A leisurely life in the world of cultivation

Chapter 116 Green Snake
After regaining her senses, Zhou Yueniang quickly returned the greeting with a smile and said, "Greetings, Sister Feng. Last night, my husband mentioned you, saying that you have also passed the Dragon Gate and entered the Upper Three Passes. He even invited you, Sister Feng, to join our family as a servant. He was very happy, and I am happy too."

The last four characters emphasized the tone.

She wasn't lying; she was genuinely happy.

Having come from a background in the martial arts world, she understood all too well what adding a Martial Grandmaster as a foundation meant for a family.

As the matriarch of the Li family, she already knew which aspect to consider.

Feng Biwu looked into her eyes, and after a moment of eye contact, she smiled.

Men often view women through a hazy, indistinct lens, focusing primarily on their face or their breasts...

A stunningly beautiful woman with a large bust, whose every word is already three-tenths correct.

But women see women differently; they can tell the truth from the falsehood with just a glance.

Feng Biwu saw the goodwill in Zhou Yueniang's eyes, so her smile was sincere, and she said, "Master is very fortunate to be able to marry Madam."

Li Weizhou laughed heartily, his words carrying a double meaning: "It's all good fortune, all good fortune. Yueniang, take Sister Feng to the East Courtyard to choose a courtyard, consider it her home here. From now on, the safety of this family will mainly depend on the two of you." Seeing his younger sister watching eagerly from the side, he added, "When Ximei also leaps over the dragon gate and becomes a Martial Grandmaster, wow, our family will each have a Martial Grandmaster in the East, West, and Central regions, making us a powerful force in the world! Then I can go out and do great things without worrying about the safety of the family anymore."

Xi Mei was overjoyed, beaming with happiness, and said she would definitely work hard.

Zhou Yueniang glanced at Li Weizhou, then asked with concern, "Husband, are you going out?"

Li Weizhou said, "After seeing my father-in-law off, I'm going to Shenji Valley to do some work. That's a key place. But I've turned it into a deadly trap, full of deadly traps. No one can go there on their own without my guidance. Don't get yourself into trouble."

Zhou Yueniang's expression turned solemn. She nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Xi Mei remembered something and asked, "Brother, before Uncle left, he said he would give us all the servants in the house, many of whom were born into the household. Uncle didn't take many with him. Should we hire them to work at our house?" She paused and added, "Sister-in-law, what do you think?"

Zhou Yueniang smiled and looked at Li Weizhou, saying, "It's your decision."

Li Weizhou thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Forget it, I don't like strangers. Our family is small, just these few people. I usually cook when I'm home, and Aunt Liu cooks when I'm not. We don't need them anymore. Let them stay in the fort. Next year when we reclaim Dayuan Mountain, we won't have to worry about them not having a place to use their skills. They can be managers or something."

Zhou Yueniang said softly, "The family is growing larger and larger. If we don't keep a few people here... we might not be able to manage."

Li Weizhou thought for a moment and said, "Then you can decide, just keep a few cleaning women. Actually, the population won't increase much in the next three to five years. We're still young, no rush to have children." He winked.

We made an agreement last night that we would give birth after going to the spirit world, and that we would nurture the child with spiritual energy during the pregnancy so that the child would be born with the physique of a Breaking Six Martial Warrior.

Strength is secondary; the main thing is that they are easy to care for, don't get sick, and aren't afraid of being thrown around or beaten.

Then there's really no need to worry about anything, just keep having as many children as you want!

Forget about it now, it's too much effort...

Zhou Yueniang couldn't help but chuckle when she thought of that reason, and said shyly, "Go ahead and do your work."

Feng Biwu reminded him, "Qi Zhenkun is coming to pick up his arm today, don't forget."

Li Weizhou laughed heartily, exchanged a glance with Feng Biwu, made a promise with his eyes to meet again that evening, patted Ximei on the head, and left in a dashing manner!

……

Li Weizhou left his house and returned to Shiqiao Street, where he saw Zhou Zhixian and others loading a truck.

He stepped forward with a smile and said to Zhou Zhixian, "Father-in-law, please take your time. You'll be back by tonight. I've had someone prepare a banner and mourning clothes; this is just a token of our respect."

The old brothers from the escort agency around him burst into laughter, quite pleased: "It was worth it. We originally thought we'd die by a hail of knives sooner or later, not even able to keep our bodies intact, let alone have anyone to see us off. Now that we have a son-in-law to see us off early, it's all worth it."

