Chapter 546

Chapter 546

Zhu Yiwen and Feng Xionglin were indeed stunned by the murderous intent that Aunt Liu had just exuded.

Ordinary people are completely unaware, but to them, it felt as if countless tiny eyes were watching them at that moment.

This is the inconvenience of having a small house, even though my great-grandfather's family was already considered one of the largest households in the village, including the dam area.

If it were in the ancestral home, each courtyard would be independent, with embedded arrays for isolation. Not only would you be able to chat, talk, or lose your temper, but you could even fight inside without any problem.

Tan Wenbin: "Please, gentlemen."

Liu Yumei sat back down in her chair, picked up her tea, and didn't go inside to change her clothes as she used to.

Those who came here today must have long-term interests at stake, but no amount of profit is worth risking their lives for. It is commendable to take a step back and remain neutral. Therefore, everyone who steps onto this dam has a sense of pride in their heart.

What people find hardest to forget is the childhood friendship of playing in the mud together. It's not that they can't forget the person, but rather the simple, pure, and silly innocence of that time, just like it is now.

The revival of the Qin and Liu families will inevitably require a re-weaving of the martial arts relationships between the two families. Rather than recalling the outer disciples who were dismissed in the past, it would be better to let Xiao Yuan of his own family rebuild a new one.

Don't underestimate these two just because they're young. Those who can represent the family to light the lamp are the best of the best in their generation. Even if they don't become the head of the family in the future, they will still be very important figures in the family. It's inevitable that they will rely on each other in the future.

In other words, they're practically family now, so there's no need to be too distant.

"Greetings, Madam."

"Greetings, Madam."

Standing in front of the old lady, Zhu Yiwen was reserved and refined, while Feng Xionglin was honest and simple.

Afterwards, Tan Wenbin called on Runsheng and Lin Shuyou to quickly invite the relatives brought by Feng Xionglin into the back hall to sit down and be served tea.

Liu Yumei said, "You must have had a tiring journey."

Feng Xionglin: "The thought of seeing the old lady again makes me eager to go home."

This was Zhu Yiwen's first time meeting Liu Yumei, and he was not as relaxed as Feng Xionglin. The impact of having such a figure who had been active in the history of the martial arts world sitting in front of you was still huge for a young man.

Liu Yumei waved to Zhu Yiwen.

Zhu Yiwen stepped forward: "Madam."

Liu Yumei placed her hand on Zhu Yiwen's wrist.

Zhu Yiwen's body trembled, his blood and qi reversed, and the aura of death appeared, his expression turning ferocious.

He said awkwardly and apologetically, "I have been rude and offended the old lady."

Liu Yumei: "What's the big deal? It's just a little bit of food."

Zhu Yiwen remained silent.

Liu Yumei: "When a person dies, it's like a lamp going out. Even after the Dragon Kings of all dynasties died, they only left behind the spirit of the Dragon King. Their physical bodies decayed and became fertile soil, growing grass for livestock and crops for people to eat. Isn't that a way to eat? You're actually making things easier for them."

The same words, spoken by different people, have different effects. The Qin and Liu families are most famous for producing many dragon kings throughout history, and Liu Yumei is qualified to cite such an example.

It's not just demons that need to be vindicated; humans also need some external affirmation to get rid of their inner demons and stay true to themselves.

Liu Yumei: "As the old saying goes, you are what you eat, so you have to eat your way to becoming more and more like a human being."

The corpse aura emanating from Zhu Yiwen reappeared, but this time, his face was no longer contorted with rage.

He knelt down and kowtowed to Liu Yumei.

"I am writing this to express my gratitude for the old lady's teachings."

Li Zhuiyuan stood on the second-floor terrace, watching this scene. He could help Zhu Yiwenhua get rid of the corpse poison in his body, but he couldn't help him get rid of the poison in his heart.

Every visiting team received guidance from Grandma Liu, which perfectly illustrates the saying "Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure."

While kowtowing, Zhu Yiwen noticed a cement pit not far to the side.

For a moment he hesitated, wondering if he should also achieve the same effect to appear sincere.

Liu Yumei: "Get up, the ground is cold."

Zhu Yiwen stood up and said, "Madam, I'd like to..."

Liu Yumei: "Go ahead, there are a table full of memorial tablets, feel free to look around."

Zhu Yiwen walked into the east room.

The living spirit of the Dragon King certainly commands respect, but these countless memorial tablets devoid of spirits are even more awe-inspiring.

When Zhu Yiwen finished offering incense and came out, Li Zhuiyuan also came down.

