Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Lin Yan has always been a person who plans carefully before acting and has extremely high execution ability. Once the plan is drawn up, there is no more hesitation.

He first summoned one hundred Foundation Establishment stage puppets. These puppets had a deep and focused aura, sharp eyes, and with a little makeup, they were no different from ordinary people, and even looked more capable.

"Your mission is to go to Hong Kong," Lin Yan's voice echoed in the room, "to obtain Hong Kong local identity documents in batches and in stages, using legal or illegal but reasonable methods."

He granted these puppets certain access to warehouse supplies and ordered: "Upon arrival in Hong Kong, split up and open several anonymous and offshore accounts under different identities at HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, and Citibank."

"Then," Lin Yan paused, a resolute glint in his eyes, "I sold off the non-national treasure level antiques, jade artifacts, ordinary gemstones and diamonds in the warehouse in batches, at different locations, and through different channels to raise a large amount of Hong Kong dollars and US dollars."

He wasn't particularly attached to these things. Apart from those national treasures with significant symbolic meaning or research value, he viewed the rest as nothing more than bargaining chips for exchanging resources, and he didn't feel any pain in selling them.

"Once the funds are raised, we will immediately look for suitable targets in the core area of ​​Central, Hong Kong, and buy at least two decent commercial buildings to serve as our future company headquarters."

Lin Yan clearly remembers that after a period of prosperity from 1953 to 1957, Hong Kong's property market was now in a slump. This was due to overspending by citizens, excessive development by developers leading to oversupply, and the Hong Kong government's policies to strengthen land control and increase developers' equity ratios. Now was the perfect time to buy at rock-bottom prices.

"As for gold," Lin Yan pondered for a moment, "the international gold price is currently stable at $35 per ounce, which translates to about $1.1 per gram, which is too cheap. Now is not the time to act. We must wait for those key historical junctures (such as when the Bretton Woods system falters) before taking action to maximize our profits."

He selected two puppets from the hundred puppets, naming them Lin Yi and Lin Er.

"Lin Yi, Lin Er," Lin Yan said, looking at them. "From now on, the two of you will be in charge of all affairs in Hong Kong. Buying properties, purchasing dock warehouses, even acquiring a reputable law firm—in Hong Kong, lawyers can handle most legal and procedural issues; we must have our own legal shield. All matters will be decided entirely by the two of you, and everyone else will follow your orders. From now on, I will only liaise with the two of you in Hong Kong."

"Yes, Master!" Lin Yi and Lin Er bowed and accepted the order.

After arranging the affairs in Hong Kong, he waved his hand again, and a full thousand Foundation Establishment stage puppets appeared before him, exuding a chilling aura.

He selected eight outstanding individuals from among these thousand people, naming them Lin San to Lin Shi in order.

"Your mission is of paramount importance, concerning countless lives," Lin Yan said gravely. "Go to the mainland, infiltrate, reorganize, and ultimately control the nationwide black market network. Lin San to Lin Shi, the eight of you will be responsible for regional distribution of food supplies, recruitment, and overall resource coordination. Make sure that life-saving food reaches those who truly need it at affordable prices!"

His eyes suddenly sharpened like knives, and his voice took on a chilling edge: "During the operation, if you encounter any short-sighted, vicious, or treacherous local bullies, bandits, or highwaymen who attempt to obstruct or double-cross you… you are authorized to use any means necessary to eliminate them on the spot! On this relay of life, whoever stands in your way will be eliminated! Show no mercy!"

"Yes, sir!" The thousand puppets, including Lin San to Lin Shi, shouted in unison, a chilling killing intent flashing across their faces. They would become invisible swords inserted into this turbulent era, using ruthless methods to carve out a hidden path to survival.

After receiving their orders, the two groups of puppets quietly left the space in batches, heading to their respective destinations—one group went south to Hong Kong to stir up the capital winds; the other group infiltrated the mainland to control the underground lifeline.

Silence returned to the study. Lin Yan gazed in the direction the puppets had disappeared and let out a soft sigh. The necessary arrangements had been made; all that remained was to wait and let time unfold.

He felt a weariness, not physical, but mental. He needed greater strength to cope with any unforeseen events that might arise in the future.

"Tomorrow, I'll take Xiao Qi back to my space and go into seclusion to try and break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining!" He set his goal in mind.

His thoughts relaxed, and a strong drowsiness washed over him. He lay down on the small bed in the study and fell into a deep sleep without even returning to his bedroom. Within the Qiankun Realm, the spiritual spring gurgled, and all things grew, but the wheels of history were about to be subtly deflected from their course due to the intervention of a time traveler.