Frost Breaking Clouds

"Father, ever since the battle at the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School brought us fame, many families have approached the Xu family. They've even sent their disciples to the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School for training. Now, there are sixty to seventy apprentices at the school."

Xu Mingyuan looked at Xu Chuan, who was seated in the Patriarch's position in the main hall, his joy evident on his face.

"What about Director Gu?"

"Director Gu is naturally selecting youths suitable for the Dragon Elephant Sect's inheritance," Xu Mingyuan said, picking up his teacup and taking a shallow sip. He put it down and continued, "However, his requirements are quite high, and he hasn't found anyone suitable yet."

"What about that child, Li Zhi? Is he still at the Tianlong Martial Arts School?"

"He left a few days ago and has now joined the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School."

Xu Chuan nodded. "Li Zhi's talent is better than Tantou's. If trained according to the standards for the Xu Family Direct Lineage, becoming an Innate Martial Artist won't be a problem. He might even reach Innate Perfection, or perhaps even contend for the Grandmaster realm."

"You can have Director Gu train him well. If he takes a liking to Li Zhi, you can also let Li Zhi become his disciple, deepening the relationship with him."

Xu Mingyuan was a little surprised. He hadn't expected his father to value Li Zhi so highly. He cupped his hands and said, "It's still Father who has far-reaching plans. This son admires you."

"By the way, has the blacksmith shop been established?"

"Yes."

"Then have them forge a powerful bow suitable for an Innate Martial Artist. Don't spare any expense on materials. Whatever they need, you find it for them, but remember to keep it a secret."

"So that's how it is," Xu Mingyuan chuckled.

"What do you know now?" Xu Chuan looked at his second son and chuckled, shaking his head.

"Besides Big Brother, who else in the family practices archery?"

"This is a gift for your brother. Is two months a problem?"

"Two months is more than enough, but..." Xu Mingyuan feigned grievance, "I've never received a gift from Father since I grew up."

"This is not just a gift; it is another trump card for our Xu family. Once Shitou reaches the Innate realm, his strength will increase. The previous Black Iron powerful bow is already slightly insufficient. Only a more powerful one would be worthy, and it would also allow him to unleash his full potential."

Xu Mingyuan was a little curious. "How strong can Big Brother be when using a bow and arrow?"

"At long range, he should be able to kill someone in the Late-Innate stage."

"Hiss~"

Hearing this, Xu Mingyuan's eyes widened in disbelief, and he gasped.

Xu Chuan's speculation was not baseless. Although Innate True Qi was powerful and could leave the body, its range was limited, and its power weakened with distance.

With Xu Mingwei's talent and mastery in archery, he could suppress Innate Martial Artists from miles away with his bow and arrows, yet they would be unable to harm him.

With his Innate Divine Strength, he could draw and shoot his bow for extended periods. The arrows shot with such power and speed were extremely difficult for Innate Martial Artists to dodge.

A slight mistake could lead to severe injury or even death.

"Such a trump card truly cannot be revealed easily."

Xu Mingyuan trusted Xu Chuan, his expression turning serious. "Father, leave this to me. I will definitely have someone craft a powerful bow that Big Brother will like."

For two months.

All families in Qingjiang County remained peaceful.

The Xu Family's various industries were also developing steadily.

On the tenth day of the eleventh month.

Xu Chuan presented the treasure bow crafted by Xu Mingyuan to Xu Mingwei.

"Big Brother, this treasure bow is rare. It took nearly two months to craft and consumed quite a few precious materials.

Its body is forged from a composite of Thousand Year Cold Iron and Water Sinking Wood, blending toughness and flexibility. The bow arms are carved with delicate frost flower patterns, inlaid with silver thread. The bowstring is made of top-grade Snow Silkworm Silk, and the bow eyes are inlaid with Lantian Jade."

Xu Mingwei gently caressed the treasure bow, his eyes filled with joy.

