Chapter 28: Yang Zhao's Distress

"Brother Xu, please speak frankly, can you reach the peak of the Postnatal realm?" Yang Shichang asked with a solemn expression and in a deep voice.

Xu Chuan usually advised Xu Mingwei to keep a low profile, but after deep thought at this moment, he also nodded.

"The peak of the Postnatal realm at eighteen years old, truly the makings of a grandmaster."

He was one year older than Xu Mingwei, but had only reached the first-rate martial artist level.

Although the number of acupoints a first-rate martial artist needed to open to reach the peak of the Postnatal realm wasn't many, the difficulty was not low.

"Even the innate realm is far off in the distance, let alone becoming a grandmaster," Xu Mingwei sighed.

Yang Shichang smiled slightly, "Actually, there is a shortcut to the innate realm. Through the Qi-Drawing Pill, one can draw qi into the body, comprehend the power of heaven and earth, and accelerate becoming an innate martial artist."

"The outstanding disciples of the major families in the commandery seat all do this."

"The Qi-Drawing Pill, how does one obtain it?"

"Moreover, the Qi-Drawing Pill cannot completely guarantee successful comprehension of heaven and earth qi. It only increases the chances slightly. Generally, over ten pills are needed to have hope of success."

"The most gifted person in the commandery seat in the past decade also spent three pills."

"Are there none who successfully comprehend on their own?" Xu Mingwei asked curiously.

"Naturally there are, but it's very difficult. Among a hundred innate martial artists in the commandery seat, only one successfully comprehends on their own," Yang Shichang glanced at Xu Mingwei and said with a smile, "However, in martial Dao cultivation, the earlier one breaks through, the further one can go in the future."

"After all, after sixty years of age, qi and blood begin to decline, and basically no one can break through anymore."

"If our two families became in-laws, with your talent, my father would not be unable to obtain a few Qi-Drawing Pills from the family to help you break through."

The Yang family was optimistic about the Xu family and Xu Mingwei but they wouldn't provide precious resources like Qi-Drawing Pills without reason. However, if they became in-laws through marriage, that would be different.

"This matter still requires my father's decision."

"Brother Xu, you really are... Here my sister admires you so much and won't marry anyone but you."

"Elder Brother Shichang, who are you saying won't marry whom?"

Xu Mingshu's light laughter came through, and they saw one tall and one small figure approaching from the corridor ahead.

The tall one was graceful and elegant like a lotus emerging from water, the small one was mischievous and adorable with crescent-moon eyes revealing cunning.

It was Yang Ronghua and Xu Mingshu.

"Sister, I see Brother Xu has no intention of marrying you. You should choose another suitable husband."

"Brother, what are you saying? Big Brother Mingwei won't let me down. We have already pledged our vows to each other."

Xu Mingwei and Yang Ronghua looked at each other and smiled faintly.

Over the past three years.

The Xu family and Yang family had grown quite close.

They frequently visited each other, and the younger generations of both families were very familiar with one another.

Yang Ronghua and Xu Mingwei had both developed romantic feelings.

Everyone else saw it and considered them a perfect match.

"I naturally won't disappoint Sister Ronghua," Xu Mingwei said as if making an oath. "I will break through to the innate realm as soon as possible, meet Father's requirements, then with the three letters and six betrothal gifts, I'll welcome Sister Ronghua through the door in an eight-sedan chair procession."

"Hahaha~" Yang Shichang suddenly laughed loudly, "Brother Xu, those are your own words."

"Then my sister and I will be waiting."

"Little Xueji, let's go see your Little White and not disturb these two as they talk heart-to-heart."

Xu Mingshu blinked, "Then let's go. It's a perfect chance to show you how formidable Little White is!"

Yang Shichang sparred with Little White for a while.

As expected, he was no match for the variant white tiger and was thoroughly defeated, causing Xu Mingshu to clap and cheer.

Of course, Xu Mingshu wouldn't truly let Little White injure him.

Otherwise, there would be no explaining to her godfather and godmother. Once home, both person and tiger would be severely punished, and the white tiger might never have the chance to go out again.

Before long, the Xu siblings returned to Dongxi Village.

The current Xu residence had already expanded to over a hundred mu, with magnificent buildings, truly possessing the atmosphere of a regional prominent family.

Xu Mingwei told Xu Chuan about the Qi-Drawing Pill matter.

"I will discuss this matter with your Uncle Yang and also have Ahyuan make inquiries."

"As for marriage, you two are still young. Waiting another year or two is no rush."

Xu Chuan smiled at Xu Mingwei, who nodded, "What Father says makes sense."

"Prepare well for the clan establishment ceremony."

"This time is the grand day when our Xu family officially becomes a prominent family of Qingjiang."

"Shitou understands the importance."

…

That night at Qingyun Street, the Yang residence.

