Chapter 114

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Chapter 114: Completion

Finally, Zhang Xiaohu realized just how extraordinary his younger brother’s memory was.

Zhang Xiaohu slowly went through the Six Harmonies Fist three times from start to finish, but when he asked Zhang Xiaohua if he had memorized it, his brother replied that he hadn’t. Helpless, Zhang Xiaohu was about to demonstrate the fourth time.

As he was starting, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly stopped him, saying: “Second Brother, hold on. Let me try it, and you can watch.”

So, under Zhang Xiaohu’s guidance, Zhang Xiaohua clumsily managed to perform the entire set of Six Harmonies Fist from start to finish. Zhang Xiaohua didn’t seem to notice anything unusual, but Zhang Xiaohu was drenched in sweat, it was truly more exhausting than practicing it ten times by himself.

Li Jinfeng, who was watching from the side, was even more puzzled. He was very familiar with Zhang Xiaohua’s aptitude for studying literature. It was only because of his extraordinary memory that he had managed to finish reading the <Shuowen Jiezi> in such a short time. So why was he struggling so much with remembering fist techniques?

It was really baffling.

What nearly made Li Jinfeng cough up blood was still to come. After Zhang Xiaohu had rested for a while, he asked Zhang Xiaohua if he had remembered the technique, offering to teach him a bit more if necessary. His concern was evident in his words.

But Zhang Xiaohua shook his head and said: “No need, Second Brother. As long as I can go through it once, that’s enough.”

Li Jinfeng also chimed in: “Xiaohua, you should practice a few more times. It’s not easy for your second brother to come here. Once he leaves, if you want to learn more, you won’t be able to find him.”

Zhang Xiaohua frowned slightly and said: “There’s really no need. I’ve already learned it.”

Zhang Xiaohu, thinking that his brother was worried about him getting tired, smiled and said: “Xiaohua, it’s fine. Second Brother isn’t tired. Come on, let me practice it once more so you can watch.”

After saying this, he slowly went through the moves once again. As he demonstrated, he explained his own insights, such as when to strike, the angle of the attack, the strength to use, and so on. Zhang Xiaohua listened and nodded frequently, thinking to himself: “Second Brother really has mastered this thoroughly.”

However, his expression remained indifferent, which made Li Jinfeng, who was watching from the side, shake his head.

When Zhang Xiaohu finished, he gathered his stance and stood to the side, saying to Zhang Xiaohua: “Xiaohua, why don’t you practice it once more so I can see it, I’ll give you some more pointers by the way.”

Zhang Xiaohua quickly waved his hands and said: “There’s no need, Second Brother. You also know I’ve already learned it, and I remember everything you just explained.”

Zhang Xiaohu, a bit displeased, said: “Hurry up and practice it so I can see whether you’ve really learned it or not.”

Even at this point, Zhang Xiaohu still didn’t fully believe what Zhang Xiaohua had told him before.

What’s with the incomplete learning of the fist techniques? Perhaps other people hadn’t been diligent enough in teaching him, but with such detailed instruction from him, how could someone with the talent that Li Jinfeng mentioned, Zhang Xiaohua, not master it?

Unfortunately, reality can be discouraging.

Unable to refuse Zhang Xiaohu’s urging, Zhang Xiaohua reluctantly assumed the starting stance and began practicing the Six Harmonies Fist he had just learned. To their astonishment, the fierce Zhang Xiaohua forgot the rest of the moves after just six stances. With Zhang Xiaohu’s prompts, he managed to perform another dozen moves before getting stuck again. Helpless, Zhang Xiaohu had to remind him repeatedly, and after five or six more reminders, Zhang Xiaohua barely managed to finish the routine.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s innocent eyes, Zhang Xiaohu could only helplessly ask: “Xiaohua, is this how you usually learn fist techniques?”

When Zhang Xiaohua nodded affirmatively, Zhang Xiaohu patted his shoulder and said: “It’s been hard on you, Xiaohua.”

Li Jinfeng came closer and asked: “Xiaohua, I find it very strange. This routine isn’t very complicated. Even though I haven’t practiced fist techniques before, just based on my memory, I could remember many of the moves from your two demonstrations just now.”

After speaking, Li Jinfeng, the scholarly gentleman, rolled up his sleeves and began practicing the Six Harmonies Fist. Surprisingly, he managed to perform more than a dozen moves before stopping.