Li Weizhou said cheerfully, "It's my duty, it's my duty, it's all what I should do."

Everyone burst into laughter again.

Among the group, Wu Lin, a slightly weaker-looking man, was secretly amazed. He never imagined that his Ming King's son-in-law would be such a person.

I've seen many extraordinary people in the martial arts world, but one who is this extraordinary is truly one of a kind.

What's so strange about it?

Isn't it amazing that he could captivate so many extraordinary women of his time?!
Zhou Zhi first cautioned, "You need to be careful too. Xiao Yichen is the disciple on whom Shangqing Palace places high hopes, and he's practically the chosen successor. If he's lost here, Shangqing Palace won't let it go easily."

Li Weizhou smiled and nodded, saying, "I understand. So you should go early and come back early."

Zhou Zhixian: "..." So they're expecting him to take the fall?!

Wu Lin coughed lightly and said, "Young Master, the head镖师 (bodyguard/escort) was injured by a villain a few years ago and has not yet fully recovered. If the Shangqing Palace launches a full-scale attack, the head镖师 alone may not be able to withstand it."

Li Weizhou wasn't worried and laughed, "Unless Shangqing Palace really intends to expel the clan, they won't dare. My sister Situ will also be visiting to pay respects to the clan soon, so there shouldn't be any problem."

Without further provoking these rough men, Li Weizhou cupped his hands and said, "I won't see my father-in-law off. I'll be back tonight anyway. I'll go to Zuixianglou to check. Sister Feng said Qi Zhenkun is here. I'll go and give Qi Zhenkun Xiao Yichen's arm so he can use it to do her a favor."

Although we're told there's nothing to be afraid of, we still need to make some preparations.

Hearing him say this, the group became even more speechless, and they returned the greeting with clasped hands, watching the master leave.

Guan Cheng stroked his uneven, straw-like hair, wondering, "We're both men, how can there be such a big difference?"

He really wants to have so many wonderful older sisters!

……

Dongshi Street, Zuixianglou.

In front of the gate, Qi Zhenkun, sporting a bald head, was intently examining the arm and hand hanging above the main gate, probably wanting to see what kind of arm could wield such unpredictable swordsmanship.

Although the Tai Xuan Jin of Shangqing Palace is remarkable, and the Shangqing Zixiao Sword Technique can be considered a first-rate sword technique in the world, it is still slightly inferior to the Tianyuan Sword Technique of Yuanjian Mountain.

However, the power of the Shangqing Zixiao Sword Technique in Xiao Yichen's hands was simply astonishing; it would not be an exaggeration to describe it as extraordinary.

With unrestrained sword intent, he slew Shen Qianzhong, the leader of the Blazing Fire Hall of the Demonic Cult, at the Mountain God Temple, at the level of a newly awakened Martial Grandmaster.

It should be noted that Shen Qianzhong is a veteran martial arts master who has been famous in the martial arts world for decades, and his strength is only one step away from that of a martial saint.

Xiao Yichen became famous in one battle, and there is almost no doubt that he will become famous in the martial arts world in the future with his ability to break through seven and slay eight. The resurgence of Shangqing Palace is just around the corner.

However, it was all ruined in this brothel.

Li Weizhou is quite an extraordinary person; he actually possesses such powerful hidden weapons that even a Martial Grandmaster like Xiao Yichen can be threatened. Impressive…

It was worth it for him to have that brilliant idea to bring Xiao Yichen here.

Unfortunately, the initial plan was for both sides to suffer losses...

With these thoughts in mind, Qi Zhenkun withdrew his gaze, turned his head east, and laughed heartily, as amiable as a Maitreya Buddha.

Li Weizhou smiled brightly, just like a pure white lotus, and cupped his hands, saying, "Brother Pang, you've arrived early."

Qi Zhenkun wasn't annoyed. He smiled and said, "Xiao Yichen and I have a close relationship. Besides, the incident happened here at Yuanjian Mountain, which really worried me. So, the time I agreed with Brother Li has arrived, so I came early to return Brother Xiao's arm to its rightful owner as soon as possible. I also hope to clear up any misunderstandings between your two families."

Li Weizhou said earnestly, "With your words of encouragement, Brother Qi, I will not hold a grudge. I will not even ask Xiao Yichen for the house in the capital. Brother Qi, please pass on a message for me: we are all people of the martial world, and it is inevitable that misunderstandings and conflicts will occasionally occur. Let's just talk things out. Anyway, I never hold grudges. You see, the disciples of Shangqing Palace have been guarding my door for two days, and I have not harmed them at all."

