"The older my master gets, the more profound his cultivation base becomes … However, his body can't keep up with his cultivation base. When he's forced to his peak, he can at most throw three to five punches. However, I'm afraid that not many people in this world can withstand those punches …"
The middle-aged man's words fell into his ears. In his vision, Hong Ti's body rolled on the ground. Her blood mixed with the dust, creating a dark red color. Ning Yi walked toward them with a gloomy expression. He pressed his palm against his throbbing temples. He ran to Hong Ti and half-knelt down. He wanted to help her up, but he didn't dare to do anything. Zhou Dong said, "You better not touch her."
Ning Yi glanced at Zhou Dong. There was no joy or anger in his eyes. Not far away, Zhou Dong withdrew his Qi and put his hands behind his back. "Oh? You want to kill me? "
Ning Yi didn't speak. Hong Ti's gaze wavered. She reached out to grab Ning Yi's arm. She struggled to get up and spat out another mouthful of blood. Ning Yi quickly supported her back. No matter how good Hong Ti's martial arts were, she was still a woman in her twenties. Her body was very weak after being injured. Ning Yi tried his best to hold her. Hong Ti only grabbed his sleeve. After a while, she said, "Master Zhou doesn't want to kill people. I, I'm fine …"
"You took my three punches. It's hard to say that I don't want to kill people." Zhou Dong looked over and paused. He then said, "You learned this fighting style in the battle formation, but you want to hold back against an old man like me. This is very good. You must have had some fortuitous encounters to have such cultivation at your age. This is not easy. "
Ning Yi didn't quite understand what he was saying. Hong Ti tilted her head to look at Ning Yi. Zhou Dong noticed her action and said, "Oh?" He was a little surprised.
At this time, the middle-aged man had already walked over. Hong Ti struggled to sit up and slightly teased. When she was sent flying to the ground, she looked quite serious, but now her condition was getting better and better. Zhou Dong waited for a moment, then said, "I don't know why you have offended Grand Commandant Gao, but this old man used to be a teacher at the Imperial Boxing School and had a subordinate relationship with the Grand Commandant's Mansion, so it could be said that we had some relations. He had also promised them that he would do the necessary things for his superiors when necessary. This time, the Grand Military Officer's Mansion asked me to help him because of this relationship. However, I promised the Grand Military Officer's Mansion, not the Grand Military Officer. Gao Qiu underestimated me. Let's just forget about it. " Be careful yourselves. I'm staying at an inn in the county ahead. If you're alright, we can go together. "
Ning Yi didn't say anything beside Hong Ti, but after Zhou Dong finished speaking, Hong Ti exhaled and slowly stood up. With Ning Yi's support, he cupped his hands and said, "Senior, these three punches were a great inspiration to Hong Ti. If I am successful in the future, I must thank you for your guidance."
"I hit you, but you didn't die. It's your ability to make a breakthrough. You don't need to care about me." Zhou Dong was about to leave with his hands behind his back, but then he thought of something and turned to look at Ning Yi, "By the way, Young Master Ning is actually working for the Right Minister, right?"
"Almost." Ning Yi's tone was cold.
Zhou Dong nodded, "The Right Minister is a capable man. You are favored by him, so it's no wonder that you can do such a thing …" His voice was not loud, but there was a sigh in his words.
When he became famous, it happened to be the heyday of Qin Siyuan. The Imperial Boxing School belonged to the royal family and the Ministry of War. At that time, Qin Siyuan's official position was the minister of the Ministry of War. In a sense, he was also one of his immediate superiors. Zhou Dong's lifelong ambition was to practice martial arts to serve the country. When he was teaching in the Imperial Boxing School, he had written several times that he wanted to lead the army. However, Qin Siyuan was a practical person, and he was not interested in being the best in martial arts in the world. When Ning Yi wanted to study martial arts in Hangzhou, that old man also had the same attitude.
A person who wholeheartedly practiced martial arts, no matter how good he was at martial arts, might not be good at training soldiers. Just like Li Bai, no matter how heroic his poems were, he was not necessarily a capable official. At that time, Qin Siyuan was busy with a lot of affairs. As a coach of the Imperial Boxing School, he paid attention, but if he didn't pay attention, he would be idle. Zhou Dong's ambition in the officialdom was not successful, and it was not necessarily without Qin Siyuan's reason. But at this time, speaking of Qin Siyuan, he could not help but praise him, "He is a capable man." Ning Yi could be appreciated by Qin Siyuan, and from his point of view, his feelings were a little complicated. These reasons, Ning Yi would soon be able to figure out.