Then, he asked Zhang Xiaohua: “You see, even with my limited aptitude, I could learn more than ten moves. How is it that you can only remember six? It’s truly puzzling.”

Zhang Xiaohua scratched his head and said: “Big Brother Li, to be honest, I really don’t know. All the fist techniques I practice are like this, I forget a lot from each.”

Li Jinfeng, as if witnessing the greatest marvel in the world, exclaimed: “This is unbelievable! You can memorize the <Shuowen Jiezi>, yet you can’t remember this?”

Zhang Xiaohua replied curiously: “Big Brother Li, what’s so strange about that?<Shuowen Jiezi> is just a primer for children, but practicing fist techniques requires a lot of mental effort. They’re not the same at all.”

Li Jinfeng could only give a wry smile and didn’t say anything.

At this point, Zhang Xiaohu interjected: “What about the martial arts manuals at the escort agency? They’re written texts too. Did you remember those?”

Zhang Xiaohua said: “Those I do remember clearly.”

Zhang Xiaohu slapped his forehead and said: “Well, there you go! Tomorrow, I’ll borrow the Six Harmonies Fist manual from the library for you.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “There’s no need, Second Brother. I already practiced all the martial arts manuals I memorized in the past few months, but I’ve forgotten most of them by now.”

“Ah~” Both Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng’s mouths dropped open in shock.

Zhang Xiaohua continued: “Whether it’s a manual or taught by someone else, I forget most of it after practicing. What I don’t forget, I remember clearly. As for how much I can retain, I’ll only know by tomorrow morning.”

“Unbelievable~” Li Jinfeng exclaimed in disbelief. With eyes full of reverence, he muttered; “Could this be the legendary ‘grasping the essence without seeking thorough understanding’!?”

After hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s explanation and recalling his earlier performance, Zhang Xiaohu finally believed what his younger brother had said. However, he could only spread his hands in helplessness. His brother had already mentioned that everyone has their own path, and only the individual can walk their path, others can’t help much.

They had lunch together with He Tianshu and the others in the dining hall. Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng couldn’t stop praising the food at Huanxi Villa. However, during the meal, Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled by Li Jinfeng’s behavior. This scholar usually pays attention to etiquette, why is he so reckless today?

However, before Zhang Xiaohua could fully understand, Li Jinfeng spoke up himself.

On their way back to the small room, Li Jinfeng secretly pulled Zhang Xiaohua aside and whispered: “Xiaohua, why didn’t I see Miss Qiu Tong during the meal?”

Only then did Zhang Xiaohua realize that the scholar’s visit wasn’t just about him.

He smiled and said: “She was in the corner nearby. Didn’t you see her?”

Li Jinfeng couldn’t help but look back, scanning the dining hall from a distance, and said in confusion: “How could I have missed her? It’s strange. I thoroughly checked the dining hall.”

Then, as if coming to a realization, he said: “There are only three tables in the dining hall, so where could a corner be? There was no sign of any women at all. Xiaohua, are you just pulling my leg?”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and said: “It seems that Big Brother Li is not so easily fooled. Haha, it looks like Sister Qiutong was dining with the villa’s owner, so she might not have been in the same dining room. I really don’t know the specifics, but I’ve never seen Sister Qiu Tong here when I ate here.”

Seeing Li Jinfeng’s disappointed expression, Zhang Xiaohua added: “But I think I did encounter Sister Qiu Tong once when I was returning to my room after a meal.”

Hearing this, Li Jinfeng’s eyes immediately brightened. He turned around repeatedly, hoping to catch a glimpse of the person he was longing to see. Unfortunately, by the time he reached the small courtyard, he still didn’t spot the shadow of the beautiful lady.

Sitting in the chair inside the room, he really wanted Zhang Xiaohua to help him find Qiu Tong. However, he knew that Zhang Xiaohua was just a young servant of the villa, and it was unreasonable to expect him to locate someone on command. Besides, from Zhang Xiaohua’s words, it seemed he hadn’t seen Qiu Tong for quite a while, so his hopes waned. Nevertheless, he kept glancing out the window, hoping for some kind of development.

Unfortunately, fate was not on his side. The rain continued all afternoon, and although a few people passed by in front of the door, there was no sign of a woman.

As the evening grew late, Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng reluctantly prepared to leave. Naturally, Zhang Xiaohu was loath to part with his younger brother, repeatedly advising him on various matters. But what exactly was Li Jinfeng reluctant to leave behind?