As he spoke, he pointed to two Shangqing Palace disciples across the street who looked haggard and almost like beggars; they were the ones who stayed behind to protect Xiao Yichen's arm.

Qi Zhenkun could hardly laugh anymore. How could someone be so shameless? He had even cut off someone's path, yet he could still talk about it so casually, as if it were just a misunderstanding or conflict.

Damn it!

However, he still had to nod and chuckle, saying, "Yes, yes, Brother Li, you're really... a good person." Then, changing the subject, he asked, "So, can I take this arm now?"

Li Weizhou generously said, "Of course, you can take it. Actually, you can just give it to these two Shangqing Palace disciples. They've been guarding here for two days and two nights; it hasn't been easy for them."

The two people were actually slightly moved by what they heard...

Qi Zhenkun said solemnly, "Let me do it. I dare not be careless again. Brother Xiao has offended the Demonic Sect by killing Shen Qianzhong with his sword. I am worried that the Demonic Sect will try to take his arm to vent their anger. I also happen to be going to Luozhou anyway, so this is just a side trip."

Li Weizhou didn't mind and said with a smile, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Qi."

Qi Zhenkun smiled and, in a flash, removed Xiao Yichen's arm.

Once you reach the Martial Grandmaster realm of the Upper Three Gates, even without specifically training your body, you already possess a body of golden jade bones. It won't smell bad even after being left to dry for two days, let alone in winter.

It seems the blood has still dried up...

That's fine, otherwise Shangqing Palace might have been able to use a secret method to connect it.

Hmm, maybe we should linger on the road for a couple more days...

After a moment of reflection, Qi Zhenkun packed the package away and said to Li Weizhou, "Brother Li, then we'll meet again sometime. When I return, I'll invite you to visit my Yuanjian Mountain."

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "Of course, of course."

But who knows if Xiao Yichen will let this kind and amiable fat man come back after seeing the arm?

Anyway, he doesn't use a sword. Anyone with eyes can see that the opportunity is most likely to be with someone else...

It doesn't matter anymore, let fate decide.

As long as the Shangqing Palace doesn't dare to overturn the rules established by the Imperial Criminal Division of the court, there won't be a big problem.

Thinking of this, Li Weizhou smiled brightly and said, "Brother Pang, until we meet again!"

Qi Zhenkun laughed heartily, flicked his sleeves, and took his leave: "Until we meet again!"

He felt uneasy and muttered to himself, sensing that something was amiss.

I haven't seen him for only two days, how come this kid's energy and spirit have changed so much?!

Two days ago, when Li Weizhou visited him, he called him "Fatty Brother" affectionately, but he was actually wary of him, especially after the conflict with Xiao Yichen, he clearly developed some suspicions about him.

But when he saw him again today, this kid looked at him like he was some nobody, completely disregarding him...

Why should he?
Even if he had hidden weapons, with Fatty's skill, slapping him to death wouldn't be much harder than slapping an ant. He should know that.

This sense of uncertainty made Qi Zhenkun very uncomfortable.

However, with his high skill and daring, plus the support of the entire Yuanjian Mountain, he quickly dispelled the gloom in his heart and simply dismissed the boy as ignorant and fearless.

Haha, getting a little success has made him lose his head; he really doesn't know his own limitations...

Another day, Fatty will teach you a lesson!

……

Shenji Valley.

After seeing off Qi Zhenkun and the two Shangqing Palace disciples filled with hatred and resentment, Li Weizhou came here.

The valley was surrounded by snow, a vast expanse of white.

This is the Li family's territory, and the surrounding area is all private land. None of the Li family's servants are allowed to approach.

There is only one road leading here, and it is the only way to survive.

Because not only are there surprises hidden in the mountains surrounding the valley, but also in the surrounding flat land.

Small and cute infantry mines, cheap and easy to use.

With such a series of interconnected arrangements, those below the Martial Master level have virtually no chance of survival.

Even for a Martial Grandmaster, the closer they get to the valley, the greater the pressure becomes, and there is a possibility of them perishing.

There are six narrow passageways leading in from the mouth of the valley.

But there was only one passageway that offered a way out.

This path to survival ends in a dead end, requiring a turn to enter the easternmost of the three caves carved into the mountainside.

However, even inside this cave entrance, there are still three passages, only one of which leads to survival.

At the end of the path to survival, Li Weizhou set up a blood-red phantom image for use in escaping.