Because the house is small, when Grandma Liu receives guests, he can only stay at the head of the table first.

However, if he had to choose, he would still prefer living here to his ancestral home. The things in the ancestral home were incredibly appealing to him, but with so few people living in such a large ancestral home, the human touch would be diluted.

A square stool and three small benches—this is the down-to-earth way the Dragon King's gate serves its guests.

Aunt Liu brought over some tea.

Zhu Yiwen and Feng Xionglin, who had just sat down, immediately stood up and reached out to receive it with both hands.

Aunt Liu: "Don't be shy here, just make yourself at home."

If one hadn't previously witnessed the murderous intent emanating from Aunt Liu, this statement would have some credibility.

Zhu Yiwen: "Senior, did we arrive first?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "There were two people from Taolin who arrived earlier than you, and another person arrived before the registration was even open."

That person is a judge from the organizing committee.

Feng Xionglin: "That will save us the trouble. After everyone has arrived, Brother Xiaoyuan, you can give us your instructions."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Actually, there's nothing to show off."

Zhu Yiwen: "Brother Xiaoyuan, do you already have a plan in mind?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "Because it's very simple. Since they want to kill me, and I don't want to die, I have no choice but to kill them all."

Feng Xionglin and Zhu Yiwen looked at each other in bewilderment.

The way the young man from the Yu family turned the tide in that wave of trouble, and his strategic planning in the depths of hell, led them to believe that the young man had already devised a plan to turn the tide.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Ayou."

"exist."

"To entertain guests."

"understand!"

Lin Shuyou led Feng Xionglin and Zhu Yiwen to the brickyard. It was just getting late, and there was still a long time before supper, enough time to do some team building activities.

Instead of sitting here and trying to find topics to chat about, it's better to show them something real. They're here with the mindset of jumping into a fire pit, not to hang themselves or seek death.

Stepping down from the dam, Zhu Yiwen relaxed, distancing himself from Li Zhuiyuan and the old lady. He nudged Runsheng, who had accompanied him to the brickyard, and said with a grin:

"I've brought a lot of good stuff in my donkey cart, all of it is whole cut."

Runsheng hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll be satisfied. These are all my treasured possessions."

Seeing the joy in Zhu Yiwen's eyes, Runsheng could only nod.

He no longer needs to add spices to his meals, and when he hears Zhu Yiwen describe those dirty meats, he feels no urge to eat them, and he doesn't even have the same craving for Zhu Yiwen as he used to.

Upon arriving at the kiln, after showing everyone where they would be resting for the night, Lin Shuyou cut straight to the point, saying:

"Shall we have a friendly spar?"

Tan Wenbin had to stay home to handle the follow-up reception, so he didn't come along, which made Ayou seem very awkward.

Fortunately, everyone was satisfied with this fast pace. This kind of mutual assessment before forming teams was to be expected. Furthermore, the stronger Li Zhuiyuan's team was, the more likely it would be an eight-out-of-ten chance of survival for them.

Zhu Yiwen: "Brother Feng, come on over."

The two sides had met more than once, and Zhu Yiwen knew what kind of style Lin Shuyou followed; close combat was not Zhu Yiwen's forte.

Feng Xionglin didn't stand on ceremony. He touched his bald head and, together with Lin Shuyou, went to the open space of the brickyard. He said bluntly:
"I reckon I'm no match for Brother Lin, but I've made some progress lately, so Brother Lin shouldn't underestimate me, haha."

Zhu Yiwen tried to lighten the mood by saying, "Brother Feng, what you said is inappropriate. If you can get a promotion from the merits of the river, why can't Brother Yuan and Brother Lin? They will only get more merits than us."

Lin Shuyou blinked.

Since they started their journey in Jiangqi, they've basically been raised step by step by Xiao Yuan Ge. The little bit of merit they have left is mostly used for taxis and meals.

Feng Xionglin's eyes narrowed, and a deep, muffled bell sound came from within his body, causing the already solid ground of the kiln to tremble.

He stood there like a small mountain; without the courage to move it, no one dared to look him in the eye.

Zhu Yiwen observed carefully and sensed a balance of strength and gentleness in Feng Xionglin. Was this because the Feng family's original techniques had also been altered?
Then, recalling that Feng Xionglin knew the ghost messenger and had even been here before, Zhu Yiwen immediately felt regret: he was too late, and the bald man had stolen the food!

