Chapter 163: Second Uncle, Please Whip Me to Your Heart's Content

"Big Brother teaches well." Xu Dejing suddenly said, "Everyone should think carefully about what they want to do in the future. Don't just casually join because it seems fun for the moment. This is not a joke. Even for you all, if you treat family rules lightly, you will also face heavy punishment. When that time comes, even your own parents will lose face."

After getting married, Xu Dejing had matured and become much more stable.

Xu Dewen thought for a moment, "Then I'll join the Discipline Hall."

"I was already arranged by Grandfather long ago to enter the Immortal Arts Hall." Xu Deling spread her hands, pretending to be helpless.

"Third Sister, if I had immortal cultivation talent, I'd be dying to join the Immortal Arts Hall."

Xu Dejun spoke up.

He was currently only at the peak of second-rate martial artist and couldn't join any hall.

Most of the others were the same. They came here out of curiosity about the various halls, wanting to take a look.

As direct descendants of the various Xu family branches, they naturally had this qualification.

Xu Deheng had just reached Postnatal peak martial artist two months ago.

With his aptitude of all five elements present, in less than two months, combined with Qi-Drawing Pills, he would be able to step into the Innate realm.

"Sister-in-law, what about you? Which hall do you plan to join?" Xu Deling looked curiously at Shen Qingyi beside Xu Dezhao.

"I want to follow Grand Elder and Third Aunt to learn the pill Dao. I'm just afraid I don't have the talent for it."

"That's a good choice. Grandfather is very skilled at teaching people. Sister-in-law, you'll definitely be able to become a pill refiner."

"What about you, Wu Tao?" Xu Deling looked at Wu Tao again.

"My cultivation aptitude is rather low. I plan to first enter the Immortal Arts Hall to see if I have talent in pill refinement, artifact refinement, or arrays. If not, then I'll join the Discipline Hall."

"Then Sister Jing must be the Discipline Hall for sure."

"You little girl, so clever, you even guessed this correctly." Xu Dejing said with a laughing scold.

"Deheng, you're the only one left."

"I've already thought it through. My temperament is more suitable for the Mission Hall."

Hearing this, Xu Dezhao nodded slightly, "As long as you've thought it through, that's fine. We've reached the fork in the road ahead. I'll go to the Battle Hall first."

Xu Dewen and Xu Dejing went toward the Discipline Hall.

Xu Deheng headed to the Mission Hall.

Shen Qingyi, Wu Tao, and Xu Deling walked toward the Immortal Arts Hall mountain path.

The others randomly chose where to go for a tour.

…

Immortal Arts Hall.

Xu Chuan, Xu Mingxian, Xu Mingshu, Zhang Wanqing, Wu Mingsheng, and his three disciples were all there.

"Greetings to Grand Elder and the Vice Hall Masters."

Xu Deling and the others all bowed respectfully.

"No need for excessive courtesy," Xu Chuan smiled lightly. "Ling'er, you're already part of the Immortal Arts Hall's Artifact Refinement Palace. Go stand beside your master."

"Oh." Xu Deling obediently complied.

Xu Chuan looked at Shen Qingyi and Wu Tao and asked, "What immortal arts do you two wish to learn?"

"Qingyi wishes to learn pill refinement. Please grant this, Grand Elder."

Xu Chuan nodded, "Then stand beside Wanqing. First follow her to learn the basics of pill refinement introduction. I will also teach you when I have time."

"Yes, Grand Elder." Shen Qingyi walked to Zhang Wanqing's side and greeted her respectfully, "Third Aunt."

Zhang Wanqing smiled serenely.

"What about you, Wu Tao?"

"Replying to Grand Elder, I'm also not certain whether I have the talent to learn the various immortal arts. I'd like to try them all. I wonder if this is feasible?"

Xu Chuan smiled, "Then you'll first follow Elder Mingxian to learn arrays for half a month, then learn artifact refinement, and finally learn pill refinement. After two months, you can truly decide your direction."

