"… Jianghu has a long history. Speaking of our Li Clan's Monkey Fist, it first appeared in its embryonic form during the Wei and Jin Dynasties. But if we're talking about gathering the strengths of many clans and mastering it through a comprehensive study, the most important person would be the founding general of our Wu dynasty, Yuan Dingtian. Two hundred years ago, it was this General of the East Peace who combined battle formations to clarify the profundities of the Monkey Fist's soaring, shifting, dodging, and turning. He had also determined the difference between the Major and Minor Monkey Fists. The Great Monkey Fist's stance is firm and ferocious, and its steps are fast. When it advances, it's like a crazed demon, and when it retreats, it's filled with killing intent. In between, there's also the combination of rod techniques and staff techniques, reflecting the Monkey King's Iron Tail Steel Whip … "
The autumn afternoon sun was warm. Under the eaves of the auditorium in front of the Li Clan's Wu Castle, Old Man Li Ruoyao was talking about the Monkey Fist. Occasionally, he would wave his arms and take out a wooden staff. Although his movements weren't big, those who knew about the Monkey Fist would be able to tell that he had been practicing it for many years. His movements were like the wind and thunder, reserved and not to be underestimated. The surrounding Yan Tiehe, Yan Yunzhi, and the others felt deep veneration, and their expressions became serious.
"I didn't expect you to be Yuan Pingdong's successor. My apologies, my apologies." Yan Tiehe cupped his hands and praised.
"… As for the Little Monkey Fist." After receiving such admiration, the old man chuckled. "The Little Monkey Fist is nimble and sinister. If you want to talk about the secrets of martial arts, it's mainly about your lower body and eyesight. Although your feet seem to be running like the wind, in reality, your center of gravity has already taken root. When you move and dodge, it might seem like a flower but it's a test of true martial arts. Think about it, if you had nothing better to do than to jump up and down that steep mountain, your footwork would be shameful. Before the enemy could hit you, you would be injured first. Wouldn't that be shameful? So, the more agile you are, the more stable your lower body skills are. Once your lower body skills are stable, your body movements will be hard to catch. Then, the next step is your hand skills … "
"… When I said that the Little Monkey Fist is sinister, it wasn't a bad thing. Our Li Clan's Little Monkey Fist is aimed at the vitals." The old man raised his fingers and moved like lightning. He pointed at the air a few times and the wind whistled. "Eyeballs! The throat! Lower back! Seduction! These techniques were the essence of the Little Monkey Fist. You must know that General Ping Dong was someone who came from the battlefield. On the battlefield, there was nothing he wouldn't use. Therefore, these techniques were used to deal with enemies on the battlefield. Not only that, it was a technique used by scouts on the battlefield. This is the origin of the Little Monkey Fist. "
Chairs had already been placed under the eaves of the drill ground. Everyone sat down as they talked. When Yan Yunzhi saw the old man's moves, she had already put away her rash thoughts. At this moment, when she saw him waving his hand and pointing at the air, she was even more shocked. This was what it meant for an outsider to watch the show, while an insider to see the artistry.
In the eyes of those who did not know martial arts, the old man's wave of his hand was just an old man waving a few times in the air. However, in the eyes of Yan Yunzhi, who had practiced swordsmanship for many years, the old man's fingers were like iron hooks. When he attacked just now, there was no sign at all. His upper body did not move, but his arm had already reached out. If she was standing in front of him, her eyeballs might have already been gouged out.
