Chapter 184

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Just as Zhang Xiaohua’s fist was about to strike Tang Shi, whether Tang Shi raised his hand to meet it or allowed Zhang Xiaohua to hit him, it seemed inevitable that Tang Shi would be knocked off the stage.

But in the face of this decisive punch from Zhang Xiaohua, Tang Shi remarkably calmed down. He raised his right fist to meet Zhang Xiaohua’s punch, but just before their fists collided, he suddenly turned his fist into a palm. With his right palm resting on Zhang Xiaohua’s fist, Tang Shi shifted his body, using all his remaining strength to pull Zhang Xiaohua’s fist to the side. Zhang Xiaohua’s body, out of control, was drawn past Tang Shi, charging straight toward the edge of the stage.

Wasn’t this the very same trick that Nie Xiao’er had once used on Zhang Xiaohua?

The  Four Ounces to Move a Thousand Jin technique is particularly effective against opponents stronger than oneself. However, it’s a fairly advanced skill. Due to his immense strength, Tang Shi often encountered this technique when sparring with internal martial artists. Through repeated exposure, he became familiar with it and developed some understanding. Still, his own internal strength was not deep enough, and he lacked the flexibility to utilize internal energy as others did. While he knew how to use the technique, he had never actually attempted it, nor had he expected an opportunity to do so. After all, there was no one in the Young Eagle Hall whose strength surpassed his, so he never had a reason to use it.

Yet today, Tang Shi met Zhang Xiaohua, whose strength was on par with his own. After reaching the fourth round, his own strength was nearly depleted, while Zhang Xiaohua still had plenty left. As he was cornered and faced with Zhang Xiaohua’s final punch, the memory of this never-practiced technique suddenly surfaced in his mind. Desperate, Tang Shi decided to give it a try, using the very method others had often used against him.

Unfortunately for Zhang Xiaohua, who lacked experience, he fell right into the trap. As his body was pulled past Tang Shi’s side, he could only cry out internally, “Oh no! The Four Ounces to Move a Thousand Jin! I’ve fallen into a trap!”

But it was too late. By then, he had already lost control of his balance. The combined force of both their strengths acted together, as if Zhang Xiaohua and Tang Shi had jointly pushed Zhang Xiaohua off the stage.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua slip past his side, Tang Shi quickly let go, pulling his arm back. His eyes naturally followed his arm away from Zhang Xiaohua’s body. In his mind, since Zhang Xiaohua had used the ladder to get onto the stage and had no Qinggong skills better than his own, having been thrown off the stage, how could he possibly return? Even if Zhang Xiaohua had exceptional Qinggong, once off the stage, with nowhere to find leverage, how could he come back?

However, just as he turned his head before he could fully turn around, he heard a sudden shout from behind: “Watch out!”

Tang Shi quickly turned his head, but saw nothing unusual. The edge of the stage where Zhang Xiaohua should have been was empty—there was no sign of him. Feeling relieved, Tang Shi was just about to clasp his hands and bow to the crowd when he suddenly felt a tremendous force strike his shoulder. He lost control of his balance and was sent flying off the stage, from the very spot where Zhang Xiaohua had nearly fallen.

Tang Shi tumbled off the stage, but he quickly adjusted his posture in mid-air and landed steadily on the ground below. As he turned back to look at the stage, to his utter bewilderment, Zhang Xiaohua who should have been knocked off was instead standing firmly on the stage, joyfully cupping his fists and bowing in gratitude to the audience.

Tang Shi was completely puzzled!

In truth, at the moment when Tang Shi used the Four Pounds Moves a Thousand Jin technique to throw Zhang Xiaohua off the stage, Zhang Xiaohua had indeed passed the edge of the platform. Regretting his misstep, his mind raced to think of a way to salvage the situation. However, since he didn’t know Qinggong, how could he reverse his direction mid-air and return to the stage?

At that critical moment, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly remembered the floating technique from the third layer of the Piaomiao Step. When he had been thrown off the stage by Group Leader Chang earlier, he had felt a slight floating sensation. If there was ever a time to use this technique, it was now! With that thought, Zhang Xiaohua immediately followed the method described in the technique, circulating the True Qi in his meridians. At that very moment, as his body crossed the edge of the stage, he began to float. Instinctively, Zhang Xiaohua used his True Qi to guide his body, performing the Piaomiao Step. His entire body spun like a top, dissipating the outward force from his fall and changing his direction. He spun back toward the inside of the stage, landing gracefully on the opposite side of Tang Shi.