The security at Huanxi Villa was very strict. When Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng arrived, they had been issued identification tokens and escorted in by guards, so it was only fitting that they be escorted out as well. The three of them left the small room, and the rain outside had reduced to a light drizzle, seeming like it might stop soon. Out of courtesy, Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng stopped by He Tianshu’s room to bid farewell before leaving. Zhang Xiaohu also asked He Tianshu to take good care of his brother in the future, to which He Tianshu readily agreed and said some polite words. Only then did the three depart the small courtyard.

The small courtyard was some distance from the side gate, and the path was paved with bluestones, so it was not muddy. As they walked and talked, Li Jinfeng noticed the fields along the way and asked: “Xiaohua, what are these crops planted in the fields? I recognize some of them, but what about those that look like grass? Are they vegetables?”

Zhang Xiaohua thought for a moment and decided it was best not to answer. He interrupted Li Jinfeng, saying: “Big Brother Li, there are rules in the villa. Many things cannot be shared with outsiders, so there’s no need to ask too much.”

However, he changed his mind and added: “But if you have any books on growing herbs at your place, I would appreciate it if you could gather some for me. I’m still interested in reading more about them.”

Li Jinfeng’s lips curved into a smile upon hearing this.

As they continued walking, nightfall had come, and it was getting dark. The rain had stopped, and the sounds of frogs and other insects filled the air, signaling that the rain had cleared.

The scene made the two brothers think of Guo Village. Zhang Xiaohu broke the silence, saying: “Xiaohua, it’s been a long time since we left. Do you miss home?”

Zhang Xiaohua sighed and said_ “Yes, I do miss it very much. But without making any notable achievements, if the family knew, it would only cause them unnecessary worry.”

Zhang Xiaohu also sighed and said: “Yes, I feel the same way. But we should at least send them news of our safety. Otherwise, Father and Mother will be anxious at home.”

Li Jinfeng furrowed his brow and said: “Brother Zhang, you could ask an acquaintance to carry a message to your family, isn’t that enough?”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled bitterly and replied: “Both of us came here alone and have no relatives or friends in Pingyang City. How could we have someone familiar to help us deliver a message?”

Li Jinfeng smiled and said: “Brother Zhang has forgotten. Isn’t there a fellow countryman like me in Pingyang City?”

Zhang Xiaohu said: “I know Young Master Li is from Lu Town, but haven’t you been studying in the academy? I remember you came alone, so how can you have time to deliver messages for us?”

Li Jinfeng nodded: “That’s true. However, the academy has breaks in both winter and summer. Although the breaks aren’t long, they are enough for a trip home. Since I’ve stayed in the academy this summer to study and assist Xiaohua with his early education, I haven’t gone back to Lu Town. But after some time, I can indeed help you send a message.”

Both Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu exclaimed in unison: “Really, Young Master Li, we are very grateful!”

Li Jinfeng waved his hand and said: “You don’t need to be so formal. We are all strangers in a foreign place, it’s only right to help each other. This is just a small favor, no need for thanks.”

As they spoke, they arrived at the side gate. The gatekeeper checked their tokens and had Zhang Xiaohua sign a ledger before allowing Zhang Xiaohu and Li Jinfeng to leave.

The three stood outside the gate, Zhang Xiaohu looked at his younger brother, who, like when he was a child, clung to his older brother’s clothing, reluctant to let go. Although they weren’t parting for too long, the prospect of not seeing each other for even a month was hard to bear. Li Jinfeng, seeing this, said: “You two brothers will be living in the same Pingyang City. If Xiaohu is busy with his practicing martial arts and can’t visit, I will come and visit you here when I have time. I will come often in the future.”

Zhang Xiaohua considered this and then let go of his brother’s clothing. He immediately added: “Big Brother Li, if my second brother doesn’t have time, it would be great if you came. When I see Big Sister Qiu Tong next time, I’ll mention that you wish to see her. Is that alright?”

Li Jinfeng smiled and said: “I appreciate you saying that. However, there’s no need to say too deliberately that I want to see her, just mention it casually.”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and asked: “Oh? Why is that?”

Li Jinfeng replied: “You don’t understand now, but you will when you’re older. Just follow my advice.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded in agreement.

Then, Zhang Xiaohu reluctantly left Huanxi Villa, looking back several times as he and Li Jinfeng departed.

It wasn’t until the figures of the two had completely disappeared from view that Zhang Xiaohua finally turned around and re-entered the villa.