"The study of battle formations has always been one of the fiercest of all martial arts." Yan Tiehe smiled and echoed, "Our martial arts have been passed down for so many years. Many martial arts training methods are upright and upright. Even if thousands of people practice it, it doesn't matter. But the reason why fighting methods are often only passed down to three to five people is because of this. After all, we who practice martial arts like to fight bravely and ruthlessly. If this kind of fighting method is passed down to people with evil intentions, I'm afraid there will be endless disasters. This is the logic of the past two hundred years. However, at this time, it is no longer suitable. "
Hearing him say this, the surrounding people also echoed. That 'Miaodao' Shi Shuifang said, "The world is in chaos. The Female Zhenren is cruel. Now is not the time for any family to practice martial arts behind closed doors. Therefore, the Li family opened their doors, allowing the surrounding villagers, young and strong to come here to practice martial arts. The Li family opened their doors to teach the Little and Little Monkey Fist without hiding their selfishness. This is what I, Shi Shuifang, admire the most about the Li family's eldest brother!"
"The Li family's righteousness is admirable, admirable."
"The Yan family also did the same thing. The Duke of Taiwei assassinated the enemy leader and succeeded several times. That is truly admirable."
After the peace of the Wu dynasty, the world was in chaos for more than ten years. Martial arts practitioners migrated from the north to the south, passing down their skills. Large clans like the Yan family and the Li family rose with the wind. Their slogans and the things they did were mostly similar. At this time, everyone was admiring each other and complimenting each other. Both the host and the guest were happy.
And in the public square below, Yan Yunzhi could see many facilities for practicing the Monkey Fist. For example, there were many clay pots hanging on a shed that looked like a bottle gourd. There were wooden stakes of different sizes for practicing martial arts. All of these displayed the characteristics of the Monkey Fist. At this time, several disciples who practiced the Li family's Monkey Fist had already gathered and were ready to practice. After a moment of discussion, under Li Ruoyao's indication, they began to demonstrate the Great Monkey Fist to the Yan family.
After the Female Zhenren occupied the Central Plains, people from all walks of life were chased to the south. Therefore, there was a wave of mutual exchange and integration. When powers like the Li family and the Yan family met, it was extremely normal for them to demonstrate and compare notes with each other. For those who weren't familiar with each other, they might just demonstrate the routine of the Monkey Fist. For those who were close with each other, it was inevitable for them to demonstrate a few of their unique skills. They might even impart their skills to each other and grow stronger together. Right now, this demonstration was only a warm-up. Yan Yunzhi watched while listening to Li Ruoyao, Second Uncle, and the others talk about the Jianghu.
"… After the Great and Small Monkey Fist was organized and passed down by Yuan Pingdong, another hundred years passed before it was passed down to the hands of the legendary Wang Hao. Many of the younger generation might not have heard of this senior's name, but he was extremely famous back then … "
When Li Ruoyao said this, Yan Tiehe, who had read many stories and was very knowledgeable, said, "Could it be that he was once known as one of the Three Wonders of the Jianghu? I've once unintentionally seen this saying in a record. "
Yan Yunzhi looked over and pricked up her ears, listening attentively. Li Ruoyao stroked his beard and chuckled.
"That's right, Second Uncle is really knowledgeable. As for what kind of people the Three Wonders of the Jianghu are, perhaps you'll know when I mention the other two. A hundred years ago, in the Green Forest, there was a master with godly saber skills. His' Saber Scripture 'was passed down to the later generations. His surname was Zuo, and his name was Chuanshu. This person's saber skills originated from the southwest, in the Miaojiang. He was the well-known Ba Dao. Liu Dabiao was said to be the direct descendant of the Zuo family's Saber Scripture. "
Yan Yunzhi's eyes widened. Only now did she know that the Three Wonders of the Jianghu were such powerful people. 'Miaodao' Shi Shuifang snorted. "This is true. Although I have a grudge with Ba Dao, I admire the Zuo family's saber very much."
Li Ruoyao smiled. "As for the other one of the Three Wonders of the Jianghu, he's even more famous than Zuo Chuanshu. His surname is Tan, and his name is Zhengfang. Everyone in the world knows about his lineage. I'm sure Lady Yunshui has long heard of him."
He looked at Yan Yunzhi with a smile. Yan Yunzhi nodded and said solemnly, "'Iron Arm' Zhou Dong, Hero Zhou is his last disciple."
