In fact, what Cheng Xiaoxiao didn’t know was that since the heavy rain hit the village, everyone’s perception of her had changed a lot. Plus, the incident with the village chief’s daughter was also thanks to Cheng Xiaoxiao. Otherwise, who would have known soone was out there in the middle of the night? Without the premonition dream, the whole family might have perished.
People slowly began to believe that Cheng Xiaoxiao did indeed have premonition dreams.
Who would be foolish enough, in such a special situation, to offend soone who could foresee impending disasters at any ti? If there were any calamities, Cheng Xiaoxiao might give a word of warning. If things beca strained, there would be no benefit, and one might lose their life for lack of information.
So, adopting the principle of ’less trouble is better than more’, several clan elders tacitly approved of Cheng Xiaoxiao’s various actions in the village.
However, this ti, hearing about learning combat techniques, everyone was puzzled. They had spent a lifeti farming; why would they need combat techniques? If a villain ca, the n of the clan could band together, raise their hoes, and attack collectively. Who wouldn’t fear them?
At this mont, several clan elders disagreed, believing that the n in the clan were tall and powerful, each one worth two.
However, these confident elders did not expect to be so quickly proven wrong.
So villagers and clan elders thought the sa, but they gave face and attended the eting anyway.
anwhile, on Cheng Xiaoxiao’s side, she provided a large piece of oiled paper cloth. The gray-black canvas was very sturdy and cost Cheng Xiaoxiao 50 System Coins, making her heart ache.
A large martial arts training ground was set up at the rice field site. After all, they couldn’t let the villagers train in the rain!
About a hundred people gathered at the site. So ca as families, others sent just one representative.
Everyone was curious, discussing eagerly, "What’s that black thing overhead?"
Cheng Jinzhao, on the outer edge of the crowd, ran over to Cheng Xiaoxiao as soon as he saw her and stood next to her. "I hear we’re learning grappling techniques. Are they impressive?"
Cheng Xiaoxiao didn’t want to talk, so she just nodded.
"Can soone like , a scholar, learn them too?"
"During practice, I hope I don’t fall on my face. A scholar can’t afford to have his appearance damaged."
Oblivious to Cheng Xiaoxiao’s displeasure, Cheng Jinzhao kept talking incessantly.
Unable to stand it any longer, Qi Fei, who was nearby, interrupted.
Pointing to the front, the village chief stood at the front on a high wooden box and shouted loudly, "Quiet, quiet!"
He shouted several tis before the noise of the villagers gradually quieted down.
Cheng Jinzhao dared not crease his father’s brows in such a setting, so he shut up sheepishly.
Village Chief: "Before getting to the main point, let ask everyone a question. How long do you think this heavy rain will last?"
Having been farrs for decades, the older generation had so insight into the weather’s changes. An old man with graying hair stepped forward and said, "I think this disaster is a once-in-a-century event; it’s unlikely to stop any ti soon."
A young man questioned, "Isn’t that an exaggeration? It’s been raining for a few days; it should almost be stopping now!"
Another elderly man stepped forward, "I agree with Uncle Wu. This heavy rain is much more severe than the floods of over thirty years ago. If it weren’t for our village’s early precautions, we would’ve been subrged!"
Soone echoed, "Yes, yes! Haven’t you heard that more than half the people in Yangliu Village have died?"
This statent stirred a buzz of conversation among the crowd below.
The village chief had to shout once more, "Quiet! Listen to ."
"Indeed, the rain may very well continue, and the floods may beco even more ferocious. We must pay constant attention to the condition of the village’s houses and dams."
A man below replied, "Don’t worry, village chief! The people responsible for patrolling the riverbank have never slacked off."
The village chief nodded, "Very good!"
"But have you considered what might happen if this rain continues for another half-month or a month?"
The question triggered a wave of gasps below.
"Really?"
"We can’t be that unlucky, right?"
"How’s that possible."
These words of doubt echoed through the crowd.
However, so people proudly answered the village chief, "We’re not afraid; we have enough grain stored to last until next year." The grain from this year’s harvest had all been stored by families without any submissions, which made the villagers confident.
The village chief changed his tone, "Then what if, after the rain, a governnt officer cos to collect tax grain?"
The crowd fell silent below.
The village chief cleared his throat and continued, "And have you considered what the outside world might be like? Because we prepared early, we have no worries about food and clothing. But perhaps, after the rain, the outside will be full of refugees and bandits. Do you still think your grain can be kept safe?"
Everyone looked at each other, uncertain whether the village chief was trying to scare them.
The village chief looked at the people below him, "Don’t think this is alarmist talk. We must prepare for the worst-case scenario."
Soone nervously asked, "Village chief, is it true that there are refugees and bandits outside? Will they co to steal our grain?"
The village chief nodded, "Not only that, but the problem might be even more serious. Can you outfight those starving refugees whose eyes have turned green and are willing to risk their lives just to tear off a piece of at?
Can you fight against fierce bandits carrying big knives and axes?
And if a grain officer cos to forcibly collect three to five more portions of tax grain, are you brave enough to refuse?"
The sharp questions from the village chief left the crowd in silence; these were problems they hadn’t considered.
"Do you think, these days, that the heavy rain and floods are the greatest crisis? Little do you know the real crisis hasn’t even started."
Having said all that, the village chief looked mournful.
A few n stood out, they were from the Clan Leader’s family line, "Village chief, these are just assumptions. What if it’s only our area that’s affected by disaster, and everything is fine outside?"
Another strong man chid in, "Exactly, even if soone cos to rob us, they’ll have to see if the tools in my hands let them."
This man had learned blacksmithing when he was young, and after retiring, his master gave him two iron hamrs. With strength and weapons at his disposal, he spoke with particular audacity.
Cheng Xiaoxiao sneered at him. She knew this man, the Clan Leader’s son, not much younger than her father. She didn’t expect the Clan Leader to stay out of trouble but send his son to make trouble.
Cheng Xiaoxiao stood up and said, "Uncle, if you’re so confident, would you dare to have a match with my man?"
After speaking, she gave Qi Fei a signal. That’s right, Qi Fei was among those practicing in the afternoon. Given the foundation laid in recent days, she felt facing the strong uncle was no issue.
After all, the moves Leng Qi taught were all quick-learning techniques. Though without the boost of Inner Strength, they were more than enough to deal with ordinary n.
Qi Fei quickly stood up.
The strong uncle, with the full na Cheng Dawei, also stood out. He looked Qi Fei up and down; they were about the sa height, but Qi Fei was less well-built.
"A match it is!"
Cheng Xiaoxiao’s lips curled into a hint of a smile, "Let’s spar for a bit, no weapons, so we don’t hurt the amicability. Whoever knocks the other down first wins. What say you?"
Cheng Dawei agreed readily, "No problem."
Qi Fei also nodded, having no objections!
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