Chapter 27

In just two short days, the power that Lu Buqi could unleash had increased tenfold. Thinking about it now, Lu Buqi felt as if it were a dream.

However, Lu Buqi also understood that this was not just because of the mysterious Force Technique. Without the solid foundation laid by the Five Animals Imitation Fist, and the martial arts experience and familiarity with his body from his previous life, it would have been impossible for him to master the Force Technique so quickly and reach the Ninth Level of Bravery and Strength.

Next, Lu Buqi rather systematically taught the Five Animals Imitation Fist, derived from the Five Animals Play, to Wang Lishou, Xitu, and others. Lu Kang, Dafeng, Dashun, and Xiaoqiang also followed behind. Since the Five Animals Imitation Fist was not the Force Technique, even if Lu Buqi taught it to Zenu, the master would have nothing to say.

Knowing that Lu Buqi could kill a Seventh Level of Bravery and Strength An Ze with these beast-like stances, and could fight the Violent Bear and even stand up to the Sixth Young Master at the Ninth Level of Bravery and Strength, Lu Kang and the others were undoubtedly very excited to have the opportunity to learn it.

Lu Kang had some doubts. Wasn't it said that Xitu taught the Five Animals Imitation Fist to Buqi? How come Xitu seems to know less than Buqi? But then, Lu Kang's doubt was resolved when he saw Wang Lishou. He immediately understood Xitu's "deep meaning" — Xitu was just putting on a show for others.

Feeling Lu Kang's gaze, Xitu also looked over and gave him a slight nod and a smile. Lu Kang smiled back, but his smile had a hint of knowing something he wouldn't reveal.

Xitu secretly muttered, not realizing that his smile was being misinterpreted by the imaginative Lu Kang. However, he was soon captivated by the intricacies of the Five Animals Imitation Fist, amazed that Lu Buqi, at such a young age, could derive so many combat techniques from the habits of wild animals.

Lu Buqi was selective in teaching the more practical and relatively simple techniques. If he had taught some of the more advanced combinations, they would have been even more astonished.

However, for the foundational aspects of the Five Animals Imitation Fist, such as standing postures and walking stances, Lu Buqi held nothing back. He hoped that in the years he would be away, Xitu could organize the entire village to practice the Five Animals Play. While not everyone would achieve great success, the overall physical fitness of the villagers would improve, thus enhancing their productivity and making life better.

It was a small effort that could benefit a thousand people, and Lu Buqi was not petty. After all, besides himself, without exceptional talent, no one could truly master the essence of the Five Animals Play.

Before they knew it, the day had passed. Lu Buqi took a sip of spring water and cleared his throat. "That's it for today. I'm still exploring this Five Animals Imitation Fist myself, so just treat it as a game. I learned it this way, hehe... If you have any questions, we can discuss them tomorrow."

Seeing that it was indeed getting late and they needed to prepare dinner, Xitu and the others reluctantly left. As for Lu Buqi, he naturally had to stay with Wang Lishou, and someone would bring food.

Wang Lishou was still practicing a few moves that Lu Buqi had taught him today, which were derived from the Bear Style and also contained in the walking stances. Wang Lishou was clearly fond of the Bear Style, with a secondary interest in the Tiger Style. He also appreciated the other three styles, but he couldn't quite get the feel for them.

Lu Buqi understood that for a middle-aged martial artist like Wang Lishou, who had practiced for thirty years, it was difficult to change his deeply ingrained concepts of martial arts. The Five Animals Imitation Fist was not a quick-fix technique; without long-term practice, it was hard to unleash its full power.

Even Lu Buqi, with his peak martial arts skills from his previous life, could only exert one or two tenths of his power in his current twelve- or thirteen-year-old body. This was because he had practiced too little; the difference between ten years and twenty years of practice was significant.

"Buqi, your understanding of the bear surpasses mine!" The more Wang Lishou practiced the Bear Stance and Bear Fist, the more amazed he became. "No wonder you could escape from the Violent Bear and even kill it."