"That's right." Li Ruoyao said, "Among the Three Wonders of the Jianghu, Zuo Chuanshu and the saber. Tan Zhengfang is proficient in the spear and the stick. As for Hero Zhou Dong, he added the Flipping Fist, Puncturing Kick, and so on. As for Senior Wang Hao, he combined the Big and Small Monkey Fists and the White Ape Arms, making the Monkey Fists the greatest fist of the generation. Senior Wang Hao has thirteen disciples. He is the first generation 'Monkey King'. As for Ruoque, he is the third generation 'Monkey King'. As for Yan Feng, he is the fourth generation … Actually, the title of Monkey King is fought over by every generation. But people in the Jianghu don't know that the fierce Chou Tianhai has always coveted this title … "
The martial arts practice continued. Yan Yunzhi listened to Li Ruoyao speak with fervor and assurance. At first, she was a little annoyed when he praised her family, but now she was enjoying it.
Actually, although there were many Wuxia novels, there weren't many elders who were so well-versed in all kinds of anecdotes and could speak with fervor and assurance. In the past, under her father's guidance, she had paid a visit to Jiayu's martial arts master, Old Man Liu Tong. The other party's experience, knowledge, grace, and bearing had impressed her. As for the Monkey Fists that seemed funny, she more or less looked down on them. She didn't expect that this old man, whose fame had always been overshadowed by her brother Li Ruoque, would actually have such a graceful bearing.
When she looked at the martial arts practice below, she saw many interesting points.
After the demonstration of the Monkey Fists, the Yan family also sent out people to demonstrate the essence of their Tangong Sword. Next, there was a round of sparring between the disciples of the Monkey Fists and the disciples of the Yan family. Actually, at this point, both sides had already given each other a lot of face. In private, they had already exchanged real moves.
The Yan family's trip to Jiangning and their visit to Tongshan County had several layers of intentions. One of the most important intentions was to open up a road that ran from east to west. After all, once the marriage between the Yan family's Yan Yunzhi and Shi Baofeng was established, both sides could have close exchanges of interests. With such a road, it was possible to get rich in the future, and the Li family could also benefit from it as a key link.
Of course, such a complicated intention couldn't be finalized just like that. It was very likely that they would have to go to Jiangning to find Li Yanfeng himself to make a decision.
And under this highest intention, being able to interact with each other was naturally to first establish a good impression. As a martial arts family, they could exchange martial arts with each other. And under the situation where the major matter of the road couldn't be settled, the Li family was obviously not stingy with other minor matters, such as exchanging a few unique moves of the Monkey Fists. After all, even if the matter of buying a road was complicated, how could the Li family not give face in other areas as Yan Yunzhi was Shi Baofeng's intended daughter-in-law?
The exchange between the disciples on the drill ground ended there, it was actually a little boring. At the end of the martial arts demonstration, Monk Ci Xin came down and demonstrated a few of his ultimate techniques of internal force palm strength to the crowd. He split wood and crushed rocks on the drill ground, it was truly terrifying. The crowd was secretly shocked, they all felt that if this monk's palm strength were to land on their bodies, would they still be able to survive?
After Monk Ci Xin's performance, the Yan family also sent out a guest to demonstrate the unique move of the Mandarin Duck Chain Kick. At this time, everyone was in a good mood and didn't fight too much. The Li family's steward "Lightning Whip" Wu Kuang also came down with a smile. The two of them used leg techniques against leg techniques and were locked in a stalemate. After a while, they ended in a draw.
Yan Yunzhi had always been aware of the martial arts skills of the guest on her side. In the current competition, although both sides had held back, it was enough to prove the strength of the other's leg techniques. She couldn't help but feel itchy and restless as she watched. After a while, that "Miaodao" Shi Shuifang also smiled and stood up, "Brothers have all performed. It seems that it's my turn to show my incompetence? I wonder if there are any brothers who are itchy and are willing to spar with me? "
Yan Yunzhi glanced at Second Uncle, then pursed her lips and stood up, "I've long heard of the great name of the Miaodao. I wonder if Great Hero Shi would condescend to give this little girl a few pointers."
