Chapter 94

Chapter Ninety-Four: Internal Power

"Zhang Xiaohua, Zhang Xiaohu? Haha~ interesting." Yu Deyi laughed.

Zhang Xiaohua also laughed, but his laughter was not as arrogant as Yu Deyi's, not as haughty as Shangguan Yun's, not as fawning as Yu Lun's, and not as humble as Li Jinfeng's. It was just a genuine, heartfelt laugh, perhaps a proud laugh for his older brother, or perhaps a happy laugh at the prospect of his own future.

Yu Deyi stopped laughing and asked, "So, can you tell me why?"

Zhang Xiaohua calmly said, "The meaning of this is that there's no special reason, just familiarity. I've practiced boxing for a few days, but I haven't made any progress. Today, after hearing about my older brother, I suddenly realized that if you truly master one boxing technique, it's as effective as mastering many. There's also a saying that being proficient in one skill is better than knowing many. Isn't that the same principle?"

Before anyone else could speak, Li Jinfeng, who was sitting, couldn't help but clap his fan and exclaimed, "Brother Xiaohua, you've explained it so clearly. Our teachers at school always tell us that greed is not good, and that's the same principle. A person's energy is limited. Reading ten thousand books without understanding them is not as good as thoroughly understanding one book. I didn't take this seriously before, but after hearing about Brother Xiaohu's story, I will pay more attention to it in the future."

Yu Deyi still sneered and said, "You don't practice martial arts, so you don't understand. Martial arts and reading are two different things. Someone who has practiced for only a month definitely can't beat someone who has practiced for many years. Perhaps the bodyguard made a mistake."

Shangguan Yun said, "Yes, that's what Li Liuyi thought too. Although he agreed with Zhang Xiaohu's decision, he still wanted to test him. The next day, he sent two more bodyguards to challenge Zhang Xiaohu in boxing. However, the result was still shocking. Although Zhang Xiaohu didn't win against these two bodyguards, they didn't gain any advantage either. Both matches ended in a draw."

Yu Deyi couldn't sit still and stood up from his chair, saying, "That's impossible. I know the bodyguards of the Lotus Escort Agency. Many of them are highly skilled, not much worse than those in the martial arts hall. How could they not defeat Zhang Xiaohu? Impossible, impossible?"

Shangguan Yun waited for Yu Deyi to finish and saw him pacing around before calmly saying, "Young Master Yu, you're stuck in a rut. Why didn't you listen carefully? Boxing, a boxing match."

"Oh~ a boxing match, haha, I get it." Yu Deyi patted his head and sat down quietly, self-mocking, "I still can't control my temper. My master has scolded me many times. How could I forget they were having a boxing match? In that case, if they didn't use internal power, the bodyguards could indeed be forced into a draw by Zhang Xiaohu. Hmph, but even without internal power, I believe I could still beat Zhang Xiaohu. He's just a country bumpkin, after all." As he spoke, his arrogance became more apparent.

When the words "internal power" were mentioned, Zhang Xiaohua and Li Jinfeng looked puzzled, while Yu Lun's face showed envy, and his chubby fingers rubbed together.

Li Jinfeng didn't say anything, just watching them silently, but Zhang Xiaohua couldn't miss this opportunity to learn about martial arts and asked impatiently, "What is internal power?"

"What is internal power? Hahaha," Yu Deyi laughed loudly, shook his head, and looked out the door without speaking.

Shangguan Yun also seemed to find something very amusing, smiling broadly, but he did speak, "Zhang Xiaohua, I can't explain internal power to you clearly now. When you have the chance to practice martial arts, ask your master."

Seeing that they wouldn't answer, Zhang Xiaohua looked at Yu Lun, but Yu Lun only fawned over Yu Deyi, his greedy eyes following Young Master Yu, and he was completely oblivious to Zhang Xiaohua, so he couldn't answer his question.

"Ah~" Zhang Xiaohua sighed inwardly but quickly perked up. If you don't tell me, I can ask Captain He. He is a legitimate disciple of the Ethereal Sect, so he must know about this.

Just as he was thinking, Yu Deyi suddenly turned his gaze and stared at Zhang Xiaohua, asking, "Zhang Xiaohua, right? You want to know about internal power. I can tell you, but there's a condition."

Zhang Xiaohua was taken aback and asked, "Condition? What condition?"

Yu Deyi smiled and said, "It's simple. Just have your older brother, Zhang Xiaohu, fight me in a boxing match, and I'll tell you."

Zhang Xiaohua was delighted but shook his head and said, "I can't agree to that on behalf of my older brother. I haven't seen him in a long time."

Yu Deyi mocked, "I knew it. You're just a coward from the countryside, hah."

Zhang Xiaohua shook his head again and said, "This has nothing to do with courage. Maybe I am timid and lack courage, but 'though millions may oppose me, I will go forward.' This is about one's beliefs. I won't make my older brother do something meaningless just because you ask. I don't know what internal power is, but there are many people who do. Since it's not your secret, I will eventually find out. What do you think, Young Master Yu?"