He had warmly invited Runsheng to visit him, but Runsheng did not come. How could he be so foolish? If Runsheng didn't come, couldn't he have brought the ingredients and gone to his door earlier?
Feng Xionglin looked at Lin Shuyou and smiled, "Brother Lin, how is it?"

Lin Shuyou: "I just finished polishing it recently, and I haven't really practiced using it yet, so be careful."

Zhu Yiwen: "Pfft... Hahaha!"

Feng Xionglin patted his head and laughed along, not angry at all.

Lin Shuyou drew his Meishan twin swords.

Feng Xionglin: "Brother Lin, you're using a knife instead of a mace?"

Lin Shuyou: "Yes, this is a new knife that Brother Xiaoyuan forged for me."

Feng Xionglin: "It is indeed no ordinary item, but the Feng family has skin of copper and bones of iron. Let Brother Lin's knife test this body!"

Lin Shuyou has activated True Monarch mode.

Feng Xionglin's smile vanished; the familiar pressure was still there.

"Um, just so you know, Brother Lin, you're not going to use those talisman needles, are you?"

"Need not."

"That's fine. I believe I can still hold my own against Brother Lin."

It was just a joke earlier. After all, a sparring match wouldn't be a matter of life and death, let alone using any overdraft techniques on the verge of a major battle. Feng Xionglin was just using this to convey his current strength to Li Zhuiyuan.

Moreover, a blunt weapon like a mace would actually be a disadvantage for him, but since he has switched to a sword, he is not so worried about it anymore.

Lin Shuyou began to practice spirit writing.

Inside the dojo, General Zeng's talisman armor was erected, and the formation began to operate.

Lin Shuyou successfully initiated a spirit mediumship, and the official general descended, his aura suddenly doubling.

Feng Xionglin's eyes widened immediately, and he instinctively cursed, "Damn it..."

Zhu Yiwen closed his folding fan, his face also showing shock.

Lin Shuyou tilted his head.

Feng Xionglin raised his hand: "Brother Lin, I'm sorry, I just couldn't control myself... Let me confirm again, Brother Lin, you didn't use any secret techniques?"

Lin Shuyou: "No."

Feng Xionglin: "Brother Lin, can you maintain this state indefinitely?"

Lin Shuyou: "No."

Theoretically speaking, both the White Crane Boy and General Zeng have a durability value for their power transformation, and it cannot be delayed indefinitely.

Feng Xionglin: "Brother Lin, if that's the case, then please..."

Zhu Yiwen: "If it can't be maintained indefinitely, how long can it be maintained?"

Lin Shuyou: "It was the state I was in before I inserted the talisman needles."

Feng Xionglin's lips parted slightly.

Zhu Yiwen stood up and gasped.

What kind of method can instantly double a person's strength without overdrawing on secret techniques?
Zhu Yiwen: "Brother Feng, let's have a go. I want to see things more directly."

Feng Xionglin: "Brother Zhu, are you after my hands and feet?"

Zhu Yiwen shook his head: "The Feng family members are tough and chewy, they won't cook properly, and they don't taste good. I don't want them."

Lin Shuyou: "Um, shall we fight or not?"

Feng Xionglin adjusted his breathing, touched his arms together and crossed them, and three consecutive bell tolls emanated from his body.

"Come on, Brother Lin, please show mercy!"

The almost obvious air of confidence made Feng Xionglin realize that he was no match for Lin Shuyou, but since he had already put on airs, he still had to exchange blows.

Lin Shuyou: "I'm here."

Feng Xionglin: "Come on!"

Lin Shuyou moved, holding his twin swords horizontally, and quickly closed in.

As they walked, the essence of the scene flowed out. It was here that Li Zhuiyuan had asked that diabetic patient for guidance, and it had not been in vain.

The most direct effect of creating a sense of atmosphere is that it makes it difficult for your opponent to predict your moves, avoid rigidity, and thus make it hard to judge.

Feng Xionglin lowered his center of gravity, first raising his left arm, his muscles tensing, intending to parry a move and then decide whether to use his right arm for defense or counterattack.

Facing such an opponent is like facing a powerful evil spirit on a river. It is difficult to take the initiative and control the situation. There is no room for tricks, and you have to be careful in every move.

Lin Shuyou flicked her female blade, using minimal force to deflect a powerful attack. Feng Xionglin was astonished to find that his left arm and the entire defensive system formed around it had been easily neutralized. Furthermore, the female blade slashed horizontally, blocking his next reaction in advance.

Is this still the same Lin Shuyou I remember, the one who charged forward fiercely with a pair of golden maces?

