Pulling an All-Nighter Isn’t the Same as Staying Up Late
Three days had flown by in a blink.
The children had gradually adapted to life in their new home. Compared to the Bloodsoul Domain, this place was infinitely better.
Here, they lived without a care in the world.
No worry about the next meal. No fear of monsters attacking while asleep. No anxiety over comrades crumbling under pressure and bursting into tears…
Hong still played the role of the caring older sister, gently guiding the children through daily activities and training.
As territory residents, they now shouldered responsibilities—chopping firewood, fetching water, tending fields. The children took initiative without being asked, bringing quiet order to the land.
“Finally done…”
Qin Yu had at last finished crafting all 500,000 bottles of high-grade healing potions.
“It’s over…”
Luna, who’d been helping, wore a utterly drained expression. Her eyes felt blurry—everything she saw now looked like a healing potion.
“You’ve worked hard, Luna. I’ll cook something delicious for you later~”
Qin Yu patted her head with a grateful smile. This Moon Deity was proving quite useful after all.
“So you’re finally done?”
Silver Crimson Snow had wanted to help too, but Qin Yu firmly stopped her—leaving her slightly annoyed.
He knew better. Silver Crimson Snow wasn’t cut out for this. One wrong move, and potions and herbs would’ve shattered in her hands.
“Mm, Xiao Xue. Now our home’s got money again!”
After stashing the potions in his inventory, Qin Yu sought out the merchant. Just waking up, the merchant greeted him with a warm smile—the lord who’d vanished for three days was back.
“My lord, what kept you these past days?”
“Nothing much. Just crafting healing potions.”
“Healing potions?”
The merchant was skeptical. Only alchemists could make those—could it be?
Qin Yu produced a stack. The merchant examined one closely; his appraisal skill instantly confirmed authenticity and purity.
“Truly high-purity healing potions…”
Shock flickered across his face. Genuine potions meant Qin Yu was an alchemist—and no novice. At least Expert-grade.
“Fifteen gold per bottle?”
“Absolutely!”
The merchant agreed without hesitation. A win-win: sell high, befriend a rising lord. No downside.
“Pleasure doing business. Time to shop.”
With fresh funds, Qin Yu swept every shelf—daily goods, territory resources, all gone.
The merchant beamed. This deal was pure profit.
After selling the potions and adding to his previous 8.4 million gold, Qin Yu had 5.2 million left. Territory supplies wouldn’t need restocking for a month.
The merchant departed cheerfully, promising rarer goods next time.
Supplies piled high in the new warehouse. To celebrate—and strengthen bonds—Qin Yu planned a banquet. A wise lord nurtures ties with his people.
Ingredients aplenty let him showcase Expert-level cooking skills, maybe even level them up.
Children pitched in eagerly, decorating the venue.
“Luna, invite the Amazonian Tribe. They’re my residents too.”
The tribe lived semi-autonomously. Qin Yu had once suggested relocation, but they seemed uneasy—so he granted full freedom, with one condition: answer his summons.
Soon, Luna returned. The Amazonian Tribe’s warriors joined the feast.
One hundred thirty-two strong: mostly Rank 1 and Rank 4, led by a Rank 6 Prophet.
Children gazed up in admiration at the bronze-skinned, powerful women. Some shy boys blushed at their bold attire.
“Everyone…”
Qin Yu spoke. The crowd hushed, listening closely.
“Our territory is taking shape. In three days, new residents arrive—we must prepare for external exploration.”
Growth mattered, but resources here weren’t endless. New sources awaited.
“They’re elves from Elysian Haven. Treat them with kindness and respect.”
“Understood!”
The banquet flowed on. Luna approached with a plate of fried rice—Qin Yu’s special “Starry Sky.” Dreamy name, simple dish: veggies carved into tiny stars. Yet the taste was undeniably delicious, bringing a blissful smile to Luna’s face.
“This is amazing, human! From now on, you handle my three meals!”
In that moment, she’d forgotten she was Qin Yu’s puppet.
“How dare the servant’s servant speak so? Servant—you should discipline her properly.”
Silver Crimson Snow drifted over with a dessert plate, elegantly slicing a piece and popping it into her petite mouth.
“To be fair… she’s not wrong.”
Qin Yu flicked Luna’s forehead. She pouted. Her affection meter for him hovered steadily at zero—perfectly balanced.
“Cooking for the Moon Deity is an honor! Few ever earned this chance!”
Luna boasted of past glories—until Silver Crimson Snow shattered her composure: “You’re just a toy now.” Fuming, Luna nearly lunged at her.
“Ugh! Human, level up faster! Reach Rank 4, and I’ll finally fight her fairly!”
Luna frowned. Why wasn’t he eager to grow stronger?
“No need. With Xiao Xue here, my strength isn’t the priority.”
Qin Yu knew well: lone power had limits. In his past life, even Rank 8 or 9 experts fell to focus fire. Even Rank 10 deities weren’t guaranteed victory. True strength lay in loyal followers and a mighty army.
His path was clear: build forces first. Personal power came second. With capable hands beside him, leveling would follow naturally.
His aptitude was already 9. Grandmaster-level alchemy in hand. Silver Crimson Snow and troops covered most threats.
If battle ever came, he’d craft Combat Puppets for defense. For an alchemist, raw power mattered little. His Grandmaster alchemy—that was the true foundation of survival.
