Time slipped by.
In the blink of an eye, the Year Sacrifice arrived.
Xu Chuan had also reached thirty, the age of standing firm.
The next day, a quarter past the start of the Si Hour.
Bai Jing's belly suddenly began to hurt, and she went into labor again.
"Da Long, Fu Gui, go fetch the midwife."
Xu Chuan had already made arrangements with the midwife, asking her to keep these few days free.
The two men thought she walked too slowly, so they carried her between them and raced to the Xu Household, frightening her so badly that her face went rather pale.
Then—
Straining, struggling, screaming.
Two or three hours later, she delivered safely.
This time, she gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy.
The girl came first and was named Xu Mingshu. Xu Chuan gave her the nickname Xueji.
The boy was named Xu Mingxian, nicknamed Yunnu.
The years flew like a shuttle through a loom.
In the blink of an eye, it was time for the twins' one-month celebration.
Relatives and friends from the Bai Household, along with Uncle Chen and the others, all came to congratulate them.
They only left after eating and drinking their fill.
Xu Chuan entered the main room and took blood from the two children's fingertips to place in the Clan Genealogy.
[Xu Mingshu: Xu Household Second Generation] [Spiritual root: incomplete five elements, no aptitude for cultivation] [Talent: none] [Bloodline: none] [Note: her soul strength is twice that of an ordinary person, granting her naturally keen spiritual perception]
"Her soul strength is twice that of an ordinary person, and she has naturally keen spiritual perception. It seems Little Xueji really is exceptionally gifted."
"Perhaps she's suited to [Whispers of All Spirits]. She might be able to tame fierce beasts in the future."
Next, Xu Chuan looked at Xu Mingxian's information.
[Xu Mingxian: Xu Household Second Generation] [Spiritual root: all five elements present, capable of cultivation, mixed spiritual root aptitude] [Talent: Swallowing Mountains and Rivers] [Bloodline: none] [Note: all who cultivate possess all five elements. Aptitude is divided into false spiritual root, mixed spiritual root, true spiritual root, earth spiritual root, and heaven spiritual root, primarily according to spiritual root purity. Swallowing Mountains and Rivers: the speed of qi induction and magic power recovery will exceed that of others by several tenths. When developed to its utmost, it can reach several times their speed, truly possessing the momentum to swallow mountains and rivers]
"A talent for cultivation!"
Wild joy appeared on Xu Chuan's face.
The Xu Household had finally produced someone with a talent for cultivation.
This meant that, starting with the second generation, they had a chance to enter the world of cultivators.
At the same time, an enormous amount of information suddenly flooded Xu Chuan's mind. When gathered together, it formed a manual for ascending from mortal to immortal.
It was called the "Xiantian Five Elements Creation Art."
This was the cultivation method bestowed by the Clan Genealogy upon the birth of the Xu Household's first descendant with cultivation talent.
Only those who had reached the Xiantian Realm in the Martial Way could practice it.
It could remedy deficiencies in the five elements and purify spiritual roots, ultimately raising them to the level of a true spiritual root.
"From mortal to immortal. What a cultivation method for ascending from mortal to immortal!"
Xu Chuan felt an urge to burst into laughter.
Having this cultivation method meant that every generation of the Xu Household's descendants would have people with cultivation talent.
"No!"
Xu Chuan restrained the excitement in his heart, his chest heaving several times.
Then he tilted his head back and drew a deep breath. His Adam's apple bobbed as he slowly exhaled, and his taut shoulders relaxed.
"We can't attract too much attention. Only after someone in the second generation reaches Xiantian can I bestow it. Starting with the third generation, the Lineage's numbers will surge. I'll have to select the best before granting fate talents and cultivation methods."
In that instant, Xu Chuan made a rough plan for the Xu Household's future.
Although they were all his descendants, as the generations continued and their numbers grew, it would be impossible to treat everyone equally.
He would have to distinguish between the greater and lesser branches, the direct line and the collateral branches.
"Mingxian. I really did choose the right name!"
"And that fate talent, Swallowing Mountains and Rivers!"
"A born cultivation seed!"
Xu Chuan lifted him high with both hands, his eyes shining as he grinned.
The next moment—
Xu Mingxian began wailing, and a warm spring between his legs traced a parabola, landing with perfect accuracy.
"Pfft, pfft, pfft~"
"You little rascal!"
"You're the first of all five siblings to pee on me!"
"Your courage truly deserves praise!"
With a rueful smile on his face, Xu Chuan brought the twins to Bai Jing's side, then went to change his clothes.
Now that he had the "Xiantian Five Elements Creation Art," his previous arrangements for his second son, Xu Mingyuan, would have to change. Even if he had to pile resources onto him, he would push him all the way to the Xiantian Realm.
Everyone had their own selfish attachments.
He did not care how his great-grandchildren or great-great-grandchildren would fare.
