I am dying of old age, and I have awakened to the character of longevity.

It was already past midnight when Xie An returned to his courtyard in the Blood Ridge Black Market.

The Black Market was running smoothly, business was booming.

Perhaps infected by the lively scene, Xie An's mood improved, and he strolled around the Black Market.

It had been a while since he had wandered around the Black Market, and now looking at it… it had a sense of unprecedented prosperity, like throwing oil on a fire. Compared to when Xie An first arrived at the beginning of the year, the scale had nearly doubled.

The number of merchants and buyers had also nearly doubled.

Quite exaggerated.

This was all credit that would be attributed to Xie An.

The sense of accomplishment was still great.

Objectively speaking, Xie An had indeed brought great changes after taking over the Blood Ridge Black Market.

For example, changing from collecting fixed stall fees from the major shops and stalls to collecting commissions. Although it placed higher demands on accounting and there were cases of underreporting sales, it undoubtedly greatly motivated the stall owners and shopkeepers. They began to actively solicit customers and promote their goods.

In addition, Xie An and Zhang Lin also vigorously cleaned up the surrounding bandits, ensuring the safety of merchants.

Plus, Xie An himself was kind to others, so it would be strange if business wasn't good.

Doing business in this world was far less competitive than in his previous life.

With the backing of the Tiger Wolf Gate and the background of the government, this was the only Black Market in the six surrounding towns, with no other competitors at all.

A complete monopoly.

Xie An keenly felt that: as the scale of the Blood Ridge Black Market continued to expand, after reaching a certain point, it would have a detonating effect, and then siphon off the surrounding commercial resources.

The current Black Market already vaguely had a trend of developing into a commercial center.

“If the higher-ups of the Tiger Wolf Gate have ambition, and get the county government to endorse it, this place could completely become the commercial center of the six towns. Then move the trading location of the Blood Ridge Black Market to the vicinity of the big wharf in Water Lantern Town… Hiss, the future potential is simply unimaginable.”

After inspecting, Xie An walked towards his courtyard, sighing with emotion.

Having experienced the information explosion of his previous life, Xie An knew very well how important a commercial center was to the development of a region.

When Wei Dian and Lin Yun built this Black Market, they probably didn't expect it to develop like this…

As soon as he returned to the courtyard, he saw Zhang Lin waiting at the door.

“Brother Xie, you're finally back. I've been waiting for you to come back to discuss things.”

Xie An knew what Zhang Lin wanted to discuss, “Come in and talk.”

Pushing open the courtyard door and entering the living room, Xie An, in a good mood, lit a stove, filled a pot with water and placed it on the stove, then took out tea leaves and a tea bowl.

Zhang Lin was not as calm as Xie An, “Brother Xie, you're still in the mood to drink tea? Today, Hall Master Wei asked us to consider the future. What do you think?”

Xie An did not immediately give an answer, “Brother Zhang, what do you think?”

Zhang Lin hesitated for a moment, then said: “I have been here for many years, and naturally regard this place as my home. But now Hall Master Wei is dying, and Deacon Lin is about to take the stage to test and compete for the position of Hall Master. If Deacon Lin fails to win, and a new Hall Master takes office, we will definitely be squeezed out… I'm just struggling with this, I'll listen to Brother Xie. Whatever Brother Xie chooses, I will choose.”

Having experienced many things before, Zhang Lin was determined to follow his old brother.

Xie An was silent.

He knew that Zhang Lin's considerations were human nature.

Moreover, Xie An had a more keen sense: now that the Black Market was developing so well, it might suddenly transform into a commercial center in the future. He saw it, and others naturally saw it too. Wei Dian saw it, so he was unwilling to hand it over, even at the risk of confronting the Hall Master to fight for it. And Fang Baiyu naturally saw it too, how could he not desperately take this piece of fat?

Since Fang Baiyu had set his sights on the Black Market, then Xie An did not think that Lin Yun had any chance of winning.

The person who would take over as the Blood Ridge Hall Master next was likely to be Fang Baiyu's man.

Being squeezed out was inevitable.

What's more, Fang Baiyu was so vicious, far less easy to get along with than Wei Dian. Who knew what kind of squeezing they would be subjected to.

At this moment, breaking away from Wei Dian and seeking another place to go from now on… it seemed to be the most self-interested plan.

But the scene of Wei Dian teaching him the Heavy Mountain Blade appeared in Xie An's mind.

Although Xie An knew that Wei Dian did this mainly because he valued the Tang Family Fort behind him, with a purpose.

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But… isn't an act of kindness with a purpose still an act of kindness?

What's more, Wei Dian did not force him to participate in the dangerous examination, but instead let him seek a better position in advance.

Plop, plop.

The kettle had already boiled, and the boiling water was rushing around in the kettle, causing the kettle lid to shake non-stop, making a “clanging” sound.

Xie An was interrupted by this sound, picked up a wet cloth and held the handle of the kettle, lifted it up to brew tea. Pouring away the first brew, then brewing the second brew, he handed the celadon tea bowl to Zhang Lin.

“Brother Zhang, to be honest. I also thought about seeking a better position at the beginning. After all, we are Copper Skin Realm warriors, we can also go to the town's martial arts hall to be an instructor after leaving the Tiger Wolf Gate, living a comfortable life. There is indeed no need to wade into this muddy water.”

Hearing this, Zhang Lin breathed a sigh of relief, took a sip of tea, and was about to say “Me too”, but before he could say the words, he heard Xie An change the subject.

“But I've changed my mind now.”

Pfft.

The tea that he hadn't swallowed yet was sprayed out directly. Zhang Lin didn't even bother to wipe the water stains from the corners of his mouth, turned his head to look at Xie An, “Brother Xie, don't tell me you want to take the stage for the examination?”

Xie An picked up his own tea bowl, took a light sip, and said: “Taking the stage for the examination is not certain. But now Hall Master Wei's days are numbered. I have to stay and accompany Hall Master Wei to finish the last journey before talking about other things. If I can still do something within my power for the Blood Ridge Black Market, then I will do it.”

This was Xie An's decision after careful consideration.

Wei Dian taught him the Heavy Mountain Blade with his front foot, and he left with his back foot… then what would he become?

Even if Xie An didn't care about others pointing at his spine and scolding him, he couldn't get past the hurdle in his own heart.

That's not how a person should act.

As for taking the stage for the examination, after all, it was a matter of life and death, it still depended on the opponent's strength, and it also meant publicly standing on the opposite side of Fang Baiyu. These were accompanied by great dangers, and needed to be carefully considered, Xie An did not dare to make a decision rashly.

Wei Dian's kindness was great, and he could do many things for the Blood Ridge Black Market. But he was unwilling to risk his life to repay it.

Xie An had always felt that, apart from his wife, children, and parents, it was difficult for others to be worth him weighing life and death.