That's the only way to use it. He could sense that the amount of pig's blood required for teleportation in this world was not ten times what he had previously estimated, but more than a hundred times.

It would take the conversion of a million liters of pig's blood to instantly teleport the distance from the mountain city to Furong City, which is five hundred li.

It's equivalent to the blood of a city with 200,000 inhabitants.

This doesn't even include the fact that one Blood Eye Phantom requires 500,000 liters of blood...

This consumption rate is terrifying.

This was still the mortal realm. Li Weizhou didn't even dare to imagine how much energy he would expend if he went to the spirit realm...

After leaving Shenji Valley, Li Weizhou did not return to the city, but instead looked towards the vast Dayuan Mountain.

So beautiful.

Especially after the gateway to enlightenment is opened, the world is renewed, and the colors are much more vivid than before.

I didn't have much of a mood to appreciate beautiful scenery before, but now I have a lot more patience.

The winter forests resemble a long ink painting scroll treasured by time, where the chill and vitality intertwine to create a poem.

The snow-covered mountains could not conceal the ochre red of the birch forest and the green of the moss, as if the heavens had painted a vibrant tapestry of life on a pure white background.

The clouds and mist in the mountains, like the strokes of a brush, sometimes entwine the arrow bamboo forest, sometimes transform into snow waves that engulf the peaks. Occasionally, sunlight pierces through the clouds, and the light and shadows cast dance with the falling "snow waterfalls," playing the rhythm of nature.

Along the way, I've missed so many wonderful things...

But Li Weizhou knew that within this beauty lay great danger!
He wasn't sure if there were any strange beasts in Dayuan Mountain before, but now he's certain that there are.

Because, although the spiritual energy within Mount Dayuan is also mixed with impurities, it is much richer and relatively cleaner than that outside...

Tsk tsk, if all eight sects established their sects in such a place, it's hard to say what kind of hidden strength they possess.

With a thought, Li Weizhou flashed into Dayuan Mountain.

The world is vast, and I can roam freely. This is not just an empty phrase.
Li Weizhou soared freely in a cheerful mood, his Seven Star Steps becoming increasingly skillful under his feet, with all the changes arising from his heart.

I wouldn't have dared to walk like this back on Earth, not even in the courtyard of a villa, for fear of being photographed by satellites.

Of course, it's possible now.

what!
When they returned to the cave where the old eunuch had been killed, they were surprised to find that everything had changed in just a few months.

Li Weizhou lit a cigarette and stuck it into the hole to bid farewell to the old monster: "When you're in the martial world, you're not in control of your own destiny. Farewell, old man."

After all, if it weren't for that old rascal, many of the subsequent events wouldn't have happened.

"Roar!!"

Suddenly, a roar came from behind the woman mountain opposite.

Li Weizhou lightly touched the ground with his toes, and he transformed into a phantom, rushing over.

Once they reached the mountaintop, they saw on the shady side of the mountain that a mountain tiger was pouncing on and biting another... Li Weizhou didn't know what kind of prey it was. Its antlers were like a deer's, its hooves were like a cow's, its head was like a sheep's, and its ears were like a donkey's. It was a strange creature.
However, the legendary Qilin is said to have supernatural powers, unlike this one in front of us, whose neck was bitten off in a few strokes. It's not even a mythical beast, let alone a divine beast.

Of course, the food looked quite good, and Li Weizhou felt that he was destined to meet him, so he went over to him.

The tiger was probably stunned, watching helplessly as this two-legged creature walked down the mountain and stretched out its claws to snatch its prey...

? !
Is it transparent?

"Roar!!"

The tiger spat angrily at Li Weizhou and then pounced.

He was probably yelling: "This is such a damn humiliation of tigers!"

This mountain tiger was probably the biggest tiger Li Weizhou had ever seen, far larger than the ones he'd seen in zoos on Earth, but it was still only a matter of one punch. "Bang!" The tiger shook its head, then collapsed to the ground, bleeding from all seven orifices, and died…

It's already quite resilient; if it were a tiger from Earth, that punch would shatter it.

The two beast carcasses were transported to the villa, where they were almost instantly drained, leaving only a tiger skin and a grotesque animal skin.

It's incredibly evil.

But the effect was indeed much stronger than that of pig's blood. Li Weizhou could even sense the presence of a wisp of spiritual energy.

However, now was not the time to think about it, and his consciousness returned to the Great Yuan Mountain in an instant.

