A timely snow promises a bountiful harvest. As the first heavy snow of the New Year drifted down from the heavens, (He Family Village) was already filled with joyous laughter.

The New Year held an extraordinary significance for everyone in the village. The young grew a year older, becoming more composed, while the elderly aged further; yet, within the hearts of the two elders of , there was still boundless delight, for their descendants had grown into figures capable of taking their places.

The days of sheltering from the wind and rain were gradually drawing to a close for them. Perhaps this was the ultimate wish residing in the hearts of all elders!

“The New Year martial competition officially begins…”

With the hearty announcement from Third Uncle, (He Quanyi), the entire training ground erupted in thunderous applause.

Unlike previous years, another junior had advanced to the sixth level of Inner Strength among the family young ones.

(He Yiling), the eldest daughter of Third Uncle , had just turned twenty this year, considered a female master among the third generation juniors. Most farm girls would already be married at this age, but for a cultivator, twenty years old certainly didn't mark one as an old maid; instead, it was the peak of youth and captivating vitality.

Thus, when stepped onto the stage for the first time, she immediately garnered the loudest cheers. Her opponent was Second Brother, (He Yihai). Facing his sister's offense, wore a wry smile as he sparred with her for a long time before "luckily" winning by a single move, making the elders of the family beam with pleasure.

Subsequently, (He Yixuan) and (He Yitian) took their turns, their skills growing increasingly seasoned.

Spurred on by the anomaly that was (He Yiming), everyone had raised their personal standards by another level, propelling the overall combat strength of the family's third generation juniors onto a new plateau.

Although they had not broken through their respective bottleneck barriers this year, the achievements they attained were enough to satisfy the elders.

As for , the moment he stood up, all the younger juniors on the competition ground scattered instantly. No one would willingly step forward to make a fool of themselves when certain defeat was obvious.

And with ’s strength, let alone these juniors, even if everyone in rushed him at once, they couldn't cause him much trouble.

Seeing this, the older generation, including (He Wude), could only shake their heads with a wry smile. Yet, in their hearts, there was immense joy. With such a descendant, the foundation of would remain secure against any decline for at least several decades.

In this year's New Year martial competition, and his wife, (Cheng Yanli), sat separately from the elders, having established their own table—a sign they were now considered married and had branched off from ’s (He Quanxin) lineage.

The couple had been married for a year; even if they weren't deeply passionate, they at least treated each other with respect, behaving most appropriately here. However, vaguely felt that the two were perhaps too polite toward each other. Perhaps only with the passage of time would they truly accept one another.

Of course, not everything was perfect. If there was any criticism leveled against their marriage after a year, it was that they had failed to add a fourth-generation descendant to the family.

Although and the other elders did not voice this explicitly, subtle hints could be read from their expressions. It was just that the elders’ concealment techniques were excellent, preventing and from noticing anything.

After the New Year martial competition, everyone shared a late supper before dispersing. However, in the main courtyard of the residence, , the three members of the second generation, along with and , gathered together.

The matter they needed to discuss was the family’s development plan for the coming year after the spring thaw.

In past years, even had not been permitted to attend discussions involving the third generation, but today, had summoned both third-generation members, making his intention clear. The third generation of the family was officially beginning to participate in the village’s operations.

Around a circular table set with tea, and were responsible for refilling the elders’ cups, listening in, and, of course, offering their opinions.

(He Quanming) placed the year’s account book on the table. "Father, this year's income was quite good. After deducting costs and various expenditures from the shops, the total profit was two thousand taels of silver."

also presented a ledger. "Quite a bit of farmland around the village has been reclaimed; the grain income is excellent. Plus, income from hunting in the back mountain and selling local mountain produce through the city shops also yielded a good sum," he paused, continuing, "However, with hundreds of mouths to feed in the village, plus monthly stipends and unexpected bonuses, the expenses are considerable. Calculated out, although there is a slight surplus, it is not significant. But the new construction and repairs of residences, and the future collection of materials for the castle, represent a massive outlay—a total expenditure of five thousand taels of silver."

and exchanged a glance; a hint of shock flashed in their eyes. It turned out that despite a year of hard work by everyone in the family, they were running at a deficit.

nodded slightly, his face expressionless, as if he had anticipated this.

"Second Brother, how is the Yuan family's business?" the elder asked calmly.

's face immediately broke into a smile. "Father, our cooperation with the Yuan family went very smoothly this year. All the goods were successfully moved, netting a full one thousand taels of gold."

The brothers and both opened their mouths, almost unable to believe their ears.