"As for the arrows, they are also extraordinary. The arrow shafts are also cast from Thousand Year Cold Iron, and the arrow feathers are from an Exotic Silver Eagle. These feathers are light yet tough, each one shimmering with a silver-white light. The arrowheads are polished from Obsidian, making them incredibly sharp."

"Second Brother, this sounds amazing," Xu Mingxuan said enviously. "I want one too."

"Then you'll have to ask Father. Father asked me to craft it, and besides, do you even know archery?"

Xu Mingxuan was immediately rendered speechless.

"Thank you, Father, and thank you, A Yuan. I really like it," Xu Mingwei said with genuine happiness.

Xu Chuan smiled faintly. "Give it a name."

"This bow is cold to the touch, so let's name it the Frost Bow. As for the arrows, with silver feathers flying together, they can pierce through clouds and break through the sky, so let's call them Cloud Piercing Arrows."

"Frost Bow, Cloud Piercing Arrows. Those are good names," Xu Chuan said with a smile. "Father hopes you can use this bow and arrows to protect the Xu Family and pierce the hearts of your enemies."

"Yes, Father."

In a little over a month, it would be the Yearly Sacrifice.

After the Yearly Sacrifice, Xu Mingwei also reached the age of twenty.

At this time, Yang Ronghua was also approaching her due date, and the midwife had already moved into the mansion.

Half a month later.

Yang Ronghua gave birth to a son.

Xu Mingwei paced back and forth outside the door, listening to the heart-wrenching screams coming from inside, so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead.

He wouldn't have been this anxious even if he were fighting an Innate Martial Artist.

His eyes were filled with worry.

Xu Chuan pointed at him and chuckled, "My dear, look, your husband was just as anxious, pacing outside. Now it's our Shitou's turn."

Bai Jing pinched him hard. "Husband, be serious."

"Let go, let go, it's my fault."

Xu Mingwei tried to rush in several times, but Xu Chuan stopped him.

Xu Mingyuan was busy in Qingjiang County, and Xu Mingxuan and the others were at the Dragon Elephant Martial Arts School, only returning to the Xu Family Mansion once every six or seven days.

Because Yang Ronghua was giving birth, Xu Chuan specifically sent guards to call them back.

More than two hours later.

The main door opened, and a maidservant walked out with a smile, saying, "Patriarch, Madam, Eldest Young Master, Eldest Young Mistress has given birth to a young master."

"Good, good, good." Xu Chuan burst into laughter and said to Xu Mingwei, "Hurry inside."

Without a word, Xu Mingwei rushed into the main hall. Before he could even see the child, he was like a gust of wind at the bedside, pushing aside Yang Ronghua's damp hair and tightly gripping her hand.

"My dear, you've worked hard."

Yang Ronghua smiled faintly. Although she had taken a Qi and Blood Pill to replenish her energy, she still looked exhausted, her face pale.

At this moment, Xu Chuan and Bai Jing also walked in.

Bai Jing took the infant, wrapped in fine silk, from the midwife's hands, her eyes filled with doting affection as she gently swayed him. "My eldest grandson."

Xu Chuan also took a look, then said to Yang Ronghua, "Rest well."

"Yes, Father."

Soon.

Xu Mingwei and his siblings also arrived one after another.

"Has my eldest nephew come out yet?" Xu Mingyuan shouted before even entering the door.

"Quiet down, if you wake my eldest grandson, I'll kick you out."

"Father, you don't love me anymore now that you have a grandson," Xu Mingyuan said playfully. "As expected, love always shifts."

"Hahaha~"

The others burst into laughter.

"Let me see," Xu Mingshu leaned over and then said softly, "I'm your aunt, say Aunt."

"He's just born, he can't talk yet," Bai Jing said with a smile.

"Shitou, have you thought of a name?"

Xu Mingwei said, "According to the generation name Inheritance you set, 'Ming De Chong Wen, Jing Yun Chang Zhao, Wei Shan Yong Ji, Shi Ze Chang Zhao,' they are of the De Generation."

"I hope this child will be a person of integrity and virtue in the future."

"Let's name him Xu Dezhao."

The third generation's talent is finally about to emerge.