"Thank you, Grand Elder."

Then Xu Chuan said to Wu Da and the others, "How have you three decided?"

Wu Da cupped his hands, "I've followed Master in learning the artifact Dao since childhood. Although my talent isn't as good as Miss Deling's, I don't want to give up this path either."

"Me too." Wu Er and Wu San also agreed.

"Since you've made your choices, then persist on the artifact Dao path."

"Thank you, Grand Elder."

"Additionally, if you three are willing, you can take root in my Dongxi and propagate descendants."

"We are willing."

With such a promising immortal cultivation family as the Xu family protecting them, the three naturally were more than willing.

…

Battle Hall.

"You've come."

Seeing Xu Dezhao, Xu Mingwei wasn't surprised, only speaking indifferently.

"Yes, Father."

"According to your grandfather's intentions, in less than half a month, the Xu family trading company will be established, carrying magical artifacts and pills to travel through the various commanderies. You will be one of them."

"Trading company, then Second Uncle will definitely be there, right? He's always managed the clan's finances."

Xu Mingwei nodded slightly, "Also Ling'er, your Third Uncle, Aunt, and me."

"So many people?"

Xu Dezhao was somewhat shocked, "But Father, don't you all have your own affairs to handle?"

"The halls are newly established. The Xu family doesn't have large numbers of people to fill them. This chaos will stabilize in a few days. As for tasks, currently most are long-term tasks, patrol tasks, guard tasks, and such. Your Third Uncle doesn't need to personally oversee everything. The Discipline Hall is the same. The Xu family is currently united and working upward. Those who dare violate clan rules and regulations are extremely few. Your aunt has even more leisure time."

"Regarding affairs, your grandfather and Fifth Uncle can manage them."

"However, we're only laying the foundation. Once we achieve stable transactions with forces in various commanderies, we'll gradually withdraw and hand things over to you all."

"I understand, Father."

…

Discipline Hall.

"Dewen, you're planning to join the Discipline Hall?" Xu Mingyuan said with a smile.

"Yes, Second Uncle."

"Your talent is high, and your strength is indeed suitable. Then Second Uncle can't treat you poorly. You'll serve as Vice Hall Master."

"Ah? Vice Hall Master?" Xu Dewen immediately waved his hands, "Second Uncle, I came to be a disciple. As for Vice Hall Master and such, I'm just a junior!"

"What does being a junior matter? Your father and I both started helping your grandfather handle various family affairs early on. You're now at innate peak. With your talent, the grandmaster bottleneck can't hold you back. In half a year to a year, you can break through to grandmaster. Our Xu family has very few grandmaster martial artists. How can you not be worthy of this Vice Hall Master position?"

Seeing Xu Mingyuan's face full of smiles, he didn't know how to refute for a moment.

They say Second Uncle is smooth and sophisticated, best at grasping people's hearts.

It's truly correct!

When he conducted business and communicated with people, the other party could only follow his rhythm, and they were very happy to do so.

With such praise, and even using himself and Father as examples.

Xu Dewen sighed inwardly. How could he refuse now?

Moreover, his big brother Xu Dezhao received great attention from the clan, but he never had.

Now, upon just arriving at the Discipline Hall, he was entrusted with the important position of Vice Hall Master. Xu Dewen immediately felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart.

Is this what being valued feels like?

Xu Dewen immediately bowed respectfully, "Thank you for Second Uncle's recognition. Your nephew will definitely fulfill the Vice Hall Master duties well and not disappoint you, Second Uncle."

Xu Dejing grumbled inwardly, another one fooled by Father. However, Father really does value Dewen.

He's probably the first of our generation to hold a Vice Hall Master position, right?

"Mm, these days, Second Uncle will teach you well and help you become familiar with things quickly."

"Yes, Second Uncle."