Keep going.

He didn't get too carried away and didn't rush to go deeper into Dayuan Mountain.

Li Weizhou always maintained a sense of awe towards the unknown, because he was afraid of death.

He then discovered various animals, which he harvested one by one.

The Martial Grandmaster was thoroughly enjoying the hunt; it's hard to say if he was the first to do so...

"what?"

Li Weizhou was surprised as soon as he put away a red deer, because he heard a somewhat familiar voice here.

In a few leaps, Li Weizhou jumped over a hill and found that below was a cliff, or a low cliff.

There really was someone "familiar" at the bottom of the cliff...

It was that young man with mixed barbarian features whom I had met by chance.

At this moment, the boy was carrying a huge takin on his back and was being surrounded by several adults dressed as hunters.

Li Weizhou didn't rush down; he wanted to observe first.

“Zhang Widow’s son, tell me, what’s your secret to always catching prey every time you go into the mountains?”

"The wild beasts in the mountains avoid you, is it just because you're a bastard? Your mother likes the stench on your body, and even these wild animals like it? Hahaha!"

"I advise you to confess properly. If you have any ways to make money, let's share them. We're all from the same village, so don't be so selfish..."

"hiss!"

Upon hearing the last sentence of profound wisdom, Li Weizhou gasped, feeling as if a distant breeze from a traditional courtyard house was blowing on the back of his head.

Familiar yet strange, terrifying beyond measure.

The young man with mixed barbarian features shouted angrily, "I don't know what you're talking about! Get out of here, I want to go home! Don't force me to fight!"

You can tell he has great strength. Even though his back is bent from carrying such a large takin, he still has the strength to grip a wood-chopping knife.

The three hunters were clearly not to be trifled with. They probably recognized the young barbarian's strength and each took two steps back cautiously, their bows drawn and aimed at him. The one in the middle laughed, "Kid, don't be impulsive, and don't put the prey down. Just keep carrying it like that. Otherwise, if you can't dodge this arrow, your mother will be in big trouble. Widow Zhang has been sick for years, hasn't she? She can't take a fright, can she?"

The one on the left was even worse, chuckling, "If you accidentally die, then your mother... well, your mother is quite pretty, so I, your Uncle Zhao, certainly wouldn't let her starve to death!"

"Hahaha!"

The three men let out a foul laugh.

Li Weizhou, watching from a distance, could only shake his head. "Damn, that's ridiculous!"

There's nothing wrong with liking widows, but bullying them in such a despicable way is a disgrace to men.

Even bad people have to have a bottom line, okay?
The young man with mixed barbarian features let out a roar of extreme grief and indignation, his eyes turning red as he stared intently at the three men.

"Hand over any treasures you have, and we'll spare your and your mother's lives, how about it... Ah!!"

One scream... no, three screams.

Li Weizhou didn't want to wait any longer. As for what secrets this boy might have, he didn't want to know. Damn it, he needed to calm down first.

With a single move, the Spinning Dragon appeared before them, and without any visible action, their three heads exploded like watermelons.

Ignoring the corpse, Li Weizhou stood still and looked at the young man from the mixed-race tribe who was startled by the sudden change. He laughed and scolded, "Have you gone mad from hunting? You just listen to them? If you listen to them in everything, won't you still die in the end? A man should have the courage to fight. Even if it means mutual destruction, it's better than dying a cowardly death."

The young man with the mixed-race features was panting heavily, whether from fright or excitement. His reddened eyes began to mist over, and soon hot tears rolled down his face, making him look distorted.

Li Weizhou didn't have time to continue "playing the teacher." The chance encounter was over, so he said, "Alright, go back and see your mother. Be more careful in the future."

After saying that, he was about to leave when the young man with mixed barbarian features suddenly knelt down and kowtowed.

Li Weizhou laughed and scolded, "Go away, go away. It was just a small favor, not entirely to save you. I just couldn't stand those three scoundrels being so despicable. That's it. With your abilities, you can make your mother live a good life. Go home now."

The scruffy-bearded boy got up but refused to leave, and even pulled a... tooth out of his pocket?
He held up a rope and exclaimed, "My benefactor, this is the treasure! Even the wild beasts in the mountains are afraid of it, and snakes and insects dare not approach. It is this that allows me to venture alone into the deep mountains to set traps and catch prey. I'm giving it to you!!"