But when it came to his own children, whom he had watched grow up, he always hoped they could live longer.
And stay with him longer.
The next day.
After Xu Chuan and Xu Mingwei finished their morning practice, he suddenly said, "Shitou, starting today, set aside time to teach A Yuan martial arts."
"A Yuan?" Xu Mingwei froze for a moment. "Didn't you want him to go into business?"
"Just tell him I said so."
"We're not short of inner force manuals now. There's the 'Little Dragon Elephant Art,' 'Flood Dragon Fist,' 'Savage Bear Force,' and the manuals Zhao Dalong and the others wrote out from memory. Let him choose one."
"You should also train hard and reach Xiantian as soon as possible."
"When that time comes, I'll give you a great opportunity."
"Yes, Father." Xu Mingwei would not go against Xu Chuan's wishes, but after hesitating, he still asked, "What if... A Yuan doesn't want to?"
"Then he can't blame me for sending him to the Martial Arts Hall."
"If he works hard at home, he'll still have some freedom. Once he goes to the Martial Arts Hall, it won't be up to him anymore."
Xu Mingwei sighed inwardly. A Yuan, don't blame your big brother for not helping you. Father's orders really are hard to defy.
He could already imagine Xu Mingyuan groaning endlessly once he found out.
After breakfast, Xu Chuan went out to inspect the farmland and wooded hills.
He checked how the fruit, vegetables, and fruit trees were growing.
If there were any problems, he advised the old farmers on what to do.
By now, he rarely needed to do the work himself.
In his spare time, he found an open patch of ground to practice the "Little Dragon Elephant Art."
He had already opened thirty-two apertures. With just four more, he would become a third-rate martial artist.
Once he supplemented his training with medicinal cuisine, his progress would surely become faster.
In the Xu Household courtyard.
"Wait, Big Brother, I have to practice martial arts? Father said so?"
After hearing Xu Mingwei's words, he was utterly dumbfounded, standing there motionless like a stone statue.
"Wasn't I supposed to go into business?"
"Father didn't tell you to stop doing business. He probably wants you to practice martial arts alongside it."
At this, Xu Mingyuan's face turned the color of pig liver. He looked as miserable as could be.
"And I still have to study and practice calligraphy. This is far too hard."
Xu Mingxuan walked over. Seeing Xu Mingyuan's expression, he pointed at him and cackled. "Second Brother, did you eat something bad? You look awful!"
"Shoo, shoo, little Charcoal Head. Go play with your Li Zhi."
"Hmph, I was going anyway. I don't need you to play with me anymore," Xu Mingxuan said with a pout before heading toward the gate.
"This kid has no idea how miserable his own days will be in the future."
Xu Mingyuan sighed and looked at Xu Mingwei. "Big Brother, my dear brother, can't you plead with Father for me?"
"I tried. It was no use." Xu Mingwei calmly patted Xu Mingyuan's shoulder. "Judging by Father's tone, I reckon every descendant of the Xu Household will have to practice martial arts in the future."
"Ugh, I'm starting to envy Daniu and Fangfang. At least Uncle Ergou isn't this strict with them." Xu Mingyuan groaned and began airing his grievances.
"Father is doing this for our own good," Xu Mingwei said earnestly.
"I know. I'm just complaining a little. If I really had to trade fathers, I'd never bear to do it."
Xu Mingyuan took a deep breath, his eyes seeming to settle on some resolve. "I'll train. I have to train hard!"
"Even if it's only to prove that a tiger father has no dog of a son!"
Seeing Xu Mingyuan like this, Xu Mingwei could not help chuckling and shaking his head.
"It's just martial arts practice, not a trip to the battlefield. Why are you acting like you're marching calmly to your death?"
"Then choose a manual."
Xu Mingwei held several inner force manuals spread out like a fan.
"Any recommendations?"
"Father said the 'Little Dragon Elephant Art' demands better aptitude. Why not practice the 'Flood Dragon Fist'? Uncle Li Er has practiced it. Though he isn't all that good, at least he can guide you through the basics step by step."
"All right, the 'Flood Dragon Fist' it is."
"Mm." Xu Mingwei smiled in reply. He had finally completed Father's instructions.
"Come on, let's go find Uncle Li Er."
Ever since Xu Mingyuan also began practicing martial arts.
There was one more figure in the Xu Household courtyard during morning practice each day.
Gradually.
Zhao Dalong, Sun Fugui, and Qian Youcai joined them as well.
Their employers worked so hard, so they had to do their best to keep up, didn't they?
At present, the Xu Household's holdings and businesses were not particularly large.
So they often had plenty of free time.
That included Zhou Ming.
He only occasionally ran errands for Xu Chuan and Bai Jing, contacted other people, worked on the accounts, or offered ideas.
He could see that the Xu Household had great potential for growth.
The good days were still ahead.