Heikou (Black Dragon Mouth)
Heicheng (Black Dragon City)
Censorate (Supervisory Court)
Yuling City (Jade City)
Jingui Town (Golden Turtle Town)
...
The city lord was old enough to be her grandfather—she absolutely couldn't let him kneel to her.
"Please, stand and speak."
The city lord, who hadn't even fully knelt yet, quickly straightened up, supporting himself on his knees.
"Since we're sister cities, Black Dragon City won't leave you behind in development. But you must also strive on your own—we won't provide aid indefinitely."
The city lord nodded eagerly. "We understand."
After touring the city, Yin Jixue rested at the city lord's mansion before preparing to return.
The mansion was built from stone, resembling a Western-style castle. Despite the harsh desert climate, it had stood strong for over a thousand years, proving the material's durability.
I wonder where they sourced this stone? It'd be perfect for rebuilding the city walls.
A maid brought hot water—tea wasn't available, not that Yin Jixue liked tea anyway.
The aged bamboo cup carried a faint, refreshing aroma, though the water inside looked slightly murky.
Yin Jixue had drunk rainwater before, so she took a cautious sip. To her relief, there was no strange taste or grit.
At least the water source isn't contaminated. Otherwise, these people would need to relocate entirely.
When it was time to leave, the citizens of Black Dragon Mouth gathered to see her off. Their Faith Points kept rising, with nearly every demon's favorability toward her exceeding 60.
Yin Jixue whispered to Feng Xiu, "Tell them to go back. The wind is strong—they might catch a chill."
In a few days, their families would return by bus. One trip couldn't bring back all the migrant workers from Black Dragon Mouth, but a lottery system would ensure everyone got a turn, giving the remaining citizens something to look forward to.
The return trip was slower—now familiar with the distance, the driver adjusted the speed to ensure they'd arrive before midnight.
This let Yin Jixue observe the scenery outside. The outbound journey had taken nearly four hours, with the bus, powered by magic crystals, reaching speeds comparable to a high-speed train.
More than once, I felt like I was about to be flung from my seat.
Now, at a more moderate pace (closer to a highway coach), the landscape alternated between vast scorched earth and dense, shadowy forests.
Yin Jixue glanced at the woods but quickly averted her gaze. The inky darkness seemed to pull at her as if luring her inside.
I'm not suicidal—no thanks.
In the distance, towering mountain peaks stretched for dozens of kilometers, shrouded in perpetual gloom. Feng Xiu explained that the Demon King's palace was nestled against these very mountains.
The range had no name, and no demon dared enter—not even the Demon King ventured there lightly.
By 8 PM, the bus arrived back at Black Dragon City, where a crowd had gathered at the gates.
Today was a historic day—the official opening of the Black Dragon Mouth route!
Seeing the Queen return safely, the citizens sighed in relief, though many now wondered: What was Black Dragon Mouth really like?
Most had lived their entire lives in Black Dragon City, never venturing farther than the mines. Now, for the first time, they had the chance to travel beyond.
Everyone wanted to visit Black Dragon Mouth.
But their dreams were quickly dashed.
A new decree was announced: Only Black Dragon Mouth citizens could board the Friday bus home, with spots determined by lottery.
If even the migrant workers couldn't all return weekly, how could regular citizens get a turn?!
Pressure now fell on the Mechanical Factory. Off-duty demons loitered outside, chatting endlessly about one topic: When will the second bus be ready?
The old demon craftsman was frustrated. His apprentices were hopelessly inept, and the only slightly talented one was inconsistent at best. Without his direct involvement, a second bus wouldn't be finished anytime soon.
Meanwhile, Yin Jixue was planning Black Dragon Mouth's reconstruction. Aside from the city lord's mansion, every other building would be demolished. The crumbling structures weren't worth repairing, but their materials could reinforce the city walls.
The latest census showed nearly 10,000 citizens, including the low-ranking demons from the outskirts.
Last winter, when Black Dragon Mouth sent refugees for aid, their city lord—inspired by Yin Jixue's policies—had integrated the low-ranking demons into the city, preserving this labor force.
Though the citizens had initially resisted, segregation prevented conflict, allowing both groups to coexist peacefully.
Otherwise, their population would've been pitifully small.
After seeing Black Dragon Mouth's conditions, Yin Jixue envisioned transforming it into a communal living area, as most remaining residents were widowed, orphaned, or elderly.
The city itself wasn't large—about the size of a small town—with all activity centered around the mansion.
Outside, endless yellow sand dominated. Once the walls were repaired, they'd help reduce the dust storms inside.
If the city were near mountains, cave dwellings would've been ideal. But since it's on flat land—and I know nothing about construction—there's no point complicating things.
Then another idea struck her: courtyard houses.
This style suited Black Dragon Mouth perfectly—multi-family compounds that eliminated the need for complex plumbing or heating systems in high-rises.
Yin Jixue pulled up reference images and began sketching blueprints.
Since arriving in the demon realm, her drawing skills have improved dramatically. She couldn't create art, but technical diagrams? No problem.
Construction Team #2, specializing in housing, had been idle lately, green with envy as Team #1 worked on roads.
Soon, their captain and supervisor were summoned to the palace.
Not trusting them with the blueprints outright, Yin Jixue met them personally.
"This is the planned housing for Black Dragon Mouth. Ask any questions now."
Having been promoted by her early on, the two weren't nervous—just starstruck.
They asked a few minor questions. After so much construction work, reading blueprints was second nature.
"Your team will be in Black Dragon Mouth for an extended period—possibly until the first phase is complete. I won't force all workers to go, but at least twenty must volunteer."
"You'll also need to build public toilets, separated by gender, with clear signage—this is crucial."
"Additionally, each household must have a private toilet. If problems arise, consult the city lord or send a messenger back to me."
Yin Jixue covered every detail she could think of.
The captains reached for notebooks, but she waved them off—she'd provide a written list later. For now, verbal emphasis drove home the importance.