Lu Buqi smiled slightly. "Maybe I'm naturally sensitive to the movements of these animals. For example, when the Violent Bear lifts its butt, I know what it's going to do."

"Ha ha..." Wang Lishou laughed heartily. "You always come up with some witty remarks, both refined and crude. I wonder who taught you."

Lu Buqi shrugged slightly. "Old Household Head taught me a bit, and my parents taught me a bit. As for others... before this winter, they all thought I was a fool."

"Oh? Is that so?" Wang Lishou was quite surprised. "Do you want to tell me more?"

Lu Buqi nodded indifferently. "It's not a complicated story. I was just a bit odd from a young age, always hiding in corners to practice the Five Animals Imitation Fist. Hehe... as you know, the technique wasn't as refined back then. It was just for fun..."

Lu Buqi calmly and briefly recounted his experiences, and Wang Lishou solemnly said, "Buqi, that's all in the past. Now, if anyone still thinks you're a fool, they're the real fools."

Lu Buqi didn't say anything more. He told Wang Lishou these things because he sensed some doubts in him and wanted to completely dispel them.

When another heavy snowfall began, in the wooden house of Lu Kang and his wife, the charcoal fire in the copper stove flickered, casting a warm glow on Lu Buqi's still somewhat round face. His thin lips, pressed together, exuded a sense of determination that was hard to forget.

Beside the solemn Lu Kang, Huiniang was wiping away tears, but there was a smile at the corners of her eyes and mouth. "Buqi, you are even more thoughtful than we imagined... To save your father, you fearlessly killed An Ze; to prove your abilities, you racked your brains and led everyone on a month-long hunt..."

"Yes!" Lu Kang sighed deeply. "Even the Violent Bear, which could terrify even Bone Resonance Realm experts, must have been incredibly powerful... Your fame and the Force Technique were all earned by your own hands. And to give yourself the opportunity to broaden your horizons, you risked your life... I am proud of you, but I feel very guilty, as if I haven't done enough for you. Originally..."

With a thud, Lu Buqi knelt down, his gaze resolute. "Father, you don't need to say more! Without mentioning how you and Mother saved food for me from your own mouths, without mentioning how you and Mother endured the cold to keep me warm, without mentioning how you risked your life to steal from the food storage to satisfy my growing appetite..."

Pausing, Lu Buqi looked deeply at his parents, who had never abandoned him. "Let's not talk about those things. Just the fact that you gave me life and the opportunity to grow is enough. You have not wronged me!"

To have a son like this, what more could they ask for? Lu Kang and Huiniang were deeply moved, their eyes brimming with tears. The more capable and understanding their son became, the more they felt they had not done enough. Thinking about how Lu Buqi would leave the Northwest Household tomorrow, venture into the dangerous Guokan Forest, and explore the wider world, they felt even more sorrow.

Lu Kang wanted to tell Lu Buqi that the outside world was indeed exciting, but it was also full of deceit and treachery, more dangerous and unpredictable than the naked combat in the Guokan Forest. However, he was afraid of discouraging Lu Buqi, so he only said solemnly, "Tomorrow, you will leave with Master Wang. Although your Bravery and Strength is only slightly less than his, the Guokan Forest is full of dangers, and there are many dangerous spirit beasts like the Violent Bear. You must be careful and protect yourself!"

Lu Buqi nodded. "Father, don't worry. Your son won't die so easily!"

"Don't say such unlucky things..." Huiniang exclaimed. "Child, you are now grown up and have your own ideas. Besides these two sets of bear skin armor, I can do nothing more for you. I can only pray for you, praying that everything goes smoothly and safely for you."

Taking the heavy sets of bear skin armor, Lu Buqi bowed his head, and two tears of a hero slid down his cheeks. This farewell would be for several years, and it might even be a permanent one. Lu Buqi bit his lip and bowed deeply three times. "Father, Mother, take care of yourselves."