Although gold and silver were both precious metals, their value differed vastly. One tael of gold in the Northwest could definitely be exchanged for ten taels of silver. A profit of one thousand taels of gold equated to a full ten thousand taels of silver. By comparison, the village’s deficit of five thousand taels of silver for the year seemed insignificant.

smiled contentedly, then suddenly said, "Yitian, Yiming, now you understand. Although we have shops in the city, due to the continuous expansion of the manor, it is unlikely we can fill this hole for decades. To continuously expand the manor and accumulate wealth, the business with the Yuan family is the true lifeline of our family."

hesitated slightly. "Grandfather, is the Yuan family you speak of the Yuan family from Jinlin Kingdom?"

"That's right, the Yuan family of Jinlin," nodded slightly. "Although they don't wield immense power in Jinlin Kingdom, their connections are vast. Moreover, the current head of the Yuan family, Yuan Zeyu, was a companion I roamed the world with in my youth. They are absolutely the best partners for our family to collaborate with."

looked around at everyone and asked, "Father, what business do we do with the Yuan family that is so profitable?"

hesitated for a moment. "Smuggling."

"Smuggling?" exclaimed in surprise. "Does our family still need to rely on smuggling for subsistence?"

"Of course," said gravely. "In fact, all major families secretly engage in various illegal ventures. Ours, dealing only in smuggling, is considered the cleanest."

gave a wry smile; he hadn't expected smuggling to be taken for granted in his father's mind.

coughed lightly. "Yiming, if our Family Village can one day be built into a castle like the Xu Family Fort, then the annual deficit can be eliminated."

acknowledged, thinking inwardly that the Xu Family Fort’s century of deep foundation truly surpassed the current Family Village.

gently tapped the table in front of him. "Yiming, the Xu and Cheng families, much like us, are actually engaged in similar activities. It's just that their methods have been more restrained recently. But a century ago, when they were first developing, they were far more reckless than us. Otherwise, where do you think their massive fortunes came from?"

considered for a moment, finally nodding, the lingering doubts in his heart entirely vanished.

"Enough," waved his hand broadly. "Let's not discuss this matter. Let's talk about Yiling."

Upon hearing this, everyone's brows furrowed instantly.

Although was a cultivator, her talent was not exceptional; only before the age of twenty did she finally break through smoothly to the sixth level of Inner Strength.

This indicated that her future achievements would be very limited, and cultivation was even harder for women than men; the possibility of her advancing further was already quite low. Under such circumstances, most female cultivators would abandon strenuous cultivation, or, if in a noble clan, would be ready for marriage arrangements.

The elders of had been extremely troubled by this issue recently.

Both the Xu family and the Cheng family had sent representatives to propose marriage, with as the target.

In the past, would certainly have dismissed this with disdain. But after this recent outing, understood many things. To allow a family to establish an unshakeable foothold in one place and pass down through generations was by no means an easy task. Even with the unprecedented strength of at present, they could not afford to alienate the entire county's influence. Otherwise, when the tides turned and 's strength waned one day, the backlash could lead to their complete annihilation.

The Xu and Cheng families were the two oldest established clans in Taicang County. Several others stood alongside them initially, some even dominating the region and enjoying peak prosperity. But a century later, those families had all declined, some even completely severed their lineage.

Only the Xu and Cheng families slowly developed without fanfare, becoming deeply rooted in Taicang County instead.

This situation mirrored the Four Great Families of the Fire Crow Kingdom: in any location, any family aspiring to be an unshakeable lineage for a thousand years could never achieve it through solitary strength alone. The faster the rise, the quicker the fall.

Only by branching out, continuously building one's connections, and fostering goodwill with surrounding powers could one fully integrate their roots into the local structure. In this manner, when the family's strength was supreme, they could naturally command the power of a region, absorbing all influences beneath them. Likewise, when family strength declined, they could retreat to the mountains and forests, relying on the dominant powers. In short, as long as the bloodline persisted, there was always the possibility of a phoenix nirvana, rebirth through fire.

Before the third generation of the family matured, although they were also hailed as one of the Three Great Families of Taicang County, their foundation and connections could not compare to the other two. If not for their unmatched martial prowess, they would not have qualified.

However, as the third generation of the family gradually showed their potential and demonstrated a thriving momentum, they finally gained the recognition of the other two families. Following the alliance through marriage with the Cheng family, the other two families simultaneously extended the olive branch again.

Seeing that everyone remained silent, sighed lightly. "Quanyi, you are Yiling's father. You speak first—between the Xu and Cheng families, which do you choose?"

Once the elder uttered this, the tone was set; ’s future husband could only be selected from these two families.

smiled bitterly. "Father, please make the decision on this matter."

Just as was about to speak, he suddenly quieted, his gaze fixed outside. A moment later, everyone heard the sound of urgent footsteps approaching rapidly from a distance.

