According to Yi Tianxing's plan, the Eternal Coins would first be implemented within the military.
Soldiers, who guarded Xuanhuang Village, deserved to receive monthly military stipends. Serving in the army and receiving rations was only natural. Until now, they had fought purely to survive, but now — and moving forward — a transition was necessary.
Currently, everything operated under a communal system. Wealth or currency had little value.
But of course, no one came from a primitive background. Everyone had once lived in civilized societies, fully aware of how essential money was. Even in the Eternal Continent, it was destined to be the same. Once currency existed, people would naturally begin to value it immensely.
Transitioning from communalism to private ownership would be effortless.
However, Yi Tianxing wasn't planning to abruptly end the communal system. The population of Xuanhuang Village wasn't enormous, but it wasn't small either. Such a societal shift needed to be gradual, not rushed.
Besides, people's livelihoods needed to be restored.
That was the most critical matter.
Only by restoring self-sufficiency could the village begin to develop and grow.
"Elder Huang, I plan to begin developing the village while simultaneously restoring livelihoods," said Yi Tianxing.
"Where do you intend to begin, my lord?" Huang Chengyan nodded. Restoring civilian life was clearly vital.
"Food is the foundation of the people; agriculture is our root. The top priority now is filling everyone's bellies. The supplies we acquired from traveling merchants won't last long. We can hunt, sure, but beasts will eventually run out. If we can't achieve self-sufficiency by then, we'll all starve."
"So, I plan to mobilize the villagers, and start reclaiming the cleared valley lands, distributing grain seeds and starting agriculture. The valley has a mild climate and is rich in spiritual energy, which could greatly accelerate crop maturation. As long as we survive the early hardships, we'll be able to create a stable agricultural cycle."
Yi Tianxing's words were firm.
"Agriculture has always been the lifeline of the Yanhuang descendants. Living off the land or the sea — that's how people survive. But relying solely on the land eventually leads to depletion. Your plan aligns perfectly with mine. Still, even in reclaiming land, we cannot distribute it directly to the villagers. One: not everyone can be given land. Two: privatization would disrupt the communal unity, and people's minds would start to wander. That would hurt the village's cohesion," Huang Chengyan replied after some thought.
"Indeed."
Yi Tianxing nodded approvingly. Huang clearly understood the village's current state well.
"So I plan to implement a military-style land system (Tuntian) first. Once the transition is complete, we'll begin distributing land. By then, everyone will be cultivators — and survival won't rely solely on farming. With cultivation, any trade or skill can become a resource for one's growth. Some will choose to farm, but they may not grow ordinary crops anymore — they'll grow spirit grains and spiritual herbs," Yi Tianxing added with a smile.
In the age of universal cultivation, one couldn't expect everyone to continue farming.
After advancing in cultivation, people could pursue different paths — crafting talismans, refining artifacts, forging divine weapons, making magical tools, folding enchanted paper, or refining pills. Mastering a skill meant survival.
But first, they needed to deal with the issue of survival.
"The tuntian policy is feasible. I've already scouted a site by the river — a flat plain near a water source, surrounded by wild terrain and no trees. It can be easily cultivated into hundreds of acres of fertile land. The key is protecting it from beasts and predators. Otherwise, the crops would be destroyed before harvest."
That was the first hurdle of land reclamation.
Xuanhuang Village didn't yet control the entire valley — only the outskirts.
At the heart of it all, power was the deciding factor.
"Once we begin the tuntian system, I'll assign troops to guard the farmland. If beasts come, our soldiers will not only protect the farmers but also gain battle experience."
"Moreover, I plan to expand the army — recruit new soldiers."
"Our population has grown rapidly. Many young, strong individuals are now cultivators — and fit to become soldiers. This would strengthen our village and also help diffuse potential internal conflicts. We need to maximize manpower. Our two goals now: restore civilian life and build military strength. The army is our strength against the world."
Indeed, population growth led to issues. Without family ties, tensions could rise — especially over time. Differences in personality alone could cause conflict. Military service would be a proactive solution.
Not long after the discussion with Huang Chengyan, two public notices were posted on the village bulletin board.
The moment they were posted, a crowd of villagers gathered, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Land Reclamation Decree!!"
"Military Recruitment Order!!"
The literate among them began reading aloud.
Soon, the village was abuzz with excitement.
"Reclaiming farmland! The chief is reviving agriculture! Fantastic! I'm Old Li — an expert farmer! I've already checked out the land — it's fertile! Any piece of it would grow crops easily. This year's yield will be great!"
"I've always said it — you can't rely on beast meat forever. Even if they don't go extinct, we still need rice. If the chief's opening farmland, I'm all in. We need to make sure no one starves."
"I want in too! Now that I'm a cultivator, I've got strength to spare!"
Former farmers grinned from ear to ear. Farming was their craft, and they were eager to return to it — especially now, with a cause.
"The Recruitment Order says any new soldier can learn military techniques and cultivation methods, plus receive a monthly stipend of three Eternal Coins! Eternal Coins — is that our village's new currency? I heard rumors we were preparing to mint our own coins."
The mention of military pay and Eternal Coins burned the term into everyone's memory.
This would be a monumental development.
"I'm enlisting! The village chief isn't like those corrupt emperors. He values soldiers, even established a Military Council. We won't be oppressed. And besides, only the army can truly protect the village."
"I've got nothing but strength. The chief saved us. Now he's recruiting — I, Big Dog, will definitely serve!"
"Count me in! I've always dreamed of battling beasts like a soldier. I've got no special skills — but I can fight. I want to protect this village and repay the chief!"
Their blood boiled with excitement. They had seen firsthand how soldiers defended them from beasts and enemies. Now that they were cultivators, the desire to join the military — to become strong and protect others — surged in many.
Recruitment began immediately.
Yang Yanping set up a table outside the military camp, accepting new recruits. Jia Yucun brought men from the Heaven Registry Hall (Tianji Hall) to document the new entries — each recruit had to be registered in the official records.
The number of recruits was massive, and as long as they met the criteria, all were welcomed.
At the same time, groups of villagers headed for the wastelands, beginning the work of reclaiming land.
Cultivators who had awakened Water Control apertures also joined. Once a plot was cleared, they used their divine abilities to draw river water into the skies, transforming it into rain to moisten the soil, making it ideal for planting.
The land became fertile and full of life.
Nearby, Yang Yanding led a team of soldiers to patrol, watching for any beast attacks that could harm the farmers.
Everything proceeded smoothly and orderly.
The atmosphere was energetic and lively — land reclamation paired with joyful conversations. Smiles lit up their faces.
Land brought stability to people's hearts.
Their sense of belonging to Xuanhuang Village grew stronger. They now truly saw themselves as part of the village.
"Steward Cao, is the Lord available?" Hu Bin from the Heavenly Craft Pavilion (Tiangong Pavilion) arrived at the manor and asked upon seeing Cao Zhengchun.
Even though everyone knew Cao was a eunuch, none dared to underestimate him.