Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

"If you do a good job on this mission, I will not only keep my previous promise, but I can also give special approval to completely renovate this church."

Lin Yi said that making empty promises was not something he could do easily. Anyway, the old church in the town would need to be repaired sooner or later, so he might as well use it as an incentive now, which could both win people's hearts and improve the overall image of the territory.

Sister Arya's eyes lit up instantly, as if stars were igniting within them.

Her cheeks flushed with excitement, and she clasped her hands tightly to her chest, bowing deeply to Lin Yi. Her voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly: "Praise be to the light! Your kindness and generosity will surely be recorded in the church's annals! May the Lord's grace dwell in your land like a spring breeze, and may the Holy Light forever protect your wise rule!"

In her mind, the significance of renovating the church went far beyond simple architectural repairs.

This means that the flame of faith, dormant for many years, will be rekindled in this land, which is far more significant than her initial request.

"And you guys, feel free to make any other requests." To ensure the smooth completion of this cleanup of the ruins, Lin Yi also wanted to reassure these guys, lest they start having wild thoughts down there and end up being a hindrance.

“Well, I can forgo my payment, but I would like to obtain permission to establish an alchemy laboratory within the castle.” Springhall Anne, seeing that Lin Yi had agreed to the nun’s request for such an expensive project as renovating the church, naturally couldn’t help but make her own request.

As a scholar ostracized by the mainstream alchemy community, Anne knew the weight of this request.

Ever since offending August Blackwood, the dean of the Alchemy Academy, she has faced setbacks at every turn within the Empire, even struggling to obtain the most basic experimental facilities.

Her former colleagues either avoided her like the plague or treated her coldly.

Now that she could resume her research under the lord's protection, she didn't want to miss this opportunity no matter what.

"An alchemy lab? Sure." Lin Yi was naturally delighted to hear Springhall Anne's request.

Anne's bright eyes widened instantly, a hint of surprise flashing across her face, which was then quickly replaced by her usual wariness.

She didn't expect the other party to agree so readily, without even asking about specific requirements or costs.

“However,” Lin Yi changed the subject, leaning forward slightly, an invisible pressure once again looming over him, “If I need you to prepare specific medicines—whether for healing, detoxification, or even those with special effects—you must complete them in the shortest possible time. The quality must meet the standards, and the materials will be provided by the territory. Accept this condition, and the first basement level of the castle will be yours.”

He casually pointed to the ground floor. The basement? Annie's heart skipped a beat. That place was usually cold and damp, but it was spacious enough, far from the main castle, so even if there was a lot of noise, it wouldn't disturb anyone. More importantly... it was secluded.

For someone like her, who is used to working amidst explosions and strange smells and is somewhat "troublesome," it was the perfect place.

"Deal!" Annie nodded, a slightly excited smile finally appearing on her face. "My lord, you will receive the potion you desire, guaranteed in quality and quantity! As long as the materials are sufficient, I can even bottle up dragon breath for you to try!"

The town that Lin Yi has taken over is in dire need of reconstruction. If Springhall Anne is willing to stay, then things like medical care will become much more convenient in Lin Yi's territory.

After all, a qualified alchemist is an expert in healing potions.

With an alchemist like Annie overseeing things, he can at least be relieved of many worries about medical resources.

Having dealt with Annie, Lin Yi turned his attention to the others.

William Malken bowed gracefully, his eyes shining brightly behind his gold-rimmed glasses: "My wise and generous lord, your participation in exploring the long-forgotten secrets of Bloodclaw Fortress is the greatest reward I can ask for. My request is insignificant—I only wish to be permitted to make rubbings and records of the ancient texts, murals, and ritual symbols during the exploration of the ruins. These dusts of history may reveal the roots of the darkness that breeds here, and perhaps even unravel the legends of the Whispering Forest."

He paused, then added, "Of course, I will provide you with a complete copy of the research."

"Okay." Lin Yi nodded.