In the end, it seemed that the other party did not kill him, but Ning Yi was not in a good mood. But in the current situation, the people of Liangshan had not yet appeared, and Hongti was injured, so he would not care about his pride. Since the other party invited him, Ning Yi helped Hongti and hurriedly followed him into the city.
In the end, the people of Liangshan did not show up.
Zhou Dong and his servant took care of Hongti's injury, so they did not walk fast. Not long after, the four people, who had not known each other for long, entered Yiyuan County. Ning Yi and Hongti stayed in an inn, and in the evening, they even had a meal together. It could be seen that Zhou Dong did not have a good impression of Ning Yi, but he was quite satisfied with the martial arts skills of Hongti, a junior. In the conversation, he gave Hongti a lot of martial arts experience. And when the dinner was about to end, Zhou Dong still said something to Ning Yi.
"Young Master Ning, I have a favor to ask of you."
His tone was flat, and Ning Yi was not enthusiastic. "Tell me, I'm listening."
Zhou Dong simply said the favor, and Ning Yi nodded noncommittally. Soon after, he left with Hongti and returned to the room. He did not have a good impression of the world's top master. Although he could rationally understand the various bad habits of such masters, and it might be good for Hongti, he was not in a good mood when he thought of Hongti's injury just now. But this kind of disgust was not enough to kill him. This kind of master was too powerful. At Zhou Dong's level of cultivation, the cicada felt the autumn wind before it moved. If he hated him but did not intend to kill him, it was better not to have any contact with him in the future.
But he also had some opinions about Hongti. After sending Hongti back to the room, he made some medicine according to her prescription and sent it to her. Then, he brought her hot water to wash her face and prepared a towel and other things. Only then did Ning Yi prepare to speak. And Hongti seemed to be quite satisfied with this disciple's behavior of "respecting his master". After being warned by Ning Yi not to move, she also sat on the side of the bed with her hands flat on her knees. She watched as Ning Yi busily helped her settle down. She had a smile on her face, and her face was red, like a little wife. But then she was read aloud.
And the first sentence that people were told was often, "I'm not talking about you."
"I'm not talking about you." Ning Yi frowned and said, "I couldn't help it in the afternoon. He is the world's top master, the iron arm Zhou Dong. I've said it many times. This kind of old man said that he would hit you, and for the sake of his reputation, he would definitely hit you, but you actually held back. That old man said that you wanted to hold back, but don't deny it. You're only in your twenties, and you're not invincible. If word gets out that you want to hold back in front of Zhou Dong, everyone will say that you deserve to be beaten to death. Do you think you're Fang La or Sikong Nan?! "
Since the afternoon, Ning Yi had been thinking about this matter. With his ability to control his emotions, he could keep all his emotions in his heart when facing others, but when facing his own people, he was a little more direct. But after he finished speaking, Hongti also looked at him, and her smile deepened. However, her tone was a little aggrieved.
"You … really want me to fight with Senior Zhou without holding back?"
"You can't hold back … Also, don't call him Senior Zhou. I don't like him."
"But … You heard it too. I learned my fighting style on the battlefield. If I go all out, it's a life-and-death battle. It's fine if I fight against people with lower martial arts skills. But against this Senior Zhou, if I don't hold back, he won't be able to hold back either. If we want to determine the winner today, we have to fight to the death … If that's the case, I'll definitely die today … "
Towards the end, Hongti's tone was gentle. Ning Yi frowned. His expression froze for a moment before he waved his hand. "If that's the case … Forget it then. This guy's martial arts skills are really too high. He could beat me to that extent with just three punches … He's really an old monster …"
Hongti shook his head and said, "Not really. If he really wanted to kill me, I could have immediately stood up and protected you as you escaped …"
Speaking up to this point, her face slightly reddened. Ning Yi was stunned. "Then … You … You're lying …"
The red-faced woman continued to shake her head forcefully. "No. At that time, if I immediately stood up and fought with my life, it would be difficult for me to recover from my injuries in the future. If I let nature take its course, I'll be fine after I adjust my breathing. Hmm … It's better this way … "
After saying this calmly, Hongti's expression returned to normal. She glanced at Ning Yi.
"However, the thing that Senior Zhou asked you to do … Are you going to agree to it?"
