I Can Devour Spirits

Chapter 175: Yuan Shouzhi

That day, at dusk, Ximen Yong and his trusted aide Yuan Shouzhi returned to Xianggu County by carriage.

Yuan Shouzhi was not tall, but his shoulders were broad and solid, giving an impression of sturdiness.

Yuan Shouzhi’s father was the steward of the Ximen family in the previous generation, and he passed away at the age of ninety within the West Gate Mansion a few years ago.

Yuan Shouzhi and Ximen Yong grew up together in the mansion, and they had been close since childhood.

Since Ximen Yong took over the Ximen family’s business, he had never kept anything from Yuan Shouzhi.

However, Yuan Shouzhi’s talent in martial arts cultivation far surpassed that of Ximen Yong.

Ximen Yong was still only at the Second Level of the Inner Breath Realm.

The rotation of inner breath at the Third Level already involved dual circuit operation and required a certain level of spiritual power, which Ximen Yong could not achieve due to his limited talent.

However, Yuan Shouzhi reached the Great Success Realm of the Fourth Level of the Inner Breath Realm by the age of thirty.

Even though Yuan Shouzhi had reached the Great Success Realm, he remained respectful and proper in front of Ximen Yong, never daring to overstep boundaries. This sense of hierarchy and propriety had been ingrained in them since childhood, deeply embedded in their bones.

After returning to the mansion, Ximen Yong and Yuan Shouzhi had dinner. During the meal, Ximen Yong inquired about Ximen Kankan. The servants said that Ximen Kankan had gone out in the afternoon and had not yet returned.

Ximen Yong was unperturbed and, after the meal, sat with Yuan Shouzhi in the garden pavilion, sipping tea and enjoying the cool breeze.

"Shouzhi, do you think this trip to the Prefecture City was fruitful?" Ximen Yong took a sip of tea, gazing at the flowers swaying in the breeze as he spoke.

Yuan Shouzhi smiled meaningfully and said, "Master! In my opinion, this trip was highly rewarding!"

"Oh..." Ximen Yong’s eyes moved, looking at Yuan Shouzhi, seemingly encouraging him to continue.

Yuan Shouzhi said, "Chen Chunlei has quite a complex network in Yuanyang Prefecture, and his herbal shop accounts for nearly a third of the entire Prefecture City. By connecting with him, even if we concede some profit, in the long run, it’s a sustainable and profitable venture."

Ximen Yong nodded slightly and said, "Shouzhi, you’re right. We were thinking along the same lines. Although Xianggu County is remote with inconvenient transportation, the dense forests here are filled with medicinal herbs. Once the sales channel is open, we can also encourage local villagers to cultivate herbs. The key is to establish this route with Chen Chunlei and bring in the flow of wealth."

"Master’s insights are indeed far-reaching and thorough." Yuan Shouzhi couldn’t help but praise.

Ximen Yong’s business acumen was indeed extraordinary, a fact that Yuan Shouzhi had recognized since childhood.

Upon hearing this, Ximen Yong merely smiled faintly, looking at the darkening garden with flickering eyes.

At that moment, Ximen Kankan had returned from outside. Upon hearing that Ximen Yong had returned to the mansion, he immediately went to the main courtyard to pay his respects.

After several days without seeing each other, the father and son exchanged glances full of subtle emotion.

Seeing the weariness on Ximen Yong’s face, Ximen Kankan’s heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Kankan pays respects to Father! Greetings to Uncle Yuan!"

Ximen Yong and Yuan Shouzhi both smiled at Ximen Kankan.

Ximen Yong said, "Where did you go to play this afternoon? You’re back so late."

Ximen Kankan replied, "I made plans with Duan Rong and Jiang Qingyu to drink at Yanyue Tower, which is why I returned late."

Ximen Yong nodded. As long as it wasn’t too out of line, he generally didn’t interfere with Ximen Kankan. "Did anything happen in the mansion while your Uncle Yuan and I were away?"

"Just routine business, nothing significant!" Ximen Kankan replied.

"I haven’t been overseeing your cultivation in martial arts this past half year. Have you been lazy?" Ximen Yong suddenly asked.

