Yang Zhao's Troubles Seeking Follow-up Reads on Tuesday

"Brother Xu, please speak plainly—can you reach Houtian Peak?"

Yang Shichang's face was solemn as he asked in a low voice.

Xu Chuan usually told Xu Mingwei to keep a low profile, but after deep thought at this moment, he nodded.

"Eighteen years old and Houtian Peak—truly the potential of a Grandmaster."

He was a year older than Xu Mingwei, but had only reached First-class Martial Artist.

The number of acupoints to open from First-class Martial Artist to Houtian Peak wasn't many, but the difficulty was considerable.

"Innate is still far off, let alone Grandmaster," Xu Mingwei said with feeling.

Yang Shichang smiled. "Actually, there's a shortcut to Innate. Through a Qi Gathering Pill, you can introduce Qi into your body and sense the Power of Heaven and Earth, speeding up your breakthrough to Innate Martial Artist."

"The outstanding disciples of the major families in the Prefecture City all do this."

"A Qi Gathering Pill—how do I get one?"

"They're extremely rare in the county town. Even in the Prefecture City, they're controlled by the major families. Only cultivators with the right techniques can refine them, and one pill costs three thousand taels."

"And a Qi Gathering Pill can't guarantee success in sensing the Power of Heaven and Earth—it only increases the odds a little. Usually, you need over a dozen before there's any hope."

"In the last ten years in the Prefecture City, the most talented person still used three."

"Has no one ever succeeded through their own effort?" Xu Mingwei asked curiously.

"Of course there are, but it's very hard. Only one in a hundred Innate Martial Artists in the Prefecture City succeeded on their own." Yang Shichang glanced at Xu Mingwei and smiled. "But on the Martial Dao, the earlier you break through, the further you'll go in the end."

"After all, past sixty, your qi and blood start to decline, and breakthroughs become basically impossible."

"If our two families become in-laws, with your talent, my father could manage to get a few Qi Gathering Pills from the clan to help you break through."

The Yang Family had high hopes for the Xu Family, and for Xu Mingwei.

But they wouldn't provide a precious resource like Qi Gathering Pills for nothing. If they became connected through marriage, that was another matter.

"This matter still needs my father's decision."

"Brother Xu, you really... My sister adores you so much, she won't marry anyone else."

"Brother Shichang, who won't marry whom?"

Xu Mingshu's light laughter came through, and they saw two figures approaching from the corridor ahead—one tall, one small.

The tall one stood gracefully like a lotus from the water; the small one was cute and mischievous, with crescent-shaped eyes full of cunning.

It was Yang Ronghua and Xu Mingshu.

"Sister, I think Brother Xu has no intention of marrying you. You'd better find someone else."

"Brother, what are you saying? Brother Mingwei won't betray me. We've already sworn vows to each other."

Xu Mingwei and Yang Ronghua exchanged glances and smiled faintly.

Three years.

The Xu Family and Yang Family had grown close.

They visited often, and the juniors of each family knew each other well.

Yang Ronghua and Xu Mingwei had developed feelings for each other.

Everyone else saw it and thought they were a perfect match.

"I will never let Ronghua Sister down," Xu Mingwei said, as if taking an oath. "I'll break through to Innate as soon as possible, meet Father's requirements, and then with the Three Letters and Six Betrothals, I'll carry Ronghua Sister in a bridal sedan to marry her."

"Hahaha~" Yang Shichang suddenly burst into laughter. "Brother Xu, you said it yourself."

"Then Sister and I will be waiting."

"Xiao Xueji, let's go. Let's go see your Little White, and stop disturbing these two lovebirds."

Xu Mingshu blinked. "Then let's go. I'll show you how fierce Little White is!"

Yang Shichang sparred with Little White for a while.

Sure enough, he was no match for the Exotic White Tiger. After getting trounced, Xu Mingshu clapped and cheered.

Of course, Xu Mingshu wouldn't really let Little White hurt him.

Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to explain it to her godfather and godmother. When they got home, both she and the tiger would be severely punished, and the White Tiger might never get to go out again.

Not long after.

Xu Mingwei and his sister returned to Dongxi Village.

The Xu Residence had now expanded to over a hundred mu, with grand buildings, truly taking on the air of an established family.

Xu Mingwei told Xu Chuan about the Qi Gathering Pill.

"I'll discuss this with your Uncle Yang, and I'll have A Yuan make inquiries."

"As for marriage, you're both still young. There's no rush for a year or two."

Xu Chuan smiled at Xu Mingwei, who nodded. "Father speaks sense."