Knowledge itself is power, and William's research findings greatly benefited his understanding of this land.

"As long as it doesn't affect operations and safety, you have priority to study any discoveries made at the ruins. But remember, any discovery that could endanger the team must be reported immediately."

“Your foresight is admirable, Your Lordship. I assure you that academic rigor and the safety of the team will always be my top priorities.”

Finally, Lin Yi's gaze fell on Ruth Jack.

The former centurion of the Sun Legion had one eye lowered, as if he were weighing something.

"Centurion Ruth?" Lin Yi asked.

Ruth raised her head, her sharp single eye meeting Lin Yi's gaze. There was no greed in it, only a calm that had endured many hardships and a hint of scrutiny.

"I can forgo my reward, but in exchange, I need the lord to grant me one request."

He paused, a cold glint flashing in his single eye: "I need your support to help me eliminate the bandits entrenched near 'Stone Rift Valley' in the northwest."

Upon hearing this, Leonard frowned sharply: "The 'Bloodfang' of Rift Valley? Lord Ruth, those scumbags are numerous, at least thirty ruthless bandits. Their leader, 'Bloodfang' Balo, is notoriously cruel and cunning. It's said he was a mercenary in the North in his younger days, with countless blood on his hands. They occupy the natural defenses of Rift Valley, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack, and moreover..."

Ruth raised her hand to interrupt Leonard, her one eye still fixed on Lin Yi: "On the way here, I saw it. They set up roadblocks in the wilderness to rob lone merchants and refugees. Their methods were extremely cruel, and they just threw the corpses away to feed the wild dogs. Just yesterday, a group of civilians who fled from the south, a family of six, were reduced to just two children shivering in a crevice in the rocks."

His voice was flat, but the bloodthirstiness in his words made Annie instinctively suppress her playful expression, while Arya clenched her hands tightly, her eyes revealing deep sorrow and anger.

"I am all alone. Even if I risk my life, I can only replace a few of their leaders at most, but I cannot eradicate them completely."

Ruth's voice carried a suppressed heaviness, "But you are different. You are the lord of this land. If you give the order and provide the necessary troops and support, I am confident that I can completely eradicate this scourge, restore peace to this place, and give God's people a hope to live on."

His demands were completely different from those for gold coins, laboratories, and research rights.

This is the most direct yet most relevant demand to the root cause of suffering in this land—to eradicate visible atrocities.

Lin Yi looked at Ruth Jack's single eye and instantly understood the veteran's choice.

He didn't want personal wealth or privileges; what he wanted was to fulfill his duty as a "guardian," even though he had already left the Sun Legion.

Suppressing bandits and pacifying local areas was one of the missions of the Sun Legion.

He is continuing his unfinished mission of protection in his own way.

“The reasons are sufficient.” Lin Yi’s answer was so straightforward that Ruth was slightly taken aback. “‘Bloodfang’ Balo and his gang are a malignant tumor in the reconstruction of the territory and must be eliminated.”

"I promise you, once the ruins mission is over, the bandit suppression operation will be put on the agenda immediately. Leonard will cooperate with you, and you can choose and use any personnel recruited by the castle as long as they are available. If you need any equipment or supplies, just go directly to Old Barton."

Lin Yi's gaze swept over Leonard: "Leonard, you are responsible for assisting Centurion Ruth in formulating and executing the bandit suppression plan. Remember, I want a complete elimination, leaving no future troubles."

“Yes, sir!” Leonard accepted the order solemnly, his gaze towards Ruth now filled with genuine respect.

The scrutinizing light in Ruth Jack's single eye finally faded, replaced by a sense of approval.

He straightened his back, just as he had received orders in the legion years ago, and slammed his right fist heavily on his left chest, right over his heart—a standard military salute belonging to the Sun Legion. "Thank you for your trust and decision, my lord." Ruth's voice was still deep, but with an added force. "I swear on my honor that I will not fail you."

"Alright everyone, I'm leaving the matter of the underground ruins to you. As long as you can return, I can grant you whatever you desire."