The next morning was bright and sunny, with a clear blue sky stretching endlessly. Zhang Xiaohua hurried to the large tree where he often practiced martial arts.

Recalling the teachings from Zhang Xiaohu the previous day, he used both his hands and feet, gradually practicing the Six Harmonies Fist according to his memory. As expected, of the dozens of moves in the Six Harmonies Fist, he had thoroughly forgotten almost all, leaving only seven moves remaining.

Zhang Xiaohua repeated these seven moves over and over to ensure he wouldn’t forget them, and only then did he stop. Next, he stood in a horse stance and began to mentally piece together the combinations of the moves. This process was like building with blocks, the more he approached the end, the simpler it became. Out of the one hundred and one moves, he had to fill in seven gaps. Trying each of the seven moves in each gap, he found that the success rate was quite high. The first gap was filled after only four attempts, and Zhang Xiaohua seamlessly integrated it into his fist technique. The remaining gaps were even easier, and soon he was left with just the last move and the final gap. With a mix of joy and anxiety, Zhang Xiaohua carefully combined them in his mind.

This time, heaven showed its favor and did not disappoint Zhang Xiaohua. The final move perfectly merged into the fist technique, and instantly, the complete set of moves in his mind flowed like a waterfall, smoothly and effortlessly. In his mind, a small figure performed the entire unnamed fist technique flawlessly.

Once the figure had practiced it several times, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but mimic the movements himself, practicing in the open space of the forest.

This fist technique had a total of one hundred and eight moves. Although it was Zhang Xiaohua’s first time performing it completely, he had mentally rehearsed these moves countless times. Apart from the last seven moves, the rest had been practiced repeatedly in this clearing. Now that Zhang Xiaohua had finally put them together, he executed the entire sequence from start to finish in one go, like flowing clouds and running water.

After completing the routine, Zhang Xiaohua was not satisfied and repeated it three more times before finally stopping.

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua felt an unparalleled sense of physical relaxation and mental joy. It was as if he had freed a dragon from a golden chain, experiencing a profound sense of freedom. The heavy burden that had weighed on him was finally lifted. He could now practice a complete set of a fist technique like everyone else.

Zhang Xiaohua’s eyes were filled with brightness.

During the day, while working in the fields, Zhang Xiaohua continuously pondered over his one hundred and eight fist moves. Each move and technique was analyzed, remembering that his second brother had once said that a perfect technique includes both offense and defense. How did the moves he “forgot” from the over a hundred fist techniques fit into this?

After Zhang Xiaohua had thoroughly pondered the intricacies of the technique, he realized that among the one hundred and eight moves, only thirty-six were defensive, while the remaining seventy-two were offensive. This distribution struck him as odd. He noted that seventy-two corresponds to the “Earthly Fiends” in numerology, representing fierce and aggressive spirit within Heaven and Earth, which aligns with the offensive nature of these moves. Heaven and Earth have their own ways, if Earth loses something, Heaven will make up for it. Conversely, thirty-six corresponds to the “Heavenly Stems”, symbolizing the strength and resilience of Heaven and Earth, which fits the essence of defensive moves. Zhang Xiaohua recalled some words from the books he read and was intrigued by this numerical and philosophical alignment, wondering if his thoughts were correct.

That night, in the forest, the sky was as dark as ink, dotted with countless stars, though there was no moon.

Zhang Xiaohua practiced his punches alone in the clearing. After completing a routine of the fist technique, he felt an immense sense of satisfaction. He also practiced the sixteen variations of the sword technique. Once done, he sat down on the grass, which was still a bit muddy from yesterday’s heavy rain, though the sun had dried it partially.

He plucked a small blade of grass and held it in his mouth, leaning against a tree. He pondered aloud: “Every martial art has a name, like the Arhat Fist, the Nan Zhi Fist, or the Erlang Fist. What should I name my own technique? ‘Xiaohua Fist’? No, that’s too modest. ‘Patchwork Fist’? Sounds terrible. Sigh, it’s really hard to decide.”

Feeling somewhat sad, Zhang Xiaohua lay down on the slightly damp grass, hands behind his head.

Looking up at the clear night sky, in the distance, countless stars were twinkling. It had been a long time since Zhang Xiaohua had looked at the stars like this. The last time he did was probably in his childhood when he would chat with his grandmother in the small courtyard of the Guo Village.

Thinking about his grandmother, Zhang Xiaohua felt a pang of sorrow.

How is Grandma doing in the heavens?

Which star could be the one where Grandma lives on?