Retirement begins with summoning Yuan Tiangang

Since learning the true identities of his "roommates" in town, Lin Tian's mindset has undergone some subtle changes.

Previously, the rule was to "play it safe and avoid recklessness," but now it's about "playing it safe while watching the big shots put on a show."

He became even more enthusiastic about his town patrols and visiting neighbors.

Watching the old apothecary drunkenly dispensing medicine for people, he muttered to himself, "Tsk tsk, the ancient god of life is personally dispensing medicine for you. This is such a blessing that even the King of Hell would extend your life by three years."

Watching Master Zhang solemnly teach about the mysteries of heaven and earth, and the vastness of the universe, he thought to himself, "Brother, your teacher lost in the internal power struggle, and you were relegated to teaching basic knowledge here. Aren't you feeling bitter?"

Watching Wang Tiebi sweat profusely as he hammered away at the iron, he sighed to himself, "The future military commander who guards the seal of command is now hammering hoes every day. How many hammer blows of iron will it take to smooth out this psychological gap?"

Watching the monk Ku Hui smilingly selling needles, thread, and soap, he imagined: "Put down the butcher's knife and start selling goods? This way of practicing cultivation is quite unique."

This God-like perspective—being the only one sober in a world of drunks—brought him endless joy in his mundane life as a salted fishmonger.

He even felt that just observing these bigwigs' "role-playing" every day was worth the price of admission.

Of course, he wasn't completely idle either.

The "+" signs after "Tian Gang Jue (Basic Edition)" and "Bai Lian Xing Chen Ti (Beginner Edition)" on the system panel are still grayed out, indicating that there is still a long way to go before the next upgrade.

He tried lying flat at a deeper depth.

For example, try spending the whole day completely still except for eating, going to the toilet, and taking care of the baby, just lying in a rocking chair.

The results showed that the speed of obtaining lying-down positions did not increase significantly, and the system seemed to prefer a state of physical and mental relaxation rather than complete paralysis.

"Looks like lying flat is a skill in itself," Lin Tian concluded, stroking his chin.

"You can't work too hard, but you can't be too lazy either. You have to be in a state of 'positive nihilism'."

So he developed a new daily routine: taking his child for walks in the morning to observe society;

In the afternoon, I bask in the sun at my doorstep, watch the clouds, and occasionally use my mind to guide the suppressed Heavenly Gang True Power within my body, or passively absorb some of the Gang Sha Qi between heaven and earth according to the methods of the "Hundred Refinements of the Star Body"—I don't force it, I don't risk my life, it's purely for health preservation.

The effect was negligible, but better than nothing. The important thing was, it wasn't tiring.

The rate at which points accumulate while lying down is stable at around 30 points per day.

At this rate, it will take almost half a month to accumulate enough points for the next upgrade.

"It's a bit slow, but it's comfortable." Lin Tian was very satisfied.

Before, I worked my butt off for a month and only made that little money. Now I can become stronger just by lying down. What more could I ask for?

That day, he was holding Lin Feng in the yard, teaching him to recognize the few wilted wild vegetables growing there (gifts from Brother Chen, who said they could clear heat) when a bigger commotion came from the house of his neighbor, Old Man Chen, on the right.

Aunt Chen's morning sickness seems to have passed, and she has a good appetite.

Brother Chen's smile never faded, and he worked even harder. He even went to Zhang the hunter's house to exchange for an old hen, saying he wanted to nourish his wife's body.

Lin Tian carried the child over to visit, bringing a small basket of high-quality red dates that he had redeemed from the system shop (it cost 1 points, supposedly to help the pregnant woman replenish her blood).

Brother Chen thanked her profusely, while Aunt Chen held Lin Tian's hand and talked on and on about the hardships and expectations of pregnancy, her eyes filled with maternal radiance.

"Young Lin, you're a scholar, knowledgeable and well-informed," Brother Chen asked, rubbing his hands together somewhat embarrassedly.

"The name you chose for your baby is so beautiful, 'Worry-Free,' it sounds so grand. Could you help us think of a name for our unborn child too?"

Looking at the expectant eyes of the elderly couple and then at Aunt Chen's slightly protruding belly, Lin Tian's heart stirred.

