Chapter 79: Arrangements

"You will need this alarm bell for your next journey, so I have placed it on the curio shelf in the side hall of the main building. The fire-prevention aura of the Dragon-Phoenix Joy Terrace is of little use, so I have moved the Dragon Terrace to the Hall of Strange Arts and assigned a lesser spirit to watch over it. This way, you only need to carry the Dragon Terrace with you in the future.

As for the Dragon-Transforming Pool, we will need to commission a specialized craftsman to build it, which may take some time. However, I have an idea: the inner court of the front yard would be the perfect location for a pond. What do you think about placing the Dragon-Transforming Pool there?

Regarding the tiger-bone ornaments, that is simple enough. We have a dedicated casting workshop, and since tiger bones are quite common on the market now, we can produce some specifically for sale. That, however, would require hiring specialized casting and business talent, as the lesser spirits currently at our disposal simply aren't up to the task.

As for the Jade Bowl Lamp, we should find a professional chef to manage it. Of course, you are welcome to use it yourself, sir, but I will keep it in the kitchen for now so as not to waste such fine material."

Wang Liang nodded affirmatively as he listened to Xiao Lan’s incessant planning.

He then recalled something else. "Right, I have a righteous warrior's warrant here that allows for the recruitment of three house generals and one hundred retainers. Include that as well—do we have enough lesser spirits to meet the quota?"

"The number of lesser spirits is insufficient. If we count the Silver Boys, we might barely make it, but that goes against our original plan. This batch of beasts possesses extraordinary intelligence and, having been nurtured by Buddhist teachings and martial arts, many show potential for scholarship or growth. We cannot simply waste them.

If you wish to utilize the warrant, sir, we could purchase some beasts from the outside market and train them. However, spirits trained in such a manner would lack strength, intelligence, and growth potential."

When the topic turned to growth potential, Wang Liang suddenly thought of something. He flipped his hand, and an egg the size of a human head appeared in his palm.

"See if this egg can be of use."

Steward Xiao Lan took the egg, examined it, and said earnestly, "This egg shares a connection with me. Under normal circumstances, I could find a way to hatch it, and it would count as a unique entity. However, I am about to enter seclusion and may not have the time.

Perhaps... the newcomer also shares a connection with me. You could have him assist in the incubation and oversee the breeding. I sense that the creature inside this egg possesses a certain level of intelligence. Once it reaches a certain size, I can enlighten it; it would be quite capable of serving as a patrolling spirit."

Wang Liang did not agree immediately, considering it seriously for a moment before finally saying slowly, "Very well."

Wang Liang then asked, "Do you need anything for your seclusion?"

Xiao Lan shook her head, indicating she had no needs.

Wang Liang said no more and handed the Velociraptor egg to Xiao Hui, who was standing to the side.

Xiao Hui took the Velociraptor egg into his arms and stood in silence. It was only after Steward Xiao Lan had excused herself that he let out a sigh of relief.

"Sir, who was that just now...?"

"The steward here. Her origin is similar to yours, though she is somewhat stronger. Conduct yourself well. By the way, you are now one of my house generals. Sign here. Also, let me see... I will assign this courtyard to you."

Wang Liang had Xiao Hui sign his name on the righteous warrior's warrant, then raised his hand, causing a map of the estate to appear before him.

The estate was divided into an inner and outer court, with the main building serving as the boundary. The inner court was Wang Liang's private domain, while the outer court was for house generals and guests. Wang Liang selected a courtyard on the periphery and assigned it to Xiao Hui.

The courtyard was designed like a traditional quadrangle, with a gatehouse, side rooms, and a main room. It also featured a relatively large training ground specifically for house generals, where they could house their families and practice their martial arts.

Furthermore, the front yard of the estate contained courtyards designated for strategists, craftsmen, guests, and other professionals, with slight modifications such as additional studies for strategists or small workshops for craftsmen.

The closer a courtyard was to the central axis of the main building, the larger it was. Steward Xiao Lan, for instance, had her own courtyard on the edge of the central axis, complete with Silver Boys to serve her.

Xiao Hui did not enjoy such treatment, but being granted a courtyard at all was a testament to the lack of staff under Wang Liang. Otherwise, as a mere guard rather than a captain of the house generals, he would normally be relegated to a single room in the outermost side wings.

Now that Wang Liang had promoted Xiao Hui to house general, it served as a form of recognition.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Liang asked, "How do you intend to handle that egg? You do not have the same level of authority as Xiao Lan. If you need anything, report to her and have her purchase it for you."

"No need, sir. I sense that the creature inside this egg is of the same origin as me, and it is a female. With her present, I will be able to assemble a capable team in no time."

"I..." Wang Liang started to speak, but considering Xiao Hui's previous demeanor, he realized it might not be impossible. He nodded, signaling his approval.

Xiao Hui saw nothing wrong with this, and once Wang Liang agreed, he left in high spirits.

Once everyone had departed, Wang Liang finally exhaled. He returned to the inner residence, went to his room, and enjoyed a deep sleep.

After waking, Wang Liang felt significantly more relaxed.

He realized that although his living conditions in the game were decent, he was always mentally on edge, which felt taxing. Returning to his own home was different; the transition between tension and relaxation provided him with a new perspective.

He stretched his body and practiced his two core techniques, the *Great Profound Scripture* and the *Innate Universe Skill*.

With that done, Wang Liang donned his available equipment and, with his hands behind his back, prepared to go out for a stroll.

Last time, he had failed to find anything of value at the Grand Plaza of the Eight Views Palace before heading to Jiepai Pass. A few days had passed, and there might be new developments at the plaza, so he intended to take a look.

Stepping out of the estate gate, Wang Liang appeared at the Grand Plaza of the Eight Views Palace. He immediately noticed that the entire square was in a state of chaos.

Wang Liang frowned. Although the Grand Supreme Elder preached that the Dao followed nature, he certainly did not enjoy such disorder.

What was happening here? It looked as if a brawl was about to break out, with everyone surging toward the center of the plaza.

Wang Liang grabbed a passerby. "What is going on? What happened?"

The passerby shook off Wang Liang’s hand. "Get out of the way! Don't ruin my chance at fortune..."