After cultivating the Vocabulary Fragnt, Bai Ming grew another two inches taller, and his body beca more robust, no longer resembling his originally frail state.
"You do seem to have a knack for business and see things clearly. He Wenbing considers the fishery his private property, focusing all his energy on it, while I consider Bai's Fish Stall just a ans of making money. Without skills, even the God of Wealth can't guard a mountain of gold and silver."
Bai Qi smiled faintly as he looked at Bai Ming, who now seed to have grown into a more refined appearance:
"If you're willing, how about making you the boss?"
With soone else, this would likely be a probing joke.
But Bai Qi spoke seriously, with no falsehood intended.
The brotherhood cultivated in humble households is far deeper than that of wealthy clans.
Because when the family is poor, there's no need to compete.
If not tightly united, one can only endure bullying.
Bai Ming paused his writing pensively:
"With the current size of the fish stall, I should be able to manage it for you without much difficulty.
However, completely integrating and digesting the fishery business left by He Wenbing may be beyond my capabilities.
As for the business at the wharf, whether it can be taken over depends on you, Brother.
Uncle Changshun told he sent people a few tis; the first two tis were cordial, but on the last attempt, they were beaten for failing to reach an agreent.
You once said that dealing with aggressive and troubleso villagers must be done with both kindness and authority.
Your reputation is now great, but it's all for doing good deeds—there's kindness, but no authority."
Bai Qi, with a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, asked in return:
"How do you suggest I establish authority?"
Bai Ming replied earnestly:
"The wharf at Dayu Town is rampant with those who run illegal businesses and serve cheap knife-cut noodles.
People like He Jingfeng and Feng Shao Ling, those from prestigious families, respect you, Brother, for two reasons: knowing Instructor Ning's strength and having seen your thods.
However, troubleso villagers focus only on small gains, narrow in their outlook, and may not take Master Bai Qi from Black River County seriously.
In such a case, only by killing so people and shedding so blood can things be accomplished."
Bai Qi nodded, pleased that Bai Ming saw things so clearly.
In these tis, when doing legitimate business, if one has no weapons for defense, people will only view you as an easy target.
Uncle Changshun is too kind; attempting multiple tis not to upset peace resulted in being underestimated.
"It's not difficult to settle this; just dispatch a group of good n from the local militia to sweep through Dayu Town."
Bai Qi lightly tapped his fingers on the table and then stood up:
"But you make a valid point, Ah Di. Places like Black River County, offering only kindness without authority, make it hard for others to understand the true weight behind your na.
I haven't had precious fish in a long ti; let's cook one tonight.
Make a pot of porridge at ho, and I'll be back."
Bai Ming nodded and continued to tally accounts, knowing with Brother's skills, taking down a group of country bully operators will be no challenge.
"Ah, I learned a new Contemplation thod from the Sparrow Immortal, and I forgot to ntion it to you."
It wasn't until Bai Qi slung his bow and arrows, mounted his horse, and left that Bai Ming rembered it.
A while back, after Brother had his blood replenishnt at Longkang Mountain, he took into the mountains once to et the Sparrow Immortal.
In return for receiving a na, that Sparrow Immortal secretly taught Bai Ming a Contemplation thod in a dream at night, to collect his thoughts and concentrate his soul.
Such a bountiful gain ought to have been shared with Brother long ago, had it not been for the unexpected incidents with Feng Shao Ling and the Hidden Pavilion Assassin.
...
...
Bai Qi casually took a black canopy boat from the East Market Wharf, one with Bai's Fish Stall signs, heading swiftly downstream to Dayu Town.
Sitting cross-legged at the boat's prow, he didn't need to pole or row; the black canopy boat glided swiftly on its own.
"Old Hei, this na is really unpleasant."
Bai Qi softly said, gazing at the rippling waves under the water.
He was usually a prudent person, so naturally, wouldn't travel alone.
The country bully operators in Dayu Town weren't the concern; it was the Hidden Pavilion Assassins and the wandering souls from the Han and Fang families that required attention.
Thus, Bai Qi specially called upon the Big Flood Dragon for protection, ensuring foolproof security.
In case of any trouble, diving into the river—who could catch it?
"Ang."
The Big Flood Dragon carefully stuck out half of its head, which was no smaller than the black canopy boat.
Its eyes were full of grievance, clearly feeling that "Old Hei" wasn't a fitting na, but only accepted it due to Ninghai Zen's "authority."
"Soday, I'll give you another na."
Bai Qi said to the Big Flood Dragon.
"Ang ang!"
The Big Flood Dragon's eyes lit up, with its golden vertical pupils glowing like a lit furnace.
Although Bai Qi couldn't understand, he could feel the joy and nodded:
"When you soday enter the river and head for the sea, I'll give you a new na then."
Having read a miscellany of tales, Bai Qi knew that dragons often hid in lake depths, ponds, rivers, and even underground caves.
Legend has it that after a thousand years of cultivation, they can transform into full-fledged dragons.
This process is typically accompanied by gales and storms, with rivers and waterways overflowing, which is why many cities have built Suspended Sword Bridges to guard against dragon escapades.
His master also ntioned that after entering the river, going out to the sea is another trial, akin to a spiritual creature's tribulation—not an easy feat.
"I wonder if you were born in the Black Water River or relocated from elsewhere."
Bai Qi was quite curious; the Big Flood Dragon only dared to reveal half a head, seemingly afraid of scaring passing fishern, lowly calling out twice as it looked toward Yihai Prefecture.
"County City, that's Nu Yun River... how did you end up in the Black Water River? Could it be that my master tricked you?"
Bai Qi was sowhat surprised; the Nu Yun River houses the Water Monarch Palace, established by an Old Dragon.
Under it were nurous offspring, including flood dragons, pythons, and water serpents of various kinds.
Upon hearing this question, the Big Flood Dragon appeared quite saddened, with tears welling up in its eyes, yet shook its head, indicating it had no relation to the fierce green-robed ones.
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