Li Weizhou glanced at the item and smiled, "It's good to be grateful. But I don't need it, and I'm not a hunter. By the way, from now on, if you hunt any more game, just send it to Li Family Fortress. It'll be paid in cash, which is much more profitable than selling it in the city."

The young man with mixed barbarian features did not give up and said, "My benefactor, are you going into the mountains to hunt? I am very familiar with these mountains and have been to every part of them. I also know where there are particularly powerful ferocious beasts. Those beasts are different from wild animals. Traps cannot kill them, ropes cannot bind them, and they are fast. Even tigers and leopards will be killed by them with a single swipe of their claws."

Ok?
Li Weizhou became serious and asked, "How did you see them? Didn't they notice you?"

The bearded youth raised the tooth again and said, "My benefactor, as long as I wear this tooth, they won't come near me, and they didn't chase after me when they saw me! I'm giving it to you!"

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "Even without this tooth, I could probably still escape. But without this tooth, you might really lose your life. I've received your gratitude. Go back and take good care of your mother."

The young man from the mixed Hu tribes said expectantly, "My benefactor, I want to follow you and acknowledge you as my master! I don't want to hunt anymore; I want to do great things!"

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "You didn't see I'm still hunting... Fine, I really need a hunter. Here, you put your things away first, and take me to see where those ferocious beasts' territory is. Remember, when I tell you to run, you run immediately, run home without looking back, and wait for me at Li Family Fort tomorrow. If you don't obey, there won't be a second chance."

The young man with mixed barbarian features nodded emphatically and said, "Patriarch, I've remembered it. I will definitely listen to you! By the way, Patriarch, my name is Zhang Hentian. It was given to me by my mother."

"..."

"Hate the sky" and "sweet" are, although they are homophones, they are the most contrasting pair of homophones in the world.

It's unknown how much suffering this barbarian boy's mother endured to give her child such a name.

However, that's how fate is; it's partly ordained by heaven, and partly controlled by oneself.

Therefore, Li Weizhou could only sigh slightly, unable to empathize.

He looked at Zhang Hentian and said, "Your name is too grand; it's not good for you or your mother. There was once a man named Tianshou who dared to dream of living as long as the heavens, but his entire family turned to ashes. If you want to work for the Li family in the future, I'll change your name, how about that?"

The young man with mixed barbarian features didn't hesitate and nodded, saying, "My benefactor, you are now my master. I will give you my life. You are in charge!"

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "Let's call you Zhang Qian. You are decisive and resolute, but your temper is a bit too fiery. Too much rigidity leads to breakage. I hope you can be more humble in the future so that you can live a long and healthy life and take care of your mother until her death."

Zhang Hentian, now renamed Zhang Qian, nodded vigorously and said, "Alright! Patriarch, from now on I will be called Zhang Qian!!"

"It's so far, and you dare to come in alone in the winter?"

Li Weizhou carried Zhang Qian as they walked deeper into Dayuan Mountain, following his directions. He couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity.

Zhang Qian said, "We definitely wouldn't dare go this deep in winter; we'd freeze to death. Summer is okay, but autumn is best. The deeper we go, the better the prey we catch!"

Li Weizhou became even more curious and said, "Then you should be able to become a tycoon just by selling wild animals."

Zhang Qian shook his head and said, "My mother said I could only secretly wait by the roadside for passersby and sell to them for whatever price they offered. I absolutely couldn't go into the city. Otherwise, people would accuse me of stealing, and it would bring trouble. I sold them very cheaply. Last time, if my mother hadn't been seriously ill and we hadn't had the money to treat her to medicine, I wouldn't have gone into the city to sell meat. Master, thanks to you for lending me those twenty taels of silver, otherwise my mother would definitely... My mother also told me that I must repay you properly!"

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Your mother is very wise. Let's not talk about that. It's good that your mother is better... How much further is it?"

"It's just ahead, just over that ridge... But Master, don't rush over it. I've figured it out now, that ridge is the boundary where the ferocious beasts roam. Once you escape the ridge, they won't chase you out. If you go in, they'll find you."

The bearded boy spoke loudly.

Upon hearing this, Li Weizhou quickened his pace and climbed the mountain ridge in one go. As soon as he reached the top, he gasped for breath. He knew that Zhang Qian was right, because the already vibrant and lively mountain forest became even fresher and more vivid after crossing this ridge. It felt as if the whole world had turned into a painting of "empty mountains after a fresh rain", which was breathtakingly beautiful.

Separated by a mountain ridge, it seems to be a world of its own.

I wonder if the Ascension Ceremony three years from now will take place here...

