Chapter 97: Enlightenment

Zhang Xiaohu gave some instructions and then left the house. After all, he was still a footman in the escort agency, and he had to report in daily. Although he was a new recruit and had no tasks yet, he didn’t need to travel far like a bodyguard, but the agency had many affairs to attend to. He needed to pay attention to everything and there was still a lot to learn. Besides, they paid him a monthly salary, so how could he not show up?

After Zhang Xiaohu left, the room became quiet.

Zhang Xiaohua was still a teenager, and it had been a long time since he had been so still. Unfortunately, the pain in his right hand constantly reminded him of his injury. Zhang Xiaohua wanted to sleep more, but after closing his eyes and opening them again several times, he decided not to sleep anymore. He stared straight at the ceiling, and couldn’t help but think about his boxing techniques.

Yesterday, when Zhang Xiaohu fought Yu Deyi, although he was ultimately powerless against Yu Deyi’s internal strength, if we only consider the boxing techniques, Yu Deyi didn’t have a significant advantage over Zhang Xiaohu. Thinking about Yu Deyi’s fierce and unstoppable internal strength, Zhang Xiaohua felt a surge of excitement. Zhang Xiaohu only saw the purple palm moving at incredible speed without feeling the internal strength, but Zhang Xiaohua truly felt the incomparable power that surged from the palm into his fist, destroying everything that tried to block it. He was thrown away by the impact of the internal strength, and even before he passed out, he remembered the feeling of the internal strength entering his body. Although Zhang Xiaohua hadn’t practiced martial arts much, he knew that this wasn’t something that could be achieved with mere physical strength.

Moreover, after Yu Deyi used his internal strength, the lightness and agility he displayed, like a rabbit leaping and a hawk swooping, caught Zhang Xiaohu off guard. All of this was based on internal strength. Thinking further, when Wen Daxia and Xue Nvxia left, they must have used lightness skills, which would be impossible without internal strength.

Thinking about this, Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t help but feel a deep longing. When would he be able to practice true internal strength techniques? However, from the looks of it, someone like him, without any background, would never have the chance to access such secret manuals.

"Alas," Zhang Xiaohua sighed. He should focus on how to learn his boxing techniques. If he couldn’t even master basic techniques, even if someone taught him, he would still disappoint them.

Actually, if Zhang Xiaohua knew that Yu Deyi had already withdrawn some of his internal strength during their fight and hadn’t used his full power, he might have lost confidence in continuing to practice his boxing techniques.

In fact, when he met Li Jinfeng and heard that Zhang Xiaohu only practiced one set of Six Harmonies Boxing, Zhang Xiaohua had already had a vague idea. He just kept delaying and hadn’t thought it through. Now, with his injury, it was a good opportunity to think about how to learn his boxing techniques.

His talent was not as good as his brother Zhang Xiaohu’s, and according to Captain He, his talent was not even average. In this situation, he needed to put in a hundred times more effort and energy. However, he didn’t understand why, when he was young, he wasn’t considered very stupid in school, but as soon as he started practicing boxing, he would forget things. Still, he could remember some moves, and these moves seemed to come naturally to him, so he wouldn’t forget them. Otherwise, if he practiced a set and forgot it, it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket, and what was the point?

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua naturally thought about the boxing techniques taught by Captain He and Nie Xiaoer. The moves he remembered flowed through his mind like a stream, each move as clear as a pebble in clear water. The moves he had forgotten left no impression at all.

It was really strange.

Zhang Xiaohua had learned many sets of boxing techniques in Huaxi Manor, but he could only remember about thirty moves. These moves came from different sets and were not related to each other. Even the few moves from one set were not connected. When Zhang Xiaohua practiced a few moves from a set, he would connect them randomly, and even Captain He would frown and shake his head. Now, as these thirty moves flowed through his mind, Zhang Xiaohua felt a bit dizzy and sleepy. Suddenly, two moves that were not from the same set connected perfectly. This unexpected moment made Zhang Xiaohua feel refreshed, and his sleepiness disappeared. When he paid attention again, the two moves were gone. This small accident caused a storm in his mind. How could moves from different sets connect so perfectly? Was it an illusion, or was there another reason?

Zhang Xiaohua became more and more excited and wanted to practice the moves, but he forgot that he was still lying on the bed with a splint on his right hand. The pain from his injury came back, and he cried out in pain.

At that moment, an anxious voice came from outside the door: "Xiaohua, what’s wrong? Are you in pain again?"

Looking up, Zhang Xiaohu had already rushed into the room. Zhang Xiaohua looked at his brother and said with a grin, "It’s nothing, Second Brother. I accidentally touched my injury."

"Alas, how can you be so careless?" Zhang Xiaohu scolded Zhang Xiaohua, carefully wiping the sweat from his forehead. "I told you to be careful this morning. Don’t let your bones heal wrong."