Lin Yi closed the book in his hand. Unlike those nobles who only made empty promises, Lin Yi was genuinely prepared to develop this territory properly. In any case, no matter how much money he had in this world, it was useless to him.

The six quarter-hour preparation time passed in the blink of an eye, and the entrance to the castle's underground ruins, an archway made of heavy black stone and engraved with ancient runes, slowly opened with Leonard's push.

A chilling wind, like the breath of a giant beast from the earth, suddenly surged out of the darkness and instantly swept over the people standing at the entrance.

Leonard and Ruth Jack tensed up almost simultaneously, and Sister Arya immediately began to chant a short prayer in a low voice. A faint but pure holy light appeared on her body, dispelling the sense of defilement in everyone's hearts.

Anne wrinkled her nose, quickly took out a small glass bottle from her waist, uncorked it, and a wisp of smoke with the scent of mint and lemongrass instantly spread out, neutralizing some of the nauseating smell.

William quickly pulled out a notebook and a charcoal pencil, and using the dim light at the entrance of the passage, began to record the runes on the stone wall.

"Maintain formation, turn on the light source!" Ruth Jack removed the sun emblem shield from his back, gripped the handle of his warhammer tightly in his right hand, and took the lead in stepping onto the downward-sloping stone steps.

Guided by Ruth Jack, the group slowly descended into the ground.

Inside the castle hall, Lin Yi sat alone at a large oak desk. The ink on the parchment spread out in front of him was still wet, emitting a faint smell of pine smoke.

"To the Eastern Territory Council of the Mercenary Guild: Bloodclaw Fortress, strategically located at the crossroads of the Whispering Forest and the Imperial trade routes, awaits its revival in strategic and commercial value. However, the area is in dire need of rebuilding, plagued by banditry, and urgently requires valiant warriors to develop the region. I hereby formally invite the Mercenary Guild to rebuild its branch. Bloodclaw Fortress promises to provide the branch with the necessary premises and grant it priority in accepting official commissions within its territory, with preferential commission rates. Furthermore, for the first three years, the branch will be exempt from rent and some taxes, as a gesture of goodwill..."

This invitation was written by Lin Yi to the Mercenary Association, which also included the Alchemist Association, the Doctors Association, and a series of other organizations.

To bring these forces back, a mere promise and empty checks are not enough.

He needs leverage; he needs to show the other party tangible benefits and hope.

"Old Patton!"

The old butler appeared almost immediately from the side door, bowing respectfully: "Sir, what are your orders?"

Lin Yi handed him several written invitations: "Immediately arrange for the fastest messengers. Send one to the Mercenary Guild's Eastern Territory office in 'Gray Rock City'; send another to the Royal Alchemist Association headquarters. As for the Doctors' Association... I remember they have close ties with the Holy See, and their headquarters in the Holy City 'Crown of Radiance' is too far away. Prioritize sending them to their regional branch in 'White River City,' and at the same time inform the Church that the Bloodclaw Fortress church is about to be renovated and urgently needs their Light of Mercy."

"Yes, sir! This old servant will take care of it immediately!" Old Barton nodded, carefully accepted the invitation, and turned to leave.

“Wait a minute,” Lin Yi called to Old Barton, who was about to leave, and added, “Remember to include a dictated line in the letter to the Alchemists’ Guild: ‘Miss Springhall Anne has been invited to establish a laboratory in the castle and looks forward to exchanging ideas with her colleagues in the Guild.’”

Lin Yi remembered that Annie had offended the dean, and deliberately added her name to muddy the waters.

Bloodclaw Fortress is willing to accept "trouble," considering that there are quite a few people in the Alchemist Guild who have offended August Blackwood. Lin Yi's purpose in doing so is to attract more talent to come here.

Old Patton understood immediately: "Understood, sir. I will have the messenger make it clear."

Watching Old Patton's hurried departure, Lin Yi turned his gaze back to the window.