To the crowd below, it appeared as though Zhang Xiaohua had never left the stage. They saw him spin around, using some unknown technique to regain his footing and change his momentum, which drew gasps of astonishment from the spectators.

By the time Tang Shi turned around, Zhang Xiaohua was already spinning through the air behind him. Using the momentum of his spin, Zhang Xiaohua kicked out at Tang Shi’s shoulder. Caught off guard, Tang Shi, who wasn’t defending himself at the moment, was struck squarely and sent tumbling off the stage—leading to the scene where he fell.

As Tang Shi landed on the ground and looked up in confusion at Zhang Xiaohua standing on the stage, the half-burned incense stick on the side finally reached its end. The Group Leader glanced at Tang Shi, who had fallen to the ground, and then at Zhang Xiaohua, who remained on stage—much to his discontent—and begrudgingly announced; “Number 250, wins!”

A collective “buzz” rose from the crowd of disciples below. Whether they were praising or cursing Zhang Xiaohua, it was hard to tell, but they dispersed noisily. Tang Shi, full of regret and hanging his head, also prepared to follow the crowd and leave.

“Tang Shi, stop right there.”

Suddenly, two voices called out in unison.

Tang Shi turned around and saw that it was both Zhang Xiaohua and the Group Leader from below the stage who had called him.

Confused, Tang Shi asked: “Group Leader, is there something else?”

The Group Leader replied: “Tang Shi, don’t be in such a hurry to leave. Although you lost this match, it doesn’t mean you can’t pass the second stage.”

Tang Shi looked even more bewildered and said: “But since I lost, what right do I have to pass the second stage?”

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua came down from the stage, smiling as he descended the ladder. He cheerfully said to Tang Shi: “Old Pal Tang, it seems fortune smiles on the simple-minded. Even though you lost, you can still pass.”

Tang Shi, feeling annoyed, replied: “Who are you calling simple? Just because I practice external martial arts doesn’t mean my brain is on the outside. Don’t think you can fool me.”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed: “If I’m tricking you, do you think the Group Leader would also trick you?”

Looking at Tang Shi’s still child-like face, the Group Leader explained: “Here’s how it is, Tang Shi. This number 250 is not one of the Young Eagle Hall disciples. He’s just participating in the martial competition but doesn’t take up one of our quotas. In other words, although you lost, this contestant number 250 doesn’t steal your spot. On the contrary, if you had won, number 250 wouldn’t be able to pass this second stage.”

Tang Shi finally understood: “No wonder I didn’t recognize you. I’ve never seen you at the Young Eagle Hall before. So, you’re not one of my senior brothers. So, what you’re saying is that, regardless of the outcome of this final match, I would pass to the next stage either way?”

Both Zhang Xiaohua and the Group leader nodded in unison and said: “Exactly.”

Tang Shi, now completely at ease, said: “Hmm, it seems my luck isn’t bad after all!”

At that, Zhang Xiaohua and the Group leader both dramatically collapsed to the ground with a loud “thud”.

In the second round of the competition, a total of seventeen contestants, including Zhang Xiaohua, successfully passed. The disciples of Young Eagle Hall were all beaming with joy. The rewards for passing this stage were quite generous, and they directly impacted their future progress in martial arts, so how could they not be excited? Moreover, if they could challenge and pass the second level of the Cloth-Robes Division tomorrow, the rewards would be even more unimaginable. Thus, after Manager Xu explained that the third round would take place in the square in front of the Council Hall, the crowd dispersed quickly.

It was no wonder. They had all fought four matches today and were utterly exhausted. Who wouldn’t want to return to their quarters to rest and recover in hopes of achieving better results tomorrow?

Only Zhang Xiaohua remained puzzled and asked Zhang Xiaohu, “Second brother, is the Young Eagle Hall’s dining hall small or something? Why are all these kids rushing off like they’re fighting for food?”

Without waiting for Zhang Xiaohu to respond, he nodded to himself and continued: “It must be that. On the one hand, it saves resources and reduces waste. On the other hand, it constantly trains these kids’ Qinggong. Sigh, it’s actually a pretty good idea.”

Zhang Xiaohu, hearing Zhang Xiaohua’s mutterings, couldn’t help but laugh. “Xiaohua, are you craving braised pork again?”