At this moment, Feng Xionglin felt like he was being taught by his grandfather when he was a child. The elders not only overwhelmed him with absolute strength, but also countered him with skill.

Lin Shuyou himself didn't know what move he was using. The feeling he had when he was holding two swords was the same as when he was studying with books at Old Zhai's house.

"Buzz!"

Just as the sword was about to fall, Lin Shuyou realized what was happening and stopped the blade.

Feng Xionglin crossed his right arm in front of him and staggered backward.

Such formidable strength, combined with the sharpness of the blade, was enough to make the Feng family members at this stage feel insecure about their bodies.

If Lin Shuyou hadn't stopped, the knife would have landed on him. He probably wouldn't have been killed instantly, but he would most likely have lost his right hand.

If your right hand gets cut off as soon as the fight starts, what's the point of fighting? Even if you had three heads and six arms, it would only be a matter of dying sooner or later.

Feng Xionglin began to pant, still shaken.

Lin Shuyou sheathed his twin swords and, according to etiquette, said, "Thank you for the courtesy."

Zhu Yiwen spoke up, "Brother Feng, do you feel like you're facing an elder in your family?"

Feng Xionglin nodded.

The application of this power and skill has reached a level that requires the passage of time to mature.

Zhu Yiwen: "Hahahaha, I'm going to have meat to eat! I'm going to have meat to eat!"

Feng Xionglin rubbed his bald head: "Then I'll collect more good-looking hair and see if I can transplant some for myself."

After laughing, Zhu Yiwen sighed, "I'm almost glad I came."

Feng Xionglin: "It seems you've considered standing on the other side?"

Zhu Yiwen: "I don't believe you've never been tempted."

Feng Xionglin: "I've been tempted, but who would be willing to risk their life? Now it seems that standing here is the only way to save my life."

No wonder that person said it was "simple," because it only requires simplicity. As long as you don't get surrounded, act quickly, and defeat them one by one before they have time to organize and band together... no, it's practically a massacre.

Based on their understanding of Li Zhuiyuan's team, Lin Shuyou was definitely not the strongest one. That would be equivalent to a team composed of people close to the elders of the family, going one-on-one against the younger generation on the river.

Damn it, I thought that after Yuxi, I had worked hard to get closer to the other party, but I didn't expect that the distance would be widened even more and more ridiculously.

Zhu Yiwen was completely relieved, and in a good mood, he wanted to fry meat.

Once the fire is lit, heat the pan first. After white smoke appears, spray some high-boiling-point refined zombie oil, then add the pork chops...

A carefully prepared delicious dish was served to Runsheng by Zhu Yiwen.

Runsheng picked up his chopsticks, took a piece, and put it in his mouth.

Then, under Zhu Yiwen's eager gaze, Runsheng vomited.

Zhu Yiwen was dumbfounded.

The astonishment at this moment was no less than that when Lin Shuyou first displayed his strength, and perhaps even greater.

In this vast world, true friends are hard to find. The harmonious relationship I came to expect has turned into betrayal.

Feng Xionglin walked over and said, "When we first met, I thought I was mistaken. Brother Runsheng, there wasn't a trace of that smell on you anymore. It seems that you have successfully washed away that shackle? Congratulations, Brother Runsheng!"

Such a dramatic change in physique is not unprecedented in the martial arts world, but it also makes Feng Xionglin doubt Runsheng's current strength.

Runsheng didn't realize Feng Xionglin's ulterior motives; he just looked at Zhu Yiwen, who had a sorrowful expression on his face.

After much thought, I realized I couldn't be so ungrateful as to betray their kindness.

Runsheng broke the seal.

His eyes were white, and his exposed skin had a thick, ink-like texture.

In an instant, a terrifying pressure surged forth, forcing Feng Xionglin to bend over despite his efforts. Zhu Yiwen, whose physique was already weak and who was a novice, was directly forced to his knees with a thud by the powerful shockwave.

Runsheng reached out, picked up a piece of meat, and put it in his mouth. As he chewed, a long-lost look of enjoyment appeared on his face.

Li Sanjiang walked along the village road with a cigarette dangling from his mouth. He had just gone to the village office, and they were already urging him to come again.

"Sigh, we still have to build this shed."

Li Sanjiang was mainly worried that if the setup wasn't done properly and the technician left, there would be trouble if something wasn't done correctly.

"Uncle Li!"

"Ok?"

Li Sanjiang looked up and saw Mu Qiuying carrying a zither on her back.

Zhang Li, who was leading the way, bowed respectfully to Li Sanjiang.

Unfortunately, the old man couldn't see him.

