Opening a Shop in the County Town

Facing the encirclement, Xu Mingwei focused mainly on blocking and dodging.

His body moved in an S-shaped path, raising his knees and swinging his arms to defend.

When landing, he touched the ground with the tips of his toes, concentrating his explosive force into a single point, surging his speed as he wove between the several people.

It was like a fire dragon crossing a swamp, simultaneously possessing both suppleness and explosive power.

This move was the body technique from the Lesser Dragon Elephant Technique, Dragon Wandering in Twisted Marsh.

Weaving back and forth like this, after a dozen breaths, a flaw appeared in the three-man encirclement.

A sharp glint flashed through Xu Mingwei's eyes.

A single sweeping leg kick sent two of them flying directly, then he took advantage of the momentum to twist his body and leap into the air.

His right leg came down like a battle axe, chopping onto the last person's shoulder.

Thump!

That incomparable force, like a thousand-jin boulder, pressed him directly onto one knee, countless fine beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead.

"Stop here." Xu Chuan suddenly spoke.

Hearing this, Xu Mingwei withdrew his foot.

He let out a long breath, his expression calm, not even a single drop of sweat visible on his face.

Zhao Dalong and the other two rose, clasped their fists and bowed to him, their faces full of admiration, and said in unison, "Thank you, Big Young Master, for going easy on us."

"You're too kind, I was just lucky to be a bit better."

Xu Chuan nodded in satisfaction at this sight.

At that moment, a little girl as pink and delicate as a porcelain doll walked over and called out in a crisp voice, "Father, Big Brother, Second Brother, breakfast is ready."

Li Er, Zhao Dalong, and the others also spoke up, "Then, Patriarch, we'll be heading back first."

"Mm." Xu Chuan nodded.

If it had been before, when they were all single, eating together wouldn't have been a problem.

But now, each of them had started families of their own, with their own children.

Eating and drinking at the Main Family's place wasn't quite appropriate anymore.

The Xu Family treated them well, with a monthly salary of five taels, which was absolutely unique in all of Dongxi Village.

"My little Xueji."

Xu Chuan walked over and scooped her up, affectionately rubbing his nose against hers, making her giggle and say, "Father, that tickles."

The little girl was Xu Mingshu.

As the only girl, she was the center of all the Xu Family's affection.

On the Eight Immortals Table.

In the center was a large pot of meat congee, surrounded by scallion pancakes, egg pancakes, pickled vegetables, and salted radish.

It was a truly sumptuous spread.

The Xu Family had seven members, but only six sat here.

The one missing was Xu Mingxuan.

He had been sent to the Tianlong Martial Arts School in Qingjiang County three years ago.

Li Zhi had gone along with him.

The two of them only returned home one day every seven days.

"Tomorrow Tantou comes back, I wonder if he's lost weight." Bai Jing ladled a bowl of plain congee for Xu Chuan, her eyes full of longing for her son.

"He's quite valued at the Tianlong Martial Arts School, he won't suffer any grievances."

Xu Chuan said this flatly.

This immediately drew a bellyful of complaints from Bai Jing, who said with slight dissatisfaction, "There are plenty of martial artists at home, why did you have to send Tantou to the martial arts school?"

"The school is a mixed bag, how can you guarantee he won't be bullied?"

Xu Chuan didn't explain much.

Sending the two of them to the martial arts school naturally had its purpose.

First, to get better training, and second, to expand their connections.

Because of their talent, the two of them had both been accepted as disciples by an instructor at the martial arts school who was at Houtian Peak.

With this relationship, the martial arts instructor also became friendly with the Xu Family.

After finishing breakfast.

Xu Chuan put down his chopsticks and looked at Xu Mingyuan. "A couple of days ago, your Uncle Ergou suggested the two families pool funds to open a fruit and vegetable shop in the county town. What do you think?"

"Open a shop in the county town? That was Auntie's idea, wasn't it?"