"Husband, what made you so happy today?" Lady Yang poured wine for Yang Zhao, her face showing curiosity.

"The family sent word that a position has opened up in the commandery seat. We can return to the commandery seat."

"Really?"

"Elder Uncle personally sent the letter. How could it be false?"

"Wife, let's have a few more cups tonight."

"Yes, husband."

After three cups, Lady Yang brought out an invitation, "The Xu family had Mingyuan deliver an invitation. In half a month they will establish their clan, open their ancestral hall, and invite us to attend the ceremony."

Hearing this, the expression on Yang Zhao's face froze.

"What's wrong?" Lady Yang asked in surprise.

"How swift the rise of the Xu clan! Three years have passed in a flash, and they are already establishing their clan," Yang Zhao sighed.

"It is rapid, but the Xu clan today is no longer comparable to the past. Though their foundation may not be deep, with their short history and small population, their wealth, strength, and network of connections truly cannot be taken lightly," Lady Yang nodded as she spoke.

"Once their five sons all establish families and careers, the clan will immediately prosper and flourish, with a stable foundation."

Yang Zhao agreed, but his expression was different from usual.

Lady Yang also noticed the difference and asked, "Why is it that whenever the Xu clan is mentioned this year, your expression changes, husband? It wasn't like this in the past."

Yang Zhao sighed softly, "Now Elder Uncle has sent a letter instructing me to compete for the position of Commandery Captain, but there are many competitors. The Chang clan and other families are all eyeing it like tigers."

"To succeed, I must have the support of the Wen family."

"The Wen family has held the position of Commandery Captain for several terms. Though they are not as prominent as the Chang family or our Yang family, they have deep roots and profound heritage."

"Therefore, Elder Uncle suggested forming a marriage alliance with the Wen clan."

"I am currently the Yang family's most powerful contender for Commandery Captain."

"This is good news!"

Lady Yang knew this matter concerned her husband's future and her eyes also showed joy. "Chang'er has also reached the age for marriage. It's perfect to arrange a marriage with a suitable young lady from the Wen family."

"Wait, husband, are you thinking of marrying Hua'er to the Wen family?"

Yang Zhao nodded, saying in a deep voice, "Chang'er and Hua'er will both go, one to take a wife and one to be married, proceeding simultaneously."

"This way, the relationship will be doubly close. Only then will the Wen clan be willing to fully support me in competing for the Commandery Captain position. With our Yang family and the Wen clan joining forces, only then can we be certain of success in this competition for Commandery Captain."

"This..." Lady Yang's face suddenly showed the same expression Yang Zhao had worn earlier.

Although it was only verbal, the Yang and Xu families had long had a tacit understanding that when the time was right, they would have Xu Mingwei marry Yang Ronghua.

Yang Zhao had always been pleased with forming a marriage alliance with the Xu family, and moreover, Xu Mingwei's character and talents were both excellent. For Yang Ronghua, he was truly a good match but now facing this choice, it was difficult to choose between career advancement and his daughter's happiness.

"But Hua'er she... Chang'er told me that the two have deep feelings for each other and have already made vows, reaching the point of 'I'll marry no one but you' and 'I'll wed no one but you.'"

"Nonsense! What do children know of worldly matters? How can there be eternal vows!"

Yang Zhao struck the table forcefully with stern voice and expression, not knowing whether he was angry at his daughter for privately pledging herself or lamenting that his career required sacrificing his daughter's entire life.

"Husband, is there truly no other way?"

Lady Yang felt sorry for her beloved daughter. Thinking of how heartbroken she would be upon hearing this terrible news, tears welled up in her eyes.

"How could I not cherish Hua'er as well?"

Yang Zhao was also helpless and sighed deeply, "But even if I were willing to give up my career prospects, how could I answer to Elder Uncle and Father? This matter does not concern just me alone, it truly relates to the rise and fall of the entire Yang family. I have received the Yang family's nurturing and education. How can I betray the clan?"

"Why not just say that Chang'er has not yet been betrothed, but Hua'er has already been promised to someone, the betrothal gifts have been given, and we are only waiting to choose an auspicious day for her to pass through the door? Husband has always been optimistic about the Xu family, saying they will surely become Qingjiang's foremost prominent family in the future. If we marry Hua'er to the Wen clan, the relationship between our two families will likely become strained, and many years of cultivation will also be wasted. Husband, please reconsider this carefully."

Hearing these words, Yang Zhao pondered for a long while before saying, "What my wife says is extremely right. The Xu family has extraordinary potential and in the future may not be inferior to our Yang family. Tomorrow I will return to the commandery seat and discuss with Elder Uncle whether we can have another suitable young lady from the clan marry into the Wen clan, or adopt a daughter under my name to marry in her place."

Hearing this, Lady Yang's face lit up with a smile.