Chapter 11

Nanling Province's capital — Biancheng.

Inside the Tian Ding’s base, Xiao Ran was practicing the "Star Gathering Fist" alone in a courtyard. He had been practicing this fist technique for over a month, although he hadn’t successfully opened even one acupoint. However, Xiao Zhan could clearly feel his body improving, which greatly increased his enthusiasm for practice. He wished he could open an acupoint as soon as possible.

The thirty-six moves of the Star Gathering Fist were not complicated, but to unleash its power, one had to open acupoints. Otherwise, it was just a hollow form, useful only for strengthening the body and nothing else.

After repeatedly practicing the thirty-six moves of the Star Gathering Fist several times, Xiao Ran still didn’t sense any signs of an acupoint opening. He knew there was no hope today, though he was somewhat disappointed, he didn’t stop and continued to practice according to the manual.

"Brother Zhan, are you practicing your fists?"

Xiao Ran was in the middle of his practice when a childish voice suddenly sounded, making him turn his head curiously. He saw a little girl, as delicate as a porcelain doll, looking at him timidly with her gem-like eyes twinkling, which was incredibly charming and adorable.

Xiao Ran stopped his practice and smiled, "Xin'er, why are you out here alone today?"

Yang Xin'er’s face lit up with joy, "Xin'er saw Brother Zhan practicing and came out of curiosity."

Looking at the little girl, Xiao Ran really enjoyed being with her. Perhaps it was because they both suffered from similar conditions. Although the little girl wasn’t cursed, she also couldn’t practice. They had only met for a day, but they had already become close friends.

Xiao Ran smiled happily, "Xin'er seems much more cheerful today. Yes, that’s how it should be."

Yang Xin'er nodded, "Mother said Xin'er should be happy, so Uncle Zhong can rest in peace." She then opened her big, beautiful eyes curiously, "Brother Zhan, Xin'er heard Auntie say that you couldn’t practice from a young age, just like Xin'er. How did you start practicing then?"

Xiao Zhan patted her head and nodded, "That’s right. I couldn’t even walk a step without panting. By the way, what illness does Xin'er have that prevents her from practicing?"

Yang Xin'er shook her head sadly, "Xin'er doesn’t know. I was very sick when I was born and almost died. Father did everything he could to save my life, but since then, my meridians have been very fragile, and I can’t practice martial arts."

Seeing her sad expression, Xiao Ran suddenly felt a sense of empathy. The memories of the past five years flashed through his mind, and he gently patted the little girl’s head.

After some thought, Xiao Ran’s mind suddenly stirred, and he smiled slightly, "Actually, there is a way to practice."

Yang Xin'er looked up in surprise, her face full of confusion.

Xiao Ran smiled, "Do you know what fist technique Brother Zhan was practicing just now?"

Yang Xin'er tilted her head and thought for a while before shaking it, "I don’t know. Wasn’t it what Auntie taught Brother Zhan?"

Xiao Ran smiled broadly, "Not long ago, Brother Zhan was just like Xin'er, unable to practice. But recently, Brother Zhan met a very powerful master. He said this fist technique is suitable for those with weak bodies and fragile meridians. At first, I thought he was a fraud, but out of my desire to practice, I agreed to his terms. Surprisingly, this practice had a miraculous effect, and my body improved rapidly. I didn’t feel any fatigue while practicing."

Yang Xin'er exclaimed in surprise, "Really?"

Xiao Ran smiled, "Of course, it’s true. This fist technique doesn’t focus on meridians but on the mysterious acupoints within the body. Xin'er’s fragile meridians won’t affect her practice at all. If you practice this fist technique, Brother Zhan guarantees that you will completely heal. Do you want to learn it?"

"Um, yes!" Yang Xin'er’s head nodded rapidly, but her face suddenly darkened, and she said timidly, "Father once said not to secretly learn other sects’ martial arts."

Xiao Ran smiled, "Don’t worry, Brother Zhan will have the master take you as a disciple. Then you can learn it."

Yang Xin'er said happily, "Is that okay? Will Brother Zhan’s master be angry?"

Xiao Ran gave her a reassuring smile and patted his chest, "Don’t worry. The master will be delighted to have such a beautiful and adorable disciple like you. He won’t be angry. If he is, it would be even better; I want to ask him about the ring’s activation spell."

Thinking about this, Xiao Ran smiled, "Xin'er, I am the master’s only disciple. If you also become his disciple, we will be senior and junior siblings. Hehe, Xin'er, call me ‘Senior Brother’ and let me enjoy being a senior brother."

Yang Xin'er immediately called out happily, "Senior Brother!"

Xiao Ran grinned, "Junior Sister Xin'er!"

Yang Xin'er laughed joyfully, "Hehe, Senior Brother! Senior Brother!"

Seeing Yang Xin'er’s happy face, Xiao Ran took out the manual and handed it to her. She took it, her gem-like eyes shining with excitement as she eagerly flipped through it.

Watching Yang Xin'er’s enthusiastic demeanor, Xiao Zhan continued his practice.

As the sun gradually set, the two of them sat in the courtyard, discussing the essentials of the fist technique, and their laughter echoed.

Their happy expressions naturally caught the attention of their mothers, who were standing not far away. The young woman was both surprised and delighted to see Yang Xin'er practicing with Xiao Ran’s guidance. She was surprised that such practice might not harm her daughter and delighted that her daughter could finally practice.

Seeing the young woman’s hesitant expression, Zhan Wan'er smiled, "Sister, don’t worry. This fist technique is very unique. It focuses on the mysterious and independent acupoints within the body, not the meridians. When Zhan started practicing, his condition was exactly the same as your daughter’s. After practicing this technique, his condition improved significantly. He no longer pants and sweats while walking."

The young woman was pleasantly surprised, "Is this fist technique really that miraculous?"

Zhan Wan'er nodded, "The master who taught Zhan said that regular practice of this technique can strengthen the body and even reinforce the meridians. If Xin'er practices consistently, her illness will heal without treatment."

The young woman was overjoyed but then worried, "Such a profound technique, if the master is angry, won’t it affect Zhan?"

Zhan Wan'er smiled, "Sister, you don’t need to worry. The master is very carefree and won’t be upset over such a small matter."

The young woman immediately said, "Then I thank you in advance, Sister."

Zhan Wan'er shook her head, "You should thank my son, Zhan."

The young woman nodded, "I should thank Zhan properly. But Sister, you’re leaving tomorrow. Why don’t you stay a few more days? I’ve already informed my father-in-law about the attack. He will send someone soon, and we will thank you properly then."

Zhan Wan'er shook her head, "No need for thanks. It’s just a small favor."

The young woman wanted to say more but was stopped by Zhan Wan'er. Unable to do anything, she could only sigh and look back at the courtyard, where the two children were getting along well. She smiled happily, "They get along so well. This is the first time I’ve seen Xin'er so happy."

"Yes, perhaps this is what they call fate," Zhan Wan'er sighed softly.

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