Those eyes were extremely fervent, clearly saying: Second Uncle, I'm ready, whip me to your heart's content, don't spare your little whip!

The corners of Xu Mingyuan's mouth lifted slightly as he nodded in satisfaction.

…

Mission Hall.

"Heng'er, you've come."

Xu Mingxuan wasn't surprised at all to see Xu Deheng come here. He had asked about Xu Deheng's thoughts beforehand.

"Yes, Father."

"Your temperament is quite similar to mine."

"I'm your son, Father. If I don't resemble you, who would I resemble?"

The father and son looked at each other and smiled.

After a short while, Xu Mingxuan said, "In a few days, Father will be going out with your uncles and aunt for several months. During this time, you'll temporarily manage the Mission Hall."

"Ah? Going out for several months, that long?"

"The family's great commercial plan must be carried out. Our Xu family won't be like other Qi Refining families that only focus on Yuehu Commandery. We plan to establish cooperation with certain forces in surrounding commanderies, forming stable trading channels. With your grandfather's pill refinement accomplishments, no matter which family we trade with, we'll only profit without loss."

"Uh, profit without loss... Father, your word choice is really appropriate."

Xu Mingxuan laughed heartily, "No need to worry about such details."

"As long as we succeed, the more families we trade with, the more abundant the resources our Xu family accumulates within ten to twenty years. Previously, we all relied on your grandfather for cultivation. Now it's time for us to contribute to the Xu family."

"But this will be very difficult, right?" Xu Deheng pondered.

He was no longer at an age of naivety. Among the third generation family disciples, he appeared mediocre, but his wisdom and methods were actually quite good.

He just usually kept a low profile.

"Tell me where you think the difficulties lie?" The corners of Xu Mingxuan's mouth lifted. He had the intention of testing him.

"First, the immortal cultivation families of each commandery will definitely be exclusionary. Otherwise, the many families of Yuehu Commandery, aside from Foundation Establishment families, wouldn't basically stay cooped up in Yuehu Commandery, competing and squeezing each other out. Second, if our Xu family is too conspicuous, we'll invite attacks and plundering, and might even lose both the lady and the soldiers. Finally, Father, you and my two uncles and aunt are all pillars of the Xu family. If anything happens to any of you, it will be an enormous blow to the Xu family's current momentum."

Xu Mingxuan was quite surprised. His eyes flashed with approval as he patted his shoulder, "My son is truly outstanding!"

"Rest assured, your grandfather cares about us siblings even more than you do. If he didn't have trump cards, how could he let us take action? There may be danger, but preserving our lives shouldn't be a big problem."

"It's this child who worried too much." Xu Deheng cupped his hands.

Xu Mingxuan shook his head, "It's not worrying too much. What you mentioned are indeed existing problems. However, there's no need to worry. Your First Uncle, Second Uncle, me, and your aunt are not easy to deal with."

"It's just a pity your strength is a bit weak. Otherwise, on this trip you could also travel with us like Dezhao and Deling."

Xu Deheng was also tempted, but this journey couldn't possibly be without danger. If he went, he would inevitably become the only weakness.

As for Xu Dezhao and Xu Deling, although he didn't know what their current strength was but that they could go along clearly meant they had reached a level comparable to their elders.

As for surpassing them, he didn't quite dare to think about it.

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.

At the gate of the Xu family's new residence.

Xu Chuan, Bai Jing, and others all saw off Xu Mingwei and the group.

"Husband, return safely." Yang Ronghua said softly.

Wu Rushan did the same.

Zhang Wanqing leaned close to Xu Mingxuan's ear and whispered. Hearing this, Xu Mingxuan immediately said with pleasant surprise, "Again?!"

Xu Mingwei and the others all looked over in surprise.

Xu Chuan asked doubtfully, "Wanqing is with child?"

Zhang Wanqing nodded slightly, "Yes, Father."

