After all, besides self-defense, murder and arson are also ways to make a fortune. The mountain bandits lurking deep in the mountains are the key to Xie's wealth and power.

His carefully planned route included a considerable amount of money waiting for them to collect.

But whatever he does, he has to have a legitimate reason for it. Otherwise, it would be strange if a farmer who is rooted in the land suddenly turned into a violent uncle and wasn't dragged away and burned.

Having no other choice, Xie Ming had to find a wandering Taoist priest to swindle and cheat people in the village.

After everyone left, Xie Ming, the "victim," beat his chest and ran to the village entrance with a book, cursing loudly.

When unsuspecting villagers and clansmen asked him about it, he said he had been cheated and had spent 5 taels of silver to buy a tattered book.

"Uncle Chicken Crest! Why did you spend so much money to buy this?"

The person holding Xie Mingshu and flipping through it was a younger member of the clan.

"You have no idea how useful these hand skills are if you master them. Years ago, my great-grandfather and I encountered a general on his way back to the capital, passing through the town. He was so imposing!"

The younger man pursed his lips, not daring to laugh, never expecting that even in his old age, the man still dreamed of becoming a general.

He flipped through the book again, and once again found himself speechless.

The book teaches people how to fight, but such things are treasures of wealthy families; who would sell them for 5 taels of silver?

"Uncle, don't be sad, this yellow paper is still worth some money!"

"Oh well! It's all my fault for being so careless and getting scammed!"

"Don't be sad, maybe it's true!"

"You're right, none of us have tried it, so how do we know if it's true or not!"

Xie Ming seemed to have a supercharged CPU; full of enthusiasm, he stood up, snatched the book from the other person's hand, and left.

The young man standing there couldn't help but laugh.