He subconsciously activated his poorly suppressed divine sense and cautiously probed towards Aunt Chen's abdomen.

Amidst that vibrant life force, he vaguely sensed a faint... cool sensation?

Unlike the faint, approachable dragon energy within Lin Wuyou's body, this aura leaned more towards tranquility and peace.

"This child..." Lin Tian was slightly surprised.

"It seems to resonate with the tranquility of this small town?"

He withdrew his divine sense, a smile appearing on his face: "Uncle Chen, Grandma, I think this child is blessed. If it's a boy, how about Chen Jing'an? Peace and tranquility lead to far-reaching goals, and peace and joy are associated with it. If it's a girl, then Chen Wanning is a name that evokes gentleness and tranquility."

"Jing'an... Wanning..." Old Brother Chen and Aunt Chen repeated it several times, their eyes growing brighter and brighter.

"Great! It sounds nice! And it has a good meaning! Lin, thank you! That's our name!"

Seeing the elderly couple's joyful expressions, Lin Tian smiled as well.

In this small town teeming with influential figures and rife with undercurrents, it's a wonderful feeling to witness and participate in the arrival of an ordinary new life.

As he carried Lin Feng away, he was still pondering that cool sensation.

Could it be that what was suppressed in Hexi Town was not only a true dragon, but something else?

Or is it just a slight variation that naturally occurs in a fetus due to living in a special environment for a long time?

He couldn't figure it out, and he was too lazy to investigate further.

Anyway, whether it's a dragon or a god, they all have to stay put now.

Back in his courtyard, he placed Lin Feng on a cushioned chair, then slumped into a rocking chair and opened the system interface.

[Lie flat point: 172]

Yes, steady growth.

He then clicked on the "Organization Management" sub-option.

[Organization: Bad Guys (Initial Establishment)]

Leader: Yuan Tiangang (Loyalty 100%)

Current members: 87 (core members + peripheral informants)

[Development Status: Initial penetration of the surrounding five towns has been completed, an intelligence network is taking shape, and expansion towards the county seat has begun. Resources are self-sufficient with a slight surplus.]

[Recent Developments: "Shadow Guard" spies from the Central Court have been discovered operating on the outskirts of Hexi Town. Their intentions are unclear, and surveillance has been strengthened.]

"Shadow Guards?" Lin Tian raised an eyebrow.

It seems that the group from the Wang family has brought more than just the obvious trouble.

He gave Blackie (Shadow Raven) an order to closely monitor the movements of the royal mansion and suspicious individuals outside the town.

After finishing all this, he stretched and looked at his son, who was sitting on a chair, holding a rattle and entertaining himself by babbling. He sighed with satisfaction.

"Worry-free, look, Dad doesn't need to fight or scheme. Just by lying here, I've gained power, intelligence, and my cultivation... well, it's slow, but it's still increasing." He pinched his son's chubby cheeks.

"This is the wisdom of life."

Lin Feng was amused by him and chuckled, drooling slightly on his chin.

Lin Tian took out a cloth to wipe him clean, pondering to himself: Once he's had enough time to lie down, should he upgrade the "Heavenly Gang Technique" first, or summon something else? Having someone who can cook or take care of kids seems really useful…

The afterglow of the setting sun once again bathed the courtyard, painting the figures of the father and son in a warm golden hue.

In the distance, the sounds of Wang Tiebi hammering iron, the occasional tapping of the wooden fish by the monk Ku Hui, and the laughter of children after school intertwined to create a simple yet peaceful pastoral symphony.

Lin Tian squinted, enjoying this moment of peace.

He knew that beneath this calm surface, turbulent currents were brewing.

Ancient gods, Confucianists, military strategists, Buddhists, dynastic spies, mysterious organizations... all sorts of forces intertwine in this small town of Hexi.

But he wasn't afraid.

Because he has the greatest source of confidence—the system, and an unwavering desire to simply give up.

"When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, I'll have the commander-in-chief use earth to cover it up."

Lin Tian mumbled something and gradually drifted off to sleep as the rocking chair swayed rhythmically.

In his dream, he seemed to have clicked the "+" sign on the system, and his cultivation level instantly skyrocketed. Then... he was kicked awake by Lin Feng, who was wetting his pants in his arms.