Chapter 199: Chapter 194: Ranking in Jade Stream Towni

Translator: 549690339 |

Humans who lived past four hundred years, were definitely beings like the old ancestor of the Fang Family. Even more so, Qin Niu suspected that the old ancestor of the Fang Family might not have lived for four hundred years.

As for those who lived over a thousand years, they were absolutely beings on the level of terrestrial immortals.

Their strength must be terrifyingly powerful.

Qin Niu’s lifespan had reached close to one hundred thirty years, which was already quite remarkable.

He had more opportunities than other cultivators in the Acquired Realm.

Choosing to cultivate the Everlasting Spring Technique back then must have been the most correct decision he made.

Longevity and immortality, that is the real competitive edge.

As long as one has enough lifespan, even with poor talent, time can be used to slowly accumulate strength. Ultimately breaking through again and again.

Qin Niu looked up at the Ancient Banyan Tree and noticed its branches beginning to droop.

It meant that it was already late in the day.

He promptly collected the Banyan Tree Blood and hastened out of the maze.

In the past, after coming out, he would always check on the beehive in the pine tree. Now that he had moved them to his home, he really wasn’t used to it.

Back at home, everything was safe and sound.

Xu Zhenchang seemed to time his visit perfectly, coming to see him.

Inviting him into the house, Qin Niu’s home was already furnished with mahogany tables and chairs, high-end screens, calligraphy and painting hung on the walls, and flowers and plants were being grown inside. Even the tea set for entertaining guests was replaced with a new one.

Slowly, he had begun to live the quality of life a wealthy person should have.

Xu Zhenchang envied him in his heart.

This man was on his way to wealth, and it would take just about a year or two.

Who could have imagined that just over half a year ago, Alt Niu was a young man who struggled to make ends meet. Now he was the most prestigious person in Shuangfeng Village, living in the most imposing house, an official residence with three rooms and seven rafters.

He already used high-end furniture and teacups.

Qin Niu had undergone a transformation and accumulation that many people would not achieve in their lifetimes, in a very short span of time.

“Master Qin, today Xie Laizi has been buried. I have already reported to the official registry to cancel his household registration. Ah, one never knows what tomorrow may bring. Xie Laizi, he was rather despicable and had done some immoral things, being sent off by a venomous snake in his last moments is retribution. In the end, it was still the villagers who helped and buried him.”

Xu Zhenchang sighed.

He also meant to ask Qin Niu for money.

After all, Qin Niu promised yesterday to give fifty Wen Money to every villager who helped bury Xie Laizi.

Xu Zhenchang’s crop this year was hit by both floods and pests, and he might even end up losing money. It was likely that he was short on cash, struggling to get by.

Had he followed the trend and bought a thousand or two ducks last time, he could have made a profit.

Unfortunately, he was too cautious, and with limited funds on hand, he missed the opportunity.

“Xie Laizi did not accumulate virtue, and this disaster is fate. How much labor was used to bury him?”

“Sixteen people worked together to bury him, and both Wang Haikun’s wife and Liu Shengli’s wife helped with cooking. In total, eighteen people put in effort.”

“How much did it cost for the coffin and the villagers’ food?”

“Two Taels and one Wen of Silver.”

This money was basically spent right along the line.

The silver money found on Xie Laizi’s body was just over two taels with several copper coins.

“Each of the eighteen people fifty Wen, and you as the leader who put in more effort, get one hundred Wen.”

Qin Niu took out One Tael of Silver and gave it to Xu Zhenchang directly.

“You must ensure this money reaches the hands of those who helped, you can’t skim off their share.”

This statement from Qin Niu served as both a warning and a reminder.

Xu Zhenchang was currently short on cash, and it’s tough to guarantee he wouldn’t get ideas about the two Taels of Silver.

The greed of a man can be boundless.

“Understood, rest assured, I will distribute the full amount to each person and tell them that this is Master Qin’s grace.”

“You can go now! I should also pay a visit to the Yan Family soon.”

Qin Niu rose to see his guest out.

“Thankyou, Master Qin, for your gracious gift. I take my leave!”

Xu Zhenchang, with the silver money in hand, naturally wore a happy face.

Others did not dare to openly ask for the money, and even he, as the village chief, did not dare to directly ask for it.

If Qin Niu hadn’t given that one tael of silver, others would’ve assumed Xu Zhenchang had embezzled it. They would surely talk behind his back, which could affect his status and prestige in the village.

With that one tael of silver, and then distributing it, his standing in the villagers’ eyes would become more stable.

It was equivalent to having the status of a foreman under Master Qin’s command.

In the future, wouldn’t he arrange any such good opportunities the same way?

Whomever he assigned to do the task would earn those fifty wen money.

Xu Zhenchang’s choice of two women to cook showed considerable thought.

By inviting Wang Haikun’s wife to cook and earning fifty wen money, he naturally intended to curry favor with Wang Haikun.

Despite Wang Haikun having an arm severed by Qin Niu and rarely leaving his house now, as long as his brother Wang Yue held a position in the military, Wang Haikun’s status in the village wouldn’t be too low.

As for Liu Shengli’s wife, not only was she beautiful, but she also had a sweet mouth and was adept at socializing.

Xu Zhenchang was the village chief, and she likely hadn’t spared any effort in keeping him happy.

With good things coming, he was sure to look after her a bit.

The sixteen men who buried Xie Laizi were probably just ordinary laborers from the village.

After all, it was a tough job with good pay, but burying the dead brought bad luck.

Everyone earned their money the hard way.

Those close to Xu Zhenchang were prioritized for arrangements, which was nothing out of the ordinary.

The usual day’s wage for a laborer was about ten wen money.

Burying someone, and with two meals included, one could earn fifty wen money, which was equivalent to five times the daily wage. In the village, indeed, people were eager for such work.

Qin Niu’s position in the village was now unshakable.

He was quietly progressing toward becoming a local overlord like the Yan Family.

It was just that the timing wasn’t right yet, but in a few days, as soon as the land prices fell, Qin Niu leaping to become a local upstart was almost a certainty.

Xu Zhenchang had not yet left when Yan Qi’s carriage had already arrived at the doorway.

“Master Qin, I’ve come to take you over. The young master has already prepared the dinner, we’re just waiting for your arrival to begin.”

“Wait for me a moment.”

Qin Niu made some preparations before getting on Yan Qi’s carriage.

Sitting in the carriage, Yan Qi looked at him with some trepidation.

He occasionally stole glances his way.

“Is there something dirty on my face?” Qin Niu wiped at his face with his hand.

“Not at all. It’s just that you seem a bit different than usual today. You appear even more formidable, and the imperceptible aura you exude is quite intimidating. I assume that Master Qin’s cultivation has progressed further.”

Yan Qi must have certain cultivation skills himself.

Many of the Yan Family’s senior servants had practiced cultivation techniques.

It wasn’t surprising for him to feel that Qin Niu had made significant improvements in his skills.

After all, they were sitting very close inside the carriage, and that kind of imperceptible pressure could be easily sensed by him.

“There have been some improvements, but they’re nothing in front of those real masters.”

“Master Qin, you’re being too modest. At the very least, according to my intuition, your strength has reached a notable level within the boundaries of Jade Stream Town. Within the town, I doubt any major family would dare underestimate you.”

Although Yan Qi spoke cautiously, his words hinted that Qin Niu’s cultivation had become significant enough to be recognized among large families like the Yan Family.