“Braised pork?” Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but swallow his saliva and said: “Yes, it’s been a while since I’ve had it. But it’s strange, Second Brother—now that you mention it, I realize I haven’t thought about it much lately. I haven’t craved meat or delicious food the way I used to. Still, now that you’ve brought it up, I can almost taste that enticing flavor.”

Zhang Xiaohu smiled slightly and said: “Unfortunately, this isn’t Guo Village, where you could have braised pork anytime. If we were home, maybe Mother would cook some for you.”

At the mention of their parents back in Guo Village, both brothers fell into a momentary silence, their expressions turning a little sad.

However, Zhang Xiaohu forced a smile and said: “Once this Martial Arts Competition is over, we should find a chance to go back for a visit. We’ve been away for more than a year, and it’s about time we return and see how things are.”

Zhang Xiaohua nodded in agreement: “Yes, let’s do that. Oh, by the way, I wonder how Captain He is doing with his Piaomiao Step training. He didn’t come to watch me compete today.”

Zhang Xiaohu patted him on the shoulder and said: “Why don’t we go and check on him? You’ve got that token from the Medicinal Hall now. If not now, when will you use it?”

Thinking about the Medicinal Hall, Zhang Xiaohua chuckled and touched the token in his chest pocket. “I was just thinking the same thing. We might as well use the token before it expires. If the Hall Master takes it back, we won’t be able to go there even if we wanted to.”

With their minds made up, the two brothers set off in the direction of the Medicinal Hall.

If the Martial Arts Competition could be compared to a festival, then this lively event had already reached its final stages. The disciples of the Piaomiao Sect, still basking in the excitement of the occasion, could be seen all around—some gathered in small groups, others in larger clusters. They either whispered among themselves or spoke with spirited expressions, and some even formed circles to engage in sparring matches. While sparring between disciples was typically only allowed within the designated training rooms, during the Martial Arts Competition, short exchanges on the open grounds were permitted to help deepen their understanding through battle.

As Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu made their way along, they occasionally came across these sparring groups. They would often stop, filled with interest, to stand on the outskirts and watch the excitement unfold. Sometimes, when the fight reached a particularly thrilling moment, they couldn’t help but clap and cheer, drawing curious glances from the crowd. However, Zhang Xiaohua had little concern for how others viewed him. Fortunately, his young age made it easy for him to blend in, convincingly posing as a disciple of the Young Eagle Hall. In Zhang Xiaohua’s mind, it didn’t matter whether anyone remembered his face; he figured that any disdain or condescension could be directed toward the Young Eagle Hall instead.

Along the way, the small platforms that had been common sights in the past few days had all been dismantled. The joys and sorrows experienced by the disciples on those platforms had now become memories. A sense of clarity rose in Zhang Xiaohua’s heart: worldly matters were like fleeting clouds. No matter how noisy or grand, there will always come a moment when they fade away. And what would remain afterward?

As they neared the Medicinal Hall, Zhang Xiaohua was still lost in that moment of reflection. Zhang Xiaohu noticed his unusual silence and, a bit worried, asked: “Xiaohua, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you tired? If you are, we can go back to my place and rest.”

That ordinary, gentle expression of concern from Zhang Xiaohu instantly brought Zhang Xiaohua’s moment of realization to an end. A warmth filled his heart, and at the same time, he felt as if a “crack” resounded in some corner of his mind, like breaking free from a shackle. He felt a deep sense of freedom. Yes, perhaps worldly affairs are as transient as clouds, ever-changing and unpredictable. But the care, worry, and affection from family—no matter the environment, no matter whether you notice it or not—are always there, solid and real, giving you a secure foundation to lean on throughout your life.

On this ordinary afternoon, during this simple walk, Zhang Xiaohu certainly hadn’t thought so deeply. After he spoke, Zhang Xiaohua looked up and smiled calmly: “Second Brother, don’t worry. I was just thinking about something. I’m not tired at all. Let’s go to the Medicinal Hall. I can’t wait to see how Captain He has progressed.”

Zhang Xiaohua was still the same Zhang Xiaohua, with the same charming smile, but in Zhang Xiaohu’s eyes, there was something different about his younger brother. He couldn’t pinpoint it exactly—perhaps Zhang Xiaohua seemed more grown-up, more mature, or maybe his aura had subtly changed, giving off the feeling of someone starting to command respect, like a towering mountain.

Zhang Xiaohu couldn’t quite explain it.

