CLAP, CLAP, CLAP~

The applause started with Cheng Guanghai.

Instantly, a wave of applause echoed from the crowd.

"Excellent!"

Cheng Guanghai looked at the two of them and said with a smile,

"This is how you fight and kill an enemy. Being a Martial Artist gives you Power, but knowing how to wield that Power for maximum lethality—that comes down to Martial Arts.

Fist Techniques and Palm Techniques are Martial Arts, but you can’t be rigidly bound by their forms. In a real fight, you must seize any opportunity, even if it means abandoning your techniques to do so.

Because this was just a selection, I didn’t have you aim for vital spots. But remember this: when you face a real enemy in the future, you’ll be facing a matter of life and death! 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

As long as you can incapacitate or kill your opponent, don’t forget to use so-called ’dirty tricks’ alongside your Martial Arts. Have you got that?"

As he spoke, he swept his gaze over the surrounding crowd.

He wasn’t just speaking to the two who had just fought, but to everyone present.

"Yes, Clan Leader!" everyone present shouted in unison.

"Guangwen, arrange for some people to take them to the Medicine Hall for a soak."

Cheng Guanghai said to Instructor Zhang Guangwen, who had also been watching the fight from the side.

"Yes, Clan Leader!" Zhang Guangwen cupped his fists, then called over a few people to take them for treatment.

The injuries looked serious, but for Martial Artists, they were merely superficial. A single soak in a medicinal bath at the Medicine Hall would have them back to normal.

It was precisely because of such medicine that Cheng Guanghai had followed Cheng Zongyang’s plan to have them engage in constant practical combat. This would not only improve the Martial Artists’ combat experience but also increase their strength.

As long as they didn’t die or lose a limb, Cheng Zongyang had ways to get them back on their feet.

Cheng Guanghai said to Zhang Guangwen, "Those two are both very good. After they recover, bring them and the other thirteen to the Sect Hall."

They had all signed contracts, so they could be trusted.

"Yes, Clan Leader." Zhang Guangwen cupped his fists.

Cheng Guanghai left and headed for the Sect Hall.

In the Sect Hall, Zhou Hansong was discussing matters with a few people. Seeing Cheng Guanghai arrive, he had the Outsiders leave first.

"Clan Leader," Zhou Hansong called out.

"It seems I’m interrupting your work," Cheng Guanghai said with a smile.

Zhou Hansong replied with a wry smile, "It’s just some minor business. The wives of these men are due to give birth in two or three months, making theirs the first families to welcome newborns in our Cheng Family Village. It’s a wonderful thing for the Cheng Family Village, so I was planning to use this opportunity for some good publicity."

Cheng Guanghai laughed. "That is good news. Time really flies. Our village is already about to see a new generation. By the way, what’s the status of Zhenyuan’s marriage? How are the talks going?"

At this, Zhou Hansong couldn’t suppress a smile. "It’s going well. He found her himself. The young woman is from the Earth Branch Lineage, sixteen years old. The boy’s mother thinks she’s a good kid, too, so we had Xiao’e go and ask. The young woman has no objections."

"Hahaha, that’s wonderful. While it might not be the first wedding in Cheng Family Village, it is a joyous occasion for our Cheng and Zhou Families. We must celebrate it properly," Cheng Guanghai declared, clapping his hands in approval.

"There’s no need for extravagance; simple is fine." Zhou Hansong waved his hand dismissively, but before he could say more, Cheng Guanghai cut him off. "That won’t do. As the eldest son of the main branch of the Zhou Family, he can’t be looked down upon, can he? I’ll have Xiao’e make proper arrangements for the bride’s side. You should make proper arrangements on your end as well."

The Earth Branch Lineage also belongs to the Cheng Family, so it was natural for the Cheng Family to handle the arrangements.

This union, which would strengthen their existing ties, was an excellent development. It would also be beneficial for the future of the Cheng and Zhou Families.

"Well... all right," Zhou Hansong could only agree.

"By the way," Cheng Guanghai finally got to the point, "have you chosen someone for the task Yang’Er assigned when he was last here?"

Hearing the serious topic, Zhou Hansong’s smile vanished, replaced by a solemn expression. He nodded and said, "I’ve discussed it with Hanchang. Among our two families, the one who is quick-witted and meets the requirements is Zhendong.

He may be young, but he is decisive and has his own opinions. As long as someone mentors him, he’ll be able to stand on his own in a few years."

"Then who will mentor him?" Cheng Guanghai frowned. "The Cheng Family Village can’t do without the few of us. If we hand it to the younger generation, besides Zongyang, the others aren’t ready yet."

He, the Clan Leader, couldn’t leave. Cheng Guangshan was in charge of the Medicine Hall and was even more indispensable.

Zhou Hansong managed the affairs of the Sect Hall and the Guardian Hall. Zhou Hanchang was responsible for the Hunting Hall and the Ministry of Works Hall.

Mrs. Chen of the Cheng Family was in charge of the Storehouse and the Household Affairs Hall.

Although they were all mentoring members of the younger generation, this process required time.

Zhou Hansong also felt a sense of helplessness.

This was the problem with the clan being short-staffed.

The development of the various halls required their own people, but the Cheng Family Village was growing so fast that talent development hadn’t caught up. It needed time to mature.

With the summer harvest in Cheng Family Village imminent, followed by the village’s reconstruction, they were even more tied down.

"What about Zongyang? Did he have any ideas when he returned last time?" Zhou Hansong asked.

Cheng Guanghai shook his head. "No, the last time he came back..."

"The Young Clan Leader is back!"

Just then, an excited shout from outside interrupted their conversation.

The two men looked at each other, and both couldn’t help but break into a smile.

"He’s back right on time," Cheng Guanghai said with a laugh.

The two of them immediately left the Sect Hall. Soon, they saw Cheng Zongyang walking in from outside, greeting the villagers as he went.

"Father, Uncle," Cheng Zongyang said as he spotted the two elders at the entrance of the Sect Hall and immediately walked over.

"You’re back. Did you take care of business outside?" Cheng Guanghai asked with a smile, patting his son’s shoulder.