ry Liu picked an old man pretending to be a high-ranking official to make him his godfather. 

Regardless, Secretary Liu’s new godfather made the neighboring village officials green with envy, accusing him of having accidently stepped into good luck. But, stepping into good luck or not, Secretary Liu was unquestionably pleased with the benefits he received. 

Elder Min was about to leave. Early in the morning, Liu Mazi went to West Village to invite the famous village chef, Fu Yushu, as the head cook, assisting him enthusiastically. They slaughtered pigs and sheep, preparing an array of dishes through roasting, frying, steaming, and boiling, forming a lively scene. The flames from the big iron pot leaped more than a foot high, and Wang Mazi kept urging to add more firewood. 

County Magistrate Wang had reserved the highest-grade hotel in the county town, while Deputy Secretary Zeng suggested having the event at the village’s eco-park. However, they ultimately respected Elder Min’s wish and decided to have it at Secretary Liu’s house.

Cars lined half the streets of East Village, and everyone took their seats in the living area according to local customs. Traditionally, women and children wouldn’t be seated, but Elder Min insisted on having them and Mrs. Liu seated next to him, filling up the main table. Unbothered, County Magistrate Wang and others took seats at the octagonal table in the yard, while Deputy Secretary Fu felt reluctant, only to be reassured by County Magistrate Wang that Elder Min’s happiness was paramount.

Halfway through the meal, Fu Yushui entered with some militiamen, escorting a few people who appeared roughed up from a skirmish. Despite being restrained, the militiamen looked battered, having clearly put up a significant struggle.

Before Deputy Secretary Fu could speak, Deputy Secretary Zeng hurriedly admonished Fu Yushui to release the men, explaining they were Elder Min’s guards. He noted that had the guards resisted fully, not even an alliance of both villages might have bested them.

Fu Yushui was unconvinced, feeling they had managed well despite the struggle, but a look from the captain of the guards made it clear. With a simple movement, the guard captain made two of the militiamen restraining him fall to their knees. He picked up a stone, crushed it into powder with his palms, astonishing the onlookers who were grateful for his restraint. Not missing a beat, Fu Yushui and the militiamen warmly ushered the guards to a side table, offering drinks and apologies, keen on making friends.

Witnessing the guards’ skill piqued everyone’s curiosity about Elder Min’s true identity. Though he didn’t elaborate, everyone understood there was more to him than just being a geology expert.

Mrs. Liu once speculated about Elder Min's i

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