Xu Mingyuan was somewhat dismissive, speaking lightly, "I heard from Daniu earlier that their family seems to be considering moving to the county town."

"With the scale of fruits and vegetables our two families can produce from the farmland and mountain forests, supplying two or three fruit and vegetable shops is no problem at all."

"If we really want to open one, I suggest our family opens one ourselves."

"With the quality of our produce, plus the Green Jade Pear as our flagship, even if we don't dominate the market, business will definitely be booming."

Xu Mingyuan recalled something and continued with a smile, "I remember in about half a month, the Green Jade Pears will ripen. Using them as the seasonal fruit will surely help us build a reputation smoothly."

"However, that means the Xu family over there..."

Xu Mingyuan glanced at Xu Chuan's expression, knowing that Xu Chuan had always been tolerant toward the Xu family.

Thus, for years, the Green Jade Pears had still been sold to the Xu family.

But every time he saw the arrogant faces of the Xu family coming to collect the Green Jade Pears, Xu Mingyuan felt anger bubbling up, wanting to rush over and slap them twice.

"The Xu family." Xu Chuan murmured the name, then gave a faint smile. "Since you already have a plan, starting this year, we won't sell to them anymore."

"Great, Father."

"I'll have Zhou Ming assist you in setting up the shop in Qingjiang County Town. If you need silver, just ask your mother for it."

"Li Er, Zhao Dalong, and the others will all be under your command."

Xu Mingyuan nodded with a smile, rubbing his hands together, brimming with energy.

This would be the first step for their Xu family to formally develop toward the county town.

At that moment, Bai Jing suddenly spoke up, "If we don't cooperate with the Ergou family, won't they have objections?"

Xu Mingyuan said, "Mother, you don't know—back when Uncle Ergou was in charge, it was fine, but after Aunt took over, she's been selling privately multiple times, raising prices, and constantly pulling small tricks."

"She nearly damaged our Xu family's reputation several times."

"If it weren't for the friendship between Uncle Ergou and Father, I would have asked Father to cut ties with them long ago."

"Something like that happened?" Bai Jing asked, startled.

Xu Chuan was completely calm about this matter, only offering an eight-character evaluation, "Too clever by half, an insatiable abyss."

"Since the shop matters are yours to handle, you'll also be the one to talk to the Ergou family. Make sure you explain it clearly."

"Understood. I won't harm the friendship between Father and Uncle Ergou."

Xu Mingyuan thought for a moment, then added, "I'll go to their house right now, to avoid any trouble from delays."

He quickly finished the remaining congee, then hurried out the door.

"Father, I'm heading into the mountains too." Xu Mingwei also stood up.

"Mm." Xu Chuan acknowledged.

Just then, Xu Mingshu suddenly stood up, grabbed the corner of Xu Mingwei's clothes, and looked up, "Big Brother, I want a little animal."

Xu Mingwei hesitated. The fierce beasts in the mountains were wild and hard to tame—not something you could just bring back casually.

"If there are any cubs, bringing a few back won't hurt." Xu Chuan said.

"Understood." Xu Mingwei crouched down and ruffled Xu Mingshu's head. "Big Brother will bring you some."

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Xu Mingshu had now also been granted the Destiny Talent [Whispers of All Spirits].

This was the last unclaimed Destiny Talent on the Bloodline Genealogy.

It allowed communication with all beasts, making them naturally close.

As for [Seek Advantage, Avoid Harm], that had long been given to Xu Mingxuan.

"Xue Ji, and Yun Nu, you two are also six years old now. It's time to start martial arts practice, understand?" Xu Chuan said.

Bai Jing's body trembled slightly, but she said nothing, continuing to clear the dishes from the table.

"Yes, Father."

Xu Mingshu's eyes showed curiosity, while Xu Mingxian was somewhat excited, his small fists clenched tightly.

"Then who will teach us, Father?" Xu Mingxian's eyes sparkled.

Xu Chuan chuckled lightly, "I will teach you myself."