Li Sanjiang: "Girl, you've come to this area to perform again?"

Mu Qiuying: "Huh? Hmm!"

Li Sanjiang: "Business is a bit better now that it's Chinese New Year, right?"

Mu Qiuying: "Yes!"

Li Sanjiang: "Let's go home for dinner, and I'll sing a song tonight."

Mu Qiuying: "Okay!"

In the past, it was considered a form of care for folk artists who traveled around, exchanging performances for food and lodging.

Zhang Li silently stepped aside, and there was no need for him to guide the way from here on out.

This is also why he had specifically reminded Feng Xionglin and Zhu Yiwen to play the role of ordinary people in front of Grandpa Li, otherwise who knows what kind of role they would be assigned next.

Zhang Li floated back to the pavilion and found three incense sticks stuck in his incense burner, along with some snacks.

Huh?
Someone has come to our aid, but the question is, where is that person?

"Oh no, I've gone the wrong way!" Zhang Li quickly floated towards the bearded man's house.

Although he didn't know what was happening in the martial arts world recently, Zhang Lineng had a feeling that the sudden gathering of so many "big shots" must mean that something big was about to happen.

We can't afford to get beaten up right now.

As dinner time approached, Benben finished his afternoon lesson with Master Sun and was playing with Xiao Hei on the dam.

Little Black raised its tail alertly. Black dogs are naturally sensitive to evil spirits and are considered to ward off evil.

However, this was a familiar evil, and Little Black immediately retracted its tail.

Benben looked up at Zhang Li, who was floating towards him.

Zhang Li pointed to the peach grove and then made a whipping motion.

Benben shook his head.

Zhang Li was puzzled. If they didn't go to the peach grove, where did they go?

"I didn't think much of you before, but your carefree attitude today has made me look at you in a new light."

Xu Mofan arrived with Xia He.

He lit incense in the pavilion, but before the ghost messengers arrived, he sensed the aura coming from the kiln, so he went to the kiln.

Upon arrival, Xu Mofan was impressed by the calm and composure displayed by Feng Xionglin, Zhu Yiwen, and others who were laughing and chatting in the face of danger.

Feng Xionglin: "Actually, we also wanted to be a little cautious."

Zhu Yiwen: "But even though the ground is solid, it's like walking on thin ice."

Xu Mofan glanced at the sleeping bags lined up in the kiln and asked, "Will we be sleeping here tonight?"

Feng Xionglin: "Yes, they went back to have dinner with that old man Li. There will be a bonfire party here later, and they even told us to save room for a late-night snack."

Zhu Yiwen glanced behind Xu Mofan and, finding no one with him, reminded him:

"Brother Xu, did you not go to pay your respects to the old lady?"

Xia He replied, "I lit incense in the pavilion, but there was no one to guide me."

Zhu Yiwen: "They must be guiding someone else. Brother Xu, please wait a little longer. We have already paid our respects to the old lady."

In any other place, they would have led Xu Mofan there, but here there is a proper order of reception, and guests cannot lead each other.

Xu Mofan nodded: "Of course, I must pay my respects to the old lady."

Xia He picked up the luggage she had just put down: "Young Master, please wait for me."

Feng Xionglin picked up some hair oil, rubbed it on himself, and laughed, "People who wield guns are just so arrogant."

Zhu Yiwen: "It's okay, just beat him up and bend his gun."

When Xu Mofan was led there by Zhang Li, dinner had already been eaten on the dam, and Mu Qiuying was playing the zither and singing opera there.

As the play drew to a close, Li Sanjiang led the applause, praising her singing and asking if she had learned any children's opera from Nantong.

Mu Qiuying: "Never."

Li Sanjiang: "Girl, if you want to make a living here, you have to learn."

Mu Qiuying: "Okay, I'll learn it now."

Li Sanjiang: "Zhuangzhuang, arrange for them to stay at Big Beard's house."

Tan Wenbin: "Okay, sir."

Li Sanjiang: "By the way, let's start building the greenhouse tomorrow and try to finish it in a few days."

Tan Wenbin: "Okay."

Li Sanjiang went inside, upstairs, and back to his room.

Mu Qiuying put away her guqin and looked at Liu Yumei.

Liu Yumei: "If we have guests from outside, you, as family, should make room for us."

Mu Qiuying: "Yes, Madam."

As Xu Mofan walked along the path, he passed by Mu Qiuying.

Zhang Li understood and then led Mu Qiuying to the kiln.

Xu Mofan walked to the dam and bowed solemnly to Liu Yumei.