However, the construction of the plank road should avoid this area as much as possible, even if it means taking a longer route.

Otherwise, there would be an endless stream of strange beasts to kill.

Li Weizhou didn't go any further. Instead, he said to Zhang Qian, "Let's go back now. Tomorrow, go to Wubao to find Mr. Gu. Tell him that you are my newly recruited close servant and the captain of the team that will lead the group into Dayuan Mountain next year. Mr. Gu is the teacher who teaches the children of Baibaolou how to be polite and courteous. You must be respectful."

Zhang Qian exclaimed excitedly, "I understand, Patriarch!"

Just as Li Weizhou was about to lead him back, he suddenly sensed something, turned around abruptly, and goosebumps instantly erupted all over his body.

A gigantic blue serpent, its height unknown, was raised high, taller than the towering trees, its blood-red vertical eyes gazing in this direction.

Suppressing his fear, Li Weizhou slowly raised his middle finger at it. When the giant blue snake's head disappeared with a "whoosh," and the trees visibly collapsed into a straight line rushing towards him, Li Weizhou picked up Zhang Qian, whose legs were trembling, and instantly disappeared.

……

After leaving Dayuan Mountain, Li Weizhou put Zhang Qian down, who had just come to his senses, and chuckled, "Didn't you see a ferocious beast? How come you almost peed your pants?"

Zhang Qian blushed and reasoned, "I always peeked before and was never caught."

Li Weizhou asked with a smile, "Was this the same snake you saw before?"

Zhang Qian shook his head repeatedly and said, "No, what I saw last time was a monkey, golden, not very big, probably a small monkey. It grabbed a tiger and just tore it in half, its intestines spilling out all over the ground. I was so scared that I ran away as fast as I could."

Li Weizhou asked, "Is it the same place today?"

Zhang Qian shook his head and said, "It's on this ridge, but I don't know exactly where."

Li Weizhou understood and nodded, saying, "I understand. Alright, you should go back and rest now. It's getting late. Don't worry your mother. Tell her the good news too. From now on, you won't have to go to Dayuan Mountain alone anymore, and the things you bring out won't be sold at a lower price."

Zhang Qian hurriedly said, "Master, I am a servant of the Li family, so the prey I hunt should belong to the master!"

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "That's how it is here; rewards are based on contribution. With your abilities, working for half a year next year would be enough to buy your mother a house in Qingzhou City. Go on, I have other things to do."

Zhang Qian was so excited that his face turned red. After kneeling down and kowtowing to Li Weizhou, he disappeared in a flash.

Li Weizhou then went home on his own.

That giant snake looked very strong; its strength might not be weaker than that of Xia Shijie, the leader of the Demonic Sect. He needed to go back and make more preparations.

He refused to believe that this giant snake was more knowledgeable than Xia Shijie.

He should be able to give this green snake a big surprise...

……

"Master!"

At the entrance of the new house, Li Weizhou was stopped by Tao, the manager of the silver shop.

He chuckled. This old manager from the Zhou family, hmm, is quite interesting.

Upon seeing him, Manager Tao knelt down and said, "Master, this old servant is very grateful for your great kindness!"

Li Weizhou waved his hand and laughed, "Don't rush to thank me. Let me make this clear: I've been busy these past few days and haven't had a chance to look for you. Tell me, what's your relationship with that demonic cultist Zhou Kejin?"

Shopkeeper Tao was getting anxious and said, "Master, even if I have a relationship with him, he can't just hand our whole family over to you!"

Li Weizhou smiled and said, "Whether it's true or false doesn't matter anymore. Anyway, Zhou Kejin is already dead, and the Demonic Sect is almost wiped out. Just do your job well from now on."

Shopkeeper Tao wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "Master, you almost scared me to death! But Master, although the Zhou family deserves to die, Zhou Kejin has gathered a large number of craftsmen over the years. It would be such a pity if they all perished with the Zhou family!" Seeing that Li Weizhou didn't move, the old man said anxiously, "Master, this old servant never expected that Zhou Kejin would be a demonic figure from the Demonic Sect. But to be fair, this man really has the ability to do business. The Zhou family's Xinyi Shop has gathered a large number of skilled craftsmen over the decades. He is willing to generously give the silver shop to you because he still has many skilled craftsmen at his disposal, and he can set up a new silver shop at any time..."

Li Weizhou reached out to stop the agitated old man and asked, "You want me to save those craftsmen? Where are they?"