Yu Deyi had been looking at Zhang Xiaohua with a mocking expression, but after hearing his words, he couldn't help but stop his sneer. He snapped his fan shut and said, "Zhang Xiaohua? You're quite a remarkable person. At such a young age, you have such thoughts. Are you really from the countryside?"

Zhang Xiaohua still smiled, "Whether I'm from the countryside or not doesn't matter. I only do what I believe I should do."

Yu Deyi nodded seriously and said, "Zhang Xiaohua, I take back what I said. Since you said you will eventually find out about internal power, I won't keep it a secret. I'll tell you now, so you can see the difference between someone from the countryside and someone from the city."

After saying this, he looked at Zhang Xiaohua, waiting for his response. But Zhang Xiaohua's pure eyes were not afraid, meeting his gaze with a calm face, as if saying, "Say what you will. I didn't force you to speak, and I don't care if you don't."

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua's silence, Yu Deyi had to say slowly, "Actually, internal power is a very complex concept. Since you haven't practiced martial arts, it's hard to explain to you. Simply put, when you practice martial arts, if you practice internal cultivation, a force will be generated inside your body, which we call internal power. Internal power is different from your physical strength. It can be increased through cultivation, and it flows within your body even when you're not using it. When you use it, it becomes effective. Different boxing techniques have different internal power flow paths, and when used, they can have very powerful effects. To put it another way, internal power is like a weapon, similar to a sword or a knife. When your older brother fights others in boxing, he discards this weapon and only tests the subtlety of the boxing technique, using only his physical strength. If internal power is added, it's like your older brother is unarmed while the others have a sword or a knife. In that case, your older brother would definitely lose. Do you understand?"

Yu Deyi's words left Zhang Xiaohua speechless, truly giving him a lesson in martial arts. He had never thought that martial arts could be so complex. He had always thought it was just about practicing punches and kicks. Now he realized he needed to learn internal cultivation as well.

After Yu Deyi finished speaking, Zhang Xiaohua asked, "Does the Luohan Fist have a corresponding internal cultivation method? Where can I find the cultivation method for this internal power?"

"Clang!" Yu Deyi fell off his chair, and Yu Lun quickly helped him up, carefully dusting off his clothes and smiling fawningly, "Young Master Yu, be careful. There's no need to be so surprised when talking to this young man."

Yu Deyi carefully sat back down, gripping the chair and throwing his fan on the table, saying solemnly, "Zhang Xiaohua is a remarkable person. His questions are shocking and his thinking is far-reaching. I have to be careful in my response."

Then he turned to Zhang Xiaohua and said seriously, "Young brother, your question shows that you are—just a martial arts novice!! As everyone knows, the Luohan Fist originated from Daling Temple and is now widely practiced in the martial world. Its status is like the name 'Zhang San' among many names, very 'prominent.' How can such a common martial technique have a profound internal cultivation method? And what is internal cultivation? It is a pearl on the crown of martial arts, a treasure that only the elite of the martial world can glimpse. Various internal cultivation methods are highly valued by each sect and are only taught to their core disciples. You want to find an internal cultivation method to practice? That's just a dream. Even if you get one, you might not be able to practice it."

Zhang Xiaohua was stunned again and asked, "Why?"

Yu Deyi, feeling smug, said, "There are millions of people in the world, each with different aptitudes. Although everyone can read internal cultivation methods, only a few can successfully cultivate and develop internal power. Think about it, if internal power were easy to cultivate, internal cultivation methods wouldn't be so rare."

Li Jinfeng, listening from the side, was also stunned and interjected, "Young Master Yu, I didn't know that martial arts were so profound. Everyone has different aptitudes and opportunities. 'From a thousand rivers, I take only one cup.' That's enough, that's enough. It's better to study literature. With a book in hand, I have everything in the world."

Zhang Xiaohua, feeling somewhat dejected after hearing Yu Deyi, was awakened by the phrase "from a thousand rivers, I take only one cup." He hadn't even learned his boxing technique yet. He should focus on mastering it before considering internal cultivation.

Yu Lun also said, "Young Master Yu is very wise. I have never had the chance to glimpse this pearl. That's why I joined the Lotus Escort Agency, hoping to find an opportunity. In the future, I hope Young Master Yu can help me."

Yu Deyi looked at Yu Lun but didn't respond. The internal cultivation methods were secrets of the sect and the family. How could he let others see them casually? However, the martial arts hall of the Lotus Escort Agency was said to have a few basic cultivation methods for outstanding students. This could be considered. Seeing Yu Lun's fawning smile, Yu Deyi slowly nodded.

Yu Lun, seeing Yu Deyi's nod, was overjoyed. He quickly picked up the fan from the table, carefully opened it, and started fanning Yu Deyi, making Shangguan Yun secretly despise him.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua said, "Young Master Yu, since you've explained internal power, I'll represent my older brother and accept your challenge for a boxing match. How about it?"

Yu Deyi was taken aback and said in surprise, "Zhang Xiaohua, what do you mean? You didn't agree earlier, and now that I don't mention it, you want to agree. Why?"