"Mo Fan greets the old lady!"

Liu Yumei: "Next time I go back to the Qin family ancestral home, I will stop by Xu Fengzhi's grave in Luoyang."

Xu Mofan was stunned for a moment, and then his eyes reddened.

Tan Wenbin turned his head to Li Zhuiyuan's side and whispered, "Brother Xiaoyuan, I'm starting to wonder if the old lady also has a crack in the door between life and death."

Li Zhuiyuan glanced at Tan Wenbin.

Given the old lady's background and status, there were very few people for her to observe and read. However, this does not mean that the old lady was not good at understanding people's hearts. Otherwise, how could Master Qin have been so easily swayed?
It is only rumored in the martial arts world that Lord Qin was deeply infatuated with Miss Liu and pursued her relentlessly back then, but even fish need to be fed regularly.

No wonder the old lady often scolded Aunt Liu, saying that she was not ambitious enough.

After offering incense inside the house, Xu Mofan looked up at the night sky and took a deep breath.

The phrase "Let's go visit Xu Fengzhi's grave" coupled with the empty Dragon King tablet on the altar kept the gunman well-fed.

Even if a group of lamplighters surged down from below the dam, Xu Mofan would not hesitate to charge down with his gun, for he would go even if there were thousands of people against him!
As Xu Mofan passed by Li Zhuiyuan, he simply bowed and then went down the dam to the kiln.

Li Zhuiyuan had promised him that he would give him a detailed explanation of spear techniques every time they met on the river, but he didn't want to talk business at this time; he hadn't come for any benefit.

Tan Wenbin: "It feels like Ah You didn't even need to sharpen this gun; he sharpened it himself."

The same applies to Mu Qiuying. Today, Mu Family Village has reverted to the shape of the Dragon King Willow, where prosperity and adversity are intertwined.

Li Zhuiyuan looked at Yayoi, and Yayoi walked over.

When should we hook the fish?

"the day after tomorrow."

Li Zhuiyuan walked towards Liu Yumei: "According to the date on the invitation, Grandma, you have to leave tomorrow."

Liu Yumei: "Yes, I'll set off tomorrow morning. I'll take my seat early so I don't miss the start of the show."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Grandma can use the Liu family's secret technique to leave her true form outside the temple..."

Liu Yumei raised her hand, interrupting the young man: "No, this young lady wants to go to Qinglong Temple in person so that I can see clearly and laugh purely."

On someone else's turf, everything is restricted. Li Zhuiyuan's identity as a river traveler makes people wary, but Grandma Liu can incite a feud between the martial arts world and the underworld.

But since Grandma has started referring to herself as "this young lady," it means she doesn't intend to reason with people on this matter.

Li Zhuiyuan: "Then I'll stay outside and kill even more fiercely."

Liu Yumei: "Yes, Xiaoyuan, the more ruthlessly you kill those younger generation outside, the safer it will be for Grandma to watch the ceremony at the temple."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Then Grandma, you should rest early tonight and get some rest."

Liu Yumei: "Are any other people coming tonight?"

Li Zhuiyuan: "There should still be some."

Liu Yumei: "If they come, let them come over. Anyway, I can't sleep tonight, so let them see everyone they need to see. They're all good kids."

Li Zhuiyuan: "Yes."

Liu Yumei got up, went into the east room, closed the door, and sat down in front of the offering table.

"Finally, I don't have to look at your lifeless faces anymore. Hehe, I'm going to the temple to watch a face-changing performance."

……

"It is your warm gaze that teaches me to look forward with determination, reminding me not to give up when I fall..."

The three-wheeled karaoke motorcycle drove to the entrance of the village road.

The human-looking white rat smiled and waved to Zhang Li in the pavilion, tossing him a personally prepared offering.

Zhang Li packed his things, floated onto the three-wheeled motorcycle, and prepared to lead him to the kiln.

Just then, a chubby boy walked towards the village entrance.

The chubby boy carried a tall basket on his back, which was filled with pots, pans, and utensils.

White rat: "Squeak!!!"

The sudden appearance of a competitor vying for business spurred the white rat to reveal its true voice.

Zhang Li quickly reassured him, "No, no, this is Lord Wang Lin. Please wait here while I take Lord Wang to pay my respects."

The white rat breathed a sigh of relief and slumped onto the motorcycle.

After Zhang Li led Wang Lin to meet the old lady, on the way back, Wang Lin looked at the starry sky.

He was unmoved by the Dragon King tablet on the altar because his "birth" was sudden, and he had no past.

