Heilong-kou (Black Dragon-Mouth/Pass)
Heilong-cheng (Black Dragon-City)
Heilong-yuan(Black Dragon Wall)
Heilong Bay (Black Dragon Bay)
Heilong Ridge (Black Dragon Ridge)
Censorate (Supervisory Court)
Yuling City (Jade City)
Jingui Town (Golden Turtle Town)
Xuanwu City (Black tortoise City)
Qinglong (Azure Dragron)
——
Early in the morning, Yin Jixue was visited by the elders.
"You're recruiting from outside?" she asked. "That's the plan, but will they be willing to come?"
Urban construction required manpower, and Yin Jixue's original plan was to recruit low-tier demonfolk from the other three tribes—those generally overlooked by their clans. What she hadn't expected was that even ordinary demonfolk now wanted to come work for the Black Dragon Tribe.
Elder Hu grinned from ear to ear. "They're more than willing! Just give the word, and we'll send them over right away."
Elder Gui stood to the side, face dark with frustration—everything he'd wanted to say had been snatched by Elder Hu, leaving him with no choice but to nod along.
"Then that's perfect," Yin Jixue said. "But let me be clear: we're only hiring manual laborers. If they can't handle hardship, then best leave the opportunity to someone who can."
Elder Gui jumped in before Elder Hu could speak again. "They can handle it! Our Xuanwu Clan isn't like those lazy tigers—we can endure anything!"
And just like that, the arrangement was settled.
The Qingluan Clan soon sent someone as well—none other than the Sixth Princess herself.
After their last unhappy partnership, she had adjusted her attitude.
As it happened, the textile factory was expanding, and the Qingluan were skilled in weaving—making them the ideal recruits.
That said, these new workers wouldn't be placed in critical locations like the magic crystal mines.
Those were still operated by the very first group of miners, whose benefits had long since been raised to match that of city teachers. Despite the work being tough and physically demanding, they received two days off per week, holidays, food and housing—everything covered. And thanks to upgraded tools, there was no need to mine by hand anymore. These workers were among the city's first generation of skilled laborers.
In the future, as average income levels in the city rose, so too would the miners' compensation. Nothing was set in stone—it was all relative and fair.
Yin Jixue placed great importance on equality within the city. After all her efforts to erase the divide between urban and rural demonfolk, she wasn't about to allow a new form of income-based discrimination to emerge.
Of course, disparities in personal wealth would eventually develop—but as long as even the poorest demonfolk could live a modest, comfortable life, then she considered her efforts a success.
She had said she would lead the demonfolk into a better life—and that goal had already been achieved. Everyone was well-fed and clothed, and every demon in the Black Dragon Tribe had a home and stable job. Now, work was simply a means to greater comfort.
In truth, the demon folk didn't ask for much—just enough food, water, and safety to get by.
But then Yin Jixue came along and turned the whole tribe into a bunch of hardworking overachievers.
Because if you didn't work, you couldn't afford all the delicious food.
Yes, it was all about the food.
For most demonfolk, having an electric scooter for short-distance travel was already convenient enough. For longer journeys, they'd take long-distance buses. As for driving their cars on road trips? Only in groups. Even though the official notices said no spirit beasts would wander onto the roads, you could never be too sure. No one wanted to tempt fate.
Slumped on the big sofa, Yin Jixue let out a long sigh. "Finally solved the manpower issue that was giving me a headache. I can finally take a breather."
Now that all the cities were on track and the factories were being steadily built, every demon folk who wanted a job could be assigned one.
Except for those who were ill, pregnant, or otherwise unfit for labor, nearly every citizen wanted to work.
For children who had lost their parents and only had siblings left, the City Lord's Office had set up dedicated shelters, or arranged for one-on-one adoptions. If they were underage and refused adoption, they would be sent to school free of charge.
If they were adults and didn't want to study, the City Lord would write them a recommendation letter to work in the magic crystal mines, where they could earn credits for a temporary residence, and then be guided toward stable employment.
In short, every demon folk in the Black Dragon Tribe—once their basic needs were met—was guaranteed a home and a stable job.
Lou Zhao pulled her into his arms, massaging her shoulders.
"Anywhere you'd like to go? I can take you on a tour of the demon realm."
Yin Jixue leaned lazily against him, counting on her fingers. "There are so many places. Let me make a list first… I'd like to visit Yin Ao first…"
Watching her mumble adorably, Lou Zhao couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her rambling little mouth. "Then let's start with the human realm."