With the rise of my family, I can summon the Daoist Soldiers' Nest.

When everyone arrived at the Chen residence, the Chen family had already prepared a sumptuous feast.

The hall was brightly lit, filled with clinking glasses and constant laughter.

After a few rounds of drinks, the initially slightly reserved atmosphere gradually warmed up, and the barriers between them melted away with each toast, bringing them closer together.

After the meal, Lin Ye instructed the accompanying stewards to interact more with the stewards of the Chen family's various branches to see if they could uncover any business opportunities and facilitate cooperation.

He then followed Chen Cheng, the head of the Chen family, to a secluded and elegant room. After closing the door, the real business began.

"Brother Chen, I won't beat around the bush anymore," Lin Ye said directly and sincerely.

"I have just taken over as lord. The current state of Xiang County, compared to the prosperity of Yun County along the way, makes me extremely envious."

Xiang County and Yun County are worlds apart; I implore you, brother, to lend a helping hand.

The two had already intended to become acquainted, and had changed their forms of address during the meal.

At this moment, Chen Cheng laughed heartily, full of generosity, "Brother Lin, just say the word if you need anything, and I'll definitely help if I can!"

"Brother, as you know, our two territories are crisscrossed by rivers, and the towns in our Xiang County are all built along the rivers."

To revitalize the territory, it's essential to connect all parts through waterways.

Lin Ye paused for a moment, then continued, "But when we were cleaning the river some time ago, we encountered a powerful second-rate monster."

To be honest, my few second-rate guards could handle it, but I can't rely on them every time; they also have to protect the lair and me.

When Chen Cheng mentioned "a few second-rate guards," his lips twitched noticeably.

Lin Ye knew perfectly well that Li Liang had probably spoken too quickly and revealed his secrets. Chen Cheng already knew that the three people were actually martial artists from the Qingyuan Sword Sect.

He wasn't embarrassed and continued speaking frankly.

"I haven't been able to come up with a proper solution until now, but this trip to Yun County has really broadened my horizons. Brother, you actually thought of using Taoist soldiers to patrol the river; that's a brilliant idea."

Chen Cheng almost lost his composure—establishing river patrol commissioners and dispatching soldiers to patrol the river was nothing new in families across the country, nor was it his own invention; it was a practice passed down from his ancestors.

He had long seen through this young man's smooth talk and flattery, and now, hearing his earnest praise, he couldn't help but interrupt: "Brother, just tell me what you need my help with."

Seeing that he was straightforward, Lin Ye stopped beating around the bush. "I just want to be like my elder brother and set up river patrol officers in the waterways of our territory, and raise a few Taoist soldiers, firstly to eliminate monsters, and secondly to patrol the safety of the waterways."

He changed the subject, "I wonder if you have any uncontracted Crocodile Armored Stealths? I'd like to get a few and put them in the river."

"Don't worry, brother, I won't make things difficult for you. I'll exchange it for third-rate spiritual plants at market price, but I'll need to owe you a sum for now. I'll make up the difference next year when my territory has a good harvest of spiritual plants."

Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng frowned slightly, fell into deep thought, and remained silent for a moment.

Lin Ye decided to bring up the other matter as well.

"There's another thing. Along the way, I discovered that many people from Xiang County are temporarily living in Yun County, and they're not doing well."

They competed with the people of Yun County for work and resources, leading to frequent conflicts and causing disorder in some towns. As far as I know, they actually really want to go back to Xiang County. So…”

Chen Cheng had also heard about this. His subordinates had reported to him that these immigrants from Xiang County were taking away the livelihoods of the locals.

Yunxian County has been operating for over fifty years, and the various forces had long since reached a balance. The sudden influx of a large number of outsiders inevitably disrupted the original pattern and caused friction.

Some families whose interests were harmed even demanded the expulsion of these people, but Chen Cheng, considering that a larger population would be beneficial to the development of the territory, remained inactive.

Now that the people of Xiang County are actively wanting to go back, it's a good opportunity to go with the flow.

He pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over Lin Ye's face, seemingly weighing the pros and cons of the deal versus releasing the person.

"Brother Lin, you've really given me a tough problem."

Chen Cheng picked up his teacup and took a sip. "My nest can only produce twelve Dao soldiers a year. Every year, I also have to fulfill the imperial court's conscription. Add to that the casualties in battle and the losses from dealing with various places, and in the end, there are really not many left."

"As for the people of Xiang County, I haven't heard of any major conflicts. They are like a lifeline for Yun County, and they have done a lot for us."

Chen Cheng paused for a moment, then continued, "But since you, Brother Lin, have asked, I certainly can't let you make this trip for nothing. I'll help you solve both of these problems."

"But—" he drawled, his gaze falling on Lin Ye's face with a thoughtful smile.

"Brother, just tell me your conditions," Lin Ye replied immediately, his expression calm.

Chen Cheng put down his teacup and said bluntly, "I don't want third-rate spiritual plants. Your yield is not enough."

"Let's trade Taoist soldiers for Taoist soldiers—I'll give you Taoist soldiers, and you have to give me Taoist soldiers too. I won't take advantage of you; four Crocodile-Armored Stealth Guards for one Rotten Soil Ant Servant, how about it?"

"As for the people of Xiang County, if they really want to go back, I will not stop them."

Lin Ye had already made up his mind. When he discussed it with everyone before coming, he had anticipated that the Chen family would most likely not want the spiritual plant, but would want it.

With Dao soldiers, why fear the lack of spiritual plants? Everyone understands this principle.

He remained expressionless, and after a moment's thought, he smiled and said, "Alright, since you're so straightforward, I won't hold back."

Six Crocodile Armored Guards for one Rotten Soil Ant Servant, I want twelve Crocodile Armored Guards.

"Brother, you know perfectly well that my Daoist lair hasn't even begun to take shape yet. I still need to make arrangements with the Sword Sect and the Imperial Court, so I really don't have that many readily available resources right now."

Chen Cheng thought for a moment, then laughed and said, "Alright, I won't make things difficult for you, brother. It's settled then! I'll send someone to fetch the Dao Soldier Egg right away."

Looking at Chen Cheng's cheerful expression, Lin Ye cursed inwardly, "Damn it, I underestimated him, I'm at a loss."

However, upon further reflection, he realized that the deal wasn't actually a loss.

Crocodile Armor Stealth Guards are a well-established practice in Yun County, but in Xiang County, these Taoist soldiers can immediately fill the huge gap in river defenses, greatly reducing the threat of monsters. In the long run, this will bring a solid foundation for the safety and development of the entire territory.

The use of rotten soil ants is more related to logistics and production. Although they are valuable, the most urgent task for Xiang County right now is not to increase production, but to open up waterways and stabilize the situation.

Chen Cheng was quite satisfied to see Lin Ye agree so readily, finding the young lord straightforward, easy to get along with, and decisive. He thought that if the opportunity arose in the future, they could cooperate on several more projects.

He immediately clapped his hands, and guards came in from outside the door. They were ordered to retrieve the soldier eggs from the nest's storage area and arrange for people to prepare for the handover.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries and finalizing the details, the two got up and left the room.

When I arrived at the front hall, the managers were already waiting outside. Judging from their expressions, they must have reached some agreements.

Upon returning to his residence, he immediately summoned Sun Qian and Zhang Yuan, repeated the agreement with Chen Cheng, and instructed them to prepare in advance for receiving the Dao soldiers.