Samsara Paradise: Dream Weaver of Connections.

The Alchemists' Guild Headquarters, Royal Capital.

Inside the magnificent stone building, crystal chandeliers cast a cold light, illuminating the somber atmosphere of the council chamber.

The atmosphere here was far less positive than the previous two places; instead, it was shrouded in an indescribable sense of oppression.

When Lin Yi's invitation was presented to the Alchemist Association's senior management at their routine meeting, the attendant's voice echoed in the silent hall.

However, when the sentence "Miss Springhall Anne has been invited to establish a laboratory in the castle" was read, a somber atmosphere descended upon the entire council chamber, and even the candlelight seemed to dim.

The high-ranking alchemists exchanged knowing glances, their eyes invariably drifting towards the elderly man in the main seat, clad in magnificent alchemical robes, with a dignified yet sinister expression—Dean August Blackwood.

Blackwood tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest of the chair, which was inlaid with a large sapphire. His face was expressionless, but those who knew him well could feel that he was like a volcano about to erupt, calm on the surface but churning with fiery anger inside.

Anne Springhall! This rebellious student who dared to question his authority and expose the hidden dangers of some of his "experiments" not only didn't disappear from the Imperial alchemy world, but instead received the protection of a lord in Bloodclaw Keep and brazenly wants to establish a laboratory?!
“Bloodclaw Fortress… Whispering Forest. It’s quite a treasure trove, full of value.” He deliberately emphasized the word “value,” his gaze sweeping across the entire room. “This new lord seems quite ambitious. The Association should pay attention to him.”

"Master Marcus, I recall you have a keen interest in ancient ruins and rare materials?"

Master Marcus, who was called out, immediately stood up. This old alchemist, who also had white hair but whose eyes were as shrewd as a fox, bowed slightly and had a knowing smile on his face: "Your Excellency is wise. The underground ruins of Bloodclaw Fortress have been rumored for a long time, and the Whispering Forest contains countless undiscovered mysteries."

"I am willing to represent the association and personally go to Bloodclaw Fortress. On the one hand, I will investigate the feasibility of rebuilding the branch, and on the other hand, I will collect some valuable research samples for the association."

Master Marcus gave a meaningful smile: "Of course, let's also see how our 'talented' Miss Anne shines in her new environment."

Blackwood nodded in satisfaction. “Very good. Then I’ll trouble Master Marcus to make the trip. Bring a capable assistant and the necessary ‘protective’ measures. Remember, the Association’s interests and reputation cannot be compromised.” He spoke the last few words very slowly, with a clear warning in them.

Marcus understood immediately; at this moment, ninety percent of the Alchemists' Guild members had some connection with Blackwood.

After all, there are only a handful of alchemy academies in the entire empire, and this academy in the capital has the most abundant financial support.

In this money-burning field, gold coins hold the greatest power—no alchemical experiment has ever been conducted without costing money.

After the meeting, Blackwood returned to his luxurious office, which was filled with expensive alchemy equipment and rare materials.

He walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling street scene of the capital, but his eyes were as cold as frost.

“Anne Springhall… Bloodclaw Fortress…” he murmured the two names, his fingers unconsciously tightening, wrinkling the cuffs of his expensive alchemical robe.

"Did you think you could escape control by hiding in that cursed corner? Protecting my 'trouble'?" A sinister smile crept onto his lips.

He turned and walked to an inconspicuous bookshelf, pressing a hidden mechanism.

The bookshelf slid open silently, revealing a dark staircase leading underground.

He slowly descended into a secret laboratory filled with the pungent smell of medicine and faint groans of pain.

A figure completely encased in black leather armor stood in the shadows of the laboratory.

“‘Viper,’ take your men to Bloodclaw Keep. Find that girl named Anne, and her reckless lord. Make them ‘quiet.’ Remember, be ‘clean,’ make it look like an accident at the ruins, or the work of bandits. Marcus will provide you with the necessary cover and information.”