The few exchanged confused glances. Who dared to disturb them at this moment? Could something major have happened?

immediately stood up and strode out. A moment later, he walked back in with a grave expression. "Father, someone from the Yuan family of Jinlin has arrived."

was taken aback. "Why would someone from the Yuan family of Jinlin come now? Didn't they already prepare gifts for us this year?"

gave a wry smile. "Father, I'm not entirely clear either. Please see for yourself."

With a flick of his wrist, he held a black-skinned letter. Seeing this letter, everyone’s hearts sank slightly. Using such a cover during the New Year period was not an auspicious sign. This indicated that the Yuan family must have encountered grave trouble.

’s expression also turned solemn. The Yuan family of Jinlin was their partner in the smuggling business. If the Yuan family ran into trouble, the blow to the family would be extremely heavy. After all, finding another family that wasn't top-tier in strength but possessed extensive connections would not be easy.

Furthermore, the and Yuan families had cooperated for many years, developing a deep tacit understanding. At the very least, was reluctant to easily change his partner.

Picking up the envelope, broke the seal and read it over twice, carefully and seriously.

"Father, what happened?" asked first.

pondered for a moment. "The Yuan family of Jinlin has run into serious trouble." He sighed softly. "In Zheng Tong Prefecture of Jinlin, a new noble family has recently risen. This family is ruthless and cruel; they are known for utterly destroying their adversaries, leaving no way out. They have set their sights on the connections and resources controlled by the Yuan family, intending to take over. Heh, so the Yuan family is requesting our aid, promising ten thousand taels of gold if we help them overcome this crisis, plus an additional one-tenth of the profit from all future transactions."

He spoke these words with extreme composure, but and the others were already moved beyond measure. Never mind the ten thousand taels of gold; even one-tenth of the profit after every transaction was a staggering amount, and this was a continuous arrangement. For the family, which sought to continuously expand its power in Taicang County, this money was simply too vital.

"A newly risen noble family? What is their military strength?" asked gravely.

and exchanged looks; they already understood the meaning behind 's inquiry. Although the Eldest Uncle was second only to the Old Master in cultivation within the family, he had dedicated most of his life to martial techniques and was not deeply involved in business matters. Now, even he was paying close attention to this, so his intention was obvious to all.

chuckled lightly. "The patriarch is a peak tenth-level Inner Strength expert—his strength is not insignificant. If it truly comes to a confrontation, the Yuan family might not gain the upper hand."

Everyone nodded in succession. Although at this moment in , a peak tenth-level Inner Strength master didn't seem overly rare, for a rising noble family, a tenth-level expert was already invaluable, an irreplaceable supreme martial force. This could be understood by looking at how himself established the family empty-handed, and how the dignified Xie Estate of the Fire Crow Kingdom only had three tenth-level Inner Strength masters. To cultivate Inner Strength to this level within one's lifetime was absolutely one in a million, a rarity.

stood up. "Father, let me handle this matter."

and both nodded slightly. Since the opposition possessed a tenth-level expert, assistance in martial force required a peer expert to match. Considering ’s age, past eighty, it was naturally more suitable for to take action.

pondered for a moment. "Quanxin, when you go this time, bring Yiming and Yitian along as well. Let them participate and gain some experience."

nodded slightly. "Good. With Yiming accompanying me, the matter will be absolutely secure."

Everyone else nodded their agreement. In their eyes, both and were tenth-level Inner Strength masters. If the newly risen family had only one such expert, they would believe it, but if they claimed to have two or more, it would be utterly unreasonable.

Sighing softly, said with a pained expression, "I just got back, and now I have to leave again?"

Everyone chuckled lightly. ’s face darkened. "Yiming, stop joking. This matter is of utmost importance. If you cannot protect the Yuan family, don't even think about getting a single stipend from me next year."

quickly composed his troubled expression. "Father, please rest assured. Eldest Uncle and I will resolve this matter smoothly; there will absolutely be no oversight."

hesitated for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Father, what if, by the time we arrive, the Yuan family can no longer hold on and has already collapsed?"

was momentarily stunned, then finally said, "If the Yuan family is still standing, we must spare no effort to support them. But if the Yuan family has already fallen, then find a way to continue cooperation with other families. In any case, the route between us and the Jinlin Kingdom must not be severed. However, one thing must be remembered: try your best to preserve the direct descendants of the Yuan family; never let their line be completely extinguished."

responded respectfully.

’s heart stirred slightly, and he asked, "Grandfather, what kind of new family is it?"

glanced at the paper in his hand. "The Fan family of Jinlin."

"The Fan family?" suddenly recalled the convoy he had encountered on the road; it seemed one of them had the surname Fan. A strange feeling arose in his heart—could it really be such a coincidence?

P.S.: Another chapter in two minutes.