"How about Mingxuan doesn't go?" Bai Jing came forward with a smile, her face full of smiles.

Xu Mingxuan said, "Mother, we'll be out for a few months at most. I'll make it back for the child's birth."

"Alright then, you all be careful on the road."

"Act according to your capabilities." Xu Chuan said.

Xu Mingwei for martial protection, Xu Mingyuan in charge of negotiating with people, Xu Mingxuan for seeking fortune and avoiding harm, Xu Mingshu for transmitting messages and surveillance.

Plus Xu Dezhao and Xu Deling, two considerable fighting forces.

Such a team, unless they angered a Foundation Establishment family and Foundation Establishment experts led many Qi Refining cultivators in pursuit, otherwise they basically wouldn't encounter danger.

Xu Mingyuan was the first to understand the deep meaning in Xu Chuan's four words. He nodded, "I understand, Father. We will."

"Mm, set out then."

After cupping their hands, they all stepped onto their swords and departed into the distance. In the blink of an eye, they had rushed out of Dongxi's boundaries.

At the same time, two eagle cries rang out in the sky as they transformed into two azure streams of light following closely.

"Big Brother, where shall we go first on this trip?"

Xu Mingshu was the first to ask. Traveling away from home, she was quite excited in her heart.

Since birth until now, she hadn't even been to the commandery city.

"Let's go to Guangling Commandery first." After pondering briefly, Xu Mingwei looked at Xu Mingyuan, "Second Brother, what do you think?"

"Then let's go to Guangling Commandery. For the first time, we don't need to go too far from Yuehu Commandery. If there's time remaining, we can go look at more distant places like Tongshan Commandery. Of Great Wei's twenty-two commanderies, with our Xu family's current situation, being able to establish stable cooperation with four or five families would be the limit.”

“Additionally, looking at our Yuehu Commandery's former dominant family, the Su family, we can see that the Foundation Establishment families of other commandery cities are also not easy to deal with. Not every family is as reasonable as the Zhou family."

"Guangling Commandery." Xu Mingxuan repeated it twice, then suddenly raised his voice, "I remember now! I have an old comrade-in-arms in Guangling Commandery. He was my direct superior when I enlisted in the army. At that time, he wasn't yet thirty but already had late innate stage strength. He probably came from a great clan of Guangling Commandery."

"What's his name? If we truly have an acquaintance, then we can use this as an entry point."

Xu Mingyuan smiled lightly, his eyes flowing with light. Those who knew him all knew that at this time, he must have many plans in his heart.

"Ge Xuanhong."

"Then when we reach Guangling Commandery's capital city, we'll inquire about the Ge family's situation and then decide on subsequent actions."

"Then we'll do as you say, Second Brother. On this trip, you're in charge." Xu Mingwei smiled lightly. "If I remember correctly, the commandery city should be in the westward direction."

Several people immediately followed Xu Mingwei in shifting direction, heading straight for Guangling Commandery's capital city.

In the blink of an eye, over two hours passed.

"There should only be two to three hundred li remaining to the commandery city." Xu Mingwei reminded them.

Suddenly, a rumbling sound came from the ground more than ten li ahead.

Following his gaze, Xu Mingwei saw people fighting. The numbers weren't small. There were martial artists and immortal cultivators. Seven or eight people were already lying in pools of blood on the ground.

"Big Brother, can you see clearly what's happening?" Xu Mingyuan asked.

"There's a family conflict involving Grandmaster martial artists and immortal cultivators. We'd better not meddle." Xu Mingwei said indifferently.

"Wait." Xu Mingxuan suddenly said, "I think we should go take a look."

Xu Deling looked at Xu Mingxuan in surprise and asked, "Third Uncle, why should we bother with such idle affairs?"

"Intuition!" The corners of Xu Mingxuan's mouth lifted.

Xu Mingyuan pondered for a moment, "Big Brother, look more carefully to see if there are family emblems or family surname markings and such."