Ning Yi's expression became serious. After a moment, he shook his head coldly. "We'll see …"
*****
Since Ning Yi and the others stayed in the inn, not long after, the officials and the people scattered in the surrounding counties from Dulong Gang came looking for him. After settling down Hongti, Ning Yi contacted them one by one and made arrangements. Since he was fine now, and Hongti, Zhou Dong, and Zhou Dong's servant named "Fu Lu" were in the inn, the soldiers and Dulong Gang would carry out a large-scale clean-up of Zhuxi and Anping counties. On Ning Yi's side, there were not too many follow-up problems.
When he contacted these people, Zhou Dong also looked around and could only sigh at this young man's ability. It seemed that the catastrophe of the Qilu Grove was inevitable. However, with his current mood and thoughts, he was too lazy to stand up for these people of the Grove. In a sense, on Zhou Dong's side, he probably had the feeling that "a pitiful person must have a hateful side". Some things were really brought upon themselves and could not be blamed on others.
That day, in this inn in Yiyuan County, Ning Yi and Hongti stayed in two superior rooms. Due to his relationship with the boss, Zhou Dong stayed in a small independent courtyard at the back of the inn that originally belonged to the boss. Perhaps it was out of habit or something else, Zhou Dong did not go to sleep as the night deepened. He slowly practiced a set of boxing in the courtyard and then sat down to drink tea. He lit an oil lamp and wrote martial scriptures until late at night. After midnight, he took a wooden stick from the courtyard and practiced some simple stick techniques. Not long after, the night watchman struck the gong. Outside the back door of the courtyard, a figure hesitated on the dark road. He had been pacing back and forth for a long time. When he finally mustered up a bit of courage, the courtyard door opened and light seeped out. The middle-aged man who was Zhou Dong's servant, Fu Lu, appeared at the door. With a smile on his face, he extended his hand to the man outside.
"Little brother Lin Chong, don't think too much. Come in."
"Eldest brother …" At this moment, standing on the street outside the door was Lin Chong. His eyes were filled with tears. "I saw Master today … Master, he …"
"Shh, don't make a sound. Master knows all about it. "
Lin Chong nodded and walked inside. Entering the courtyard, he saw the old man standing in a corner of the courtyard, lightly waving the stick in his hand. His eyes became hot. He knelt down and kowtowed.
"Master …"
It was as if thousands of words were stuck in his throat. Lin Chong choked with sobs, but he couldn't speak. He only kowtowed three times. The old man waved his stick in the corner and didn't say anything. He just kept kneeling on the ground.
Time passed second by second. In the courtyard, in the darkness of the night, there was only the occasional sound of Zhou Dong waving the stick. Under the eaves, Fu Lu quietly watched with his sleeves tucked in. After nearly fifteen minutes, the stick in Zhou Dong's hand stopped. An elderly voice rang out.
"You … what are you doing here?"
*****
"… What are you doing here?"
The stifling silence in the courtyard seemed to ease up a little. Lin Chong knelt there, his body slightly trembling. He had practiced martial arts since he was a child. The Zhou Dong in front of him might not be his closest master, but he was definitely his most important master. All of this was because the Imperial Boxing School was not a private martial arts school. Even if Zhou Dong took in disciples behind closed doors, the number of disciples was not small. The relationship between master and disciple was not as close as that of a private martial arts school.
For Zhou Dong, Lin Chong respected him. But because of this, after Zhou Dong left the Imperial Boxing School a few years ago, the master and disciple did not have much contact. Because of this, when he was in trouble, he could not find Zhou Dong and did not think of asking for help. Later on, Lin Chong, who knew Zhou Dong's upright personality, knew that there was no turning back. He had never thought that he would be able to meet this master who had been living like a wild crane after he left. But since he saw him today, he had to come.
In his heart, how could he not hope for the understanding of these friends and relatives?
"Disciple, disciple had no choice but to leave. I know Master will punish me, but …"
"Punish?" Before Lin Chong could finish, the old man laughed. "Punish … Why should I punish you? Lin Chong, I am old, and you have rebelled. What is rebelling? The world, the country, the relationship between master and disciple, can no longer be used to bind you. Why should I punish you? Is there any use in punishing you? "
Lin Chong kowtowed. "Only Master's teachings, Lin Chong has never dared to forget. It is just that … I have encountered an unspeakable injustice …"
"I know!" The old man raised his voice, then nodded. "I know what you have experienced. I have heard about it! Your wife was taken in by that Officer Gao. Because of this, you offended Officer Gao. A villain played a trick and framed you! You had nowhere to go and became a bandit. These … I have heard about it! But I only want to ask you one thing. "
Zhou Dong stood in front of the courtyard, his rod on the ground. Lin Chong slightly raised his head. "Master …"
"I only ask you! Why did you become a bandit? "
His words echoed in the courtyard. Lin Chong's eyes showed some hesitation and confusion. "Disciple … had nowhere to go …"
"Why did you become a bandit when you had nowhere to go?"