Zhang Xiaohua smiled mysteriously and said, "Since my older brother has been practicing one boxing technique, he must have his own insights. And since he can fight other bodyguards without losing, he must have mastered it. Having someone as skilled as you to guide his boxing technique would be a great help. Why would I stop him?"

"Ha ha ha." Yu Deyi laughed and said, "Well said. I'm sure Zhang Xiaohu will be eager to accept my challenge. Let's go find him. You lead the way."

After a moment, seeing that Zhang Xiaohua didn't move, he frowned and said, "What? Are you afraid again?"

Zhang Xiaohua said sheepishly, "This is only my second time at the Lotus Escort Agency. How do I know where my older brother is?" He looked innocent.

Yu Lun quickly said, "I know. I'll take everyone there."

He returned the fan to Yu Deyi, gestured for him to go first, and Yu Deyi, without hesitation, took the fan, opened it, and walked out confidently. Seeing his graceful figure, Zhang Xiaohua thought, "If it comes to elegance, my older brother might not be your match."

The place where the runners lived was not in this courtyard. Zhang Xiaohua followed them through two more courtyards to reach the courtyard where the runners lived. The houses here were clearly more modest, lacking the refinement of the martial arts hall, showing the difference between paying and being free.

Zhang Xiaohu was still a celebrity. When they mentioned looking for Zhang Xiaohu, everyone in the courtyard knew where he was. Someone led them to a small house. The door was closed, and Zhang Xiaohua knocked lightly. A familiar voice came from inside, "Who is it?"

Zhang Xiaohua eagerly pushed the door open and called, "Older Brother." He ran into the room. The room was spacious, and Zhang Xiaohu was in a horse stance, his hands in a hugging position, seemingly pondering a move. Hearing Zhang Xiaohua's voice and seeing him run in, he immediately stopped and shouted happily, "Xiaohua, ha ha, it's you. Come here, I've missed you so much."

He then hugged Zhang Xiaohua, who had run over. The two brothers hadn't seen each other since they parted a month ago. Zhang Xiaohua's unexpected visit gave Zhang Xiaohu a pleasant surprise. After hugging his younger brother for a while, he let go and looked at Zhang Xiaohua's slightly plumper face, feeling relieved. If he had been thin, Zhang Xiaohu would have felt guilty.

After the brothers had a brief reunion, Li Jinfeng stepped forward and greeted, "Zhang Xiaohu, hello. Do you remember me?"

Zhang Xiaohu noticed the people who had come in and laughed, "Of course I remember. You all came with us to Pingyang City. But who is this?"

Yu Deyi stepped forward and said, "I am Yu Deyi from the martial arts hall. I have heard much about you, Brother Zhang."

"Martial arts hall?" Zhang Xiaohu was a bit puzzled. Why was this person with Xiaohua?

Yu Lun quickly explained, "Zhang Xiaohu, Young Master Yu, Master Shangguan, and I are all practicing martial arts at the martial arts hall. We've been at the escort agency for a while and only found out you were here recently, so we came to visit. Sorry, sorry."

Zhang Xiaohu laughed, "We're all brothers at the escort agency. Don't be so formal. I didn't know you were at the martial arts hall. I would have come to find you earlier. Come, come, please sit, please sit."

However, he was then embarrassed. The room was spacious, but there was only one chair in the corner. Where could everyone sit? They couldn't all sit on the bed, could they?

Zhang Xiaohu scratched his head.

Yu Deyi said, "No need to sit. I didn't come to catch up. I want to spar with you. I'll wait outside."

He turned and left, and Shangguan Yun and Yu Lun also bowed and followed.

Only Li Jinfeng, Zhang Xiaohua, and the puzzled Zhang Xiaohu were left.

Zhang Xiaohua, with a guilty look, explained the situation to Zhang Xiaohu and said, "Older Brother, was it inappropriate for me to do this? Did I put you in a difficult position?"

Zhang Xiaohu patted Zhang Xiaohua's shoulder and said, "Xiaohua, you've grown up. You did well. If I were in your position, I would have done the same. In martial arts, it's all about 'momentum.' Even if I lose, I can't lose my momentum. I will definitely accept such a challenge. Besides, I've been studying this boxing technique and have some new insights. I was looking for someone to test it on. Yu Deyi's challenge is timely. Let's go and see the martial arts hall's boxing technique."

He then took Zhang Xiaohua's hand and they walked out of the room together.

Outside the room, there was no sign of Yu Deyi and the others. They must have already gone to the sparring ground.

When the three of them arrived at the sparring ground, many people had already gathered. It seemed the news of Zhang Xiaohu's match with Yu Deyi had spread, and more people were on their way.

Zhang Xiaohu and the others pushed their way through the crowd, saying, "Excuse me, excuse me. If I don't get in, you'll all be here in the sun."

By the time Zhang Xiaohua pushed through to the center of the crowd, he was drenched in sweat. Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help but think that martial arts were just a minor skill. Even if you mastered it, you could only fight a hundred people. Gaining the hearts of people was the true high-level martial art. Using a sea of people, even if you could fight a hundred or a thousand, you would still be overwhelmed. Just seeing his older brother's disheveled state after pushing through the crowd, he understood this.

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