A Divine Farmer

Chapter 249 - Miraculous Security Team!

“Security?” Qu Moyao hadn't spotted any security guards at the market, where most of the patrons were women.

What kind of security could possibly safeguard such national secrets?

Lee Xiulian, overhearing the conversation, chuckled and pulled out something that resembled a conch shell. She put it to her lips and blew into it, producing a deep, resonant wolf howl.

Qu Moyao was puzzled. Were they trying to frighten someone with a wolf's howl?

Before she could make sense of it, the little wolf that had been frolicking nearby leaped out, joining in Lee Xiulian's call with a howl of its own towards the sky.

Awoooo…

The call had barely sounded a few times before a distant reply was heard. The responding howls grew louder and closer until, within minutes, they had penetrated the orchard and were rapidly approaching.

“Is that…” Qu Moyao watched in astonishment as a pack of wolves encircled them, their gazes predatory. Even as a seasoned soldier accustomed to bloodshed, she couldn't suppress a shiver.

She quickly realized that these wolves had been summoned by Lee Xiulian. It made sense now why Zhang Xiaolong had mentioned having more than just one wolf; she hadn't expected an entire pack!

“How did you manage this?” Qu Moyao was struggling to comprehend the woman before her.

Wolves were notoriously difficult to domesticate. Although not as large as tigers or lions, their ferocity was unmatched.

Circuses often showcased tamed tigers and lions performing tricks at the trainer's command, but taming wolves to such a degree was unheard of.

The saying ‘a wolf that's not well-trained is a curse' not only served as an insult but also described the wolf's wild nature. Taming wolves was an incredibly difficult task, let alone taming a whole pack at once. Yet, the scene unfolding before her eyes had defied all expectations.

There were over forty wolves, each with a size that exceeded the norm, and the leader, the White Wolf King, was exceptionally majestic, standing as tall as a pony.

Qu Moyao had no doubt that even an entire platoon would face a grim defeat against such a formidable wolf pack.

“These are our market's security guards,” Zhang Xiaolong declared with pride. “Ordinary troublemakers stand no chance here. The wolves will protect everything!”

Awoooo…

As if in agreement with Zhang Xiaolong, the White Wolf King tilted its head back and let out a long, resonant howl. The rest of the pack, forty to fifty strong, joined in, their collective voices carrying for miles.

Qu Moyao observed that the locals seemed unfazed by the spectacle, watching with amused smiles. Even the children appeared unafraid of the wolves.

“How did you manage this?” Qu Moyao inquired eagerly once Zhang Xiaolong had sent the wolves away.

“It's quite simple, really. The resources here have strengthened them. To the wolves, this is sacred ground. Any plunderer is seen as a deadly foe. I'm confident that even those who attacked you on Qilin Mountain would be no match for them here,” Zhang Xiaolong said, his voice brimming with assurance.

Qu Moyao sensed there was more to it but didn't press further. “I'll report back to my superiors. However, despite the presence of the wolves, I still think additional security is needed. Would it be suitable to deploy a military unit here?”

“A military unit?” Zhang Xiaolong responded, surprised. “You mean to have a unit stationed here just to safeguard the Blood Converging Vine?”

“Not explicitly, but that's the idea. They wouldn't interfere with daily life here. I believe it's a good arrangement that would put everyone at ease,” Qu Moyao maintained.

“Great, I have no objections,” Zhang Xiaolong said with a laugh, clapping his hands. “That's exactly what we've been hoping for. I envision Clear River Village as a tranquil getaway.”

He gestured toward the horizon. “See, we have the nation's finest vegetables, the most stunning flower fields, and I plan for the cleanest river to flow through here. It's all a natural masterpiece. To not capitalize on it would be the real waste. The only issue is the distance from the city, which raises safety concerns. If we had a military presence, city dwellers would surely love to come and stay for a while.”

“So, this was your plan all along,” Qu Moyao realized with sudden clarity. The other party intended to use this troop to certify the area's safety. “You keep claiming to be a simple farmer, but I see you're more of a cunning merchant, bold enough to exploit the military!”

“Hehe, isn't our troop here to protect the populace?” Zhang Xiaolong laughed softly, then reflected, “You've seen it yourself when we entered the village. Though my family isn't poor anymore, there are still plenty of impoverished folks here. If we could develop this area further, the villagers would find opportunities beyond just farming. I want to see everyone prosper—that's my vision.”

“Alright, I didn't come here to hear you preach. Let's consider it a deal. I'm convinced that many will want to come and station here, lured in by your shrewd tactics, you unscrupulous farmer,” Qu Moyao said with a smile. “After taking in the views and the scent of the flowers, even I'm tempted to request a posting here.”

“Then it's agreed. Your presence would certainly add a touch of charm to our Clear River Village,” Zhang Xiaolong readily concurred.

Their negotiation proceeded effortlessly, promising mutual benefits and increased welfare for the local residents—a boon for both the nation and its people. Although Qu Moyao wasn't entirely certain of approval, she was confident that the higher-ups would consent.

Whether or not her plan succeeded, Zhang Xiaolong was determined to transform Clear River Village into a vacation destination. Cultivating vegetables and fruit trees would indeed enrich many, but to rapidly improve the villagers' wealth, they needed to broaden their perspectives to see the array of possibilities.

But how does one broaden their horizons? Merely stepping out isn't enough. If the goal is just to find labor work, then the best outcome after years of toil might be building a new house for one's family, only to leave and repeat the cycle.

Utilizing the resources at hand to prosper is the optimal strategy. Yet, currently, the villagers' resources are scant—land being their only asset. Attracting more visitors to appreciate the beauty of Clear River Village would enhance its fame, and the locals could then venture into small businesses. Undoubtedly, this was the best approach.

As he was busy making plans, a significant event related to Clear River Village unfolded in a distant land, thousands of miles away.