When Ximen Kankan heard the mention of martial arts, he couldn’t help but scratch his head, he hadn’t practiced much martial arts during this half year.

Seeing Ximen Kankan’s demeanor, Ximen Yong could guess the situation and said in a deep voice, "Show your Thunder Smoke Saber technique for your Uncle Yuan and me."

Ximen Kankan sighed lightly and had no choice but to brace himself, drawing his saber and performing in front of the garden pavilion.

After finishing the routine, Ximen Kankan stood holding his saber, looking somewhat apprehensively at Ximen Yong.

Ximen Yong was silent for a while before saying, "You may go. Don’t run off tomorrow, and join me for a family dinner at noon tomorrow."

"Yes." Ximen Kankan was taken aback but immediately responded with joy.

He hadn’t expected to pass so easily; he thought his father would insist on daily practice when martial arts were mentioned. "Father, Uncle Yuan, Kankan takes his leave!"

Ximen Kankan slowly turned and walked out of the garden, breaking into a trot as soon as he exited the courtyard...

Ximen Yong watched Ximen Kankan’s departing figure and turned to Yuan Shouzhi, saying, "Shouzhi, the boy’s saber technique seems to have improved quite a bit..." Ximen Yong seemed unsure.

Yuan Shouzhi chuckled and said, "Master has noticed too! Indeed, Kankan’s saber technique has made significant progress. Apparently, he has gained further insights into the Thunder Smoke Saber’s Great Success Realm mastery."

"Is that so? Further insights?" Ximen Yong’s eyes reflected suspicion.

"Kankan’s extraordinary talent suggests that his future achievements in martial arts could be limitless," Yuan Shouzhi praised.

"The boy’s talent is quite impressive; he takes after his mother in that regard." Ximen Yong laughed.

Kankan’s mother, Li Yilin, Ximen Yong’s first wife, passed away due to illness when Kankan was three years old, and all these years, Ximen Yong had not remarried.

Recently, Kankan had been sparring with Duan Rong, and Duan Rong’s rapid progress had motivated him to fully engage in his abilities. Kankan had naturally made great strides in his saber technique, although he didn’t notice these changes himself due to his lack of interest in martial arts.

"However, the boy has never liked practicing martial arts. It’s odd that his saber technique has improved during this time."

Could it be that the boy has really changed his character?

Ximen Yong suddenly called for his maid Mei Qin, saying, "Mei Qin, go find Shi Kang."

After about the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, Mei Qin led Shi Kang to the pavilion in the garden. Knowing her master had something to discuss with Shi Kang, Mei Qin ushered Shi Kang to the pavilion, curtsied, and then gracefully left.

Ximen Yong looked at Shi Kang and asked if Kankan had been practicing martial arts recently.

Shi Kang initially said he hadn’t, but upon seeing Ximen Yong’s disapproving expression, he hesitated and added, "The Young Master has, in fact, been frequently sparring in saber technique."

"Sparring in saber technique? With whom?"

"With Duan Rong, the Escort Master from Yuan Shun Escort Agency."

"Duan Rong?" Ximen Yong’s eyes narrowed, recalling the scholar who painted for Ximen Kankan at Snow Covered Residence and his line "A single branch and a leaf matter."

"Does Kankan frequently interact with Escort Master Duan Rong?" Ximen Yong fixed his gaze on Shi Kang.

"They often interact! And... and..." Shi Kang suddenly hesitated.

"And what? Speak!" Ximen Yong demanded angrily.

"The Young Master calls Duan Rong ’Brother Duan’ and holds him in great respect," Shi Kang blurted.

"Brother Duan?" Ximen Yong’s expression twitched, pondering for a moment before looking up at Shi Kang and saying, "You may go. Take good care of the young master. If anything seems amiss, report to me promptly."

"Yes, I understand." Shi Kang left in a hurry, relieved.

After Shi Kang left, Ximen Yong stood up and began pacing in front of the pavilion.

In the world of business, no matter how significant the matter, Ximen Yong could always remain calm, yet when it came to matters involving Ximen Kankan, he was easily unsettled by concern.

Being his own son, Ximen Yong understood him best. The boy had some wild tendencies in his bones, and his ability to address a peer as ’big brother’ truly surprised Ximen Yong.