A Divine Farmer

Chapter 276 - The Competition Has Begun!

Zheng Ming couldn't help but sneer, “The big boss of Soaring Dragon Company, jealous of your tiny operation? Don't flatter yourself.”

Huang Zhigang was dumbfounded, struggling to believe what he heard, “What did you say? That simple farmer is the boss of Soaring Dragon?”

Realizing he had let something slip, Zheng Ming knew it wasn't a secret, but since it hadn't been announced, it implied the company preferred discretion. He had only recently learned of it himself from the city bureau. Disclosing it wasn't appropriate.

But what was said was said, and he couldn't take it back. “Zhigang, I'll say it again. Since Xiaolong isn't planning to come after you, I advise you as your brother-in-law to manage your factory well. If it's beyond you, shut it down sooner rather than later, or you'll regret it.”

“This…” Huang Zhigang hadn't anticipated this turn of events, “Could there be a mistake? Would the head of Soaring Dragon really have the time to pick a fight with me? Maybe it's just a coincidence of names…”

“Enough with the nonsense!” Zheng Ming was livid. Had they been in an office, he likely would have smashed the desk. “Xiaolong was here for a day, and the military showed up to encircle the police station. If you don't straighten out your factory, we'll both be ruined. Do you think money alone will fix this?”

Huang Zhigang was taken aback. He had seen the armed police depart, unaware that even more soldiers had left earlier, all because of Xiaolong.

“But my products are really good. Once I have the funds, I'll definitely address the wastewater issue. Just a few more months, can't I just wait…” Huang Zhigang couldn't let go.

“Do you really think that's feasible?” Zheng Ming's gaze was icy. “I've heard it from Xiaolong himself. Though unnoticed now, your wastewater is contaminating the river, and it's toxic. Frankly, you're intentionally poisoning on a large scale. If you don't halt now, waiting a few months could be catastrophic, regardless of whether the river can be restored. If anyone suffers because of this, you know the gravity of the consequences.”

Huang Zhigang was left stunned. He had assumed that waiting a bit longer wouldn't pose any issues, but now the gravity of the situation was clear, and it seemed Zhang Xiaolong would definitely not allow him to carry on. What was he to do?

Inside Liu Zhongjun's car, Qu Moyao was venting her frustration. “Why is this happening? We were the ones who stood up for you. Those were your adversaries, and yet, you ended up giving them such a significant advantage?”

She knew the advantages of the Swimming Dragon Step better than anyone and was quite unhappy about it.

“The greater the talent and skill, the greater the rewards,” Zhang Xiaolong explained with a smile. “All of you are masters in your own right, and the rewards you've received far surpass theirs. What's there to be unsatisfied about?”

“That's not the point. You should have taught us exclusively. As for them, they're lucky we didn't show them a lesson,” Qu Moyao persisted, still not pleased. “And you, with such an impressive technique, only taught us a fraction of it. That's hardly fair, considering we've always treated you as one of our own.”

Zhang Xiaolong, feeling overwhelmed, quickly pleaded, “Okay, Dr. Qu, let's drop the subject, shall we? I only taught them a small portion. Once we're back, I'll compile the rest and have you all practice separately. I promise you'll gain more from it than they did. Is that satisfactory?”

“Really?” Qu Moyao's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

She sensed an epiphany on the horizon. With a bit more effort, she might break through her current limits and ascend to a new level, which left her overjoyed.

“Absolutely,” Zhang Xiaolong assured her earnestly. “Like you said, we're all family here. And you're the protectors of Clear River Village. I'll always prioritize you when it comes to sharing any valuable finds.”

Qu Moyao finally cracked a smile, saying, “Now you're talking!”

For Liu Zhongjun, this outcome was a delight. He recognized the substantial edge the Swimming Dragon Step provided in combat. With proper application, it could ensure victory even against opponents a notch above his own level—a truly invaluable asset.

Even if Jiang Tao and Zheng Ming were to review the footage, they wouldn't glean much—just the basics. But with Zhang Xiaolong's personal guidance right here in the village, his subordinates' skills would surely improve significantly.

“By the way, did you resolve the pollution issue?” Qu Moyao suddenly remembered. “We can't just stop watering the medicinal herbs, can we?”

“No worries, I've sealed off the factory's pipes. After this incident, I expect the factory will likely shut down. For now, we just need to keep an eye on it. The Blood Converging Vine is ready for sample production. In about two months, we should be able to start mass production. Then, your responsibilities will increase,” Zhang Xiaolong cautioned.

“Haha, we're not afraid of heavy burdens. What we fear is having nothing to do,” Liu Zhongjun said with a chuckle.

Once back in the village, Zhang Xiaolong prepared a more detailed version of the Swimming Dragon Step, complete with illustrations, and handed it to Qu Moyao for her to study and pass on to her warriors.

He then turned his attention to the village affairs. He had come to realize that the natural beauty of the village and the sprawling orchards and flower fields weren't enough to draw in tourists.

The village's decay was a tangible issue that couldn't be fixed overnight, and money alone couldn't provide every family with a new home.

People don't value what they haven't worked for; it's the money earned through hard work that's truly appreciated.

What's more critical is a shift in mindset. Thus, Zhang Xiaolong could only work on improving the external environment, leaving it to each family to seize their own opportunities.

However, the recent influx of visitors to Clear River Village was a pleasant surprise, perhaps spurred by Wan Tao and Chu Wenwen's promotional efforts.

Despite its picturesque setting, Clear River Village wasn't a designated tourist spot and didn't charge any fees. Coupled with its delectable cuisine that left visitors too full to move, the village quickly earned a stellar reputation.

Some visitors came and went on the same day, while many others, enamored by the local cuisine, wished to extend their stay for a few more days. This raised the question of accommodation. A handful of enterprising families had already invested in internet installations and updated their homes with new beds and furniture. With the added benefit of reasonable rates, they easily attracted guests. However, such families were in the minority, leaving the rest to seek lodging elsewhere. Surprisingly, while the residents of Clear River Village were slow to catch on, those in neighboring Clear Water Village were quick to respond.