But the old lady's words were still echoing in his ears.

"Books are inanimate, but the writing and drawing on them are traces of your life."

Arriving at the brickyard on a three-wheeled motorcycle, the big white rat's eyes gleamed when it saw the large group of people.

It could sense that this group of people were all full of merit.

Turning his head, the white rat discovered that Wang Lin was also unloading goods and setting up the stove.

Wang Lin smiled and said, "You do yours, I'll just make a traditional pastry."

Upon hearing this, the white rat happily waved its shovel.

Li Zhuiyuan brought A Li over, and Chen Xiyuan and Luo Xiaoyu had also arrived long ago. Miss Chen didn't join the conversation much; she just held two chopsticks and stared intently at the white rat and Wang Lin's pot.

However, when she arrived, Chen Xiyuan followed instructions and brought over Qing'an's stored wine, which was a fine peach blossom wine that had been purified by Qing'an.

The wine was already quite intoxicating, and with no one making an effort to sober up, the atmosphere gradually became more lively as each dish was served.

Ah-you tried to touch the wine bowl several times, but Tan Wenbin stopped him each time.

"Go, pour some soy milk for Brother Xiaoyuan and A Li."

At the entrance to the village road, Zhang Li continued to flip through the newspaper.

Unbeknownst to him, Tao Zhuming sat leaning against a tree by the roadside, a look of disappointment on his face.

He had been there for a while, but he didn't go in immediately because he was waiting for someone.

If he hadn't come, he wouldn't have demanded that the other person appear, but now that he was here, he hoped that the other person would come, even though he knew how slim that hope was.

Unlike himself, Ling Wuxing could not remain neutral even if he hadn't been ordered by his grandfather to come and die. He had no choice but to take sides.

"Enough, enough, my dear brother. It seems that after this, we'll only be able to perform stand-up comedy together."

The sudden remark startled Zhang Li so much that he almost thought he had seen a ghost.

Upon seeing Tao Zhuming, he flipped through the roster so many times he couldn't tell which official he was.

Tao Zhuming waved his hand and said, "Don't bother looking, I'm not up there. I'm a dog that comes to bite people with its own food."

Dog...Master Gou?

Zhang Li: "Sir, please come with me."

Tao Zhuming followed them into the village, observing the village scenery under the night sky while sighing:
"Really? It's so much better to live far away from the ancestral home. It's so much more free. That person really knows how to manage a household."

Zhang Li: "Sir, please wait a moment while I go in and inform the old lady."

Tao Zhuming shrugged: Well, so it turns out that the one who lives with her elders is not as good as me.

Upon entering the east room, Tao Zhuming abandoned all his laziness and adopted the solemnity of a legitimate successor of the Dragon King family. He bowed to Liu Yumei and then solemnly offered incense to the memorial tablet.

"sit down."

"Madam Xie."

Liu Yumei pushed a plate of snacks in front of Tao Zhuming, who didn't stand on ceremony and ate them one after another. He was indeed hungry after waiting outside for Ling Wuxing for so long.

"I didn't expect you to come, but now that I see you, I know what your grandfather is thinking."

"Madam, I'm not afraid to admit it, but when something really happens, I'm not afraid to die. However, if I know something is about to happen, I'll be afraid to die and try to avoid it in advance."

"It seems you don't understand what your grandfather meant."

"Please enlighten me, Madam."

"The fewer clean things there are in this world, the harder it is for the rest to remain clean."

Tao Zhuming stood up and bowed:
"Zhu Ming understands."

This isn't helping the Qin family; it's helping the Tao family.

With just a few words from the old lady, Tao Zhuming's stance shifted from helping others to fighting for his own family, but he felt that the old lady was right.

"Has your grandfather still not broken that bad habit?"

"Hehe, I often talk about him too, but I guess he'll never change in this lifetime. Oh well, let him be. Only by picking out the filth can it be clean."

"Your mouth is just like your grandfather's when he was young."

Tao Zhuming: It turns out that Grandpa was quite the comedian in front of Lord Qin and the old lady back then.

Liu Yumei: "We don't hold any grudges or favors. We should just do what we should do according to the code of conduct in the martial arts world."

Tao Zhuming: "Thank you, Madam Xie."

Tao Zhuming understood. This didn't mean he was ungrateful, but rather that Qin Liu would lend a hand whenever needed, as long as it didn't violate the code of chivalry.

After descending the dam, Tao Zhuming headed towards the kiln factory, guided by Zhang Li.

