To most people Qing Luan was the haughty Miss Luan.

A figure who controlled the Fen Clan’s operations with precision and firmness.

But to Han Yu... She was still the same girl.

"Brother Ju," she said, her voice soft but steady as she bowed slightly.

Her way of addressing Han Yu had long since changed, something he himself had guided so as to establish a closer link.

Han Yu smiled faintly hearing her.

"You’ve done well."

That simple sentence caused a subtle change in her expression. The coldness eased, replaced by something warmer, though it lasted only a moment before she regained her composure. After all they were still in company of others.

"It is thanks to your guidance," she replied.

Han Yu walked with her deeper into the complex, observing everything around him. He did not need to ask for reports. He could see the results directly.

The Fen Clan had grown rapidly.

Connections had been established.

Trade routes secured.

Rivals subdued or absorbed.

And most importantly...

Everything remained hidden beneath a layer of normalcy.

The greatest advantage Qing Luan had received was not just resources or instructions.

It was association.

Even though no one knew her direct connection to Han Yu, the influence he exerted through the sect created pathways that cleared obstacles before they could fully form. Certain officials became more cooperative. Certain competitors became less aggressive. Certain problems simply... disappeared.

Han Yu had made sure it stayed that way.

Visibility would only create unnecessary complications.

As they walked, Qing Luan began reporting.

"The trade networks have expanded into three additional cities. The supply of medicinal herbs has stabilized, and we have secured exclusive contracts for two routes."

Han Yu nodded.

"And the internal matters?"

Qing Luan’s expression sharpened slightly.

"Stable. The returning members have been integrated."

Han Yu chuckled softly.

"Integrated, you say."

Qing Luan allowed herself a small smile.

"They are very cooperative."

Han Yu could imagine.

The return of the Ju Clan’s former associates had been... dramatic.

When he first rose in status, those who had abandoned the clan reappeared almost overnight. Their timing was impressive. Their sincerity... less so.

They arrived with smiles.

With apologies.

With elaborate explanations about how they had always believed in Ju Fan’s potential.

Han Yu had listened.

Carefully.

Patiently.

Then...

He had sealed them.

The Blood Link Noose Seal was one of the more interesting techniques he had acquired from the Ju Clan’s inheritance. It was elegant in its simplicity and effective in its execution.

Freedom remained.

Choice remained.

But betrayal came with consequences.

Immediate, painful and final.

Han Yu remembered the first time he demonstrated it.

One of the returning members had nodded enthusiastically, declaring his loyalty with great enthusiasm.

"Of course, Young Master, I have always—"

Han Yu activated the seal lightly.

The man froze.

Then screamed.

A short scream.

A very educational scream.

His eyes bulged out as he lifted into the air, his neck squeezed tight, as if a real noose was holding him.

After that, no one needed further explanation.

They all accepted the seal willingly.

Very willingly.

Qing Luan spoke again.

"They have been productive. No issues."

Han Yu nodded.

"Good."

For the remaining members of the Ju Clan, things were even simpler. Bloodline suppression ensured obedience without the need for additional measures. Being the highest remaining member had its advantages.

Han Yu glanced around the courtyard again, a faint satisfaction settling within him.

Everything was progressing.

Smoothly.

Quietly.

Effectively.

He stretched lightly, his tone casual.

"So, no one tried anything foolish?"

Qing Luan shook her head.

"Not after the first few lessons."

Han Yu laughed.

"That is reassuring."

There was a brief pause before Qing Luan looked at him more carefully.

"You did not come here just to inspect things."

It was not a question.

Han Yu’s expression shifted slightly.

"No."

His gaze turned distant for a moment.

"There is something I need to finish."

Qing Luan did not ask further.

She understood.

And somewhere within the city, hidden beneath layers of secrecy and protection...

Those he had once saved were waiting for their true freedom.

Qing Luan led Han Yu through a series of quiet corridors that gradually descended beneath the surface of Chained Gorge City. From the outside, the structure appeared completely ordinary.

It was registered as a granary, one of several that stored surplus grains for the city’s growing trade network. Workers came and went, records were maintained, and everything followed the expected routines.

Nothing about it drew attention.

That had been the point.

Han Yu walked behind Qing Luan, his expression calm as his senses spread subtly around him. He could feel the layered formations embedded within the walls, the concealment arrays, the defensive restrictions that had been carefully constructed over time.

Qing Luan had followed his instructions well. The place was secure, hidden beneath layers of mundane purpose.

They reached a storage chamber filled with stacked containers. Qing Luan moved toward one of the shelves and pressed her hand against a specific section. The array activated silently, and a concealed entrance revealed itself. A passage opened, leading deeper underground.

Han Yu stepped inside.

The air changed immediately. It was cleaner, controlled, and carried a faint trace of medicinal herbs. The passage opened into a much larger space, one that resembled a carefully planned residential complex rather than a hidden shelter.

Rooms lined the walls.

Paths connected different sections.

Basic facilities had been established.

Everything was orderly.

Everything was functional.

And everything was hidden.

This was where they had been kept.

The former slaves.

Han Yu’s gaze moved across the area as figures began to gather at a distance. They were brought forward gradually, guided by Qing Luan’s subordinates. Their expressions varied.

Some were blank.

Completely empty.

Those were the ones under the Mind Modifying Doll Seal.

Others carried awareness in their eyes.

Caution.

Uncertainty.

A quiet, restrained hope.

Those were the ones under the standard slave seals.

They had been living here for months now, having been moved here from other hideouts. Their treatment had changed drastically from what they had endured in the mines.