The figure known as "Viper" nodded slightly, making no sound, and silently disappeared into the deeper darkness, just like a real venomous snake.

Blackwood looked at the empty corner and a cruel smile appeared on his face.

Bloodclaw Fortress? Just a dilapidated quagmire.

The old dean's thoughts drifted back twenty years. If Earl Edwin were still alive back then, perhaps he would still have some reservations.

That man was like a lurking beast; his mere name was enough to keep the nobles of the entire capital awake at night.

But should I avoid the limelight of a newly appointed lord?
He will make that arrogant little lord understand that some whirlpools, once stepped into, will only lead to being crushed and sunk.

Bloodclaw Keep, Lord's Study.

Lin Yi was reviewing a rough draft of the territory's grain production area by the light of the lamp.

According to Lin Yi's understanding, since a strange meteor fell a few days ago, the farm on the outskirts of Bloodclaw Fortress has undergone a chilling change.

In the fields, whether it's newly sprouted wheat seedlings or lush green bean vines, they are all withering at a visible rate.

The once vibrant and fertile land is now permeated with an odor resembling a mixture of sulfur and decay.

This resulted in the area where Bloodclaw Fortress is located not only experiencing a poor harvest, but a complete crop failure.

Bloodclaw Fortress's already meager self-produced food supply was instantly cut off, further exacerbating the territory's fragile economic lifeline.

A rapid knocking sounded at the door.

"Enter."

Butler Barton pushed open the door and entered: "Sir, Farm Officer Johnson is outside, and the situation is worse than we previously knew."

Lin Yi put down the sketch: "Let him in."

Farm official Johnson, a dark-skinned, weathered middle-aged man, was now deathly pale, his lips trembling, and even his bow was somewhat flustered: "M-Sir! It's all over, all over! The 'Rye Field' farm on the east side near Meteor Crater, which yesterday still had some withered yellow stalks, today the ground has turned black, and not a single blade of grass grows."

"plague?"

“No…it doesn’t look like it!” Johnson shook his head repeatedly, fear in his eyes. “It looks more like it was drained dry by something! Sir, we must seal off that area! Otherwise, I’m afraid…”

"Alright, I understand." Lin Yi felt utterly exhausted after listening to the other person's explanation.

Lin Yi was already cursing Earl Edwin, who wrote him this letter, countless times in his mind.

This old man was extravagant and wasteful, emptying his treasury until it was practically clean, and he managed his territory terribly. In the end, he passed away, leaving Lin Yi with a mountain of debts.

Through the window, Lin Yi could see the small square below the castle.

At this moment, a small caravan that had just arrived was in the square. Several dusty trucks were surrounded by layers of ragged, emaciated residents.

The atmosphere of despair could be felt even from this distance. People waved their emptied money bags, the few copper coins inside clinking together. Some even held faded silver candlesticks, rough pottery jars, or jewelry that was clearly a family heirloom but of poor quality, desperately pushing forward in an attempt to exchange them for the grain held by the caravan guards.

The caravan manager stood on a slightly elevated section of the wagon, loudly hawking prices, while the guards nervously shoved the overly agitated crowd with shields and spear shafts, maintaining the precarious order. Each shove was accompanied by suppressed cries and angry curses.

Because Lin Yi had cleared out a group of bandits upon his arrival, temporarily reopening the trade route and giving the town a brief respite.

"At least there's some hope now." Lin Yi noticed that the town, which had been lifeless, had at least come to life after the caravan arrived.

Not long after, when the first wisp of smoke, mixed with the aroma of grain, stubbornly rose from the chimney of a dilapidated stone house, it was as if a switch had been flipped.

The second wisp, the third wisp... thin yet persistent bluish-gray smoke, like a reviving pulse, rose gently into the sky above the town as dusk settled.

The pungent smell of smoke, however, has become the most touching scenery at this moment.

