The next morning, Lin Qian gently covered Ye Xin with a blanket, quickly freshened up, dressed, and rushed back to Lin Hai City to personally handle matters of state.
The incorporation of an entirely new alien race into the Huaxia Empire was no small event—it was a matter of national significance, drawing the attention of the entire empire.
The Wood Spirit Clan was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of the Huaxia Empire's citizens. The warm reception from the humans left them both astonished and flattered.
The discrimination and humiliation they had expected were nowhere to be found. Instead, they were warmly invited into people's homes as guests.
Of course, part of the reason people invited members of the Wood Spirit Clan into their homes was to show off a bit.
"This device is called a refrigerator, an idea proposed by our esteemed emperor, Renhuang Wudi. It was developed by the Heavenly Engineering Department and is not expensive. Even commoners like us can afford it."
"This thing is incredible. We no longer have to worry about food spoiling. In the past, we needed soul warriors with ice abilities to help us keep cool during the summer, but now we can enjoy ice-cold drinks all by ourselves."
"And as for the Soul-Saving Lamp, you'll see its wonders come nightfall."
Members of the Wood Spirit Clan, invited as guests, were constantly bombarded with introductions from the humans, making everything seem new and amazing to them.
Various types of soul tools, not meant for combat but to make daily life more comfortable and convenient, were showcased.
Endless varieties of strange foods, both delicious and beautifully presented, filled their plates. The Huaxia Empire boasted a vast range of cuisine, as well as convenient snacks and fast food.
Everything about the Huaxia Empire was a shock to the Wood Spirit Clan's understanding of the world. They began to realize that there was truly a nation like this in existence.
Many members of the Wood Spirit Clan, after receiving such warm hospitality and eating hot, nourishing meals, could no longer hold back their emotions. Tears as big as beans rolled down their cheeks, dropping into their bowls unnoticed as they quietly ate.
They expressed endless gratitude to their hosts, thanking them over and over again.
In the course of casual conversation, the citizens of the Huaxia Empire learned about the hardships the Wood Spirit Clan had endured.
Back on the Western Continent, they had lived in a lowly status, enslaved by stronger and more brutal races, forced to plant spiritual herbs for them.
Although their clan made some money from planting herbs, their lives were still incredibly difficult.
While their large fleet of ships might have seemed impressive, in truth, the ships were falling apart and on the verge of breaking down.
Many of their ships had fallen apart during their perilous journey across the seas, sinking to the ocean floor, where sea beasts and certain sea tribes slaughtered them.
Some races were benevolent, while others were vicious.
At sea, they had struggled to find enough food. Even soul warriors needed to eat, though their food contained more spiritual energy. Only at the highest levels of cultivation could one go without food for long periods, relying solely on energy.
"Your days of suffering are over. Now that you're Huaxia citizens, you'll have a place to settle and live in peace," an elderly human said to a member of the Wood Spirit Clan. "Don't worry. As long as you work hard, you'll be rewarded. No matter what race you are, His Majesty will find something for you to do, so you can earn your keep and improve your lives."
Environment shapes people. The peaceful and prosperous state of the Huaxia Empire had instilled a sense of goodwill in everyone living within its borders.
The Wood Spirit Clan could clearly sense this from the people around them.
At the appointed time, Mu Houde, along with his son and several elders of the Wood Spirit Clan, made their way to the backyard of the City Lord's mansion.
Following his father, Mu Liangxing felt extremely anxious, as did the other Wood Spirit elders.
After spending time in the Huaxia Empire and learning more about it, they had come to understand just how terrifyingly vast and powerful it was.
The empire ruled over 1,975 provinces, and the entire southern region of the human realm was part of the Huaxia Empire's territory.
Back in the Western Continent, no single race or power had ever ruled over such a vast domain!
Now, the leader of this immense and terrifying empire wanted to meet with them personally—how could they not feel uneasy?
Even though they had met Lin Qian before, this would be their first time meeting him in such close quarters.
Upon entering the courtyard, Mu Houde immediately knelt on one knee. "Your Majesty."
Behind him, Mu Liangxing and the other Wood Spirit elders followed suit, kneeling in reverence.
This was something the officials of Lin Hai City had instructed them to do, as they were warned never to disrespect the emperor.
Lin Qian turned around, nodding as he raised his hand. "Rise. Mu Houde, take the medicine and refine it first. Afterward, we'll discuss the matter in detail."
Mu Houde, who had just risen, nodded in response to Lin Qian's command, stepping forward to drink the green potion on the table.
Familiar medicinal power began coursing through his body, rapidly healing his damaged body, restoring his vitality.
Not only Mu Houde, but also the Wood Spirit elders who had accompanied him, could see with their own eyes as his once-withered skin regained its health, and his gray hair turned back to the signature deep green color of their clan.
Only now did the Wood Spirit elders realize that the medicine Lin Qian had given their leader was an elixir of healing.
"Sit. There's no need to be so formal," Lin Qian said, gesturing for the dozen or so Wood Spirit Clan members to take their seats. Small tables had already been prepared in the courtyard.
Seeing that Lin Qian had spoken, the members of the Wood Spirit Clan hesitantly took their seats, still filled with uncertainty.
Before coming, Mu Houde had told them that Lin Qian wished to discuss an important matter with them, and they could only speculate as to what it might be. Why had the emperor summoned them so soon after their arrival? Could it be that they were already being entrusted with an important responsibility?
Lin Qian remained silent, waiting patiently for Mu Houde to fully absorb the medicinal power. Once Mu Houde opened his eyes again, Lin Qian finally spoke.
"All of you here are esteemed leaders of the Wood Spirit Clan, the ones who guide your people. When I put people to use, I focus on the results I want to achieve. The process is up to you to decide. My hope is that you will help your people integrate into the Huaxia Empire as quickly as possible."
"The Huaxia Empire values self-reliance," Lin Qian continued after a brief pause. "Everyone contributes in their own way and is rewarded accordingly, while also making a contribution to the empire. I plan to establish a new Agricultural Department, and I want your clan to be in charge of it."
"Agricultural Department?" The Wood Spirit Clan elders exchanged confused glances, unsure of what this meant.