Everyone was stunned by her words. Shi Shuifang frowned slightly and was even more puzzled. It was fine if it was just a performance, but in a sparring between peers, Shi Shuifang was also a great hero. You sent out a junior, and a woman at that. What was the meaning of this? If it were any other occasion, a fight might immediately break out.
After a while, Yan Tiehe smiled and stood up, "Please don't blame me, Great Hero Shi. I will first apologize to everyone. This is my niece Yunzhi. Don't think that she's gentle and quiet, but she's actually been fond of martial arts since she was young. She's a martial arts fanatic. In the past, when everyone fought together, she was always unwilling to not bring her along. It's also my fault. On the way here, I told her about the wonders of the Circular Blade Technique. She then said that when she went up the mountain, she must sincerely ask Great Hero Shi for guidance. Great Hero Shi, what do you think … "
When he said this, Yan Yunzhi also said, "Great Hero Shi, Yunzhi is a junior. I dare not mention sparring. I only hope that Great Hero Shi can give me a few pointers."
When she said this, Shi Shuifang laughed. Everyone also laughed and nodded in agreement. Beside him, Wu Kuang laughed and said, "Great Hero Shi, don't lose."
Elder Li Ruoyao, who was at the very top, also laughed and said, "If you hurt Heroine Yunshui, none of us here will agree."
Shi Shuifang smiled bitterly and frowned, "This is difficult."
When he said this, Yan Yunzhi twisted her body and went down the stairs. Her steps were light and agile. With a few swishes, she landed on the uneven monkey fist wooden stakes at the side of the drill ground like a swallow. She spread out her hands and a short sword appeared in her hand. Then, she disappeared behind her. In the afternoon sun, she stood steadily on the highest wooden stake. She was like a fairy riding the wind, giving off an awe-inspiring aura.
Everyone was taken aback by his words. Shi Shuifang shook his head and said, "This is difficult." He picked up the miaodao beside him and walked towards the wooden stakes.
*****
It was the 20th of the seventh month of this year. The sun began to set on the horizon.
Yan Yunzhi and the others walked out of the Li family's Fort Wu and looked at the surrounding scenery on a nearby mountainside. Elder Li Ruoyao was pointing out where the Jin soldiers were coming from and where the mountain where Li Yanfeng led the others to hide. In her heart, Yan Yunzhi was thinking about and replaying the battle just now.
Previously on the wooden stakes of the Li family, Yan Yunzhi and Shi Shuifang's duel stopped at the eleventh move. There was not much suspense in the outcome but everyone who saw it was frightened.
The Yan family's Master Tan's swordsmanship was proficient in the art of assassination. His swordsmanship was swift and fierce, with many dangerous moves. As for Shi Shuifang's Circular Blade Technique, it was even more ruthless and treacherous. Every slash was like a group of snakes scattering in all directions. Yan Yunzhi could see that every slash was aimed at a person's vital point. If one was bitten by any one of these snakes, it could be fatal. Yet Shi Shuifang was able to defeat her at the eleventh move and even stopped at the right time. This was enough to prove that his cultivation was indeed far above hers.
On the other hand, after this duel, others no longer looked down on the "Heroine of Yunshui". Li Ruoyao, Wu Cheng, Monk Ci Xin, and the others all nodded solemnly. It was indeed not easy for a seventeen-year-old girl to practice her swordplay to such an extent. They probably no longer doubted that she had once killed a Lady Zhenren. As for Yan Yunzhi, she knew that one day in the future, she would definitely surpass this "Miaodao" Shi Shuifang in terms of martial arts.
Everyone was watching the setting sun on the mountainside. Yan Yunzhi was thinking about martial arts in her heart. Apart from martial arts, she actually did not have much to think about. Her future marriage was not something she could decide. She did not know what kind of person Shi Baofeng's son was or what kind of person he was. Most of the things in the future were out of her control. However, she could truly and clearly grasp the little bit of martial arts she had.