The deathly silence and despair that had permeated the streets and alleys seemed to be somewhat dispelled by the rising fireworks.

Although tomorrow remains uncertain, at least for this moment, there is something to eat in the pot and some warmth in the room.

The cries of children in the town seemed less shrill and more peaceful.

At the same time, Lin Yi also noticed that the attributes of the territory on the panel had changed.

Current territory rating: F

Economy: G level (on the verge of collapse, extremely dependent on external input).

Entertainment: G rating (virtually non-existent).

Security: Level F (External threats have been temporarily mitigated, but internal risks still exist).

Population: G level (sparse population and poor health). Commerce: E level (basic trading activity exists, but on a very small scale and is unstable).

Food supplies: Grade F (self-production cut off, extremely dependent on caravan supplies, reserves very low).

Although it was just a simple caravan passing through, it marked a new beginning for the people of the territory.

Unfortunately, Lin Yi still has too few people at his disposal. Leonard and his group are still in the ruins. According to the initial estimate and the complexity of the ruins, they will need at least another day, or even longer, to return.

Time was of the essence. The meager amount of food brought by the caravan was a drop in the ocean for the starving Bloodclaw Fortress, lasting at most a few days.

A few days later, panic will sweep across the country again like a plague, even more intensely than before.

Pollution of farmland is like a malignant tumor; we must find ways to curb or resolve it as soon as possible, otherwise even the hope of rebuilding agriculture will be completely extinguished.

"Old Barton, go and summon the town's sheriff. Head to the farmland in a quarter of an hour."

"Sir, you're going yourself?!" Old Barton's face drained of color, filled with worry. "It's too dangerous there. Johnson said the nearby farmers are all sick, and it's getting dark..."

"Just going to the outskirts."

"Yes, sir." Upon hearing Lin Yi's words, Old Barton knew he couldn't dissuade Lin Yi.

Lin Yi is the true lord of this land, and once he makes a decision, this old fellow can't persuade him.

A quarter of an hour later, a black carriage pulled by two strong but dull-colored horses, escorted by dozens of guards dressed in simple leather armor and carrying spears and torches, slowly drove out of the heavy gates of Bloodclaw Fortress.

Lin Yi sat inside the carriage, the thick black curtains not fully drawn.

The carriage swayed slightly along the rugged road, and dusk, like a gauze soaked in ink, was rapidly enveloping the surroundings.

The air was chilly with the chill of late autumn, making one shiver involuntarily.

As the carriage left the town, a pungent smell, like rotten eggs mixed with sulfur, entered Lin Yi's nostrils.

The guards were all newly recruited young men. Although they had undergone brief training, their faces still betrayed their nervousness and a hint of fear.

They gripped their weapons tightly, warily scanning the gradually fading shadows of trees and the desolate fields on both sides of the road.

The torchlight flickered in the deepening night, stretching and distorting their shadows.

Silence enveloped the procession, with only the clatter of horses' hooves on the hard earth, the crunch of wheels rolling over stones, and the crackling of torches.

Lin Yi's gaze swept across the scenery along the way through the car window.

The closer you get to your destination, the more desolate the scenery becomes.

The roadside weeds have lost their greenness, turning withered and yellow, with an unnatural grayish tinge covering their leaves.

Some of the low bushes were a chillingly charred black, as if they had been licked by invisible flames.

The smell of sulfur in the air grew stronger and stronger, irritating everyone's throats and causing waves of nausea.

Several guards couldn't help but cough a few times, instinctively covering their mouths and noses with cloth.

"My lord," a young man who looked like a guard captain rode up to the carriage window, "the path leading to the 'Rye Field' is just ahead."

He pointed to a fork in the road ahead that was almost completely submerged in withered weeds.

Lin Yi nodded, scanning the area in front of him that was completely swallowed by darkness.

Even from a distance, he could feel a sense of "deathly stillness" washing over him, more invasive than what he had sensed in the castle.

