.

"I—I'm late!" Yu Fei'er stumbled into the hall, her long blonde hair messy from sleep.

After seeing off the white-haired girl earlier that morning, she had fallen asleep at her desk, only to be woken up by the rabbit-eared girl who reminded her about the meeting.

Luciel sighed but smiled faintly. "Sit down."

Yu Fei'er blushed, muttered a small "Oh," and hurriedly took a seat.

Luciel glanced at her tousled hair but decided not to comment. The sight of the half-dazed alchemist was oddly endearing.

Then, his expression grew serious.

"Now then," he began, his voice firm and steady, "we'll commence the First Reform Meeting of Black Tortoise City."

Everyone straightened in unison, their attention fixed on him.

Luciel continued, "The first matter—Black Tortoise City will officially implement a Contribution Value System."

He swept his gaze across the room. "From now on, the City Lord's Mansion will issue specific tasks. Anyone who completes a task will earn contribution points."

He paused to let the words settle, then looked toward Wei Geng.

"For example, your hunting team already has fixed duties—patrolling, keeping watch, and hunting outside the city. All of these will now count as official missions."

"Yes, my lord," Wei Geng replied with a respectful nod.

Luciel leaned forward slightly. "Also, from this day forward, food will no longer be freely distributed. Instead, you'll exchange your contribution points for food and daily necessities."

The room fell silent for a moment.

He continued, his tone calm but authoritative. "Contribution points will serve as the temporary currency of Black Tortoise City. Once the population grows and resources expand, we'll upgrade the system further."

Wei Geng nodded again. "Understood."

The hunting team members looked visibly relieved. Many had been uncertain about their future since joining Black Tortoise City. It was far better than the Moon Lake Tribe—clean water, fertile soil, and a safe environment—but some had begun to feel idle, as though their worth had faded.

They were not simple villagers. They wanted purpose—a place where their work mattered.

Luciel's reform gave them exactly that.

"Additionally," Luciel continued, "the City Lord's Mansion will issue new kinds of civilian tasks. These can be accepted by your family members."

Wei Geng's eyes brightened. "Please, tell us."

Luciel tapped his chin thoughtfully. "We'll need furniture—wooden tables, iron pots, cabinets, and similar items. The City Lord's Mansion will provide detailed blueprints. As long as the finished products meet the standards on the drawings, the makers will receive contribution points."

He paused, then added, "We're not doing this for luxury. It's simply a way to keep everyone busy and improve the city's foundation. Rough furniture can be made in a day, but finely crafted pieces may take several days. It's good work that helps both the craftsmen and the city."

Wei Geng bowed his head slightly. "We'll inform our families and see to it that they complete the tasks seriously."

"Good," Luciel said with approval. "I'll also be posting every task publicly. We'll set up a notice wall along the main street near the high ground. All new announcements will appear there."

Wei Geng scratched his head, looking embarrassed. "Ah… but most of us can't read the writing."

Luciel smiled knowingly. "Don't worry. My clerk will handle that. She'll inform everyone about the posted tasks and announcements."

He turned to Yue Qinlan. "I'll leave the contribution management to you."

Yue Qinlan smiled with calm grace. "Understood, my lord."

Luciel nodded and continued, "There's one more matter—this concerns the hunting team directly."

Wei Geng straightened again, his tone serious. "We're listening."

"The contribution system will have an additional feature—exclusive benefits for the hunting team."

Luciel's voice deepened slightly. "When your contribution value reaches a certain level—or if you achieve exceptional merit—you'll be eligible to exchange points for body-strengthening secret medicine."

A wave of disbelief rippled through the room.

"The secret medicine? For real?" Wei Geng asked, his eyes wide.

Even the hunters at the back exchanged astonished looks.

Luciel didn't answer them directly. Instead, he turned to the drowsy blonde alchemist.

"Yu Fei'er, how long would it take to make a batch of strengthening medicine?"

Fei'er blinked and rubbed her eyes. "We'll need to gather a few medicinal herbs first… but if the ingredients are ready, it shouldn't take more than a few days."

Luciel nodded. "The City Lord's Mansion currently holds strengthening secret medicines from Tier 1 to Tier 5. Anyone who works hard, completes missions, and earns enough contribution points can exchange them for these medicines."

Then, his gaze sharpened. "But remember—if anyone commits acts that harm Black Tortoise City, the punishment won't be as simple as exile."

His words carried quiet authority, and the air in the hall grew tense.

"Understood!" Wei Geng and his team responded at once.

"Only a fool would betray Black Tortoise," one muttered grimly.

"Whoever dares, I'll deal with him myself," another said fiercely.

Luciel's expression softened slightly. "Good. Then that concludes the first reform meeting."

He waved his hand, dismissing the group.

Wei Geng stood, bowed deeply, and led the hunting team out of the hall.

When the room grew quiet again, Luciel turned to Yue Qinlan.

"The rest is up to you," he said gently. "I'll set the direction—you'll handle the details and execution."

Yue Qinlan nodded gracefully, her eyes alight with determination. "Leave it to me. It's far more fulfilling than drawing water back at Moon Lake."

Luciel smiled faintly. "I want everything completed before I reach the Tenth-Floor City. Once I get there, I'll need to focus entirely on collecting beast cores and searching for new creatures to tame."

"I'll see to it personally," Yue Qinlan replied, her tone resolute.

Luciel rose from his seat, stretching slightly as the sunlight streamed into the hall.

For the first time since Black Tortoise City was founded, true order was beginning to take shape.

.....

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