"Is there a relationship between being a bandit and being a bandit?"
"Do you still remember what I said?"
These three questions echoed in the courtyard, ringing in Lin Chong's ears. Lin Chong's eyes were confused. "Disciple … does not know what Master said …"
Zhou Dong laughed. "It doesn't matter if you have forgotten. Stand up! Take out your spear! Do you remember the martial arts I taught you? "
"Disciple does not dare to forget …" Lin Chong stood up shakily and took out the steel spear on his back. He heard Zhou Dong say, "Show me your stance!" Lin Chong took the stance of holding his spear horizontally. Zhou Dong said, "Point the spear forward!" Lin Chong pointed the spear forward. Zhou Dong strode forward and said, "Good! Come and kill me! "
Lin Chong's body shook, and the spear in his hand almost fell. On the other side, Zhou Dong held the wooden rod with one hand and did not take any defensive stance. "Come! Come and kill me! What are you hesitating for? "
"Disciple …"
"Stop talking! Stop hesitating! You are a rebel! You are a rebel against the emperor! You should use your spear against anyone! Think of your wife! Think of the injustice you have suffered! You have no choice but to become a bandit! You only survived because you robbed others! You ate other people's flesh and drank their blood! People like you should let go of all taboos! Since you have become a bandit, you should kill everyone who stands in your way. I am inflexible and will not allow you to do as you please. So what if I kill my master? Come! Kill me! Stab me here! Here … "
Zhou Dong shouted and walked over step by step. Although he held the rod in one hand, he did not take any defensive stance. He grabbed Lin Chong's spear and pointed it at his throat and then at his heart. Lin Chong hesitated and retreated, almost losing his grip on the spear. In reality, if Zhou Dong said he wanted to test his martial arts, he might have dared to attack. But Zhou Dong said "kill me". As for Shi Shi, he did not dare to attack.
Zhou Dong put down the spear and laughed coldly. "Arrogant man! Your master was number one in the world a few years ago. If I let you attack, you think you can kill me? You don't even dare to use your spear? You are really afraid of killing me!? "
Lin Chong let go of the spear and knelt on the ground.
In the past, the relationship between master and disciple could not be considered close. In the Imperial Fist Dojo, although Zhou Dong was strict with his martial arts, they were not close. He only knew that Zhou Dong was serious and upright. Tonight, he had thought about all the treatment he would receive. Whether it was scolding him, punishing him, understanding him, or even killing him, it would be in line with his understanding of his master. However, after coming here, everything that happened was out of Lin Chong's expectations. You should kill everything when you become a bandit. You actually think you can kill me. Every sentence was a criticism. At this moment, he could only kneel down with a thud. His eyes were filled with determination.
"I know that I have sinned and cannot be cleansed. I also cannot be forgiven by master. Although Lin Chong has become a bandit, he has never forgotten his morals. Today, no matter what, I do not dare to use my spear against master. Even if master wants to kill me … "
Having made up his mind, his words became decisive. He knelt there, his eyes clear and determined. However, standing not far from him, the tall Zhou Dong also began to laugh as if he had heard some sarcastic joke.
"Hahahaha … hahahaha … the morals in my heart have never been forgotten. Hahahaha … screw you …"
The number one in the world stepped forward. Just as Lin Chong raised his head in shock, a heavy kick landed on Lin Chong's chest. This kick was so powerful that Lin Chong's entire body flew backward. Like a cannonball, he smashed through the courtyard's wooden door. His body rolled on the dark street outside the courtyard, and no one knew how far he had been kicked.
Zhou Dong's voice came from the courtyard. His words contained the disappointment of someone who had discovered that rotten wood could not be carved.
"From now on, I, Zhou Dong … do not have a disciple like you, coward."
The wind moaned as it blew through the long street. The night was as black as ink. In that darkness, there was only the sound of blood dripping …
Not long after, someone stood up shakily, stood shakily, and walked shakily …
In a room at the back of the inn, someone was secretly listening to the commotion. At this moment, he sighed and shook his head.
"Tsk, he really has a good master …"
At the entrance to the courtyard, Fu Lu stood there quietly for a long time. Only when he saw the figure in the dark leave coughing up blood like a stray dog did he quietly close the courtyard door.
*****
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