"Hehe, I’ll be more careful in the future," Zhang Xiaohua said, feeling warm and comforted by his brother’s nagging.

However, Zhang Xiaohua then asked curiously, "Second Brother, you just went out, why are you back so soon? Is there nothing to do at the escort agency?"

Zhang Xiaohu smiled and said, "I’ve only been at the escort agency for a little over a month, and I’m still a new recruit. There’s not much to do, mainly just getting familiar with the agency’s affairs. Because I practice boxing well, Li Liuye told me to focus on it, and rarely assigns me other tasks. Now that I know you’re injured, they are understanding and let me take care of you. Besides, last night, Uncle Qu promised to let me study at the martial arts hall. Li Liuye might have heard about it, so he didn’t assign me many tasks today. I came back to see you as soon as possible."

Zhang Xiaohua said, "That’s great. You can practice boxing in the room. When you came in yesterday, you seemed to be thinking about something. By the way, Second Brother, what do footmen usually do?"

Zhang Xiaohu smiled bitterly and said, "Footmen are not bodyguards, and our status in the escort agency is only slightly higher than the servants. We have to do all kinds of tasks, without picking and choosing. Oh, and you? I wanted to ask you yesterday, but didn’t have the time. What do you do at Huaxi Manor?"

"Guess," Zhang Xiaohua teased.

"What’s there to guess? I remember when Qiu Tong took you away, she said something about planting herbs?"

Zhang Xiaohua said irritably, "You already know, why ask?"

"I just wanted to confirm if you really plant herbs. Is the work tiring?" Zhang Xiaohu said innocently.

"Not tiring at all, Second Brother. It’s similar to the farming at home, but much easier. By the way, how is the food at the escort agency? At our manor..." Zhang Xiaohua started talking about his life at the manor, telling his brother everything.

Zhang Xiaohu listened with great joy, originally worried that his brother would be bullied in a new place. However, it seemed he was overthinking it. The small tricks of Ma Jing and others were just like fertilizer for his brother’s growth. The fertilizer might be smelly, but it was essential for the crops to grow. Without others’ small schemes, how could his brother grow quickly?

Thinking back, Zhang Xiaohua had nearly a thousand pounds of strength in his arms. It was a blessing that he didn’t bully others. Why should he worry? Perhaps this was another interpretation of a mother’s worry for her child.

However, when he heard that He Tianshu from the Ethereal Sect was teaching Zhang Xiaohua boxing, he was stunned. "Xiaohua, is this true? Someone is teaching you for free, without asking for anything in return?"

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "Yes, that’s why Qiu Tong is so nice. By the way, the manor’s owner is even nicer. I’ve never met her, but she had someone teach me boxing. I’ll thank her properly when I have the chance. After I finish learning, I’ll go see the owner and thank her in person, just like Li Jinfeng. I must repay kindness."

Thinking about how Zhang Xiaohua would never be able to practice martial arts again in this life, Zhang Xiaohu felt a deep sadness but didn’t want to dampen his brother’s enthusiasm. He held back his tears and said, "Alright, Xiaohua. Revenge for enmity and gratitude for kindness, that’s the way of the martial world. I’ll be waiting for the day you finish your boxing training." He then touched Zhang Xiaohua’s forehead, got up, and went to get something, trying to hide his tears.

Zhang Xiaohua, talking freely, didn’t notice his brother’s abnormal behavior. He said, "Maybe I won’t be able to finish learning the boxing techniques."

Zhang Xiaohu was startled and quickly turned around, saying, "Xiaohua, don’t worry about your injury. The doctor said it will heal with time, and then you can practice again."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "It’s not that, Second Brother. I heard what the doctor said. The injury will take a few more days to heal, but... but..."

Zhang Xiaohu, anxious, said, "But what?"

At that moment, Zhang Xiaohua’s pale face turned red, and he said, "Second Brother, my talent isn’t as good as yours. I can defeat a bodyguard who has practiced for years after only a month, but I can only learn a few moves from a set of boxing techniques."

Zhang Xiaohu, hearing this, felt relieved and said, "That’s nothing. I’m only good at boxing. They didn’t use internal strength when fighting me. In a real fight, I wouldn’t stand a chance. Sigh, this internal strength technique. Besides, having poor talent isn’t a big deal. Just practice more. If others practice once, you practice ten times, or twenty times, or a hundred times. I don’t believe you can’t master it!"

Hearing his brother’s encouraging words, Zhang Xiaohua still said hesitantly, "Second Brother, you don’t understand. Even if I practice a hundred times, I’ll forget everything by the next day."

"Ah? Is that true? Did you really practice a hundred times?" Zhang Xiaohu was really puzzled.

"A hundred times might be a bit much, but forty or fifty times, and I still can’t remember," Zhang Xiaohua said dejectedly.