"Focus on preparing for the clan establishment."

"Today is the day our Xu family officially becomes a noble family of Qingjiang."

"Shitou knows what's important."

That night.

On Qingyun Street, the Yang residence.

"Husband, what's made you so happy today?" Madam Yang poured wine for Yang Zhao, curiosity on her face.

"A letter came from the clan. A position has opened up in the Prefecture City—we can return there."

"Really?"

"Uncle wrote to me personally. How could it be false?"

"Madam, let's drink a few more cups tonight."

"Mm, husband."

After three cups down.

Madam Yang brought out another invitation. "The Xu family had Mingyuan deliver this. In half a month, they'll establish their clan and open the Ancestral Hall. They've invited us to attend the ceremony."

Hearing this, Yang Zhao's expression froze.

"What's wrong?" Madam Yang asked in surprise.

"The rise of the Xu clan—how swift it is! In the blink of three years, they're about to establish a clan," Yang Zhao sighed.

"It is swift, but the Xu family is no longer what it once was. Their foundation may not yet be deep, and their clan is young with few members, but their wealth, strength, and network of connections cannot be underestimated," Madam Yang nodded.

"Once their Five Sons each marry and start their own families, the clan will flourish and its roots will be firmly planted."

Yang Zhao agreed, but his expression was different from usual.

Madam Yang noticed the change and asked, "Why is it that whenever the Xu family is mentioned this year, your face turns strange? It wasn't like this before."

Yang Zhao sighed softly. "Uncle's letter tells me to compete for the position of Prefectural Commandant. But there are many contenders, and the Chang Clan Families are all watching with hungry eyes."

"To succeed, I need the support of the Wen Family."

"The Wen Family has held the post of Prefectural Commandant for several terms. They may not match the Chang Family or our Yang Family, but their roots run deep and their foundation is solid."

"So Uncle suggests we form a marriage alliance with the Wen Family."

"I am currently the strongest candidate for Prefectural Commandant within the Yang Family."

"This is good news!"

Knowing this concerned her husband's future, Madam Yang's eyes lit up with joy. "Chang'er is also of marriageable age. He could marry a suitable daughter from the Wen Family."

"Wait, husband—you want to marry Hua'er into the Wen Family?"

Yang Zhao nodded solemnly. "Chang'er and Hua'er will go together—one marrying in, one marrying out—at the same time."

"This way, the bond is strengthened, and the Wen Family will fully support my bid for Prefectural Commandant. With the Yang and Wen families united, this competition will be secure."

"This..." Madam Yang's face took on the same look Yang Zhao had shown earlier.

Though only verbal, the Yang and Xu families had long had an understanding: when the time was right, Xu Mingwei would marry Yang Ronghua.

Yang Zhao had always favored an alliance with the Xu family, and Xu Mingwei's virtue and talent made him an excellent match for Yang Ronghua.

But now, faced with this choice, it was a dilemma between his future and his daughter's happiness.

"But Hua'er... Chang'er told me the two of them are deeply in love. They've made vows to each other—he won't marry anyone else, and she won't wed another."

"Nonsense! What do children know of the world? There are no eternal vows!"

Yang Zhao slammed the table, his voice harsh and stern. Whether he was angry at his daughter for pledging herself in secret or lamenting that his future required sacrificing her life, it was unclear.

"Husband, is there really no other way?"

Madam Yang's heart ached for her beloved daughter. Thinking of how she would be devastated by this news, tears welled in her eyes.

"Do you think I don't cherish Hua'er?"

Yang Zhao was helpless. He sighed long and said, "But even if I were willing to give up my future, how could I face Uncle and Father? This isn't just about me—it concerns the rise or fall of the entire Yang Family."

"I was raised and taught by the Yang Family. How could I betray the clan?"

"What if we just say Chang'er isn't betrothed yet, but Hua'er is already promised to someone? The betrothal gifts have been given, and we're only waiting for an auspicious day for her to marry. Husband, you've always thought highly of the Xu family, saying they will one day become Qingjiang's Top Clan."

"If we marry Hua'er into the Wen Family, the goodwill between our families may sour, and years of effort will be wasted. Husband, I beg you to think again."

Hearing this, Yang Zhao fell silent for a long time before speaking. "Madam, you are right."

"The Xu family's potential is extraordinary. One day, they may rival our Yang Family."

"I will return to the Prefecture City tomorrow and discuss with Uncle whether another suitable daughter from the clan can marry into the Wen Family, or if we can adopt a daughter under my name to take Hua'er's place."

Hearing this, Madam Yang's face broke into a smile.