It was as if the land itself had died, and it exuded a greedy malice, wanting to drag all the life around it into eternal darkness.

"Alright, you all wait here."

"My lord! Should we take a few more people with us?" The sheriff's face immediately showed panic when he heard that Lin Yi wanted to enter the rye field alone.

Bloodclaw Fortress had finally seen the emergence of a new lord who brought stability to this turbulent land, and he did not want any more unexpected events to plunge this already suffering land back into misery.

"No need, you'll only be a burden if you go in. Just wait here." Lin Yi stepped down from the carriage. Only then did the sheriff notice that Lin Yi had somehow acquired a long sword. Although the sheriff's knowledge of weapons was only superficial, he still recognized that the weapon in Lin Yi's hand was definitely not an ordinary weapon.

"Yes, I wish you a safe journey, sir."

Under the watchful eye of the sheriff, Lin Yi's figure disappeared into the night.

"Everyone, light your torches and remain on guard. Remember, without my order, no one is to set foot in the withered area! Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with according to military law!"

The guards quickly planted torches in the ground, forming a small perimeter, and nervously watched the deepening darkness around them and the ominous direction.

As Lin Yi approached the rye field, he discovered that the view was not as dark as he had imagined.

Instead, something strange seems to have happened here; every dozen or so steps, clusters of strange blue crystals can be seen growing out of the soil or cracks in the rocks.

These crystals vary in size, from as small as a finger joint to as thick as an arm, and their shapes are also bizarre, some resembling sharp icicles and others like twisted coral.

They were not inanimate objects, but rather emitted a faint, cold, and deep blue light.

The light was not strong enough to illuminate the distance, but it was enough to dispel the darkness nearby, outlining a hazy world around Lin Yi.

About twenty minutes later, Lin Yi passed through an area covered by a huge cluster of crystals, and the view suddenly opened up before him.

A long, narrow barn and farmhouse that should have been a sturdy stone and wood structure is now covered with a layer of dark blue crystals that look like moss.

These crystal clusters are denser than those scattered outside. They envelop the walls, doors, and windows, and even climb up the sloping roof, emitting a richer blue light in the darkness, making the entire building look like a crystal palace from a fantasy story.

Beside the muddy path leading to the farmhouse, two enormous horses lay half-buried in the soil, which was also covered with a thin layer of blue crystals.

These two horses were clearly victims who failed to escape when the anomaly occurred.

Their massive skeletons were twisted, maintaining the posture of a painful struggle before death.

Unlike naturally growing crystals, the blue crystal clusters covering their skeletons and remaining fur are unusually dense, almost completely enveloping the remains, like two small crystal tombs.

The crystal cluster was much larger than any Lin Yi had seen along the way, with jagged edges and a deeper, colder light shimmering in the dim environment.

A sense of crisis gripped Lin Yi, and he immediately stopped. Instead of approaching rashly, he bent down and picked up a fist-sized clod of earth from the ground beside him.

Lin Yi used his strength to throw the clod of earth at the thickest cluster of crystals on one of the horse carcasses.

"Snapped!"

The clod of earth struck the tip of the crystal cluster precisely.

At the very moment of touch—

boom!
boom--!
As if an invisible fuse had been lit, all the dense crystals covering the horse carcass suddenly and violently exploded in a chain reaction without warning.

It wasn't just one spot, but the entire area of ​​crystals exploded instantly.

Countless sharp blue crystal shards, like crossbow bolts fired from a powerful crossbow, accompanied by a piercing sound as they were shredded by the air, sprayed wildly in a fan shape in all directions!
"Duh! Duh! Duh! Duh!"

A dense, ear-piercing sound, like rain, erupted wildly from where he had just stood and in the area behind him, easily piercing through the ground and leaving countless holes.

Several smaller clusters of natural crystal pillars were also affected, experiencing minor secondary bursts. (End of Chapter)