Because Zhang Xiaohua was slowly transforming, bit by bit, without even realizing it.

At the entrance to the Medicinal Hall, guards were still posted, though not the same ones they had seen last time.

Zhang Xiaohu showed his waist token, and Zhang Xiaohua presented his token. The guard carefully examined Zhang Xiaohua’s token for quite a while before finally allowing them to pass.

Once inside, they weren’t sure where to find He Tianshu. Should they go to his room or directly to the practice room?

After a brief moment of thought, Zhang Xiaohua said to Zhang Xiaohu: “Since this Piaomiao Step was personally gifted by Sect Master Ou, and he specifically instructed that it shouldn’t be taught to anyone else, Captain He probably wouldn’t be practicing it openly in the training hall. I’d guess he’s practicing alone in his quarters.”

Zhang Xiaohu found this reasoning sound and led the way, heading toward He Tianshu’s living quarters based on his memory.

Zhang Xiaohua understood He Tianshu well. Given his cautious nature, He Tianshu wouldn’t practice in a crowded place. Even practicing alone in his quarters would likely make him uneasy.

Fortunately, the technique He Tianshu was practicing—the Piaomiao Step—didn’t require much space. If he had been practicing the third level of Qinggong, the small space of his room definitely wouldn’t have been enough for him to perform the technique.

When He Tianshu opened the door and saw Zhang Xiaohua, both of them were quite surprised.

He Tianshu asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, why are you still at Piaomiao Manor? The Martial Arts Competition is over. Why haven’t you returned to Huanxi Villa? The medicinal fields still need tending, you know.”

Zhang Xiaohua, on the other hand, was shocked by He Tianshu’s disheveled appearance—his hair was a mess, his face gaunt, and his eyes sunken. He had seen He Tianshu practice the Piaomiao Step before, but never to the point of such obsession. His current state of fatigue and weakness clearly wasn’t something that could have developed in just a day or two.

Instead of directly answering He Tianshu’s question, Zhang Xiaohua asked with concern: “Captain He, what’s happened to you? How did you become like this after just two days? You look exhausted.”

Zhang Xiaohu, who was standing nearby, was also startled and added: “Captain He, if you’re feeling unwell, you should really visit the doctor. Don’t delay.”

He Tianshu rubbed the center of his brow with his hand, managing a weak smile. “It’s nothing. I’ve just been deep in contemplation over the footwork technique. I haven’t slept for two nights, and that’s why I look like this. Once I figure it out and get some rest, I’ll be fine.”

Zhang Xiaohu, however, wasn’t satisfied with that explanation and pressed: “Captain He, you’ve contemplated this technique before, but you’ve never looked like this. Could it be that something is not going well this time?”

He Tianshu let out a bitter laugh and said: “Come on, let’s go inside and talk.”

Once they were seated inside, He Tianshu explained: “This time, my contemplation has been different from before. Yesterday, when I saw you using the Piaomiao Step, it was different from what I had understood and even different from what’s recorded in the manual. I thought that since you’ve managed to execute the technique, it must be correct. So, I’ve been trying to reconcile the manual’s instructions with the way you performed it. But the more I force myself to think along those lines, the more exhausted I become. Not only have I failed to gain any new insights, but even the parts of the technique I thought I understood have now become riddled with errors.”

He Tianshu licked his dry lips and continued: “Yet, if I discard your method and rely solely on my own understanding, I find I can’t make any progress at all. I’m truly stuck.”

Then, with an embarrassed look, he glanced at Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Besides, Zhang Xiaohua, I was the one who initially taught you the Piaomiao Step. But now, you’ve surpassed me in understanding. Don’t you think that’s frustrating for me? So…”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but laugh. He had just finished boosting his Second Brother’s confidence earlier, and now he had to guide his “cheap” master, who had been discouraged by his own rapid progress. Sigh, indeed, trouble never comes alone.

It seems I should slow down my cultivation. If I’m not careful, I might hurt the pride of a group of people, and that’s a responsibility I can’t bear.

Zhang Xiaohua was just a teenager, and it was already remarkable that he could earnestly persuade his Second Brother to recognize his own situation. How could he have the right words to enlighten He Tianshu?

This really left him in a difficult position.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Captain He, this Piaomiao Step is one of the divine techniques of your Piaomiao Sect, right?”

He Tianshu glanced at Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Isn’t that an obvious question? Of course it is.”