Manager Tao hurriedly said, "Some of them have been arrested and imprisoned in the county jail, and others are in jails in Jingzhou, Tongzhou, and Jinzhou. Master, it would be such a pity if these craftsmen died! To put it bluntly, compared to the master craftsmen that Xinyi Company has accumulated over the years, our Baibaolou filigree craftsmen are just like apprentices."

Li Weizhou was tempted. He then recalled what his father-in-law, Zhou Zhixian, had told him before their marriage: "A large part of the Demonic Sect is involved in various trades. This must be the group of people from that group..."

He asked, "Do you have a list?"

Shopkeeper Tao hurriedly took out a rather thick book from his pocket and handed it to Li Weizhou.

Li Weizhou took the document, glanced through it, and nodded, saying, "I'll go get the people tomorrow. Have someone prepare a house for them and settle them in the fortified village. Old Tao, don't betray my trust. Otherwise, your fate and those people won't be much better than it is now."

Shopkeeper Tao swore a solemn oath: "If this old servant fails to live up to the master's trust, may this old servant be childless and without descendants!"

After seeing the old man off, Li Weizhou looked at the doorman who had opened the door with a grin and asked, somewhat speechless, "What are you doing here?"

Yanxue smiled broadly and said, "Young master... Master, Madam has agreed!"

Wearing a simple, coarse cloth outfit, he was all smiles and very happy.

Chu Mengjun still didn't look well, but she smiled and said, "The lady over there has already sent people over to keep an eye on it. I heard it's being used as a warehouse. She's arranged for people to keep watch at night and also found a water dragon cart to be transferred over. It's much better than us two lonely masters and servants."

Li Weizhou asked, "Have you gone inside and looked around?"

Chu Mengjun rolled her eyes and said, "Who dares to break your rules? You can see it's piled up to the brim even from the window..."

Li Weizhou chuckled and said, "So you gave Madam some advice?"

Chu Mengjun smiled but remained silent.

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "Alright, then you can be the gatekeepers for now... By the way, tomorrow take my waist token and go to the county government office to talk to the magistrate and get these people out of the register. There are also some in Jingzhou, Tongzhou, and Jinzhou, so make a few more trips."

As he spoke, he temporarily handed over the waist token of the Iron Censor to Chu Mengjun, along with the newly received register. He then added a word of encouragement: "Do a good job! If anyone has any objections, feel free to tell them directly. I also have a token of the Silver Censor. However, using this token means it's not as simple as just hiring these people."

The Chief Clerk of the Silver Division could now execute first and report later.

Then he asked Yanxue, "Xiaoxue, have you had dinner yet?"

Yanxue nodded with a grin and said, "I ate with Miss and Xiaodong. They treated me to hot pot!"

Li Weizhou laughed and said, "Okay, it's good to be able to play together. You guys should get some rest, no one will be coming over tonight."

"Ok!"

……

"My husband is back!"

When Li Weizhou entered the main room of the central courtyard, he saw Zhou Yueniang and Feng Biwu standing by a table, discussing something with a pile of contracts in their hands. Upon seeing him enter, Zhou Yueniang greeted him happily.

Li Weizhou smiled brightly and asked, "What are you busy with?"

Feng Biwu smiled and said, "Madam is taking stock of your assets so she can help you manage them."

Li Weizhou gave a thumbs up and said, "Good, you must be a good housekeeper! However, you just need to choose the right person to manage things. Leave those mundane tasks that require a lot of effort to the people below. Our family is different from other families; we got our fortune because of my and your husband's divine destiny, so the people below can't cause any trouble."

"You only need to manage our family's resources well, such as the grain that Chu Mengjun previously guarded, the accounts kept by Manager Tao of Baibaolou, and the cultivation and harvesting of the two hundred acres of Rouge Rice fields in Wubao, and other core industries."

"Immortal fate?"

Feng Biwu uttered those two words with a puzzled look on her red lips, her beautiful eyes, which seemed to hold the spring waters of Jiangnan in March, gazing at Li Weizhou with a somewhat bewildered expression.

Zhou Yueniang knew, but she didn't.

Li Weizhou was as simple as she demonstrated what a predestined connection to the heavens meant; she flipped her hand and produced a bottle of champagne and three wine glasses…

"Enough said, today your husband will teach you two what true destiny with immortality is!! Hahaha!"

It's been a long time coming, but I can finally enjoy this wonderful life!

……

P.S.: Tooth extraction successful, feeling incredibly happy, please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)