"That’s really strange. I heard that ordinary people can remember a set of boxing techniques after practicing ten times."

"However, Second Brother, there’s something strange."

"What’s strange about it?"

"Whatever the boxing technique, I only need to practice once, and by the next day, I can remember as much as I can, and I won’t forget it. But even if I practice fifty more times, I won’t remember any more moves."

Zhang Xiaohu’s heart stirred, and he said, "I see. Xiaohua, maybe you’re not suited for martial arts. How about this, after you recover, don’t practice martial arts anymore. Do something else? Maybe take care of flowers and plants. Huaxi Manor needs such skilled people."

"No, Second Brother. The treatment for skilled people depends on the owner’s favor. If she doesn’t like you, the treatment will be low. Besides, I heard that the monthly pension for skilled people is lower than for those with physical strength. I think I’ll practice boxing more. If Huaxi Manor gives a good monthly salary, I’ll stay and retire there. Otherwise, I’ll find another place to work." Zhang Xiaohua said with confidence. (This is a bit of a joke, don’t take it seriously.)

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s determination, Zhang Xiaohu didn’t dare to persuade him further, fearing that he would learn about the severity of his injury. He said, "It’s up to you, but skills are always useful. The current medical and pension system isn’t well-developed, so it’s good to think about your future."

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said, "I understand, Second Brother. By the way, I just discovered... never mind, I’ll figure it out later."

Zhang Xiaohu, seeing him hesitate, didn’t press further.

However, Zhang Xiaohua asked again, "Second Brother, I heard you only practice Six Harmonies Boxing. I thought you were focusing on one set of techniques, preferring quality over quantity. Is my understanding correct, or do you have another reason? Can you explain?"

Seeing Zhang Xiaohua’s innocent face, Zhang Xiaohu found it amusing. This wasn’t a big secret, and even if it was, he would tell his brother who couldn’t practice martial arts anymore. He smiled and said, "Xiaohua, you’re right, quality over quantity! I’ve also practiced other techniques, like the Luohan Fist. After practicing, I noticed something strange. Each set of techniques has both offensive and defensive moves, but the ratio of offense to defense is different. The attack positions, attack areas, defensive methods, and defensive areas are mostly the same, with only the stances being different. So, I wondered if every set of techniques is like this. The human body is only so big, and the areas for attack and defense are limited. Are all techniques attacking and defending the same areas, just with different moves? Based on this idea, I learned other techniques, like the Lang Family Fist and the Rulai Palm, which confirmed my theory. So, in the end, I decided to focus only on the Six Harmonies Boxing. First, it was the first set of techniques I learned, and second, it has a wide range of moves, covering almost all offensive and defensive areas. By focusing on this set, I know it inside and out. It’s better than learning multiple sets and only changing the moves, without improving the effectiveness of attacks and defenses. In fact, real fights have proven this. If we only compare the techniques without internal strength, just practicing the Six Harmonies Boxing can match those who have learned many sets without falling behind."

Zhang Xiaohua was amazed. His brother was truly a genius!

Actually, it wasn’t just Zhang Xiaohua’s view. Any martial arts master would agree with Zhang Xiaohu’s insights. Martial arts techniques are essentially about attack and defense, and different schools only vary in their moves. Zhang Xiaohu’s insights after just a month of practice could only be described as genius. However, in the small world of the Lotus Escort Agency, there were no masters to recognize his talent, leaving Zhang Xiaohu’s brilliance unrecognized.

Thinking about Zhang Xiaohu’s words, they were truly profound, but Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t apply them. With his talent, he could only remember a few moves from each set. How could he achieve a balance of attack and defense?

Sigh, it’s frustrating. Why is there such a big difference between people?

"However, just practicing this set of techniques isn’t enough," Zhang Xiaohu continued. "First, without internal strength, the techniques are just a paper tiger. You saw yesterday that as soon as Yu Deyi used his internal strength, the techniques were at a disadvantage. In the face of absolute strength, any fancy moves are useless. Second, the Six Harmonies Boxing is a widely known technique. I’ve heard that there are many schools in the martial world with techniques that are completely different. Their attack and defense positions are more mysterious and profound. If the ordinary Six Harmonies Boxing meets their secret techniques, the outcome is unknown. Sigh, I’m curious. What techniques do they teach in the nearby Ethereal Sect?"

Zhang Xiaohu looked out the window, feeling lost.

Seeing Zhang Xiaohu’s frustration, Zhang Xiaohua comforted him, "Second Brother, don’t be discouraged. With your talent, if the Ethereal Sect knew, they would definitely take you in."

Zhang Xiaohu said, "I know, Xiaohua. I don’t need your comfort. Being able to learn boxing techniques is already satisfying. I don’t have so many expectations."