As darkness fell, the desolate town silhouette appeared even more lonely in the twilight.

The exploration of the underground ruins has begun, the operation to eliminate bandits has been put on the agenda, and the blueprint for reconstruction is slowly unfolding with these invitations flying in all directions.

"The water has been stirred up; now we'll see what kind of fish it attracts."

Lin Yi was particularly focused on the Alchemist Association. He wondered what kind of ripples Annie's name would cause in the deep pool of the capital, and whether it would attract the extra attention of that "Dean".

For Lin Yi, he urgently needed to establish his authority through some means, and according to his investigation, the dean of the Alchemist Academy, August Blackwood, was not a good person behind the scenes.

More than half of the bandit strongholds within the empire are vaguely associated with the shadow of this Dean.

This is not unfounded. When bandits rob caravans and ransack villages and towns, the stolen goods are like a hot potato to them. They can neither use them directly nor safely sell them for cash.

Dean Black's vast alchemical network was precisely the perfect channel to digest this "dirt."

Through intermediaries and layers of disguise, these blood-stained resources were transported into the alchemy workshops of the royal capital, eventually transforming into powerful alchemical tools that flowed into the market, bringing the Dean astonishing wealth and influence.

In his invitation, Lin Yi specifically mentioned that Anne had established a laboratory in Bloodclaw Keep, which was tantamount to declaring to Dean Blake: your "trouble" has not only not disappeared, but has also taken root in the corner you most want to forget, and has received the lord's protection and support.

Given August Black's vindictive nature and desire for control, he would never sit idly by.

A day later, Bloodclaw Fortress—a name almost forgotten in a corner of the empire's map, a symbol of curse and decay—once again unexpectedly entered the sights of various forces.

Although Bloodclaw Fortress is now in decline, its former prosperity remains fresh in everyone's memory.

Mercenary Guild Eastern Territory Office, Grayrock City.

Elder Hank, the chairman, held the generous parchment in his hand. On the wall behind him hung a huge map of the Eastern Territory, with the location of Bloodclaw Fortress marked prominently. Next to it were several yellowed old mission briefings marked "High Risk" and "Unknown Rewards."

“Bloodclaw Keep… Edwin’s old fox territory.” Old Hank muttered to himself, a trace of reminiscence flashing in his cloudy eyes.

"Back then, the gold coins flowing out of that place could flood the taverns in Grayrock City." He certainly remembered the glory days of Earl Edwin, when caravans came in droves, quests were plentiful, and the guild made a fortune every day.

"The new lord is quite ambitious. Suppressing bandits? Clearing ruins? And prioritizing official commissions?"

"Send an observer over there first to assess the situation. Remember, pick someone clever, quick on their feet, and good at protecting themselves!" Old Hank needed firsthand intelligence to assess whether this new lord was just a hothead who talked big or someone with real skills worth investing in.

The risks remain enormous, but the promise of "priority" and the potential for a massive workload are incredibly tempting.

Meanwhile, at the White River City branch of the Holy See, Sister Emilia, the head of the branch, and Dr. Bell of the Medical Association were discussing the same matter.

Both of them strongly agreed with Lin Yi's promise to renovate the church and establish a public clinic and pharmacy.

Sister Emilia knew all too well how terrible the medical conditions were on the empire's borders, and she had long heard of the dire situation at Bloodclaw Fortress.

“The Lord’s mercy knows no bounds…” she prayed softly, then decisively ordered: “Reply! Inform the Lord that the Association deeply sympathizes with the suffering of the people of Bloodclaw Fortress. I will personally select two experienced priests and three apprentices to depart within two days.”

"Alright, since you've put it that way, I'll send two doctors to Bloodclaw Fortress to establish a temporary clinic. Further support and the establishment of a formal branch will commence after on-site assessment." For the Doctors' Association, saving lives is their primary duty, and Lin Yi's demonstrated concern for people's livelihoods and support for healthcare are enough to make them willing to support his proposals. (End of Chapter)