A group of Jianghu heroes chatted and laughed at the same time. She did not participate in it. She knew in her heart that this kind of Jianghu life was actually very far away from her.
This was not her future.
However, even if she got married and had children, she could still practice martial arts. One day in the future, she could become very, very powerful. Shi Baofeng's son and her future husband might be someone who cared about the world. In the future, she might also become a great hero and general like Tyrant Saber Liu Watermelon, moving unhindered through the world and sweeping through all obstacles.
This was a place outside of the Li Clan's Castle Wu. In the surroundings, there were also Li Clan's farmers walking around. She didn't pay any attention to these ordinary people. She was only thinking about martial arts in her heart and paying attention to the heroes who were highly skilled in martial arts. It was also at this moment that there was a sudden movement not far away.
"Hey, Steward Wu."
Someone yelled.
The voice was young and had the croaky voice of a young man. Due to the bad tone, it was not very likable. The people who were enjoying the scenery did not react. Yan Yunzhi did not immediately realize who "Steward Wu" was. However, the long-robed man standing near the Li family's manor had already heard it. He replied, "Who is it?"
It was "Lightning Whip" Wu Cheng.
Someone actually dared to speak to him like this? And it was a child? Yan Yunzhi was slightly confused. She narrowed her eyes and looked over.
Under the setting sun, the person walking over was indeed a young man. He seemed to have been drinking tea at a tea table by the road outside the manor. At this moment, he was walking over to Wu Cheng. He said, "I'm here to seek revenge." There was an "ah" in his voice. It was calm and innocent, as if it was only natural that he did not know how serious the matter was. However, as people of the pugilistic world, everyone was abnormally sensitive to the word "revenge". They had already turned their gazes over.
In the silhouette of the setting sun, the young man walking forward was dragging a long stool. His steps were extremely ordinary. No one knew what had happened. A Li family disciple at the periphery extended his hand to stop that person. "Who are you …" He pushed, but for some reason, the young man's figure had already walked over. He dragged the long stool as if he was going to beat up the "Steward Wu" he spoke of.
This was the fighting action of a ruffian in the streets.
For Wu Cheng to be able to earn the name "Lightning Whip" in the pugilistic world, how many bloody battles had he experienced? A person raising a long stool to smash him was one of the most laughable enemies he had ever encountered. He sneered and cursed something. His right leg whistled out and kicked diagonally upwards.
The long stool in the young man's hands would be broken by this kick. He might even be sent flying while vomiting blood — this was what everyone who was watching the setting sun thought. Following that, everyone heard a loud bang.
In the autumn sunlight that seemed to be splashed with orange ink, the young man swung the long stool and smashed it down forcefully. Wu Cheng took up a stance and kicked fiercely. Grass and soil flew into the air. In theory, he should have kicked the stool, as well as the young man who had leaned forward because of the swing of the stool. However, for some reason, the young man's actions seemed to be half a breath slower. So when he swung and fell, Wu Cheng's right leg had already kicked empty air.
With a bang, grass and soil splattered everywhere. Following that, there was a tragic cry that seemed to rip out a person's heart and lungs. The cry went from low to high, and in the blink of an eye, it spread to the top of the mountain. Wu Cheng fell to the ground. His left leg, which he had used as a fulcrum earlier, was now bent backward in a protruding position that no ordinary human could achieve. His entire knee, together with his leg bone, had been forcibly and completely broken by that blow just now.
"Ah … Ahhhhhh —" Only then did everyone realize that he was the one shouting.
The long stool in the young man's hands did not break. After smashing Wu Cheng away, he followed up and smashed Wu Cheng a second time. This time, he broke his fingers and then a third time.
"I'll let you! Damn it! Kick the stool! You kick the stool … "
In the setting sun, he held the long stool and beat Wu Cheng crazily …
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