The addition of a new race was not a burden for the vast Huaxia Empire. In fact, even the administrative offices of a single city could handle the governance of a new race joining the empire.
Unlike in his previous life, the empire's officials were all Soul Warriors, capable of working at high intensity without the need for food or rest for an entire month. Administrative reports, which used to take time, could now be processed in the span of a few breaths, completing a year's worth of tasks almost instantly.
Many of these officials had even reached the Sky-Breaking Realm, capable of flying through the skies and traversing vast distances—an unimaginable feat in the past.
"No private fights… Killing is illegal?"
"Theft… Assault…"
After joining the Huaxia Empire, the Wood Spirit Clan not only received their citizenship credentials but also a law booklet that explained the empire's legal system.
As Mu Houde leafed through the booklet, he couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement, feeling as though it was too good to be true.
Living in a place like this, where one didn't have to constantly fear for their life, seemed almost too wonderful to believe.
Though accidents might happen from time to time, it was far better than the Western Continent, where one could be killed over treasure at any moment.
As the clan leader, Mu Houde also keenly sensed the deeper implications of the Huaxia Empire's laws. The system seemed designed not only to maintain order but to foster an environment where people didn't have to fight among themselves. With opportunities readily available to those who had the capability, there was no need to resort to robbery or violence to get what they wanted.
Who wouldn't yearn for a peaceful and prosperous life? In this way, the empire directed its Soul Warriors' strength outward, focusing on threats outside its borders.
If any external force dared to attack the Huaxia Empire, all its citizens would undoubtedly fight to protect such a nation.
Closing the law booklet, Mu Houde stepped out from among his clansmen and left the City Lord's Mansion in Lin Hai City, standing on the bustling street outside.
Before him was a scene of orderly traffic, with clean, well-maintained streets. People walked on separate paths from the soul-powered vehicles and mounted Soul Beast riders, everything functioning in perfect harmony.
Shops along the street had vendors calling out to passersby, inviting them to browse and purchase their goods. Among the busy crowd, Mu Houde saw not only humans but also members of the Eight-Armed Sea Clan, the Water Spirit Clan with their pointed ears and pale blue skin, the Shell Clan riding in giant shells, and the Giant Claw Clan with their massive pincers.
Occasionally, he even spotted the diminutive Dwarves walking among them.
From the eyes of these different races, Mu Houde didn't see any trace of sadness or discontent. Instead, their faces were filled with happiness.
Even the humans walking by seemed indifferent to the presence of foreign races, treating them as part of everyday life.
Seeing this, Mu Houde realized that Lin Qian had not deceived him. Regardless of race, anyone could live peacefully as a citizen of the empire.
For the first time in a long while, a glimmer of hope appeared in Mu Houde's eyes.
At that moment, he sensed someone approaching. Turning his head, he saw Zhang Zide standing beside him.
"The Emperor requests your presence."
Mu Houde nodded and followed Zhang Zide back into the City Lord's Mansion, heading toward a courtyard in the rear.
"Your Majesty, I've brought him," Zhang Zide announced, bowing to Lin Qian.
Lin Qian nodded. "Very well, you may go."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhang Zide responded before turning to leave the courtyard. As he was about to step through the gate, Lin Qian's voice sounded in his mind through a soul transmission.
"Brother Zhang, let's have a drink together tonight."
Hearing the private message, Zhang Zide chuckled and shook his head as he closed the gate behind him.
"Patriarch Mu, please sit," Lin Qian said with a smile, noticing the elder's nervousness. He gestured for him to sit down.
Mu Houde complied, sitting down at the table in front of him. His attention was immediately drawn to the jade cup before him, particularly the emerald green liquid within. Its fragrance captivated him, and he couldn't tear his eyes away.
As the rich aroma filled his nostrils, Mu Houde's eyes widened in astonishment. "This contains Ganling Leaves, Mist Cloud Grass, and Yuanyang Fruit—all of which are incredibly rare herbs. And there are two other unknown herbs in here. A single cup of this potion must be worth millions of high-grade Soul Crystals."
"No... with the two unknown herbs, its value is probably incalculable."
"Impressive. Just by smelling it, you can identify the ingredients. Your race's natural abilities are truly remarkable," Lin Qian said, clearly impressed by Mu Houde's talent and offering genuine praise.
Hearing Lin Qian's words, Mu Houde could only smile bitterly. "Your Majesty, our talents are useless in battle. On the Western Continent, we're known for having the most worthless abilities."
"Worthless? The Wood Spirit Clan's talent ensures that spiritual herbs grow without fail. You can identify even the slightest differences between them by sight, smell, or taste. In my eyes, that's an incredibly valuable skill," Lin Qian replied.
Mu Houde laughed bitterly again. "At best, we can increase herb yields. What's so impressive about that? On the Western Continent, we were just hired to grow herbs for others."
"But have you ever thought about how to use your abilities more effectively?" Lin Qian asked, cutting him off before he could finish.
"What do you mean?" Mu Houde was taken aback, unsure of what Lin Qian was getting at.
"If your people can ensure the survival of herbs and precisely monitor their growth, then you have all the raw materials you need," Lin Qian explained. "Have you ever considered combining different herbs to create new species? What kind of medicinal effects would they have? Could they inherit the strengths of both parent herbs?"
"Could you improve the quality of existing herbs or even mix them with edible crops, allowing ordinary people to absorb medicinal benefits just by eating and thus improve their physical constitution and cultivation?"
"By harnessing your clan's innate ability to control every minute detail of an herb, have you ever thought about creating new, more powerful varieties?"
Lin Qian's words left Mu Houde utterly stunned. His body trembled with excitement.
He had never thought of such possibilities.