During the journey, Zhang Li said with a smile, "Lord Tao, you can also call your entourage over for a get-together."

Tao Zhuming: "They don't need it."

Zhang Li thought to himself, "That won't do. Manager Tan asked me to make a work registration form. We need to build a greenhouse for Grandpa Li tomorrow."

"Those adults and their entourage are all here too; we are all one family here."

"Alright then, I'll do as the Romans do." After signaling to his men, Tao Zhuming asked, "Are all the people on the roster here?"

Zhang Li looked hesitant.

Tao Zhuming: "If it's inconvenient to say, then forget it."

Zhang Li: "You were received by the old lady, so you can't be considered an outsider. To be frank with you, there is still one person on the list who hasn't arrived yet."

Tao Zhuming: "Who?"

Zhang Li: "Command the Five Elements, command the Great One."

Upon hearing this name, Tao Zhuming stopped in his tracks.

Zhang Li: "Lord Tao, what's wrong?"

Tao Zhuming's face turned red, and his hands clenched tightly.

Well, well, they even called out to Ling Wuxing, but they didn't even acknowledge me!
Grandpa, you're right, I really am a terrible person.

After calming down, Tao Zhuming signaled Zhang Li to continue leading the way, but to his surprise, Zhang Li refused to go this time.

Tao Zhuming: What's wrong with you?

Zhang Li: "Please wait a moment, Lord Tao. Someone has burned incense in my pavilion!"

Tao Zhuming rushed towards the village entrance at a faster speed than Zhang Li.

There stood several figures, supporting each other, all clearly injured.

The leader, with a hideous scar on his face, chaotic breathing, and severe injuries, was none other than Ling Wuxing.

Clearly, Wu Xing paid a heavy price to get here.

Tao Zhuming: "Haha, your brother, your brother, I've been waiting for you so long!"

Ling Wuxing looked at Tao Zhuming in surprise:
"They actually called you too?"

Tao Zhuming: "..."

At the entrance of the east room.

The Five Elements were ordered to kneel down.

"Let Ling Wuxing pay his respects to the old lady."

The door remained closed, but a voice drifted out:
"It's late, I've already gone to bed. You young people can go and have fun on your own."

The word "stubborn" made Ling Wuxing's forehead touch the ground, and he kowtowed again.

The old lady meant that the feud with the Ling family should be left to the Li family head to settle.

This is already the greatest reward for his arrival today.

Tao Zhuming waited for Ling Wuxing, and the two of them went to the kiln together.

Here, the peak of the banquet had passed, and everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, entering a phase of chatting and occasionally snacking on small dishes and sipping wine.

Upon seeing Ling Wuxing and Tao Zhuming appear, Tan Wenbin smiled, stood up, and walked over, putting his arm around one of them, saying:
"You two have come at just the right time. We've been waiting for you. Please sit down, please sit down. You can eat and chat at the same time."

Tao Zhuming first looked at Li Zhuiyuan sitting there, but dared not voice his complaints to the young man. He could only say to Tan Wenbin:

"I need to check carefully, in case they haven't reserved a seat for me."

Tan Wenbin: "We didn't make any reservations. We were just hoping that you would turn against us and cooperate from the inside."

Tao Zhuming: "Then... I'll leave?"

Ling Wuxing suddenly slapped his thigh, aggravating his injuries, and his lips trembled:
"Oh dear, all that injury was for nothing. I should have known better than to rush over here. At least I could have been a leader on the other side!"

The whole room burst into laughter.

early morning.

Li Sanjiang squatted by the dam, smoking with a bitter face.

Last night, Liu Yumei mentioned to him that she wanted to take Lihou and Tinghou home. This morning, when Li Sanjiang got up, he didn't see Lihou and Tinghou. Runsheng made breakfast.

Tan Wenbin walked over, squatted down, took out two cigarettes, tucked one behind Grandpa Li's ear, and lit the other himself.

"Grandpa, what's troubling you?"

"I'm worried about how to set up this greenhouse today. We've lost two more people."

"Work? There are plenty of people here, sir. We have plenty of people."

"Where are you going to find people at the end of the year?"

"Look, sir, the person has arrived!"

Li Sanjiang looked up and, sure enough, saw a group of people walking towards them on the village road in the distance.

"Grandpa, I assure you, these people are all top-notch workers. They can build this greenhouse for you in just one day. You can get ready to give them their wages and bonuses."

Whether you're a prince or a commoner, no matter how influential you were or how much trouble you stirred up,
Once we get here,

They all have to be paid the next day!

(End of this chapter)